bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure, Constitution, and General Characteristics of Wrought Ferritic Stainless Steels
Authors: Demo JJ
Published: March 2009

Description

The special technical publication appears as Chapter 6 of Handbook of Stainless Steels published by McGraw-Hill Book Company and is reprinted here by permission. Committee A-1 on Steel, Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys of the American Society for Testing and Materials is the sponsor of this publication.
Gaskets: A Symposium
Authors: Gordon AL , Brown DS
Published: March 2009

Description

The papers in this symposium encompass a broad spectrum of gasket technology. They are indicative of the numerous areas in which expertise has developed. Of particular interest are the presentations dealing with newer types of materials, especially in view of their increasing importance. It is hoped that these papers will help to advance the knowledge in this field by providing useful information and by stimulating creative thought as a basis for future new development.
The Relationship Between Engine Oil Viscosity and Engine Performance
Authors: Lonstrup TF , Bennett PA , McMillan ML , Waddey WE
Published: March 2009

Description

The Joint SAE-ASTM Symposium on "The Relationship of Engine Oil Viscosity to Engine Performance" was presented at the 1977 SAE International Automotive Engineering Congress and Exposition Meeting held in Detroit, Michigan, February 28—March 4.
Dispersive Clays, Related Piping, and Erosion in Geotechnical Projects
Authors: Sherard JL , Decker RS
Published: March 2009

Description

The symposium on Dispersive Clays, Related Piping, and Erosion in Geotechnical Projects was presented at the Seventy-ninth Annual Meeting of the American Society for Testing and Materials held in Chicago, Ill., 27 June - 2 July 1976. Committee D18 on Soil and Rock for Engineering Purposes sponsored the symposium. J. L. Sherard, consulting engineer, and R. S. Decker, Hoskins-Western-Sonderegger, Inc., presided as symposium co-chairmen and editors of this publication.
Nondestructive Testing Standards—A Review
Authors: Berger H
Published: March 2009

Description

Contains 33 papers dealing with nondestructive testing standards both satisfactory and unsatisfactory. Also included are suggestions for future improvements.
Test Methods for Vertebrate Pest Control and Management Materials
Authors: Jackson WB , Marsh RE
Published: March 2009

Description

Presents information on controls for forest and rangeland birds and rodents, commensal rodents, larger mammals, disease control and protection of crops.
Reproducibility and Accuracy of Mechanical Tests
Authors: Holt JM
Published: March 2009

Description

Ten papers discuss test conditions, variables, uncertainties, and other parameters of test procedures.
Developments in Fracture Mechanics Test Methods Standardization
Authors: Brown WF , Kaufman JG
Published: March 2009

Description

Ten papers update methods in field of fracture mechanics tests. Covered are quantitative Characterization of fracture resistance of metallic materials and test development using small specimens for tanking materials' fracture toughness.
Adhesion Measurement of Thin Films, Thick Films, and Bulk Coatings
Authors: Mittal KL
Published: March 2009

Description

Twenty-Five papers review and asses current measurement techniques, define problem areas and galvanize increased interest in developing better and more veritable techniques for adhesion measurement for thin films, thick films, and deposits and coatings.
Oil Field Subsurface Injection of Water
Authors: Wright CC , Cross D , Ostroff AG , Stanford JR
Published: March 2009

Description

The symposium on Oil Field Subsurface Injection of Water was presented at a meeting held in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 17—18 January 1977. The symposium was sponsored by the American Society for Testing and Materials through its Committee D-19 on Water. C. C. Wright, Arabian American Oil Company, Dennis Cross, Aramco, Services Company, A. G. Ostroff, Mobil Research and Development Corp., and J. R. Standford, Nalco Chemical Company, presided as symposium cochairmen and coeditors of this publication.
Rail Steels—Developments, Processing, and Use
Authors: Stone DH , Knupp GG
Published: March 2009

Description

The symposium on Rail Steels—Developments, Processing, and Use was presented at a meeting held in Denver, Colo., 17-18 Nov. 1976. The symposium was sponsored by the American Society for Testing and Materials through its Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys. D. H. Stone, Association of American Railroads, and G. G. Knupp, Bethlehem Steel Corporation, presided as symposium chairmen and editors of this publication.
Fractography in Failure Analysis
Authors: Strauss BM , Cullen WH
Published: March 2009

Description

Deals with application of state-of-the-art fractography techniques and interpretations to material failures. Twenty papers cover four broad areas-techniques, environmental effects, fatigue and stress and nonmetals.
Fatigue Testing of Weldments
Authors: Hoeppner DW
Published: March 2009

Description

A state-of-the-art publication discussing the factors that influence fatigue behavior of weldments; fatigue testing of simple elements -- unnotched, notched, and pre-cracked, and fracture mechanics concepts as related to fatigue crack growth behavior of weldments.
Biological Data in Water Pollution Assessment: Quantitative and Statistical Analyses
Authors: Dickson KL , Cairns J , Livingston RJ
Published: March 2009

Description

This publication on Biological Data in Water Pollution Assessment: Quantitative and Statistical Analyses contains papers presented at a symposium held 20-21 June 1977 at Minneapolis, Minnesota. The symposium was sponsored by the American Society for Testing and Materials through its Committee D19 on Water in cooperation with The Center for Environmental Studies at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. K. L. Dickson and John Cairns, Jr., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and R. J. Livingston, Florida State University, served as symposium cochairmen and editors of this publication.
Intergranual Corrosion of Stainless Alloys
Authors: Steigerwald RF
Published: March 2009

Description

This publication, Intergranular Corrosion of Stainless Alloys, contains papers presented at the Symposium on Evaluation Criteria for Determining the Susceptibility of Stainless Steels to Intergranular Corrosion which was held in Toronto, Canada, 2-3 May 1977. The symposium was sponsored by Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel, and Related Alloys and G01 on Corrosion of Metals, American Society for Testing and Materials. R. F. Steigerwald, Climax Molybdenum Company, presided as symposium chairman and editor of this publication.
Thermal Transmission Measurements of Insulation
Authors: Tye RP
Published: March 2009

Description

This publication, Thermal Transmission Measurements of Insulation, contains papers presented at a symposium on Heat Transmission Measurements held in Philadelphia, Pa., 19-20 Sept. 1977. The symposium was sponsored by Committee C16 on Thermal and Cryogenic Insulation Materials of the American Society for Testing and Materials. R. P. Tye, Dynatech R/D Company, presided as symposium chairman and editor of this publication.
Field Description of Coal
Authors: Dutcher RR
Published: March 2009

Description

The Symposium on Field Description of Coal was presented at Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 22—23 Sept. 1976. The symposium was sponsored by ASTM Committee D05 on Coal and Coke. R. R. Dutcher, Southern Illinois University, and Heinz Damburger, Illinois State Geological Survey, presided as symposium co-chairmen. Dutcher served as editor of this publication.
Recycling of Bituminous Pavements
Authors: Wood LE
Published: March 2009

Description

The seven papers in this publication address the problems of evaluating the character of existing bituminous pavement and the techniques involved in using various reclaiming agents.
ASTM Manual on Consumer Sensory Evaluation
Authors: Schaefer EE , Wax J
Published: March 2009

Description

Nine chapters provide an informative guide of consumer sensory evaluation for management and for technical administrators. The book illustrates the guidelines and considerations for testing products to determine performance levels, usage and consumer issues.
Methods and Models for Predicting Fatigue Crack Growth Under Random Loading
Authors: Chang JB , Hudson CM
Published: March 2009

Description

This book describes the procedures used by various analysis groups to predict fatigue-crack growth under random loading. This aspect is important in the design, analysis, and test evaluation of a structure.
Phase Encoding in the Mauthner System: Implications in Left–Right Sound Source Discrimination
Authors: Weiss Shennan A. , Preuss Thomas , Faber Donald S.
Published: March 2009

The paired teleost Mauthner (M)-cells and their associated network serve as an excellent system to study the biophysical basis of decision making. In teleosts, an abrupt sound evokes an M-spike, triggering a C-start escape that is usually directed away from a sound source. The response latency is minimized by electrical synapses between auditory afferents and the M-cell lateral dendrite. Here, we demonstrate that the electrical synapses also mediate phase encoding. Ramped sound pressure waves (150–250 Hz) evoked electrotonic postsynaptic potentials in the M-cell locked to two diametrically opposed phase angles that were frequency dependent but intensity independent. Phase encoding was also evident at the behavioral level underwater, because the stimuli evoked directional C-starts with an onset that was phase locked to the sound wave. In interneurons inhibitory to the M-cell, these same stimuli also evoked phase-locked electrotonic postsynaptic potentials and action potentials. The resulting chemical and electrical (i.e., field effect) inhibitions functioned tonically and phasically, respectively. Phase encoding could be important in underwater sound source localization, which is thought to require a neural computation involving a phase comparison between the pressure and the directional particle motion components of sound. This computation may be implemented by an interplay between phase-dependent afferent excitation and feedforward inhibition that activates the appropriate M-cell and directs the C-start away from the sound source.
Specific Loss of Brain ABCA1 Increases Brain Cholesterol Uptake and Influences Neuronal Structure and Function
Authors: Karasinska Joanna M. , Rinninger Franz , Lütjohann Dieter , Ruddle Piers , Franciosi Sonia , Kruit Janine K. , Singaraja Roshni R. , Hirsch-Reinshagen Veronica , Fan Jianjia , Brunham Liam R. , Bissada Nagat , Ramakrishnan Rajasekhar , Wellington Cheryl L. , Parks John S. , Hayden Michael R.
Published: March 2009

The expression of the cholesterol transporter ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) in the brain and its role in the lipidation of apolipoproteins indicate that ABCA1 may play a critical role in brain cholesterol metabolism. To investigate the role of ABCA1 in brain cholesterol homeostasis and trafficking, we characterized mice that specifically lacked ABCA1 in the CNS, generated using the Cre/loxP recombination system. These mice showed reduced plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels associated with decreased brain cholesterol content and enhanced brain uptake of esterified cholesterol from plasma HDL. Increased levels of HDL receptor SR-BI in brain capillaries and apolipoprotein A-I in brain and CSF of mutant mice were evident. Cholesterol homeostasis changes were mirrored by disturbances in motor activity and sensorimotor function. Changes in synaptic ultrastructure including reduced synapse and synaptic vesicle numbers were observed. These data show that ABCA1 is a key regulator of brain cholesterol metabolism and that disturbances in cholesterol transport in the CNS are associated with structural and functional deficits in neurons. Moreover, our findings also demonstrate that specific changes in brain cholesterol metabolism can lead to alterations in cholesterol uptake from plasma to brain.
Macrophage-Mediated Degradation of β-Amyloid via an Apolipoprotein E Isoform-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Zhao Lingzhi , Lin Suizhen , Bales Kelly R. , Gelfanova Valentina , Koger Deanna , DeLong Cynthia , Hale John , Liu Feng , Hunter Jesse M. , Paul Steven M.
Published: March 2009

Recent studies suggest that bone marrow-derived macrophages can effectively reduce β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition in brain. To further elucidate the mechanisms by which macrophages degrade Aβ, we cultured murine macrophages on top of Aβ plaque-bearing brain sections from transgenic mice expressing PDAPP [human amyloid precursor protein (APP) with the APP717V>Fmutation driven by the platelet-derived growth factor promoter]. Using thisex vivoassay, we found that macrophages from wild-type mice very efficiently degrade both soluble and insoluble Aβ in a time-dependent manner and markedly eliminate thioflavine-S positive amyloid deposits. Because macrophages express and secrete apolipoprotein E (apoE), we compared the efficiency of Aβ degradation by macrophages prepared from apoE-deficient mice or mice expressing human apoE2, apoE3, or apoE4. Macrophages expressing apoE2 were more efficient at degrading Aβ than apoE3-expressing, apoE4-expressing, or apoE-deficient macrophages. Moreover, macrophage-induced degradation of Aβ was effectively blocked by an anti-apoE antibody and receptor-associated protein, an antagonist of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family, suggesting involvement of LDL receptors. Measurement of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity in the media from human apoE-expressing macrophages cocultured with Aβ-containing brain sections revealed greater levels of MMP-9 activity in apoE2-expressing than in either apoE3- or apoE4-expressing macrophages. Differences in MMP-9 activity appear to contribute to the isoform-specific differences in Aβ degradation by macrophages. These apoE isoform-dependent effects of macrophages on Aβ degradation suggest a novel “peripheral” mechanism for Aβ clearance from brain that may also, in part, explain the isoform-dependent effects of apoE in determining the genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease.
The Cause of the Imbalance in the Neuronal Network Leading to Seizure Activity Can Be Predicted by the Electrographic Pattern of the Seizure Onset
Authors: Bragin Anatol , Azizyan Avetis , Almajano Joyel , Engel Jerome
Published: March 2009

This study investigates the temporal dynamics of ictal electrical activity induced by injection of the GABAAreceptor antagonist bicuculline, and the glutamate agonist kainic acid, into the CA3 area of hippocampus. Experiments were conducted in freely moving adult Wistar rats implanted with microelectrodes in multiple brain areas. Wide-band electrical activity (0.1–3000 Hz) was recorded, and the latency of seizure onset as well as the pattern of electrical activity were investigated for each drug. The latencies between injection and the occurrence of first epileptiform events were 3.93 ± 2.76 (±STD) min for bicuculline and 6.37 ± 7.66 min for kainic acid, suggesting the existence of powerful seizure-suppressive mechanisms in the brain. Bicuculline evoked high-amplitude rhythmic epileptiform events at the site of injection which resembled interictal EEG spikes and rapidly propagated to adjacent and remote brain areas. Kainic acid evoked a completely different pattern with a gradual increase in the amplitude of 30–80 Hz activity. Whereas there was strong temporal correlation between EEG events at the site of bicuculline injection and discharges in distant areas, much less correlation was seen with kainic acid injection. Both patterns were followed by generalized ictal EEG discharges and behavioral seizures. Our results illustrate that the same area of the brain can trigger seizures with different electrographic patterns. The knowledge of the network mechanisms underlying these two distinct electrographic patterns might be helpful in designing differential strategies for preventing seizure occurrence.
Environmental Enrichment Restores Memory Functioning in Mice with Impaired IL-1 Signaling via Reinstatement of Long-Term Potentiation and Spine Size Enlargement
Authors: Goshen Inbal , Avital Avi , Kreisel Tirzah , Licht Tamar , Segal Menahem , Yirmiya Raz
Published: March 2009

Environmental enrichment (EE) was found to facilitate memory functioning and neural plasticity in normal and neurologically impaired animals. However, the ability of this manipulation to rescue memory and its biological substrate in animals with specific genetically based deficits in these functions has not been extensively studied. In the present study, we investigated the effects of EE in two mouse models of impaired memory functioning and plasticity. Previous research demonstrated that mice with a deletion of the receptor for the cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1rKO), and mice with CNS-specific transgenic over-expression of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1raTG) display impaired hippocampal memory and long-term potentiation (LTP). We report here a corrective effect of EE on spatial and contextual memory in IL-1rKO and IL-1raTG mice and reveal two mechanisms for this beneficial effect: Concomitantly with their disturbed memory functioning, LTP in IL-1rKO mice that were raised in a regular environment is impaired, and their dendritic spine size is reduced. Both of these impairments were corrected by environmental enrichment. No deficiencies in neurogenesis or hippocampal BDNF and vascular endothelial growth factor secretion were found in IL-1rKO mice that were raised in a regular environment, and both of these variables were increased to a similar degree in enriched IL-1rKO and wild-type mice. These findings suggest that exposure to an enriched environment may be beneficial for individuals with impaired learning and memory related to genetic impairments of IL-1 signaling (and possibly other genetic causes), by reversing impairments in dentate gyrus LTP and spine size and by promoting neurogenesis and trophic factors secretion.
Reverse Signaling by Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-LinkedManducaEphrin Requires a Src Family Kinase to Restrict Neuronal MigrationIn Vivo
Authors: Coate Thomas M. , Swanson Tracy L. , Copenhaver Philip F.
Published: March 2009

Reverse signaling via glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked Ephrins may help control cell proliferation and outgrowth within the nervous system, but the mechanisms underlying this process remain poorly understood. In the embryonic enteric nervous system (ENS) of the mothManduca sexta, migratory neurons forming the enteric plexus (EP cells) express a single Ephrin ligand (GPI-linked MsEphrin), whereas adjacent midline cells that are inhibitory to migration express the cognate receptor (MsEph). Knocking down MsEph receptor expression in cultured embryos with antisense morpholino oligonucleotides allowed the EP cells to cross the midline inappropriately, consistent with the model that reverse signaling via MsEphrin mediates a repulsive response in the ENS. Src family kinases have been implicated in reverse signaling by type-A Ephrins in other contexts, and MsEphrin colocalizes with activated forms of endogenous Src in the leading processes of the EP cells. Pharmacological inhibition of Src within the developing ENS induced aberrant midline crossovers, similar to the effect of blocking MsEphrin reverse signaling. Hyperstimulating MsEphrin reverse signaling with MsEph-Fc fusion proteins induced the rapid activation of endogenous Src specifically within the EP cells, as assayed by Western blots of single embryonic gut explants and by whole-mount immunostaining of cultured embryos. In longer cultures, treatment with MsEph-Fc caused a global inhibition of EP cell migration and outgrowth, an effect that was prevented by inhibiting Src activation. These results support the model that MsEphrin reverse signaling induces the Src-dependent retraction of EP cell processes away from the enteric midline, thereby helping to confine the neurons to their appropriate pathways.
Specificity and Sufficiency of EphB1 in Driving the Ipsilateral Retinal Projection
Authors: Petros Timothy J. , Shrestha Brikha R. , Mason Carol
Published: March 2009

At the optic chiasm, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons make the decision to either avoid or traverse the midline, a maneuver that establishes the binocular pathways. In mice, the ipsilateral retinal projection arises from RGCs in the peripheral ventrotemporal (VT) crescent of the retina. These RGCs express the guidance receptor EphB1, which interacts with ephrin-B2 on radial glia cells at the optic chiasm to repulse VT axons away from the midline and into the ipsilateral optic tract. However, because VT RGCs express more than one EphB receptor, the sufficiency and specificity of the EphB1 receptor in directing the ipsilateral projection is unclear. In this study, we usein uteroretinal electroporation to demonstrate that ectopic EphB1 expression can redirect RGCs with a normally crossed projection to an ipsilateral trajectory. Moreover, EphB1 is specifically required for rerouting RGC projections ipsilaterally, because introduction of the highly similar EphB2 receptor is much less efficient in redirecting RGC fibers, even when expressed at higher surface levels. Introduction of EphB1–EphB2 chimeric receptors into RGCs reveals that both extracellular and juxtamembrane domains of EphB1 are required to efficiently convert RGC projections ipsilaterally. Together, these data describe for the first time functional differences between two highly similar Eph receptors at a decision pointin vivo, with EphB1 displaying unique properties that efficiently drives the uncrossed retinal projection.
Nuclear Factor κB Signaling Regulates Neuronal Morphology and Cocaine Reward
Authors: Russo Scott J. , Wilkinson Matthew B. , Mazei-Robison Michelle S. , Dietz David M. , Maze Ian , Krishnan Vaishnav , Renthal William , Graham Ami , Birnbaum Shari G. , Green Thomas A. , Robison Bruce , Lesselyong Alan , Perrotti Linda I. , Bolaños Carlos A. , Kumar Arvind , Clark Michael S. , Neumaier John F. , Neve Rachael L. , Bhakar Asha L. , Barker Philip A. , Nestler Eric J.
Published: March 2009

Although chronic cocaine-induced changes in dendritic spines on nucleus accumbens (NAc) neurons have been correlated with behavioral sensitization, the molecular pathways governing these structural changes, and their resulting behavioral effects, are poorly understood. The transcription factor, nuclear factor κ B (NFκB), is rapidly activated by diverse stimuli and regulates expression of many genes known to maintain cell structure. Therefore, we evaluated the role of NFκB in regulating cocaine-induced dendritic spine changes on medium spiny neurons of the NAc and the rewarding effects of cocaine. We show that chronic cocaine induces NFκB-dependent transcription in the NAc of NFκB-Lac transgenic mice. This induction of NFκB activity is accompanied by increased expression of several NFκB genes, the promoters of which show chromatin modifications after chronic cocaine exposure consistent with their transcriptional activation. To study the functional significance of this induction, we used viral-mediated gene transfer to express either a constitutively active or dominant-negative mutant of Inhibitor of κ B kinase (IKKca or IKKdn), which normally activates NFκB signaling, in the NAc. We found that activation of NFκB by IKKca increases the number of dendritic spines on NAc neurons, whereas inhibition of NFκB by IKKdn decreases basal dendritic spine number and blocks the increase in dendritic spines after chronic cocaine. Moreover, inhibition of NFκB blocks the rewarding effects of cocaine and the ability of previous cocaine exposure to increase an animal's preference for cocaine. Together, these studies establish a direct role for NFκB pathways in the NAc to regulate structural and behavioral plasticity to cocaine.
Music Rehearsal Increases the Perceptual Span for Notation
Authors: Burman Douglas D. , Booth James R.
Published: March 2009

DESPITE EVIDENCE FOR IMPROVED VISUAL PROCESSING of the printed score among skilled musicians, the effect of music rehearsal on the effective visual field ("perceptual span") for a musical score has never been directly examined. Following 1–20 rehearsals, 11 skilled and 10 less skilled adult musicians reported whether a variant note appeared within a melodic sequence of 3–18 notes, presented onscreen for 200 ms in a tachistoscopic task designed to evaluate the perceptual span. Initially, skilled musicians showed a slightly larger perceptual span for challenging passages (5 notes vs. 4 notes for less skilled musicians). Perceptual spans increased incrementally in both groups, but skill differences in span size disappeared by 20 rehearsals (span of 11 notes). A correlation between improvements in visual perceptual span and performance speed suggests that perceptual learning could underlie early improvements in performance during music rehearsals.
The Role of Listening Expertise, Attention, and Musical Style in the Perception of Clash of Keys
Authors: Kopiez Reinhard , Platz Friedrich
Published: March 2009

THIS EXPLORATIVE STUDY INVESTIGATES THE PERCEPTION of clash of keys in music. It is a replication and extension of an earlier study by Wolpert (2000) on the perception of a harmonic (bitonal) manipulation of a melody and accompaniment. We investigated (a) how reliable results were, (b) how results would change if listeners' attention changed from nondirected (NDL) to directed listening (DL), and (c) whether the perception of clash of keys is influenced by the musical style of the particular composition. Participants included 101 expert listeners and 147 nonexpert listeners who evaluated music of four different styles in two versions each (original and with a pitch difference of 200 cents between melody and accompaniment). On the whole, expert listeners noticed the clash of keys significantly more often than did nonexperts (NDL: 49.30% vs. 9.30%; DL: 78.00% vs. 46.90%). For NDL, the perception of clash of keys differed between musical styles and decreased from classical to rock 'n' roll and from pop to jazz. Differences in responses are mainly explained by acculturation effects (listening expertise, attention, musical style, and familiarity with the particular piece).
Music and Motion—How Music-Related Ancillary Body Movements Contribute to the Experience of Music
Authors: Nusseck Manfred , Wanderley Marcelo M.
Published: March 2009

EXPRESSIVE PERFORMER MOVEMENTS IN MUSICAL performances represent implied levels of communication and can contain certain characteristics and meanings of embodied human expressivity. This study investigated the contribution of ancillary body movements on the perception of musical performances. Using kinematic displays of four clarinetists, perceptual experiments were conducted in which participants were asked to rate specific music-related dimensions of the performance and the performer. Additionally, motions of particular body parts, such as movements of the arms and torso, as well as motion amplitudes of the whole body were manipulated in the kinematic display. It was found that manipulations of arm and torso movements have fewer effects on the observers' ratings of the musicians than manipulations concerning the movement of the whole body. The results suggest that the multimodal experience of musicians is less dependent on the players' particular body motion behaviors than it is on the players' overall relative motion characteristics.
Probing Attentive and Preattentive Emergent Meter in Adult Listeners without Extensive Music Training
Authors: Ladinig Olivia , Honing Henkjan , Háden Gábor , Winkler István
Published: March 2009

BEAT AND METER INDUCTION ARE CONSIDERED important structuring mechanisms underlying the perception of rhythm. Meter comprises two or more levels of hierarchically ordered regular beats with different periodicities. When listening to music, adult listeners weight events within a measure in a hierarchical manner. We tested if listeners without advanced music training form such hierarchical representations for a rhythmical sound sequence under different attention conditions (Attend, Unattend, and Passive). Participants detected occasional weakly and strongly syncopated rhythmic patterns within the context of a strictly metrical rhythmical sound sequence. Detection performance was better and faster when syncopation occurred in a metrically strong as compared to a metrically weaker position. Compatible electrophysiological differences (earlier and higher-amplitude MMN responses) were obtained when participants did not attend the rhythmical sound sequences. These data indicate that hierarchical representations for rhythmical sound sequences are formed preattentively in the human auditory system.
Resistance Gene Replacement in the Mosquito Culex pipiens: Fitness Estimation From Long-Term Cline Series
Authors: Labbé Pierrick , Sidos Nicolas , Raymond Michel , Lenormand Thomas
Published: March 2009

How adaptation appears and is later refined by natural selection has been the object of intense theoretical work. However, the testing of these theories is limited by our ability to estimate the strength of natural selection in nature. Using a long-term cline series, we estimate the selection coefficients acting on different alleles at the same locus to analyze the allele replacement observed in the insecticide resistance gene Ester in the mosquito Culex pipiens in the Montpellier area, southern France. Our method allows us to accurately account for the resistance allele replacement observed in this area since 1986. A first resistance allele appeared early, which was replaced by a second resistance allele providing the same advantage but at a lower cost, itself being replaced by a third resistance allele with both higher advantage and cost. It shows that amelioration of the adaptation (here resistance to insecticide) through allele replacement was successively achieved by selection of first a generalist allele (i.e., with a low fitness variance across environments) and later a specialist allele (i.e., with a large fitness variance across environments). More generally, we discuss how precise estimates of the strength of selection obtained from field data help us understand the process of amelioration of adaptation.
Predicting Quantitative Traits With Regression Models for Dense Molecular Markers and Pedigree
Authors: de los Campos Gustavo , Naya Hugo , Gianola Daniel , Crossa José , Legarra Andrés , Manfredi Eduardo , Weigel Kent , Cotes José Miguel
Published: March 2009

The availability of genomewide dense markers brings opportunities and challenges to breeding programs. An important question concerns the ways in which dense markers and pedigrees, together with phenotypic records, should be used to arrive at predictions of genetic values for complex traits. If a large number of markers are included in a regression model, marker-specific shrinkage of regression coefficients may be needed. For this reason, the Bayesian least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) (BL) appears to be an interesting approach for fitting marker effects in a regression model. This article adapts the BL to arrive at a regression model where markers, pedigrees, and covariates other than markers are considered jointly. Connections between BL and other marker-based regression models are discussed, and the sensitivity of BL with respect to the choice of prior distributions assigned to key parameters is evaluated using simulation. The proposed model was fitted to two data sets from wheat and mouse populations, and evaluated using cross-validation methods. Results indicate that inclusion of markers in the regression further improved the predictive ability of models. An R program that implements the proposed model is freely available.
A Proximal Centriole-Like Structure Is Present in Drosophila Spermatids and Can Serve as a Model to Study Centriole Duplication
Authors: Blachon Stephanie , Cai Xuyu , Roberts Kela A , Yang Kevin , Polyanovsky Andrey , Church Allen , Avidor-Reiss Tomer
Published: March 2009

Most animals have two centrioles in spermatids (the distal and proximal centrioles), but insect spermatids seem to contain only one centriole (Fuller 1993), which functionally resembles the distal centriole. Using fluorescent centriolar markers, we identified a structure near the fly distal centriole that is reminiscent of a proximal centriole (i.e., proximal centriole-like, or PCL). We show that the PCL exhibits several features of daughter centrioles. First, a single PCL forms near the proximal segment of the older centriole. Second, the centriolar proteins SAS-6, Ana1, and Bld10p/Cep135 are in the PCL. Third, PCL formation depends on SAK/PLK4 and SAS-6. Using a genetic screen for PCL defect, we identified a mutation in the gene encoding the conserved centriolar protein POC1, which is part of the daughter centriole initiation site (Kilburn  et al. 2007) in Tetrahymena. We conclude that the PCL resembles an early intermediate structure of a forming centriole, which may explain why no typical centriolar structure is observed under electron microscopy. We propose that, during the evolution of insects, the proximal centriole was simplified by eliminating the later steps in centriole assembly. The PCL may provide a unique model to study early steps of centriole formation.
Mood disorders in patients with chronic kidney disease: Significance, etiology and prevalence of depression
Authors: Szeifert Lilla , Adorjáni Gertrúd , Zalai Dóra , Novák Márta
Published: March 2009

A végstádiumú vesebetegségben szenvedő betegek növekvő száma és az ellátásukra fordított magas költségek miatt a betegség minden olyan aspektusa nagy figyelmet érdemel, amely jelentősen befolyásolja a betegek életminőségét, mortalitását és amelyek befolyásolása, kezelése a klinikai kimenetel javulását eredményezheti. Mára általánosan elfogadottá vált, hogy a szomatikus tényezők mellett számos pszichés és szociális faktor, köztük a depresszió is hatással lehet a krónikus betegségek klinikai kimenetelére. Bár a depresszió az egyik leggyakoribb pszichés probléma krónikus vesebetegek körében, mégis kevés a depresszió előfordulását, diagnosztikáját, kezelését vizsgáló, megfelelő diagnosztikus kritériumokat alkalmazó, jól strukturált, nagy betegszámú vizsgálat. A vesepótló kezelési lehetőségek az elmúlt évtizedekben igen sokat fejlődtek, de a krónikus vesebetegségben szenvedők mortalitása változatlanul rendkívül magas. Jelen közleményünkben áttekintjük a depresszió gyakoriságát és etiológiai tényezőit leíró irodalmat, továbbá kitérünk a depresszió, az életminőség és a mortalitás kapcsolatára. Összefoglalónk később megjelenő második részében írunk a depresszió diagnosztikus és terápiás sajátosságairól krónikus vesebetegek körében.
Efeitos da precipitação pluvial e da temperatura sobre o desenvolvimento de Aceria mangiferae Sayed, 1946 (Acarina: eriophyidae) como praga da mangueira (Mangifera indica L.) no estado de São Paulo
Authors: Reis Paulo Rebelles , Pereira Antônio Roberto , Parra José Roberto Postali
Published: March 2009

A ocorrência do ácaro Aceria mangiferae Sayed, 1946 (Acarina: Eriophyidae) no Estado de São Paulo foi conhecida em 1967. Há interesse em conhecer as possibilidades de esse eriofiídio tornar-se uma praga séria das mangueiras, como acontece na Índia. Uma análise macroclimática, feita em termos de normais climatológicas, comparativa entre regiões produtoras de manga da Índia (Ludhiana) e de Ribeirão Preto, no Estado de São Paulo, indica que as condições dessa localidade não são normalmente favoráveis ao desenvolvimento de A. mangiferae como praga. Surtos epidêmicos esporádicos poderão, porém, ser esperados quando a estação mais quente for anormalmente seca. Um estudo da dinâmica populacional, realizado em Campinas, São Paulo, em 1970, mostrou que a população de A. mangiferae fica reduzida, quer pela umidade elevada (alta precipitação de verão), quer pela baixa temperatura do inverno (inferior a 10°C). Os meses de julho e agosto desse ano foram secos, 28 dias sem chuvas, e o último apresentou temperaturas mínimas inferiores a 10°C, o que condicionou baixa população do ácaro nesse período. O número de dias chuvosos parece ser mais importante que o total de precipitação, para a redução da população do ácaro. Um período de 6-7 dias sem precipitação e com temperaturas favoráveis condiciona um aumento da população de A. mangiferae nas gemas das mangueiras.
Influência do período de armazenamento do caupi [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], tratado com óleos essenciais e fixos, no controle de Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius, 1775) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae)
Authors: Pereira Adriana Carla Ribeiro Lopes , Oliveira José Vargas de , Gondim Junior Manoel Guedes Corrêa , Câmara Cláudio Augusto Gomes da
Published: March 2009

Compostos secundários obtidos de plantas podem ser utilizados no controle de Callosobruchus maculatus, como uma tática alternativa potencial aos inseticidas sintéticos. Foram testados óleos essenciais (Cymbopogon martini Roxb., Piper aduncum L., Piper hispidinervum C.DC., Melaleuca sp., Lippia gracillis Shau) e fixos (Helianthus annus L., Sesamum indicum L., Gossypium hirsutum L., Glycine max L. e Caryocar brasiliense Camb.), na concentração de 50µl/20g, de acordo com estudos anteriores. Grãos de caupi, cv. Sempre Verde, foram impregnados com os óleos, em recipientes de vidro e submetidos à agitação manual por dois minutos. Cada parcela de 20g foi infestada com oito fêmeas de C. maculatus com 0 a 48h de idade, durante quatro dias. Os óleos foram avaliados logo após a impregnação e aos 30, 60, 90 e 120 dias de armazenamento. Na primeira avaliação, todos os óleos essenciais provocaram 100% de mortalidade e para os óleos fixos, a mortalidade variou entre 35% (G. hirsutum) e 67,5% (G. max). Com o prolongamento do período de armazenamento, houve um aumento do número de ovos viáveis e de insetos emergidos, exceto para P. aduncum. Em relação aos óleos fixos, S. indicum, G. max, G. hirsutum e C. brasiliense foram os mais eficientes até os 30 dias de armazenamento. Os resultados indicam que os óleos testados na concentração de 50µl/20g apresentam baixo efeito residual, com exceção de P. aduncum, que foi efetivo durante todo o período de armazenamento.
Identification of multiple dmrt1s in catfish: localization, dimorphic expression pattern, changes during testicular cycle and after methyltestosterone treatment
Authors: Raghuveer K , Senthilkumaran B
Published: March 2009

The double sex and mab-3 related (DM) transcription factor 1 (dmrt1) plays an important role in testicular differentiation. Here, we report cloning of multiple dmrt1s, a full-length and two alternative spliced forms from adult catfish (Clarias gariepinus) testis, which encode predicted proteins of 287 (dmrt1a), 253 (dmrt1b) and 233 (dmrt1c) amino acid residues respectively. Interestingly, dmrt1c lacks the majority of the DM domain. Multiple dmrt1s (dmrt1a and dmrt1c) were obtained from Clarias batrachus as well. Tissue distribution (transcript and protein) of catfish dmrt1 revealed exclusive expression in testis. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed the presence of multiple dmrt1s with high levels of dmrt1a in adult testis but not in ovary. Real-time RT-PCR analysis during testicular cycle showed higher levels of dmrt1 transcripts in preparatory and pre-spawning when compared with spawning and post-spawning phases. Immunocytochemical and immunofluorescence localization revealed the presence of catfish Dmrt1 protein in spermatogonia and spermatocytes, which indicates plausible role in spermatogenesis. Histological analysis indicated initiation of gonadal sex differentiation in catfish around 40–50 days after hatching. The potential role for dmrt1 in testicular differentiation is evident from its stage-dependent elevated expression in developing testis. Furthermore, dimorphic expressions of dmrt1s were evident at different stages of gonadal development or recrudescence in catfish. Treatment of methyl testosterone (MT) during early stages of gonadal sex differentiation resulted in adult males. Interestingly, we also obtained MT-treated fishes having ova-testis gonads. Analysis of dmrt1, sox9a, foxl2 and cyp19a1 expression patterns in MT-treated gonads revealed tissue-specific pattern. These results together suggest that multiple dmrt1s are testis-specific markers in catfish.
Inner ear pathology and loss of hearing in estrogen receptor-β deficient mice
Authors: Simonoska Rusana , Stenberg Annika E , Duan Maoli , Yakimchuk Konstantin , Fridberger Anders , Sahlin Lena , Gustafsson Jan-Åke , Hultcrantz Malou
Published: March 2009

There are well known differences between males and females in hearing. In the present study, the role of estrogen receptor-β (ER-β; listed as ESR2 in the MGI Database) in hearing was investigated by comparing hearing and morphology of the inner ear in ER-β knock-out mice (ER-β−/−) with that of wild-type (WT) littermates. Hearing was analyzed with auditory brainstem response audiometry at 3 and 12 months. The ER-β−/− mice were deaf at 1 year of age, and the morphological analysis showed absence of hair cells and loss of the whole organ of Corti initiated in the basal turn of the cochlea. Furthermore, in ER-β−/−, but not in WT mice, the spiral ganglion was lacking many of its neurons. Immunostaining showed the presence of both ER-α (listed as ESR1 in the MGI Database) and ER-β in the nuclei of some neurons in the inner ear in WT mice, but no ER-β was found in the ER-β−/− mice as expected. ER-α staining was predominant in the nuclei of large neurons and ER-β in nuclei of small neurons and fibroblasts. These results reveal that both ERs are present in the inner ear at specific localizations suggesting subtype-specific functions. It is concluded that ER-β is important for the prevention of age-related hearing loss. These findings strengthen the hypothesis that estrogen has a direct effect on hearing functions.
Comparing environmental effects of Rance and Severn barrages
Authors: Kirby R. , Retière C.
Published: March 2009

This paper examines the similarities and contrasts between environmental and water quality changes caused by the 1966 tidal power barrage at La Rance in North Brittany, France and those expected to result from construction of a tidal power barrage in the Severn estuary in the UK. Over the 40-year period since the opening of La Rance, a great deal of knowledge has been accumulated concerning the operation of such schemes and the way water quality and ecosystems have altered. Knowledge gained from experiences at Rance is consequently of great benefit in predicting the effects of the proposed Severn barrage. The nature of the changes anticipated in the Severn estuary is thus unambiguous, but whether this would make the estuary better or worse is a matter of perception. As at Rance, it would be different.
Effect of rudder angle on propeller wash velocities at a seabed
Authors: Hamill G. A. , Ryan D. , Johnston H. T.
Published: March 2009

This paper deals with an experimental investigation into the velocity distribution downstream of a propeller, operating at bollard pull conditions and in the presence of a mobile sediment bed. Previous investigations either ignored the effect of a rudder in the wash or considered only its influence on an unconfined jet. The velocity profiles within the jet produced by a rotating propeller with a rudder present were measured at a mobile bed and compared to currently available predictive equations. The velocity distribution profiles in the jet, influenced by bed proximity, were found not to comply with current predictive methods. The velocity distributions measured within the jet were found to be complex and non-symmetrical. To provide a basic velocity predictive tool, a neural network analysis toolbox within Matlab was utilised and trained using the experimental data.
Briefing: UK government's draft marine bill
Authors: Brooke J.
Published: March 2009

In April 2008, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published a draft of the proposed UK marine bill accompanied by a policy paper. This long-awaited bill contains a variety of initiatives which, collectively, are intended to facilitate the making of long-term strategic decisions and to simplify the systems used to manage marine resources. It also contains fishery-management measures and proposals to increase access to the English coast. This briefing article describes the main measures contained in the draft bill. It then summarises the issues raised by ICE and PIANC (the Permanent International Association of Navigation Congresses) in their joint response to Defra's consultation on the draft, before looking ahead towards the publication of the final bill.
Population‐level compensation by an invasive thistle thwarts biological control from seed predators
Authors: Garren Julie M. , Strauss Sharon Y.
Published: March 2009

Pre‐dispersal seed predators are often chosen as biocontrol agents because of their high impacts on plant fitness; however, they have a mixed record in realizing decreased plant population growth. Few studies have experimentally removed agents to explore their impact on weed population growth. Here, we used manipulative experiments with invasive yellow starthistle (YST), Centaurea solstitialis, and its pre‐dispersal seed predator biological control agents, primarily Eustenopus villosus, the hairy weevil, and Chaetorellia succinea, the false peacock fly, to explore how these agents affect population growth of YST. We also use additional seed augmentation experiments to mimic effects of agents on seed inputs across a range of seed and adult plant densities.

We found that biocontrol agents reduced seed production by >70% and that seedling numbers were significantly related to seed inputs. However, several compensatory processes prevented effective population reduction of YST by seed predators. First, self‐thinning reduced seedling numbers such that densities of plants in our agents‐present and agents‐absent treatments converged. Second, plots in which plants started at low density had particularly high population growth rates. In this case, plant plasticity and conservation of final yield, in which a small number of large plants produce as much seed as a large number of smaller plants occupying the same area, also provided avenues where plant populations can compensate for damage. Similarly, seed production on a per‐plot basis was unchanged across a large range of YST densities. Our results suggest that at very low plant densities, biocontrol agents may reduce plant populations; however, other sources of mortality to YST (preferably imposed after self‐thinning) will be needed to reduce populations to sizes where agents can become effective tools in weed control.