bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxic effects of pyocin S2 produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the growth of three human cell lines
Authors: Abdi-Ali A , Worobec E A , Deezagi A , Malekzadeh F
Published: June 2004

Pyocin typing of 82 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, collected from different Iranian clinical sources, revealed that one isolate, P. aeruginosa 42A, produced pyocin S2, a protease-sensitive bacteriocin. Pyocin S2 production was induced by mitomycin C (2 µg/mL) in the pyocin S2 producer P. aeruginosa 42A. Pyocin S2 was purified using ion exchange chromatography with CM-Sepharose CL-6B and sodium phosphate buffer (pH 8) from an 80% ammonium sulfate precipitate of whole-cell lysates. Pyocin activity of the fractions was detected using the Govan spot testing method. The purity of the active fraction was confirmed by SDSPAGE, where a single band with a molecular mass of 74 kDa was detected. Cytotoxic effects of purified pyocin S2 and partially purified pyocin from P. aeruginosa 42A on the human tumor cell lines HepG2 and Im9 and the normal human cell line HFFF (Human Foetal Foreskin Fibroblast) were studied by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The results demonstrated that partially purified pyocin and pyocin S2 exhibited substantial inhibitory effects on the growth of the tumor cell lines HepG2 and Im9, while no inhibitory effects were observed on the normal cell line HFFF. Pure lipopolysaccharide was used as a control and was found to have no inhibitory effect on any of the cell lines tested.Key words: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, pyocin, cytotoxicity, MTT assay.
Phylogeny based on 16S rDNA andnifHsequences ofRalstonia taiwanensisstrains isolated from nitrogen-fixing nodules ofMimosa pudica, in India
Authors: Verma Subhash Chandra , Chowdhury Soumitra Paul , Tripathi Anil Kumar
Published: June 2004

Bacterial symbionts present in the indeterminate-type nitrogen (N)-fixing nodules of Mimosa pudica grown in North and South India showed maximum similarity to Ralstonia taiwanensis on the basis of carbon-source utilization patterns and 16S rDNA sequence. Isolates from the nodules of M. pudica from North India and South India showed identical ARDRA (Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis) patterns with Sau3AI and RsaI, but AluI revealed dimorphy between the North Indian and South Indian isolates. Alignment of 16S rDNA sequences revealed similarity of North Indian isolates with an R. taiwanensis strain isolated from M. pudica in Taiwan, whereas South Indian isolates showed closer relatedness with the isolates from Mimosa diplotricha. Alignment of nifH sequences from both North Indian and South Indian isolates with that of the related isolates revealed their closer affinity to α-rhizobia, suggesting that nif genes in the β-rhizobia might have been acquired from α-rhizobia via lateral transfer during co-occupancy of nodules by α-rhizobia and progenitors of R. taiwanensis, members of the β-subclass of Proteobacteria. Immunological cross-reaction of the bacteroid preparation of M. pudica nodules showed strong a positive signal with anti-dinitrogenase reductase antibody, whereas a weak positive cross-reaction was observed with free-living R. taiwanensis grown microaerobically in minimal medium with and without NH4Cl. In spite of the expression of dinitrogenase reductase under free-living conditions, acetylene reduction was not observed under N-free conditions even after prolonged incubation.Key words: symbiotic nitrogen fixation, Mimosa pudica, rhizobia, phylogeny, 16S rDNA, nifH, Ralstonia taiwanensis.
Satellite cell activation on fibers: modeling events in vivo — an invited review
Authors: Anderson Judy E , Wozniak Ashley C
Published: June 2004

Knowledge of the events underlying satellite cell activation and the counterpart maintenance of quiescence is essential for planning therapies that will promote the growth and regeneration of skeletal muscle in healthy, disease and aging. By modeling those events of satellite cell activation in studies of single muscle fibers or muscles in culture, the roles of mechanical stretching and nitric oxide are becoming understood. Recent studies demonstrated that stretch-induced activation is very rapid and exhibits some features of satellite cell heterogeneity. As well, gene expression studies showed that expression of the c-met receptor gene rises rapidly after stretching muscles in culture compared to those without stretch. This change in gene expression during activation, and the maintenance of quiescence in both normal and dystrophic muscles are dependent on NO, as they are blocked by inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Mechanical, contractile activity is the defining feature of muscle function. Therefore, ongoing studies of stretch effects in satellite cell activation and quiescence in quiescent fiber and muscle cultures provides appropriate models by which to explore the regulatory steps in muscle in vivo under many conditions related to disease, repair, rehabilitation, growth and the prevention or treatment of atrophy.Key words: regeneration, stretch, myofiber culture, muscular dystrophy, quiescence.
Modulation of gastrin and epidermal growth factor by pyrrolizidine alkaloids obtained fromSenecio brasiliensisin acute and chronic induced gastric ulcers
Authors: Toma Walber , Trigo José Roberto , Bensuaski de Paula Ana Cláudia , Monteiro Souza Brito Alba Regina
Published: June 2004

We investigated the antiulcerogenic activity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) integerrimine, retrorsine, senecionine, usaramine and seneciplhylline, an alkaloidal extract obtained from Senecio brasiliensis. The PA extract demonstrated significantly activity in both, acute and chronic gastric ulcers on rats. The effects of PA extract were dose dependent. The mechanisms implicated on this activity were evaluated by determination of gastrin plasma levels in rats subjected to the acute treatment with PA extract and by expression of mRNA of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) after chronic treatment with this extract. The results showed that the PA extract increased both the levels of gastrin and the expression of EGF on these animals. Moreover, the histological examinations showed a reduction of exfoliation of superficial cells, hemorrhages and blood cell infiltration. We concluded that the PAs showed an important and qualitative antiulcerogenic activity mediated by increase in gastrin secretion and mRNA expression of EGF.Key words: Senecio brasiliensis, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, antiulcer activity, gastrin, EGF.
Consequences of thyroxine treatment on diaphragm and EDL of normal and dystrophic hamsters
Authors: Singh Yadhu N , Schlenker Evelyn H , Singh Brahma N , Burbach James A
Published: June 2004

Previously administration of thyroxine (T4) to dystrophic hamsters improved ventilation and slowed the progression of the disease. We hypothesized that the normalization of ventilation in these animals was due to T4 improving structural and functional characteristics of the diaphragm. In the present study, contractile characteristics of the diaphragm and the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) from normal and dystrophic hamsters were evaluated after two months of T4 treatment. Compared to their placebo-treated counterparts, diaphragms and EDLs of T4-treated normal hamsters showed increased optimal muscle lengths and twitch tension, decreased contraction times and increased fatigability. T4-treatment in dystrophic hamsters showed only an increase in diaphragmatic twitch tension development. Force-frequency curves before treatment were generally higher for the normal compared to dystrophic diaphragms and EDLs. T4 administration only increased the force in normal diaphragms at the lower frequencies and in the EDLs at the higher frequencies. Although T4 serum levels were increased in both T4-treated groups, triiodothyronine (T3) was much lower in the dystrophic compared to normal hamsters, suggesting that conversion of T4 to T3 was reduced in dystrophic hamsters. We conclude that the limited functional changes in the diaphragms of T4-treated dystrophic hamsters cannot account for the marked improvement in ventilation previously reported.Key words: dystrophy, thyroid hormones, skeletal muscles, diaphragm.
Habitat selection by the wood turtle (Clemmys insculpta) at the northern limit of its range
Authors: Arvisais Martin , Lévesque Esther , Bourgeois Jean-Claude , Daigle Claude , Masse Denis , Jutras Jacques
Published: June 2004

We characterized the chronology of habitat use by the wood turtle, Clemmys insculpta (LeC., 1829), in the Mauricie region of Quebec, Canada. We also determined if this species used habitats according to availability within a home range and identified habitat features influencing habitat selection. Habitats were characterized for 20 wood turtles followed weekly by telemetry during the active season of 1997. Turtles used a great diversity of terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Alder (Alnus rugosa (Du Roi) Spreng.) stands were the most used terrestrial habitats throughout the active season. Habitat use varied according to activity period. Indeed, wood turtles used aquatic habitats and alder stands during prenesting and prehibernation activity periods, whereas all habitat types were used during nesting and postnesting activity periods. Wood turtles did not use habitats randomly within their home ranges, suggesting that they selected them. Wood turtles seemed to select mixed forest stands that were relatively young (16 years), short (14 m), had low arborescent cover (25%), moderate cover of the upper shrub layer (35%), and low total canopy closure (0%50%). This knowledge will be helpful in the establishment of future conservation measures.
Phenotypic consequences of nest-site selection in black rat snakes (Elaphe obsoleta)
Authors: Blouin-Demers Gabriel , Weatherhead Patrick J , Row Jeffrey R
Published: June 2004

Nest-site selection is the only behaviour that can be considered parental care in most oviparous reptiles because eggs are abandoned after laying and because incubation conditions resulting from nest-site selection can have profound effects on offspring. During a 7-year study of black rat snakes, Elaphe obsoleta (Say in James, 1823), we investigated phenotypic effects of incubation temperature on hatchlings, monitored temperatures in nests, and determined the preferred nesting temperature. Temperatures of communal nests were higher than those of single-female nests. In the laboratory, females preferred to nest at temperatures most similar to those of communal nests. Hatchlings from eggs incubated at temperatures similar to those in the warmer communal nests hatched faster, were longer, swam faster, were less aggressive, and had fewer scale anomalies than hatchlings from eggs incubated at temperatures similar to those in single nests. A possible disadvantage of communal nests is that eggs in communal nests may be at greater risk to parasitism by Nicrophorus pustulatus (Herschel, 1807). The incubation experiment allowed a test of a key assumption of a model proposed to explain environmental sex determination. Contrary to that assumption, we found no evidence that incubation temperature affected males and females differently. Our results might explain why temperature-dependent sex determination appears not to occur in snakes.
Scat detection dogs in wildlife research and management: application to grizzly and black bears in the Yellowhead Ecosystem, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Wasser Samuel K , Davenport Barbara , Ramage Elizabeth R , Hunt Kathleen E , Parker Margaret , Clarke Christine , Stenhouse Gordon
Published: June 2004

We report the development and application of a method using domestic dogs (Canis familiaris Linnaeus, 1758) to systematically locate wildlife scat over large remote areas. Detection dogs are chosen for their strong object orientation, high play drive, and willingness to strive for a reward. Dogs were trained to detect grizzly bear (Ursus arctos Linnaeus, 1758) and black bear (Ursus americanus Pallas, 1780) scats over a 5200-km2 area of the Yellowhead Ecosystem, Alberta, Canada. DNA from scat provided the species and (for grizzly bears only) sex and individual identities of the animal at each location. Concentrations of fecal cortisol and progesterone metabolites from these same grizzly bear scats provided indices of physiological stress and reproductive activity (in females), respectively. Black and grizzly bears were most concentrated in the northern portion of the multiuse study area, where food is most abundant yet poaching-related mortality appears to be heaviest. Physiologic stress was also lowest and female reproductive activity correspondingly highest for grizzly bears in the north. The scat-based distributions corresponded to concurrently collected hair-snag data in 1999 and global positioning system radiotelemetry data (of grizzly bears) in 1999 and 2001. Results suggest that the scat dog detection methodology provides a promising tool for addressing a variety of management and research questions in the wildlife sciences.
Cold-hardiness and dehydration resistance of hatchling Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii): implications for overwintering in a terrestrial habitat
Authors: Dinkelacker Stephen A , Costanzo Jon P , Iverson John B , Lee, Jr. Richard E
Published: June 2004

The overwintering habits of hatchling Blanding's turtles, Emydoidea blandingii (Holbrook, 1838), are not well understood. To ascertain whether these turtles are well suited to hibernation on land, we examined susceptibility to dehydration, supercooling capacity, resistance to inoculative freezing, capacity for freeze tolerance, and physiological responses to somatic freezing in laboratory-reared, hatchling E. blandingii. Rates of evaporative water loss (mean ± SE = 4.1 ± 0.2 mg·g–1·d–1) were intermediate to rates previously reported for the hatchlings of species known to hibernate on land and in water. Supercooled hatchlings recovered from a 1-h exposure to –8 °C or a 7-d exposure to –4 °C. Additional turtles supercooled to –14.3 ± 1.2 °C (mean ± SE) before spontaneously freezing. However, when immersed in frozen soil, their capacity to supercool was severely limited by an inability to resist inoculative freezing following contact with external ice and ice nuclei. Therefore, hatchlings likely do not use supercooling as a winter survival strategy. Hatchlings tolerated a 72-h period of somatic freezing to –3.5 °C and responded to somatic freezing by increasing plasma concentrations of the putative cryoprotectants lactate and glucose. Our results suggest that hatchling E. blandingii could overwinter in moist, terrestrial hibernacula where risk of dehydration is reduced and freeze tolerance is promoted.
Winter habitat selection by white-tailed deer on Anticosti Island 2: relationship between deer density from an aerial survey and the proportion of balsam fir forest on vegetation maps
Authors: Potvin François , Boots Barry
Published: June 2004

Determining at what scale to operate and how much cover is needed are important questions for winter habitat management of white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann, 1780), through logging. We used binary cover maps (reclassified forest vegetation maps) and windows of different sizes (0.2 km × 0.2 km, 0.5 km × 0.5 km, 1 km × 1 km, 2 km × 2 km, and 3 km × 3 km) to describe the relationship between deer density from an aerial survey and the proportion of balsam fir, Abies balsamea (L.) P. Mill., forest (BF) cover in a 270-km2 block on Anticosti Island, Quebec. Maximum white-tailed deer densities reached were quite similar (31–34 deer/km2) irrespective of window size, except for the 3 km × 3 km window for which maximum density remained half lower. Density increased with the amount of BF cover and then reached a plateau above 60% or 70% (two smaller windows) or decreased above 50% or 60% (1 km × 1 km and 2 km × 2 km windows). Results confirm goals previously used for habitat management of deeryards. This new method allows greater flexibility in research applications for describing density–cover relationships because both scale and proportion of cover can be analysed simultaneously.
Sex differences in immunity in two species of field crickets
Authors: Zuk Marlene , Simmons Leigh W , Rotenberry John T , Stoehr Andrew M
Published: June 2004

Immune defense often differs between the sexes, with males often having a weaker response, at least among many vertebrates. We examined encapsulation ability, a cell-mediated immune response, in laboratory and field populations of two species of field crickets, Teleogryllus oceanicus (Le Guillou, 1841) and Teleogryllus commodus (Walker, 1869), which have different life histories. In the seasonally breeding T. commodus, males show a stronger encapsulation response than females in both the laboratory and the field, although the difference is more marked under field conditions. The aseasonal T. oceanicus showed no sex difference in encapsulation in either field or laboratory samples fed ad libitum, but when food was experimentally reduced, the same pattern of stronger male response emerged. It is possible that this pattern may result from selection on females to increase investment in reproduction when time and energy for breeding are limited, as is more likely for seasonal breeders or animals under food restriction.
Regulation of Main Olfactory Bulb Mitral Cell Excitability by Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor mGluR1
Authors: Heinbockel Thomas , Heyward Philip , Conquet François , Ennis Matthew
Published: June 2004

In the rodent main olfactory bulb (MOB), mitral cells (MCs) express high levels of the group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) subtype, mGluR1. The significance of this receptor in modulating MC excitability is unknown. We investigated the physiological role of mGluR1 in regulating MC activity in rat and mouse MOB slices. The selective group I agonist (RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG), but not group II or III agonists, induced potent, dose-dependent, and reversible depolarization and increased firing of MCs. These effects persisted in the presence of blockers of fast synaptic transmission, indicating that they are due to direct activation of mGluRs on MCs. Voltage-clamp recordings showed that DHPG elicited a voltage-dependent inward current consisting of multiple components sensitive to potassium and calcium channel blockade and intracellular calcium chelation. MC excitatory responses to DHPG were absent in mGluR1 knockout mice but persisted in mGluR5 knockout mice. Broad-spectrum LY341495 , MCPG, as well as preferential mGluR1 LY367385 antagonists blocked the excitatory effects of DHPG and also potently modulated MC spontaneous and olfactory nerve-evoked excitability. mGluR antagonists altered spontaneous membrane potential bistability, increasing the duration of the up and down states. mGluR antagonists also substantially attenuated MC responses to sensory input, decreasing the probability and increasing the latency of olfactory nerve-evoked spikes. These findings suggest that endogenous glutamate tonically modulates MC excitability and responsiveness to olfactory nerve input, and hence the operation of the MOB circuitry, via activation of mGluR1.
Human Finger Independence: Limitations due to Passive Mechanical Coupling Versus Active Neuromuscular Control
Authors: Lang Catherine E. , Schieber Marc H.
Published: June 2004

We studied the extent to which mechanical coupling and neuromuscular control limit finger independence by studying passive and active individuated finger movements in healthy adults. For passive movements, subjects relaxed while each finger was rotated into flexion and extension by a custom-built device. For active movements, subjects moved each finger into flexion and extension while attempting to keep the other, noninstructed fingers still. Active movements were performed through approximately the same joint excursions and at approximately the same speeds as the passive movements. We quantified how mechanical coupling limited finger independence from the passive movements, and quantified how neuromuscular control limited finger independence using an analysis that subtracted the indices obtained in the passive condition from those obtained in the active condition. Finger independence was generally similar during passive and active movements, but showed a trend toward less independence in the middle, ring, and little fingers during active, large-arc movements. Mechanical coupling limited the independence of the index, middle, and ring fingers to the greatest degree, followed by the little finger, and placed only negligible limitations on the independence of the thumb. In contrast, neuromuscular control primarily limited the independence of the ring, and little fingers during large-arc movements, and had minimal effects on the other fingers, especially during small-arc movements. For the movement conditions tested here, mechanical coupling between the fingers appears to be a major factor limiting the complete independence of finger movement.
Conductance-Based Model of the Voltage-Dependent Generation of a Plateau Potential in Subthalamic Neurons
Authors: Otsuka Takeshi , Abe Takafumi , Tsukagawa Takahisa , Song Wen-Jie
Published: June 2004

Because the subthalamic nucleus (STN) acts as a driving force of the basal ganglia, it is important to know how the activities of STN neurons are regulated. Previously, we have reported that a subset of STN neurons generates a plateau potential in a voltage-dependent manner. These plateau potentials can be evoked only when the cell is hyperpolarized. Here, to examine the mechanism of the voltage-dependent generation of the plateau potential in STN neurons, we constructed a conductance-based model of the plateau-generating STN neuron based on experimental observations and compared simulation results with recordings in slices. The model consists of a single compartment containing a Na+ current, a delayed-rectifier K+ current, an A-type K+ current, an L-like long-lasting Ca2+ current, a T-type Ca2+ current, a Ca2+-dependent K+ current, and a leak current. Our simulation results showed that a plateau potential in the model could be induced in a voltage-dependent manner that depended on the inactivation properties of L-like long-lasting Ca2+ current. The model could also reproduce the generation of a plateau potential as a rebound potential after termination of hyperpolarizing current injection. In addition, we tested the stability of simulated plateau potentials against inhibitory perturbation and found that the model showed similar properties observed for the plateau potentials of STN neurons in slices. The effects of K+ channel blockade by TEA and intracellular Ca2+ ion chelation by BAPTA on the plateau duration were also tested in the model and were found to match experimental observations. Thus our STN neuron model could qualitatively reproduce a number of experimental observations on plateau potentials. Our results suggest that the inactivation of L-type Ca2+ channels plays an important role in the voltage-dependent generation of the plateau potential.
Local Field Potentials and Spiking Activity in the Primary Auditory Cortex in Response to Social Calls
Authors: Medvedev Andrei V. , Kanwal Jagmeet S.
Published: June 2004

The mustached bat, Pteronotus parnellii, uses complex communication sounds (“calls”) for social interactions. We recorded both event-related local field potentials (LFPs) and single/few-unit (SU) spike activity from the same electrode in the posterior region of the primary auditory cortex (AIp) during presentation of simple syllabic calls to awake bats. Temporal properties of the LFPs, which reflect activity within local neuronal clusters, and spike discharges from SUs were studied at 138 recording sites in six bats using seven variants each of 14 simple syllables presented at intensity levels of 40–90 dB SPL. There was no clear spatial selectivity to different call types within the AIp area. Rather, as shown previously, single units responded to multiple call types with similar values of the peak response rate in the peri-stimulus time histogram (PSTH). The LFPs and SUs, however, showed a rich temporal structure that was unique for each call type. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) of the averaged waveforms of call-evoked LFPs and PSTHs revealed that calls were better segregated in the two-dimensional space based on the LFP compared with the PSTH data. A representation within the “LFP-space” revealed that one of the dimensions correlated with the predominant and fundamental frequency of a call. The other dimension showed a high correlation with “harmonic complexity” (“fine” spectral structure of a call). We suggest that the temporal pattern of LFP and spiking activity reflects call-specific dynamics at any locus within the AIp area. This dynamic contributes to a distributed (population-based) representation of calls. Alternatively stated, the fundamental frequency and harmonic structure of calls, and not the recording location within the AIp, determines the temporal structure of the call-evoked LFP.
Fast intersection methods for the solution of some nonlinear systems of equations
Authors: Beauzamy Bernard
Published: June 2004

We give a fast method to solve numerically some systems of
nonlinear equations. This method applies basically to all systems
which can be put in the form U∘V(X) = Y, where U and V are two possibly nonlinear operators. It uses a modification of
Newton′s algorithm, in the sense that one projects alternatively
onto two subsets. But, here, these subsets are not subspaces any
more, but manifolds in a Euclidean space.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Expansion
Authors: Brady Anthony R. , Thompson Simon G. , Fowkes F. Gerald R. , Greenhalgh Roger M. , Powell Janet T.
Published: June 2004

Background—

Intervention to reduce abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) expansion and optimization of screening intervals would improve current surveillance programs. The aim of this study was to characterize AAA growth in a national cohort of patients with AAA both overall and by cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods and Results—

In this study, 1743 patients were monitored for changes in AAA diameter by ultrasonography over a mean follow-up of 1.9 years. Mean initial AAA diameter and growth rate were 43 mm (range 28 to 85 mm) and 2.6 mm/year (95% range, −1.0 to 6.1 mm/year), respectively. Baseline diameter was strongly associated with growth, suggesting that AAA growth accelerates as the aneurysm enlarges. AAA growth rate was lower in those with low ankle/brachial pressure index and diabetes but higher for current smokers (all
P
<0.001). No other factor (including lipids and blood pressure) was associated with AAA growth. Intervals of 36, 24, 12, and 3 months for aneurysms of 35, 40, 45, and 50 mm, respectively, would restrict the probability of breaching the 55-mm limit at rescreening to below 1%.

Conclusions—

Annual, or less frequent, surveillance intervals are safe for all AAAs ≤45 mm in diameter. Smoking increases AAA growth, but atherosclerosis plays a minor role.
Association of Multiple Cellular Stress Pathways With Accelerated Atherosclerosis in Hyperhomocysteinemic Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice
Authors: Zhou Ji , Werstuck Geoff H. , Lhoták Šárka , de Koning A. B. Lawrence , Sood Sudesh K. , Hossain Gazi S. , Møller Jan , Ritskes-Hoitinga Merel , Falk Erling , Dayal Sanjana , Lentz Steven R. , Austin Richard C.
Published: June 2004

Background—

A causal relation between hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and accelerated atherosclerosis has been established in apolipoprotein E–deficient (apoE
−/−
) mice. Although several cellular stress mechanisms have been proposed to explain the atherogenic effects of HHcy, including oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and inflammation, their association with atherogenesis has not been completely elucidated.

Methods and Results—

ApoE
−/−
mice were fed a control or a high-methionine (HM) diet for 4 (early lesion group) or 18 (advanced lesion group) weeks to induce HHcy. Total plasma homocysteine levels and atherosclerotic lesion size were significantly increased in early and advanced lesion groups fed the HM diet compared with control groups. Markers of ER stress (GRP78/94, phospho-PERK), oxidative stress (HSP70), and inflammation (phospho-IκB-α) were assessed by immunohistochemical staining of these atherosclerotic lesions. GRP78/94, HSP70, and phospho-IκB-α immunostaining were significantly increased in the advanced lesion group fed the HM diet compared with the control group. HSP47, an ER-resident molecular chaperone involved in collagen folding and secretion, was also increased in advanced lesions of mice fed the HM diet. GRP78/94 and HSP47 were predominantly localized to the smooth muscle cell–rich fibrous cap, whereas HSP70 and phospho-IκB-α were observed in the lipid-rich necrotic core. Increased HSP70 and phospho-IκB-α immunostaining in advanced lesions of mice fed the HM diet are consistent with enhanced carotid artery dihydroethidium staining. Interestingly, GRP78/94 and phospho-PERK were markedly increased in macrophage foam cells from early lesions of mice fed the control or the HM diet.

Conclusions—

Multiple cellular stress pathways, including ER stress, are associated with atherosclerotic lesion development in apoE
−/−
mice.
Ideology and Juridical Discourse in Ottoman Egypt: the Uses of the Concept Of Irsãd
Authors: Cuno Kenneth
Published: June 2004

The notables of Ottoman Egypt were in part a rentier class: one which collected "rents" by holding (and exchanging and inheriting) tax farms, waqf-funded offices, and soldiers' wages and rations. Often the imperial government's efforts to reassert control over these offices and revenues took the form of cutting off the payment of soldiers' wages to "children and dependents." Yet a threat to rescind some of these "rents" was understood as a threat to the entire rentier class, and evoked a vigorous response from the 'ulamā'. Their juridical arguments in defense of the status quo made use of the legal concept of irsād (sultanic waqf). Irsāds, which began to be established in the sixth/twelfth century, were endowments of state revenue land by the rulers in support of religious and public works. This essay, based on literary and legal sources, manuscript and printed, traces the history of the concept of irsād from its origin to the Ottoman era, and shows how, in Ottoman Egypt, it was used to justify the political and economic position of the notables.
The Anatomy of Justice: Forensic Medicine and Criminal Law In Nineteenth-century Egypt
Authors: Fahmy Khaled
Published: June 2004

The reform of the Egyptian criminal justice system in the nineteenth century traditionally has been viewed as forming an important step in the establishment of a liberal and just rule of law. By studying how forensic medicine was introduced into nineteenth-century Egypt, I argue that the need to exercise better control over the population and to monitor crime lay behind the reform process as much as liberal ideas borrowed from Europe did. Drawing on a wide range of archival material, both legal and medical, I analyze the role played by autopsy in the criminal system and argue that the practice of autopsy was viewed differentially by 'ulamā', by Arabic-speaking, French-educated doctors and by the mostly illiterate masses. And contrary to the common wisdom, I conclude that the "modernization" of the Egyptian legal system was intended not to displace the sharīa but to support it.
Coin Frequencies in Sixth and Seventh Century Palestine and Arabia: Social and Economic Implications
Authors: Walmsley Alan
Published: June 2004

Large scale excavations at the ancient urban sites of Pella and Jarash (Gerasa) in Jordan have produced a statistically viable body of data on coin supply and circulation in Byzantine and early Islamic Palestine and Arabia. A comparison of the copper coins (folles and fractions) recovered at these sites reveals consistent trends, notably a major increase in supply during the reigns of Justin I and especially Justin II. After Justin II (d. 578) there is a marked decline in the supply and circulation of copper coins, even taking into account ß uctuating production levels and quality of folles in the later sixth and seventh centuries. The presence of a greater number of mints suggests no major consignments but only the local circulation of coins. A minor improvement in coinage levels at Pella in the late sixth to early seventh century may re ß ect the growing local strategic importance of the town. Support for this explanation can be seen in the expansion of Pella's Byzantine fort and, soon after, the important battle between the Islamic and Byzantine armies in 635.
Holy Book — a Treasury of the Incomprehensible. The Invention of Writing and Religious Cognition
Authors: Pyysiäinen Ilkka
Published: June 2004

This paper provides a theoretical discussion of the role the introduction of writing plays in the development of religious conceptual systems. It is argued that the writing down of religious traditions makes the transmission of radically counter-intuitive ideas possible, and that the formation of Canons introduces the distinction between a foundational text and its philosophical commentary. Defending the foundational role of the sacred texts by rational argumentation either leads to endless regression of arguments, or to circular reasoning and paradoxes. To accept this as natural, would deprive sacred texts of their special status as the foundation. In religions, this deadlock is used to illustrate the limits of human reasoning powers and, by the same token, to prove that there must be an ultimate reality which can only be accessed through "revelation", "enlightenment", and the like.
Pathogenicity of Meloidogyne spp. (Tylenchida: Meloidogynidae) isolates from Central America and Brazil on four genotypes of Coffea arabica
Authors: Hernandez Adan , Fargette Mireille , Sarah Jean-Louis
Published: June 2004

Fifteen isolates of Meloidogyne spp. collected from coffee plantations in
every country in Central America, with one isolate from Brazil, were
inoculated on two common cultivars (Catuai and Sarchimor) and two wild
genotypes from Ethiopia (ET15 and ET28) of coffee (Coffea arabica) under
controlled conditions. These isolates displayed a wide range of
pathogenicity on the different varieties. Meloidogyne sp. 2 isolate esterase
'VS1S1' from Guatemala, was unable to multiply on any cultivar. All other
isolates multiplied on cv. Catuai. The Meloidogyne incognita isolate from
Brazil did not multiply on cv. Sarchimor or genotype ET28. Four Meloidogyne
sp. 1 (esterase 'F1') isolates from Guatemala multiplied at relatively low
rates on cv. Sarchimor, but did not multiply on genotypes ET15 and ET28.
Meloidogyne arenaria and Meloidogyne sp. 3 (displaying the new esterase
phenotype 'M1F1a'), both from El Salvador, multiplied at a high rate on cv.
Sarchimor; M. arenaria multiplied at a low rate on genotype ET15, but did
not multiply on genotype ET28. Meloidogyne sp. 3 multiplied at a low rate on
genotype ET28. Meloidogyne sp. 4 from El Salvador (esterase 'Sa4')
multiplied at a high rate on genotype ET15. The M. arabicida isolate from
Costa Rica did not multiply at all on genotype ET15. All isolates of
Meloidogyne exigua multiplied on cv. Sarchimor as well as on both Ethiopian
genotypes. This new information highlights the great parasitic diversity of
root-knot nematodes parasitising coffee in Central America, a diversity
which must be taken into account when developing integrated pest management
strategies and breeding for resistance to nematodes.
Characterisation of Meloidogyne spp. (Tylenchida: Meloidogynidae) from coffee plantations in Central America and Brazil
Authors: Hernandez Adan , Fargette Mireille , Sarah And Jean-Louis
Published: June 2004

Isozymes (Esterases, MDH, SOD, GOT) and perineal patterns were studied in 29
isolates of Meloidogyne spp. collected on coffee (Coffea arabica)
plantations in four Central American countries and on one isolate collected
in Brazil. Five species were clearly diagnosed and six new multi-enzyme
phenotypes were also revealed corresponding to within-species diversity or
possible new species. Meloidogyne exigua was found in Costa Rica, Nicaragua
and Honduras, M. arenaria in El Salvador and M. incognita ('M1a' esterase
phenotype) in Brazil. Meloidogyne arabicida was found in Costa Rica and has
a new esterase phenotype, 'M1F1b'. Nematodes with the 'F1' esterase
phenotype were found in Guatemala and their specific status is discussed.
Two isolates from El Salvador displayed unknown esterase phenotypes ('M1F1a'
and 'Sa4'). One isolate from northern Guatemala was clearly identified as
Meloidogyne hapla and another from the same area was related to M.
enterolobii or M. mayaguensis. Neither of these latter isolates was able to
develop in coffee roots under our growing conditions. The diversity of
root-knot nematodes parasitising coffee roots in this region is
discussed.
Infection of plant-parasitic nematodes by nematophagous fungi – a review of the application of molecular biology to understand infection processes and to improve biological control
Authors: Morton Oliver , Hirsch Penny , Kerry Brian
Published: June 2004

Environmental concerns over conventional nematicides have led to increasing interest in the use of biological control agents to control plant-parasitic nematodes. The development of nematophagous fungi as biological control agents has revealed a need for further understanding of their infection processes. The egg-parasitic fungi, Pochonia chlamydosporia and Paecilomyces lilacinus, and the nematode trapping fungus, Arthrobotrys oligospora, have received the most attention. Through the application of biochemistry and molecular biology, aspects of their infection processes have been elucidated. This has involved the characterisation of enzymes that aid penetration of the eggshell or the nematode body wall and the identification of nematicidal toxins. This growing understanding of the biology of infection is opening new avenues in the improvement of fungi as biological control agents.
Heterorhabditis mexicana n. sp. (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) from Tamaulipas, Mexico, and morphological studies of the bursa of Heterorhabditis spp.
Authors: Nguyen Khuong , Sharpiro-Ilan David , Stuart Robin , McCoy Clay , James Rosalind , Adams Byron
Published: June 2004

A new species of nematode in the genus Heterorhabditis was found in the
northern part of the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Morphological and
molecular data indicate that this nematode is a new species. The new species
is described as Heterorhabditis mexicana n. sp. and is a sister taxon to H.
indica. Heterorhabditis mexicana n. sp. is morphologically similar to H.
bacteriophora, H. brevicaudis and H. indica and can be distinguished from
these species mainly by male and female characters. Of the examined
specimens of H. mexicana n. sp., 70% of males have eight pairs of bursal
papillae, compared to nine in all other species. The ratio of the
gubernaculum to spicule length (GS ratio) is higher than that of H.
bacteriophora, H. brevicaudis and H. indica and the length of the spicule
relative to anal body width (SW) is lower than all other species. For
females, the vulval form of the new species is quite different from that of
those species with a similar morphology (i. e ., H. bacteriophora and H.
indica) and more closely resembles that of H. zealandica. The new species
can also be distinguished from H. megidis, H. zealandica and H. marelatus by
the body length, pharynx length of the infective juvenile and D% (distance
from anterior end/pharynx length × 100), GS and SW ratios of males. In the
ITS region of the rDNA tandem repeating unit, H. mexicana n. sp. has evolved
13 autapomorphic nucleotide character states, differing from its sister
taxon H. indica at 113 aligned positions. The morphological and molecular
data are sufficient to identify cladogenesis and delimit H. mexicana n. sp.
as evolving independently from the other members of the genus.
The Limits of International Adjudication in International Environmental Law: Another Perspective on the Southern Bluefin Tuna Case
Authors: Stephens Tim
Published: June 2004

The Southern Bluefin Tuna case has provoked extensive commentary examining the implications of the litigation for the settlement of controversies involving the dispute settlement mechanisms of multiple treaties. However the case has a much broader significance. Drawing upon an analysis of the impact of the litigation on the Commission for the Conservation of SBT, this article explores the role of international adjudication in securing positive environmental outcomes. The case illustrates the significance of provisional measures in responding to environmental threats. However, judicial settlement is subject to several major limitations: generally it is reactive, can only involve a few parties and can only deal with a limited set of legal questions. More fundamentally, the effectiveness of international courts or arbitral panels may be constrained by the nature of environmental instruments themselves, which often lack precision in terms of objective rules of conduct and are often deeply ambivalent in terms of their objects and purposes.
The Nigerian Territorial Waters Legislation and the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention
Authors: Egede Edwin
Published: June 2004

Nigeria is a coastal state located strategically on the West Coast of Africa in the Gulf of Guinea. After gaining independence in 1960 it enacted legislation in 1967 on its territorial waters, which has been amended twice, in 1971 and 1998. After participating in the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III) it became a party to the 1982 Convention on 14 August 1986. This article examines the laws governing the Nigerian territorial waters vis-à-vis the LOSC provisions on the territorial sea with a view to pinpointing how far these laws are in compliance with the relevant provisions of the LOSC.
The Relationship between the Security Council and Regional Organizations during Enforcement Action under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter
Authors:   de Wet
Published: June 2004

The article explores the extent to which the Security Council has the legal authority to authorize regional (defence) organizations to enforce military measures on its behalf. In the process it identifies Article 53(1) of the Charter, as well as Articles 42 and 48(2) as the clauses that could facilitate such action. Whereas the first enables enforcement action between the regional organization and its members, the latter two allow for the military utilization of regional organizations outside of their territory and/or against non-members, as well as the military utilization of other organizations such as regional defence organizations. Thereafter, it explains how the centralization of the use of force within the Charter structure requires the Security Council to remain in overall control of the authorization. This factor, in combination with the `opt-in' character of Chapter VII decisions, necessitates the explicit and prior nature of the authorization. In addition, it implies that authorizations that are not subjected to an explicit time limit and from which no functional limitation can be derived, will only remain legal as long as they are supported by all five permanent members of the Security Council. The potential implications of these principles are illustrated with reference to the practise of Security Council with respect to ECOWAS in Liberia and Sierra Leone, as well as NATO in former Yugoslavia.
International Humanitarian Law after Kosovo: Is lex lata Sufficient?
Authors:   Bring
Published: June 2004

This article discusses the principles of international humanitarian law in relation to the armed conflict that affected Kosovo and other parts of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in the spring of 1999. Since the armed action of the NATO countries exclusively existed of acts of air warfare, the discussion is focused on targeting and the interpretation of the definition of military objectives. The question is put whether lex lata proved to be satisfactory during the Kosovo crisis, or whether a de lege ferenda discussion is called for in order to achieve a better protection of the civilian population.
Elements of Nordic Practice 2000: The Nordic Countries in Co-Ordination
Authors:   Longva
Published: June 2004

No Abstract
G. Pentassuglia, Defining `Minority' in International Law: A Critical Appraisal
Authors:   Skurbaty
Published: June 2004

No Abstract
Pulse Plasma Nitriding for Plasma Vapour Deposition Coating of High Speed Steels
Authors: Bolton M. , Cockrem J. , Farinotti A.
Published: June 2004

Hard physical vapour deposition (PVD) coatings have extremely desirable properties, tailored to the needs of industrial applications, but sometimes have inadequate frictional properties and frequently fail owing to inadequate support from the steel substrate. Cutting tools are subjected to high subsurface shear stresses and sliding abrasion. Coatings require maximum adhesion onto the substrate and reduced sliding friction and wear coefficients. Optimised pulse plasma nitriding of M2 high speed steel (HSS) prior to PVD processing provides support for the hard coatings and enhances wear resistance. The Eltropuls patented ignition pulse allows stable plasma, minimum heat input, maximum treatable surface, thermal uniformity and minimum energy costs. Pulse plasma nitriding provides optimum surface morphology and composition control within a nitrided case. The inherent high hardness of HSS allows a shallow case to be produced in short nitriding times. Good adhesion is ensured by suppressing compound layer formation. Drilling trials into a 15 mm thick plate of AISI 304 demonstrate that nitriding prior to deposition of TiAlN/VN or C/Cr superlattice PVD coatings significantly increases drill life. SE/502
Industrial Application of Pulsed Dc Bias Power Supplies in Closed Field Unbalanced Magnetron Sputter Ion Plating
Authors: Cooke K.E. , Hampshire J. , Southall W. , Teer D.G.
Published: June 2004

Pulsed dc power supplies are now commonly used in the reactive magnetron deposition of dielectric coatings from conductive or partially conductive sputtering targets. Their advantages, particularly the elimination of arcing and enhanced process stability are well recognised. In comparison, the application of pulsed dc power to the biasing of substrates in ion plating processes has received much less attention. The present study draws on experience with a range of pulsed dc bias supplies in industrial coating equipment, exploiting closed field unbalanced magnetron sputtering technology. Pulsed plasma characteristics have an impact on all stages of the coating process, from initial surface cleaning through to interface formation and the coating of components, requiring the appropriate selection of pulsing parameters. The synergistic interaction of pulsed dc bias, dc and pulsed dc closed field magnetron sources is explored. Practical considerations, such as the processing of thermally sensitive materials and the preservation of critical surface characteristics, are also discussed. SE/517