bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor necrosis factor‐α receptor 1 (p55) knockout only transiently decreases the activation of c‐Jun and does not affect the survival of axotomized dopaminergic nigral neurons
Authors: Wessig Jan , Brecht Stephan , Claussen Malte , Roemer Lutz , Goetz Mario , Bigini Paolo , Schutze Stephan , Herdegen Thomas
Published: July 2005

The activation of the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases and their substrate transcription factor c‐Jun is central to the death of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNC) but the underlying signal cascades are poorly understood. We have studied the impact of the p55 tumor necrosis factor‐α receptor (TNF‐R) 1 on the N‐terminal phosphorylation of c‐Jun and the survival of the dopaminergic SNC neurons after transection of the medial forebrain bundle. The axotomy raised the immunoreactivities of tumor necrosis factor‐α, p75 TNF‐R2 and ED1 (ectodysplasin A) in the substantia nigra equally in wildtype and knockout (ko) mice and of TNF‐R1 in wildtype mice. Importantly, TNF‐R1 ko significantly reduced the early phosphorylation of c‐Jun between 18 h and 3 d post‐axotomy but the functional deficiency of TNF‐R1 did not affect the survival of the dopaminergic neurons up to day 30. These findings demonstrate that: (i) TNF‐R1 is involved in the early cell body response after axon transection; (ii) TNF‐R1 operates upstream of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase/c‐Jun, the central signal system of nerve fiber injury, and (iii) the failure of persistent reduction of activated c‐Jun is linked to the failure of protection of dopaminergic SNC neurons by TNF‐R1 ko.
Contactin regulates the current density and axonal expression of tetrodotoxin‐resistant but not tetrodotoxin‐sensitive sodium channels in DRG neurons
Authors: Rush Anthony M. , Craner Matthew J. , Kageyama Takashi , Dib‐Hajj Sulayman D. , Waxman Stephen G. , Ranscht Barbara
Published: July 2005

Contactin, a glycosyl‐phosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored predominantly neuronal cell surface glycoprotein, associates with sodium channels Nav1.2, Nav1.3 and Nav1.9, and enhances the density of these channels on the plasma membrane in mammalian expression systems. However, a detailed functional analysis of these interactions and of untested putative interactions with other sodium channel isoforms in mammalian neuronal cells has not been carried out. We examined the expression and function of sodium channels in small‐diameter dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from contactin‐deficient (CNTN–/–) mice, compared to CNTN+/+ litter mates. Nav1.9 is preferentially expressed in isolectin B4 (IB4)‐positive neurons and thus we used this marker to subdivide small‐diameter DRG neurons. Using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording, we observed a greater than two‐fold reduction of tetrodotoxin‐resistant (TTX‐R) Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 current densities in IB4+ DRG neurons cultured from CNTN–/– vs. CNTN+/+ mice. Current densities for TTX‐sensitive (TTX‐S) sodium channels were unaffected. Contactin's effect was selective for IB4+ neurons as current densities for both TTX‐R and TTX‐S channels were not significantly different in IB4– DRG neurons from the two genotypes. Consistent with these results, we have demonstrated a reduction in Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 immunostaining on peripherin‐positive unmyelinated axons in sciatic nerves from CNTN–/– mice but detected no changes in the expression for the two major TTX‐S channels Nav1.6 and Nav1.7. These data provide evidence of a role for contactin in selectively regulating the cell surface expression and current densities of TTX‐R but not TTX‐S Na+ channel isoforms in nociceptive DRG neurons; this regulation could modulate the membrane properties and excitability of these neurons.
Autoradiographic mapping of dopamine‐D2/D3 receptor stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in the human brain
Authors: Sóvágó Judit , Makkai Boglárka , Gulyás Balázs , Hall Håkan
Published: July 2005

Agonist stimulated [35S]guanosine 5′‐γ‐thiotriphosphate ([35S]GTPγS) binding autoradiography was established for the examination of dopamine‐D2/D3 receptors in human brain sections. The distribution of G proteins activated by dopamine‐D2/D3 receptors was studied in whole hemisphere cryosections. Dopamine stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in brain regions with high densities of dopamine D2‐like receptors, i.e. putamen (23 ± 2%, mean ± SEM,% stimulation over basal binding), caudate (20 ± 0%) and substantia nigra (22 ± 2%), but also in regions with lower receptor densities such as amygdala (17 ± 8%), hippocampus (16 ± 6%), anterior cingulate (13 ± 3%), and thalamus (12 ± 2%). Dopamine stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding to significantly higher levels in the dorsal than in the ventral part of the striatum. Dopamine caused low or very low stimulation in all cortical areas. Raclopride, a selective D2/D3 receptor antagonist, potently inhibited dopamine stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding, whereas R(+)‐7‐chloro‐8‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2,3,4,5‐tetrahydro‐1H‐3‐benzazepine hydrochloride (SCH23390), a selective D1 antagonist, did not block the [35S]GTPγS binding response stimulated by dopamine. Hence, the stimulatory effect of dopamine was primarily mediated by D2/D3 receptors. Quinpirole stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in the same regions as dopamine. The maximal level of stimulation induced by dopamine and quinpirole was not significantly different. The present study demonstrates that agonist stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding autoradiography could be a suitable technique for the examination of dopamine‐D2/D3 receptors in the human brain. This functional assay could provide useful new information about dopamine receptor/G protein coupling in the postmortem human brain, and reveal possible disease related alterations of the interaction between D2/D3 receptors and G proteins.
Dark pulse suppression of P‐ERK and c‐Fos in the hamster suprachiasmatic nuclei
Authors: Coogan Andrew N. , Piggins Hugh D.
Published: July 2005

It is well‐established that light pulses regulate components of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinases I/II (ERK) cascade in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) circadian clock. These events are important for photic‐resetting of the circadian clock. The SCN circadian clock is also reset by pulses of dark, but it is unknown if this stimulus alters the activity of ERK, the transcription factor Elk‐1 or expression of the immediate early gene c‐fos in the SCN. Using Syrian hamsters free‐running in constant light, we determined the effects of dark pulses on these factors in the SCN. In constant light, levels of phosphorylated ERK (P‐ERK) showed significant circadian variation in the Syrian hamster SCN, while levels of c‐Fos or phosphorylated Elk‐1 (P‐Elk‐1) did not. A 6‐h dark pulse beginning at circadian time (CT) 8 down‐regulated expression of P‐ERK and c‐Fos, but not P‐Elk‐1, in the SCN. Following termination of the pulse, levels of c‐Fos increased above time‐matched control values, while P‐ERK expression did not. When given at the beginning of the subjective night (CT13), a 6‐h dark pulse did not phase‐shift behavioural rhythms and failed to alter the expression of c‐Fos, P‐ERK, or P‐Elk‐1 in the SCN. At the level of the visual thalamus, expression of c‐Fos in the intergeniculate leaflet was higher during the subjective night as compared to the subjective day, although dark pulses had no robust effects on expression of c‐Fos or P‐ELK‐1 in this structure. We conclude that dark‐pulse resetting of the circadian clock is complex and involves both non‐photic and photic components.
Haphazard neural connections underlie the visual deficits of cats with strabismic or deprivation amblyopia
Authors: Gingras Guy , Mitchell Donald E. , Hess Robert F.
Published: July 2005

Identification of the neural basis of the visual deficits experienced by humans with amblyopia, particularly when associated with strabismus (strabismic amblyopia), has proved to be difficult in part because of the inability to observe directly the neural changes at various levels of the human visual pathway. Much of our knowledge has necessarily been obtained on the basis of sophisticated psychophysical studies as well as from electrophysiological explorations on the visual pathways in animal models of amblyopia. This study combines these two approaches to the problem by employing similar psychophysical probes of performance on animal models of two forms of amblyopia (deprivation and strabismic) to those employed earlier on human amblyopes (Hess & Field, 1994, Vis. Res., 34, 13397–13406). The tests explore two competing explanations for the visual deficits, namely an evenly distributed loss of neural connections (undersampling) with the amblyopic eye as opposed to disordered connections with this eye (neural disarray). Unexpectedly, the results in animal models of deprivation amblyopia were not in accord with expectations based upon an even distribution of lost connections with the amblyopic eye. However, the results were similar to those observed in a strabismic amblyopic animal and to strabismic amblyopic humans. We suggest that deprivation amblyopia may be accompanied by an uneven loss of connections that results in effective neural disarray. By contrast, amblyopia associated with strabismus might arise from neural disarray of a different origin such as an alteration of intrinsic cortical connections.
Pheromone pre‐exposure and mating modulate codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) response to host plant volatiles
Authors: Yang Zhihua , Casado Daniel , Ioriatti Claudio , Bengtsson Marie , Witzgall Peter
Published: July 2005

Abstract  1 Two codling moth Cydia pomonella kairomonal attractants, ethyl (E,Z)‐2,4‐decadienoate (pear ester) and (E)‐β‐farnesene, were tested in an insecticide‐sprayed apple orchard and an orchard treated for mating disruption with synthetic pheromone (E,E)‐8,10‐dodecadienol (codlemone). Male captures with pear ester were higher in the pheromone‐treated than in the insecticide‐treated orchard, whereas captures with (E)‐β‐farnesene were not different. Subsequent wind tunnel experiments confirmed that pre‐exposure to sex pheromone codlemone increased the behavioural response of codling moth males to pear ester. This supports the idea that male attraction to the plant volatile pear ester and sex pheromone codlemone is mediated through the same sensory channels.

2 Pear ester is a bisexual codling moth attractant and even captures of female moths were significantly increased in the pheromone‐treated orchard. In the laboratory wind tunnel, pheromone pre‐exposure had no effect on female response to pear ester, but significantly more mated than unmated codling moth females flew upwind towards a pear ester source. Differences in mating status in insecticide‐treated vs. pheromone‐treated orchards may thus account for the differences in female trap captures with pear ester.

3 These findings are important with respect to monitoring of codling moth with pear ester in mating disruption orchards. They also emphasize the importance of host plant volatiles in pheromone‐mediated mating disruption, which has been neglected to date.
Public health nurses’ supervision of clients in Norway
Authors: Tveiten S. , Severinsson E.
Published: July 2005

Aim:  The aim of this study was to explore and describe what public health nurses (PHNs) understand by client supervision and how they perform it.

Background:  The main principles of the health promotion discourse initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) over the last 20–30 years are client participation and the view of the client as expert. Supervision is one relevant intervention strategy in the empowerment process, in which these principles play a central role. There is a lack of research pertaining to the intervention models employed by PHNs.

Methods:  Twenty‐three transcribed audiotaped dialogues between PHNs and their clients were analysed by means of qualitative content analysis.

Findings:  What the PHNs understand by supervision and how they perform it can be described by three themes: continuity in relationships and reflexivity in the supervision approach, communicating with the client about his/her needs, problems and worries; and the organization of client supervision.

Conclusions:  The PHNs in this study understand client supervision as communication and relationships with clients on the subject of a healthy lifestyle, child development and coping with everyday life. The PHNs’ approach to client supervision seemed to include aspects of empowerment by means of client participation and the view of the client as expert. However, the PHNs themselves had an expert role.
Investigation of the impact of simulated commercial centrifugation and microfiltration conditions on levels of Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis in milk
Authors: GRANT IRENE R , WILLIAMS ALAN G , ROWE MICHAEL T , MUIR D DONALD
Published: July 2005

The potential for physical removal of Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (M. paratuberculosis) from milk by centrifugation and microfiltration was investigated by simulating commercial processing conditions in the laboratory by means of a microcentrifuge and syringe filters, respectively. Results indicated that both centrifugation of preheated milk (60°C) at 7000 × g for 10 s, and microfiltration through a filter of pore size 1.2 µm, were capable of removing up to 95–99.9% of M. paratuberculosis cells from spiked whole milk and Middlebrook 7H9 broth suspensions, respectively. Centrifugation and microfiltration may therefore have potential application within the dairy industry as pretreatments to reduce M. paratuberculosis contamination of raw milk.
Leaking urine prior to pregnancy: a risk factor for postnatal incontinence
Authors: STAINTON M. Colleen , STRAHLE Avon , FETHNEY Judith
Published: July 2005

Background:  The prevalence of 30% for postnatal urinary incontinence is a major women's health issue. The majority of studies to date are retrospective, and evidence about contributing factors is inconsistent.

Aims:  To identify women at risk for postnatal urinary incontinence following the first pregnancy and birth.

Study population and methods:  One hundred and twenty four women participated in a longitudinal study. Questionnaires and interviews were conducted at 14, 24 and 38 weeks’ gestation and 24–72 h, 6–8 weeks and 6–18 months postnatal. These, along with chart audits for pregnancy, labour and delivery factors and demographics, formed the database for logistic regression.

Results:  The only variable to emerge as a key indicator for predicting those women most at risk for developing postnatal urine leakage was a history of urinary leaking prior to the first pregnancy. Women with this history were 4.14 times more at risk of leaking urine 1 year after giving birth than women without previous urine leakage (P = 0.02). There was a pattern of leaking urine across the childbearing experience that suggests some resolution by 12 months regardless of parity. Length of second stage labour and method of delivery were the only labour and delivery variables to show significant differences between leaking and not leaking urine at 12 months postnatal.

Conclusion:  Women who leak urine before their first pregnancy can be identified during early antenatal care as those at risk for postnatal urinary incontinence. Further research to test preventive measures is needed.
The Impact of Catecholamines in Patients with or without Beta‐Blockers on the Ventricular Fibrillation Cycle Length and Ventricular Fibrillation Cycle Length Variability
Authors: Min Bokyung , Kluger Jeffrey , Kalus James S. , Guertin Danette , McBride Brian F. , White C. Michael
Published: July 2005

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of epinephrine, norepinephrine, or placebo on the ventricular fibrillation cycle length (VFCL) and the variability of VFCL (cvVFCL) measurements in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients with or without beta‐blockers.

Methods: Forty‐three patients scheduled for their 6‐week post‐ICD placement noninvasive electrophysiologic study were included in the study at the Arrhythmia Procedure Laboratory at Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT. This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled evaluation was approved by the Hartford Hospital Institutional Review Board.

Results: After 2 seconds of continuous VF, 7 consecutive VFCLs were measured from the ICD device recording printout using a 0.5 mm scale ruler under magnification at baseline and after the infusion of catecholamines (epinephrine or norepinephrine at 2 mcg/min) or matching placebo at steady state. The average VFCL and the cvVFCL were determined for each study phase. Subgroup analysis based on chronic beta‐blocker use was performed. No between‐group differences were noted for epinephrine, norepinephrine, or placebo group for baseline (P = 0.538) or postinfusion VFCL (P = 0.749) or for baseline (P = 0.561) or postinfusion cvVFCL (P = 0.623) Regardless of catecholamine group randomization, longer pre‐ and postinfusion VFCL were noted in those receiving beta‐blockers (P = 0.157, P = 0.019) but no differences in cvVFCL were noted (P = 0.216, P = 0.474) versus those without beta‐blockers, respectively.

Conclusion: Moderately dosed epinephrine or norepinephrine does not affect either VFCL or the variability of VFCL after short duration of ventricular fibrillation. Chronic cardioselective beta‐blockade prolongs VFCL without any impact on coefficient of variation of VFCL.
Magnetocardiography Predicts Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Acute Chest Pain
Authors: Park Jai‐Wun , Hill Peter M. , Chung Namsik , Hugenholtz Paul G. , Jung Friedrich
Published: July 2005

Background: The value of magnetocardiography (MCG) for the detection of cardiac electrical disturbances associated with myocardial ischemia was studied.

Methods: Sensitivity and predictivity of admission MCG for the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) were prospectively evaluated in 264 consecutive patients presenting with acute chest pain and without ST‐segment elevation. MCG findings were compared with 12‐lead ECG, echocardiography (ECHO), and troponin‐I in a head‐to‐head design. Coronary angiography was used for CAD diagnosis.

Results: The visual assessment of magnetocardiograms by the experienced reader (R1) was superior to that by the unexperienced reader (R2) and superior to the automated computer analysis. Specificity and positive predictive value of MCG by R1 were comparable with those of ECG and troponin‐I (>90%), while ECHO specificity and ECHO positive predictive value were lower (76.2% and 87.9%, respectively). Sensitivity and negative predictive value of MCG were twice as high as those in the ECG, troponin‐I, and ECHO tests.

Conclusion: For the prediction of CAD in patients presenting with acute chest pain and without ST‐segment elevation, an admission MCG test was superior to an admission ECG, ECHO, and troponin‐I. The results of the study, however, are applicable only to a highly selected population comprising patients in whom immediate coronary angiography can be performed based on their clinical course in the hospital.
Inter‐ and Intraobserver Variability in LVH and RVH Reporting in Pediatric ECGs
Authors: Hamilton R. M. , McLeod K. , Houston A. B. , Macfarlane P. W.
Published: July 2005

Background: Physicians' diagnoses are often used as the gold standard for evaluating computer electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation programs. As part of a larger study to evaluate the Glasgow pediatric ECG analysis program, inter‐ and intraobserver variability in the ECG reporting of two pediatric cardiologists was examined.

Methods: The ECGs of 984 children were sent for reporting independently by two cardiologists with all identifying information except age and sex removed. Three hundred twenty ECGs had no clinical indication available, and they were thus reported “blind.” For 664 ECGs, the clinical indication was known and included with the ECG trace. All ECGs reported as right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) or left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) were returned to the cardiologists without their knowledge for reporting a second time “blind” as to the clinical indication.

Results: When the cardiologists' reports were compared with each other, the provision of clinical information led to greater agreement between them for the diagnosis of LVH (kappa increased from 0.44 to 0.52) but did not substantially affect their agreement in diagnosing RVH (kappa fell from 0.66 to 0.63). Intraindividual comparisons in 166 ECGs revealed that one cardiologist was more consistent in diagnosing RVH and the other more consistent in diagnosing LVH.

Conclusions: This study has demonstrated the difficulties in using cardiologists' diagnoses as the gold standard with which to evaluate pediatric ECGs.
Conversion of Recent‐Onset Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter with Amiodarone after Ibutilide Has Failed: A Rapid, Efficient, and Safe Algorithm
Authors: Dilaveris Polychronis , Synetos Andreas , Giannopoulos George , Gialafos Elias , Stefanadis Christodoulos
Published: July 2005

Background: Ibutilide and amiodarone are used for the pharmacological conversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) or flutter (AFl), but their efficacy is rather moderate.

Methods: To test whether the use of ibutilide as a first‐choice drug and of amiodarone as a second‐line treatment provides a rapid, effective, and safe algorithm for conversion of recent‐onset AF or AFl to sinus rhythm (SR), 85 consecutively recruited patients (59 women; mean age 69.7 ± 0.9 years) with AF or AFl of recent onset received 1 or 2 mg of ibutilide infusion. In the case of ibutilide failure, amiodarone was given (6 mg/kg IV infusion over 60 minutes followed by 1200 mg IV infusion over 24 hours) 4 hours later. Ten patients with AF or AFl of recent onset were used as controls. The maximum rate‐corrected QT interval was calculated in all patients and controls before the start of the study (baseline electrocardiogram (ECG)), 30 minutes later (30‐min ECG), and 4 hours later (4‐h ECG).

Results: Fifty‐eight (68%) patients reversed to SR within the first 4 hours after the end of ibutilide infusion. In those 27 patients in whom ibutilide failed, amiodarone was given. Twenty‐four of them (28%) were converted to SR during amiodarone infusion. Therefore, in total, 82 (96%) patients with recent‐onset AF or AFl were converted to SR. The 10 controls were monitored for the same time period as the study patients and 5 (50%) out of them were spontaneously converted to SR (P < 0.0001). No pro‐arrhythmia or any other side effects were noticed in the study patients or in the controls. QTc was moderately decreased before the start of amiodarone infusion in patients group, while it did not differ among the three ECGs in controls.

Conclusions: The combination of ibutilide as a first‐choice drug and of amiodarone infusion in the case of ibutilide failure provides an effective, rapid, and safe algorithm for restoration of SR in patients with AF or AFl of recent onset.
Effects of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on P Wave Dispersion
Authors: Celik Turgay , Iyisoy Atila , Kursaklioglu Hurkan , Kilic Selim , Kose Sedat , Amasyali Basri , Isik Ersoy
Published: July 2005

Background: Several studies demonstrated that P wave dispersion (PWD) increased after coronary occlusion. The effect of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on PWD needs to be elucidated.

Methods: The study consisted of 125 patients with acute myocardial infarction (110 men, mean age 59.8 ± 7.8 years) undergoing primary PCI. The patients were divided into three groups according to thrombolysis in myocardial infarction myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG) after successful PCI. Groups 1 (n = 12), 2 (n = 9), and 3 (n = 104) included the patients with TMPG 0/1, 2, 3, respectively. Electrocardiograms were obtained before and approximately 66 ± 18 minutes after PCI.

Results: PWD and Pmaximum after PCI were significantly lower than the preintervention values (P < 0.001 for both). When PWD and Pmaximum values after PCI were compared among groups, PWD and Pmaximum in groups 1 and 2 were found to be higher than those of group 3 (P < 0.001 for PWD and Pmaximum). Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurred in 14 patients. Pmaximum and PWD in patients with AF were higher compared to those of the patients without AF (P < 0.001 for both P wave parameters). Also more frequent AF attacks were observed in group 1 compared to group 3 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: PWD and Pmaximum after primary PCI were lower compared to the preintervention values. Prolonged PWD in patients with poor myocardial perfusion can contribute to increased mortality, and also it can can be combined with ST segment resolution to predict clinical reperfusion and might help in predicting AF.
Host color preferences and short‐range searching behavior of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma ostriniae
Authors: Lobdell Claire E. , Yong Tze‐Hei , Hoffmann Michael P.
Published: July 2005

The color of lepidopteran eggs often varies by species or egg condition, and parasitoids that attack lepidopteran eggs could therefore potentially use color to obtain information about host identity or quality. The objective of our study was to determine whether females of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma ostriniae Pang & Chen (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) showed differential responses to egg color when searching for hosts over short distances and when evaluating the suitability of encountered eggs. We examined the wasps’ host‐selection behavior in a Petri dish arena using white, yellow, green, and black clay beads as egg models presented against a green background (to mimic leaf color). In no‐choice tests, bead color had a significant effect on the proportion of tested wasps that accepted a bead for further examination, on the time it took wasps to find and begin examining a bead, and on the time that wasps spent examining the beads. However, bead color had only a marginally significant effect on the proportion of wasps attempting to drill into a bead with their ovipositors, and no significant effect on the amount of time they spent drilling. The wasps also showed significant color preferences when given a choice between two adjacent beads of different colors. The results of the no‐choice and choice trials taken together indicated a color preference ranking of yellow > white > green > black. The wasps’ higher preference for the yellow and white egg models generally corresponds to the white or yellowish‐white egg color of T. ostriniae's target host, the European corn borer moth, Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). The wasps’ strong rejection of black egg models is likely to be an adaptive response that reflects the fact that eggs that are wholly or partially black are often unsuitable for parasitization due to advanced caterpillar development, damage to the egg, or previous parasitization.
Interspecific competition between Sitophilus zeamais and Sitotroga cerealella in a patchy environment
Authors: Larsen Marie Nykjær , Nachman Gösta , Skovgaard Henrik
Published: July 2005

The maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Motchulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and the Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), are important insect pests of stored products. The coexistence in nature of the two species on maize has been difficult to explain from laboratory set‐ups, as the moth is inevitably eliminated by S. zeamais. However, early laboratory experiments ignored the spatial dimension, while several studies have lately revealed that two competing species may coexist in a spatially divided environment even though one of the species is competitively superior in a simpler universe. Two hypotheses for coexistence were examined by studying the interactions in a system where the resources were spatially divided. It was found that spatial subdivision in the current experiment was insufficient to ensure coexistence between the two species, so neither of the hypotheses could be confirmed. A simple model describing the population dynamics of S. zeamais was fitted to the data. Its parameters provide important information about how resource depletion influences the per capita growth rate. Finally, the study indicates that the mechanism responsible for S. zeamais's rapid elimination of S. cerealella is the superiority of the former species to colonize and monopolize new patches. The design of this study may serve as a template for further laboratory experiments revealing the effect of a spatially divided environment on competitive interactions. However, the present study also indicates that choosing the appropriate spatial scale may be critical for relating the results to natural environments.
Sex pheromone of a North American population of the spotted tentiform leafminer, Phyllonorycter blancardella
Authors: El‐Sayed A.M. , Wainman L.I. , Santangelo E.M. , Unelius C.R. , Trimble R.M.
Published: July 2005

The major sex pheromone compound of the spotted tentiform leafminer, Phyllonorycter blancardella (F.) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), from Ontario, Canada, was identified as (10E)‐dodecen‐1‐yl acetate (E10‐12:Ac) using chemical analysis and field trapping experiments. The minor compounds (10E)‐dodecen‐1‐ol (E10‐12:OH) (4.6%), dodecan‐1‐ol (12:OH) (2.3%), and (10Z)‐dodecen‐1‐yl acetate (Z10‐12:Ac) 1.6% were also identified. The dienic acetate (4E,10E)‐dodecadien‐1‐yl acetate (E4,E10‐12:Ac), a compound reported to be attractive to P. blancardella, was not found in the glands of this population. A two‐component blend of the major and one of each the three minor compounds, in ratios similar to those found in the sex pheromone gland, did not increase the attractiveness of traps baited with synthetic pheromone. The minor compounds E10‐12:OH and 12:OH were not attractive to P. blancardella when tested individually. Z10‐12:Ac was attractive to P. blancardella, although traps baited with this compound captured only 2% of the moths that were captured in traps baited with the main compound. A four‐component blend of the major and each of the three minor compounds (100 : 1 : 1 : 1) was not more attractive than the major compound alone. The related species Phyllonorycter mespilella was captured in traps baited with E10‐12:Ac.
Dispersal and influences on movement forAnoplophora glabripenniscalculated from individual mark‐recapture
Authors: Bancroft J.S. , Smith M.T.
Published: July 2005

We conducted an individual mark‐release‐recapture experiment on the beetle,Anoplophora glabripennisMotchulsky (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). This invasive beetle has been introduced from Asia to Europe and North America and poses a serious threat to several important species of tree. Eradication efforts may benefit from knowledge of dispersal behaviour. Trees were cut and held to determine emergence rate ofA. glabripennis. Unique marks were painted onto 912 beetles released into a group of 165 trees in Gansu, China. Data on subsequent sightings of beetles were used in a truncated diffusion model to calculate flight distances. Characteristics of the trees and climatic information were used in statistical tests for influence on movement. A total of 2245 sightings of beetles were observed and 29% of marked beetles were resighted. The scanning technique using binoculars was 90% effective in finding beetles and provided 81% accuracy for determining the sex of the beetles. Experimental manipulation of density quantified howA. glabripenniscongregated on unoccupied trees and were repulsed from crowded hosts. The seasonal emergence rate of adults declined exponentially from July 20 to August 5. The results suggestedA. glabripennisfly to nearby host trees at a rate of 34% per day. Median flight distance was estimated at 20 m per day. Statistical analysis with a generalized linear model tested the beetle's propensity to leave a tree and distance of flight. Generally, beetle movement showed a significant response to beetle density, weather conditions, beetle size, and tree size, in that order. The techniques developed here improve on previous recapture techniques to quantify dispersal and can be useful for analysing populations of other organisms.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Its Receptors
Authors: Yu Xijie , White Kenneth E
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a circulating factor that plays critical roles in phosphate and vitamin D metabolism, as evidenced by the fact that FGF23 missense mutations cause autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR). Autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets is characterized by hypophosphatemia with inappropriately normal 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations, as well as bone pain, fracture and rickets. This phenotype parallels that of patients with tumor induced osteomalacia (TIO), X‐linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH), and fibrous dysplasia (FD), in whom elevated serum FGF23 levels are often observed. The fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR1–4) play key roles in skeletal development, as well as in normal metabolic processes. Several FGFR isoforms that potentially mediate the activity of FGF23 have been implicated. In the short term, these findings will lead to further understanding of FGF23 function, and potentially in the long term, to targeted therapies in disorders of hypo‐ and hyperphosphatemia that involve FGF23.
Post‐translational Modification of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23
Authors: Fukumoto Seiji
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) 23 has been shown to play important roles in the development of hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia. Complementary DNA predicts that the FGF23 protein is composed of 251 amino acids and N‐terminal 24 amino acids seem to be a signal peptide. In vitro experiments indicate that a part of the FGF23 protein is processed between arginine179 and serine180. When full‐length, N‐terminal and C‐terminal processed fragments of FGF23 were injected into mice, only the full‐length FGF23 reduced serum phosphate levels indicating that the processing of FGF23 abolished its effect to cause hypophosphatemia. This processing was shown to be prevented by an inhibitor of furin indicating that the cleavage is mediated by subtilisin‐like proprotein convertase. In addition to this processing, FGF23 protein seems to have O‐linked glycosylation. Further studies are necessary to clarify the importance of O‐glycosylation for FGF23 activity.
Efficacy of Combined Sevelamer and Calcium Carbonate Therapy for Hyperphosphatemia in Japanese Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Iwasaki Youichi , Takami Hiroya , Tani Masahide , Yamaguchi Yoshiyuki , Goto Hiromichi , Goto Yoshikazu , Goto Yoshiaki , Shigematsu Takashi
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  In Japan, calcimimetics and other phosphate binders such as lantanum carbonate are not available for patients on long‐term hemodialysis (HD), so we prospectively evaluated the clinical efficacy of the combination of sevelamer hydrochloride and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) for hyperphosphatemia. The study group comprised 65 HD patients who had been administered CaCO3 (≥1500 mg/day) for hyperphosphatemia [≥6.0 mg/dL (≥1.94 mmol/L)]. At the beginning of the study the dose of CaCO3 was reduced by 1500 mg/day and the patients divided into two groups according to the dose of additional sevelamer hydrochloride: group A 2250 mg/day; group B 3000 mg/day. Oral active vitamin D therapy was unchanged. Fourteen patients (21.5%) dropped out because of adverse effects and of the 51 remaining patients 35 (53.8%) suffered from gastrointestinal problems. Serum phosphate concentration decreased significantly [from 7.5 ± 0.8 mg/dL (2.42 ± 0.26 mmol/L) to 6.6 ± 1.3 mg/dL (2.13 ± 0.42 mmol/L), P < 0.01] in group B only after the 8 weeks of combination therapy. The calcium–phosphate product (Ca × Pi) also decreased in group B only [from 74.4 ± 13.4 mg2/dL2 (5.99 ± 1.07 mmol2/l2) to 63.7 ± 15.8 mg2/dL2 (5.13 ± 1.27 mmol2/l2), P < 0.001]. The combination of sevelamer hydrochloride and CaCO3 is a suitable regimen for hyperphosphatemia treatment in HD patients because it avoids both the hypercalcemia of CaCO3 and the adverse effects of sevelamer hydrochloride when each is used as single‐drug therapy. The ability of sevelamer hydrochloride to decrease the serum phosphate concentration is 2/3 (2250/1500 mg) that of CaCO3.
A Case of Severe Acute Pancreatitis Treated With CTR‐001 Direct Hemoperfusion for Cytokine Apheresis
Authors: Saotome Takao , Endo Yoshihiro , Sasaki Teiji , Tabata Takahisa , Hamamoto Tetsu , Fujino Kazunori , Andoh Akira , Eguchi Yutaka , Tani Tohru , Fujiyama Yoshihide
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  Severe acute pancreatitis is a clinical entity that can develop into multiple organ failure (MOF), and still has a poor prognosis. It is generally agreed that excessive humoral mediators such as pro‐inflammatory cytokines play important roles in the pathogenesis of organ failure in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Furthermore, it has been reported that continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) can remove the excess humoral mediators during the hypercytokinemic state of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). We experienced a case of severe acute pancreatitis induced by alcohol abuse, on whom we performed cytokine apheresis. The patient was a 46 year‐old male. He received 14 cytokine apheresis procedures, for about 4 hours in each session, using a CTR‐001 direct hemoperfusion (DHP) cartridge. His serum levels  of  pro‐inflammatory  cytokines  such  as  interleukin‐6 (IL‐6; 1649.1 ± 667.1–1257.1 ± 489.4 pg/mL, P = 0.013) decreased significantly after the CTR‐001 procedures. However tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) (26.2 ± 1.7–24.3 ± 1.9 pg/mL, P = 0.087), IL‐1β (6.1 ± 2.9–3.49 ± 1.1 pg/mL, P = 0.477), IL‐8 (192.5 ± 33.4–229.5 ± 51.8 pg/mL, P = 0.754) and IL‐10 (14.4 ± 2.7–14.0 ± 1.9 pg/mL, P = 0.726) did not decrease statistically. Therefore, we conclude that in this case, cytokine apheresis using a CTR‐001 cartridge was effective for reducing the pro‐inflammatory cytokines during severe acute pancreatitis.
Application of Direct Evaporative Coolers for Improving the Energy Efficiency of Air-Cooled Chillers
Authors: Yu F. W. , Chan K. T.
Published: July 2005

This paper describes how direct evaporative coolers can be used to improve the energy efficiency of air-cooled chillers in various operating conditions and with different strategies for staging condenser fans. These coolers are installed in front of air-cooled condensers to precool outdoor air before entering the condensers. A simulation analysis on an air-cooled chiller equipped with a direct evaporative cooler showed that when head pressure control is used, the cooler enables the condensing temperature to drop by 2.1–6.2°C, resulting in a 1.4-14.4% decrease in chiller power and a 1.3–4.6% increase in the refrigeration effect. When the chiller with the cooler operates under condensing temperature control, where condenser effectiveness is enhanced by staging all condenser fans, there is a savings in chiller power of 1.3-4.3% in some operating conditions in which the drop in compressor power exceeds the additional condenser fan power due to the pressure drop across the cooler.
Analysis of Daylighting Benefits for Office Buildings in Egypt
Authors: El Mohimen Mostafa Abd , Hanna George , Krarti Moncef
Published: July 2005

This paper summarizes the results of a simulation analysis to determine the effectiveness of daylighting in reducing electrical energy consumption for office buildings in Egypt. Specifically, the impact on daylighting performance is investigated of window size, building size, daylighting control, and glazing type for three geographical locations in Egypt. It was determined that a window to wall area ratio of 0.20 minimizes the total annual electricity use for office buildings in three Egyptian locations, Cairo, Alexandria, and Aswan. A simplified analysis method is developed based on the analysis results to estimate the annual electrical energy savings attributed to daylighting.
Modeling Shadows on Evacuated Tubular Collectors With Cylindrical Absorbers
Authors: Shah Louise Jivan , Furbo Simon
Published: July 2005

A new TRNSYS collector model for evacuated tubular collectors with tubular absorbers is developed. Traditional flat plate collector performance equations have been integrated over the whole absorber circumference. On each tube the model determines the size and position of the shadows caused by the neighbor tube. An all glass tubular collector with tubular absorbers with 14 tubes connected in parallel is investigated theoretically with the model and experimentally in an outdoor collector test facility. Performance calculations with the new model are compared with measured results and a good degree of similarity between the measured and calculated results is found. Further, it is illustrated how the model can be used for geometrical parameter studies both for constant collector mean fluid temperatures and for varying temperature conditions in a solar heating plant. These investigations are performed for two climates: Copenhagen (Denmark) and Uummannaq (Greenland).
Natural Convective Flow and Heat Transfer in a Collector Storage with an Immersed Heat Exchanger: Numerical Study
Authors: Su Yan , Davidson Jane H.
Published: July 2005

A three-dimensional model and dimensionless scale analysis of the transient fluid dynamics and heat transfer in an inclined adiabatic water-filled enclosure with an immersed cylindrical cold sink is presented. The geometry represents an integral collector storage system with an immersed heat exchanger. The modeled enclosure has an aspect ratio of 6:1 and is inclined at 30deg to the horizontal. The heat exchanger is represented by a constant surface temperature horizontal cylinder positioned near the top of the enclosure. A scale analysis of the transient heat transfer process identifies four temporal periods: conduction, quasi-steady, fluctuating, and decay. It also provides general formulations for the transient Nusselt number, and volume-averaged water temperature in the enclosure. Insight to the transient fluid and thermal processes is provided by presentation of instantaneous flow streamlines and isotherm contours during each transient period. The flow field consists of two distinct zones. The zone above the cold sink is nearly stagnant. The larger zone below the sink is one of strong mixing and recirculation initiated by the cold plume formed in the boundary layer of the cylindrical sink. Correlations for the transient Nusselt number and the dimensionless volume-averaged tank temperature predicted from the model compare favorably to prior measured data. Fluid motion in the enclosure enhances heat transfer compared to that of a cylinder in an unbounded fluid.
Short-term insulin and nutritional energy provision do not stimulate muscle protein synthesis if blood amino acid availability decreases
Authors: Bell Jill A. , Fujita Satoshi , Volpi Elena , Cadenas Jerson G. , Rasmussen Blake B.
Published: July 2005

Muscle protein synthesis requires energy and amino acids to proceed and can be stimulated by insulin under certain circumstances. We hypothesized that short-term provision of insulin and nutritional energy would stimulate muscle protein synthesis in healthy subjects only if amino acid availability did not decrease. Using stable isotope techniques, we compared the effects on muscle phenylalanine kinetics across the leg of an amino acid-lowering, high-energy (HE, n = 6, 162 ± 20 kcal/h) hyperglycemic hyperlipidemic hyperinsulinemic clamp with systemic insulin infusion to a low-energy (LE, n = 6, 35 ± 3 kcal/h, P < 0.05 vs. HE) euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp with local insulin infusion in the femoral artery. Basal blood phenylalanine concentrations and phenylalanine net balance, muscle protein breakdown, and synthesis (nmol·min−1·100 g leg muscle−1) were not different between groups. During insulin infusion, femoral insulinemia increased to a similar extent between groups and blood phenylalanine concentration decreased 27 ± 3% in the HE group but only 9 ± 2% in the LE group ( P < 0.01 HE vs. LE). Phenylalanine net balance increased in both groups, but the change was greater ( P < 0.05) in the LE group. Muscle protein breakdown decreased in the HE group (58 ± 12 to 35 ± 7 nmol·min−1·100 g leg muscle−1) and did not change in the LE group. Muscle protein synthesis was unchanged in the HE group (39 ± 6 to 30 ± 7 nmol·min−1·100 g leg muscle−1) and increased ( P < 0.05) in the LE group (41 ± 9 to 114 ± 26 nmol·min−1·100 g leg muscle−1). We conclude that amino acid availability is an important factor in the regulation of muscle protein synthesis in response to insulin, as decreased blood amino acid concentrations override the positive effect of insulin on muscle protein synthesis even if excess energy is provided.
HCaRG increases renal cell migration by a TGF-α autocrine loop mechanism
Authors: Hader Carlos El , Tremblay Sandra , Solban Nicolas , Gingras Denis , Béliveau Richard , Orlov Sergei N. , Hamet Pavel , Tremblay Johanne
Published: July 2005

We have shown previously that the hypertension-related, calcium-regulated gene (HCaRG) is involved in the control of renal cell proliferation and differentiation (Devlin AM, Solban N, Tremblay S, Gutkowska J, Schurch W, Orlov SN, Lewanczuk R, Hamet P, and Tremblay J. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 284: F753–F762, 2003). To determine whether HCaRG plays a role in kidney repair after injury, we extended our studies on the cellular function of HCaRG by comparing cell migration of two kidney cell lines [HEK293 and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK)-C7] stably transfected with the plasmid alone or with a plasmid containing HCaRG cDNA. HCaRG-expressing HEK293 cells, which undergo lower proliferation, migrated faster than control cells and presented greater adhesiveness to the extracellular matrix. Faster migration was also observed for the MDCK-C7 cells, after they were stably transfected with HCaRG cDNA. HCaRG overexpression induced major morphological changes in HEK293 cells, including the formation of lamellipodia. Expression microarrays of HCaRG-expressing HEK293 cells revealed the elevated expression of several genes known to be involved in cell migration and lamellipodia formation, including transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α), galectins, autotaxins and fibronectin. These cells exhibited augmented synthesis and release of activated TGF-α. Conditioned medium from HCaRG-expressing cells stimulated the migration and induced significant morphological changes in control cells, in part, through activation of the TFG-α/EGF receptor. Together, these data support a role for HCaRG in kidney repair after injury through its effect on renal cell migration and TGF-α secretion.
Spontaneous Activity of Isolated Dopaminergic Periglomerular Cells of the Main Olfactory Bulb
Authors: Puopolo Michelino , Bean Bruce P. , Raviola Elio
Published: July 2005

We examined the electrophysiological properties of a population of identified dopaminergic periglomerular cells of the main olfactory bulb using transgenic mice in which catecholaminergic neurons expressed human placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) on the outer surface of the plasma membrane. After acute dissociation, living dopaminergic periglomerular cells were identified by a fluorescently labeled monoclonal antibody to PLAP. In current-clamp mode, dopaminergic periglomerular cells spontaneously generated action potentials in a rhythmic fashion with an average frequency of 8 Hz. The hyperpolarization-activated cation current ( Ih) did not seem important for pacemaking because blocking the current with ZD 7288 or Cs+had little effect on spontaneous firing. To investigate what ionic currents do drive pacemaking, we performed action-potential-clamp experiments using records of pacemaking as voltage command in voltage-clamp experiments. We found that substantial TTX-sensitive Na+current flows during the interspike depolarization. In addition, substantial Ca2+current flowed during the interspike interval, and blocking Ca2+current hyperpolarized the neurons and stopped spontaneous firing. These results show that dopaminergic periglomerular cells have intrinsic pacemaking activity, supporting the possibility that they can maintain a tonic release of dopamine to modulate the sensitivity of the olfactory system during odor detection. Calcium entry into these neurons provides electrical drive for pacemaking as well as triggering transmitter release.