bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modification of an index of biotic integrity for assessing vernal ponds and small palustrine wetlands using fish, crayfish, and amphibian assemblages along southern Lake Michigan
Authors: Simon T.P. , Jankowski R. , Morris C.
Published: November 2008

We developed an index of biotic integrity (IBI) based on crayfish, fish, and amphibian assemblages to assess vernal ponds and palustrine wetland habitats of less than 5 ha along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. We found that the modified IBI based on three crayfish, twelve fish, and seven amphibian species collected during our surveys provided a more complete assessment than one based on any single taxonomic group. The new scoring criteria included the number of amphibian and fish species, number of benthic species, percent of individuals as pioneer species, percent of individuals as exotic species and percent of individuals with complex reproductive modes for metrics developed for larger palustrine wetlands. Low-end scoring procedures were not required; however, species composition metrics that did not possess the specified attribute received a ‘0’ score rather than a ‘1’. Correlation coefficients suggest that the reference conditions developed during this study of IBI metrics are able to differentiate high-quality biological assemblages from disturbance gradients that lowered biological integrity in small palustrine wetlands and vernal ponds. We found that the distribution of the index scores for Miller Woods was skewed to the low end of biological integrity with increased distance from Lake Michigan and proximity to edges.
Testing the toxicity of sediments contaminated with diesel fuel using glochidia and juvenile mussels (Bivalvia, Unionidae)
Authors: Keller A.E. , Ruessler D.S. , Chaffee C.M.
Published: November 2008

Sediment toxicity was evaluated for one site upstream and three sites downstream of a diesel fuel spill that occurred in Fish Creek (OH and IN) in September 1993 using glochidia and juvenile unionid mussels. This fourth order tributary of the St. Joseph River has the only known remaining population of white cat’s paw pearly mussel, Epioblasma obliquata perobliqua, and populations of several other federal and state endangered mussels. The impact of the oil spill was of great concern because of the potential long term threat it poses to the survival of these mussels. Sediment samples collected two years after the spill contained low heavy metal concentrations, and detectable, but not quantifiable levels of organic components of diesel fuel. These levels coincided with their lack of toxicity to juvenile Villosa villosa and Lampsilis siliquoidea mussels after 9-day exposures. Fish Creek sediments may be toxic to L. siliquoidea glochidia.
Environmental quality of the Jordanian coastal waters of the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea
Authors: Badran M.I. , Foster P.
Published: November 2008

Records of long term (14 months) fine temporal resolution (weekly) monitoring of the ambient water temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration and percent saturation, the inorganic nutrients ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and silicate and chlorophyll a concentrations were generated to assess sea water quality within the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. Surface water (1 m) samples were collected from four coastal stations, contrasting in their natural benthic habitats and adjacent human activities. Offshore surface water was also concurrently sampled at two locations. The offshore stations were reference sites. Modifications in the coastal water quality were assessed as the difference between the magnitude of a specific parameter recorded at a coastal station and the concurrently recorded value of the parameter at the reference offshore station, relative to the annual mean value at the reference offshore station.

A sandy beach–sea grass bed habitat was found to have significantly positive modifications in chlorophyll a concentration, mainly during the spring–early summer period. A semi-enclosed harbour within the Port of Aqaba was found to be acutely modified with respect to all measured parameters. A coral reef exhibited positive modifications of nitrogen and dissolved oxgen concentrations and percent oxygen saturation during summer. An industrial site had consistently positive modifications in phosphate concentration, but not in nitrogen or chlorophyll a concentrations. In addition to these site specific modifications, ammonia and silicate concentrations were positively modified at all the coastal stations. Natural and anthropomorphic factors that shape the coastal water characteristics and result in the specific modifications are discussed.
Stress protein accumulation as an indicator of impact by the petroleum industry in Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil
Authors: Nascimento I.A. , Leite M.B.N. , Sansone G. , Pereira S.A. , Smith D.H.
Published: November 2008

The relative concentrations of stress proteins in juvenile mangrove oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae), from six study sites in Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil, were used to evaluate the possibility of chronic environmental impact induced by 40 years of exposure to the local petroleum industry. Replicated tissue samples from oysters at four sites associated with the extraction, transport and refinement of petroleum, and from two control sites, were used for stress protein (60 kDa) determination. The relative levels of stress proteins were statistically compared by standard methods. Friedman nonparametric analysis of variance, followed by multiple comparisons among samples, revealed significant differences in stress protein levels. Oysters from sites associated with the extraction and transport of petroleum had the highest relative concentrations of stress proteins, while the control areas revealed minimum concentrations. Samples from the refinery site, where oyster populations were severely reduced, did not differ from the control sites. Comparisons with parallel studies on the toxicity of aquatic substrates at the same sites revealed that stress protein analyses were useful in evaluating chronic environmental impact, within the tolerance limits of C. rhizophorae, but that the stress response diminished significantly when conditions approached the lethal limits for this species. The stress protein response appears to serve as a valid biomonitoring method under chronic, sublethal exposures, before biological responses become evident at the organismic or population levels, but may not serve well when the stressor intensity is at or near the lethal tolerance level.
Infusing ecology into politics
Authors: Vallentyne J.R.
Published: November 2008

This is a personal account of three occasions in which the author played crucial roles in transferring ecological concepts into political operations in the Great Lakes Basin of North America. These were: phosphorus and the control of eutrophication; introduction of the ecosystem approach to management of water quality into the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1978; and the need to reduce the harm to human and ecosystem health by controlling industrial production and uses of chlorine. In each case, several years were required to draw attention to the issue, a ‘third party’ independent of governments was involved, timing was important, a person was needed to make necessary connections at various levels of government, and controversy was stimulated by public interest. An important role is that used by the International Joint Commission: persons involved in resolving major issues are obligated to act in their personal and professional capacities, and not as representatives of the organizations that employ them.
Determining the lotic ecosystem nutrient and trophic status of three streams in eastern Oklahoma over two seasons
Authors: Matlock M.D. , Storm D.E. , Smolen M.D. , Matlock M.E.
Published: November 2008

Nutrient limitations in three streams in the Upper Illinois River Basin in eastern Oklahoma (Peacheater, Tyner and Battle Creek) were measured using the Matlock periphytometer in April and September, 1995. The Matlock periphytometer was also used to measure baseline primary productivity and maximum primary productivity of the three streams over two seasons. The measured maximum primary productivity was interpreted to represent the rate of periphytic growth when the nutrients are not limiting. We calculated a lotic ecosystem trophic status index using the ratio of baseline and nutrient enriched growth to MPP. This index is by definition a functional index and may provide a classification tool for lotic ecosystem trophic status. We observed fluctuations in nutrient limitations in the streams over time and detected co-limitations of nitrogen and phosphorus in two of the three streams.
Complexity related to behavior of stability in modeled coastal zone ecosystems
Authors: Pérez-España H. , Arreguín-Sánchez F.
Published: November 2008

Based on four published mass-balanced ecosystem models from coastal zones, we studied the relationships of stability to some characteristics in ecosystems. Three attributes of stability, persistence, magnitude of changes in biomass and resilience, were analyzed using the ecopath and ecosim software. For each published model, five versions were obtained by randomly modifying connectance to change complexity. Simulation experiments were performed over 60 years and then stability attributes quantified. We found complexity was not closely related to stability. A high number of pools made the system less resilient, and a high connectance made them more resilient and more persistent. Our results suggest that ecosystems with generalist feeding species, without a preferred prey, have increased recovery time and more obvious disturbances. No clear effect was found when different trophic levels were disturbed in an ecosystem.
The use of ecological information in the selection of quality objectives for river conservation and restoration in Flanders (Belgium)
Authors: Schneiders A. , Wils C. , Verheyen R.
Published: November 2008

Due to the intensive use of freshwater resources, the ecological quality of catchments and watercourses in Flanders has been considerably lowered. Watercourses with natural stream characteristics and/or vulnerable species are rare and are quite often isolated headwaters. To restore the natural variety of river types and vulnerable species within Flanders and to restore the network within the catchments, there is an urgent need for river restoration programmes. To work efficiently, priority levels for catchment areas and quality objectives for watercourses should be designated. Our task was to develop a policy map based on objective ecological knowledge, taking into account the legal land designation and nature conservation.

Based on a large field survey, which consisted of gathering ecological information of watercourses throughout Flanders, a typology of rivers with reference framework was devised. Secondly, a priority map at a catchment level for integrated water management planning was developed. Three priority levels were distinguished based on the current ecological quality, the (legal) land designation, and the occurring river types within each catchment area. Thirdly, quality objectives were assigned to the priority zone watercourses. Four classes are selected: class I, in which nature conservation is the principal objective; class II, in which nature conservation should become the principal objective; class III, where nature conservation is an important subsidiary function; and class IV, in which most watercourses have a connecting function allowing migration of vulnerable species. The goals for the four classes were linked to different quality requirements.

The methodology developed for construction of a priority map and for assignment of water quality objectives to priority watercourses is explained in detail. An ecological evaluation of the sub-catchments of the river Nete and the river Dyle is used to discuss the selection of priority zones. Five sub-catchments are described in more detail to illustrate the assignment of quality objectives to priority zone watercourses.
The implementation of a regional biomonitoring program in northeast Brazil
Authors: Watanabe T. , Coler R.A. , Paz R.J.
Published: November 2008

A methodology to inventory water quality in northeast Brazil through biomonitoring is described. Essentially the methodology is based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency protocol supplemented by benthic macroinvertebrate diversity data. To date six test species have been selected to represent the overall aquatic biota response to different pollutants: the snail (Pomacea linetata), fish (Molienesia sp.), prawn (Macrobrachium amazonicum), zooplankton (Daphnia similis), macrophytes (Lemna sp.) and periphytic algae (Selenastrum capricornutum). These organisms will be exposed to test waters and evaluated with regard to acute toxicity (survival) and chronic toxicity (photosynthesis, respiration, excretion, growth and reproduction).

An extensive training program has been set-up. Regional governmental laboratories and staff will be equipped with the capacity to conduct bioassays routinely. Training and research activities are housed in the Environmental Management laboratories at the Federal Technical School of Paraíba, as well as at the Federal University of Paraíba, Campus I, Systematic and Ecology Department.
Environmental education for ecosystem health: a methodology for the Piracicaba River basin, southeast Brazil
Authors: Barbosa F.A.R. , Guerra C.B. , Maia-Barbosa P.M.
Published: November 2008

An evaluation of major impacts from human activities at the Piracicaba river basin, Minas Gerais State, (southeast Brazil) was used to develop an environmental education programme involving representatives of nine municipalities. The provisioning of local communities with an access to environmental knowledge through a continuous process of information exchange was the basic objective of the programme. The methods adopted were based on a participative planning which defined a set of integrated activities, aimed at the communities, in general (e.g. production of an educative film and public enquiries), and at opinion formers and decision-makers, in particular (e.g. short and longer-courses). The adoption of the programme by the local communities, the area covered, the shortage of adequate literature and specially trained people at the University are pointed out as the basic difficulties for the development of the programme. The proposed methodology and the experience gained during the 18 months has demonstrated the importance of developing activities under short and average time span perspectives, conducted in a planned and participative way. The results also suggest the need for environmental education as a basis in recovering and maintaining ecosystem health.
Combining sediment quality criteria and sediment bioassays with photoactivation for assessing sediment quality along the Swedish West Coast
Authors: Wernersson Ann-Sofie , Dave Göran , Nilsson Eva
Published: November 2008

Sediments from 48 sites along the Swedish West Coast were sampled for determination of priority pollutants (metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated hydrocarbons). Toxicity to two crustaceans (Daphnia magna and Nitocra spinipes) were also determined within 2 weeks and after 12 months of storage at 4°C. Since, according to earlier studies, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons may exhibit photoinduced toxicity, all test vessels (including exposed test organisms) were subjected to ultraviolet irradiation after immobility/lethality was recorded. Thereafter, the vessels were recorded again for immobility/lethality and the data were compared with phototoxicity data of analyzed substances, in order to estimate the bioavailability of phototoxic hydrocarbons in these sediments. Immobility of Daphnia exposed to 16% sediment (wet weight) ranged from 0 to 80% both before and after photo treatment. Nitocra 96-h LC50s (% wet weight of sediment) ranged from 1.9 to > 32% before, and from 1.0 to > 32% after ultraviolet treatment. The sensitivity to the different sediments as well as the photoactivation was species dependent and differed between fresh and stored sediments. Photoactivation in Daphnia was generally low but significant in an analysis of variance test. Compared with two different sediment quality guidelines it was found that some sediments would be classified as moderately or strongly polluted. These values did not always coincide with toxicity to any of the two species. The guidelines were thus of no value in predicting sediment toxicity. Correlations between toxicity and chemicals measured in the sediments were also highly variable and inconsistent.

Photo-induced toxicity in Nitocra did not correlate (p < 0.01) to any of the analyzed substances, and a clear pattern between ultraviolet-induced toxicity to Daphnia and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations in the sediments was not obtained, possibly because most sediments contained relatively low amounts of bioavailable material. However, the sediment sample with the highest concentrations of photoactive PAHS such as pyrene did demonstrate the greatest increase in toxicity (39%) following ultraviolet irradiation.
The suitability of Corophium orientale (Crustacea, Amphipoda) in harbour sediment toxicity bioassessment
Authors: Onorati F. , Bigongiari N. , Pellegrini D. , Giuliani S.
Published: November 2008

Eco-toxicology represents an important integrative tool of environmental risk assessment. Amphipods is a taxon much recommended for bioassay, but species used are generally from the Atlantic Ocean or the North Sea. None of the Mediterranean species has ever been examined.

In an eco-toxicological evaluation of harbour sediment, Corophium orientale, an endemic Mediterranean species, was investigated for suitability to determine sediment quality. Physical-chemical analyses and amphipod bioassays on several contaminated Italian harbour samples were carried out. Two amphipod populations with different sensitivities were used. Microtox®, a sensitive and reproducible assay procedure, was used in parallel with C. orientale assay in order to ascertain an agreement and/or disagreement between responses. The results of the two bioassay procedures supported the hypothesis that C. orientale, as part of a battery of bioassays, is sensitive to hydro-soluble pollutants contaminating the water column due to dredging activities.
SUR1: a unique ATP-binding cassette protein that functions as an ion channel regulator
Authors: Aittoniemi Jussi , Fotinou Constantina , Craig Tim J , de Wet Heidi , Proks Peter , Ashcroft Frances M
Published: November 2008

SUR1 is an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter with a novel function. In contrast to other ABC proteins, it serves as the regulatory subunit of an ion channel. The ATP-sensitive (K
ATP
) channel is an octameric complex of four pore-forming Kir6.2 subunits and four regulatory SUR1 subunits, and it links cell metabolism to electrical activity in many cell types. ATPase activity at the nucleotide-binding domains of SUR results in an increase in K
ATP
channel open probability. Conversely, ATP binding to Kir6.2 closes the channel. Metabolic regulation is achieved by the balance between these two opposing effects. Precisely how SUR1 talks to Kir6.2 remains unclear, but recent studies have identified some residues and domains that are involved in both physical and functional interactions between the two proteins. The importance of these interactions is exemplified by the fact that impaired regulation of Kir6.2 by SUR1 results in human disease, with loss-of-function SUR1 mutations causing congenital hyperinsulinism and gain-of-function SUR1 mutations leading to neonatal diabetes. This paper reviews recent data on the regulation of Kir6.2 by SUR1 and considers the molecular mechanisms by which SUR1 mutations produce disease.
NEW TECHNIQUES OF PALATOGRAPHY
Authors: WITTING CLAES
Published: November 2008

All in all it will be seen that photo‐palatography (PP), defined as painting the subject's tongue plus photographing the mirror image of the subject's palate after pronouncing, is superior to the artificial palate method (APM), whether the contact surface is drawn or photographed, namely in one very important respect: — In PP the subject articulates more freely than in the APM; hence the contact surface is usually more accurate in the first case — a fact of highest interest to phoneticians.

In addition to that, the preparatory stages of the APM, i. e. the production of negative and positive palate casts, can be dispensed with in PP, which means an appreciable reduction of the time needed for the subject to be at the operator's disposal. Yet the photo‐palatogram is sometimes hard to interpret on account of photographic errors; on such occasions a positive palate cast will serve perfectly well as a corrective, but it is by no means necessary to take the negative cast before the actual experiment.

The painting is annoying to the subject if repeated; intensive

studies of single individuals are, therefore, more suitable performed with the APM or a mixed PP‐APM.

Any palatogram with the inner contour of the teeth still traceable can henceforth be expressed numerically, either according to the dentril code method or to the contcict index method.
COMPTE RENDU
Authors: Magnusson Utf
Published: November 2008

A. A. PrinsA History of English Phonemes. Leiden University
COMPTES RENDUS
Authors: Gunnarson Kjell‐Åke
Published: November 2008

Martin Harris. The evolution of French syntax. A comparative approach. Longman linguistics library nr 22. London
COMPTES RENDUS
Authors: Johannesson Nils‐Lennart
Published: November 2008

Lars Hermerén, On Modality in English. A Study of the Semantics of the Modals. (Lund Studies in English 53.) Lund CWK Gleerup
COMPUTER AIDS IN TRANSLATION
Authors: Karlgren Hans
Published: November 2008

The presentation is based on the results of an international meeting for establishing the state of the art and for making recommendations for continued research and development in the field. The meeting was arranged by Kval on behalf of the AIL A Commission for Computational Linguistics in conjunction with the Committee for Linguistics in Documentation within the International Federation for Documentation (FID/LD). See statement on pp 99–101. The conclusions below, though in tune with that statement, have been formulated by the author, who therefore alone carries the responsibility for them.
ANOTHER LOOK AT NEGATIVELY CONDITIONED SUBJECT‐OPERATOR INVERSION IN ENGLISH1
Authors: Jacobsson Bengt
Published: November 2008

The regularization of subject ‐ operator inversion as used after negatives, restrictives, and certain correlatives is a process that has been going on for centuries and may still be going on, for all we know. It started with full negatives like neither and was then extended to near‐negatives, restrictives, and correlatives (including so + adjective/adverb. that). Various attempts have been made to find the rationale underlying this process, but none of the concepts proposed so far can be raised to the status of an all‐embracing explanatory principle. Emphaticness is obviously one of the factors involved, but it is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition for the use of inversion. Affect‐attraction, as defined by Klima, is broad enough to accommodate both interrogative and negative inversion but too narrow to account for inversion with so. Negative attraction, also invoked by Klima and by others before and after him, is a more likely candidate, but it has to be defined and explained in its turn. The conclusion arrived at in the present study is that negative inversion serves a twofold purpose: syntactically, it brings about a closer connection between negative and verb (negative attraction or, more generally, connectedness); semantically, it has the effect of making the clause non‐affirmative, thus eliminating the undesirable sequence negative opener + affirmative S‐V. In borderline cases, such as sentences with preposed not without reason or not for nothing, it is usually the syntactic principle that prevails, i. e. inversion is used in spite of the fact that the sentence is affirmative in meaning. The syntactic principle also accounts for the regular use of inversion after preposed correlatives, whether near‐negative like hardly or non‐negative like so.
The nucleolar cycle in the myxomycete Physarum polycephalum. I. Ultracytochemical characteristics of the mature nucleolus and of the persisting nucleolar material during the mitotic stages
Authors: Cadrin Monique , Lord André , Lafontaine Jean G.
Published: November 2008

The interphase nucleolus, in the myxomycete Physarum polycephalum, consists of granular and fibrillar zones, as in all eukaryotes studied so far. Each of these latter regions, however, is observed to be composed of a coarse filamentous element which is generally folded into a globular or cup-shaped structure characterized by a lighter core portion. These globular structures are bleached by EDTA and also react with both bismuth and phosphotungstic acid, thus showing that they contain chromatin. Similarly shaped nucleolar components are observed till late prophase and these show cytochemical properties identical to those seen during interphase. Following dispersion of the nucleolus at prometaphase, these globular nucleolar regions persist as characteristic remnants which contain DNA, RNA, and basic proteins. At anaphase, numerous similar bodies migrate with the chromosomes and can be demonstrated to become part of the chromatin masses which occupy the two poles of the dumbbell-shaped telophase nucleus. It is concluded from these observations that these nucleolar remnants originate from the fibrillar zones of the mature nucleolus and that these zones in turn correspond to well-defined structures possessing the general characteristics of chromatin. These structures are consequently referred to as minichromosomes.
Alkane distribution in epicuticular wax of some evergreen Ericaceae
Authors: Salasoo Inno
Published: November 2008

Patterns of alkane distribution in the epicuticular wax were determined for seven evergreen species of Ericaceae from western Oregon. Hentriacontane was the major alkane in most species. Total wax hydrocarbons were lowest in plants collected on the coast.
NOx species, not by-products of the purification of air, with high temperature combustion devices for biological studies
Authors: Eastwell Kenneth C. , Bassi Pawan K. , Spencer Mary S.
Published: November 2008

The production of oxides of nitrogen can occur with high temperature combustion devices operated in the presence of molecular oxygen and nitrogen. However, such was not the case under the conditions used for the purification of air for biological studies. After analysis of air for total NO and NO2, we found that the passage of air through catalysts at 650 °C did not increase the amount of NOx in the air stream.
Evaluation of the inhibition of culturable Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, or Aeromonas hydrophilia by an existing drinking water biofilm
Authors: Gibbs Shawn G. , Meckes Mark C. , Ortiz Melchor , Green Christopher F. , Scarpino Pasquale V.
Published: November 2008

Biofilms in potable water distribution systems consist of microorganisms that can survive and grow under the low nutrient concentrations commonly found within water distribution systems. This experiment evaluated the ability of an existing biofilm to reduce the number of introduced microorganisms adhered to materials in an aquatic environment. Ductile iron biofilm sampling coupons were separated into two groups, one had existing biofilm (pre-colonized) and the second group of coupons had no biofilm present (control). Biofilm sampling coupons were challenged by suspensions of individual study organisms consisting of Enterococcus faecium , Escherichia coli , or Aeromonas hydrophilia , and a sterile solution (control). Densities of culturable study organisms on control coupons were compared to densities of these same culturable organisms on biofilm pre-colonized coupons. Results demonstrate that drinking water distribution systems may be vulnerable to the development of potentially pathogenic bacteria in biofilm when lines are initially placed in service. Conclusions are that existing biofilm may serve as a barrier to introduced study organisms.
The microbial characterization of a hydroponic treatment step for domestic wastewater — towards an expanded view on the plant–microbial hydroecology
Authors: Norström Anna , Dalhammar Gunnel , Lee Natuschka M.
Published: November 2008

The aim of this study was to explore the microbial composition in the hydroponic step of a pilot plant for treatment of domestic wastewater under temperate climate conditions. The pilot plant was designed for nitrogen removal and operated at constant conditions. The microbial composition was investigated over a period of 6 months using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to identify key microbial groups. Nitrification rate measurements confirmed the presence and activity of aerobic nitrifying populations. The FISH analysis demonstrated that Proteobacteria, followed by Nitrospirae and Planctomycetes, represented the three most abundant bacterial groups. Interestingly, further FISH studies suggested the presence of one other bacterial group associated with ammonium-oxidizing processes: anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria within the Planctomycetales. This suggests that the nitrogen turnover in hydroponics systems may be attributed to more complex processes than previous models based only on those performed by aerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria.
Sensor factor correction for collimated beam experiments using a medium pressure ultraviolet lamp
Authors: Guo Mei-Ting , Hu Hong-Ying , Bolton James R.
Published: November 2008

A detailed protocol is presented documenting how a ‘sensor factor’ correction should be calculated when undertaking quasi collimated beam experiments using a polychromatic medium pressure ultraviolet lamp. The correction factor was determined as 0.778 through Pyrex filtration test. This new protocol is particularly important if the radiometer sensor has significant sensitivity at wavelengths longer than 300 nm.
Fish louseArgulus funduli(Crustacea: Branchiura) ectoparasites of the euryhaline teleost host,Fundulus heteroclitus, damage the ion-transport capacity of the opercular epithelium
Authors: Marshall W. S. , Cozzi R. R.F. , Strapps C.
Published: November 2008

Killifish ( Fundulus heteroclitus (L., 1766)) collected in the wild and kept in full-strength seawater were naturally parasitized by the ectoparasite Argulus funduli Krøyer, 1863, a copepod fish louse that creates inflamed skin lesions on the opercular epithelium and host gills. We assessed the damage done by lesions by counting the density of mitochondria-rich cells by fluorescence microscopy and by measuring Cl–secretion rate electrophysiologically using control (no lesions) and affected isolated opercular epithelia, often as paired left and right membranes from a single fish. Epithelia with lesions had a significantly reduced Cl–secretion rate, and in the lesions, the density of chloride cells was near zero. Contralateral membranes without lesions from infested fish had transport rates not significantly different from membranes taken from uninfected control animals, indicating no overcompensation on the contralateral membranes. Healthy control and infested animals were transferred to hypersaline conditions (twice seawater). Infested and control animals all survived transfer and had elevated plasma Na+and plasma osmolality. Infested animals failed to significantly elevate Imto the same level as healthy animals and there was a difference in hematocrit. Happily, the hypersaline challenge also resulted in detachment and death of adult A. funduli. We conclude that Argulus lesions impair salt transport in affected membranes but do not significantly affect survival on hypersaline challenge, and that hypersaline exposure is a successful treatment for A. funduli infestation in these strongly euryhaline teleosts.
GEOMETRY OF UNITARIES IN A FINITE ALGEBRA: VARIATION FORMULAS AND CONVEXITY
Authors: ANDRUCHOW ESTEBAN , RECHT LÁZARO A.
Published: November 2008

Given a C*-algebra [Formula: see text] with trace τ, we compute the first and second variation formulas for the p-energy functional Fpof the unitary group [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], for p = 2n an even integer, namely: [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a smooth curve for t ∈ [a, b]. As an application of these formulas, we prove that if dpdenotes the geodesic distance of the Finsler metric induced by the p-norm [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and δ(t) is a geodesic of [Formula: see text] joining δ(0) = u0and δ(1) = u1, then the mapping [Formula: see text] is convex.
COEXISTENCE OF NON-CONVENTIONAL CONDENSATES IN TWO-LEVEL BOSE ATOM SYSTEM
Authors: CORGINI M. , ROJAS-MOLINA C. , SANKOVICH D. P.
Published: November 2008

In the framework of the Bogolyubov approximation and using the Bogolyubov inequalities, we give a simple proof of the coexistence of two non-conventional Bose–Einstein condensates in the case of some superstable Bose system whose atoms have an internal two-level structure, and their energy operators in the second quantized form depend on the number operators only.
ON THE SYSTEMATICS OF ENERGETIC TERMS IN CONTINUUM MECHANICS, AND A NOTE ON GIBBS (1877)
Authors: KOENEMANN FALK H.
Published: November 2008

The systematics of energetic terms as they are taught in continuum mechanics deviate seriously from the standard doctrine in physics, resulting in a profound misconception. It is demonstrated that the First Law of Thermodynamics has been routinely reinterpreted in a sense that would make it subordinate to Bernoulli's energy conservation law. Proof is given to the effect that the Cauchy stress tensor does not exist. Furthermore, it is shown that the attempt by Gibbs to find a thermodynamic understanding for elastic deformation does not sufficiently account for all the energetic properties of such a process.
DIRTY BOSONS: TWENTY YEARS LATER
Authors: WEICHMAN PETER B.
Published: November 2008

A concise and somewhat personal review of the problem of superfluidity and quantum criticality in regular and disordered interacting Bose systems is given, concentrating on general features and important symmetries that are exhibited in different parts of the phase diagram, and that govern the different possible types of critical behavior. A number of exact results for various insulating phase boundaries, which may be used to constrain the results of numerical simulations, can be derived using large rare region type arguments. The nature of the insulator-superfluid transition is explored through general scaling arguments, exact model calculations in one dimension, numerical results in two dimensions, and approximate renormalization group results in higher dimensions. Experiments on 4 He adsorbed in porous Vycor glass, on thin film superconductors, and magnetically trapped atomic vapors in a periodic optical potential are used to illustrate many of the concepts.
Spontaneous Resolution of Portal Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Banumukala Vishnu , Babu Adarsh
Published: November 2008

A 56-year-old male was admitted with symptoms of belching, abdominal pain and weight loss of 2 weeks duration. Examination revealed hepatosplenomegaly which was confirmed by computed tomography (CT). CT images also revealed filling defects in the portal vein and intrahepatic branches consistent with thrombosis and hepatosplenic infarcts. Alkaline phosphatase was elevated at 688 units, all other investigations, including full blood count, coagulation screen and tumour markers, were normal. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography did not reveal any mass in the porta hepatis. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy were normal. Liver biopsy was normal and did not reveal any evidence of lymphoma. The raised alkaline phosphatase settled to reference range over a period of 3 weeks. Thrombophilia screen was negative. Contrast CT of the abdomen performed after 4 weeks displayed revascularisation of the previously thrombosed portal vein and intrahepatic branches. The patient has remained asymptomatic since and we note spontaneous recanalisation of the previously occluded portal vein.
Dysphotopsia Outcomes Analysis of Two Truncated Acrylic 6.0-mm Intraocular Optic Lenses
Authors: Jin Yian , Zabriskie Norman , Olson Randall J.
Published: November 2008

Background/Aims: To determine the incidence of pseudophakic dysphotopsia complaints in patients successfully implanted with two 6.0-mm acrylic intraocular optic lenses (IOL) with treated edges: the Sensar AR-40-e (Advanced Medical Optics, Santa Ana, Calif., USA) and the SA-60AT (Alcon, Fort Worth, Tex., USA). Methods: A patient history and telephone survey at least 1 year after uncomplicated surgery at an academic eye hospital. Patients operated on for cataract with no pathology noted that the procedure could have an impact upon vision. At least 20/25 best corrected vision was documented after surgery, and patients were asked to rate specific dysphotopsia complaints. A single relevant case study is also presented. Results: Case study: the patient had unremitting dysphotopsia with an SA-60AT IOL and had an AR-40-e implanted in the second eye. She went on to have the SA-60AT exchanged with an AR-40-e IOL with relief of symptoms. Main study: the survey showed both 6.0-mm optic acrylic IOL were similar, except there was significantly more midday dysphotopsia with the SA-60AT in a subgroup (p = 0.014). Both were generally superior to the MA-30 with the SA-30AT between the two extremes. The control group did better than all IOL in general, except in overall satisfaction where the AR-40-e and SA-60AT were better. Conclusions: Pseudophakia induces dysphotopsia which can be minimized by a 6.0-mm optic and treated IOL edge.
Celecoxib Inhibits Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease-1 Expression and Prevents Gastric Cancer in Helicobacter pylori-Infected Mongolian Gerbils
Authors: Futagami Seiji , Kawagoe Tetsuro , Horie Akane , Shindo Tomotaka , Hamamoto Tatsuhiko , Suzuki Kenji , Kusunoki Masafumi , Miyake Kazumasa , Gudis Katya , Tsukui Taku , Crowe Sheila E. , Sakamoto Choitsu
Published: November 2008

Background and Aims: The aim of this study was to see whether administration of celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, could prevent the development of gastric cancer via inhibition of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease-1 (APE-1) expression induced by Helicobacter pylori infection. Methods: 70 Mongolian gerbils were divided into 6 groups. Group 1 gerbils served as controls (n = 6). Ten gerbils were given N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU), 30 ppm, 5 times biweekly (group 2). Short-term H. pylori infection was induced in 6 gerbils which were sacrificed 8 weeks after H. pylori infection (group 3). Long-term H. pylori infection was induced in 6 other gerbils which were sacrificed 44 weeks after H. pylori infection (group 4). Twenty gerbils were given MNU pretreatment 5 times biweekly and long-term H. pylori infection (group 5). In addition, after H. pylori inoculation, group 6 gerbils also received celecoxib with their diet for 26 weeks. APE-1 expression alone or with COX-2 in gastric tissues was evaluated by Western blot and immunohistological analysis. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substance (TBARS) levels were also evaluated. Results: APE-1 was localized in gastric epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells including macrophages in H. pylori-infected gerbils. The numbers of APE-1-positive cells in group 4 and 5 were significantly increased compared to those of group 3. Celecoxib treatment significantly reduced MPO activity, TBARS levels and the incidence of gastric cancer. APE-1 and IκBα phosphorylation levels were significantly increased in MNU-pretreated H. pylori-infected gerbils compared to those in MNU-only gerbils. Celecoxib significantly reduced APE-1 and IκBα phosphorylation levels in MNU-pretreated H. pylori-infected gerbils. COX-2 and APE-1 were coexpressed in the macrophages of H. pylori-infected gerbils. Conclusion: Celecoxib prevented gastric cancer in MNU-pretreated H. pylori-infected gerbils with a reduction in APE-1 expression thereby suggesting the implication of APE-1 in gastric carcinogenesis in this model.
Increased Arterial Stiffness in Elderly Female Diabetic Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Gu Yue , Cheng Li-Tao , Zeng Jing , Wang Tao
Published: November 2008

Background: Arterial stiffness is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. It has been reported that female and elderly diabetes mellitus (DM) patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) had a higher risk of death. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. The present study tried to investigate whether older female DM patients have increased arterial stiffness. Methods: One hundred and eighty-one continuous ambulatory PD patients in a single center were enrolled. On enrollment, demographic data were collected. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocities (PWV) were checked at the same time. Results: As expected, age had a significant impact on PWV both in DM and non-DM patients. There was no significant difference in PWV between male and female patients under the age of 50. No significant difference in PWV was found between male and female non-DM patients over the age of 50. However, the comparison of PWV reached statistical significance between male and female DM patients over the age of 50 (12.44 ± 1.83 m/s vs. 13.56 ± 1.86 m/s, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study showed that female DM patients over the age of 50 had the highest PWV as compared to other patient groups. Increased arterial stiffness might have contributed to the worst outcome of this population on PD treatment.
Healthcare Resource Utilization for Anemia Management: Current Practice with Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents and the Impact of Converting to Once-Monthly C.E.R.A.
Authors: Saueressig Ulrich , Kwan Jonathan T.C. , De Cock Erwin , Sapède Claudine
Published: November 2008

Background andMethods: A prospective, observational study in 12 German and UK dialysis centers which quantified personnel time for anemia treatment using erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). Tasks directly observable were measured through the time-and-motion method; time for non-observable tasks was estimated by healthcare staff. Using activity-based costing methods, time was converted into monetary units. Modeling was used to estimate potential time and cost savings using once-monthly C.E.R.A., a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator. Results: For current ESAs in Germany and the UK, respectively: mean observed time was 1.67 and 2.67 min/patient/administration, corresponding to 31 and 42 days/year/center/100 patients; mean total time/center/100 patients/year was estimated at 79 and 95 days, equivalent to EUR 17,031 and GBP 18,739. Assuming 100% once-monthly C.E.R.A. uptake, the observed time/patient/year may decrease by 79 and 84% in Germany and the UK, respectively, compared with traditional ESAs. Conclusion: Conversion to once-monthly C.E.R.A. may offer the potential to reduce time spent on ESA administration in hemodialysis centers.
Changes in Body Weight, Kidney Weight and Proximal Tubule Length during Pregnancy in the Rat
Authors: Garland H.O. , Green R. , Moriarty R.J.
Published: November 2008

Pregnant rats became significantly heavier than non-pregnant controls 2 days after conception. Just prior to term, they exhibited a gross 52% increase over their non-pregnant body weight. Dry kidney weight had increased by 13% in 7-day-pregnant animals, which also showed a 20% increase in proximal renal tubule lengths. At term, the former was not maintained as compared with controls; whereas the latter is maintained throughout pregnancy, and may, at least partially, account for the enhanced renal reabsorption of salt and water found in these animals.
Occurrence of an Oversulfated Dermatan Sulfate in Kidney Tissue
Authors: Murata Katsumi , Horiuchi Yoshihiko
Published: November 2008

An oversulfated dermatan sulfate (DS) was isolated from bovine and human kidney glycosaminoglycans by elution at high NaCl concentrations through ion-exchange column chromatography. Based on its behavior on paper chromatography and electrophoresis after digestion with chondroitinases, the presence of an oversulfated DS was evidenced by detection of the umsaturated disulfated disaccharide unit. Judging from its susceptibility to chondrosulfatases, it was found that the oversulfated DS comprised mainly the disaccharide unit of iduronosyl-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine 4- and 6-sulfates. A possible function of the oversulfated DS in kidney tissue is discussed.
Accumulation of p-Aminohippurate by Multiple Transport Systems in Rabbit Kidney Cortex Slices: A Kinetic Analysis
Authors: Hewitt William R. , Hook Jerry B.
Published: November 2008

A kinetic analysis of the rate of active (oxygen-dependent) accumulation of p-aminohippurate (PAH) by rabbit renal cortical slices was performed to confirm the existence of multiple renal organic anion transport systems. The kinetic analysis demonstrated the presence of two active uptake modes for PAH in this slice system. Acetate increased the rate of the oxygen-requiring component of each mode of PAH uptake by increasing the apparent Vmax of transport. Additional PAH transport modes were not revealed by the addition of acetate. These results were consistent with the hypothesis that more than one active transport system participates in the transport of organic anions in the renal proximal tubule cell.
Dynamics of Glomerular Ultrafiltration in Euvolemic Munich-Wistar Rats
Authors: Ichikawa Iekuni , Maddox David A. , Cogan Martin G. , Brenner Barry M.
Published: November 2008

After restoring plasma volume to conscious levels, glomerular pressures and flows governing single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) were measured in Munich-Wistar rats possessing surface glomeruli accessible to micropuncture. Although the mean glomerular transcapillary hydraulic pressure difference in these euvolemic rats was similar to that observed in hydropenic animals, initial glomerular plasma flow rate and SNGFR were at least 50% higher than in hydropenic rats. Nevertheless, filtration pressure equilibrium was generally achieved in euvolemic rats, as in hydropenic rats. Afferent and efferent arteriolar resistances were found to be lower in euvolemic than hydropenic rats, suggesting more potent vasoconstrictor forces in the latter group.
Osmolality of Renal Cortical Tissue Fluid in Hydropaenic and Diuretic Rats
Authors: Bishop J.H.V.
Published: November 2008

As determined by ultramicrocryoscopy, the osmolality of tissue fluid obtained by centrifugation of small pieces of renal cortex from dehydrated rats was significantly greater than that of systemic plasma (+ 159 ± 12 mosm kg-1 water). Infusion of mannitol or saline resulted in marked decreases in tissue fluid osmolality when compared with hydropaenic animals, but the differences from plasma (44 ± 10 and 75 ± 9 mosm kg-1 water, respectively) were still significantly greater than zero. The data are discussed in relation to theoretical models of tubular fluid reabsorption.
Interaction of Amphotericin B and Vasopressin in the Rat Kidney and the Toad Urinary Bladder
Authors: Park Y.S. , Hong S.K. , Solomon S.
Published: November 2008

The interaction of amphotericin B (AmB) and vasopressin (ADH) was studied in the rat and the toad urinary bladder. In the anesthetized rat infused with a sustaining dose of ADH, AmB administration resulted in a decrease in urine osmolality and increases in urine flow and fractional water and Na excretions. However, the urine flow for a given osmolar clearance was higher after AmB than before, indicating that free water reabsorption is inhibited by AmB. Micropuncture experiments suggested an inhibition of proximal Na reabsorption after AmB. In the toad bladder, AmB added to the mucosal side enhanced osmotic water flux and impaired hydroosmotic action of ADH. These results indicate a functional antagonism between AmB and ADH in the renal tisssue.