bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of different methods for detecting methicillin resistance in MRSA isolates belonging to international lineages commonly isolated in the American continent
Authors: Silva‐Carvalho Maria Cícera , Teixeira Lenise Arneiro , Ferreira Fabienne Antunes , Ribeiro Apoena , Ferreira‐Carvalho Bernadete Teixeira , Figueiredo Agnes Marie Sá
Published: November 2008

The aim of the present paper was to compare different methods for detecting methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus. Among the isolates analyzed, 52 belonged to MRSA international lineages commonly detected in the American continent and 14 to sporadic MRSA clones. Both 30 μg‐cefoxitin disk and PBP2a had 100% sensibility/specificity when the low‐level heterogeneous isolates were tested and, thus, are highly recommended.
Neutralizing antibody against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)‐coronavirus spike is highly effective for the protection of mice in the murine SARS model
Authors: Ishii Koji , Hasegawa Hideki , Nagata Noriyo , Ami Yasushi , Fukushi Shuetsu , Taguchi Fumihiro , Tsunetsugu‐Yokota Yasuko
Published: November 2008

We evaluated the efficacy of three SARS vaccine candidates in a murine SARS model utilizing low‐virulence Pp and SARS‐CoV coinfection. Vaccinated mice were protected from severe respiratory disease in parallel with a low virus titer in the lungs and a high neutralizing antibody titer in the plasma. Importantly, the administration of spike protein‐specific neutralizing monoclonal antibody protected mice from the disease, indicating that the neutralization is sufficient for protection. Moreover, a high level of IL‐6 and MCP‐1 production, but not other 18 cytokines tested, on days 2 and 3 after SARS‐CoV infection was closely linked to the virus replication and disease severity, suggesting the importance of these cytokines in the lung pathogenicity of SARS‐CoV infection.
Impaired body balance, fine motor function and hearing in women with Turner syndrome
Authors: El‐Mansoury Mostafa , Barrenäs Marie‐Louise , Bryman Inger , Hanson Charles , Landin‐Wilhelmsen Kerstin
Published: November 2008

Objective  Fractures are related to falling. Turner syndrome (TS) is associated with hypogonadism, osteoporosis and fractures and has been considered as a syndrome of early ageing. The aim was to study whether fine motor function (FM) and body balance (BB) were impaired and related to genotype, fractures, metabolic variables and hearing.

Design  Cross‐sectional study.

Patients  TS women, n = 75, mean age 30 years (range 16–59) and treated with oestrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at the out‐patient clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden, and 31 healthy controls, mean age 37 years (range 24–63).

Measurements  Six FM and eight BB tests with open and closed eyes, respectively, were done. Bone mineral density was estimated with Dual energy X‐ray Absorptiometry. Presence/absence of fractures was noted, blood samples were taken and audiometry was done in the TS women.

Results  TS women had poorer FM (27·4 ± 6·0 vs. 32·8 ± 2·2; P < 0·0001) and BB (28·0 ± 8·1 vs. 34·7 ± 2·4; P < 0·0001) than controls. FM was poorer in TS women with hearing aids compared to those without (P < 0·05). FM and BB were negatively correlated with age, waist : hip ratio and positively correlated with hearing, and bone mineral density, and BB was negatively correlated with physical activity in TS women. BB correlated negatively with age in controls. FM, BB and hearing function were poorer in 45,X, nonmosaics, than in 45,X/46,XX, mosaics.

Conclusions  FM and BB were poorer in adult TS women on HRT than in controls. Higher age, hearing impairment, osteoporosis, abdominal obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and the TS per se were strong determinants, and mosaicism mitigated both fine motor function and BB in TS.
Covariation of stream community structure and biomass of algae, invertebrates and fish with forest cover at multiple spatial scales
Authors: STEPHENSON JAYNIE M. , MORIN ANTOINE
Published: November 2008

1. To evaluate the spatial extent of the effects of forest cover on stream ecosystems, we measured algae, invertebrate, and fish biomass and invertebrate and fish community structure in 38 small first‐ to third‐order streams in the National Capital Region of Canada along with forest cover at different spatial scales.

2. We considered 55 spatial scales of forest cover including several buffer widths (doubling 10–320 m) and lengths (doubling 10–1280 m, entire riparian distance upstream from sampling area) and entire catchments to determine which spatial scale maximized the correlation with biomass and metrics of community structure.

3. The proportion of variability in biomass and structural metrics explained by forest cover generally increased with increasing scale, suggesting that catchment‐wide disturbances are the most influential determinants of benthic and fish communities.

4. Catchment forest cover explained more variation in algal (adjusted r2 = 0.54), invertebrate (adjusted r2 = 0.51) and fish (adjusted r2 = 0.33) biomass than structural metrics of invertebrates and fish (adjusted r2 = 0.08–0.27).

5. Analyses of the partial effects of forest cover at three scales (reach, riparian and the entire catchment) on biomass and community structure metrics identified catchment and reach scales as being most influential and never detected a significant partial effect of forest cover at the riparian scale.

6. These results suggest that maintenance or protection of reach and riparian buffers alone will not sufficiently protect stream function and structure from catchment‐wide impacts.
Extended daclizumab monotherapy for rejection‐free survival in non‐adherent adolescent recipients of renal allografts
Authors: Chaudhuri Abanti , Salvatierra, Jr. Oscar , Sarwal Minnie M.
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Acute rejection episodes are almost inevitable in the face of immunosuppression non‐adherence and a known risk factor for developing chronic allograft nephropathy and accelerated graft loss. Daclizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the alpha chain of the IL‐2 receptor, is an important advance for induction therapy in renal transplant immunosuppression, reducing early acute graft rejection without affecting the tolerability of standard immunosuppression, for both steroid‐based and steroid‐free immunosuppressive protocols, in children and adults. In the absence of depot immunosuppression for maintenance therapy, we explored extended daclizumab therapy as temporary maintenance immunosuppression for acute rejection prophylaxis in two patients with recalcitrant immunosuppression non‐adherence. Both patients had prior episodes of aggressive acute rejection associated with their non‐adherence but achieved stable and rejection‐free renal allograft function with daclizumab monotherapy in the presence of documented non‐adherence thus providing an effective bridge for up to 12 months until immunosuppression adherence was re‐established with ongoing psychosocial support. This report suggests that daclizumab monotherapy over an extended period of time during the period of non‐adherence in the post transplant period could be a rescue modality to avoid immune activation and thereby prevent acute rejection in the face of erratic maintenance immunosuppression.
Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease in pediatric lung transplant recipients: Recent advances in monitoring
Authors: Elidemir Okan , Kancherla Binal S. , Schecter Marc G. , McKenzie E. Dean , Morales David L. , Heinle Jeffrey S. , Mallory George B.
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  To investigate the clinical validity of newer diagnostic tests such as monitoring of EBVqPCR and lymphocyte function assay ImmuKnow in helping to diagnose PTLD in pediatric lung transplant recipients. Single‐center, retrospective case–control study. CsA trough levels, EBVqPCR and ImmuKnow (Cyclex Inc., Columbia, MD, USA) levels were measured serially as part of routine care. Re‐transplant patients and patients who did not reach 12 months post‐transplant at the time of analysis were excluded. Twenty‐seven patients met the inclusion criteria. The study group consisted of seven patients who developed PTLD, five of which were EBV− recipients who received EBV+ lungs. The rest of the eligible patients served as controls. Median time to develop PTLD was 273 days (range: 166–343). One, two, three, six, and nine months after transplant, mean (±s.d.) CsA trough whole blood levels (ng/mL) were not different between the two groups: 378 ± 38, 390 ± 52, 402 ± 89, 359 ± 42, and 342 ± 115, vs. 416 ± 105, 347 ± 64, 337 ± 78, 333 ± 86, and 281 ± 54 [PTLD vs. no‐PTLD, respectively (p > 0.05 for all time points)]. Mean (±s.d.) EBVqPCR levels (copies/mL) measured at three, six, and nine months post‐transplant were significantly elevated in PTLD group compared to no‐PTLD group: 84 ± 99, 3384 ± 7428 and 839 ± 1444 vs. 9 ± 26, 8 ± 36 and 32 ± 136, respectively (p < 0.05 for all time points). Mean (±s.d.) ImmuKnow levels (ATP ng/mL) at three, six, and nine months post‐transplant were significantly lower in the PTLD group when compared with no‐PTLD group: 144 ± 67, 137 ± 110, and 120 ± 153 vs. 290 ± 161, 300 ± 162, and 293 ± 190, respectively (p < 0.05 for all time points). Close monitoring of EBV viral load by qPCR and the degree of immunosuppression via ImmuKnow may guide physicians to reach the diagnosis of PTLD early.
In vivo imaging demonstrates a time‐line for new vessel formation in islet transplantation
Authors: Hathout Eba , Chan Nathaniel K. , Tan Annie , Sakata Naoaki , Mace John , Pearce William , Peverini Ricardo , Chinnock Richard , Sowers Lawrence , Obenaus Andre
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Vascularization of transplanted islets must be maintained to provide long‐term graft function. In vivo assessment of new vessel formation in islet grafts has been poorly documented. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether neovascularization was detectable in vivo in a Feridex‐labeled murine syngeneic subcapsular islet mass using DCE MRI over 180 days. Subcapsular transplants could be visualized at post‐transplant days three, seven, 14, and 28 using T2‐weighted MRI and at post‐transplant day 180 by immunohistochemistry. Injection of the contrast agent gadolinium (Gd)‐DTPA for DCE at three, seven, and 14 days showed increased signal in the transplant area consistent with new vessel formation. Areas under contrast enhancement curves suggested peak angiogenesis at 14 days. At 180 days, there was no observable change in signal intensity after contrast injection suggesting established vascularization or islet mass reduction. Immunohistochemistry confirmed MRI and DCE findings. These data suggest that islet angiogenesis occurs early after transplantation and is likely established after one month of transplantation. This study provides an in vivo time‐line of neovascularization in subcapsular islet grafts. We anticipate that contrast extravasation captured by MRI may provide useful monitoring of graft angiogenesis if reproduced in a clinically relevant intraportal model.
Development of Galanin‐Containing Nerve Fibres in Rat Tibia
Authors: Gajda M. , Litwin J. A. , Zagólski O. , Lis G. J. , Cichocki T. , Timmermans J.‐P. , Adriaensen D.
Published: November 2008

Galanin exerts tonic inhibition of nociceptive input to the central nervous system. Recently, this peptide was demonstrated in several neuronal and non‐neuronal structures in bones and joints. In this study, the time of appearance and topographic localization of galanin‐containing nerve fibres in bone were studied in rats from gestational day 16 (GD16) to postnatal day 21 (PD21). The tibia was chosen as a model of developing long bone and indirect immunofluorescence combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to identify galanin‐immunoreactive (GAL‐IR) nerve fibres. The earliest, sparse GAL‐IR fibres were observed on GD21 in the perichondrium of both epiphyses and in the periosteum of the diaphysis. From PD1 onwards, GAL‐IR fibres were also seen in the bone marrow cavity and in the region of the inter‐condylar eminence of the knee joint. Intramedullary GAL‐IR fibres in proximal and distal metaphyses appeared around PD1. Some of them accompanied blood vessels, although free fibres were also seen. GAL‐IR fibres located in the cartilage canals of both epiphyses were observed from PD7, in the secondary ossification centres from PD10 and in the bone marrow of both epiphyses from PD14. The time course and localization of galanin‐containing nerve fibres resemble the development of substance P‐ and CGRP‐expressing nerve fibres, thus suggesting their sensory origin.
Rice Yield Gap due to Iron Toxicity in West Africa
Authors: Audebert A. , Fofana M.
Published: November 2008

Iron toxicity is a widespread nutrient disorder in lowland rice, notably in West Africa. It occurs in irrigated or rain‐fed rice crops when the soil contains excessive amounts of iron. Associated with leaf discoloration symptoms (bronzing), this excessive iron uptake causes poor growth and tillering and leads to severe yield reductions. Field experiments were carried out in West Africa from 1994 to 1998 at two sites with high iron toxicity and one non‐toxic site to assess the effects of iron toxicity on rice cropping and evaluate the tolerance of promising rice cultivars available in West Africa. To estimate yield losses caused by iron toxicity, the yield potential was simulated using the ORYZA‐S rice growth and yield model. Based on the potential yield, the yield loss in an iron‐toxic site is the combination of the yield gap caused by unknown site factors and the yield gap caused by iron toxicity. Compared to the referential yield obtained in a non‐iron‐toxic site, iron toxicity reduced rice yields by 16–78 % (mean 43 %). The extent of the yield loss depended on rice cultivar, iron toxicity intensity and crop management strategy (water control and mineral fertilisation). A strong correlation obtained between yield and the iron toxicity score, based on visual symptoms indicated an approx. 400 kg ha−1 yield loss for each visual score point increase. The high genetic variability in iron toxicity tolerance and close correlation between leaf symptom score and grain yield between rice genotypes provide a good basis for breeding varieties that can produce higher yields under iron‐toxic conditions.
Differentiation of Two Pathogens of Powdery Mildew Disease in Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) by PCR‐mediated Method Based on ITS Sequences
Authors: Shi Ainong , Kantartzi Stella K. , Mmbaga Margaret T. , Chen Pengyin
Published: November 2008

Two fungi, Phyllactinia guttata and Erysiphe pulchra were identified as the pathogens of powdery mildew of flowering dogwood (Cornus florida). The objective of this research was to identify and distinguish the two fungi by developing species‐specific primers. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) universal primers and a series of species‐specific primers designed from the ITS regions were used to evaluate and validate the two fungi causing powdery mildew in dogwood. Four primer pairs showed specificity to P. guttata and three to E. pulchra. These species‐specific primer pairs can be used as molecular markers to provide diagnostic tools for detection and differentiation of the two powdery mildew pathogens in flowering dogwood.
The operational sex ratio of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus populations: the case of the Mediterranean marine protected area of Ustica Island (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)
Authors: Gianguzza Paola , Badalamenti Fabio , Gianguzza Fabrizio , Bonaviri Chiara , Riggio Silvano
Published: November 2008

We investigated, with a series of field and laboratory observations, the possible effect of the starfish Marthasteria glacialis predation on the operational sex ratio (OSR), i.e. the number of sexually mature males divided by the total number of sexually mature adults of both sexes at any one time, of the edible sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. The OSR was estimated three times during the sea urchin summer spawning period (July 2004, June 2005 and July 2006) on barren substrates of Ustica Island Marine Protected Area (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy). Four sites were selected: two characterized by high M. glacialis density (take zone C) and two controls with low starfish density (no‐take zone A). Mature sea urchins were independently collected by SCUBA diving and sexed. The adult sex ratio was skewed towards males at high M. glacialis density sites, whereas it was balanced (1:1) at predator low‐density sites. Results of sex‐selective feeding experiments in the laboratory showed that females of P. lividus were more vulnerable to M. glacialis predation. These outcomes underline the possible importance of M. glacialis in regulating the OSR of P. lividus populations.
Uterine Insemination with a Standard AI Dose in a Sow Pool System
Authors: Peltoniemi OAT , Alm K , Andersson M
Published: November 2008

Contents

The effect of uterine AI with a standard dose of spermatozoa on fertility of the sow was studied in a field trial. The trial involved a sow pool system with 440 sows using AI as the primary method of breeding. Sows were twice a day checked for oestrus symptoms by back pressure test in front of a boar on days 3–6 after weaning. When in standing heat, sows were randomly allocated into either a uterine insemination group (UTER, n = 157) or standard AI group (CONT, n = 169) and bred accordingly using 3 billion spermatozoa in 80 ml of extender. In both treatment groups, insemination was repeated once if the sow was still receptive 24 h later. Using pregnancy (farrowed or not) and live‐born litter size as the outcome variables, a logistic and linear regression approach, respectively, was taken to study the effect of the following factors: treatment (UTER vs CONT), AI operator, breed, satellite herd preceding weaning, parity, weaning‐to‐oestrus interval and length of lactation. Overall, live‐born litter size was 11.3 ± 2.9, repeat breeding rate 4.2% and farrowing rate 91.2%. In the UTER group, 93.6% of inseminated sows farrowed, whereas farrowing rate for the CONT group was 88.8% (p = 0.13). Intrauterine insemination with a standard AI dose did not result in a significant improvement in the live‐born litter size (11.5 ± 2.8 for the UTER and 11.1 ± 3.0 for the CONT sows, respectively, p = 0.13). However, the preceding satellite herd had a highly significant effect on the live‐born litter size (12.4 ± 2.6; 11.1 ± 2.9; 10.8 ± 2.9 and 10.9 ± 2.9 for the four satellite herds, p < 0.01). We conclude that uterine insemination did not have a significant effect on live‐born litter size and farrowing rate and we also conclude that satellite herd appears to have a major effect on fertility in a sow pool system.
Reinstated ethanol‐seeking in rats is modulated by environmental context and requires the nucleus accumbens core
Authors: Chaudhri Nadia , Sahuque Lacey L. , Cone Jackson J. , Janak Patricia H.
Published: November 2008

The reinstatement of ethanol (EtOH)‐seeking induced by an EtOH‐predictive light‐tone stimulus is enhanced in an environment associated with prior EtOH self‐administration (SA) compared with a context associated with EtOH unavailability (Tsiang & Janak, 2006). Here we hypothesized that EtOH‐seeking would be elicited by the conditioned sensory stimulus properties of EtOH and that this reinstatement would be similarly modulated by context. We also determined whether pharmacologically inactivating the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key structure in relapse circuitry, would attenuate reinstated EtOH‐seeking. Rats lever‐pressed for oral EtOH (10% v/v) in operant conditioning chambers distinguished by specific visual, olfactory and tactile stimuli. Responding was then extinguished by withholding EtOH in a different context. EtOH‐seeking, expressed as elevated responding without EtOH delivery, was subsequently tested by presenting an oral EtOH prime (two aliquots of 0.1 mL EtOH) in either the extinction or the prior EtOH‐SA context. Rats received a microinfusion (0.3 μL/hemisphere) of saline or GABA agonists (muscimol/baclofen) into the NAc core or shell immediately before the reinstatement test. Robust EtOH‐seeking was observed in the prior EtOH‐SA but not the extinction context in saline‐pretreated rats. This effect was significantly attenuated by inactivating the NAc core but not shell. Conversely, NAc shell inactivation significantly elevated lever‐pressing in the extinction context. These data suggest that the sensory stimulus properties of oral EtOH can reinstate EtOH‐seeking when experienced in the appropriate context and that functional activity in the NAc core is required for this effect. In contrast, the shell may normally inhibit incorrect behavioral responses.
Epileptiform activity induces distance‐dependent alterations of the Ca2+ extrusion mechanism in the apical dendrites of subicular pyramidal neurons
Authors: Srinivas Kalyan V. , Sikdar Sujit K.
Published: November 2008

The cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie acquired changes in Ca2+ dynamics of different neuronal compartments are important in the induction and maintenance of epileptiform activity. Simultaneous electrophysiology and Ca2+ imaging techniques were used to understand the basic properties of dendritic Ca2+ signaling in rat subicular pyramidal neurons during epileptiform activity. Distance‐dependent changes in the Ca2+ decay kinetics locked to spontaneous epileptiform discharges and back‐propagating action potentials were observed in the apical dendrites. A decrement in the mean τ value of Ca2+ decay was observed in distal parts (95–110 μm) of the apical dendrites compared with proximal segments (30–45 μm) in in‐vitro epileptic conditions but not in control. Pharmacological agents that block Ca2+ transporters, i.e. Na+/ Ca2+ exchangers (Benzamil), plasma membrane Ca2+‐ATPase pumps (Calmidazolium) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase pumps (Thapsigargin), were applied locally to the proximal and distal part of the apical dendrites in both experimental conditions to understand the molecular aspects of the Ca2+ extrusion mechanisms. The relative contribution of Na+/Ca2+ exchangers in Ca2+ extrusion was higher in the distal apical dendrites in the in‐vitro epileptic condition and this property modulated the excitability of the neuron in simulation. The Ca2+ homeostatic mechanisms that restore normal Ca2+ levels could play a major neuroprotective role in the distal dendrites that receive synaptic inputs.
Burkholderia spp. are the most competitive symbionts of Mimosa, particularly under N‐limited conditions
Authors: Elliott Geoffrey N. , Chou Jui‐Hsing , Chen Wen‐Ming , Bloemberg Guido V. , Bontemps Cyril , Martínez‐Romero Esperanza , Velázquez Encarna , Young J. Peter W. , Sprent Janet I. , James Euan K.
Published: November 2008

Bacteria isolated from Mimosa nodules in Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, Mexico and Puerto Rico were identified as belonging to either the α‐ or β‐proteobacteria. The β‐proteobacterial Burkholderia and Cupriavidus strains formed effective symbioses with the common invasive species Mimosa diplotricha, M. pigra and M. pudica, but the α‐proteobacterial Rhizobium etli and R. tropici strains produced a range of symbiotic phenotypes from no nodulation through ineffective to effective nodulation, depending on Mimosa species. Competition studies were performed between three of the α‐proteobacteria (R. etli TJ167, R. tropici NGR181 and UPRM8021) and two of the β‐rhizobial symbionts (Burkholderia mimosarum PAS44 and Cupriavidus taiwanensis LMG19424) for nodulation of these invasive Mimosa species. Under flooded conditions, B. mimosarum PAS44 out‐competed LMG19424 and all three α‐proteobacteria to the point of exclusion. This advantage was not explained by initial inoculum levels, rates of bacterial growth, rhizobia‐rhizobia growth inhibition or individual nodulation rate. However, the competitive domination of PAS44 over LMG19424 was reduced in the presence of nitrate for all three plant hosts. The largest significant effect was for M. pudica, in which LMG19424 formed 57% of the nodules in the presence of 0.5 mM potassium nitrate. In this host, ammonium also had a similar, but lesser, effect. Comparable results were also found using an N‐containing soil mixture, and environmental N levels are therefore suggested as a factor in the competitive success of the bacterial symbiont in vivo.
Harmonising Higher Education and Innovation Policies: Canada from an International Perspective
Authors: Lavoie Marie
Published: November 2008

This paper focuses on the relevance of harmonising higher education and innovation strategies in the context of fostering economic growth, illustrated by the particular weak point in the case of Canada. The present‐day market for highly‐skilled labour is global and therefore increasingly porous. A government that wishes to avoid losing its highly‐skilled workers to countries that can provide more attractive conditions must aim at investing simultaneously in tertiary education and science and engineering infrastructure. Ideally, supply (higher education) and demand side (innovation) policies would interact in a balanced way. Canada is located at the two extreme ends of investment in higher education and innovation and will be compared to other OECD countries. The paper concludes that seeking policy convergence in innovation and higher education with leading countries is not sufficient to reach growth and can produce disappointing results for talented people whose career expectations may remain unfulfilled. It is therefore crucial for a country to develop higher education and innovation ‘in harmony’ with the global context and also to achieve harmony between other policies and institutions in its own national context.
Examining the Impact of Opportunity Bursaries on the Financial Circumstances and Attitudes of Undergraduate Students in England
Authors: West Anne , Emmerson Carl , Frayne Christine , Hind Audrey
Published: November 2008

Notwithstanding the expansion of higher education across the OECD, there continues to be concern about the levels of participation amongst those from disadvantaged backgrounds. In response to this, a new form of financial support for students from low‐income families, the ‘opportunity bursary’, was introduced for a limited period in England from 2001/02. Surveys of two cohorts of opportunity‐bursary applicants were carried out and these suggested possible psychological, behavioural and economic impacts. Fewer opportunity‐bursary recipients than non‐recipients reported that part‐time work had interfered with their studies and more reported that the bursary had made them less worried about meeting the costs of going to university. There was some evidence that the scheme led to increased retention in the first year of university study; it also appeared to lead to lower levels of debt, in particular bank overdrafts or credit card debt.
Muscarinic receptor regulation of osmosensitive taurine transport in human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Foster Daniel J. , Vitvitsky Victor M. , Banerjee Ruma , Heacock Anne M. , Fisher Stephen K.
Published: November 2008

The ability of G protein‐coupled receptors to regulate osmosensitive uptake of the organic osmolyte, taurine, into human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells has been examined. When monitored under isotonic conditions and in the presence of physiologically relevant taurine concentrations (1–100 μM), taurine influx was mediated exclusively by a Na+‐dependent, high‐affinity (Km = 2.5 μM) saturable transport mechanism (Vmax = 0.087 nmol/mg protein/min). Reductions in osmolarity of > 20% (attained under conditions of a constant NaCl concentration) resulted in an inhibition of taurine influx (> 30%) that could be attributed to a reduction inVmax, whereas theKmfor uptake remained unchanged. Inclusion of the muscarinic cholinergic agonist, oxotremorine‐M (Oxo‐M), also resulted in an attenuation of taurine influx (EC50∼0.7 μM). Although Oxo‐M‐mediated inhibition of taurine uptake could be observed under isotonic conditions (∼25–30%), the magnitude of inhibition was significantly enhanced by hypotonicity (∼55–60%), a result that also reflected a reduction in theVmax, but not theKm, for taurine transport. Oxo‐M‐mediated inhibition of taurine uptake was dependent upon the availability of extracellular Ca2+but was independent of protein kinase C activity. In addition to Oxo‐M, inclusion of either thrombin or sphingosine 1‐phosphate also attenuated volume‐dependent taurine uptake. The ability of Oxo‐M to inhibit the influx of taurine was attenuated by 4‐[(2‐butyl‐6,7‐dichloro‐2‐cyclopentyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1‐oxo‐1H‐inden‐5‐yl)oxy]butanoic acid, an inhibitor of the volume‐sensitive organic osmolyte and anion channel. 4‐[(2‐Butyl‐6,7‐dichloro‐2‐cyclopentyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1‐oxo‐1H‐inden‐5‐yl)oxy]butanoic acid also prevented receptor‐mediated changes in the efflux and influx of K+under hypoosmotic conditions. The results suggest that muscarinic receptor activation can regulate both the volume‐dependent efflux and uptake of taurine and that these events may be functionally coupled.
Safety and Tolerability of Divalproex Sodium Extended‐Release in the Prophylaxis of Migraine Headaches: Results of an Open‐Label Extension Trial in Adolescents
Authors: Apostol George , Pakalnis Ann , Laforet Genevieve A. , Robieson Weining Z. , Olson Evelyn , Abi‐Saab Walid M. , Saltarelli Mario
Published: November 2008

Objective.— To evaluate the long‐term safety and tolerability of divalproex sodium extended‐release in the prophylaxis of migraine headaches in adolescents.

Background.— Divalproex sodium has been approved for migraine prophylaxis in adults. A previous double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of the efficacy and safety of divalproex sodium extended‐release for prevention of migraine in adolescents was followed by the present long‐term extension trial, which was designed to collect additional safety and tolerability data.

Methods.— This was a 12‐month, Phase 3, open‐label extension of a 3‐month, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter study of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years with migraine headaches who had either completed the previous study or had discontinued because of lack of efficacy. Subjects from the previous trial who had experienced serious adverse events possibly or probably related to study drug were excluded. Divalproex sodium extended‐release 500 mg daily was administered for 15 days then increased to 1000 mg. Study visits were conducted at days 1 and 15 and months 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12. Safety assessments included adverse event collection, laboratory testing, physical and neurological examinations, vital signs, and electrocardiograms, as well as reproductive endocrine analyses for postmenarchal female subjects. Efficacy was evaluated by sequential 4‐week migraine headache rates calculated from subjects' headache diaries.

Results.— A total of 112 subjects enrolled in the trial. The most common adverse events were weight gain (15%), nausea (14%), somnolence (12%), upper respiratory tract infection (11%), increased ammonia (8%), and sinusitis (8%). Five (4%) subjects experienced serious adverse events, and 15 (13%) subjects prematurely discontinued because of an adverse event. Increased ammonia levels were noted in some individuals, and the mean ammonia level for all subjects increased 19.2 µm from baseline. No other clinically significant changes were observed in laboratory values, vital signs, or electrocardiograms. Improvement in mean and median 4‐week migraine headache rates occurred by the fourth month and lasted for the duration of the trial.

Conclusions.— In this long‐term open‐label extension study, the safety profile of divalproex sodium extended‐release in adolescents with migraine was consistent with that observed in the preceding 3‐month, double‐blind trial and in previous adult studies. Overall, divalproex sodium extended‐release was well‐tolerated in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years.
TAXONOMIC REVISION OF SARGASSUM (FUCALES, PHAEOPHYCEAE) FROM FRENCH POLYNESIA BASED ON MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR ANALYSES1
Authors: Mattio Lydiane , Payri Claude Elisabeth , Stiger‐Pouvreau Valérie
Published: November 2008

An assessment of Sargassum in French Polynesia was done through the critical revision of the literature, type specimens, and specimens from type localities. Sargassum samples were newly collected, and four morphotypes were identified on the basis of morphological characters. Molecular analysis of the nuclear ITS2, chloroplastic partial rbcLS, and mitochondrial cox3 markers generated two clades and confirmed the recent divergence suspected between closely related species. Although 18 different epithets have been attributed to French Polynesian Sargassum since 1828, only three species are considered valid in this study. Most of these species were transferred to S. pacificum Bory, the only species present in the Society Archipelago, while S. obtusifolium J. Agardh was restricted to the Austral Archipelago, and S. echinocarpum J. Agardh was confirmed for the Austral and Gambier Archipelagos. A morphological identification key is provided, along with descriptions and illustrations for each polymorphic species. Moreover, the study of several regional collections underlined similar and low specific diversity among Sargassum populations in the southeastern Pacific. As a result of this study, we propose that S. bacciferum J. Agardh var. latiuscula Grunow, S. bisserula f. pacifica Grunow, S. boraborense (Grunow) Setch., S. mangarevense (Grunow) Setch., S. sociale (Grunow) Setch., and S. tahitense Grunow be considered as heterotypic synonyms of S. pacificum. Sargassum skottsbergii Sjöstedt, S. hawaiiensis Doty et Newhouse, S. divaricatum var. chilensis Grunow, S. obtusifolium J. Agardh f. chamberlainii Grunow, and S. obtusifolium J. Agardh f. lendigeroides Grunow are further regarded as heterotypic synonyms of S. obtusifolium.
Association Between Changes in Habitual Physical Activity and Changes in Bone Density, Muscle Strength, and Functional Performance in Elderly Men and Women
Authors: Daly Robin M. , Ahlborg Henrik G. , Ringsberg Karin , Gardsell Per , Sernbo Ingemar , Karlsson Magnus K.
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the long‐term effects of habitual physical activity on changes in musculoskeletal health, functional performance, and fracture risk in elderly men and women.

DESIGN: Ten‐year prospective population‐based study.

SETTING: Malmö‐Sjöbo Prospective Study, Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 152 men and 206 women aged 50, 60, 70, and 80 who were followed for 10 years.

MEASUREMENTS: Distal radius bone mineral density (BMD) (single photon absorptiometry), upper limb muscle (grip) strength, balance, gait velocity, occupational and leisure‐time activity, and fractures (interview‐administered questionnaire) were reassessed after 10 years. Annual changes for all measures were compared between participants with varying habitual physical activity histories at baseline and follow‐up: inactive–inactive (n=202), active–inactive (n=47), inactive–active (n=49), and active–active (n=60). Data for men and women were pooled, because there were no sex‐by‐activity group interactions. To detect possible differences in fracture incidence between the varying habitual activity groups, participants were classified into two activity groups based on their activity classification at baseline and follow‐up: inactive:less active versus active:more active.

RESULTS: The annual rate of bone loss was 0.6% per year less in individuals classified as active at both time points than in those classified as inactive at both time points (P<.01). Similar results were observed for balance, but there was no effect of varying habitual activity on changes in muscle strength or gait velocity. There were also no differences in fracture incidence between individuals categorized as active:more active and those categorized as inactive:less active during the follow‐up (adjusted hazard ratio=0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.42–1.90).

CONCLUSION: This study showed that elderly men and women who maintained a habitually active lifestyle over 10 years had lower bone loss and retained better balance than those who remained habitually inactive.
Effects on Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidative Enzymes ofEuonymus alatusin Cultured Rat Hepatocytes
Authors: Kim Kyung‐Woon , Suh Seok‐Jong , Kim Jong‐Dae , Kim Soo‐Sung , Lee In‐Seon , Kim June‐Ki , Chang Gyu‐Tae , Kim Dong‐Soo , Kim Cheorl‐Ho
Published: November 2008

Abstract: TheEuonymus alatus(Thunb.) Sieb. has long been used as a crude drug. In this paper, we investigate the effects ofE. alatuson cultured hepatocyte cell system and lipid peroxidation in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment conditions. The study covers the physiological activity (the antioxidative activity and the nitrite‐scavenging effect) ofE. alatus. H2O2that can produce intracellular free radical was used for inducer of the peroxidation of cellular lipids. Treatment ofE. alatusattenuated in cell killing enhanced by increasing concentrations of H2O2. The increased malondialdehyde level induced by H2O2treatment was reduced by pre‐treatment ofE. alatus. Furthermore, addition ofE. alatusin cell culture medium significantly reduced cell killing and content of intracellular antioxidants. Changes in nitrite‐scavenging effect ofE. alatusat various concentrations (5–25 mg/ml) and various pH levels (pH 1.2, 4.2 and 6.0) were also observed. The present study was also done to investigate the effects ofE. alatuson cultured hepatocyte cell system, H2O2‐induced cytotoxicity and antioxidative enzyme activities, including catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S‐transferase in H2O2treatment conditions.E. alatustreatment had significant protective or elevating activities on these antioxidative enzyme activities compared to a normal group. The results indicate thatE. alatusprovides a strong antioxidant protection of cells against H2O2‐induced oxidative stress.
Fatal Acute Endosulfan Toxicity: A Case Report
Authors: Kucuker Hudaverdi , Sahin Onder , Yavuz Yücel , Yürümez Yusuf
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Endosulfan is an organochlorine pesticide. It is banned in the USA and Europe, but use is unrestricted for insect control. Endosulfan causes many intentional and unintentional toxicities in developing countries and in Turkey. Acute exposure to endosulfan has rarely been reported in deaths due to ingestion. Here, a fatality of 61‐year‐old woman of a family who was poisoned due to ingestion of endosulfan has been reported. Based on autopsy findings, patient history and toxicological results, the cause of death was determined to be acute intoxication of endosulfan and the manner, unintentional toxicities. Endosulfan has histopathological toxic effects on many organs and this toxic effect occurs within a short period after ingestion. To prevent endosulfan poisoning, the usage of it must be restricted and even prohibited. To prevent death and to accelerate improvement, the organs that have more apparent histopathological injury should be considered and early and intensive supportive treatment be initiated.
Comparison of measured and modeled temporal coherence of sound near 75 Hz and 3683 km in the Pacific Ocean
Authors: Spiesberger John L.
Published: November 2008

The hypothesis to test is internal gravity waves following a Garrett–Munk spectrum are sufficient to explain temporal coherence of sound at 3683 km in the Pacific Ocean for a signal at 75 Hz and a pulse resolution of 0.03 s. Signals from a 20 min transmission are collected on a towed array. After correcting the data for what likely appears to be acceleration of the receiver, the probability distribution for multipath coherence time is very similar to that obtained from Monte Carlo simulations of the impulse response. The most likely coherence time is 20 min, the longest that can be measured with a 20 min transmission. Predictions of multipath temporal coherence and amplitude fluctuations appear accurate enough to make useful predictions of channel capacity.
Acoustic radiation torque on an irregularly shaped scatterer in an arbitrary sound field
Authors: Fan Zongwei , Mei Deqing , Yang Keji , Chen Zichen
Published: November 2008

To eliminate the limitation of the conventional acoustic radiation torque theory, which is only applicable to a disklike scatterer in a plane sound field, a new theory is established to calculate the radiation torque on any irregularly shaped scatterer in any arbitrary sound field. First, with the aid of the conservation law of angular momentum, the acoustic radiation torque is expressed as the angular momentum flux through a spherical surface with the center at the scatterer’s centroid. Second, the velocity potential of the scattered field is derived, taking into account the influences of the translational and rotational movements of the scatterer induced by the first order stress of the incident sound field. Finally, a general calculating formula of the acoustic radiation torque is achieved. For a disklike scatterer in a plane sound filed, results from the above formula are well identical with those conventional formulas. By studying the case of a semicircular cylinder scatterer in a standing-wave sound field, it is found that for an irregularly shaped scatterer its rotation velocity is normally nonzero and the radiation torque changes with the spatial attitude.
Binaural model for artificial spatial sound localization based on interaural time delays and movements of the interaural axis
Authors: Kneip Laurent , Baumann Claude
Published: November 2008

This paper presents a mathematical model for sound localization in space using two-microphone devices that possess at least two degrees of freedom. It proves a series of theorems and lemmas that are based on time difference of arrival measurements and movements of the interaural axis, forming a powerful instrument for practical robot applications. For instance, it shows that a single determined rotation of the interaural axis is sufficient to exactly yield the azimuth or the elevation of an immobile sound source in the far field, independently of microphone spacing and the speed of sound and hence of the surrounding medium. It proves that at any moment the knowledge of one value determines the magnitude of the other, with the restriction that the sign of the second value is undefined, which means that, depending on the rotation, either the back-front or the up-down ambiguity is kept unsolved. This paper also shows that parallax motion unlocks essential information about the distance and the Cartesian coordinates of the sound source. Shifting the microphone system sideways fixes the distance and the coordinate on the interaural axis. Combining rotation and translation movements completely solves the localization problem. In order to illustrate the efficacy of the model, this paper presents experiments with a low cost robot developer kit during which the azimuth, the elevation, and the distance of continuous sound sources are determined at a precision of 10° and 0.5m, respectively. Achieving this performance with low power material demonstrates how easily the model can be implemented into any robotic system.
Comment on “Acoustic chaos in a duct with two separate sound sources” [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 110, 120–126 (2001)]
Authors: Castrejón-Pita A. A. , Castrejón-Pita J. R. , Huelsz G. , Sarmiento-Galán A.
Published: November 2008

In a paper published in this journal in 2001 by Dong et al. [W. G. Dong, X. Y. Huang, and Q. L. Wo, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 110, 120–126 (2001)] it was claimed that acoustic chaos was obtained experimentally by the nonlinear interaction of two acoustic waves in a duct. In this comment a simple experimental setup and an analytical model is used to show that the dynamics of such systems corresponds to a quasiperiodic motion, and not to a chaotic one.
Bowhead whale springtime song off West Greenland
Authors: Stafford Kathleen M. , Moore Sue E. , Laidre Kristin L. , Heide-Jørgensen M. P.
Published: November 2008

Three songs were recorded from bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) in Disko Bay, West Greenland, during 59 h of recordings via sonobuoys deployed on seven days between 5 and 14 April 2007. Song elements were defined by units following the protocol of previous description of bowhead whale song. The two most prominent songs were loud, complex, and repeated in long bouts on multiple recording days while the third song was much simpler and recorded on only one day. Bowhead whale simple calls and faint song elements were also recorded using digital audio tape recorders and a dipping hydrophone deployed from the sea ice approximately 100–150 km southwest of Disko Bay on three separate days suggesting that song is also produced in the central portion of Baffin Bay in winter. Songs recorded in Disko Bay are from an area where approximately 85% of the whales have been determined to be adult females. Although it is not known which sex was singing, we speculate that, as in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), male bowhead whales may sing to mediate sexual competition or mate selection behaviors. This is the first detailed description of springtime songs for bowhead whales in the eastern Arctic.
A theoretical treatment of the long range propagation of impulsive signals under strongly ducted nocturnal conditions
Authors: Waxler Roger , Gilbert Kenneth E. , Talmadge Carrick
Published: November 2008

On clear nights, over flat land, a sound duct develops in which sound can carry to great distances. As is the case with all ducted propagation, there is strong dispersion so that a broadband signal undergoes severe distortion as it propagates. The signal received at long ranges from an impulsive source is a wave train, of much greater duration than the initial impulse, consisting of a series of arrivals. The long range ground to ground propagation of an impulsive signal in a typical nocturnal duct is studied and the natures of the various arrivals are explained. A direct connection is drawn between the meteorological and ground conditions and the structure of the propagated signal.
Volumetric (tomographic) three-dimensional geoacoustic inversion in shallow water
Authors: Tolstoy A.
Published: November 2008

Geoacoustic inversion is an important but difficult component for shallow water ocean acoustics. There are numerous methods in use to remotely determine bottom and geometric properties in both range-independent and range-dependent situations. While there have been some efforts to combine two-dimensional bottom estimates (range- and depth-dependent inversion slices) calculated around a receiving array into a three-dimensional (range, depth, and azimuthal) image of a region, there is only one approach in existence today, which attempts to determine consistent volumetric bottom properties using multiple arrays and multiple sources. This approach (geoacoustic tomography) will be discussed here (with final improvements via regularization).
Joint deconvolution and classification with applications to passive acoustic underwater multipath
Authors: Anderson Hyrum S. , Gupta Maya R.
Published: November 2008

This paper addresses the problem of classifying signals that have been corrupted by noise and unknown linear time-invariant (LTI) filtering such as multipath, given labeled uncorrupted training signals. A maximum a posteriori approach to the deconvolution and classification is considered, which produces estimates of the desired signal, the unknown channel, and the class label. For cases in which only a class label is needed, the classification accuracy can be improved by not committing to an estimate of the channel or signal. A variant of the quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) classifier is proposed that probabilistically accounts for the unknown LTI filtering, and which avoids deconvolution. The proposed QDA classifier can work either directly on the signal or on features whose transformation by LTI filtering can be analyzed; as an example a classifier for subband-power features is derived. Results on simulated data and real Bowhead whale vocalizations show that jointly considering deconvolution with classification can dramatically improve classification performance over traditional methods over a range of signal-to-noise ratios.