bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apolipoprotein M predicts pre‐β‐HDL formation: studies in type 2 diabetic and nondiabetic subjects
Authors: Plomgaard P. , Dullaart R. P. F. , De Vries R. , Groen A. K. , Dahlbäck B. , Nielsen L. B.
Published: March 2009

Objective.  Studies in mice suggest that plasma apoM is lowered in hyperinsulinaemic diabetes and that apoM stimulates formation of pre‐β‐HDL. Pre‐β‐HDL is an acceptor of cellular cholesterol and may be critical for reverse cholesterol transport. Herein, we examined whether patients with type 2 diabetes have reduced plasma apoM and whether apoM is associated with pre‐β‐HDL formation and cellular cholesterol efflux.

Design.  In 78 patients with type 2 diabetes and 89 control subjects, we measured plasma apoM with ELISA, pre‐β‐HDL and pre‐β‐HDL formation, phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) activity and the ability of plasma to promote cholesterol efflux from cultured fibroblasts.

Results.  ApoM was ∼9% lower in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to controls (0.025 ± 0.006 vs. 0.027 ± 0.007 g L−1, P = 0.01). The difference in apoM was largely attributable to diabetes‐associated obesity. ApoM was positively related to both HDL (r = 0.16; P = 0.04) and LDL cholesterol (r = 0.28; P = 0.0003). Pre‐β‐HDL and pre‐β‐HDL formation were not different between diabetic and control subjects. ApoM predicted pre‐β‐HDL (r = 0.16; P = 0.04) and pre‐β‐HDL formation (r = 0.19; P = 0.02), even independently of positive relationships with apoA‐I, HDL‐cholesterol and PLTP activity. Cellular cholesterol efflux to plasma was positively related to pre‐β‐HDL and PLTP activity but not significantly to apoM.

Conclusions.  Plasma apoM is modestly reduced in type 2 diabetes. Pre‐β‐HDL and pre‐β‐HDL formation are positively associated with apoM, supporting the hypothesis that apoM plays a role in HDL remodelling in humans. Lower apoM may provide a mechanism to explain why pre‐β‐HDL formation is not increased in type 2 diabetes despite elevated PLTP activity.
Mental health crisis and respite services: service user and carer aspirations
Authors: LYONS C. , HOPLEY P. , BURTON C. R. , HORROCKS J.
Published: March 2009

There is emerging evidence that crisis resolution services can provide alternatives to hospital admission, reducing demand on inpatient beds. Following a public consultation exercise in Lancashire (England), a team of nurses undertook a study, using interactive research methodology, to gain an understanding of how users and carers define a crisis and what range of crisis services, resources and interventions service users and carers thought would help avoid unnecessary hospital admission. Data collection comprised postal questionnaires and 24 group meetings with service users and carers, which were held during 2006. Data were analysed, and seven themes were identified: (1) definitions of a crisis; (2) access to services; (3) interventions; (4) range of services required (before, during and after crisis); (5) place of treatment; (6) recovery and rehabilitation; and (7) community support. We conclude that expressed preferences of service users and carers for pre‐emptive services that are delivered flexibly will present a challenge for service commissioners and providers, particularly where stringent access criteria are used. Home‐based pre‐emptive services that reduce the need for unnecessary hospital treatment may avoid progression to social exclusion of service users.
The importance of health for persons with psychiatric disabilities
Authors: HEDBERG L. , SKÄRSÄTER I.
Published: March 2009

Persons with psychiatric disabilities often lead an isolated life, and their living conditions are usually not as good as those of other people. There are few studies that describe these individuals' own opinions of what can contribute to increased health. The aim of this study was therefore to describe the importance of health for persons with psychiatric disabilities. The study group comprised 12 persons, living in the community in west of Sweden, who were interviewed during 2005. The data were analysed by means of qualitative content analysis. The findings revealed five categories: (1) help and support in daily life; (2) being part of a social context; (3) having a meaningful daily life; (4) using resources in the right way; and (5) experiencing well‐being. The result showed that interventions that promote health need to be clarified and strengthened by means of coordinated efforts from the healthcare services and the local community. In addition, persons with psychiatric disabilities should be invited and encouraged to participate in society as well as being listened to and having their needs addressed.
Systemic growth of Leptosphaeria maculans from cotyledons to hypocotyls in oilseed rape: influence of number of infection sites, competitive growth and host polygenic resistance
Authors: Travadon R. , Marquer B. , Ribulé A. , Sache I. , Masson J. P. , Brun H. , Delourme R. , Bousset L.
Published: March 2009

The influence of competitive effects between two isolates, of the number of infection sites on cotyledons and of host polygenic resistance on the systemic growth of Leptosphaeria maculans, the cause of phoma stem canker in oilseed rape (Brassica napus), were investigated. Controlled‐condition experiments were conducted with two oilseed rape doubled haploid lines, one susceptible and the other with a high level of polygenic resistance, inoculated via wounded cotyledons with conidial suspensions obtained from two isolates. Expression of cankers in plants was enhanced by exposing inoculated plants to low temperature (6°C) followed by warm temperature (20°C). The fungus was detected by PCR amplifications of three minisatellite markers in all stems with visible canker symptoms and also in the stems of 14 of the 59 plants without visible cankers on the hypocotyls. Disease severity increased with the number of infection sites on cotyledons: in one of the three replicate experiments, the mean external necrosis length on the hypocotyl ranged from 6·47 to 35·3 mm for one and eight infections sites on cotyledons, respectively. The probability of an isolate reaching the hypocotyl from inoculated cotyledons decreased with increasing competing inoculum load on cotyledons: for instance, for isolate A290v it decreased from 1 when inoculated alone to 0·28 when coinoculated with six drops of competing isolate P27d. Polygenic resistance significantly reduced disease incidence and severity. For instance, in one of the three replicate experiments, disease incidence ranged from more than 74% in susceptible plants to 16% in resistant ones, while mean external necrosis length was up to 35·3 and 6·5 mm on susceptible and on resistant plants, respectively. This study offers new possibilities for assessing levels of polygenic resistance to stem canker in B. napus and studying the aggressiveness of L. maculans isolates.
Management of phytophthora root rot in radiata pine seedlings
Authors: Reglinski T. , Spiers T. M. , Dick M. A. , Taylor J. T. , Gardner J.
Published: March 2009

Chemical and biological agents were evaluated for their ability to suppress root rot, caused by Phytophthora cactorum, in field‐grown radiata pine seedlings in New Zealand. Trials were conducted over two seasons in an area of a forest nursery with a natural infestation of P. cactorum, and a history of root rot. In each season, symptoms of root rot developed during April, one month after root pruning, when seedlings were approximately six months old. In trial one, root rot incidence by mid July 2007 was 9·1% in untreated plots and 8·4% in plots that had been treated with metalaxyl‐M/mancozeb (14 kg ha−1) at seedling emergence. Disease incidence was lowest (2·1%) in plots that received seven monthly applications of phosphorous acid (6·5 L ha−1). Other treatments, including seed coating with thiram or Trichoderma spp., and foliar applications of methyl jasmonate, did not control disease. In trial two, effects of treatment timing relative to root pruning were investigated. By late June 2008, three months after root pruning, root rot incidence was 22·2% in the untreated plots. Phosphorous acid was the most effective treatment and almost completely suppressed disease (0·1% incidence) when applied fortnightly from February until May (seven applications). Metalaxyl‐M/mancozeb (15 kg ha−1) was not effective (21·4% incidence) when applied five months before root pruning. However, disease incidence was reduced when the chemical was applied one week after root pruning (14·9% incidence) and greater control was achieved (8·2% incidence) when the application rate was increased to 50 kg ha−1.
Tandem affinity purification and mass spectrometric analysis of ubiquitylated proteins in Arabidopsis
Authors: Saracco Scott A. , Hansson Maria , Scalf Mark , Walker Joseph M. , Smith Lloyd M. , Vierstra Richard D.
Published: March 2009

Protein ubiquitylation is a central regulatory mechanism that controls numerous processes in plants, including hormone signaling, developmental progression, responses to biotic and abiotic challenges, protein trafficking and chromatin structure. Despite data implicating thousands of plant proteins as targets, so far only a few have been conclusively shown to be ubiquitylated in planta. Here we describe a method to isolate ubiquitin–protein conjugates from Arabidopsis that exploits a stable transgenic line expressing a synthetic poly‐UBQ gene encoding ubiquitin (Ub) monomers N‐terminally tagged with hexahistidine. Following sequential enrichment by Ub‐affinity and nickel chelate‐affinity chromatography, the ubiquitylated proteins were trypsinized, separated by two‐dimensional liquid chromatography, and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Our list of 54 non‐redundant targets, expressed by as many as 90 possible isoforms, included those predicted by genetic studies to be ubiquitylated in plants (EIN3 and JAZ6) or shown to be ubiquitylated in other eukaryotes (ribosomal subunits, elongation factor 1α, histone H1, HSP70 and CDC48), as well as candidates whose control by the Ub/26S proteasome system is not yet appreciated. Ub attachment site(s) were resolved for a subset of these proteins, but surprisingly little sequence consensus was detected, implying that specific residues surrounding the modified lysine are not important determinants for ubiquitylation. We also identified six of the seven available lysine residues on Ub itself as Ub attachment sites, together with evidence for a branched mixed‐linkage chain, suggesting that the topologies of Ub chains can be highly complex in plants. Taken together, our method provides a widely applicable strategy to define ubiquitylation in any tissue of intact plants exposed to a wide range of conditions.
Burial rates of surrogate seeds in arable fields
Authors: WESTERMAN P R , DIXON P M , LIEBMAN M
Published: March 2009

WestermanPR, DixonPM & LiebmanM (2009). Burial rates of surrogate seeds in arable fields.Weed Research49, 142–152.

The probability of seed consumption by surface‐dwelling predators depends on the duration of seed exposure on the soil surface. We investigated seed burial using painted ceramic beads as surrogate seeds. Fifty beads of three size classes each were applied to small arenas within crop fields and their fates were followed from August to October. New sets of beads were applied as soon as most beads had disappeared from the soil surface. Bead availability on the soil surface declined immediately after placement, and then declined steadily over time, with increased loss during rain and management practices. Smaller beads were incorporated into the soil/litter matrix more easily than larger beads. Bead burial differed considerably among crop environments, with more burial in forage crops (red clover, lucerne) than in row crops (soyabean, maize). The fact that seed availability differed among crop environments suggests that it can be manipulated to maximise predation risk.
Survey of dietary patterns and health in community dwelling canines
Authors: Heuberger R. A. , Glassman K. D.
Published: March 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of performing an epidemiological analysis of dietary patterns and health of canines living in community households. The study was funded by the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation and was sponsored by Central Michigan University. Central Michigan University Institutional Review granted approval for human and animal subject participation. The American Kennel Club approved the project. The study included 50 humans and their canine companions that were recruited through word of mouth and advertisement. Participation in the study was voluntary and compensated with monetary incentives. Questionnaires were administered to the 50 participants and included questions regarding demographics, activity, diet recall, food frequency and general health. Three‐day food recalls were validated against food frequency data and were coded to ID with no identifiers. Data were entered using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using spss v.14.0. The results of the study revealed 24% of canines enrolled were diagnosed as obese by their vet, which was consistent with self‐reported weight status, where 11 subjects reported an overweight dog (22%). Of the 50 respondents, 38 stated their companion animal was at an ideal weight (76%) and one stated their companion animal was slightly underweight (2%). The majority of companion animals were standard to large size (32%). While small dogs represented 26% (n = 13), toy breeds represented 10% of the subject population (n = 5). The average age of the dogs sampled was 5 years. The four most common breeds were mutt (n = 15), Lab (n = 4), Terrier (n = 4), and Yorkie (n = 4). While only 11 companion animals were classified as overweight, 28 (56%) pets were diagnosed with a health condition and 25 were on some type of medication (50%) excluding heartworm and flea/tick preventatives. The majority of subjects fed their canines treats daily (94%) with an average of five treats per day. Fourteen per cent of respondents fed their dogs a specialized diet that was commercially available and only one respondent fed a prescription formulation. The majority of respondents fed a ‘premium’ commercially available dog food in dry form. Further research and additional analysis will be required to elucidate relationships between health status and dietary patterns in canines through survey methodologies.
The utility of a nebulised intra‐tracheal rat model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Chandenier J. , Bernard S. , Montharu J. , Bailly E. , Fetissof F. , De Monte M. , Desoubeaux G. , Diot P. , Richard‐Lenoble D.
Published: March 2009

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is of particular concern to immunodeficient patients, whose mortality rates may exceed 80%. The development of an animal model that faithfully reproduces the pathophysiology of IPA would improve the studies on diagnostic and therapeutic modes, and the use of rats as a possible model for IPA seems to have been largely overlooked. Such a model could be established with the MicroSprayer IA‐1B®. Male Sprague–Dawley rats (6–8 weeks old) were rendered immunodeficient by cyclophosphamide injections and a protein‐deficient diet. On day D0, they were anaesthetised by inhalation of 5% isoflurane and infected by the intra‐tracheal aerosolisation of 100 μl of an Aspergillus fumigatus spore suspension through a MicroSprayer IA‐1B®. This inoculation process was simple and rapid, with no deaths observed during or immediately after the procedure. The rats regained consciousness within 1 min. Follow‐up data including those for clinical factors (weight changes, mortality rate), biological factors (Aspergillus antigens) and histological factors were consistent with previous studies. The advantages of this model include the ease of animal manipulation, the reproducibility of infection and the potential for repeated blood sampling.
Towards an ontological theory of wellness: a discussion of conceptual foundations and implications for nursing
Authors: Mackey Sandra
Published: March 2009

In this article a discussion of the phenomenon of wellness and its relevance to contemporary nursing practice is developed. Drawing on phenomenology, the research literature and the author's own wellness research, an exposition of the concept of wellness is presented. It is proposed that the experience of being well is lived as a continuity of time and that it involves both a taking‐for‐granted of the body and containment of the horizon of concern. The state of actually being well is also clarified and contrasted with the more common understanding of wellness as an optimal or future state. This discussion has significance for nursing knowledge development, in terms of our understanding of the experience of wellness and illness. It also has implications for how nurses approach their practice, particularly in the area of health promotion.
Living in History
Authors: Brown Norman R. , Lee Peter J. , Krslak Mirna , Conrad Frederick G. , G.B. Hansen Tia , Havelka Jelena , Reddon John R.
Published: March 2009

Memories of war, terrorism, and natural disaster play a critical role in the construction of group identity and the persistence of group conflict. Here, we argue that personal memory and knowledge of the collective past become entwined only when public events have a direct, forceful, and prolonged impact on a population. Support for this position comes from a cross-national study in which participants thought aloud as they dated mundane autobiographical events. We found that Bosnians often mentioned their civil war and that Izmit Turks made frequent reference to the 1999 earthquake in their country. In contrast, public events were rarely mentioned by Serbs, Montenegrins, Ankara Turks, Canadians, Danes, or Israelis. Surprisingly, historical references were absent from (post–September 11) protocols collected in New York City and elsewhere in the United States. Taken together, these findings indicate that it is personal significance, not historical importance, that determines whether public events play a role in organizing autobiographical memory.
Obsessive–compulsive disorder: a disorder of pessimal (non‐functional) motor behavior
Authors: Zor R. , Keren H. , Hermesh H. , Szechtman H. , Mort J. , Eilam D.
Published: March 2009

Objective:  To determine whether in addition to repetitiveness, the motor rituals of patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) involve reduced functionality due to numerous and measurable acts that are irrelevant and unnecessary for task completion.

Method:  Comparing motor rituals of OCD patients with behavior of non‐patient control individuals who were instructed to perform the same motor task.

Results:  Obsessive–compulsive disorder behavior comprises abundant acts that were not performed by the controls. These acts seem unnecessary or even irrelevant for the task that the patients were performing, and therefore are termed ‘non‐functional’. Non‐functional acts comprise some 60% of OCD motor behavior. Moreover, OCD behavior consists of short chains of functional acts bounded by long chains of non‐functional acts.

Conclusion:  The abundance of irrelevant or unnecessary acts in OCD motor rituals represents reduced functionality in terms of task completion, typifying OCD rituals as pessimal behavior (antonym of optimal behavior).
Atypical depression: retrospective self‐reporting of treatment effectiveness
Authors: Parker G. , Crawford J.
Published: March 2009

Objective:  Earlier studies demonstrated that those with atypical depression show a differentially superior response to monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants. This study compares ratings of effectiveness for a range of treatments, amongst depressed subjects with and without atypical features.

Method:  In an on‐line survey, individuals experiencing likely clinical depression rated symptoms experienced when depressed, including ‘atypical features’ and the effectiveness of previous treatments. Mean treatment effectiveness ratings were compared amongst those with ‘atypical depression’ (n = 338) and ‘non‐atypical depression’ (n = 377).

Results:  There were few significant differences between the ‘atypical depression’ and ‘non‐atypical depression’ groups in effectiveness ratings for drug treatments, and none for psychological treatments. The ‘atypical depression’ group had significantly lower mean effectiveness ratings for some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants. Few respondents had trialed MAOIs.

Conclusion:  While MAOIs are rarely prescribed, a range of non‐MAOI drug and psychological treatments are of some perceived benefit for depressed patients with atypical features.
George Sand: Le Bruit et la musique
Authors: Bozon‐Scalzitti Yvette
Published: March 2009

Le bruit et la musique, car c’est bien de couple(s) qu’il s’agit. Régies par la violence de la différence des sexes, telle qu’elle se laisse imaginer à travers le fantasme obsédant de la scène dite primitive, auquel fait écho celui du secret de la victime, leur identité divisée et leur liaison dramatique ne se réduisent pas pourtant à un affrontement monotone du masculin et du féminin, tant les variations de l’écriture savent assouplir le thème originel. Mais c’est néanmoins la ténacité de ce motif archaïque qui permet de rendre compte des ramifications de la sensibilité auditive de Sand et de son déploiement en passion musicale. Reliés par leur commune appartenance à la nuit, le bruit et la musique ne cessent en effet de se měler l’un a l’autre. Mais l’un ne vaut pas l’autre, et Sand a beau souhaiter leur entente harmonieuse, le différend persiste sous la différence, ainsi que le donne à penser, par exemple, la préséance qu’elle accorde à la musique vocale féminine sur la musique instrumentale ou le chant masculins, toujours affiliés au bruit, tandis que le violon d’Albert finit par faire taire la voix de Consuelo. Le langage romanesque seraitil alors le seul bruit capable de délivrer la voix qui chante?
Individuum und Kollektiv: Jünger und Brecht zu Ausgang der Weimarer Republik
Authors: Roberts David
Published: March 2009

Die tiefe politische Krise am Ende der Weimarer Republik hat die Gegensätze zusammengezwungen. So ergeben sich überraschende Parallelen zwischen den sich feindlichen Gegnern der alten kriegserschütterten Ordnung: Jünger und Brecht. Bei beiden drückt sich das Bewußtsein einer revolutionären Zeitwende in der Kampfansage gegen das bürgerliche Individuum aus. Ausgehend von Karl Mannheims Ideologie und Utopie (1929) wird durch Analysen von Jüngers Der Arbeiter und Brechts Lehrstücken der Versuch unternommen, das »kollektive Unbewußte« (Mannheim) dieser Krisenjahre näher zu bestimmen, wie es sich im utopischen Denken, in der radikalen Bejahung des Kollektives artikuliert.
Genetic and environmental influences on serum lipids and the effects of puberty: a Chinese twin study
Authors: Chen Tian‐Jiao , Ji Cheng‐Ye , Hu Yong‐Hua
Published: March 2009

Aim: To study the contribution of genes and environment on the variation of serum lipids and the effects of puberty.

Methods: In total, 314 same‐sex twin pairs aged 5–18 years were studied. Puberty was marked physiologically by spermarche/menarche, and model fitting was used to analyse the genetic and environmental variance and its difference before and after puberty.

Results: Lipid levels were different before and after puberty. The genetic factor had an important influence on lipid levels; the heritability estimates of total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) were between 49 and 86%. The total phenotypic variances of TC, HDL, LDL, Lp(a) and ApoE decreased after puberty, mainly as a result of decrease of genetic variance, even though the common environmental variance for HDL, Lp(a) and ApoE increased.

Conclusion: Genes and the environment have different effects on the levels of different lipids. The shared environmental effects on lipids are very important in children. The role of puberty on lipids deserves future study.
Role of calcium phosphate nanoclusters in the control of calcification
Authors: Holt Carl , Sørensen Esben S. , Clegg Roger A.
Published: March 2009

Calcium phosphate nanoclusters are equilibrium particles of defined chemical composition in which a core of amorphous calcium phosphate is sequestered within a shell of casein phosphopeptides. Sequence analyses and a structure prediction method were applied to secreted phosphoproteins of known importance in controlling calcification, and eight noncasein phosphoproteins were identified as containing one or more subsequences capable of forming nanoclusters. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering was used to confirm that a plasmin phosphopeptide of one of the identified proteins, osteopontin, formed a novel type of calcium phosphate nanocluster in which the radius of the amorphous calcium phosphate core was four times larger than is typical of casein nanoclusters. A thermodynamic treatment of nanocluster formation identified the factors of importance in determining the equilibrium size of the core, and showed how a nanocluster solution could be thermodynamically stable yet supersaturated with respect to the mineral phase of bones and teeth. It is suggested that the ability of some secreted phosphoproteins to form nanoclusters is physiologically important for the control or inhibition of calcification in soft and mineralized tissues, the extracellular matrix and a wide range of biofluids, including milk and blood.
Embedded Capacitor Technology Using Aerosol Deposition
Authors: Imanaka Yoshihiko , Akedo Jun
Published: March 2009

Embedded passives, which achieve miniaturization, cost reduction, and higher performance, are regarded as one of the most promising technologies for a future RF module substrate. Currently, a BaTiO3/Polymer composite is being used for the embedded capacitors in printed wiring boards. One of the drawbacks of this composite is its relatively low dielectric constant, because the polymer component with a low dielectric constant suppresses the dielectric constant of the whole composite. We propose a resin build‐up circuit board with passive functions embedded in a ceramic film without any polymer component for the next‐generation low‐cost RF modules. We have already manufactured a prototype board with ceramic capacitors embedded in an FR‐4 substrate using a unique ceramic deposition technology: aerosol deposition (ASD) in which many kinds of ceramics can be deposited on a substrate at room temperature by making use of accelerated ceramic nanoparticle aerosol bombardment with a nozzle. In this study, first we examine the effects of the characteristics of raw ceramic powder on the crystal structure and the dielectric properties of ASD films. As a result, we confirmed that dense BaTiO3dielectric films can be deposited when raw powder without strain is used. From the resulting polarization versus electrical field (P–Ecurve), we confirmed that paraelectric was observed in the dense films, while the porous BaTiO3films deposited using milled powder exhibit a small hysteresis loop. We also clarified that dense BaTiO3dielectric films exhibit a nanostructure with a texture consisting of particles under 10 nm in diameter. We also examine the interfacial behavior between BaTiO3dielectric films and the Cu electrode, in order to investigate the deposition temperature and the reliability of a BaTiO3ASD film under high temperature (250°C), high humidity (100 Rh%), thermal cycle condition (−55°C to 150°C), and bias DC voltage (5 V). We clarified that the BaTiO3ASD film satisfies the criteria of reliability in the microelectronic packaging area.
Impacts of Agriculture on the Diet and Productivity of Mackinder's Eagle Owls (Bubo capensis mackinderi ) in Kenya
Authors: Ogada Darcy L. , Kibuthu Paul M.
Published: March 2009

Land conversion for agriculture is an increasing threat to biodiversity conservation, but its ecological effects on African birds is practically unknown. We investigated the impacts of agriculture on the diet and productivity of a small, disjunct population of Mackinder's eagle owls (Bubo capensis mackinderi ) in central Kenya. Owl diet was determined by analysis of pellets and other remains and compared to small mammal populations estimated by live trapping in two habitats. Small mammal abundance was low and averaged 7.4 small mammals/ha in farms and 0.5 small mammals/ha in grassland. Owls consumed a wide diversity of prey. The majority were mammals (87%) followed by birds (7%) and insects (5%). The percentage of small mammals in owl diet correlated positively with the relative abundance of small mammals during monthly trapping sessions. Diet composition did not influence owl breeding success. Farming activities affected owl diet composition through crop production. The amount of maize, peas, and carrots growing in farms was correlated with the abundance ofMastomyssp. andProcaviasp. in the owl's diet. Agricultural activities had a large effect on Mackinder's eagle owl diet by increasing the abundance of certain small‐mammal prey and attracting owl prey to farms, though farming practices harmful to owls were observed.
Seed Dispersal Distances and Plant Migration Potential in Tropical East Asia
Authors: Corlett Richard T.
Published: March 2009

Most predictions of vegetation responses to anthropogenic climate change over the next 100 yr are based on plant physiological tolerances and do not account for the ability of plant species to migrate over the distances required in the time available, or the impact of habitat fragmentation on this ability. This review assesses the maximum routine dispersal distances achievable in tropical East Asia and their vulnerability to human impacts. Estimates for various plant–vector combinations range from < 10 m, for species dispersed by ants or mechanical means, to > 10 km for some species dispersed by wind (tiny seeds), water, fruit pigeons, large fruit bats (tiny seeds), elephants, rhinoceroses, and people. Most plant species probably have maximum dispersal distances in the 100–1000 m range, but the widespread, canopy‐dominant Dipterocarpaceae and Fagaceae are normally dispersed < 100 m. Large fruit bats and fruit pigeons are particularly important for long‐distance dispersal in fragmented landscapes and should be protected from hunting. The maximum seed dispersal distances estimated in this study are potentially sufficient for many plant species to track temperature changes in steep topography, but are far too small for a significant role in mitigating climate change impacts in the lowlands, where temperature and rainfall gradients are much more shallow.
Neurochemical Approaches in the Laboratory Diagnosis of Parkinson and Parkinson Dementia Syndromes: A Review
Authors: Jesse Sarah , Steinacker Petra , Lehnert Stefan , Gillardon Frank , Hengerer Bastian , Otto Markus
Published: March 2009

The diagnosis of Parkinson disease (PD) is rendered on the basis of clinical parameters, whereby laboratory chemical tests or morphological imaging is only called upon to exclude other neurodegenerative diseases. The differentiation between PD and other diseases of the basal ganglia, especially the postsynaptic Parkinson syndromes multisystem atrophy (MSA) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), is of decisive importance, on the one hand, for the response to an appropriate therapy, and on the other hand, for the respective prognosis of the disease. However, particularly at the onset of symptoms, it is difficult to precisely distinguish these diseases from each other, presenting with an akinetic‐rigid syndrome. It is not yet possible to conduct a neurochemical differentiation of Parkinson syndromes. Therefore, a reliable biomarker is still to be found that might predict the development of Parkinson dementia. Since this situation is currently the subject of various different studies, the following synopsis is intended to provide a brief summary of the investigations addressing the field of the early neurochemical differential diagnosis of Parkinson syndromes and the early diagnosis of Parkinson dementia, from direct α‐synuclein detection to proteomic approaches. In addition, an overview of the tested biomarkers will be given with regard to their possible introduction as a screening method.
Outside Points of View in the Construction of Balinese Ethnicity and Religion
Authors: Johnsen Scott A.
Published: March 2009

The ‘outside points of view’ of Muslims, Indian Hindus, tourists and other non‐Balinese towards Balinese culture and religion are often invoked by Balinese religious leaders and urban intelligentsia. This has been described in the literature as ‘defensiveness’ related to the process of gaining state acceptance for Balinese religion as Hinduism. I argue for a more subtle reading of the importance of assumed outside points of view to transformations of Balinese practices and to the construction of Balinese identities, by analysing examples from fieldwork (2001–2003) and from Balinese media relating to current debates over cockfighting, the Balinese language, and Balinese religion. One must differentiate the importance of outside points of view to differently positioned Balinese, determine what specific practices are called into question by such assumed points of view, and clearly distinguish between the flow of cultural categories and concepts in a globalised world and the phenomenon of perceived interactions between religions and cultures. Furthermore, a wider cross‐cultural perspective reveals the limitations of understanding these processes as uniquely postcolonial or postmodern.
Outsourcing to a Powerful Contract Manufacturer: The Effect of Learning‐by‐Doing
Authors: Gray John V. , Tomlin Brian , Roth Aleda V.
Published: March 2009

The contract manufacturing industry has grown rapidly in recent years as firms have increasingly outsourced production to reduce costs. This growth has created powerful contract manufacturers (CMs) in several industries. Achieving a competitive cost position is often a primary motive for outsourcing. Outsourcing influences both the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) and the CM's production levels, and, therefore, through learning‐by‐doing renders future costs dependent on past outsourcing decisions. As such, outsourcing should not be viewed as a static decision that, once made, is not revisited. We address these considerations by analyzing a two‐period game between an OEM and a powerful CM wherein both firms can reduce their production costs through learning‐by‐doing. We find that partial outsourcing, wherein the OEM simultaneously outsources and produces in‐house, can be an optimal strategy. Also, we find that the OEM's outsourcing strategy may be dynamic—i.e., change from period to period. In addition, we find both that the OEM may engage in production for leverage (i.e., produce internally when at a cost disadvantage) and that the CM may engage in low balling. These and other findings in this paper demonstrate the importance of considering learning, the power of the CM, and future periods when making outsourcing decisions.
A Continuous‐Review Inventory Model with Disruptions at Both Supplier and Retailer
Authors: Qi Lian , Shen Zuo‐Jun Max , Snyder Lawrence V.
Published: March 2009

We consider a continuous‐review inventory problem for a retailer who faces random disruptions both internally and externally (from its supplier). We formulate the expected inventory cost at this retailer and analyze the properties of the cost function. In particular, we show that the cost function is quasi‐convex and therefore can be efficiently optimized to numerically find the optimal order size from the retailer to the supplier. Computational experiments provide additional insight into the problem. In addition, we introduce an effective approximation of the cost function. Our approximation can be solved in closed form, which is useful when the model is embedded into more complicated supply chain design or management models.
The mechanism and significance of the slow changes of ventricular action potential duration following a change of heart rate
Authors: Eisner D. A. , Dibb K. M. , Trafford A. W.
Published: March 2009

This article reviews the effects of changes of heart rate on the ventricular action potential duration. These can be divided into short term (fractions of a second), resulting from the kinetics of recovery of membrane currents, through to long term (up to days), resulting from changes of protein expression. We concentrate on the medium‐term changes (time course of the order of 100 s). These medium‐term changes occur in isolated tissues and in the intact human heart. They may protect against cardiac arrhythmias. Finally, we discuss the cellular mechanisms responsible for these changes.
Towards predictive modelling of the electrophysiology of the heart
Authors: Vigmond Edward , Vadakkumpadan Fijoy , Gurev Viatcheslav , Arevalo Hermenegild , Deo Makarand , Plank Gernot , Trayanova Natalia
Published: March 2009

The simulation of cardiac electrical function is an example of a successful integrative multiscale modelling approach that is directly relevant to human disease. Today we stand at the threshold of a new era, in which anatomically detailed, tomographically reconstructed models are being developed that integrate from the ion channel to the electromechanical interactions in the intact heart. Such models hold high promise for interpretation of clinical and physiological measurements, for improving the basic understanding of the mechanisms of dysfunction in disease, such as arrhythmias, myocardial ischaemia and heart failure, and for the development and performance optimization of medical devices. The goal of this article is to present an overview of current state‐of‐art advances towards predictive computational modelling of the heart as developed recently by the authors of this article. We first outline the methodology for constructing electrophysiological models of the heart. We then provide three examples that demonstrate the use of these models, focusing specifically on the mechanisms for arrhythmogenesis and defibrillation in the heart. These include: (1) uncovering the role of ventricular structure in defibrillation; (2) examining the contribution of Purkinje fibres to the failure of the shock; and (3) using magnetic resonance imaging reconstructed heart models to investigate the re‐entrant circuits formed in the presence of an infarct scar.
Fibroblast growth factor 2‐stimulated proliferation is lower in muscle precursor cells from old rats
Authors: Jump Seth S. , Childs Tom E. , Zwetsloot Kevin A. , Booth Frank W. , Lees Simon J.
Published: March 2009

In aged skeletal muscle, impairments in regrowth and regeneration may be explained by a decreased responsiveness of muscle precursor cells (MPCs) to environmental cues such as growth factors. We hypothesized that impaired responsiveness to fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) in MPCs from old animals would be explained by impaired FGF2 signalling. We determined that 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and cell number increase less in MPCs from 32‐ compared with 3‐month‐old rats. In the presence of FGF2, we demonstrated that there were age‐associated differential expression patterns for FGF receptor 1 and 2 mRNAs. Measurement of downstream signalling revealed that that mitogen‐activated protein kinase/ERK kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2)–extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2, protein kinase C and p38 were FGF2‐driven pathways in MPCs. Uniquely, protein kinase C signalling was shown to play the largest role in FGF2‐stimulated proliferation in MPCs. c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) signalling was ruled out as an FGF2‐stimulated proliferation pathway in MPCs. Inhibition of JNK had no effect on FGF2 signalling to BrdU incorporation, and FGF2 treatment was associated with increased phosphorylation of p38, which inhibits, rather than stimulates, BrdU incorporation in MPCs. Surprisingly, the commonly used vehicle, dimethyl sulphoxide, rescued proliferation in MPCs from old animals. These findings provide insight for the development of effective treatment strategies that target the age‐related impairments of MPC proliferation in old skeletal muscle.
Influence of postexercise cooling techniques on heart rate variability in men
Authors: Leicht Anthony S. , Sinclair Wade H. , Patterson Mark J. , Rudzki Stephan , Tulppo Mikko P. , Fogarty Alison L. , Winter Sue
Published: March 2009

The reduction of core body temperature (TC) is vitally important in the treatment of hyperthermia; however, little is known regarding the impact of cooling treatments on the autonomic control of heart rate (HR). The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of three field‐based hyperthermia treatments on the neural control of HR via heart rate variability (HRV). Following exercise‐induced hyperthermia (TC∼40.0°C) in a warm environment (34.2 ± 0.5°C), nine healthy, active men were treated during recovery, in a randomized order, with intravenous cold saline infusion (IV) or ice packs (ICE) or fan cooling with intermittent water spray (FAN) for 40 min. During each treatment, HR dynamics via power spectral (VLF, LF, HF), Poincare plot (SD1, SD2), approximate entropy (ApEn) and short‐ (α1) and long‐term (α2) fractal scaling analyses were determined every 10 min. At recovery onset, HR and TC were similar between treatments and were significantly reduced over the 40 min recovery period. During recovery, HR and α2 were significantly reduced from initial levels but were significantly greater for IV compared with ICE and FAN. In contrast, VLF, LF, HF, SD1, SD2 and ApEn increased during recovery, with all being significantly lower for IV compared with ICE and/or FAN. The present results demonstrated that IV, compared with ICE and FAN, resulted in significantly greater HR, reduced spectral and geometrical HRV, lower HR complexity and reduced long‐term HR control, indicative of reduced vagal and/or increased sympathetic modulation. Specific treatments for exercise‐induced hyperthermia may result in an altered sympathovagal balance that requires further examination.
Application of the Amplitude Reduction Technique Within Probabilistic Rough EHL Models
Authors: Moraru Laurentiu , Keith Theo. G
Published: March 2009

Over the years, the deterministic elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) approach has been widely used. This technique is very powerful in capturing details of asperity deformation and interaction. The probabilistic EHL methodology is still used when the main interest of the engineer is directed toward computations of bulk properties. During recent years, the results of many deterministic analyses have been published. The reduction of the waviness amplitude in EHL contacts under rolling-sliding was systematically studied and it was shown that the amplitude reduction is completely described by a single parameter that includes relative wavelength and the operating conditions. This approach, usually referred to as the amplitude reduction technique, has opened the way for developing improved probabilistic EHL models by incorporating the effects of fluid-induced roughness deformation, which is calculated using the fast fourier transform. In this paper we provide a review of the latest developments in the amplitude reduction technique and we present a probabilistic EHL algorithm for the computation of the load supported by the fluid, the elastically deformed asperities and the plastically deformed asperities, in a mixed EHL contact with either isotropic on nonisotropic roughness. The fluid-induced roughness deformation is incorporated into the probabilistic model via the use of the amplitude reduction technique.
Viscoelastic Stress Analysis of Constrained Proton Exchange Membranes Under Humidity Cycling
Authors: Lai Yeh-Hung , Mittelsteadt Cortney K. , Gittleman Craig S. , Dillard David A.
Published: March 2009

Many premature failures in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are attributed to crossover of the reactant gas from microcracks in the membranes. The formation of these microcracks is believed to result from chemical and/or mechanical degradation of the constrained membrane during fuel cell operation. By characterizing the through-membrane leakage, we report failures resulting from crack formation in several PEMs mounted in 50cm2 fuel cell fixtures and mechanically stressed as the environment was cycled between wet and dry conditions in the absence of chemical potential. The humidity cycling tests also show that the failure from crossover leaks is delayed if membranes are subjected to smaller humidity swings. To understand the mechanical response of PEMs constrained by bipolar plates and subjected to changing humidity levels, we use Nafion® NR-111 as a model membrane and conduct numerical stress analyses to simulate the humidity cycling test. We also report the measurement of material properties required for the stress analysis—water content, coefficient of hygral expansion, and creep compliance. From the creep test results, we have found that the principle of time-temperature-humidity superposition can be applied to Nafion® NR-111 to construct a creep compliance master curve by shifting individual compliance curves with respect to temperature and water content. The stress prediction obtained using the commercial finite element program ABAQUS® agrees well with the stress measurement of Nafion® NR-111 from both tensile and relaxation tests for strains up to 8%. The stress analysis used to model the humidity cycling test shows that the membrane can develop significant residual tensile stress after humidity cycling. The result shows that the larger the humidity swing and/or the faster the hydration/dehydration rate, the higher the residual tensile stress. This result is confirmed experimentally as PEM failure is significantly delayed by decreasing the magnitude of the relative humidity cycle. Based on the current study, we also discuss potential improvements for material characterization, material state diagnostics, and a stress model for PEMs.
Inversion-Based Control of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell System Using Energetic Macroscopic Representation
Authors: Chrenko Daniela , Péra Marie-Cécile , Hissel Daniel , Bouscayrol Alain
Published: March 2009

This paper introduces a fuel cell system model based on energetic macroscopic representation (EMR). EMR is a causal graphic modeling approach to describe complex multidomain systems, which facilitates inversion-based control structure development called maximum control structure (MCS). The EMR model is derived for a commercially available fuel cell system and corresponds well with experimental results. An inversion-based control is proposed for the air supply subsystem. The control corresponds well with the unknown internal control. The application of EMR and MCS marks a promising approach: Control structure development based on experience is replaced by a systematic approach. This is especially meaningful for complex multidomain systems such as fuel cell systems.