bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequences of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection for the vascular endothelium
Authors: Bielaszewska Martina , Karch Helge
Published: July 2005

Microvascular endothelial damage underlies the pathological changes in haemorrhagic colitis and the haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) caused by enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). Shiga toxins (Stxs) are presently the best characterised EHEC virulence factors that can cause the microvascular endothelium injury. Stxs are released by EHEC in the intestine, absorbed across the gut epithelium into the circulation, and transported to small vessel endothelial cells. Then, they presumably injure the host cell by inhibiting protein synthesis, stimulating prothrombotic messages,or inducing apoptosis. The net result is a multi-organ thrombotic process. Moreover, Stxs stimulate a variety of non-endothelial cells to produce and secrete inflammatory mediators (cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules) which could potentiate the effects of Stxs on endothelial cells. The association of HUS with Stx-negative E. coli strains stimulated intensive research on putative non-Stx virulence factors, which might also contribute to the pathogenesis of HUS and haemorrhagic colitis. Based on current data, cytolethal distending toxin, EHEC haemolysin, and subtilase cytotoxin might be such candidates.
Impaired wound healing in factor XIII deficient mice
Authors: Inbal Amir , Lubetsky Aharon , Krapp Tanya , Caste David , Shaish Aviv , Dickneitte Gerhardt , Modis Laszlo , Muszbek Laszlo , Inbal Aida
Published: July 2005

Factor XIII that stabilizes fibrin clots in the final stages of blood coagulation also participates in wound healing,as can be inferred from a delay in wound repair in some patients with inherited FXIII deficiency. In this study we evaluated the effect of FXIII on wound healing in FXIII-deficient mice. Three groups of mice (n = 10) were employed: control group, FXIII-deficient group and FXIII-deficient group treated with FXIII concentrate. Excisional wounds were left unsutured and undressed, and mice were followed for eleven days. FXIII-deficient mice exhibited impaired wound healing as has been demonstrated by 15%, 27% and 27% decrease in percentage of wound closure on day 4, 8 and 11, respectively. On day 11 complete healing was observed in control (100% closure), 73.23% in FXIII-deficient and 90.06% in FXIII deficient/FXIII-treated groups (p = 0.007 by ANOVA and p = 0.001 by t-test between control and FXIII-deficient groups). Scoring system representing maturation rate of the wounds showed that the scores for the control,FXIII-deficient and FXIIIdeficient/ FXIII treated groups were 94.9 ± 4.7, 61.5 ± 14.5 and 94.5 ± 6.4, respectively (p < 0.001 by ANOVA). Histological analysis of the lesions performed at day 11 disclosed delayed reepithelization and necrotized fissure in FXIII-deficient mice and normal healing in FXIII-deficient/FXIII-treated mice. The findings of this study confirm that in FXIII-deficient mice wound healing is delayed and the cellular and tissue defects can be corrected by treatment with FXIII, providing evidence for the essential role of FXIII in wound repair and remodeling.
Staphylococcus aureus interactions with the endothelium
Authors: Chavakis Triantafyllos , Wiechmann Klaus , Preissner Klaus T. , Herrmann Mathias
Published: July 2005

The intravascular maof nifestation Staphylococcus aureus infection is often associated with a severe, and sometimes catastrophic disease. Many host factors contribute to endothelial tropism of S.aureus including subendothelial matrix proteins,endothelial cell receptors, and platelets that are engaged together with S. aureus cell wall adhesins such as the fibronectin binding proteins. Recently, the role of secreted staphylococcal factors that were initially identified by virtue of their binding function with host proteins and ligands, has been reappraised in this regard. Among these, bacterial proteins without significant homology among each other, coagulase (Coa), the extracellular fibrinogen binding protein (Efb), the extracellular matrix binding protein (Emp), or the extracellular adhesive protein (Eap), are the most prominent ones to be associated with endovascular disease. Newly discovered interactions with host components may account for profound effects on immunmodulation and wound healing which are summarized in this short review and which ascribe an important role of these molecules in acute and chronic endo- and extravascular staphylococcal disease. Further research in the complex functional role of these "secretable expanded repertoire adhesive molecules" (SERAM) may not only help to increase our understanding in the pathogenesis of S. aureus infection but can specify novel targets for preventive or therapeutic strategies.
The role of reverse genetics systems in studying viral hemorrhagic fevers
Authors: Groseth Allison , Neumann Gabriele , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Ebihara Hideki , Feldmann Heinz
Published: July 2005

Viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) is an infectious syndrome in humans often associated with high fatality rates. For most VHFs there are no specific and effective therapies or vaccines available and, in general, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the biology and pathogenesis of the causative agents. Therefore, a more detailed understanding of the molecular basis ofVHF pathogenesis, including the identification of viral virulence determinants and host interactions and responses, will be important to en-hance our ability to control VHF infections. The recently developed “reverse genetics systems” for severalVHF causing viruses have allowed the generation of infectious viruses from cloned cDNA and thus, the generation of virus mutants. Here we review the existing reverse genetics systems for VHF causing viruses and discuss their use in studying viral replication, pathogenesis, and the development of antivirals and vaccines.
Blood-brain barrier breakdown during cerebral malaria: Suicide or murder?
Authors: Pino Paco , Taoufiq Zacharie , Nitcheu Josiane , Vouldoukis Ioanis , Mazier Dominique
Published: July 2005

Cerebral malaria, one of the most serious complicatiof ons Plasmodium falciparum infection, is characterized by the sequestration of parasitized red blood cells (PRBCs) in cerebral microvascular beds. The precise mechanisms involved in the onset of neuropathology remain unknown, but parasite sequestration in the brain, metabolic disturbances, and host immune responses all play a role. Sequestration of PRBCs is mediated by different endothelial cell surface receptors, mainly ICAM-1 and CD36. In vitro studies demonstrated that PRBC adhesion to endothelial cells induces over-expression of various adhesion molecules including ICAM-1, expression of iNOS, oxidative stress and finally apoptosis in endothelial cells. In vivo studies, in humans and in mice models of cerebral malaria brought striking evidence of the implication of brain infiltrating cytotoxic effector CD8T lymphocytes in the development of murine cerebral malaria pathogenesis. These cells probably act by direct cytotoxicity against endothelial cells. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis potentially lead blood-brain-barrier disruption and could contribute to the development of cerebral malaria. We propose a key role for endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria, both by suicide / apoptosis, and / or by murder / cytotoxicity.
The nine residue plasminogen-binding motif of the pneumococcal enolase is the major cofactor of plasmin-mediated degradation of extracellular matrix, dissolution of fibrin and transmigration
Authors: Bergmann Simone , Rohde Manfred , Preissner Klaus T. , Hammerschmidt Sven
Published: July 2005

The glycolytic enzyme α-enolase represnts one of the nonclassical cell surface plasminogen-binding proteins of Streptococcus pneumoniae. In this study we investigated the impact of an internal plasminogen-binding motif of enolase on degradation of extracellular matrix and pneumococcal transmigration. In the presence of host-derived plasminogen activators (PA) tissuetype PA or urokinase PA and plasminogen S. pneumoniae expressing wild-type enolase efficiently degraded Matrigel or extracellular matrix (ECM). In contrast, amino acid substitutions in the nine residue plasminogen-binding motif of enolase significantly reduced degradation of ECM or Matrigel by mutated pneumococci. Similarly, recombinant wild-type enolase but not a mutated enolase derivative that lacks plasminogen-binding activity efficiently degraded ECM and Matrigel, respectively. In particular, bacterial cell enolase-bound plasmin potentiated dissolution of fibrin or laminin and transmigration of pneumococci through a fibrin matrix. In conclusion, these results provide evidence that the enolase is the major plasminogen-binding protein of pneumococci and that the nine residue plasminogen-binding motif of enolase is the key cofactor for plasmin-mediated pneumococcal degradation and transmigration through host ECM.
Acquiring Spatial Knowledge While Traveling Simple and Complex Paths with Immersive and Nonimmersive Interfaces
Authors: Lathrop William B. , Kaiser Mary K.
Published: July 2005

Exploration of virtual environments may be accomplished with different interface metaphors. Previous research suggests that vestibular and proprioceptive information provided by immersive interfaces facilitates spatial orientation on simple path-integration tasks. We examine whether these interface variables impact performance across paths of variable complexity. Our immersive interface provided all users the ability to conduct the search component of our task more efficiently. Our results, however, show that the immersive interface was no more effective than our nonimmersive one for maintaining orientation. In fact, the immersive interface had a negative impact on performance (absolute error) for individuals who had extensive experience with playing video games. When measured in terms of consistency of response, our results suggest that having extensive game-play experience will negatively impact orientation performance with both interfaces. We speculate that this is due to the conflicting nature of the skills that avid game players acquire in game-play versus those required to perform in our task.
Occlusion Handling in Augmented Reality Using Background-Foreground Segmentation and Projective Geometry
Authors: Wang Hee Lin , Sengupta Kuntal , Kumar Pankaj , Sharma Rajeev
Published: July 2005

Developing a seamless merging of real and virtual image streams and 3D models is an active research topic in augmented reality (AR). We propose a method for real-time augmentation of real videos with 2D and 3D objects by addressing the occlusion issue in an unique fashion. For virtual planar objects (such as images), the 2D overlay is automatically overlaid in a planar region selected by the user in the video. The overlay is robust to arbitrary camera motion. Furthermore, a unique background-foreground segmentation algorithm renders this augmented overlay as part of the background if it coincides with foreground objects in the video stream, giving the impression that it is occluded by foreground objects. The proposed technique does not require multiple cameras, camera calibration, use of fiducials, or a structural model of the scene to work. Extending the work further, we propose a novel method of augmentation by using trifocal tensors to augment 3D objects in 3D scenes to similar effect and implement it in real time as a proof of concept. We show several results of the successful working of our algorithm in real-life situations. The technique works on a real-time video from a USB camera, Creative Webcam III, onaPIV1.6GHz system without any special hardware support.
Presence and the Utility of Audio Spatialization
Authors: Bormann Karsten
Published: July 2005

The primary concern of this paper is whether the utility of audio spatialization, as opposed to the fidelity of audio spatialization, impacts presence. An experiment is reported that investigates the presence-performance relationship by decoupling spatial audio fidelity (realism) from task performance by varying the spatial fidelity of the audio independently of its relevance to performance on the search task that subjects were to perform. This was achieved by having conditions in which subjects searched for a music-playing radio (an active sound source) and having conditions in which the playing radio would be stationary (a passive sound source) while subjects searched for some other object. Independent of this, the music emitted by the radio would be either fully spatialized or directional but nonattenuated.

Findings include that for subjects searching for the active sound source, being supplied only nonattenuated audio was detrimental to performance. Even so, this group of subjects consistently had the largest increase in presence scores over the baseline experiment. Further, the Witmer and Singer (1998) presence questionnaire was more sensitive to whether the audio source was active or not, while the presence questionnaire used by Slater and coworkers (see Tromp et al., 1998) was more sensitive to whether audio was fully spatialized or not. Finally, having the sound source active positively impacts the assessment of the audio while negatively impacting subjects' assessment of the visuals.
The Factor Structure of the Presence Questionnaire
Authors: Witmer Bob G. , Jerome Christian J. , Singer Michael J.
Published: July 2005

Constructing a valid measure of presence and discovering the factors that contribute to presence have been much sought after goals of presence researchers and at times have generated controversy among them. This paper describes the results of principal-components analyses of Presence Questionnaire (PQ) data from 325 participants following exposure to immersive virtual environments. The analyses suggest that a 4-factor model provides the best fit to our data. The factors are Involvement, Adaptation/Immersion, Sensory Fidelity, and Interface Quality. Except for the Adaptation/Immersion factor, these factors corresponded to those identified in a cluster analysis of data from an earlier version of the questionnaire. The existence of an Adaptation/Immersion factor leads us to postulate that immersion is greater for those individuals who rapidly and easily adapt to the virtual environment. The magnitudes of the correlations among the factors indicate moderately strong relationships among the 4 factors. Within these relationships, Sensory Fidelity items seem to be more closely related to Involvement, whereas Interface Quality items appear to be more closely related to Adaptation/Immersion, even though there is a moderately strong relationship between the Involvement and Adaptation/Immersion factors.
Combating Latency in Haptic Collaborative Virtual Environments
Authors: Gunn Chris , Hutchins Matthew , Adcock Matt
Published: July 2005

Haptic (force) feedback is increasingly being used in surgical-training simulators. The addition of “touch” is important extra information that can add another dimension to the realism of the experience. Progress in networking these systems together over long distances has been held back, principally because the latency of the network can induce severe instability in any dynamic objects in the scene. This paper describes techniques allowing long-distance sharing of haptic-enabled, dynamic scenes. At the CSIRO Virtual Environments Laboratory, we have successfully used this system to connect a prototype of a surgical-simulation application between participants on opposite sides of the world in Sweden and Australia, over a standard Internet connection spanning 3 continents and 2 oceans. The users were able to simultaneously manipulate pliable objects in a shared workspace, as well as guide each other's “hands” (and shake hands!) over 22,000 km (13620 miles) of Internet connection.

The main obstacle to overcome was the latency-induced instability in the system, caused by the delays and jitter inherent in the network. Our system involved a combination of an event-collection mechanism, a network event-forwarding mechanism and a “pseudophysics” mechanism. We found that the resulting behavior of the interconnected body organs, under simultaneous-user manipulation, was sufficiently convincing to be considered for training surgical procedures.
Human Interaction with Small Haptic Effects
Authors: Dosher Jesse , Hannaford Blake
Published: July 2005

This research investigates the ability of subjects to detect small haptic effects and the associated gains in task performance with various configurations of haptic stimuli. Variations in force amplitude, shape, and pulse duration used to create the effects are studied. An adaptive-threshold method is used to obtain subjects' detection thresholds for actively explored haptic icons ranging in size from 3 to 5 mm. Detection thresholds are compared for smooth versus rough actively-explored icons. Subjects' detection thresholds for “static icons” (force pulses of 50 to 150 ms duration) are also measured. Results indicate that rough (sawtooth) haptic icons are more easily detected by a human subject than smooth (sinusoidal) icons of the same size. Transient vibrotactile cues may contribute to these observations. Mean subject performance, as measured by Fitts' information-processing rate and by clicks per minute, is shown to improve with the amplitude of haptic stimulus.
Effect of nematodes on root and shoot growth of in vitro-propagated and sword sucker-derived plants of six Musa spp. genotypes
Authors: Blomme Guy , de Beule Hilde , Swennen Rony , Tenkouano Abdou , De Waele Dirk
Published: July 2005

This study evaluated the effect of infection by a mixture of nematode species
(including Helicotylenchus multicinctus, H. dihystera, Hoplolaimus
pararobustus, Meloidogyne spp. and Radopholus similis) on the root system
size and shoot growth of six Musa genotypes. In addition, the influence of
type of planting material on susceptibility and sensitivity to nematodes was
assessed, comparing suckers (i.e., lateral shoots) and in vitro-derived
planting material, produced through shoot-tip culture techniques. The Musa
genotypes were the triploid (AAA-group) dessert banana cvs Yangambi km5 and
Gros Michel, the triploid plantain cvs Agbagba and Obino l'Ewai (both
AAB-group) and two IITA improved tetraploid plantain hybrids TMPx 548-9 and
TMPx 5511-2. The study was carried out at the International Institute of
Tropical Agriculture High Rainfall station at Onne in southeastern Nigeria
in an ultisol soil. During vegetative growth, shoot growth of infected
plants was less than that of non-infected plants. At flower emergence, a
severe reduction in root system size (as much as 75%) was associated with
moderate (in most cases less then 20%) reduction in corm and shoot growth
characteristics. This indicates that Musa spp. plants grow relatively well
with a reduced root system, i.e., the remaining root system can supply the
plant with the necessary nutrients and water. Root systems of sucker-derived
dessert bananas tolerated higher nematode population densities than those of
in vitro-derived plants. Plantains were highly sensitive as moderate
nematode population densities caused a severe reduction in root system
size.
Effect of soil pH on the pathogenesis of Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyne incognita on Glycine max genotypes
Authors: Melakeberhan Haddish , Dey Jyotirmoy , Baligar Virupax C. , Carter Jr Thomas E.
Published: July 2005

The effect of soil pH 4.3, 4.6, and 5.9 on the pathogenicity of Heterodera
glycines and Meloidogyne incognita on acid soiladapted soybean genotypes
(Davis and PI 416937) was investigated in three glasshouse experiments over
28 days after inoculation with 0 or 1000 (Experiments 1 and 2) and 0 or 5000
(Experiment 3) second-stage juveniles. Although nematodes of both species
infected both genotypes at all of the soil pH, the numbers decreased with
decreasing soil pH. Both genotypes seem to be better hosts for M. incognita
than for H. glycines, Davis more so than PI 416937. Both nematodes decreased
shoot weight at high inoculum levels, indicating that H. glycines may be
more pathogenic than M. incognita. Nematode development after infection of
roots was not affected by soil pH or by genotypes. Overall, the results
suggest that adaptation of these nematodes should be considered in breeding
programmes to develop low pH tolerant soybean cultivars.
The relationship between soybean cyst nematode seasonal population dynamics and soil texture
Authors: Avendaño Felicitas , Ierce Francis J. , Melakeberhan Haddish
Published: July 2005

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines Ichinohe, cyst
population densities at planting and at harvest have been related to soil
texture but the seasonal mechanisms by which these correlations are
established are less well known. The purpose of this work was to analyse the
relationship of SCN life stages and reproductive potential (number of eggs
per cyst) with soil texture. Cyst population density was positively
correlated with sand and negatively correlated with clay and silt percentage
in the soil within the ranges of 45-80% sand, 8-23% clay, and 8-43% silt in
one field, but not in the other at five sampling times. The relationship
between soil texture and juvenile stages in roots was weak. The stable
relationship between SCN spatial and seasonal population dynamics and soil
properties provides further support for potential delineation of management
zones in SCN infested fields with a wide range of soil textures.
The isolation of a single spore isolate of Pasteuria penetrans and its pathogenicity on Meloidogyne javanica
Authors: Trotter James R. , Darban Daim Ali , Gowen Simon R. , Bishop Alistair H. , Pembroke Barbara
Published: July 2005

We have obtained a single spore isolate of Pasteuria penetrans, derived by
allowing a single spore to attach to a secondstage juvenile (J2) of the
root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica. By analysing DNA sequences at three
different loci we have obtained evidence that the isolate is, indeed,
genetically pure. We compared the ability of the single spore isolate and
the parent population from which it was selected to attach to and parasitise
both the original population of M. javanica on which it was isolated and a
single egg mass line derived from it. There was no difference in the
attachment of spores of the single spore isolate to juveniles compared to
the parental population, although there were higher numbers of both
attaching to J2 of the single egg mass line compared to its parental
population. Judging from the numbers of egg masses and Pasteuria -infected
females, the single spore isolate was less pathogenic to the parental
population of M. javanica than was the parental spore population.
Extracting massive numbers of nematodes from muddy marine deposits: efficiency and selectivity
Authors: Rzeznik-Orignac Jadwiga , Fichet Denis , Boucher Guy
Published: July 2005

Extraction of large numbers of living and debris-free nematodes is based on
the active downward migration of nematodes through muddy sediments. This
study is an assessment of how representative the extracted nematode
population is in comparison to the in situ population. Nematode extraction
efficiencies ranged from 20-29%; however, the method yielded 153 000 and 223
000 debris-free nematodes in 48 h (per m2 of mud with nematode population
density of 776 000 individuals m–2). Sieve mesh size, migration device mesh
size, and size distribution and behaviour of nematode species all influenced
the extraction results. The species composition of the extracted nematode
populations was significantly different from the in situ population
assemblage. Metachromadora remanei and M. vivipara migrated less efficiently
than Ptycholaimellus jacobi, Chromadora macrolaima and Daptonema oxycerca.
This bias should be monitored in experimental studies using nematode
populations extracted by means of sieving and downward migration.
Spatial analysis of soybean yield in relation to soil texture, soil fertility and soybean cyst nematode
Authors: Avendaño Felicitas , Pierce Francis J. , Melakeberhan Haddish
Published: July 2005

The objective of this work was to study the spatial distribution of the
soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines Ichinohe, in relation to
soil fertility (pH, P+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ ), and soybean yield spatial patterns
in relation to SCN, soil texture and soil fertility. SCN was positively
cross-correlated with soil pH within a range of 60-130 m, and negatively
cross-correlated with Ca2+ up to a range of 110 m in Field B; the
correlation was weaker in Field A. Yield was negatively correlated with SCN.
Yield was strongly cross-correlated with soil texture (r(sand)= –0.89,
r(clay) = 0.84), soil pH (r = –0.60), and Ca2+ (r = 0.60) in Field B (range
= 130-140 m). We conclude that management zone delineation would be an
appropriate strategy to overcome yield losses in fields where soil
properties and SCN densities appear spatially structured and where SCN and
unfavourable soil conditions pose a strong influence on yield spatial
variability.
Interactions between host plants, the subterranean burrower bug, Cyrtomenus bergi, and the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis megidis
Authors: Ebssa Lemma , Borgemeister Christian , Poehling Hans-Michael , Ehlers Ralf-Udo , Struck Elisabeth , Gaigl Andreas
Published: July 2005

Interactions between seedlings of Zea mays L. as a host plant, the subterranean burrower bug, Cyrtomenus bergi Froeschner, as a pest, and Heterorhabditis megidis Poinar, an entomopathogenic nematode, as a biological control agent, were studied, with a particular emphasis on the host finding behaviour of the nematode. For the trials a sand-filled Y-tube olfactometer was used. In the Y-arms, a bug, a maize seedling, a combination of both, or sand only was offered. Six experiments were carried out with differently treated Y-arms. Nematodes were significantly attracted to maize as well as to the combination of maize and bug, but not to C. bergi alone or to sand only. The influence of the feeding strategy of C. bergi on the host finding behaviour of H. megidis is discussed.
Effect of Steinernema feltiae-Xenorhabdus bovienii insect pathogen complex on Meloidogyne javanica
Authors: Fallon Declan , Kaya Harry , Gaugler Randy , Sipes Brent
Published: July 2005

Isolates of Steinernema feltiae MG-14 from Hawaii and SN from France, and the symbiont Xenorhabdus bovienii from each nematode isolate, were tested for their glasshouse efficacy against the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica, on several vegetable plants. Steinernema feltiae application for 3-5 consecutive days at rates of 1000 or 10 000 infective juveniles (IJ) did not affect M. javanica root penetration and development in glasshouse pot experiments. IJ were recovered from the cortical tissue of tomatoes, soybeans, snow peas and cow peas. Xenorhabdus bovienii applied at 1010 colony-forming units (CFU) ml–1 reduced root-knot nematode penetration in cow peas but was ineffective in tomato or snow pea. Xenorhabdus bovienii metabolites had no effect on M. javanica root penetration and egg production in soybean. Soybean plant growth was unaffected by nematode and bacterial treatment; biomass was lower in M. javanica-infected soybean, irrespective of treatment, than in non-infected soybean, but the differences between the treatments were non-significant. Accordingly, the Steinernema feltiae-Xenorhabdus bovienii complex did not meet the objective for the suppression of M. javanica root penetration and development.
Description of two new species of Plectinae (Nematoda: Araeolaimida) from India
Authors: Ahmad Wasim , Tahseen Qudsia , Baniyamuddin Mohammad , Hussain Ather
Published: July 2005

Two new plectid species from India are described and illustrated. Plectus glandulatus sp. n. has 917-1307μm long body; strongly annulated cuticle; conspicuously large hypodermal glands; ovoid amphidial apertures; offset lip region; separate, globular, lips; thickly cuticularised, arcuate, cheilostomal walls; basal bulb with four to five paired denticulate ridges; a pair of pseudocoelomocytes located posterior to the cardia and tail with a subterminal spur and three pairs of caudal setae. Chiloplectus indicus sp. n. has 695-1041μm long body; thick, transversely annulated, cuticle; three lateral incisures; markedly offset, narrow, lip region; lips with conical apices and slightly raised papillae; inner margin of lips forming well cuticularised oral framework; prorhabdion as long as wide and comprising 20% of the stoma length; basal bulb with six pairs of denticulate ridges; paired pseudocoelomocytes located posterior to the cardia, genital tract weakly developed and tail with one median spur and two pairs of caudal setae.
Nematostatic activity of aqueous extracts of West African Crotalaria species
Authors: Jourand Philippe , Mateille Thierry , Fargette Mireille , Rapior Sylvie
Published: July 2005

The in vitro paralysis of second-stage juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica and M. mayaguensis by aqueous extracts of 15 West African Crotalaria species was analysed. A multivariate analysis distinguished four groups, based on their nematostatic activity: i) C. glaucoides extracts were not active; ii) the root extracts from C. goreensis, C. lathyroides and C. perrottetii were more active than the shoot extracts; iii) the shoot extracts from C. comosa and C. cylindrocarpa were more active than the root extracts; iv) both shoot and root extracts of C. atrorubens, C. barkae, C. grantiana, C. hyssopifolia, C. pallida, C. podocarpa, C. retusa, C. senegalensis and C. sphaerocarpa have nematostatic effects depending on either the Crotalaria species or plant tissue from which the extracts were derived. However, considering the greater biomass contribution of the leaves and stems compared to the roots when the plants are used as green manure, C. barkae, C. grantiana, C. pallida and C. podocarpa are the most efficient Crotalaria species, whatever the Meloidogyne species targeted.
Effect of the rhg1 gene on penetration, development and reproduction of Heterodera glycines race 3
Authors: Chen Senyu , Li Yuhong , Young Nevin
Published: July 2005

Penetration, development, and reproduction of Heterodera glycines (soybean cyst nematode, SCN) were compared in the roots of near-isogenic lines (NIL) differing at the rhg1 locus. Soybean seedlings were inoculated with newly hatched second-stage juveniles (J2) of an SCN race 3 inbred population. At an inoculum level of 2500 J2 per plant, similar numbers of J2 were detected in both NIL sampled daily up to 4 days after inoculation (DAI), although juvenile numbers in roots varied among experiments and over the sampling points. Samples were collected at 1, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 21 DAI to observe nematode development. All life stages of the nematode were detected in both NIL. No significant differences were observed between the NIL in the number of nematodes at juvenile stages or the adult male stage in the roots. By contrast, significant differences were detected in the number of mature females. Adult females were first seen at 12 DAI. A significantly lower number of females was consistently detected on the NIL-R line than on the NIL-S line at both 16 and 21 DAI. The number of females per plant on the NIL-R line was about 31 and 23% of those on the NIL-S line at 16 and 21 DAI, respectively. On average, the number of females at 21 DAI represented 7% of the number of J2 at 1 DAI on the NIL-R line, compared to 28% on the NIL-S line. Significantly fewer eggs were produced per female from the NIL-R line than from the NIL-S line at 21 DAI. At 28 DAI, the females on the NIL-R line were also significantly smaller than those from the NIL-S line. This study demonstrated that the presence of the rhg1 gene did not stop the nematode from penetrating. Instead, the effect of the rhg1 gene was to slowly suppress SCN growth, development and fecundity of females.
Revised hypotheses for phylogenetic homology of the stomatostylet in tylenchid nematodes
Authors: Baldwin James , Bumbarger Daniel , Ragsdale Erik
Published: July 2005

Molecular phylogenetic systematics suggest that Tylenchida share an immediate ancestor with Cephalobina. This relationship has implications, contradicting classical views, for evolution of the stomatostylet and homology with the cephalobid stoma. Emerging evidence from comparative TEM and 3D modelling is the basis for hypothesising that the tylenchid stylet, specifically the cone and shaft, is homologous with cuticle associated with arcade syncytia of the cephalobid gymnostom; furthermore, the stylet knobs and associated m1 protractors, are prostegostom. The guiding apparatus through which the stylet moves is lined by epidermal syncytia and is homologous with the cephalobid cheilostom. Junctional complexes associated with the epidermal syncytia of the cheilostom and adjacent gymnostom arcade cells occur in both cephalobids and tylenchids, but in the latter the membrane complexes are folded and modified as the guide ring. Testing of the hypothesis requires clearer phylogenetic resolution as well as additional ultrastructural and developmental observations of representatives of tylenchids and outgroups.
A three year study of seasonal dynamics of a zoobenthos community in a eutrophic lake
Authors: Michiels Iris , Traunspurger Walter
Published: July 2005

The meiofauna community in the eutrophic Lake Obersee was investigated, with special emphasis on nematodes, from March 2001 to December 2003. Meiobenthos showed a stable annual and seasonal pattern with oligochaetes contributing most to benthic biomass and nematodes to benthic abundance. With 152 nematode species, Lake Obersee is the most nematode species-rich lentic habitat described so far. The nematode community was dominated by the family Monhysteridae. Bacterial feeders were the most abundant feeding type; omnivorous nematodes contributed most to total nematode biomass. Reproduction occurred throughout the year, with most species reproducing parthenogenetically. No seasonal pattern in reproductive strategies was found.
Family School Enrollment in Rural Malawi and Kenya: A Regional Analysis
Authors: Schafer Mark
Published: July 2005

This study examines family school enrollment practices under five distinct national/regional contexts in two sub-Saharan African nations, Malawi and Kenya. This paper presents a model of family enrollment practices rooted in family economy theory and dependent upon local, regional, and national contexts of schooling. The model incorporates social capital arguments that family decision-making strategies may be influenced by members' networks of social relationships within communities. The paper discusses specific national and regional contexts highlighting aspects of institutional change in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings suggest that a broadened family institution model, along with community social capital contexts, can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced explanation of enrollment practices. Implications for scholarship and policy are discussed.
Democratization, Economic Liberalization, and Labor Politics: Mexico and Korea
Authors: Hamilton Nora , Kim Sunhyuk
Published: July 2005

This study examines the impact of economic liberalization and democratization on labor politics in Mexico and Korea and the strategies labor has evolved in response to these changes. It begins with an overview of the pre-transition period in the two countries with particular emphasis on the distinct patterns of state-labor relations that emerged in each and their impact on the respective labor movements. The following section focuses on the effects of economic liberalization and democratization on labor and the response of labor in each country. The comparative section identifies and analyzes the similarities and differences in the ways in which economic and political reform has affected the labor movements and compares the strategies of labor. We suggest two sets of factors to explain these effects and differences: the characteristics of the respective labor movements and state-labor relations that had emerged as a result of pre-transition historical developments in the two countries; and the dynamics of the transition process itself, particularly the relative significance, sequence, and timing of political and economic liberalization.
A Reply to Fine, Lapavitsas and Milonakis
Authors: Smith Tony
Published: July 2005

I should like to thank Ben Fine, Costas Lapavitsas and Dimitris Milonakis for their stimulating and detailed comments. In the limited space available, I cannot respond to every criticism. A number of criticisms appear to be a matter of mere semantics. In the Marxian literature, the term ‘crisis’ is often used to refer to extended downturns as well as to short and sharp declines. And Marx himself defines the organic composition of capital as the value composition considered ‘in so far as this is determined by its technical composition and reflects it’, which is how the value composition is considered in my paper. Nor will I respond to the charge that my ‘use of Grossmann is mechanical and unpersuasive’, since I am not sure what exactly the objection is. Firstly, I will take up the criticisms regarding the logical structure of Capital. Then I move on to consider one substantive issue raised regarding the tendency for the falling rate of profit. I will next respond to criticism of my treatment of the relation between systematic and historical dialectics. Finally, I respond to criticism of my main thesis overall.
Materialism in Ancient Greek Philosophy and in the Writings of the Young Marx
Authors: Burns Tony
Published: July 2005

What is the young Marx's attitude towards questions of psychology? More precisely, what is his attitude towards the human mind and its relationship to the body? To deal adequately with this issue requires a consideration of the relationship between Marx and Feuerbach. It also requires some discussion of the thought of Aristotle. For the views of Feuerbach and the young Marx are (in some respects) not at all original. Rather, they represent a continuation of a long tradition which derives ultimately from ancient Greek philosophy, and especially from the philosophy of Aristotle. As is well known, Aristotle's thought with respect to questions of psychology are mostly presented, by way of a critique of the doctrines of the other philosophers of his day, in his De Anima. W.H. Walsh has made the perceptive observation that Aristotle's views might be seen as an attempt to develop a third approach which avoids the pitfalls usually associated with the idealism of Plato, on the one hand, and the materialism of Democritus on the other. It might be argued that there is an analogy between the situation in which Aristotle found himself in relation to the idealists and materialists of his own day and that which confronted Marx in the very early 1840s. For, like Aristotle, Marx also might be seen as attempting to develop such a third approach. The difference is simply that, in the case of Marx, the idealism in question is that of Hegel rather than that of Plato, and the materialism is the ‘mechanical materialism’ of the eighteenth century rather than that of Democritus. This obvious parallel might well explain why Marx took such a great interest in Aristotle's De Anima both during and shortly after doing the preparatory work for his doctoral dissertation – the subject matter of which, of course, is precisely the materialist philosophy of the ancient Greek atomists Democritus and Epicurus.
The non-history of capitalism
Authors: Wood Ellen Meiksins
Published: July 2005

Since historians first began explaining the emergence of capitalism, there has scarcely existed an explanation that did not begin by assuming the very thing that needed to be explained. Almost without exception, accounts of the origin of capitalism have been fundamentally circular: they have assumed the prior existence of capitalism in order to explain its coming into being. My intention here is to sketch a kind of potted history of these question — begging explanations and to consider their implications. I shall start with what has been called the ‘commercialisation model’, which has its origins in classical political economy and Enlightenment conceptions of progress. This model is arguably still the dominant one, even among its harshest critics, including both the demographic explanations that claim to have displaced the commercialisation model, and also most Marxist accounts, from the transition debate which started in the ‘50s until today. But there does now exist an important alternative account, and I shall end by considering that too.
Some reflections on two books by Ellen Wood
Authors: Barker Colin
Published: July 2005

Some time ago, the editors of Monthly Review invited me to submit a short review of two recent books by Ellen Wood: The Pristine Culture of Capitalism, and Democracy Against Capitalism. I found myself, in the course of re-reading these books, filled with admiration for most of what the author said, and indeed, for the manner in which she presented her case. At various points, however, I found myself not fully satisfied. But a short review was not the place to develop my concerns.
The neoclassical and Marxian theories of technology: a comparison and critical assessment
Authors: Smith Tony
Published: July 2005

Neoclassical economics remains the leading theoretical alternative to Marxian economics. In this article I shall contrast the accounts of technical change in capitalism proposed by both theories. I shall introduce five criteria relevant to a comparison of competing social theories, and argue that the Marxian perspective on technical change in capitalism is superior on all five counts.
A note on alienation
Authors: Holloway John
Published: July 2005

There are two different ways of understanding alienation: as a condition and as a struggle. On this distinction turns the whole theory and practice of Marxism.
Globalisation: states, markets and class relations
Authors: Burnham Peter
Published: July 2005

The concept of ‘globalisation’ increasingly dominates economic and political debate in the 1990s. However, despite a profusion of commentaries and case studies on aspects of ‘globalisation’ such as ‘Japanisation', ‘Americanisation', ‘McDonaldisation’ and, of course, global information technologies, there are few radical interrogations of the notion of ‘globalisation/internationalisation’ and little discussion of the theoretical implications of recent changes in the global political economy (GPE). The central argument of this paper is that in order to make sense of these developments a broad focus is required which begins by conceptualising the changing nature of relations between national states in the global economy and concludes by understanding these relations in class terms. This is not simply to restate the importance of an international relations or international political economy ‘dimension', since these ‘disciplines’ fail absolutely to relate ‘interstate’ restructuring to the re-composition of class relations. Rather, the aim of the paper is to prompt a more general theoretical reorientation towards understanding the process of international restructuring as one undertaken by national states in an attempt to re-impose tighter labour discipline and recompose the labour/capital relationship. My starting point, therefore, is that global capitalism is still structured as an antagonistic state system, and that many of the changes which characterise the global political economy are introduced by states in an attempt to solve problems that have their roots in labour/capital conflict. In summary form, the paper concludes that the concept of ‘globalisation’ obscures more than it reveals and that Marx's understanding of the relationship between labour, capital and the state remains a more productive starting point for analysing contemporary global processes.
The rate of profit and economic stagnation in the United States economy
Authors: Moseley Fred
Published: July 2005

In the first thirty years after World War II, the US economy performed very well. The rate of growth averaged 4—5%, the rate of unemployment was seldom above 5%, inflation was almost non-existent (1—2%), and the living standards of workers improved steadily. These were the ‘good old days'. However, this long period of expansion and prosperity ended in the 1970s. Since then, both the rate of unemployment and the rate of inflation have been much higher than before, and the average real wages of workers (i.e. the purchasing power of wages) have declined some 20%. Productivity growth has also slowed down and the debt burden of both capitalist enterprises and the Federal government has increased dramatically. It is in this sense that we may refer to the ‘economic crisis’ of the US economy over the last two decades. This crisis has certainly not been as severe as the Great Depression of the 1930s, but the economic performance has been significantly worse than in the early post-war period.
The Conspiracy of Architecture: Notes on a Modern Anxiety
Authors: Mieville China
Published: July 2005

We, the residents of modernity, live in an unquiet house.This essay examines the relationship between human subjects and their built environment, but it does so less by focusing on architecture than on what one might call ‘architecture once removed'. It is less concerned with the built environment itself than with a prevalent image of that environment in ‘high’ and ‘popular’ culture, in literature, in film and painting. It is my contention that a particular unsettling image of buildings has gained increasing currency in the modern epoch. I will attempt to show that such an image — and a concomitant anxiety — exists, and to offer an explanation for its provenance.
Velocities of Change: Perry Anderson's Sense of an Ending
Authors: Elliott Gregory
Published: July 2005

In Considerations on Western Marxism, released in 1976, Perry Anderson stated and vindicated an affiliation to the Trotskyist tradition long apparent from the pages of New Left Review under his editorship. Central to this tradition, in its orthodox forms, was a historico-political perspective which regarded the Soviet Union (and cognate regimes) as ‘degenerate’ or ‘deformed’ ‘workers’ states’ – post-capitalist social formations whose complex character dictated rejection of Stalinism and anti-Sovietism alike. In Anderson's case, this orientation received a Deutscherite inflection: abroad, no less than at home, Soviet power was a contradictory phenomenon, by turns reactionary (Czechoslovakia) and progressive (Vietnam, Angola). The potential regeneration of the Russian Revolution and its sequels, whether via ‘proletarian revolution’ from below (Trotsky), or bureaucratic reformation from above (Deutscher), remained an article of faith among Marxists of this observance to the end. Accordingly, the debacle of Gorbachevite perestroika proved a profoundly disorientating experience for many who lent little or no credence to the mendacious claims of ‘actually existing socialism'. Amid capitalist euphoria at Communist collapse, what was to be said – and done? Anderson's displaced answer was forthcoming in 1992 in ‘The Ends of History’
Recognition and Social Relations of Production
Authors: Chitty Andrew
Published: July 2005

‘Social relation of production’ is a key term in Marx's theory of history, for the social relations of production of a society give that society its fundamental character and make it, for example, a capitalist rather than some other kind of society.