bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of warm‐season grasses in summer and damage in winter under supplementary irrigation in a semi‐arid environment at high elevation in western United States of America
Authors: Robins J. G. , Jensen K. B. , Peel M. D. , Waldron B. L.
Published: February 2009

As with other areas of the world, herbage production of cool‐season grasses in irrigated semi‐arid areas of the western USA at high elevation declines during summer. The use of warm‐season grasses during this period could be a possible way to ameliorate this decline in herbage production. The ability of twenty‐one grass cultivars, representing seven warm‐season grass species, to establish in the summer of 2005, as measured by stand frequency and herbage production, the potential for damage in winter under irrigated conditions in 2005–2006 and the stand frequency in 2006 at two sites in semi‐arid environments of the western USA was compared with that of a cultivar of each of six cool‐season grass species. Some warm‐season grass species, including switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), showed potential for use in this environment, based on their similar herbage production in 2005 and similar values of stand frequency in 2005 and 2006 to that of cool‐season grasses. All the cultivars of the warm‐season grass species suffered greater winter damage than did the cultivars of the cool‐season species. The higher winter damage to the species of warm‐season grasses did not correspond with a lower stand frequency in the second year.
Sowing date and nitrogen supply determine the outcome of competition between dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum Poir.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) in the Pampas region of Argentina
Authors: Jacobo E. , Rodríguez A. , Durand M. , Deregibus V.
Published: February 2009

The effects of sowing date and nitrogen (N) fertilizer on the inter‐specific competition between dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum Poir.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) in the humid Pampas of Argentina were investigated in two pot experiments where a constant soil moisture content was maintained. Tall fescue and dallisgrass seeds were sown either in the spring (October 2000) or in the autumn (March 2001) in mixed and mono‐specific stands with 0 or 100 kg N ha−1. In the spring, competition from tall fescue depressed dry‐matter (DM) yield of dallisgrass from 1·53 to 0·36 g DM per plant and tiller number from 9·4 to 3·7 tillers per plant in mixed and in mono‐specific stands, respectively, while tall fescue had 3–4 times higher DM yields in mixed stands. Leaf extension rate (LER) of tall fescue was higher (1·3 mm d−1) than that of dallisgrass (0·53 mm d−1). In the autumn, inter‐specific competition did not affect DM yield of dallisgrass and N fertilizer increased DM yield from 0·53 to 2·07 g DM per plant, tiller number from 6·8 to 14·2 tillers per plant and LER at the beginning of autumn from 1·2 to 2·12 mm d−1 in both species. As temperature decreased, LER was reduced in both species to 0·31 mm d−1 by late autumn. The number of leaves per tiller was not affected by treatment. Nitrogen fertilizer increased N concentration of above‐ground tissues of both species (18 g kg−1 DM in autumn and 20 g kg−1 DM in spring). It was concluded that a productive mixed pasture of dallisgrass and tall fescue can be obtained by sowing early in the autumn. The application of N fertilizer in this season is essential to ensure a high herbage yield and quality.
Function of a TGF‐β inducible nuclear protein in the silk gland in Bombyx mori
Authors: Wang J‐L. , Zhang Y‐P. , Gu Y‐Y. , Wang J‐X. , Zhao X‐F.
Published: February 2009

A TGF‐β inducible nuclear protein 1 (BmTINP1) was cloned from silkworm, Bombyx mori. Polyclonal antibodies against BmTINP1 were produced and subsequently used in immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry analyses. The immunoblotting analyses demonstrated that BmTINP1 was specifically expressed in the anterior silk gland (ASG) and the middle silk gland (MSG) but not in the posterior silk gland (PSG). There were two bands that suggested the existence of an isoform of BmTINP1. The expression profiles of BmTINP1 in ASGs and MSGs were similar, and they manifested a high level of expression throughout the period during which silk gland grew exponentially. Immunohistochemistry results revealed that BmTINP1 was translocated from the nucleus into the cytoplasm when larvae developed from the 4th‐HCS into the 5th instar. 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) promotes the translocation, while the methoprene [a juvenile hormone (JH) analog] restrains the process. Our findings indicate that BmTINP1 is involved in silk produce along with the rapid growth of ASGs and MSGs during the last instar larvae, and the process could be regulated by hormones via control of BmTINP1 translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.
Implementing family‐focused HIV care and treatment: the first 2 years’ experience of the mother‐to‐child transmission ‐plus program in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Tonwe‐Gold B. , Ekouevi D. K. , Bosse C. A. , Toure S. , Koné M. , Becquet R. , Leroy V. , Toro P. , Dabis F. , El Sadr W. M. , Abrams E. J.
Published: February 2009

Objectives  To describe a family‐focused approach to HIV care and treatment and report on the first 2 years experience of implementing the mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT)‐plus program in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Program  The MTCT‐plus initiative aims to enrol HIV‐infected pregnant and postpartum women in comprehensive HIV care and treatment for themselves and their families.

Main outcomes  Between August 2003 and August 2005, 605 HIV‐infected pregnant or postpartum women and 582 HIV‐exposed infants enrolled. Of their 568 male partners reported alive, 52% were aware of their wife’s HIV status and 30% were tested for HIV; 53% of these tested partners were found to be HIV‐infected and 78% enrolled into the program. Overall only 10% of the women enrolled together with their infected partner. On the other hand, the program involved half of the seronegative men who came for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) in the care of their families. Of 1624 children <15 years reported alive by their mothers (excluding the last newborn infants of the most recent pregnancy systematically screened for HIV), only 10.8% were brought in for HIV testing, of whom 12.3% were found to be HIV‐infected.

Lessons learned and challenges  The family‐focused model of HIV care pays attention to the needs of families and household members. The program was successful in enrolling HIV women, their partners and infants in continuous follow‐up. However engaging partners and family members of newly enrolled women into care involves numerous challenges such as disclosure of HIV status by women to their partners and family members. Further efforts are required to understand barriers for families accessing HIV services as strategies to improve partner involvement and provide access to care for other children in the households are needed in this West African urban setting.
Aedes aegypti in Jamaica, West Indies: container productivity profiles to inform control strategies
Authors: Chadee D. D. , Huntley S. , Focks D. A. , Chen A. A.
Published: February 2009

Objective  To describe the Aedes aegypti container profile in the three parishes of Portland, St. Anns and St. Catherine, Jamaica.

Method  Traditional stegomyia and pupae per person indices.

Results  A total of 8855 containers were inspected. A. aegypti were breeding in 19.2% of the 4728 containers in Portland, in 6.7% of the 2639 containers in St. Ann, and in 27.2% of the 1488 containers in Tryhall Heights, St. Catherine. Container types differed between Portland (P > 0.02) on one hand and St. Ann and Tryhall Heights, St. Catherine on the other hand: there were with no vases or potted plants with water saucers in St. Ann and St. Catherine. A. aegypti were breeding in more containers in St. Catherine (38%) (38% in wet season and 21% in the dry season) than in Portland (19%) or St. Ann (6%), both of which had more containers but A. aegypti breeding in fewer: 17.7% and 11.2% in the wet and 20.4% and 3.5% in the dry seasons respectively. The daily production of adult mosquitoes in the three study sites was 1.51, 1.29 and 0.66 adult female mosquitoes per person in Portland, St. Ann and St. Catherine during the dry season and 1.12, 0.23 and 1.04 female mosquitoes per person in the wet season respectively.

Conclusion  All three communities are at risk for dengue outbreaks and vector control should concentrate on reducing the mosquito populations from the most productive containers before a new dengue virus serotype is introduced into Jamaica.
Antifibrotic activity of anisodamine in vivo is associated with changed intrahepatic levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and its inhibitor tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases‐2 and transforming growth factor β1 in rats with carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver injury
Authors: Luo Lin , Zhou Ailing
Published: February 2009

Background and Aim:  To investigate the protective effects and the mechanism of anisodamine on deposition of extracellular matrix in experimental liver fibrosis.

Methods:  Experimental liver fibrosis was produced by carbon tetrachloride (CCL4). The preventive group was treated for 10 weeks with anisodamine 7.0 mg/kg per day i.p. injection. Two therapeutic groups were treated for 6 weeks by anisodamine 7.0 or 14.0 mg/kg per day i.p. injection. Studies were made at CCL4 administration on the 10th weekend. Serum biochemical indices and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydroxyproline (HYP) in livers were compared. The expression of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) was observed by immunohistochemistry. The reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐2 (TIMP2) mRNA in livers and the ratio of MMP2 and TIMP2 was measured. The proteins of MMP2 in liver were determined by gelatin zymography.

Results:  The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ‐glutamyltransferase and hyaluronic acid of liver fibrosis rats improved significantly by treatment with anisodamine. The contents of MDA and HYP in liver decreased and the expressions of TGF‐β1 were inhibited by treatment with anisodamine. The levels of MMP2 and TIMP2 mRNA and the protein of MMP2 in livers were significantly reduced in the anisodamine preventive group and therapeutic groups. The expression ratios of MMP2 and TIMP2 mRNA were adjusted in treated groups.

Conclusion:  Anisodamine can inhibit hepatic fibrosis.
Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE): development, validation, and interrater reliability of a clinical tool for patients with cerebral palsy
Authors: FOWLER EILEEN G , STAUDT LORETTA A , GREENBERG MARCIA B , OPPENHEIM WILLIAM L
Published: February 2009

Normal selective voluntary motor control (SVMC) can be defined as the ability to perform isolated joint movement without using mass flexor/extensor patterns or undesired movement at other joints, such as mirroring. SVMC is an important determinant of function, yet a valid, reliable assessment tool is lacking. The Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity (SCALE) is a clinical tool developed to quantify SVMC in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). This paper describes the development, utility, validation, and interrater reliability of SCALE. Content validity was based on review by 14 experienced clinicians. Mean agreement was 91.9% (range 71.4–100%) for statements about content, administration, and grading. SCALE scores were compared with Gross Motor Function Classification System Expanded and Revised (GMFCS‐ER) levels for 51 participants with spastic diplegic, hemiplegic, and quadriplegic CP (GMFCS levels I – IV, 21 males, 30 females; mean age 11y 11mo [SD 4y 9mo]; range 5–23y). Construct validity was supported by significant inverse correlation (Spearman's r=‐0.83, p<0.001) between SCALE scores and GMFCS levels. Six clinicians rated 20 participants with spastic CP (seven males, 13 females, mean age 12y 3mo [SD 5y 5mo], range 7–23y) using SCALE. A high level of interrater reliability was demonstrated by intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.88 to 0.91 (p<0.001).
Enhanced survival and function of neural stem cells‐derived dopaminergic neurons under influence of olfactory ensheathing cells in parkinsonian rats
Authors: Shukla Shubha , Chaturvedi Rajnish Kumar , Seth Kavita , Roy Neeta Singh , Agrawal Ashok Kumar
Published: February 2009

Transplantation of neural stem cell (NSC)‐derived dopamine (DA) neurons is associated with low survival of cells, which could be due to limited striatal innervations and uneven distribution of graft because of its dense neuronal core, limited host–graft interaction, poor axonal outgrowth, lack of continuous neurotrophic factors supply, and an absence of cell adhesion molecules mediated appropriate developmental cues. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OEC) express a variety of growth factors and cell adhesion molecules and promote axonal regrowth and functional recovery in spinal cord injury in animal models and patients. In the present study, we explored the possibility to increase the survival, function, axonal outgrowth and striatal reinnervation of NSC by co‐grafting with OEC in 6‐OHDA lesioned parkinsonian rats. In the presence of OEC, significantly enhanced survival of NSC‐derived DA neurons and axonal fiber outgrowth was evident in the striatum of NSC+OEC co‐grafted rats at 24 weeks post‐grafting as compared with NSC alone grafted rats. The increased survival of NSC and their striatal reinnervation was further manifested in the form of significant and substantial restitution of motor function and neurochemical recovery in the co‐grafted group. Significant enhanced expression of p75NTR (from OEC) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) (from NSC) confirmed the co‐localization and survival of both types of cells at the transplantation site in co‐grafted rats. Co‐grafting results co‐related well with our in vitro studies, which suggest that OEC not only significantly increase survival, neurite outgrowth and DA release of NSC‐derived DA neuron but also protect against 6‐OHDA neurotoxicity in co‐culture conditions. These results collectively suggest that OEC increase the survival and function of transplanted NSC in 6‐OHDA lesioned parkinsonian rats.
Hyperserotonergic phenotype after monoamine oxidase inhibition in larval zebrafish
Authors: Sallinen Ville , Sundvik Maria , Reenilä Ilkka , Peitsaro Nina , Khrustalyov Denis , Anichtchik Oleg , Toleikyte Gabija , Kaslin Jan , Panula Pertti
Published: February 2009

Serotonin (or 5‐hydroxytryptamine; 5‐HT) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) are involved in several physiological functions and pathological conditions. We show that the serotonergic system and its development in zebrafish are similar to those of other vertebrates rendering zebrafish a good model to study them. Development of MAO expression followed a similar time course as the 5‐HT system. MAO expression and activity were located in or adjacent to serotonergic nuclei and their targets, especially in the ventral hypothalamus. MAO mRNA was detected in the brain from 24 h post‐fertilization and histochemical enzyme activity from 42 h post‐fertilization. Deprenyl (100 μM) decreased MAO activity 34–74% depending on the age. Inhibition of MAO by deprenyl strongly increased 5‐HT but not dopamine and noradrenaline levels. Deprenyl decreased 5‐HT‐immunoreactivity in serotonergic neurons and induced novel ectopic 5‐HT‐immunoreactivity neurons in the diencephalon in a manner dependent on 5‐HT uptake. Deprenyl administration decreased locomotion, altered vertical positioning and increased heart rate. Treatment withp‐chlorophenylalanine normalized 5‐HT levels and rescued the behavioral alteration, indicating that the symptoms were 5‐HT dependent. These findings suggest that zebrafish MAO resembles mammalian MAO A more than MAO B, metabolizing mainly 5‐HT. Applications of this model of hyperserotonergism include pharmacological and genetic screenings.
Evidence for lysophosphatidic acid 1 receptor signaling in the early phase of neuropathic pain mechanisms in experiments using Ki‐16425, a lysophosphatidic acid 1 receptor antagonist
Authors: Ma Lin , Matsumoto Misaki , Xie Weijiao , Inoue Makoto , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: February 2009

Lysophosphatidic acid is a bioactive lipid mediator with neuronal activities. We previously reported a crucial role for lysophosphatidic acid 1 receptor‐mediated signaling in neuropathic pain mechanisms. Intrathecal administration of lysophosphatidic acid (1 nmol) induced abnormal pain behaviors, such as thermal hyperalgesia, mechanical allodynia, A‐fiber hypersensitization, and C‐fiber hyposensitization, all of which were also observed in partial sciatic nerve injury‐induced neuropathic pain. Ki‐16425 (30 mg/kg, i.p.), a lysophosphatidic acid 1 receptor antagonist, completely blocked lysophosphatidic acid‐induced neuropathic pain‐like behaviors, when administered 30 min but not 90 min before lysophosphatidic acid injection, suggesting that Ki‐16425 is a short‐lived inhibitor. The blockade of nerve injury‐induced neuropathic pain by Ki‐16425 was maximum as late as 3 h after the injury but not after this critical period. The administration of Ki‐16425 at 3 h but not at 6 h after injury also blocked neurochemical changes, including up‐regulation of voltage‐gated calcium channel α2δ‐1 subunit expression in dorsal root ganglion and reduction of substance P expression in the spinal dorsal horn. All of these results using Ki‐16425 suggest that lysophosphatidic acid 1 receptor‐mediated signaling which underlies the development of neuropathic pain works at an early stage of the critical period after nerve injury.
Casein kinase II contributes to the synergistic effects of BMP7 and BDNF on Smad 1/5/8 phosphorylation in septal neurons under hypoglycemic stress
Authors: Chaverneff Florence , Barrett John
Published: February 2009

J. Neurochem. (2009) 109, 733–743.

The combination of bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) and neurotrophins (e.g. brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF) protects septal neurons during hypoglycemic stress. We investigated the signaling mechanisms underlying this synergistic protection. BMP7 (5 nM) increased phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of BMP‐responsive Smads 1/5/8 within 30 min in cultures of rat embryonic septal neurons. BDNF (100 ng/mL) enhanced the BMP7‐induced increase in phospho‐Smad levels in both nucleus and cytoplasm; this effect was more pronounced after a hypoglycemic stress. BDNF increased both Akt and Erk phosphorylation, but pharmacological blockade of these kinase pathways (with wortmannin and U0126, respectively) did not reduce the Smad phosphorylation produced by the BMP7 + BDNF combination. Inhibitors of casein kinase II (CK2) activity reduced the (BMP7 + BDNF)‐induced Smad phosphorylation, and this trophic factor combination increased CK2 activity in hypoglycemic cultures. These findings suggest that BDNF can increase BMP‐dependent Smad phosphorylation via a mechanism requiring CK2.
Translational regulation of GluR2 mRNAs in rat hippocampus by alternative 3′ untranslated regions
Authors: Irier Hasan A. , Shaw Renee , Lau Anthony , Feng Yue , Dingledine Raymond
Published: February 2009

The glutamate receptor 2 (GluR2) subunit determines many of the functional properties of the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate subtype of glutamate receptor. The roles of untranslated regions (UTRs) in mRNA stability, transport, or translation are increasingly recognized. The 3′ end of the GluR2 transcripts are alternatively processed to form a short and long 3′UTR, giving rise to two pools of GluR2 mRNA of 4 and 6 kb in length, respectively, in the mammalian brain. However, the role of these alternative 3′UTRs in GluR2 expression has not been reported. We demonstrate that in the cytoplasm of rat hippocampus, native GluR2 mRNAs bearing the long 3′UTR are mostly retained in translationally dormant complexes of ribosome‐free messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP), whereas GluR2 transcripts bearing the short 3′UTR are predominantly associated with actively translating ribosomes. One day after pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus (SE), the levels of both long and short GluR2 transcripts were markedly decreased in rat hippocampus. However, GluR2 mRNAs bearing the long 3′‐UTRs were shifted from untranslating mRNP complexes to ribosome‐containing complexes after SE, pointing to a selective translational derepression of GluR2 mRNA mediated by the long 3′UTR. InXenopusoocytes, expression of firefly luciferase reporters bearing alternative GluR2 3′UTRs confirmed that the long 3′UTR is sufficient to suppress translation. The stability of reporter mRNAs in oocytes was not significantly influenced by alternative 5′ or 3′UTRs of GluR2 over the time period examined. Overall, our findings that the long 3′UTR of GluR2 mRNA alone is sufficient to suppress translation, and the evidence for seizure‐induced derepression of translation of GluR2 via the long 3′UTR strongly suggests that a regulatory signaling mechanism exists that differentially targets GluR2 transcripts with alternative 3′UTRs.
Nitrogen leaching losses under a less intensive farming and environment (LIFE) integrated system
Authors: Webster C.P. , Conway J.S. , Crew A.P. , Goulding K.W.T.
Published: February 2009

Abstract. Less Intensive Farming and Environment (LIFE) management is a form of integrated farming which aims to meet farming's economic and environmental requirements. We used a farm‐scale LIFE demonstration to measure nitrogen (N) leaching losses over a 6 year period (1995–2001) using ceramic suction cups and a meteorological model to give estimates of drainage volumes. Losses from the system averaged 49 kg N ha−1, with an average drainage nitrate concentration of 15.5 mg N L−1. Rainfall and its distribution strongly influenced the loss, and drainage N concentration only fell below the nominal target of 11.3 mg N L−1 (the EU limit for potable water) in the two wettest seasons. Crop type did not have a significant effect on either postharvest mineral N (PHMN) in soil or the leaching loss in the subsequent winter. However PHMN and overwinter N leaching declined with increasing crop yield. Overwinter crop N uptake increased with early sowing: leaching loss was only 5 kg N ha−1 under grass sown in early September. Measurements of PHMN, crop sowing date and drainage data were used to construct simple equations to predict average drainage N concentration under various scenarios. The large N loss from our site is partially attributable to soil type (shallow over limestone), indeed on similar soil the loss from a conventional farm nearby was greater. The LIFE practices of postharvest harrowing and late cereal sowing will minimize the need for agrochemical use but they stimulate mineralization and reduce plant N uptake in autumn, leaving more N at risk to leaching. Some assessment of all environmental impacts is needed if the benefits of integrated practices such as those used in LIFE are to be quantified.
Targeting V1A‐vasopressin receptors with [Arg6, D‐Trp7,9, NmePhe8]‐substance P (6‐11) identifies a strategy to develop novel anti‐cancer therapies
Authors: MacKinnon Alison C. , Tufail‐Hanif Uzma , Wheatley Mark , Rossi Adriano G. , Haslett Christopher , Seckl Michael , Sethi Tariq
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  The anti‐cancer agent [Arg6, D‐Trp7,9, NmePhe8]‐substance P (6‐11) (SP‐G) modulates gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) and arginine vasopressin signalling in small cell lung cancer cells leading to growth arrest and apoptosis. We have shown that SP‐G acts as a biased agonist at GRP receptors. This work examines the hypothesis that SP‐G acts as a biased agonist at the V1A vasopressin receptor.

Experimental approach:  The human V1A receptor was expressed in CHO‐K1 cells. Extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) activation and intracellular Ca2+ were measured using activation state‐specific antibodies and Fura‐2‐AM respectively. The effect of SP‐G on tumourigenicity was assessed by colony assay.

Key results:  In V1A receptor expressing cells, SP‐G caused a sustained activation of ERK via a stimulation of V1A receptor coupling to Gi. Inhibition of Gi with Pertussis toxin attenuated the inhibition by SP‐G of the growth of CHO‐K1 cells stably expressing the V1A receptor. Chimeric V1A receptors containing the second or third intracellular loop of the V2 receptor were capable of binding vasopressin and SP‐G but had altered ability to activate phospholipase C (PLC) and ERK. The second intracellular loop of the V1A receptor was essential for vasopressin‐stimulated PLC and ERK activation but not for SP‐G‐induced ERK activation.

Conclusions and implications:  This work provides mechanistic insight, for biased agonists at V1A receptors and highlights a potential role for such agents as anti‐cancer agents.
5‐HT1Areceptors are involved in the cannabidiol‐induced attenuation of behavioural and cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress in rats
Authors: Resstel Leonardo B.M. , Tavares Rodrigo F. , Lisboa Sabrina F.S. , Joca Sâmia R.L. , Corrêa Fernando M.A. , Guimarães Francisco S.
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non‐psychotomimetic compound fromCannabis sativawhich induces anxiolytic‐ and antipsychotic‐like effects in rodents. These effects could be mediated by facilitation of the endocannabinoid system or by the activation of 5‐HT1Areceptors. As either of these mechanisms could promote adaptation to inescapable stress, the aim of the present work was to test the hypothesis that CBD would attenuate the autonomic and behavioural consequences of restraint stress (RS). We also investigated if the responses to CBD depended on activation of 5‐HT1Areceptors.

Experimental approach: Male Wistar rats received i.p. injections of vehicle or CBD (1, 10 or 20 mg kg−1) and 30 min later were submitted to 60 min of restraint where their cardiovascular responses were recorded. The protocol of the second experiment was similar to the first one except that animals received i.p. injections of the 5‐HT1Areceptor antagonist WAY100635 (0.1 mg kg−1) before CBD treatment and exposure to restraint. 24 h later they were also tested in the elevated plus‐maze (EPM), an animal model of anxiety.

Key results: Exposure to RS increased blood pressure and heart rate and induced an anxiogenic response in the EPM 24 h later. These effects were attenuated by CBD. WAY100635 by itself did not change the cardiovascular and anxiogenic response to RS, but blocked the effects of CBD.

Conclusion and implications: The results suggest that CBD can attenuate acute autonomic responses to stress and its delayed emotional consequences by facilitating 5‐HT1Areceptor‐mediated neurotransmission.
VIP modulates the pro‐inflammatory maternal response, inducing tolerance to trophoblast cells
Authors: Fraccaroli Laura , Alfieri Julio , Larocca Luciana , Calafat Mario , Roca Valeria , Lombardi Eduardo , Ramhorst Rosanna , Leirós Claudia Pérez
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Successful embryo implantation is followed by a local pro‐inflammatory and Th1 response, subsequently controlled by a Th2 response. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) has anti‐inflammatory effects and promotes tolerogenic/Th2 responses while favouring embryonic development. We investigated the potential regulatory role of VIP on human trophoblast cells, maternal pro‐inflammatory responses and trophoblast‐maternal leukocyte interactions.

Experimental approach:  We tested VIP effects directly on a trophoblast cell line (Swan 71 cells) and after co‐culture with maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as models of the feto‐maternal dialogue. We also co‐cultured maternal and paternal PBMCs to test effects of endogenous VIP on maternal alloresponses.

Key results:  Swan 71 cells express VPAC1 receptors and VIP induced their proliferation and the expression of leukaemia inhibitor factor, a pro‐implantatory marker. After interaction with trophoblast cells, VIP increased Foxp3, the proportion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells within maternal PBMCs and transforming growth factor β expression. Also, during the trophoblast‐maternal PBMCs interaction, VIP reduced pro‐inflammatory mediators [interleukin (IL)‐6, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, nitric oxide], while increasing IL‐10. Trophoblast cells produced VIP which dose‐dependently suppressed allomaternal responses, accompanied by reduced expression of the T cell transcription factor, T‐bet.

Conclusions and implications:  Vasoactive intestinal peptide induced pro‐implantatory markers and trophoblast cell proliferation, while controlling the initial pro‐inflammatory response, by increasing maternal regulatory T cells and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. As an autocrine regulatory peptide VIP might contribute to fetal survival through two mechanisms; a direct trophic effect on trophoblast cells and an immunomodulatory effect that favours tolerance to fetal antigens.
Recovery of Native Grasslands after Removing Invasive Pines
Authors: Cuevas Yannina A. , Zalba Sergio M.
Published: February 2009

The advance of exotic tree and shrub species is one of the main threats to conservation of the last relicts of natural grassland in South America; however, control actions in the region are still scarce and there are almost no evaluations of the recovery of natural ecosystems after removing invasive plants. Monitoring of the vegetation during the years after removal of invasive trees is critical in order to decide whether an active restoration strategy is necessary. The recovery of montane grassland four years after the control of a dense invasion of Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) is described in this study. Experimental clearing areas were followed during four years and compared to grassland controls. Variation was seen in the levels of recovery in function of the proximity of sectors of grassland that are free of invasive species and/or the density of invasive trees before control. Native species slowly replaced many exotic herbs that had appeared as pioneers, there was low recruitment of pine seedlings in spite of the quantity of seeds from trees that surrounded the clearings, and species richness and diversity were restored, including cover of the typical grasses in the controls. Recovery of grassland after felling was shown to be successful and does not seem to be seed limited if tree removal occurs early in the invasion process.
Estimation of Ship Dry Air Emissions
Authors: DOLPHIN MARTIN J. , MELCER MICHAEL
Published: February 2009

The Clean Air Act of 1990 was introduced to achieve and maintain a healthy environment while supporting strong and sustainable economic growth and sound energy policy. The federal regulations that followed require the Maritime shipping industry to work with government agencies to achieve these goals. This paper will estimate the theoretical stack emission from a vessel based on two models used by the maritime industry. The methods being discussed include one presented by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Commission as done by Entec. Both models utilize published Lloyds Register Engineering Services Data to generate emission factors for each approach and therefore may yield good predictors of emissions. These models quantify both criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases. A comparison is made between the two methods with regard to similarity of emission rates from a model vessel. There are four parameters of NOx, SO2, CO2, and HC, which can be compared between the two methods. The values for NO2 in the EPA method would be equivalent to the NOx in the Entec methodology. The SO2 and CO2 values appear to be consistently higher in the EPA model. Hydrocarbon estimates appear to be consistently at least six times higher using the Entec model.
Melatonin reduces indomethacin‐induced gastric mucosal cell apoptosis by preventing mitochondrial oxidative stress and the activation of mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis
Authors: Maity Pallab , Bindu Samik , Dey Sumanta , Goyal Manish , Alam Athar , Pal Chinmay , Reiter Russel , Bandyopadhyay Uday
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Augmentation of gastric mucosal cell apoptosis due to development of oxidative stress is one of the main pathogenic events in the development of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID)‐induced gastropathy. Identification of a nontoxic, anti‐apoptotic molecule is warranted for therapy against NSAID‐induced gastropathy. The objective of the present study was to define the mechanism of the anti‐apoptotic effect of melatonin, a nontoxic molecule which scavenges reactive oxygen species. Using an array of experimental approaches, we have shown that melatonin prevents the development of mitochondrial oxidative stress and activation of mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis induced by indomethacin (a NSAID) in the gastric mucosa. Melatonin inhibits the important steps of indomethacin‐induced activation of mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis such as upregulation of the expression of Bax and Bak, and the downregulation of Bcl‐2 and BclxL. Melatonin also prevents indomethacin‐induced mitochondrial translocation of Bax and prevents the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, melatonin reduces indomethacin‐mediated activation of caspase‐9 and caspase‐3 by blocking the release of cytochrome c and finally rescues gastric mucosal cells from indomethacin‐induced apoptosis as measured by the TUNEL assay. Histologic studies of gastric mucosa further document that melatonin almost completely protects against gastric damage induced by indomethacin. Thus, melatonin has significant anti‐apoptotic effects to protect gastric mucosa from NSAID‐induced apoptosis and gastropathy, which makes its use as potential therapy against gastric damage during NSAID treatment.
STUDY ON INTERACTION AMONG EXTRUSION‐COOKING PROCESS VARIABLES AND ENZYME ACTIVITY: EVALUATION OF EXTRUDATE STRUCTURE
Authors: DE PILLI TERESA , LEGRAND JACK , DEROSSI ANTONIO , SEVERINI CARLA
Published: February 2009

A blend of wheat flour (moisture content 11.61%) and different amounts of two commercial enzymes like GRINDAMYL (GA) amylase 1000 (0–0.1 g/kg) and GA protease 41 (0–1.0 g/kg) were extruded through a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder.

The effects of barrel temperature (60–120C), dough moisture (20–36%), screw speed (100–400 rpm) and different amounts of enzymes on structure of extrudates (porosity and break strength) were studied using response surface methodology.

Results showed that the highest value of porosity (62.47% ± 4.07) was obtained at the highest value of barrel temperature (120C) and at the largest amounts of GA protease 41 (1.0 g/kg) or GA amylase 1000 (0.1 g/kg). However, the simultaneous addition of large amounts of both enzymes caused a negative effect on expansion degree (porosity < 30%). Large amounts of moisture dough and GA amylase 1000 resulted in a high value of break strength (25.7 N/mm2) and in stiff‐textured extrudates.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This research could provide some information about the effects of and the interactions between extrusion parameters and enzyme activities, which are commonly used to produce bakery products, in order to improve the texture of extrudates processed at low barrel temperatures, i.e., 60C, for example, extrudates with thermolabile components like vitamins or extrudates with high lipid fraction like breakfast cereals, pet food, etc.
EFFECT OF SOLAR DRYING ON THE COMPOSITION OF ESSENTIAL OIL OF SACHA CULANTRO (ERYNGIUM FOETIDUM L.) GROWN IN THE PERUVIAN AMAZON
Authors: BANOUT JAN , HAVLIK JAROSLAV , KULIK MICHAL , KLOUCEK PAVEL , LOJKA BOHDAN , VALTEROVA IRENA
Published: February 2009

Two solar drying methods (direct cabinet solar dryer and indirect cabinet solar dryer) were tested under tropical conditions for drying aerial parts of sacha culantro (Eryngium foetidum L.) in Pucallpa City (Peruvian Amazon). The drying behavior was monitored during all experimental runs. Dried samples and fresh leaves were hydrodistilled and isolated oils were analyzed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. (E)‐2‐dodecenal was determined as the main constituent of the sacha culantro essential oil, averaging 61.8–62.2%, followed by n‐dodecanal (10.9–15.5%), (E)‐2‐tetradecenal (6.7–7.6%) and 1‐tetradecene (3.6–5.7%). When comparing both solar drying methods, the indirect method was found as more suitable for drying E. foetidum since the dried product resembled the fresh herb more closely in its chemicalcomposition and had better appearance. However, a better drying efficiency of 10.3% was achieved when drying in the direct solar dryer compared with 5.8% for the indirect solar dryer.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Harvested leaves of sacha culantro are widely used as a condiment in a range of Peruvian, Latin American and Caribbean foods, including vegetable and meat dishes, canned food and sauces. There is lack of any postharvest processing of this herb although it may extend possibilities for use of the herb and facilitate the product export from local production areas and might be a good economic source for poor local farmers. This study shows solar drying as a reasonable preservation technique of sacha culantro leaves which may have a practical application in case of postharvest processing of the herb in the target region of Pucallpa City in Peruvian Amazon.
Myth in China: The Case of Ancient Goddess Studies
Authors: Shuxian Ye
Published: February 2009

At the end of the nineteenth century, the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche professed that ‘God was dead’ in the Western world. In contrast, at the beginning of the twentieth century, Chinese gods and goddesses were being reborn due to a new discipline in the Chinese academic world: mythology or mythography. This article explores how the female goddesses of Chinese ancient mythology were distorted and remade by the ideology of patriarchy – how they lost their original features and were transformed into male gods, or were hidden within ritual signs and philosophical concepts.
Where Are We With the Management of Hypertension? From Science to Clinical Practice
Authors: Farsang Csaba , Naditch‐Brule Lisa , Avogaro Angelo , Östergren Jan , Verdecchia Paolo , Maggioni Aldo , Van De Borne Philippe , Lins Robert , Roca‐Cusachs Alexandre
Published: February 2009

The management of elevated blood pressure in patients at high cardiovascular risk is still a subject of debate. The authors review current international guidelines and results of large clinical trials and recent meta‐analyses to discuss the different approaches in patients at high risk for cardiovascular events. The different treatment options are considered in view of the modern approach and of the different classes of drugs (diuretics, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, β‐blockers, and angiotensin II receptor blockers) currently in use. A case report is presented as an illustration of the difficulties related to the management of high blood pressure in patients at increased risk. The benefits of the use of 2 medications that include an inhibitor of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system and a calcium channel blocker or a diuretic are discussed. Choosing the proper drugs and correct doses are important considerations for the long‐term management of hypertension.
Conceptualizing Personal and Extrapersonal Associations
Authors: Olson Michael A. , Fazio Russell H. , Han H. Anna
Published: February 2009

We recently introduced the term ‘extrapersonal associations’ and defined them as information that is available in memory but that does not contribute to one's attitudes toward a given object (Olson & Fazio, 2004). Here, we review our conceptualization of the term, contrast it to our conceptualization of attitudes as personal associations, and briefly summarize evidence that the Implicit Association Test, as it is traditionally employed, is influenced by extrapersonal associations. We discuss recent critiques of the concept and in so doing, elaborate upon the essence of the personal versus extrapersonal distinction. We conclude with speculations on the nature of extrapersonal associations, their origins, and relationship to attitudes.
Self‐regulation of Group Members: The Case of Regulatory Focus
Authors: Sassenberg Kai , Woltin Karl‐Andrew
Published: February 2009

For a long time, research on motivation and (inter)group behaviour mainly focused on needs and motives, but did not take self‐regulation (i.e., the processes underlying motivated action) into account. Similarly, self‐regulation research concentrated on the regulation of the personal self, but did not study the regulation of the social self. The current article summarizes work applying self‐regulation approaches to intergroup behaviour. Within this approach, it has been shown (a) that the social self is regulated based on the same mechanisms as the personal self, (b) that intergroup contexts impact on group members’ self‐regulation strategies, and (c) that the fit between an individual's self‐regulation strategy and the behavioural options provided by the group impact on group liking and potentially also on the integration of the group into the self‐concept. The relation between current and earlier approaches to motivation in groups and further avenues for research on group‐based self‐regulation are discussed.
The good and the bad of chemokines/chemokine receptors in melanoma
Authors: Richmond Ann , Yang Jinming , Su Yingjun
Published: February 2009

Chemokine ligand/receptor interactions affect melanoma cell growth, stimulate or inhibit angiogenesis, recruit leukocytes, promote metastasis, and alter the gene expression profile of the melanoma associated fibroblasts. Chemokine/chemokine receptor interactions can protect against tumor development/growth or can stimulate melanoma tumor progression, tumor growth and metastasis. Metastatic melanoma cells express chemokine receptors that play a major role in the specifying the organ site for metastasis, based upon receptor detection of the chemokine gradient elaborated by a specific organ/tissue. A therapeutic approach that utilizes the protective benefit of chemokines involves delivery of angiostatic chemokines or chemokines that stimulate the infiltration of cytotoxic T cells and natural killer T cells into the tumor microenvironment. An alternative approach that tackles the tumorigenic property of chemokines uses chemokine antibodies or chemokine receptor antagonists to target the growth and metastatic properties of these interactions. Based upon our current understanding of the role of chemokine‐mediated inflammation in cancer, it is important that we learn to appropriately regulate the chemokine contribution to the tumorigenic ‘cytokine/chemokine storm’, and to metastasis.
Genetic modification in cellulose‐synthase reduces crystallinity and improves biochemical conversion to fermentable sugar
Authors: HARRIS DARBY , STORK JOZSEF , DEBOLT SETH
Published: February 2009

The cellulose synthase (CESA) membrane complex synthesizes microfibrils of cellulose that surround all plant cells. Cellulose is made of sugar (β,1‐4 glucan) and accessing the sugar in cellulose for biofuels is of critical importance to stem the use of fossil fuels and avoid competition with food crops and pristine lands associated with starch‐based biofuel production. The recalcitrance of cellulose to enzymatic conversion to a fermentable form of sugar is related to the degree of hydrogen bonding or crystallization of the glucan chain. Herein, we isolate the first viable low biomass‐crystallinity mutant by screening for altered cell wall structure using X‐ray scattering as well as screening for enzymatic conversion efficiency on a range of cell wall mutants in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. Through detailed analysis of the kinetics of bioconversion we identified a mutant that met both selection criteria. This mutant is ixr1‐2, which contains a mutation in a highly conserved consensus sequence among the C‐terminal transmembrane regions within CESA3. A 34% lower biomass crystallization index and 151% improvement in the efficiency of conversion from raw biomass to fermentable sugars was measured relative to that of wild type (Col‐0). Recognizing the inherent ambiguities with an insoluble complex substrate like cellulose and how little is still understood regarding the regulation of CESA we propose a general model for how to manipulate CESA enzymes to improve the recalcitrance of cellulose to enzymatic hydrolysis. This study also raises intriguing possibilities as to the functional importance of transmembrane anchoring in CESA complex and microfibril formation.
Modelling and measuring electromechanical coupling in the rat heart
Authors: Niederer S. A. , Ter Keurs H. E. D. J. , Smith N. P.
Published: February 2009

Tension‐dependent binding of Ca2+ to troponin C in the cardiac myocyte has been shown to play an important role in the regulation of Ca2+ and the activation of tension development. The significance of this regulatory mechanism is quantified experimentally by the quantity of Ca2+ released following a rapid change in the muscle length. Using a computational, coupled, electromechanics cell model, we have confirmed that the tension dependence of Ca2+ binding to troponin C, rather than cross‐bridge kinetics or the rate of Ca2+ uptake by the sarcoplasmic reticulum, determines the quantity of Ca2+ released following a length step. This cell model has been successfully applied in a continuum model of the papillary muscle to analyse experimental data, suggesting the tension‐dependent binding of Ca2+ to troponin C as the likely pathway through which the effects of localized impaired tension generation alter the Ca2+ transient. These experimental results are qualitatively reproduced using a three‐dimensional coupled electromechanics model. Furthermore, the model predicts that changes in the Ca2+ transient in the viable myocardium surrounding the impaired region are amplified in the absence of tension‐dependent binding of Ca2+ to troponin C.
Influence of Ar∕O2 ratio on the electrical properties of metal-ferroelectric (BiFeO3)-insulator (HfO2)-semiconductor capacitors fabricated by rf magnetron sputtering
Authors: Juan Trevor Pi-Chun , Lu Jong-Hong , Lu Ming-Wei
Published: February 2009

Metal-ferroelectric-insulator-semiconductor (MFIS) capacitors with (BiFeO3) (BFO) ferroelectric layer and hafnium oxide (HfO2) insulator layer were fabricated. The surface morphology was examined by the atomic force microscopy (AFM) with different incident angles. The size of memory window as a function of argon to oxygen ratio (Ar∕O2) was studied. The maximum memory window is 2.4V obtained from a sweep voltage of 8V when the Ar to O2 gas ratio is 5. The leakage current which is dependent on the peak intensity of BFO phases was characterized. The charge injection effect determined from the surface roughness was suggested. The oxide trapped charges were measured to explain the charge injection effect.
Initial oxidation of Si(110) as studied by real-time synchrotron-radiation x-ray photomission spectroscopy
Authors: Suemitsu M. , Yamamoto Y. , Togashi H. , Enta Y. , Yoshigoe A. , Teraoka Y.
Published: February 2009

Initial oxidation processes of the Si(110) surface and the chemical bonding states of silicon atoms in the initial oxides have been investigated by using real-time synchrotron-radiation photoemission spectroscopy. Time evolutions of the Sin+ (n=1–4) components in the Si 2p spectrum indicates that the Si3+ component always overwhelms the Si4+ component during the oxidation up to one monolayer. This is in sharp contrast to the Si(001) surface where Si4+>Si3+ always holds. The dominance of the Si3+ component is related to presence of two types of bonds on the Si(110) surface and to their possible different reactivity against insertion of oxygen atoms.