bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Air Pollution and Watershed Research in the Central Sierra Nevada of California: Nitrogen and Ozone
Authors: Hunsaker Carolyn , Bytnerowicz Andrzej , Auman Jessica , Cisneros Ricardo
Published: May 2007

Maintaining healthy forests is the major objective for the Forest Service scientists and managers working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Air pollution, specifically ozone (O3) and nitrogenous (N) air pollutants, may severely affect the health of forest ecosystems in the western U.S. Thus, the monitoring of air pollution concentration and deposition levels, as well as studies focused on understanding effects mechanisms, are essential for evaluation of risks associated with their presence. Such information is essential for development of proper management strategies for maintaining clean air, clean water, and healthy ecosystems on land managed by the Forest Service. We report on two years of research in the central Sierra Nevada of California, a semi-arid forest at elevations of 1100–2700 m. Information on O3and N air pollutants is obtained from a network of 18 passive samplers. We relate the atmospheric N concentration to N concentrations in streams, shallow soil water, and bulk deposition collectors within the Kings River Experimental Watershed. This watershed also contains an intensive site that is part of a recent Forest Service effort to calculate critical loads for N, sulfur, and acidity to forest ecosystems. The passive sampler design allows for extensive spatial measurements while the watershed experiment provides intensive spatial data for future analysis of ecosystem processes.
A Role for the Cytoskeleton in Heart Looping
Authors: Linask Kersti K. , VanAuker Michael
Published: May 2007

Over the past 10 years, key genes involved in specification of left-right laterality pathways in the embryo have been defined. The read-out for misexpression of laterality genes is usually the direction of heart looping. The question of how dextral looping direction occurred mechanistically and how the heart tube bends remains unknown. It is becoming clear from our experiments and those of others that left-right differences in cell proliferation in the second heart field (anterior heart field) drives the dextral direction. Evidence is accumulating that the cytoskeleton is at the center of laterality, and the bending and rotational forces associated with heart looping. If laterality pathways are modulated upstream, the cytoskeleton, including nonmuscle myosin II (NMHC-II), is altered downstream within the cardiomyocytes, leading to looping abnormalities. The cytoskeleton is associated with important mechanosensing and signaling pathways in cell biology and development. The initiation of blood flow during the looping period and the inherent stresses associated with increasing volumes of blood flowing into the heart may help to potentiate the process. In recent years, the steps involved in this central and complex process of heart development that is the basis of numerous congenital heart defects are being unraveled.
The Determinants of Sexual Intercourse Before Age 16 Years Among Rural Jamaican Adolescents
Authors: Ekundayo Olaniyi J. , Dodson-Stallworth Joana , Roofe Michele , Aban Inmaculada B. , Bachmann Laura H. , Kempf Mirjam C. , Ehiri John , Jolly Pauline E.
Published: May 2007

Individual and family factors have been hypothesized to influence adolescent sexual behavior, but the extent to which this is true for adolescents in Jamaica as a whole and for those in rural areas in particular, has not been well studied. The objective of this study was to identify individual and family factors associated with initiation of sexual activity before the age of 16 among rural adolescents in Jamaica. We analyzed data for 469 sexually experienced adolescents attending public high schools in the rural parish of Hanover. Multivariate logistic regression was used to predict independent influences of these factors. The mean age at sexual debut was 11 years for boys and 15 years for girls. Early adolescent sexual activity was associated with liberal attitudes about negative sexual outcomes (OR = 1.96, 95%CI = 1.34-2.87) and first sexual partner not being a steady boyfriend or girlfriend (OR = 4.19, 95%CI = 1.62-10.84). Female gender (OR = 0.16, 95%CI = 0.07-0.36) and older age at time of survey were protective (OR = 0.40, 95%CI = 0.32-0.52). Girls who were early starters were more likely to have been initiated by partners who were not steady boyfriends. They also reported liberal attitude towards negative sexual outcomes. Boys were mainly influenced by liberal attitude towards negative sexual outcomes. Being older was protective for both genders. Considering the high rates of HIV and adolescent pregnancy in this population, reproductive health programs that attempt to delay age at first sex should begin early in primary school before adolescents become sexually active.
Narrow-Band Imaging in Digestive Endoscopy
Authors: Lambert R. , Kuznetsov K. , Rey J-F.
Published: May 2007

The application of opto-electronics in video-endoscopes improves the accuracy in diagnosis, through image processing and digital technology. Narrow Band Imaging (NBI), consists of using interference filters for the illumination of the target in narrowed blue and green bands of the spectrum. NBI is combined with magnifying endoscopy using an objective macro or an optical zoom. The NBI technique developed by Olympus Medical Systems is now available in the most recent models of video-endoscopes that use the non-sequential system of illumination (Lucera Spectrum) or the sequential R/G/B system of illumination (Exera II). The major contribution of the technique is in the characterization (analysis after detection) of the flat and superficial neoplastic areas of the digestive mucosa, with a specific application to the identification of intestinal metaplasia and early neoplastic changes in the Barrett's esophagus. The technique also proves helpful for the assessment of the vascular pattern in chronic inflammatory disorders of the digestive mucosa.
The disulfide loop of gp41 is critical to the furin recognition site of HIV gp160
Authors: Sen Jayita , Jacobs Amy , Jiang Haiqing , Rong Lijun , Caffrey Michael
Published: May 2007

The importance of the HIV gp41 conserved disulfide loop to envelope function has been examined by mutational and functional analyses. Based on a luciferase‐reporter entry assay, mutants gp41‐CC/AA (C598A/C604A) and gp41‐Δ (deletion of residues 596–606) result in a nonfunctional envelope protein. Western blot analysis shows both mutants to be properly expressed but not processed to form gp120 and gp41, which explains their nonfunctionality. The presence of mutant gp160 on the cell surface, as well as their ability to bind to sCD4, suggests that the mutations have disrupted processing at the furin recognition site encoded within the gp120 conserved domain 5, without resulting in an overall misfolding of the protein. With respect to the furin recognition site, the mutations are sequentially distant, which implies that the gp41 disulfide loop is interacting with gp120 C5 in gp160. In addition, we have modeled the gp120–gp41 interaction in unprocessed precursor gp160 using structural data available for gp120 and gp41 domains in isolation, supplemented by mutagenesis data. We suggest that the mutations have altered the interaction between gp120 C5 and the gp41 disulfide loop, resulting in decreased accessibility of the furin recognition site and implying that the interaction between the gp120 C5 and gp41 loop is a conformational requirement for gp160 processing. The sensitivity of this interaction could be exploited in future antivirals designed to disrupt HIV pathogenesis by disrupting gp160 processing.
Ontogenetic variation in habitat associations for four flatfish species in the Gulf of Maine‐Georges Bank region
Authors: Methratta E. T. , Link J. S.
Published: May 2007

Multivariate ordination techniques were used to examine how size classes of four flatfish species, American plaice Hippoglossoides platessoides, winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus, yellowtail flounder Limanda ferruginea and fourspot flounder Paralichthys oblongus, are related to bottom depth, bottom temperature, substratum grain size and temporal factors using a 35 year time series from autumn and spring in the Gulf of Maine‐Georges Bank region. Depth had the most explanatory value during both seasons in most cases, with fish size generally increasing with depth. One exception was yellowtail flounder in the spring for which a temporal factor explained the most variance, reflecting an increase in size over the time series due to changes in fishing pressure. Temperature was secondarily important for yellowtail flounder in the autumn and for fourspot flounder in both seasons. Substratum type was secondarily important for winter and yellowtail flounders in the spring with smaller fish associated with larger substratum types. Seasonal associations with depth, temperature and substratum are related to seasonal spawning migrations, thermal preferences and other ecological factors.
Spatio‐temporal distribution of early life stages of the European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus L. within a European temperate estuary with regulated freshwater inflow: effects of environmental variables
Authors: Drake P. , Borlán A. , González‐Ortegón E. , Baldó F. , Vilas C. , Fernández‐Delgado C.
Published: May 2007

The spatio‐temporal distribution of the anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus in its early life stages was related to environmental conditions within the Guadalquivir River estuary (south‐west, Spain) by monthly field surveys during nine periods of recruitment (May 1997 to December 2005). Anchovy post‐larvae showed a consistent seasonal pattern of abundance throughout the study period: each year, a high anchovy recruitment period (HARP) occurred from late May to November, with a main peak in July, coinciding with the period when environmental conditions were more stable. Results of stepwise multiple regression analysis indicates that density of its main prey, Mesopodopsis slabberi, explained 45% of total anchovy density variance. Furthermore, after removing the effect of this variable, interannual differences in the anchovy estuarine recruitment were not significant. Clear spatial and tidal trends were also observed for both prey and predator: at each sampling date, density decreased from the outer to inner estuary; at each sampling site, density was higher during ebbs than during floods. Field distributions related to environmental gradients during HARP indicated that the populations of E. encrasicolus and M. slabberi seemed to hold a steady position at a point on the salinity gradient by longitudinal displacement within the estuary. Since freshwater management actions affect the longitudinal position of the salinity gradient as well as the input of nutrients to the estuary and adjacent coastal areas, it is hypothesized that this factor may also be relevant to anchovy recruitment.
Twenty nail dystrophy trachyonychia: An overview
Authors: SEHGAL Virendra N.
Published: May 2007

Twenty nail dystrophy (TND) trachyonychia, a fascinating clinical condition, was brought to focus 25 years ago. Ever since, it has been sparingly reported. Nonetheless, the condition is well‐recognized and its diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical features characterized by onset in infancy/childhood, and occasionally in adults. The lesions are fairly representative, and are characterized by the alternating elevation and depression (ridging) and/or pitting, lack of luster, roughening likened to sandpaper, splitting, and change to a muddy grayish‐white color. Dystrophy is prominent. Several modes of occurrence have been described including an hereditary component. The confirmation of diagnosis is through microscopic pathology corresponding either to endogenous eczema/dermatitis, lichen‐planus like or psoriasic‐form. It is a self‐limiting condition and may occasionally require intervention.
Systemic varicella zoster virus reinfection in a case of angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: IMAFUKU Shinichi , YOSHIMURA Daisuke , MOROI Yoichi , URABE Kazunori , FURUE Masutaka
Published: May 2007

Angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL) is a rare subtype of peripheral T‐cell lymphoma that causes immunological disorders such as immunosuppression, autoimmune disease‐like symptoms and allergy. We report a case of a 67‐year‐old man with AITL who had a serious varicella zoster virus (VZV) reinfection that appeared clinically to be varicella. Forty percent of cases of AITL are associated with skin rash. A variety of cutaneous manifestations have been reported; however, the majority are macropapular eruptions that are often diagnosed as drug associated. Our study emphasizes the need to correctly diagnose opportunistic infections, such as the varicella that is documented in our patient, at early stages in AITL.
Increased expression of h‐prune is associated with tumor progression and poor survival in gastric cancer
Authors: Oue Naohide , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Noguchi Tsuyoshi , Sentani Kazuhiro , Kikuchi Akira , Yasui Wataru
Published: May 2007

The human homolog of the Drosophila prune protein (from PRUNE, which encodes h‐prune), which interacts with glycogen synthase kinase 3, promotes cellular motility. H‐prune also interacts with nm23‐H1, a suppressor of cancer metastasis. It has been reported that stimulation of cellular motility by h‐prune is enhanced by its interaction with nm23‐H1 in breast cancer cells. In the present study, we examined the expression of h‐prune and nm23‐H1 during tumor progression in gastric cancer (GC). PRUNE mRNA was overexpressed in 12 (32%) of 38 GC cases by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. PRUNE mRNA levels correlated significantly with advanced T grade, N grade and tumor stage. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that 43 (30%) of 143 GC cases were positive for h‐prune, and h‐prune‐positive GC cases showed more advanced T grade, N grade and tumor stage than h‐prune‐negative GC cases. One hundred and twenty‐four (87%) of 143 GC cases were positive for nm23‐H1, and nm23‐H1 was expressed in almost all (42 cases, 98%) h‐prune‐positive GC cases. Many GC cases positive for both h‐prune and nm23‐H1 showed more advanced T grade, N grade and tumor stage than other type GC cases. Patients with h‐prune‐positive GC had a significantly worse survival rate than patients with h‐prune‐negative GC. These findings indicate that overexpression of h‐prune is associated with tumor progression and aggressiveness of GC. nm23‐H1 may enhance motility of cancer cells by interacting with h‐prune. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1198–1205)
5‐HT1D receptor agonists and human coronary artery reactivity in vitro: crossover comparisons of 5‐HT and sumatriptan with rizatriptan and L‐741,519
Authors: LONGMORE J. , BOULANGER C. M. , DESTA B. , HILL R. G. , SCHOFIELD W. N. , TAYLOR A. A.
Published: May 2007

1Rizatriptan (MK‐462, (N,N‐dimethyl‐2‐[5‐(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐ylmethyl)‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl]ethylamine)) and its structurally related analogue L‐741,519 (N‐methyl‐4‐[5‐(1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl)‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl]piperidine) are novel 5‐HT1D‐receptor agonists. Rizatriptan has shown efficacy as an anti‐migraine agent in clinical trials. Since angiographic studies in patients have shown that sumatriptan (an established 5‐HT1D‐receptor agonist) can cause coronary artery vasoconstriction, we compared the effects of rizatriptan and L‐741,519 with those of 5‐HT and sumatriptan on endothelium‐denuded segments of human coronary artery in vitro.

2Coronary arteries were obtained from explanted hearts from patients undergoing cardiac transplantation (n=16 viable arteries from 13 males, 3 females, aged 38–68 years) and arterial segments (5–6 mm in length) were mounted in organ baths for isometric tension recording. Each segment was first exposed to 45mm KCl and then to 5‐HT (1 nm–100 μm). Concentration–effect curves to rizatriptan and sumatriptan (Study 1, n=6 or 7 arteries) or sumatriptan and L‐741,519 (Study 2, n=8 arteries) were then performed in a consecutive and random manner. The response to repeated application of 5‐HT was obtained in separate segments.

3One artery showed severe atheroma and was not included in the analysis. ANOVA showed that 5‐HT responsiveness varied significantly between arteries from different patients, but not between arterial segments from the same patient. Desensitization was seen consistently across all agonists but did not significantly affect inter‐agonist comparisons.

4There was graded effectiveness in the ability of the agonists to cause contraction with the rank order of Emax values being 5‐HTsumatriptan>L‐741,519>rizatriptan. In terms of EC50 values, L‐741,519 was significantly more potent than sumatriptan.

5The present study (using a ‘cross‐over’ experimental protocol) confirms our previous observation that rizatriptan is less effective than sumatriptan in causing contraction of human isolated coronary artery. Furthermore, it shows that the lower maximum contractile response to rizatriptan, compared with that of sumatriptan, is not merely the consequence of variability in response to 5‐HT1D‐ receptor agonists between patients or between segments from the same artery.
Effect of fluconazole dose on the extent of fluconazole‐triazolam interaction
Authors: VARHE ANU , OLKKOLA KLAUS T. , NEUVONEN PERTTI J.
Published: May 2007

1Azole antimycotics interact with the short acting hypnotic triazolam. The effect of fluconazole dose on the extent of fluconazole‐triazolam interaction was investigated in a double‐blind, randomized cross‐over study of four phases.

2Eight healthy volunteers received either 50 mg, 100 mg or 200 mg (400 mg on day 1) of fluconazole or placebo orally once a day for 4 days. On day 4, they took a 0.25 mg oral dose of triazolam, after which plasma samples were collected and pharmacodynamic effects measured for 18 h.

3The mean area under the triazolam concentration‐time curve (AUC) was increased 1.6‐, 2.1‐ and 4.4‐fold (P<0.001) by fluconazole 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg, respectively. The increase in the elimination half‐life of triazolam (t½,z) varied from 1.3‐fold (fluconazole 50 mg, P<0.05) to 2.3‐fold (fluconazole 200 mg, P<0.001). The peak concentration of triazolam was also increased significantly during all fluconazole phases; more than twofold by fluconazole 200 mg (P<0.001).

4The pharmacodynamic effects of triazolam were increased significantly (P<0.05) by fluconazole 100 mg and 200 mg.

5Even a small 50 mg daily dose of fluconazole can interact with triazolam and the extent of the interaction increases with increasing fluconazole dose. When triazolam is used concomitantly with fluconazole 50–200 mg, the dose of triazolam should be reduced, accordingly. Simultaneous use of triazolam with higher fluconazole doses should be avoided.
Mercaptopurine in childhood leukaemia: the effects of dose escalation on thioguanine nucleotide metabolites
Authors: LENNARD L. , WELCH J. , LILLEYMAN J. S.
Published: May 2007

The current U.K. trial protocol (UKALL XI) for childhood lymphoblastic leukaemia demands mercaptopurine (MP) dose escalation in children who tolerate daily 75 mg/m2 MP (100% dose) without cytopenias. The previous trial (UKALL X) did not. MP metabolism was studied in a group of UKALL XI children (n=21) who tolerated 100% dosages and who were matched in this respect with a similar group of UKALL X children. Red blood cell MP derived thioguanine nucleotide (TGN) concentrations were measured in both groups under comparable conditions; at 75 mg/m2 MP there was no significant difference. MP dose escalation in the UKALL XI children produced higher TGN concentrations (TGNs at 100%vs 125% dosages, median difference 90 pmol/8×108 RBCs, 95% CI 25 to 165 pmol, P<0.02). Assayed at the time of cytopenia induced dose reduction, the UKALL XI children had accumulated significantly higher TGN concentrations than the UKALL X children (median difference 78 pmol/8×108 RBCs, 95% CI 20 to 144, P<0.02). These findings indicate that dose escalation in children tolerant of 100% MP dosages produces higher peak TGN concentrations.
Long‐term (up to 18 years) effects on GH/IGF‐1 hypersecretion and tumour size of primary somatostatin analogue (SSTa) therapy in patients with GH‐secreting pituitary adenoma responsive to SSTa
Authors: Maiza Jean Christophe , Vezzosi Delphine , Matta Maria , Donadille Florence , Loubes‐Lacroix Florence , Cournot Maxime , Bennet Antoine , Caron Philippe
Published: May 2007

Context  The role of somatostatin analogues (SSTa) in the treatment of acromegaly.

Objective  To evaluate the antihormonal and antitumour efficacy of long‐term (up to 18 years) primary treatment with SSTa in patients with GH‐secreting pituitary adenoma responsive to SSTa.

Design  An open, prospective, single‐centre, clinical study.

Patients  Thirty‐six acromegalic patients, aged 17–75 years (postoral glucose tolerance test GH > 1 µg/l, increased IGF‐1 for age and sex), were monitored in a single centre and treated with SSTa as first‐line therapy. The mean pretreatment GH level was 13·5 ± 3·1 µg/l, and IGF‐1 (as a percentage of the value over the normal range) was 302 ± 26%. The patients had macroadenoma (n = 25), microadenoma (n = 8) or empty sella turcica (n = 3). The mean duration of treatment was 8 years (range 3–18 years). Hormonal and morphological monitoring was undertaken after 6 months, and then the patients were followed annually.

Results  After 1 year, the mean GH and IGF‐1 levels had reduced considerably (GH: 2·4 ± 0·3 µg/l; IGF‐1; 174 ± 14%, P < 0·01), and they continued to decrease over 10 years, with a mean GH level of 1·6 ± 0·1 µg/l and IGF‐1 of 123 ± 18% (P = 0·02). GH < 2 µg/l, normal IGF‐1, or both were observed in 25 (70%), 24 (67%) and 21 (58%) patients, respectively. The mean reduction in tumour volume was 43% (range 13–97%) and shrinkage > 20% was obtained in 21 patients (72%). SSTa treatment was well tolerated with few digestive or metabolic side‐effects.

Conclusion  Long‐term (up to 18 years) treatment with SSTa used as first‐line therapy is effective from both an antihormonal and antitumour perspective, and is well tolerated in acromegalic patients.
Intraprofessional relations in nursing
Authors: Duddle Maree , Boughton Maureen
Published: May 2007

Title. Intraprofessional relations in nursing

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore the way in which Registered Nurses relate to and interact with each other in the workplace, and to identify factors that influence nurses’ interactions with each other.

Background.  Intraprofessional relations are an important topic both for nurses and nursing as we face the ongoing challenges of nurse shortages. Poor colleague relationships, together with workplace conflict, cause job dissatisfaction. As a consequence, some nurses leave the profession while others continue working but remain chronically unhappy.

Method.  An explanatory multiple case study design was adopted. Data were collected from multiple sources on three different wards within one hospital in Australia between July 2005 and January 2006.

Findings.  The workplace can be a difficult place for both very experienced and less experienced nurses, regardless of the clinical environment. Nurses navigate their way in the workplace through a series of complex negotiations with each other and develop skills to assess the potential success of an interaction before approaching another nurse. Some also develop a resilience to conflict in their workplace, accepting it as part of working life.

Conclusion.  Creation of a more positive work environment requires increased understanding of the way nurses relate to each other and appreciation of the factors in the environment that contribute to conflict and a negative atmosphere. This appreciation is a necessary prerequisite to developing a more satisfying and productive workplace enhancing the recruitment of new nurses and the retention of experienced nurses.
Determination of diffusion controlled reaction rates at a solid/liquid interface using scanning electron microscopy
Authors: KEAR GARETH , HUANG SHENG‐HUEI , BREMHORST KLAUS , PURCHASE ANDREW
Published: May 2007

A high‐resolution method has been developed for the determination of localized values of interfacial reaction rate and mass transfer coefficient in aqueous solution. Scanning electron microscopy has been successfully applied to this problem through the measurement of electroplated film thickness formed under limiting current conditions. The method involves the calculation of local values of reaction rate via Faraday's laws and subsequent conversion of the data to absolute values of mass transfer coefficient. The technique has been verified in an undisturbed, turbulent flow regime (rotating cylinder electrode) through the use of Sherwood group dimensionless analysis. The resulting relationship shows comparable accuracy relative to electrochemical measurements. Favourable comparison has also been made with the generally accepted rotating cylinder correlation of Eisenberg, Tobias and Wilke. Differential rates of mass transfer to a single surface under conditions of disturbed flow have also been examined at a high spatial resolution using the stepped rotating cylinder electrode geometry. In this case, reaction rates have been measured as a function of circumferential distance within a recirculation zone situated immediately downstream of a backward‐facing step.
Fibre‐optic nonlinear optical microscopy and endoscopy
Authors: FU L. , GU M.
Published: May 2007

Nonlinear optical microscopy has been an indispensable laboratory tool of high‐resolution imaging in thick tissue and live animals. Rapid developments of fibre‐optic components in terms of growing functionality and decreasing size provide enormous opportunities for innovations in nonlinear optical microscopy. Fibre‐based nonlinear optical endoscopy is the sole instrumentation to permit the cellular imaging within hollow tissue tracts or solid organs that are inaccessible to a conventional optical microscope. This article reviews the current development of fibre‐optic nonlinear optical microscopy and endoscopy, which includes crucial technologies for miniaturized nonlinear optical microscopy and their embodiments of endoscopic systems. A particular attention is given to several classes of photonic crystal fibres that have been applied to nonlinear optical microscopy due to their unique properties for ultrashort pulse delivery and signal collection. Furthermore, fibre‐optic nonlinear optical imaging systems can be classified into portable microscopes suitable for imaging behaving animals, rigid endoscopes that allow for deep tissue imaging with minimally invasive manners, and flexible endoscopes enabling imaging of internal organs. Fibre‐optic nonlinear optical endoscopy is coming of age and a paradigm shift leading to optical microscope tools for early cancer detection and minimally invasive surgery.
Disruption of AtOCT1, an organic cation transporter gene, affects root development and carnitine‐related responses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lelandais‐Brière Christine , Jovanovic Mariana , Torres Gisèle A. M. , Perrin Yolande , Lemoine Rémi , Corre‐Menguy Fabienne , Hartmann Caroline
Published: May 2007

In animals, organic cation/carnitine transporters (OCTs) are involved in homeostasis and distribution of various small endogenous amines (e.g. carnitine, choline) and detoxification of xenobiotics such as nicotine. Here, we describe the characterization of AtOCT1, an Arabidopsis protein that shares most of the conserved features of mammalian plasma membrane OCTs. Transient expression of an AtOCT1::GFP fusion protein in onion epidermal cells and Arabidopsis protoplasts supported localization in the plasmalemma. AtOCT1 functionally complemented the Δcit2/Δagp2p yeast strain that is defective in plasma membrane carnitine transport. Disruption of AtOCT1 in an Arabidopsis oct1‐1 knockout mutant affected both the expression of carnitine‐related genes and the developmental defects induced by exogenous carnitine. RT‐PCR and promoter–uidA fusion analysis showed that AtOCT1 was expressed in vascular tissues of various organs and at sites of lateral root formation. Correlating with this expression pattern, oct1‐1 seedlings grown in vitro exhibited a higher degree of root branching than the wild‐type, showing that the disruption of AtOCT1 affected root development under certain conditions.
Induction of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase‐mediated endocytosis by salt stress leads to intracellular production of reactive oxygen species and salt tolerance
Authors: Leshem Yehoram , Seri Lior , Levine Alex
Published: May 2007

Salt imposes immediate problems for plant cells, such as osmotic stress, impaired ion homeostasis and sodium toxicity, followed by a secondary oxidative stress caused by generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we analyzed the production of ROS during salt stress. We show that salt stress triggered plasma membrane internalization, resulting in the production of ROS within endosomes. The intracellular ROS were produced by NADPH oxidase in response to the ionic but not the osmotic stress. Both endocytosis and ROS production were suppressed in phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 3‐kinase (PI3K) mutants, PI3K being a key regulator of vesicle trafficking in animals and plants, and by wortmannin, which is a specific inhibitor of PI3K and PI4K. Endocytosis and the production of ROS were rescued by supplementation of seedlings with exogenous PtdIns 3‐phosphate (PtdIns3P), less with PtdIns4P, but not with PtdIns(4,5)P2. Surprisingly, despite reduced oxidative stress, the mutants and the wortmannin‐treated plants exhibited a phenotype overly sensitive to salt, as also resulted from treatment with diphenyleneiodonium, a suicide inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, suggesting a positive role for ROS in salt tolerance. In summary, our results show that salt stress responses, such as increased plasma membrane endocytosis and the intracellular production of ROS, are coordinated by phospholipid‐regulated signaling pathways, and suggest that ROS act in the signal transduction of the salt tolerance response.
The Orbital Harderian Gland of the Male Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): A Morphological Study
Authors: Ortiz G. G. , Feria‐Velasco A. , Tarpley R. L. , Bitzer‐Quintero O. K. , Rosales‐Corral S. A. , Velázquez‐Brizuela I. E. , López‐Navarro O. G. , Reiter R. J.
Published: May 2007

The ultrastructure of the Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin Harderian gland (HG) has been described but some questions remain unanswered. The purpose of this work was to define the gland's structure, ultrastructure and the differences between cells (types I and II) of the male dolphin using optic, fluorescence and electron transmission microscopy. Three different cells were observed under optic and fluorescence microscopic examination, while only two cell types (types I and II) were distinguished by electron transmission microscopy. Type I (oval nuclear envelope) exhibited three different cell populations and type II (indented nuclear envelope) exhibited two different cell populations. Although, we observed both types of vesicles in both types of cells they differed, principally, in quantity. The glands also possessed prominent duct systems, with three orders of complexity. The dolphin orbital HG appears to function as a mixed heterologous gland with two types of cells that exhibit both types of vesicles and other distinguishable differences.
Mate Guarding in Male Dall's Porpoises (Phocoenoides dalli)
Authors: Willis Pamela M. , Dill Lawrence M.
Published: May 2007

Mate guarding, whereby a male closely attends and defends a fertile female from extra‐pair matings, is one mating tactic males of many species use to protect their paternity. Although female defense occurs in many species of terrestrial mammal, comparable examples among cetaceans are largely absent, potentially as a result of the wide dispersion and mobility of females and their prey. Here, we investigate whether the close association of individual male Dall's porpoises with individual females during the breeding season is consistent with mate guarding. As mate guarding is predicted to be costly, and in other taxa is often associated with a reduction in foraging efficiency, we also examine whether males trade‐off this activity with time at depth. Males maintained longer associations and closer distances with female partners than with male ones. They also surfaced in greater synchrony with, and more often approached, their female partners than male ones. In contrast to males with male partners, males paired with females engaged in agonistic interactions with other adult males, and infrequently affiliated with extra‐pair individuals. These data suggest males are actively attempting to maintain their associations with females, while also acting to reduce female extra‐pair copulations and increase their own paternity. Guarding males also undertook shorter dives than non‐guarding males, suggesting that they trade‐off time at depth with guarding. Such a trade‐off is likely to involve a reduction in foraging opportunities, due to a decrease in time spent at foraging depth. Mate guarding in this species may be facilitated by the relatively smaller size and decreased mobility of newly calved, estrous females, particularly if females also benefit from guarding.
The Effects of Social Context on the Food‐Caching Behavior of Florida Scrub‐Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens)
Authors: Toomey Matthew B. , Bowman Reed , Woolfenden Glen E.
Published: May 2007

Florida scrub‐jays are cooperative breeders that live in family groups consisting of a breeding pair, often with several non‐breeding helpers. Florida scrub‐jays cache food by scatter‐hoarding items for later consumption. Within family groups, members have the opportunity to observe and pilfer the caches of other members. We observed jays harvesting experimentally provisioned peanuts alone and in the presence of other family members, to determine whether jays modify their food‐handling behavior relative to social context. Non‐breeding helpers were less likely to cache in the presence of the dominant male breeder than when alone and all jays tended to cache out of sight when observed by another jay. These changes in caching behavior are consistent with cache protection strategies employed by other species. However, the adaptive value of such cache protection within a sedentary cooperatively breeding family group on a year‐round territory is unclear.
A Single Subcutaneous Administration of Buserelin Induces Ovulation in the Mare: Field Data
Authors: Levy I , Duchamp G
Published: May 2007

Contents

The aim of the present study, was to evaluate whether a single subcutaneous administration of the GnRH analogue buserelin could induce ovulation in the mare during the breeding season. Two studies were carried out under field conditions. In Experiment 1, 90 cycles of trotter mares aged 2–7 years, were assigned to a buserelin group (Bus1) or to a control group (Control), in the presence of a ≥35 mm pre‐ovulatory follicle, with uterine oedema and a relaxed cervix. Ten mares were assigned to the two groups for 32 cycles in Bus1 and 52 cycles in Control, two mares received only Bus1 for three cycles, and one mare was assigned to Control for three cycles. Mares treated with buserelin received 6 ml of SUPREFACT® s.c. (1.05 mg/ml buserelin acetate), and no treatment was given in Control. The ovulation rate between 24 and 48 h was higher (p < 0.0001) in Bus1 (31/35) than in Control (15/55). In Experiment 2, the condition of inducing ovulation with 6 ml SUPREFACT® s.c. (Bus2) or 1500 ui human chorionic gonadotropin were identical to the first study. Forty‐nine mares of ages 2–21 years, were used for 120 cycles, 56 cycles were assigned to Bus2, and 64 cycles were induced with 1500 IU human chorionic gonadotropin i.v. No significant difference was found in the ovulation rate on day 2 (38/56, 50/64), or in the fertility rate (19/48, 26/57). No negative effect of the treatment was observed with repeated buserelin administration in either study during the breeding season. We can conclude that a single administration of buserelin induces ovulation in the mare, under suitable conditions for veterinary practitioners.
Review of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in infants and children
Authors: Munday Sally
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Malaria is one of the greatest killers of children in the world. Treatment is available, but there are problems with affordability, availability, accessibility and increasing drug resistance. A new regime, intermittent preventive treatment in infants (IPTi) shows promise. It involves giving a treatment course of antimalarial drugs, regardless of parasitaemia, at intervals over the first year of life. The aim is to decrease the frequency of malarial illness while allowing the development of natural immunity. Its strength is that it can be linked with the childhood immunisation schedule. Early studies are encouraging, but much remains to be learned before its potential place in the prevention of malaria in children can be determined and it can safely be introduced as public policy. A review of the literature was performed in July 2006 for references relating to IPTi and other forms of personal prevention of malaria in infants and children.
Mitotic activation of Akt signalling pathway in Han:SPRD rats with polycystic kidney disease
Authors: WAHL PATRICIA R , HIR MICHEL LE , VOGETSEDER ALEXANDER , ARCARO ALEXANDRE , STARKE ASTRID , WAECKERLE‐MEN YING , SERRA ANDREAS L , WUTHRICH RUDOLF P
Published: May 2007

Aim:  Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by an imbalance between tubular epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis. We have previously shown that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway is aberrantly activated in the cystic kidneys of Han:SPRD rats with ADPKD. Because the Akt kinase is an upstream regulator of mTOR, we hypothesized that the activity of Akt could be enhanced in the kidneys of Han:SPRD rats.

Methods:  Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, western blot, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry were used to analyse Akt expression in rat polycystic kidneys.

Results:  Wild‐type (+/+) and heterozygous (Cy/+) Han:SPRD rats showed constitutive expression of Akt‐1, ‐2 and ‐3 mRNA by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis with no significant difference between Cy/+ and +/+ kidneys. Western blotting and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay showed a significant increase in phosphorylated Akt in Cy/+ compared with +/+ kidneys. The pattern of immunoreactivity for phosphorylated Akt in kidney sections was the same in +/+ and in Cy/+ rats, with very low levels in interphase cells, but extremely bright signals in mitotic cells, beginning with the onset of the prophase. The in vivo incorporation of bromo‐deoxyuridine revealed approximately a ninefold higher rate of proliferation in Cy/+ cyst epithelia compared with normal tubule epithelia in +/+ rats, while the expression of the cell cycle marker Ki67 revealed approximately a sixfold higher rate of proliferation. In summary, enhanced phosphorylation of Akt can be demonstrated in Cy/+ kidneys which correlates with a markedly elevated proliferation rate of epithelial cells in cysts. Mitotic but not resting cells display strong phosphorylation of Akt.

Conclusion:  Because Akt is a proximal target of mTOR, its inhibition with specific antagonists could be useful to prevent or halt cystogenesis in ADPKD.
Medical aspects of fitness to drive. What do public hospital doctors know and think?
Authors: Shanahan E. M. , Sladek R. M. , Phillips P.
Published: May 2007

Background: In Australia medical practitioners are often required to assume the responsibility for assessing fitness to drive. However the clinical practice, knowledge and attitudes of doctors with regards to this responsibility are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical practice, knowledge and attitudes of public hospital doctors in the area of fitness‐to‐drive decision‐making.

Methods: A survey of public hospital doctors in Adelaide, South Australia was undertaken in 2003, shortly after the promulgation nationwide of guidelines to assist in the assessment of patients’ fitness to drive. The survey sought details on medical practitioners’ clinical practice in this regard, as well as their knowledge of the guidelines. In addition, it sought their attitudes to undertake this responsibility.

Results: Eighty‐four per cent of respondents had at some time in their working career at least discussed the issue of fitness to drive with their patients. Seventy per cent acknowledged that they had received the recently published guidelines on fitness to drive. Despite this, knowledge of the contents of the guidelines was poor. Attitudes to the responsibility were equivocal with several significant reservations expressed.

Conclusion: Public hospital doctors in Australia have poor knowledge of the content of published guidelines in the area of fitness to drive. If this situation is to be improved, alternative approaches to the education of this group with respect to this significant public health problem should be considered. Many doctors are uncomfortable with their responsibilities in this area and alternative models of decision‐making should be considered.
Evidence‐based guide to perioperative medicine
Authors: Scott I. A. , Lodge R. S. , Russell D. M.
Published: May 2007

The discipline of perioperative medicine is assuming greater importance as increasing numbers of older patients with medical comorbidity undergo complex surgical procedures. If patient outcomes and use of limited hospital resources are to be optimized, physicians with skills and interest in perioperative risk assessment and therapeutic intervention are needed. This systematic review attempts to provide an evidence‐based update in several key areas in the management of the perioperative patient.
Lower plasma adiponectin is correlated to higher alanine aminotransferase independent of metabolic factors and hepatitis B virus carrier status
Authors: Lu J.‐Y. , Su T.‐C , Liu Y.‐H , Hsu H.‐J , Chen C.‐L , Yang W.‐S.
Published: May 2007

Background: Adiponectin has been linked to the metabolic syndrome and coronary artery disease in recent years. The animal and human data also suggest that adiponectin may be beneficial for liver functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between plasma adiponectin level and liver function tests in adults with or without chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Methods: We analysed the blood levels of liver enzymes and adiponectin in 140 apparently healthy adults, including 21 HBV carriers.

Results: We found that the plasma adiponectin levels were inversely correlated to aspartate aminotransferase (r = −0.314, P = 0.000) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (r = −0.430, P = 0.000). Among the HBV carriers, the ALT correlated with the plasma adiponectin levels (r = −0.521, P = 0.015). In linear regression models adjusting for age, sex and the other metabolic variables, the ALT was independently related to the plasma adiponectin levels (β = −0.371 ± 0.134, P = 0.007), even in HBV carriers (β = −1.143 ± 0.482, P = 0.034). The ALT was also independently correlated to the plasma adiponectin levels (β = 0.552 ± 0.132, P < 0.001) with adjustment for age, sex and insulin‐resistance index by homeostasis model assessment, even in HBV carriers (β = −1.202 ± 0.562, P = 0.048). The subjects with normal ALT had a significantly higher least square mean of plasma adiponectin than those with abnormal ALT (4.01 ± 0.19 vs 3.30 ± 0.30, P = 0.014) with adjustment for age, sex, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance and HBV status.

Conclusion: ALT was inversely related to adiponectin levels, independent of the metabolic factors and HBV status. Whether there is any potential prognostic and therapeutic value of adiponectin in human liver diseases remains to be investigated.
Diabetes: advances in treatment
Authors: Cohen N. D. , Shaw J. E.
Published: May 2007

The increasing prevalence of diabetes worldwide is cause for concern both in terms of associated morbidity and increasing health costs. This review aims to focus on new and emerging treatments for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. There has been recent focus on diabetes prevention both for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Prevention programme including lifestyle measures and oral hypoglycaemic agents have shown up to 61% reduction in the development of type 2 diabetes in patients with impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose. Little progress has been made to date on type 1 diabetes prevention although current work is focusing on T‐cell immunomodulation therapy and beta cell regeneration. Management of type 2 diabetes has been improved by the recent introduction of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma agonists and more recently by the incretins including glucagons like peptide analogues and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors. This article focuses on the benefits and restrictions of these new agents. The new insulin analogues glargine and detemir have made significant improvements in the management of type 1 diabetes both in terms of improvement in glycaemic control and in reducing hypoglycaemia rates. Inhaled insulin also shows promise for needle‐free treatment of diabetes and these insulins are currently undergoing phase 3 trials. Insulin infusion pumps are becoming more sophisticated and increasingly popular in the management of type 1 diabetes. Many studies have shown benefits for improved glycaemic control and reduced rates of hypoglycaemia with pump treatment compared with multiple daily injections. Pancreas and islet cell transplantation are the subject of ongoing research, but currently require immunosuppressive treatment regimes. The main limitation is lack of availability of donor pancreases. There is much hope that new treatments outlined in this review will result in improved outcomes in the treatment of diabetes.
Partnerships for Social Change in the Canadian North: Revisiting the Insider–Outsider Dialectic
Authors: Caine Ken J. , Salomons M. J. , Simmons Deborah
Published: May 2007

In the two decades since Alexander Lockhart's seminal article on the insider–outsider dialectic in native socioeconomic development, a great deal of change has occurred in the Canadian North and new challenges have emerged for community‐based participatory research and development. This is particularly the case in the Northwest Territories, where Aboriginal communities are facing for the first time the triple challenges of Aboriginal land claims implementation, Aboriginal self‐government, and a boom in mining and petroleum development. Increasingly, participatory methods in research and community development are being co‐opted to serve state or corporate interests, far from their radical origins in movements for social change. A historical analysis is called for that accounts for the contradictory and contested social contexts in which participatory activities are imbedded. This article suggests that a return to the roots of the participatory method requires the creation of a new autonomous space of resistance. The academic outsider is uniquely positioned to facilitate critical interventions in both community and university contexts. The resulting convergence of critical outsider and insider has great potential in the forging of new knowledge that can contribute to self‐determination beyond the bounds of the state.
Processes, procedures and journal development: Past, present and future
Authors: Armstrong Steve , Wilkinson Adrian
Published: May 2007

This paper is written as an overview of developments relating to the Journal. The authors explain the background to their editorship and the plans and structures they implemented. They provide a progress report and also discuss the process of running the Journal so as to explain to potential authors how the systems operate and the philosophy of the Journal.