bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computerized Medical Record: Tomorrow's System Today
Authors: Flores Dino E. , Zeigler Carol J.
Published: August 2007

Educational objectives: To understand the benefits of computerizing medical records and the management of clinical information: improving quality of care, increasing the efficiency of the physician and the office administration, and increasing practice revenues.
Office‐Based Laser Surgery Oto‐Rhino‐Laryngology
Authors: Krespi Yosef P. , Blitzer Andrew , Pearlman Steven J. , Silverstein Herbert
Published: August 2007

Educational objectives: To learn basic laser physics, office laser safety, and applications of the CO2 and YAG laser in a comprehensive otolaryngology office setting.
Growth Factors in Wound Healing—An Overview
Authors: Hom David B. , Szachowicz Edward
Published: August 2007

Educational objectives: To better understand the current knowledge of polypeptide growth factors and to gain insight in the future therapeutic potential of growth factors.
Diagnostic Laryngology in Children
Authors: Inglis Andrew F. , Duncan Newton O.
Published: August 2007

Educational objectives: To be familiar with specialized endoscopic equipment and techniques dedicated to childhood airway evaluation and to understand anesthetic techniques that provide for an unhurried thorough evaluation particularly during spontaneous ventilation.
Breaking the Rules in Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
Authors: Collins Sharon L. , Bastian Robert W.
Published: August 2007

Educational objectives: To be aware of the pressing need for surgeons to develop operations that allow them to stay competitive in the initial management of the head and neck cancer (HNC) patient and to be aware of surgical modifications of standard radical operations that allow functionally and oncologically sound “organ preservation “ in a variety of HNC sites.
Hearing Aids in 1995
Authors: Beck Douglas L. , Sargent Eric W.
Published: August 2007

Educational objectives: To better understand hearing aid terminology and technology as used in aural rehabilitation in 1995 and the abilities and limits of 1995 hearing aid circuitry.
Mandible Reconstruction
Authors: Hayden Richard E. , Stepnick David W.
Published: August 2007

Educational objectives: To assess the relative merits of each current reconstructive technique and to offer the optimal reconstructive option for each patient.
Maximum Information from Biopsies in Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Stram John R. , Domanowski Gerard
Published: August 2007

Educational objectives: To formulate the questions to be answered by biopsy in head and neck surgery and to plan and execute accurate, specific biopsy procedures and to appropriately harvest and preserve tissue for secondary studies.
Diagnosis and Management of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency
Authors: Gray Steven D. , Muntz Harlan , Smith James D.
Published: August 2007

Educational objectives: To diagnose velopharyngeal incompetency and to formulate a plan of treatment including surgical options to improve speech.
Implantable Hearing Aids
Authors: Fredrickson John M. , Coticchia James M. , Khosla Sid
Published: August 2007

Educational objectives: To appreciate the difference in design and function between several types of implantable hearing aids and to explain the design, surgical approach, chronic animal results and future goals of the Washington University implantable middle ear transducer.
Congenital Viral Induced Hearing Loss
Authors: Strauss Melvin
Published: August 2007

Educational objectives: To understand the nature and magnitude of congenital hearing loss with a specific understanding of viral causes of congenital hearing loss and to be knowledgeable of all aspects of congenital cytomegalovirus labyrinthitis including efforts at prevention and experimental studies.
Pollinators and pollen dispersal of Piper dilatatum (Piperaceae) on Barro Colorado Island, Panama
Authors: Kikuchi David W. , Lasso Eloisa , Dalling James W. , Nur Nadav
Published: August 2007

The genus Piper is an important component of tropical forests worldwide. Many Piper species have been reported as self-compatible (Figueiredo & Sazima 2000), and many have the ability to reproduce asexually, forming clonal aggregations (Grieg 1993). Furthermore, the main dispersers of Piper (bats) transport whole infructescences to feeding roosts (Fleming & Heithaus 1981), tending to disperse closely related seeds in clumps. These characteristics of Piper biology are likely to result in populations with strongly marked spatial genetic structure, and raise the potential for inbreeding depression through self-fertilization. A few studies using allozymes to evaluate spatial genetic structure in Piper spp. support this view. These studies indicate that populations separated by more than 1 km are genetically distinct (high FST values; Wright 1943) and that for some species inbreeding could be substantial (high values of FIS and FIT; Heywood & Fleming 1986, Mariot et al. 2002). However, the contributions of limited pollen and seed dispersal to generating spatial genetic structure remain unknown. Estimates of seed dispersal probabilities by Carollia perspicillata (Phyllostomidae) bats on Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama, and at Santa Rosa, Costa Rica, indicate that Piper dispersers move most seeds 50–300 m from the parent plant, with occasional long-distance events of > 1 km (Fleming 1981, Thies 1998). However, no studies have assessed how far Piper flower visitors move pollen. If seed dispersal is limited, and clonal reproduction is common, then long-distance pollen transfer may play a critical role in preventing inbreeding depression in Piper populations.
Catastrophes, disturbances and density-dependence: population dynamics of the spiny pocket mouse (Heteromys desmarestianus) in a neotropical lowland forest
Authors: Klinger Rob
Published: August 2007

Capture–mark–recapture methods were used to study the influence of density-dependent and density-independent factors on population dynamics of the spiny pocket mouse Heteromys desmarestianus in a lowland forest in Belize. Fourteen trapping sessions were conducted in six 0.5-ha grids at irregular intervals from July 2000 to March 2005. Responses by H. desmarestianus to four disturbance events depended on the type and magnitude of the events. Although fluctuations in density were strongly related to fruit availability, the disturbances tended to magnify direct and delayed density-dependent effects on reproduction and juvenile survival. A catastrophic flood in July 2000 eliminated the entire population, but by September 2001 population density had increased from 34.4 individuals ha−1 immediately pre-flood to 42.5 individuals ha−1. Indirect effects from a hurricane in October 2001 had greater and longer lasting influences on demographic rates than direct effects from less severe floods in August 2002 and September 2003. Fruiting ceased for almost 2.5 y after the hurricane, resulting in extremely low juvenile survival and a decline in density from 46.8 individuals ha−1 in January 2002 to 23.0 individuals ha−1 in January 2004. Fruiting began again in January 2004, and after several subsequent pulses of reproduction and generally higher rates of juvenile survival the population reached a maximum of 77.3 individuals ha−1 in March 2005. Inferences from the study, especially on the duration of delayed-density-dependent effects, must be made cautiously because of the irregular trapping intervals resulting from the unplanned disturbances. However, the results indicate that population dynamics of many tropical small-mammal populations will be driven by direct and indirect effects from density-independent events that amplify density-dependent influences on demographic rates.
Pollination ecology of Monstera obliqua (Araceae) in French Guiana
Authors: Chouteau Mathieu , McClure Melanie , Gibernau Marc
Published: August 2007

Data on pollination ecology of Araceae are still scarce and most concern species belonging to the subfamily Aroideae (García-Robledo et al. 2004, Gibernau 2003, Ivancic et al. 2004, 2005; Maia & Schlindwein 2006). In this subfamily, inflorescences consist of unisexual flowers: female flowers are located in the lower portion and the male flowers are in the upper portion of the inflorescence (Mayo et al. 1997). In the documented neotropical Aroideae, pollinators are nocturnal beetles and pollination mechanisms take place within a floral chamber during a short flowering cycle (generally 24–48 h) with floral rewards (sterile flowers rich in proteins and/or lipids) for the beetle pollinators, the secretion of resin to secure pollen on the pollinator, and the production of heat and odours (Chouteau et al. 2007, García-Robledo et al. 2004, Gibernau & Barabé 2002, Gibernau et al. 1999, 2000, 2003; Maia & Schlindwein 2006, Young 1986).
Local influence of mitochondrial calcium transport in retinal amacrine cells
Authors: SEN MADHUMITA , MCMAINS EMILY , GLEASON EVANNA
Published: August 2007

Ca2+-dependent synaptic transmission from retinal amacrine cells is thought to be initiated locally at dendritic processes. Hence, understanding the spatial and temporal impact of Ca2+transport is fundamental to understanding how amacrine cells operate. Here, we provide the first examination of the local effects of mitochondrial Ca2+transport in neuronal processes. By combining mitochondrial localization with measurements of cytosolic Ca2+, the local impacts of mitochondrial Ca2+transport for two types of Ca2+signals were investigated. Disruption of mitochondrial Ca2+uptake with carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP) produces cytosolic Ca2+elevations. The amplitudes of these elevations decline with distance from mitochondria suggesting that they are related to mitochondrial Ca2+transport. The time course of the FCCP-dependent Ca2+elevations depend on the availability of ER Ca2+and we provide evidence that Ca2+is released primarily via nearby ryanodine receptors. These results indicate that interactions between the ER and mitochondria influence cytosolic Ca2+in amacrine cell processes and cell bodies. We also demonstrate that the durations of glutamate-dependent Ca2+elevations are dependent on their proximity to mitochondria in amacrine cell processes. Consistent with this observation, disruption of mitochondrial Ca2+transport alters the duration of glutamate-dependent Ca2+elevations near mitochondria but not at sites more than 10 μm away. These results indicate that mitochondria influence local Ca2+-dependent signaling in amacrine cell processes.
Precambrian rift-related magmatism and sedimentation, south Victoria Land, Antarctica
Authors: Cook Y.A.
Published: August 2007

Precambrian continental extension is described in detail for the first time in the Victoria Land segment of the Transantarctic Mountains and is comparable with plume related intercontinental rifting of the Afar area, Africa. The Baronick Formation comprises igneous-derived conglomerate, marble and volcanic to sub-volcanic igneous layers. Volcanic and carbonate horizons were eroded in a fluvial or marine environment and provided debris for mass flow and slump deposits which formed in a marginal marine basin in the Precambrian. Clasts in these deposits include basalt, trachyte and comendite, and along with the interbedded volcanic layers of basalt, trachyte and quartz syenite, indicate proximity and contemporaneity of volcanic activity. Igneous layers and source rocks for clasts of the Baronick Formation have an enriched MORB chemistry and underwent albitization of calcic feldspar before erosion and conglomerate deposition. The Highway Suite forms a kilometre-scale body of gabbro and dolerite plugs and is interpreted as a slice of transitional continental oceanic crust. The chemistry of all igneous rocks suggests a continental rift environment and the associated sediments are consistent with such a setting. The Baronick Formation was locally intruded by sills of the Highway Suite; however, the main body of the Highway Suite was juxtaposed against the Baronick Formation during greenschist facies shearing before c. 551 Ma.
Shallow seismic surveys and ice thickness estimates of the Mullins Valley debris-covered glacier, McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica
Authors: Shean David E. , Head James W. , Marchant David R.
Published: August 2007

Several debris-covered glaciers occupy tributaries of upper Beacon Valley, Antarctica. Understanding their flow dynamics and ice thickness is important for palaeoclimate studies and for understanding the origins of ancient ice elsewhere in the McMurdo Dry Valleys region. We present the results of several shallow seismic surveys in Mullins Valley, where the largest of these debris-covered glaciers is located. Our results suggest that beneath a thin sublimation till and near-surface horizon of dirty glacier ice, lies relatively pure glacier ice (P-wave velocity ~3700–3800 m s-1), with total thickness estimates of ~90–95 m towards the valley head, and ~40–65 m near the entrance to Beacon Valley, ~2.5 km downglacier. P-wave velocities decrease downvalley, suggesting that the material properties of the ice change with increasing distance from the ice-accumulation zone. These new data are used to calibrate an ice thickness profile for the active portion of the Mullins Valley debris-covered glacier (upper ~3.5 km) and to shed light on the origin and spatial distribution of enclosed debris.
Modeling responses of diatom productivity and biogenic silica export to iron enrichment in the equatorial Pacific Ocean
Authors: Chai F. , Jiang M.‐S. , Chao Y. , Dugdale R. C. , Chavez F. , Barber R. T.
Published: August 2007

Using a three‐dimensional physical‐biogeochemical model, we have investigated the modeled responses of diatom productivity and biogenic silica export to iron enrichment in the equatorial Pacific, and compared the model simulation with in situ (IronEx II) iron fertilization results. In the eastern equatorial Pacific, an area of 540,000 km2 was enhanced with iron by changing the photosynthetic efficiency and silicate and nitrogen uptake kinetics of phytoplankton in the model for a period of 20 days. The vertically integrated Chl a and primary production increased by about threefold 5 days after the start of the experiment, similar to that observed in the IronEx II experiment. Diatoms contribute to the initial increase of the total phytoplankton biomass, but decrease sharply after 10 days because of mesozooplankton grazing. The modeled surface nutrients (silicate and nitrate) and TCO2 anomaly fields, obtained from the difference between the “iron addition” and “ambient” (without iron) concentrations, also agreed well with the IronEx II observations. The enriched patch is tracked with an inert tracer similar to the SF6 used in the IronEx II. The modeled depth‐time distribution of sinking biogenic silica (BSi) indicates that it would take more than 30 days after iron injection to detect any significant BSi export out of the euphotic zone. Sensitivity studies were performed to establish the importance of fertilized patch size, duration of fertilization, and the role of mesozooplankton grazing. A larger size of the iron patch tends to produce a broader extent and longer‐lasting phytoplankton blooms. Longer duration prolongs phytoplankton growth, but higher zooplankton grazing pressure prevents significant phytoplankton biomass accumulation. With the same treatment of iron fertilization in the model, lowering mesozooplankton grazing rate generates much stronger diatom bloom, but it is terminated by Si(OH)4 limitation after the initial rapid increase. Increasing mesozooplankton grazing rate, the diatom increase due to iron addition stays at minimum level, but small phytoplankton tend to increase. The numerical model experiments demonstrate the value of ecosystem modeling for evaluating the detailed interaction between biogeochemical cycle and iron fertilization in the equatorial Pacific.
Aerosol‐type‐dependent lidar ratios observed with Raman lidar
Authors: Müller D. , Ansmann A. , Mattis I. , Tesche M. , Wandinger U. , Althausen D. , Pisani G.
Published: August 2007

We summarize our Raman lidar observations which were carried out in Europe, Asia, and Africa during the past 10 years, with focus on particle extinction‐to‐backscatter ratios (lidar ratios) and Ångström exponents. For the first time, we present statistics on lidar ratios for almost all climatically relevant aerosol types solely based on Raman lidar measurements. Sources of continental particles were in North America and Europe, the Sahara, and south and Southeast and east Asia. The North Atlantic Ocean, and the tropical and South Indian Ocean were the sources of marine particles. The statistics are complemented with lidar ratios describing aged forest fire smoke and pollution from polar regions (Arctic haze) after long‐range transport. In addition, we present particle Ångström exponents for the wavelength range from 355 to 532 nm and from 532 to 1064 nm. We compare our data set of lidar ratios to the recently published AERONET (Aerosol Robotic Network) lidar ratio climatology. That climatology is based on aerosol scattering modeling in which AERONET Sun photometer observations serve as input. Raman lidar measurements of extinction‐to‐backscatter ratios of Saharan dust and urban aerosols differ significantly from the numbers obtained with AERONET Sun photometers. There are also differences for some of the Ångström exponents. Further comparison studies are needed to reveal the reason for the observed differences.
Rotational basement kinematics deduced from remagnetized cover rocks (Internal Sierras, southwestern Pyrenees)
Authors: Oliva‐Urcia Belén , Pueyo Emilio L.
Published: August 2007

Paleomagnetic data from the Internal Sierras unravel the kinematic relationship between basement (Guarga, Gavarnie, Bielsa) and cover thrusts (Larra‐Monte Perdido). The new data come from an area of 100 km along strike and 5–15 km across strike of the southwestern Pyrenees. The area covers a variety of structural positions that range from cover to basement thrusts. From 84 sites located in Upper Cretaceous, two meaningful magnetic components are found: (1) the higher‐temperature C component (unblocks at 575°C) presents two polarities, is prefolding, has a mean declination and inclination (D/I) of 010/44 (α95 = 8, k = 15), and is considered primary; and (2) the intermediate B component (unblocks between 250°C and 450°C) has a mean D/I of 198/–43 (α95 = 4, k = 18) and has always reverse polarity and postfolding. The nine sites located in the Eocene flysch, south of the Upper Cretaceous, show the same postfolding component (B). The acquisition of this intermediate component alludes to a widespread, tectonic‐related remagnetization event affecting the Internal Sierras. This event must be younger than the folding of the flysch deposits (middle‐upper Eocene). The tilting induced by the basement thrust (Gavarnie, Bielsa) in the axial zone does not alter the inclination of the B, so that the sediments acquire the B component later than Priabonian (emplacement age of the Gavarnie thrust). The B component is rotated clockwise with respect to the Tertiary reference. This means that the rotation takes place after the remagnetization event. The position of the C component before the rotation of the B component is negligibly rotated (D/I of 002/44; α95 = 7, k = 94) with respect to the Cretaceous reference; therefore the B component records the last and only rotational event in the region. The rotation is related to the latest basement deformation (Guarga thrust) during upper Oligocene times, and it reflects the regional shortening gradient in the southwestern Pyrenees. The emplacement of the Larra‐Monte Perdido cover thrust system that took place prior to basement thrusts mentioned above did not undergo any significant rotation.
Successive equimarginal approach for optimal design of a pump and treat system
Authors: Guo Xiaoniu , Zhang Chuan‐Mian , Borthwick John C.
Published: August 2007

An economic concept‐based optimization method is developed for groundwater remediation design. Design of a pump and treat (P&T) system is viewed as a resource allocation problem constrained by specified cleanup criteria. An optimal allocation of resources requires that the equimarginal principle, a fundamental economic principle, must hold. The proposed method is named successive equimarginal approach (SEA), which continuously shifts a pumping rate from a less effective well to a more effective one until equal marginal productivity for all units is reached. Through the successive process, the solution evenly approaches the multiple inequality constraints that represent the specified cleanup criteria in space and in time. The goal is to design an equal protection system so that the distributed contaminant plumes can be equally contained without bypass and overprotection is minimized. SEA is a hybrid of the gradient‐based method and the deterministic heuristics‐based method, which allows flexibility in dealing with multiple inequality constraints without using a penalty function and in balancing computational efficiency with robustness. This method was applied to design a large‐scale P&T system for containment of multiple plumes at the former Blaine Naval Ammunition Depot (NAD) site, near Hastings, Nebraska. To evaluate this method, the SEA results were also compared with those using genetic algorithms.
Will moist convection be stronger in a warmer climate?
Authors: Del Genio Anthony D. , Yao Mao‐Sung , Jonas Jeffrey
Published: August 2007

The intensity of moist convection is an important diagnostic of climate change not currently predicted by most climate models. We show that a simple estimate of the vertical velocity of convective updrafts in a global climate model reproduces observed land‐ocean differences in convective intensity. Changes in convective intensity in a doubled CO2 simulation are small because the tropical lapse rate tends to follow a moist adiabatic profile. However, updrafts strengthen by ∼1 m s−1 with warming in the lightning‐producing regions of continental convective storms, primarily due to an upward shift in the freezing level. For the western United States, drying in the warmer climate reduces the frequency of lightning‐producing storms that initiate forest fires, but the strongest storms occur 26% more often. For the central‐eastern United States, stronger updrafts combined with weaker wind shear suggest little change in severe storm occurrence with warming, but the most severe storms occur more often.
METABOLISM OF BABESIA PARASITES IN VITRO. AMINO ACID PRODUCTION BY BABESIA RODHAINI COMPARED TO PLASMODIUM BERGHEI
Authors: Barry DN
Published: August 2007

The in vitro amino acid production by Babesia rodhaini, Plasmodium berghei and uninfected rat erythrocytes was determined following 4 and 18 h of incubation in Krebs Ringer medium. Both parasites produced excess free amino acid. B. rodhaini produced up to 150 times and P. berghei up to 1,100 times as much free amino acid as parasite‐free rat erythrocytes. The composition of excess amino acids produced by both parasites had a statistically significant concordance with the amino acid composition of rat haemoglobin, suggesting that haemoglobin was probably the main source of the amino acids produced by the parasites.
THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF 16 ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS ON CRYPTOSPORIDIUM INFECTION IN MICE
Authors: Tzipori Saul R , Campbell Iris , Angus Kenneth W
Published: August 2007

The therapeutic efficiency of 16 anti‐microbial agents (Ethopabate, Nicarbazin, Sulphaquinoxaline, Furaltadone, Enterolyte‐N, Sulphamethazine, Trinamide, Amprol, Phenamidine, Zoaquin, Halofuginone, Salinomycin, Monensin, Emtryl, Arprinocid and Amprolium) were examined against Cryptosporidium infections in mice. The Cryptosporidium was originally isolated from a field outbreak of calf diarrhoea. The drugs neither prevented nor modified the course of the infection as compared with infected, untreated mice.
SEROLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF RICKETTSIA TSUTSUGAMUSHI ISOLATES FROM NORTH QUEENSLAND*
Authors: Shirai A , Campbell RW , Gan E , Chan TC , Huxsoll DL
Published: August 2007

Fifty‐two Rickettsia tsutsugamushi isolates from humans, rodents and chiggers in North Queensland were serologically characterized by the direct immunofluorescence test. A majority (71%) of the isolates was a mixture of two or more strains. The most frequently detected strains in the 52 isolates were TA716 (94%), TA763 (42%), TA686 (33%), and Karp (31%). The Gilliam strain was detected in only 4% of the isolates.
INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF SPONGIATRIOL
Authors: Marwood John F
Published: August 2007

Acute intraperitoneal doses of spongiatriol, a compound extracted from marine sponges, caused blood pressure but not heart rate to fall in conscious hypertensive rats in a dose‐dependent manner up to 50 mg/kg at which dose mean blood pressure fell 24%. Diarrhoea also resulted. Chronic oral doses (50 mg/kg every 3 h) lowered blood pressure by 73 mmHg after 48 h in conscious hypertensive rats and caused severe diarrhoea. Spongiatriol was an atrial stimulant in vitro and this effect could be greatly reduced by prior reserpinization or by β‐adrenoceptor blockade. In anaesthetized cats spongiatriol (50 mg/kg i.p.) caused reductions in blood pressure (19%), heart rate (11%) and cardiac output (12%). Spongiatriol 10−5 g/ml had no effect on the response to noradrenaline in isolated rat tail arteries, markedly inhibited the response of in vitro guinea‐pig ilea to acetylcholine and had a slight potentiating effect on the response of in vitro rat fundus stomach to serotonin and prostaglandin E2.
THE HYPOTHALAMO‐NEUROHYPOPHYSIAL SYSTEM OF NATIVE AUSTRALIAN DESERT RODENTS. THE VASOPRESSIN AND OXYTOCIN CONTENTS OF HYPOTHALAMUS AND POSTERIOR PITUITARY OF NOTOMYS ALEXIS AND PSEUDOMYS AUSTRALIS COMPARED WITH THOSE OF THE LABORATORY RAT AND MOUSE IN DIFFERENT STATES OF WATER BALANCE
Authors: Bridges TE , James NV
Published: August 2007

The neurohypophysial hormones vasopressin (the antiduiretic hormone) and oxytocin have been quantified in xerophilic and mesophilic rodents under normal and dehydrated conditions in order to study the relative contribution of these hormones to survival under drought conditions. The ability to cope adequately with water deprivation or saline ingestion was found to be closely related to the magnitude (relative to body size) of pre‐existing hormone stores in the neural lobe and to the subsequent ability to enhance hypothalamic biosynthesis of vasopressin and oxytocin sufficiently in maintain those stores at near‐normal levels despite a continuing high level of demand for vasopressin and, apparently, also oxytocin.

The possible role(s) of the release of oxytocin in these conditions is discussed.

Attempts have been made to explain differences observed between laboratorybred Notomys and those taken from the wild in their relative abilities to withstand water deprivation, the former seeming to be more dependent upon acutely accelerated hormone biosynthesis than on previous adaptation via renal medullary ‘work‐load’ hypertrophy.
IMPROVED TOXIN/ANTITOXIN ASSAYS FOR STUDIES ON THE AUSTRALIAN PARALYSIS TICK IXODES HOLOCYCLUS
Authors: Stone Bernard F , Cowie Margaret R , Kerr John D , Binnington Keith C
Published: August 2007

Sensitive biological assays of toxin/antitoxin potency have been developed to assist in research on characterization of salivary toxins of the Australian paralysis tick Ixodes holocyclus and on immunity to tick paralysis.

The toxin assay utilizes suckling mice (4–5 g); a quantitative paralysis index is applied over a range of doses. The antitoxin assay is based on an in vitro/in vivo neutralization test which required a sensitive toxin assay and methods of standardization of toxin preparations. This assay permits the monitoring of blood antibody levels in animals during the course of development and loss of immunity and is assisting a study into the feasibility of producing an anti‐paralysis vaccine. The method also allows standardization of commercial tick paralysis antiserum.

The methods and applications are described and comparisons made with previous assays. Sample data are examined statistically by regression and variance analyses; parallelism of dosage‐response lines is tested and relative toxicities (toxin) or potencies (antiserum) calculated.
SPECIES COMPOSITION OF MOSQUITOES COLLECTED IN THE MURRAY VALLEY OF SOUTH‐EASTERN AUSTRALIA DURING AN EPIDEMIC OF ARBOVIRAL ENCEPHALITIS
Authors: Marshall Ian D , Thibos Elspeth , Clarke Keith
Published: August 2007

Mosquito activity at the height of an epidemic of arboviral encephalitis in the Murray Valley during the summer of 1974 was almost entirely crepuscular and nocturnal, but anecdotal evidence, indicated that day‐biting Aedes species were also unusually prevalent during the first 4–5 weeks of the epidemic. Ninety‐eight percent of the 138,359 mosquitoes captured in miniature light traps and by aspiration between 4th and 13th February. 1974, were Culex annulirostris, and 10 other species of 5 genera comprised the remaining 2%. In the one ‘man‐biting’ collection 96% of 1,364 mosquitoes were Cx annulirostris. The overall capture rate for 51 light trap nights at 7 widely dispersed collecting sites was 2,675. At Barmah Forest 10 light trap nights yielded an average of 9,103 mosquitoes, with a maximum of 26,293 in one trap night.
STUDIES ON NATURAL KILLER (NK) CELLS. HETEROGENEITY OF NK CELLS IN BEIGE MUTANT MICE
Authors: Bartlett Scott P , Burton Robert C
Published: August 2007

Mice homozygous for the recessive beige mutation show grossly impaired natural killer (NK) activity against lymphoma targets in short term assays. When spleen cells from homozygous C57 BL/6 and B6C3F1 beige mutant mice were examined in assays of up to 30 h duration and tested with anti‐NK‐1·2 antiserum prior to assay, it was found (1) that the impaired NK‐1·2+ (NKA) activity against lymphoma targets could be partially or wholly overcome by prolonging the assay lime to >12 h, (2) the NKA activity as revealed by prolonged assay limes showed considerable variability in homozygous beige mutant mice (from ≥4‐fold less than to 2‐fold greater than that of normal controls), (3) that NK‐1·2− (NKB) activity against two non‐lymphoma targets was normal in these mutant mice and (4) that two independently derived beige mutations had the same effects on NKA and NKB cell activity.
MEASUREMENT OF CIRCULATING IMMUNE COMPLEXES IN HUMAN SERA BY ENZYME IMMUNOASSAY
Authors: Cheung Kee , O'Kane Deidre , Robinson Michael F
Published: August 2007

Two methods, based on enzyme immunoassay, are described for the detection and quantitation of circulating immune complexes (CIC) in human sera. Aggregated human gamma globulin (AHG) or immune complexes in human sera are bound to complement receptors on Raji cells or to Clq adsorbed on to the plastic surface of microtitre plates. The bound complexes are subsequently detected using peroxidase‐conjugated anti‐human immunoglobulin antisera. The assays offer a benefit over previously described assays in that they use cheap, commercially available antisera and enable the detection of immune complexes composed of varying immunoglobulin classes.
ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES: FUNCTIONAL HETEROGENEITY WITHIN MACROPHAGE POPULATIONS FROM RAT LUNG
Authors: Holt PG , Warner LA , Papadimitriou JM
Published: August 2007

Alveolar microphages were obtained from the unstimulated lungs of rats by repeated endobronchial lavage and an interstitial macrophage population prepared by mincing the lungs subsequent to the lavage process. Considerable heterogeneity was observed within these macrophage populations with respect to cell size, surface morphology and cytochemistry. Functional studies, involving assessment of IgG‐Fc receptor density/avidity and the expression of cytostatic activity in cultures of mitogen‐stimulated lymphocytes, revealed comparable heterogeneity, and further indicated a considerably higher degree of apparent stimulation in the alveolar versus the interstitial macrophage population. Parallel assessment of the functional activity of blood monocytes, the immediate precursors of these latter macrophages, indicated a lower state of activation again. This suggests that the lung interstitium normally provides an intermediate environment between the blood and the alveolar spaces, wherein blood monocytes may undergo maturational changes before their efflux into the alveoli.
CELLULAR BASIS FOR DIFFERENCES IN HUMORAL IMMUNE RESPONSES OF SHEEP IMMUNIZED WITH LIVING OR KILLED STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS VACCINES
Authors: Kennedy JW , Watson DL
Published: August 2007

An immunohistological study was made of immunoglobulin‐containing cells and antibody‐containing cells in abscesses/granulomas which formed al the injection site, draining popliteal nodes and contralateral popliteal nodes of sheep given either a living Staphylococcus aureus vaccine (Group L), a killed S. aureus vaccine with Frennd's complete adjuvant (FCA) (Group K) or FCA alone (Group C). The injections were made subcutaneously in the hind legs and second injections were gives 4 weeks later in the same site. Very large numbers of IgM‐containing cells were found in granulomas of Groups K and C at 1 week post‐injection (PI) but by 2 weeks PI only small numbers were recorded. Following booster immunization, the numbers of IgM‐containing cells were greater in abscesses from sheep in Group L than from granulomas from sheep in Group K. Levels for Group C remained low after 1 week PI. There was evidence that the very early IgM‐containing cell response in Group K was largely unrelated to specific anti‐staphylococcal antibody synthesis. The IgG2‐containing cell response was significantly greater than the IgG1‐containing cell response in abscesses and nodes in Group L. In contrast, for animals in Groups K and C the IgG1‐containing cell response predominated over the IgG2‐containing cell response in granulomas and draining nodes. There were generally greater numbers of cells containing anti‐staphylococcal antibody in abscesses granulomas and nodes in Group L than in Group K.
QUANTITATION OF H‐2 ANTIGEN EXPRESSION ON HEPATOCYTES AND MACROPHAGES: EVIDENCE FOR AN INFLUENCE BY STRAIN BACKGROUND
Authors: King Nick JC , Parr EL
Published: August 2007

The surface concentration of H‐2 complex antigens was measured by a quantitative immunoferritin labelling technique on hepatocytes and macrophages from five mouse strains with three haplotypes. The concentration of H‐2 molecules was similar on macrophages from three B10 congenic strains, and the same similarity was observed on hepatocytes from the three strains. With both hepatocytes and macrophages, however, the surface concentration of H‐2d molecules on BALB/c cells was about twice that on B10.D2 cells, and that of H‐2k molecules on C3H/HeJ cells was about twice what we observed on B10.BR/ SgSn cells. These measurements suggest a regulation of the surface concentration of H‐2 complex antigens by a locus outside the MHC.
ROSS RIVER VIRUS ACTIVITY ALONG THE SOUTH COAST OF NEW SOUTH WALES
Authors: Cloonan MJ , O'Neill BJ , Vale TG , Carter IW , Williams JE
Published: August 2007

The sera of 468 blood donors and 63 domestic animals, collected from the south coast of New South Wales, were tested for the presence of antibodies to Ross River virus. Antibodies were detected in 7% of human sera, 25% of cow sera and 65% of horse sera. Using the blood donors as ‘human sentinels’, seroconversions were demonstrated in two donors from the Nowra‐Kiama region and from a patient in the same area; none of the three had been outside of the study area during the period of seroconversion or at the time of infection. Of the 15 seropositive horses, 6 (40%) had lived continuously since birth on the farms on which they were bled. That humans and horses were infected with Ross River and not a related alphavirus was shown by microneutralization tests against Ross River virus and the other two alpha‐viruses (Getah, Sindbis) known to occur in Australia.
Opposite effects of two zinc(II) dithiocarbamates on NF-kB pathway
Authors: Cvek Boris , Dvorak Zdenek , Taraba Jan , Muller Lukas , Vrzal Radim , Ulrichova Jitka
Published: August 2007

Inhibiting nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kB) activation in anticancer and antiinflammatory therapy is of topical interest. Current research in molecular biology has dramatically advanced in the understanding of the cellular events involved in NF-kB induction. Dithiocarbamates, in particular diethyldithiocarbamate and pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate, have been known and widely used as strong inhibitors of NF-kB signaling pathway for more than ten years. Their activity is frequently thought to be due to chelating of zinc or copper present in serum supplemented in the culture medium. Zinc(II) diethyldithiocarbamate (Et2Zn) and zinc(II) dibenzyldithiocarbamate (Bz2Zn) were prepared by direct synthesis in aqueous millieu. They were structurally characterized by X-ray analysis (solid phase) and mass spectrometry (aqueous conditions). Et2Zn and Bz2Zn both in 20 micromolar concentration were applied to HeLa cells. The status of NF-kB signaling was assessed as nuclear translocation of p65 subunit. Surprisingly, Et2Zn activated NF-kB pathway, while TNF-dependent activation of NF-kB was inhibited by Bz2Zn. Our results are preliminary.
Potential to inhibit growth of atherosclerotic plaque development through modulation of macrophage neopterin/7,8‐dihydroneopterin synthesis
Authors: Gieseg S P , Crone E M , Flavall E A , Amit Z
Published: August 2007

The rise in plasma neopterin observed with increasing severity of vascular disease is a strong indicator of the inflammatory nature of atherosclerosis. Plasma neopterin originates as the oxidation product of 7,8‐dihydroneopterin secreted by γ‐interferon stimulated macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques. Neopterin is increasingly being used as a marker of inflammation during clinical management of patients with a range of disorders including atherosclerosis. Yet the role of 7,8‐dihydroneopterin/neopterin synthesis during the inflammatory process and plaque formation remains poorly understood and controversial. This is partially due to the unresolved role oxidants play in atherosclerosis and the opposing roles of 7,8‐dihydroneopterin/neopterin. Neopterin can act as pro‐oxidant, enhancing oxidant damage and triggering apoptosis in a number of different cell types. Neopterin appears to have some cellular signalling properties as well as being able to chelate and enhance the reactivity of transition metal ions during Fenton reactions. In contrast, 7,8‐dihydroneopterin is also a radical scavenger, reacting with and neutralizing a range of reactive oxygen species including hypochlorite, nitric oxide and peroxyl radicals, thus protecting lipoproteins and various cell types including macrophages. This has led to the suggestion that 7,8‐dihydroneopterin is synthesized to protect macrophages from the oxidants released during inflammation. The oxidant/antioxidant activity observed in vitro appears to be determined both by the relative concentration of these compounds and the specific chemistry of the in vitro system under study. How these activities might influence or modulate the development of atherosclerotic plaque in vivo will be explored in this review.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 627–635; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707408; published online 13 August 2007
Nitric oxide selectively depletes macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques via induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Martinet W , Croons V , Timmermans J‐P , Herman A G , De Meyer G R Y
Published: August 2007

Background and purpose:

Macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques have a tremendous impact on atherogenesis and plaque destabilization. We previously demonstrated that treatment of plaques in cholesterol‐fed rabbits with the nitric oxide (NO) donor molsidomine preferentially eliminates macrophages, thereby favouring features of plaque stability. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanism.

Experimental approach:

Macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were treated in vitro with the NO donors, spermine NONOate or S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) as well as with the well‐known endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inducers thapsigargin, tunicamycin, dithiothreitol or brefeldin A. Cell viability was analysed by Neutral Red viability assays. Cleavage of caspase‐3, DNA fragmentation and ultrastructural changes were examined to characterize the type of macrophage death. Induction of ER stress was evaluated by measuring C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) expression, phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2a), splicing of X‐box binding protein 1 (XBP1) and inhibition of protein synthesis.

Key results:

Macrophages and SMCs treated with spermine NONOate or SNAP showed several signs of ER stress, including upregulation of CHOP expression, hyperphosphorylation of eIF2α, inhibition of de novo protein synthesis and splicing of XBP1 mRNA. These effects were similar in macrophages and SMCs, yet only macrophages underwent apoptosis. Plaques from molsidomine‐treated atherosclerotic rabbits showed a 2.7‐fold increase in CHOP expression as compared to placebo. Beside NO, selective induction of macrophage death could be initiated with thapsigargin and tunicamycin.

Conclusions and implications:

Induction of ER stress explains selective depletion of macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques by a NO donor, probably via inhibition of protein synthesis.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 493–500; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707426; published online 13 August 2007
Reflectance and phenolics of green and glaucous leaves of Eucalyptus urnigera
Authors: Close D. C. , Davidson N. J. , Shields C. B. , Wiltshire R.
Published: August 2007

On Mount Wellington, Tasmania, Australia, there is an altitudinal cline in the juvenile leaf form of Eucalyptus urnigera from a green phenotype at lower altitudes (from 610 m) to a glaucous phenotype at higher altitudes (up to 1050 m). The objectives of this study were to (1) quantify reflectance of ultraviolet (UV) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) for the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of leaves of the glaucous and green phenotypes and (2) to investigate seasonal adjustment in photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) and tannin and flavonol compounds that absorb in UV spectrum. The following two research sites were identified: one at low altitude (at 910 m, solely green phenotype) and one at high altitude (1004 m, solely glaucous phenotype) on the E. urnigera cline. During the experimental period, average summer temperatures were similar at the two sites but in winter, average temperatures were 5–6°C lower and minimum temperatures 0.4–0.7°C lower at the high-altitude site occupied by the glaucous phenotype. Incident PAR was similar at the two sites. Reflectance was higher for glaucous leaves than for green leaves across the light spectrum of UVC (190–280 nm), UVB (280–320 nm), UVA (320–400 nm) and PAR (400–700 nm). Reflectance was significantly higher from the abaxial than from the adaxial surface of leaves. Fv/Fm was similar for glaucous and green leaves in summer but significantly lower in green than glaucous leaves in winter. Fv/Fm was significantly lower in winter than in summer for both leaf types. Tannins were significantly higher in green than glaucous leaves but there was no effect of season. Flavonol concentrations were similar for leaves of both types and did not vary with season. We conclude that high reflectance of UV radiation and PAR may confer benefit at the cooler, high-altitude portion of the cline of E. urnigera and that low reflectance of PAR may confer benefit at the relatively warm and densely vegetated, low-altitude portion of the cline of E. urnigera where inter- and intra-specific competition for light is likely to be intense.
Does the addition of litter from N-fixing Acacia mearnsii accelerate leaf decomposition of Eucalyptus globulus?
Authors: Xiang W. , Bauhus J.
Published: August 2007

Nutrient cycling in mixed-species plant communities may be enhanced in comparison to what might be expected from the component species. In this study, we investigated (1) whether the admixing of nitrogen-rich litter from Acacia mearnsii can accelerate the decomposition of Eucalyptus globulus leaf litter and (2) whether eucalypt litter originating from mixed stands with acacias decomposes faster than litter from pure eucalypt stands. To address the first question, pure and mixed litter was incubated in the laboratory for 110 days at 25°C in the following proportions: 100%E, 75%E : 25%A, 50%E : 50%A, 25%E : 75%A and 100%A, where %E and %A refers to the proportion of eucalypt and acacia in the microcosms, respectively. Since mass loss and N loss of litter in the 50 : 50 mixture was higher than for pure eucalypt but not higher than for acacia, it appears that acacia litter accelerated decomposition of eucalypt litter but not vice versa. Decomposition rates increased with N concentration in the combined litters up to 1.1% N, above that point it remained constant. To address the second question, eucalypt litter from pure and mixed stands was incubated in microcosms. The loss of mass, N and P after 110 days was not different for eucalypt litter originating from mixed (75E : 25A, 50E : 50A, 25E : 75A) and pure (100E) plantations. Together, these studies suggest that admixture of A. mearnsii to E. globulus has the potential to accelerate decomposition and N cycling, and that the species interactions are most pronounced in the 50 : 50 mixture. Mixing of the two species in plantations has so far had no influence on the decomposability of eucalypt litter.