bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hysterical Traits are Not from the Uterus but from the Testis: A Study in Men with Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Bandini Elisa , Corona Giovanni , Ricca Valdo , Fisher Alessandra D. , Lotti Francesco , Sforza Alessandra , Faravelli Carlo , Forti Gianni , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario
Published: June 2009

Introduction

The relationship between testosterone (T) and psychopathology in subjects with sexual dysfunction has not been completely clarified.

Aim

To evaluate the association between T levels and different psychopathological symptoms and traits in men seeking treatment for sexual dysfunction.

Methods

A consecutive series of 2,042 heterosexual male patients (mean age 51.8 ± 13) consulting an outpatient clinic for sexual dysfunction was retrospectively studied.

Main Outcome Measures

Several hormonal, biochemical, and instrumental parameters were investigated, including testis volume (Prader orchidometr) and penile blood flow (penile Doppler ultrasound). Patients were interviewed, prior to the beginning of any treatment, with the previously validated Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction (SIEDY), and ANDROTEST (a structured interview for the screening of hypogonadism in patients with sexual dysfunction). They also completed the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ) a brief self-reported questionnaire for the screening of the symptoms of mental disorders in nonpsychiatric setting.

Results

T levels showed a negative correlation with depressive and anxiety (somatized and phobic) symptoms. Conversely, histrionic/hysterical traits were strongly and positively associated with elevated T. Men with histrionic/hysterical traits had higher androgenization, as suggested by both higher total and free T, higher testis volume and a lower ANDROTEST score. They were also characterized by better self-reported sexual functioning and penile blood flow. Accordingly, when SIEDY scales were considered, SIEDY scale 2 (relational domain) was significantly lower in subjects with histrionic/hysterical traits further indicating a more satisfying sexual relationship.

Conclusions

In men consulting for sexual dysfunction, histrionic/hysterical personality is associated with higher androgenization and better sexual functioning. Hysteria, previously considered as a typically feminine psychopathological trait (the uterine theory), should now be considered as an index of better masculine sexual well-being.
Effects of Components of Metabolic Syndrome on Sexual Function in Korean BPH/LUTS Patients
Authors: Lee Seung Hwan , Kim Joon Chul , Lee Ji-Youl , Kim Jang Hwan , Oh Cheol Young , Lee Seung Wook , Yoo Se Jeong , Chung Byung Ha
Published: June 2009

Introduction

There are limited data concerning the association between components of metabolic syndrome and sexual function in men aged 40 years and older in Korean benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients.

Aim

To examine the effects of metabolic markers on sexual function in Korean BPH patients and to evaluate obesity as a causal factor for the development of BPH and sexual dysfunction in a large population of Korean men.

Methods

This is a multicenter, cross-sectional, prospective study conducted at four centers in Korea. A total 602 men with LUTS secondary to BPH were included. BPH/LUTS cases were men with international prostate symptom scores (IPSS) ≥8 points and prostate volume ≥20 cc by transrectal ultrasound of the prostate. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured. Trained interviewers using the structured Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) collected information on sexual function.

Main Outcome Measures

Sexual function using IIEF-15 and MSHQ was assessed according to presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) or hypertension, waist circumference and BMI.

Results

BPH patients with DM or hypertension had significantly lower sexual function, and satisfaction scores on the MSHQ were significantly lower in BPH patients with hypertension. In the central obesity group, prostate volume was significantly greater compared to the normal waist group (P = 0.01). Moreover, in Korean BPH/LUTS patients, central obesity was significantly related to sexual function. BPH/LUTS represented by IPSS was significantly correlated with prostate volume and MSHQ and IIEF-15 scores. In addition, severe LUTS was significantly related to all domains of the MSHQ.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that in the Korean population, sexual function is more closely associated to central obesity than general obesity. The relationship of comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and sexual dysfunction determined by the MSHQ correlated with that determined by the IIEF-15.
Sexual Function is Related to Body Image Perception in Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Lowenstein Lior , Gamble Tondalaya , Deniseiko Sanses Tatiana V. , Van Raalte Heather , Carberry Cassandra , Jakus Sharon , Kambiss Scott , McAchran Sarah , Pham Thythy , Aschkenazi Sarit , Hoskey Kay , Kenton Kimberly
Published: June 2009

Introduction

A previous study demonstrated that women seeking treatment for advanced pelvic organ prolapsed (POP) reported decreased self-perceived body image and decreased quality of life.

Aims

To determine the relationship between: (i) sexual function and POP, (ii) self-perceived body image and POP; and (iii) sexual function and self-perceived body image in women with prolapse.

Methods

After IRB approval, consecutive women with POP stage II or greater presenting for urogynecologic care at one of eight academic medical centers in the United States were invited to participate. In addition to routine urogynecologic history and physical examination, including pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ), consenting participants completed three validated questionnaires: Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) to assess sexual function; Modified Body Image Perception Scale (MBIS) to assess self-perceived body image; Prolapse subscale of Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (POPDI-6) to assess condition specific bother from POP.

Pearson’s correlations were used to investigate the relationship between independent variables.

Main Outcome Measures

Sexual function and modified body image score and its correlation with symptoms of POP.

Results

Three hundred eighty-four participants with a mean age of 62 ± 12 years were enrolled. Median POPQ stage was 3 (range 2–4). 62% (N = 241) were sexually active and 77% (N = 304) were post-menopausal. Mean PISQ-12, MBIS, and POPDI scores were (33 ± 7, 6 ± 5, 39 ± 23, respectively). PISQ-12 scores were not related to stage or compartment (anterior, apical, or posterior) of POP (P > 0.5). Worse sexual function (lower PSIQ-12 scores) correlated with lower body image perception (higher MBIS scores) (rho = −0.39, P < 0001) and more bothersome POP (higher POPDI scores) (rho = −0.34, P < 0001).

Conclusions

Sexual function is related to a woman’s self-perceived body image and degree of bother from POP regardless of vaginal topography. Sexual function may be more related to a woman’s perception of her body image than to actual topographical changes from POP.
Sigmund Freud and His Impact on Our Understanding of Male Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Hartmann Uwe
Published: June 2009

Introduction

Sigmund Freud was one of the most influential thinkers and theorists of the 20th century. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation to many concepts and theories relevant to modern sexual medicine.

Aim

To evaluate Freud’s approaches to the understanding of male sexual dysfunction both in their historical context and with respect to their significance for contemporary research and therapy of sexual problems.

Methods

After a brief biographical sketch, two of Freud’s writings, the widely acclaimed “Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality” from 1905, and a short article entitled “The Most Prevalent Form of Degradation in Erotic Life” from 1912, were analyzed, especially for their relevance to present treatment concepts of male sexual dysfunction.

Results

In Freud’s clinical practice “psychical impotence” was a highly prevalent complaint. In his view, this dysfunction was caused by an inhibition due to an unresolved neurotic fixation leading to an arrest of the libidinal development. The result is a splitting of the tender and the sensual dimension of sexuality, most notably in the so-called madonna–whore complex. The degree of this dissociation (total or partial) determines the severity of the ensuing sexual dysfunction. In Freud’s rather pessimistic view, the erotic life of civilized people tends to be characterized by some degree of this condition.

Conclusions

While some of Freud’s theories are obsolete today, many parts of his work appear to be astonishingly modern, even in the light of current neurobiological research and recent models of sexual dysfunction. Above all, Freud was an extremely gifted observer of human behavior who shows us that in many cases, sexual dysfunctions are no isolated phenomena, but have their roots in biographically based intrapsychic or interpersonal conflicts.
Psychometric Validation of Gender Nonspecific Sexual Confidence and Sexual Relationship Scales in Men and Women
Authors: Abraham Lucy , Symonds Tara , May Kathryn , Althof Stanley E , Hallam-Jones Ruth , Rosen Raymond C.
Published: June 2009

Introduction

The Sexual Confidence Scale (SCS) and the Sexual Relationship Scale (SRS) are two new measures designed for use by men and women across sexual dysfunction groups. The SCS assesses how confident an individual feels as a sexual partner, while the SRS assesses feelings that an individual has about their sexual relationship with their partner.

Aim

To conduct item reduction and psychometric validation of the SCS and SRS instruments.

Methods

To validate the new measures, 104 men with premature ejaculation (PE), 101 men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and 106 women with female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) took part in the study. One hundred and one males and 53 females without sexual dysfunction also completed the measures.

Main Outcome Measures

The internal consistency, convergent, and discriminant validity, test-retest reliability and known-groups validity of the instruments were assessed.

Results

The number of items in each scale was reduced following standard item reduction analyses and reference to the conceptual framework. Factor analysis confirmed a one-factor solution for the SCS and a two-factor solution for the SRS. Internal consistency was good, with cronbach’s alpha ≥0.7 across the groups for both the SCS and SRS. Excellent test-retest reliability and ability to discriminate between men and women with and without sexual dysfunction were also demonstrated for both scales. Correlations with the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire (SQOL) ranged from 0.48 to 0.80 indicating good convergent validity.

Conclusions

The SCS and the SRS are reliable and valid instruments in men with PE or ED and in women with FSAD. These modules may be used either as stand-alone measures or, preferably, in conjunction with the SQOL to provide a complete assessment of sexual quality of life.
Are the Predictors of Sexual Violence the Same as Those of Nonsexual Violence? A Gender Analysis
Authors: Mohammadkhani Parvaneh , Forouzan Ameneh Setareh , Khooshabi Katayoon S. , Assari Shervin , Lankarani Maryam Moghani
Published: June 2009

Introduction

Violence manifests itself in such multifarious ways as sexual, physical, and psychological abuse. What has hitherto eluded the medical community, however, is whether sexual and nonsexual abuse share the same predictors.

Aim

Drawing upon a representative sample of married men and women in the Iranian capital, Tehran, we aimed to determine: (i) the overlap between sexual abuse and physical and psychological violence, and (ii) the predictors that sexual violence victimization share with physical and psychological violence victimization.

Main Outcome Measures

Victimization through any type of sexual coercion by the husband in the context of the current marital relationship, as determined via the conflict tactic scales-revised (CTS-2).

Methods

In a cross-sectional survey in Tehran in 2007, 460 married Iranian men and women were selected via a multicluster sampling method from four different randomized regions. Independent variables comprised sociodemographic characteristics, subscores of psychological, and personality characteristics known to be allied with intimate abuse (personal and relationship profile), and dichotomus data on victimization history through all types of violence by the spouse including psychological aggression, physical assault, and sexual coercion (CTS-2).

Results

In both genders, the experience of physical or psychological violence increased the likelihood of sexual violence victimization. In both genders, higher conflict was a predictor of sexual and psychological violence victimization. In addition, the common predictors of sexual and physical violence victimization were low self-control and high violent socialization in the men and women, respectively.

Conclusions

Sexual violence victimization shares some factors with the victimization of nonsexual types of marital abuse, but this seems to be partially gender dependent.
Selection Strategies for Univariate Loglinear Smoothing Models and Their Effect on Equating Function Accuracy
Authors: Moses Tim , Holland Paul W.
Published: June 2009

In this study, we compared 12 statistical strategies proposed for selecting loglinear models for smoothing univariate test score distributions and for enhancing the stability of equipercentile equating functions. The major focus was on evaluating the effects of the selection strategies on equating function accuracy. Selection strategies’ influence on the estimation of cumulative test score distributions was also assessed. The results of this simulation study differentiate the selection strategies and define the situations where their use has the most important implications for equating function accuracy. The recommended strategy for estimating test score distributions and for equating is AIC minimization.
Same‐Form Retest Effects on Credentialing Examinations
Authors: Raymond Mark R. , Neustel Sandra , Anderson Dan
Published: June 2009

Examinees who take high‐stakes assessments are usually given an opportunity to repeat the test if they are unsuccessful on their initial attempt. To prevent examinees from obtaining unfair score increases by memorizing the content of specific test items, testing agencies usually assign a different test form to repeat examinees. The use of multiple forms is expensive and can present psychometric challenges, particularly for low‐volume credentialing programs; thus, it is important to determine if unwarranted score gains actually occur. Prior studies provide strong evidence that the same‐form advantage is pronounced for aptitude tests. However, the sparse research within the context of achievement and credentialing testing suggests that the same‐form advantage is minimal. For the present experiment, 541 examinees who failed a national certification test were randomly assigned to receive either the same test or a different (parallel) test on their second attempt. Although the same‐form group had shorter response times on the second administration, score gains for the two groups were indistinguishable. We discuss factors that may limit the generalizability of these findings to other assessment contexts.
Health Insurance Literacy of Older Adults
Authors: McCORMACK LAUREN , BANN CARLA , UHRIG JENNIFER , BERKMAN NANCY , RUDD RIMA
Published: June 2009

We developed an instrument to measure dimensions of health insurance literacy reflecting familiarity with health insurance terminology and proficiency with the Medicare program. The instrument's items were based on a conceptual framework integrating the financial and health insurance literacy fields and were fielded in a national survey of older adults. We found that overall levels of health insurance literacy were low to moderate. The oldest adults, those with lower education and income, and those with poorer health had lower levels of health insurance literacy. The items demonstrated good psychometric properties and construct validity. They are a promising way to measure selected aspects of health insurance literacy.
Misguided Optimism Among College Student Smokers: Leveraging Their Quit‐Smoking Strategies for Smoking Cessation Campaigns
Authors: WOLBURG JOYCE M.
Published: June 2009

College student smokers are a unique group who typically plan to quit smoking by the time they graduate, but few succeed and those who do require multiple attempts. This study examines the strategies of college student participants who successfully quit smoking. They tell a story of trial and error in achieving their goal—one that is more likely to end in another failed attempt than a successful effort unless they learn from past mistakes. Their stories not only show misplaced optimism for quitting but also ineffective smoking‐cessation efforts.
Judicial Policy Making: The Environmental Protection Agency's Enforcement of the Resource, Conservation, and Recovery Act
Authors: BENGTSON TERI J.
Published: June 2009

This article focuses on judicial policy making and seeks to determine the extent of regional differences by examining the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforcement actions in Resources Conservation and Recovery Act civil judicial cases. The research evaluates three competing models, the law school model, the political culture/regional model, and the economic model, that attempt to explain and predict penalty imposition and penalty severity. An integrated model with EPA regions and judicial circuits independently added is also evaluated. Findings suggest that the law school model appeared to be the best model to determine penalty imposition and that EPA administrators may be better predictors than judges. When a penalty is imposed, findings suggest that an integrated model best predicts penalty severity. Additional findings indicated that region or circuit does not add significantly more predictive value than the substantive theoretical variables in penalty severity.

Este artículo se enfoca en el diseño de políticas judiciales y busca determinar la extensión de las diferencias regionales por medio del examen de la aplicación de acciones de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental (APA) en los casos civiles judiciales de la Ley de Conservación y Rescate de Recursos. La investigación evalúa tres modelos, el modelo legal, el modelo cultural/regional político y el modelo económico, en el intento de explicar y predecir los resultados de los casos en relación a si un castigo es impuesto o no, así como la severidad del mismo. Un modelo integral es también evaluado, con las regiones APA y los circuitos judiciales entonces añadidos independientemente a este modelo. Las conclusiones sugieren que el modelo legal parece ser el mejor para determinar la imposición del castigo y que los administradores de la APA pueden ser mejores vaticinadores que jueces. Cuando un castigo es impuesto, los resultados sugieren que un modelo integrado predice mejor la severidad del castigo. Resultados adicionales indican que la región o el circuito no añaden un mayor valor significativo que las variables teóricas substantivas en la severidad del castigo.
Energy Security, Normative Dilemmas, and Institutional Camouflage: Europe's Pragmatism
Authors: WOOD STEVE
Published: June 2009

The European Union's dense web of institutions is usually regarded as enabling better decision making and interest representation in the European Union's external relations. Combined with the European Union's ambiguous nature, the institutional complex can also function as a foil for governments when tension between material imperatives and declared normative foundations and ambitions is high. The energy–democracy relationship divulges a “pragmatic–realist institutionalism” on the part of European politicians, officials, and agencies. A logic of collective inaction toward difficult but essential “partners,” rather than one of ethical “appropriateness,” has developed and indicates the limits of normative policy and theory.

La densa red de instituciones de la Unión Europea es usualmente aclamada por facilitar una mejor toma de decisiones y representación de intereses en las relaciones de la Unión Europea en el exterior. Combinada con la naturaleza ambigua de la Unión Europea, el complejo institucional puede también funcionar como un impedimento para los gobiernos cuando la tensión entre los imperativos materiales y los declarados fundamentos normativos y ambiciones es alta. La relación energía‐democracia divulga un “institucionalismo pragmático–realista” por parte de los políticos europeos, oficiales y agencias. Una lógica de inactividad colectiva hacia los difíciles pero esenciales “compañeros,” en vez de una lógica de “propiedad”ética, ha desarrollado e indica los límites de la política y teoría normativa.
Chlorambucil and prednisolone chemotherapy for dogs with inoperable mast cell tumours: 21 cases
Authors: Taylor F. , Gear R. , Hoather T. , Dobson J.
Published: June 2009

Objectives:To evaluate the response of measurable canine mast cell tumours unsuitable for other treatment modalities to a chemotherapy protocol comprising chlorambucil and prednisolone.

Methods:Dogs bearing measurable mast cell tumours, unsuitable for treatment by surgery or radiotherapy, were treated with orally administered prednisolone and chlorambucil, and their responses assessed.

Results:Twenty‐one dogs were enrolled in the study; 13 had intermediate‐grade mast cell tumour, six were high grade and two were diagnosed by cytology alone. Eight dogs had multiple tumours and 13 dogs had single tumours, and six dogs had lymph node metastases and no dogs had visceral metastases detected. Three dogs achieved complete remission, five achieved partial remission (overall response rate 38 per cent), nine had static disease and four dogs had progressive disease. Median progression‐free interval for the eight responders was 533 days, and median survival time for all dogs in the study was 140 days. Progression‐free interval and median survival time were not influenced by the age, sex, weight or neutering status of the patient, by the grade or stage of the tumour or whether the patient had single or multiple tumours. No toxicity was detected.

ClinicalSignificance:Response and survival rates of inoperable canine MCT to chlorambucil and prednisolone are comparable to previously described protocols, with no apparent toxicity.
Between a rock and a hard place: managing diversity in a shareholder society
Authors: Cook Alison , Glass Christy
Published: June 2009

This study examines whether the appointment of racial/ethnic minorities into top management positions has a different impact on share price than the appointment of Caucasians into equivalent positions. Our dependent variable is the degree of change in share price following the announcement of racial/ethnic minority and Caucasian men into senior management positions. Market reaction to the naming of racial/ethnic minorities into corporate leadership positions is significant and negative, while the market's reaction to the naming of Caucasians is significant and positive. However, the negative market reaction to the appointment of racial/ethnic minorities into top management positions is mitigated in those firms that have explicitly incorporated diversity into their strategic growth plan. Our findings suggest that to successfully introduce diversity into upper management, firm decision makers must first signal the importance of diversity to market actors.
Pandemic influenza vaccines: meeting the supply, distribution and deployment challenges
Authors: Hessel Luc ,   The European Vaccine Manufacturers (EVM) Influenza Working Group
Published: June 2009

An influenza pandemic will place an enormous strain on the world’s vaccine production, distribution and administration systems. Following a pandemic declaration, industry’s priority will be to deliver as much vaccine in as short a timeframe as possible. In respect to this challenge, manufacturers have successfully developed antigen‐sparing strategies and significantly increased production capacity, with further growth planned assuming ongoing rising demand for seasonal vaccines. The combination of these factors has the potential to closer meet global needs for vaccine supply than ever before through increased availability of pandemic and pre‐pandemic vaccines. The demonstration of cross‐clade reactivity with H5N1 viruses makes the concept of pre‐pandemic stockpiling and vaccination a reality for this subtype. Ensuring these vaccines are made available in a timely fashion to those who need them will present significant challenges. For local authorities, national governments and international organisations this means defining vaccine allocation and procurement processes as well as strengthening, and where necessary establishing, the critical health systems and infrastructure required for vaccine deployment. For vaccine producers this means addressing the technical and logistical issues associated with supply. This includes working with regulators to streamline key procedures, including generic labelling and batch release, while establishing flexibility in supply formats, including bulk and finished products, to maximise the speed of delivery. Similarly, the deployment of large quantities of vaccines in an emergency situation requires appropriate transport infrastructure and the distribution of associated medical supplies. As well as addressing these issues, specific consideration must be given to the logistics and storage aspects associated with stockpiling pre‐pandemic vaccines. Finally, mutually agreed contractual arrangements between manufacturers and governments or international institutions represent the best approach toward addressing supply challenges and assisting vaccine producers meet national and international demand. To be effective, these contracts should be based on accurate forecasts, clearly defined vaccination strategies and the capabilities of public health infrastructure.
Sensory Properties and Consumer Perception of Wet and Dry Cheese Sauces
Authors: Childs Jessica L. , Yates Michele D. , Drake MaryAnne
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT: Flavor and texture lexicons and consumer perception for 2 cheese sauce categories, wet and dry, were determined and compared. Commercial and prototype, as well as homemade, wet (n = 24) and dry cheese sauces (n = 14) were evaluated by a trained descriptive panel (n = 9). Consumer acceptance testing was conducted on representative wet sauces (10) and dry sauces (8) on different days (n = 122 consumers each day). Cheese sauces were served over pasta for consumer testing. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to evaluate the collected data. Flavor and cheese flavor liking were highly correlated with overall liking for both wet and dry sauces. Salty taste was a key driver of liking for both cheese sauce categories. Flavor attributes of wet sauces that contributed most to higher acceptance were beefy/brothy, sweet/caramelized, and free fatty acid. Liking of dry sauces was driven by Alfredo sauce specific flavors such as onion/garlic and herbal for 2 of the consumer clusters, but beefy/brothy and free fatty acid were drivers for the traditional macaroni and cheese consumers. The impact of color/appearance and texture attributes had only a minor influence on consumer liking. By knowing what drives liking in wet and dry cheese sauces, researchers and product developers can more easily develop cheese sauces that appeal to all categories of consumers.
Comparative Flavonoids Contents of Selected Herbs and Associations of Their Radical Scavenging Activity with Antiproliferative Actions in V79‐4 Cells
Authors: Yoo Kyung Mi , Hwang In‐Kyeong , Moon BoKyung
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT:  To elucidate the health benefit of herbal teas on the cytotoxicity induced by H2O2 in V79‐4 cells, herbal extracts and its flavonoids were tested using lactate dehydrogenase release and determining intracellular reactive oxygen species generation and antioxidant activity with superoxide radical scavenging assay. Significant decrease in cell viability was observed on V79‐4 cells treated with H2O2 (1 mM), while herbal extracts and its flavonoids including catechin and epigallocatechin gallate prevented the LDH release from H2O2 cytotoxicity. Total catechin contents of green tea (65.6 mg/g of dry matter) were significantly higher than other herbal teas (35.8 to 1.2 mg/g of DM). The relative concentration of the 4 major tea catechins ranked EGCG > EGC > EC > C. Green tea exhibited the lowest IC50 values (2 g fresh herb/100 mL) of superoxide radical scavenging activity among the tested herbal tea, which indicates powerful antioxidant activity in O2·− radicals scavenging, followed by black tea, dandelion, hawthorn, rose hip, chamomile.
pHg/pSILBAγ vector system for efficient gene silencing in homobasidiomycetes: optimization of ihpRNA – triggering in the mycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor
Authors: Kemppainen Minna J. , Pardo Alejandro G.
Published: June 2009

pSILBAγ silencing vector was constructed for efficient RNA silencing triggering in the model mycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor. This cloning vector carries the Agaricus bisporus gpdII promoter, two multiple cloning sites separated by a L. bicolor nitrate reductase intron and the Aspergillus nidulans trpC terminator. pSILBAγ allows an easy oriented two‐step PCR cloning of hairpin sequences to be expressed in basidiomycetes. With one further cloning step into pHg, a pCAMBIA1300‐based binary vector carrying a hygromycin resistance cassette, the pHg/pSILBAγ plasmid is used for Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. The pHg/pSILBAγ system results in predominantly single integrations of RNA silencing triggering T‐DNAs in the fungal genome and the integration sites of the transgenes can be resolved by plasmid rescue. pSILBAγ construct and two other pSILBA plasmid variants (pSILBA and pSILBAα) were evaluated for their capacity to silence Laccaria nitrate reductase gene. While all pSILBA variants tested resulted in up to 65–76% of transformants with reduced growth on nitrate, pSILBAγ produced the highest number (65%) of strongly affected fungal strains. The strongly silenced phenotype was shown to correlate with T‐DNA integration in transcriptionally active genomic sites. pHg/pSILBAγ was shown to produce T‐DNAs with minimum CpG methylation in transgene promoter regions which assures the maximum silencing trigger production in Laccaria. Methylation of the target endogene was only slight in RNA silencing triggered with constructs carrying an intronic spacer hairpin sequence. The silencing capacity of the pHg/pSILBAγ was further tested with Laccaria inositol‐1,4,5‐triphosphate 5‐phosphatase gene. Besides its use in silencing triggering, the herein described plasmid system can also be used for transgene expression in Laccaria. pHg/pSILBAγ silencing system is optimized for L. bicolor but it should be highly useful also for other homobasidiomycetes, group of fungi currently lacking molecular tools for RNA silencing.
Ecosystem Consequences of Contrasting Flow Regimes in an Urban Effects Stream Mesocosm Study1
Authors: Taulbee W. Keith , Nietch Christopher T. , Brown Donald , Ramakrishnan Balaji , Tompkins M. Jackie
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  A stream mesocosm experiment was conducted to study the ecosystem‐wide effects of two replicated flow hydrograph treatments programmed in an attempt to compare a simulated predevelopment condition to the theoretical changes that new development brings, while accounting for engineering design criteria for urban stormwater management. Accordingly, the treatments (three replicates each) differed in base flow between events and in the rise to, fall from, and duration of peak flow during simulated storm hydrographs, which were triggered by real rain events occurring outside over a 96‐day period from summer to fall, 2005. Incident irradiance, initial substrate quality, and water quality were similar between treatments. Sampling was designed to study the interactions among the treatment flow dynamics, sediment transport processes, streambed nutrients, and biotic structure and function. What appeared most important to the overall structure and function of the mesocosm ecosystems beyond those changes resulting from natural seasonality were (1) the initial mass of fines that infiltrated into the gravel bed, which had a persistent effect on nitrogen biogeochemistry and (2) the subsequent fine sediment accumulation rate, which was unexpectedly similar between treatments, and affected the structure of the macroinvertebrate community equally as the experiment progressed. Invertebrate taxa preferring soft beds dominated when the gravel was comprised of 5‐10% fines. The dominant invertebrate algal grazer had vacated the channels when fines exceeded 15%, but this effect could not be separated from what appeared to be a seasonal decline in insect densities over the course of the study. Neither hydrograph treatment allowed for scour or other potential for flushing of fines. This demonstrated the potential importance of interactions between hydrology and fine sediment loading dynamics on stream ecosystems in the absence of flows that would act to mobilize gravel beds.
Development of a SWAT Patch for Better Estimation of Sediment Yield in Steep Sloping Watersheds1
Authors: Kim Jong‐Gun , Park Younshik , Yoo Dongsun , Kim Nam‐Won , Engel Bernard A. , Kim Seong‐joon , Kim Ki‐Sung , Lim Kyoung Jae
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  The watershed scale Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model divides watersheds into smaller subwatersheds for simulation of rainfall‐runoff and sediment loading at the field level and routing through stream networks. Typically, the SWAT model first needs to be calibrated and validated for accurate estimation through adjustment of sensitive input parameters (i.e., Curve Number values, USLE P, slope and slope‐length, and so on). However, in some instances, SWAT‐simulated results are greatly affected by the watershed delineation and Digital Elevation Models (DEM) cell size. In this study, the SWAT ArcView GIS Patch II was developed for steep sloping watersheds, and its performance was evaluated for various threshold values and DEM cell size scenarios when delineating subwatersheds using the SWAT model. The SWAT ArcView GIS Patch II was developed using the ArcView GIS Avenue program and Spatial Analyst libraries. The SWAT ArcView GIS Patch II improves upon the SWAT ArcView GIS Patch I because it reflects the topographic factor in calculating the field slope‐length of Hydrologic Response Units in the SWAT model. The simulated sediment value for 321 subwatersheds (watershed delineation threshold value of 25 ha) is greater than that for 43 subwatersheds (watershed delineation threshold value of 200 ha) by 201% without applying the SWAT ArcView GIS Patch II. However, when the SWAT ArcView GIS Patch II was applied, the difference in simulated sediment yield decreases for the same scenario (i.e., difference in simulated sediment with 321 subwatersheds and 43 subwatersheds) was 12%. The simulated sediment value for DEM cell size of 50 m is greater than that for DEM cell size of 10 m by 19.8% without the SWAT ArcView GIS Patch II. However, the difference becomes smaller (3.4% difference) between 50 and 10 m with the SWAT ArcView GIS Patch II for the DEM scenarios. As shown in this study, the SWAT ArcView GIS Patch II can reduce differences in simulated sediment values for various watershed delineation and DEM cell size scenarios. Without the SWAT ArcView GIS Patch II, variations in the SWAT‐simulated results using various watershed delineation and DEM cell size scenarios could be greater than those from input parameter calibration. Thus, the results obtained in this study show that the SWAT ArcView GIS Patch II should be used when simulating hydrology and sediment yield for steep sloping watersheds (especially if average slope of the subwatershed is >25%) for more accurate simulation of hydrology and sediment using the SWAT model. The SWAT ArcView GIS Patch II is available at http://www.EnvSys.co.kr/~swat for free download.
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Analysis of the Influence of Inoculum Size on the Selection of Resistance in
Escherichia coli
by a Quinolone in a Mouse Thigh Bacterial Infection Model
Authors: Ferran Aude A. , Kesteman Anne-Sylvie , Toutain Pierre-Louis , Bousquet-Mélou Alain
Published: June 2009

Maintaining quinolone concentrations outside the mutant selection window (MSW) between the MIC and mutant prevention concentration (MPC) was suggested by in vitro and in vivo studies to prevent the selection of resistant mutants. However, selection also may depend on the presence of resistant bacterial mutants at the start of treatment, which is highly dependent on the initial inoculum size. In this study, a mouse thigh bacterial infection model was used to test the influence of different exposures to marbofloxacin on the selection of resistant bacteria after infection with a low (10
5
CFU) or high (10
8
CFU) initial inoculum of
Escherichia coli
. The inoculum size was shown to influence the exposure to marbofloxacin and the values of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic indices. When the abilities of the indices time within the MSW (
T
MSW
), area under the concentration-time curve of 0 to 24 h divided by the MIC, and the maximum concentration of drug in plasma divided by the MIC to predict the selection of resistant bacteria were compared, only
T
MSW
appeared to be a good predictor of the prevention of resistance for values less than 30%. When the T
MSW
was higher than 34%, the selection of resistant bacteria occurred less often in thighs initially infected with the low inoculum (11/24; 46%) than in those infected with the high inoculum (30/36; 80%), suggesting that the selection of resistant mutants depends on both the
T
MSW
and inoculum size. The relevance of these results merits further investigation to test different strategies of antibiotic therapy depending on the expected bacterial burden at the infectious site.
Antifungal Activity of Tamoxifen: In Vitro and In Vivo Activities and Mechanistic Characterization
Authors: Dolan Kristy , Montgomery Sara , Buchheit Bradley , DiDone Louis , Wellington Melanie , Krysan Damian J.
Published: June 2009

Tamoxifen (TAM), an estrogen receptor antagonist used primarily to treat breast cancer, has well-recognized antifungal properties, but the activity of TAM has not been fully characterized using standardized (i.e., CLSI) in vitro susceptibility testing, nor has it been demonstrated in an in vivo model of fungal infection. In addition, its mechanism of action remains to be clearly defined at the molecular level. Here, we report that TAM displays in vitro activity (MIC, 8 to 64 μg/ml) against pathogenic yeasts (Candida albicans, otherCandidaspp., andCryptococcus neoformans). In vivo, 200 mg/kg of body weight per day TAM reduced kidney fungal burden (−1.5 log10CFU per g tissue;P= 0.008) in a murine model of disseminated candidiasis. TAM is a known inhibitor of mammalian calmodulin, and TAM-treated yeast show phenotypes consistent with decreased calmodulin function, including lysis, decreased new bud formation, disrupted actin polarization, and decreased germ tube formation. The overexpression of calmodulin suppresses TAM toxicity, hypofunctional calmodulin mutants are hypersensitive to TAM, and TAM interferes with the interaction between Myo2p and calmodulin, suggesting that TAM targets calmodulin as part of its mechanism of action. Taken together, these experiments indicate that the further study of compounds related to TAM as antifungal agents is warranted.
Viral Booster Vaccines Improve
Mycobacterium bovis
BCG-Induced Protection against Bovine Tuberculosis
Authors: Vordermeier H. Martin , Villarreal-Ramos Bernardo , Cockle Paul J. , McAulay Martin , Rhodes Shelley G. , Thacker Tyler , Gilbert Sarah C. , McShane Helen , Hill Adrian V. S. , Xing Zhou , Hewinson R. Glyn
Published: June 2009

Previous work with small-animal laboratory models of tuberculosis has shown that vaccination strategies based on heterologous prime-boost protocols using
Mycobacterium bovis
bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) to prime and modified vaccinia virus Ankara strain (MVA85A) or recombinant attenuated adenoviruses (Ad85A) expressing the mycobacterial antigen Ag85A to boost may increase the protective efficacy of BCG. Here we report the first efficacy data on using these vaccines in cattle, a natural target species of tuberculous infection. Protection was determined by measuring development of disease as an end point after
M. bovis
challenge. Either Ad85A or MVA85A boosting resulted in protection superior to that given by BCG alone: boosting BCG with MVA85A or Ad85A induced significant reduction in pathology in four/eight parameters assessed, while BCG vaccination alone did so in only one parameter studied. Protection was particularly evident in the lungs of vaccinated animals (median lung scores for naïve and BCG-, BCG/MVA85A-, and BCG/Ad85A-vaccinated animals were 10.5, 5, 2.5, and 0, respectively). The bacterial loads in lymph node tissues were also reduced after viral boosting of BCG-vaccinated calves compared to those in BCG-only-vaccinated animals. Analysis of vaccine-induced immunity identified memory responses measured by cultured enzyme-linked immunospot assay as well as in vitro interleukin-17 production as predictors of vaccination success, as both responses, measured before challenge, correlated positively with the degree of protection. Therefore, this study provides evidence of improved protection against tuberculosis by viral booster vaccination in a natural target species and has prioritized potential correlates of vaccine efficacy for further evaluation. These findings also have implications for human tuberculosis vaccine development.
Effects of Decreased Calmodulin Protein on the Survival Mechanisms of Alveolar Macrophages during
Pneumocystis
Pneumonia
Authors: Lasbury Mark E. , Durant Pamela J. , Liao Chung-Ping , Lee Chao-Hung
Published: June 2009

Pneumocystis
infection causes increased intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the subsequent apoptosis of alveolar macrophages (Amø). Assessments of key prosurvival molecules in Amø and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids from infected rats and mice showed low levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and reduced activation of phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI-3K). Ubiquitous calcium-sensing protein calmodulin protein and mRNA levels were also reduced in Amø during
Pneumocystis
pneumonia (Pcp). Calmodulin has been implicated in control of GM-CSF production and PI-3K activation in other immune cell types. Experiments to determine the control of GM-CSF and PI-3K by calmodulin in Amø showed that GM-CSF expression and PI-3K activation could not be induced when calmodulin was inhibited. Calmodulin inhibition also led to increased levels of ROS and apoptosis in cells exposed to bronchoalveolar lavage fluids from infected animals. Supplementation of Amø with exogenous calmodulin increased survival signaling via GM-CSF and PI-3K and reduced ROS and apoptosis. These data support the hypotheses that calmodulin levels at least partially control survival signaling in Amø and that restoration of GM-CSF or PI-3K signaling will improve host response to the organism.
Chlamydia trachomatis-Infected Patients Display Variable Antibody Profiles against the Nine-Member Polymorphic Membrane Protein Family
Authors: Tan Chun , Hsia Ru-ching , Shou Huizhong , Haggerty Catherine L. , Ness Roberta B. , Gaydos Charlotte A. , Dean Deborah , Scurlock Amy M. , Wilson David P. , Bavoil Patrik M.
Published: June 2009

Genomic analysis of theChlamydiaceaehas revealed a multigene family encoding large, putatively autotransported polymorphic membrane proteins (Pmps) with nine members in the sexually transmitted pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis. While various pathogenesis-related functions are emerging for the Pmps, observed genotypic and phenotypic variation among several chlamydial Pmps in variousChlamydiaspecies has led us to hypothesize that thepmpgene repertoire is the basis of a previously undetected mechanism of antigenic variation. To test this hypothesis, we chose to examine the serologic response ofC. trachomatis-infected patients to each Pmp subtype. Immune serum samples were collected from four populations of patients with confirmedC. trachomatisgenital infection: 40 women with pelvic inflammatory disease from Pittsburgh, PA; 27 and 34 adolescent/young females from Oakland, CA, and Little Rock, AR, respectively; and 58 adult male patients from Baltimore, MD. The Pmp-specific antibody response was obtained using immunoblot analysis against each of the nine recombinantly expressed Pmps and quantified by densitometry. Our results show that nearly allC. trachomatis-infected patients mount a strong serologic response against individual or multiple Pmp subtypes and that the antibody specificity profile varies between patients. Moreover, our analysis reveals differences in the strengths and specificities of the Pmp subtype-specific antibody reactivity relating to gender and clinical outcome. Overall, our results indicate that the Pmps elicit various serologic responses inC. trachomatis-infected patients and are consistent with thepmpgene family being the basis of a mechanism of antigenic variation.
The Role of Biomacromolecular Crowding, Ionic Strength, and Physicochemical Gradients in the Complexities of Life's Emergence
Authors: Spitzer Jan , Poolman Bert
Published: June 2009

We have developed a general scenario of prebiotic physicochemical evolution during the Earth's Hadean eon and reviewed the relevant literature. We suggest that prebiotic chemical evolution started in microspaces with membranous walls, where external temperature and osmotic gradients were coupled to free-energy gradients of potential chemical reactions. The key feature of this scenario is the onset of an emergent evolutionary transition within the microspaces that is described by the model of complex vectorial chemistry. This transition occurs at average macromolecular crowding of 20 to 30% of the cell volume, when the ranges of action of stabilizing colloidal forces (screened electrostatic forces, hydration, and excluded volume forces) become commensurate. Under these conditions, the macromolecules divide the interior of microspaces into dynamically crowded macromolecular regions and topologically complementary electrolyte pools. Small ions and ionic metabolites are transported vectorially between the electrolyte pools and through the (semiconducting) electrolyte pathways of the crowded macromolecular regions from their high electrochemical potential (where they are biochemically produced) to their lower electrochemical potential (where they are consumed). We suggest a sequence of tentative transitions between major evolutionary periods during the Hadean eon as follows: (i) the early water world, (ii) the appearance of land masses, (iii) the pre-RNA world, (iv) the onset of complex vectorial chemistry, and (v) the RNA world and evolution toward Darwinian thresholds. We stress the importance of high ionic strength of the Hadean ocean (short Debye's lengths) and screened electrostatic interactions that enabled the onset of the vectorial structure of the cytoplasm and the possibility of life's emergence.
PHASE OPERATOR AND PHASE STATE IN THERMO FIELD DYNAMICS
Authors: FAN HONG-YI , JIANG NIAN-QUAN
Published: June 2009

We extend the Susskind–Glogower phase operator and phase state in quantum optics to thermo field dynamics (TFD). Based on the thermo entangled state representation, we introduce thermo excitation and de-excitation operators with which the phase operator and phase state in TFD can be constructed. The phase state treated as a limiting case of a new SU(1, 1) coherent states is also exhibited.