bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional characterization of T cells differentiated in vitro from bone marrow‐derived CD34+ cells of psoriatic patients with family history
Authors: Zhang Kaiming , Li Xinhua , Yin Guohua , Liu Yufeng , Tang Xuyuan
Published: December 2009

Please cite this paper as: Functional characterization of T cells differentiated in vitro from bone marrow‐derived CD34+ cells of psoriatic patients with family history. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: e128–e135.

Background:  The strong but complex genetic background suggests that inherent and intrinsic rather than exogenous factors have a key role in immunopathogenesis of psoriasis. It is reasonable to speculate that the dysfunctional activity of psoriatic T cells may partly originate from the abnormal haematopoietic cells.

Objectives:  To test if T cells originated from haematopoietic progenitor cells in psoriasis patients display functional alternations similar to previously reported abnormalities of circulating T cells.

Methods:  Bone marrow CD34+ haematopoietic cells were isolated from psoriatic patients with family history and healthy subjects, and differentiated into T cells in vitro in the thymic stromal co‐culture system. These cells were further subjected to functional comparisons such as in vitro proliferation, secretion of cytokines such as IL‐4, IL‐8 and IFN–γ, and inducing the production of C‐myc, Bcl‐xL, and Ki67 proteins in human keratinocytes.

Results:  While bone marrow‐derived CD34+ cells from both patients and healthy volunteers developed into mature T cells within weeks in the thymic environment in vitro, the differentiated T cells from psoriatic patients showed higher proliferation and stronger capacity to secret TH1 cytokines in response to streptococcal superantigen. The differentiated T cells from psoriatic patients, but not from normal controls, induced overexpression of C‐myc and Ki67, but not Bcl‐XL, in keratinocytes.

Conclusions:  T cells differentiated from CD34+ cells of psoriatic patients, but not normal controls, are functionally similar to psoriatic circulating T cells, suggesting that the dysfunctional activity of T cells in psoriatic patients can be traced back to the early development of haematopoietic cells.
Marital Conflict and Adolescents' Peer Aggression: The Mediating and Moderating Role of Mother‐Child Emotional Reciprocity
Authors: Lindsey Eric W. , Chambers Jessica Campbell , Frabutt James M. , Mackinnon‐Lewis Carol
Published: December 2009

This study examined the role of mother‐adolescent emotional reciprocity in connections between marital conflict and adolescent aggression with peers. Data were collected from a racially diverse community sample of 268 adolescents and their mothers. Adolescents reported on parents' marital conflict, and mother‐adolescent positive and negative emotional reciprocity were coded from videotaped observations. Teachers provided assessments of adolescents' overt and relational aggression with peers. Structural equation modeling revealed both direct and indirect paths in connections between marital conflict and adolescents' peer aggression. Mother‐adolescent emotional reciprocity both mediated and moderated the association between marital conflict and peer aggression. Patterns of association linking marital conflict to peer aggression were similar for African American and European American adolescents; however, differences were observed for men and women.
Bilateral absence of patella
Authors: Bilgic Serkan , Kilincoglu Volkan , Unay Koray , Yurttas Yuksel , Toker Serdar
Published: December 2009

A 20‐year‐old man with bilateral absence of patella, thinness of the left femoral neck, femoral and tibial shaft was reported. This clinical presentation has not been reported in the English language literature. We propose that the unusual association observed in our patient may represent a distinguishing clinical presentation from previously reported aplastic patella syndromes.
Improved learning in microencephalic rats
Authors: Ueda Shuichi , Yoshimoto Kanji , Kadowaki Taro , Hirata Koichi , Sakakibara Shin‐ichi
Published: December 2009

Environmental enrichment (EE) facilitates recovery from behavioral abnormalities and spatial memory disabilities in several neurological disease models. Exposure to EE improves spatial memory acquisition and enhances the survival of newly generated cells in the dentate gyri of adult rodents. However, the effects of EE on spatial learning and neurogenesis in the methylazoxymethanol acetate‐induced microencephalic rat have not been investigated. Depletion of serotonin in the rat hippocampus is known to influence spatial memory and adult neurogenesis, suggesting a role for serotonin in these processes. To confirm this hypothesis, male methylazoxymethanol acetate‐induced microencephalic rats were exposed to EE or conventional housing after weaning; half of these rats further received intracisternal 5,7‐dihydroxytryptamine on postnatal day 3, to induce long‐lasting depletion of serotonin. As adults, these microencephalic rats were observed using the Morris water maze test and examined for hippocampal neurogenesis. EE alleviated the impairment of spatial memory acquisition and enhanced neurogenesis in the dentate gyri of adult microencephalic rats. Injection of 5,7‐dihydroxytryptamine during the neonatal period caused pronounced reductions in hippocampal serotonin levels in these rats. Long‐lasting depletion of serotonin eliminated the EE‐induced alleviation of spatial memory acquisition and neurogenesis impairment in microencephalic rats. The present results suggest that EE alleviates spatial memory performance deficits in microencephalic rats and further indicate that serotonin might be involved in the underlying mechanisms through increased hippocampal neurogenesis. These data provide new insights into therapeutic interventions for individuals with human migration disorders associated with learning disabilities.
Okadaic acid induces DNA fragmentation via caspase‐3‐dependent and caspase‐3‐independent pathways in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)‐K1 cells
Authors: Kitazumi Ikuko , Maseki Yoko , Nomura Yoshiko , Shimanuki Akiko , Sugita Yumi , Tsukahara Masayoshi
Published: December 2009

DNA fragmentation is a hallmark of apoptosis that occurs in a variety of cell types; however, it remains unclear whether caspase‐3 is required for its induction. To investigate this, we produced caspase‐3 knockout Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)‐K1 cells and examined the effects of gene knockout and treatment with caspase‐3 inhibitors. Okadaic acid (OA) is a potent inhibitor of the serine/threonine protein phosphatases (PPs) PP1 and PP2A, which induce apoptotic cellular reactions. Treatment of caspase‐3−/− cells with OA induced DNA fragmentation, indicating that caspase‐3 is not an essential requirement. However, in the presence of benzyloxycarbonyl‐Asp‐Glu‐Val‐Asp (OMe) fluoromethylketone (z‐DEVD‐fmk), DNA fragmentation occurred in CHO‐K1 cells but not in caspase‐3−/− cells, suggesting that caspase‐3 is involved in OA‐induced DNA fragmentation that does not utilize DEVDase activity. In the absence of caspase‐3, DEVDase activity may play an important role. In addition, OA‐induced DNA fragmentation was reduced but not blocked in CHO‐K1 cells, suggesting that caspase‐3 is involved in caspase‐independent OA‐induced DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, OA‐induced cleavage of caspase‐3 and DNA fragmentation were blocked by pretreatment with the wide‐ranging serine protease inhibitor 4‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride. These results suggest that serine proteases regulate DNA fragmentation upstream of caspase‐3.
REHYDRATION KINETICS OF PEAR AS AFFECTED BY OSMOTIC PRETREATMENT AND TEMPERATURE
Authors: CHÁFER M. , GONZÁLEZ‐MARTÍNEZ C. , PASTOR C. , XUE K. , CHIRALT A.
Published: December 2009

The effect of osmotic pretreatments was analyzed as a way to optimize the quality loss of pear slices (cv. Blanquilla) during dried and/or rehydration processes. Pear slices, osmotically pretreated and non‐treated were dried at 45C, until about 10% final moisture, and rehydrated at 45, 55 and 65C in water. The rehydration kinetics of air‐dried pear slices were analyzed by means of Peleg and Fick's models. Kinetics parameters obtained for both models can adequately predict the sample's behavior during rehydration process. Osmotic treatment seemed to slow down the kinetics of dried pear rehydration in terms of water gain and solute loss, with no significant effect on the final solute concentration of the fruit liquid phase. This could be related with the greater viscosity of the fruit liquid phase associated with the sugar gain during the osmotic step and the total loss of this sugar during rehydration.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Rehydration is a complex process and its main purpose consists of restoring the properties of the dry raw material. The capacity of the dry material to be rehydrated depends on certain intrinsic properties of the vegetal tissue and also, on how the rehydration process is carried out (process conditions) and on the previous pretreatments applied to the product. These pretreatments are usually used to obtain a better quality of the final product (i.e., better preserved from undesirable changes) and in this sense, applying an osmotic dehydration step prior to the rehydration process could be interesting. Thus, the process optimization of pretreated products, rehydrated under several conditions and pretreatments, is a desirable and useful tool to reformulate and obtain high‐quality products.
CONTAMINATED PROCESS WATER AND ACCUMULATED ENTHALPY IN SEMI‐PRODUCT CAUSED SEVERE DETERIORATION OF READY‐TO‐EAT FLOUR MILO‐FLAKES
Authors: PENG CHIUNG‐HUEI , LIN LI‐YUN , HSIEH CHIU‐LAN , PENG CHIUNG‐CHI , PENG ROBERT Y.
Published: December 2009

Inappropriate cooling and heating treatments in food bioprocesses may cause immediate decay or a time‐dependent spoilage during storage. We encountered frequently the deterioration problems during the hot sale season of the product commercially branded “Maternal Milk Substitute,” a wheat flour milo‐flake product. The claimed products were always characterized with chocolate color, off‐odor, high peroxide values, increased total ferric ion content in both the claimed product and the process water. In addition, an unusual enthalpy increase in the stored semi‐product were observed. The synergistic effect of these parameters obviously would have exerted a very strong activating effect on the oxidative enzymes. In order to eliminate such an effect, we propose to recruit the treatment facilities of process water, and at the same time to install a built‐in cooling system to reinforce the cooling efficiency for the stored semi‐products.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Cereal products are very thermal labile. In rushing for manufacturing enthalpy sensitive goods such products, the enthalpy increase and duration of which persisting in the storage tank would be the main determinant factor for the outcome of oxidative spoilages. To avoid such oxidative problems, installation of a reinforced cooling system and recruitment of the process water treatment facilities would be simultaneously required in this regards.
THE SHORT‐TERM EFFECTS OF EXECUTIONS ON HOMICIDES: DETERRENCE, DISPLACEMENT, OR BOTH?*
Authors: LAND KENNETH C. , TESKE RAYMOND H. C. , ZHENG HUI
Published: December 2009

Does the death penalty save lives? In recent years, a new round of research has been using annual time‐series panel data from the 50 U.S. states for 25 or so years from the 1970s to the late 1990s that claims to find many lives saved through reductions in subsequent homicide rates after executions. This research, in turn, has produced a round of critiques, which concludes that these findings are not robust enough to model even small changes in specifications that yield dramatically different results. A principal reason for this sensitivity of the findings is that few state‐years exist (about 1 percent of all state‐years) in which six or more executions have occurred. To provide a different perspective, we focus on Texas, a state that has used the death penalty with sufficient frequency to make possible relatively stable estimates of the homicide response to executions. In addition, we narrow the observation intervals for recording executions and homicides from the annual calendar year to monthly intervals. Based on time‐series analyses and independent‐validation tests, our best‐fitting model shows that, from January 1994 through December 2005, evidence exists of modest, short‐term reductions in homicides in Texas in the first and fourth months that follow an execution—about 2.5 fewer homicides total. Another model suggests, however, that in addition to homicide reductions, some displacement of homicides may be possible from one month to another in the months after an execution, which reduces the total reduction in homicides after an execution to about .5 during a 12‐month period. Implications for additional research and the need for future analysis and replication are discussed.
PUNISHING THE “MODEL MINORITY”: ASIAN‐AMERICAN CRIMINAL SENTENCING OUTCOMES IN FEDERAL DISTRICT COURTS*
Authors: JOHNSON BRIAN D. , BETSINGER SARA
Published: December 2009

Research on racial and ethnic disparities in criminal punishment is expansive but remains focused almost exclusively on the treatment of black and Hispanic offenders. The current study extends contemporary research on the racial patterning of punishments by incorporating Asian‐American offenders. Using data from the United States Sentencing Commission (USSC) for FY1997–FY2000, we examine sentencing disparities in federal district courts for several outcomes. The results of this study indicate that Asian Americans are punished more similarly to white offenders compared with black and Hispanic offenders. These findings raise questions for traditional racial conflict perspectives and lend support to more recent theoretical perspectives grounded in attribution processes of the courtroom workgroup. The article concludes with a discussion of future directions for research on understudied racial and ethnic minority groups.
Effect of Dietary Astaxanthin on Growth, Survival, and Stress Tolerance of Postlarval Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Niu Jin , Tian Li‐Xia , Liu Yong‐Jian , Yang Hui‐Jun , Ye Chao‐Xia , Gao Wen , Mai Kang‐Sen
Published: December 2009

The effect of dietary astaxanthin on growth, survival, and stress tolerance was determined in postlarval Litopenaeus vannamei. An experiment was performed with postlarval shrimp (mean initial wet weight 1.2 mg) fed four isoenergic and isonitrogenous diets containing four supplemented levels of astaxanthin (0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg diet, respectively). Shrimp fed diets containing 100, 200, and 400 mg astaxanthin/kg diet for 30 d showed higher weight gain (WG, %) and survival compared to the control (without supplementation of astaxanthin). Specific growth rate (SGR, %/day) and final body wet weight (FBW, mg) showed the same pattern as WG. There were no significant differences in growth performance (FBW, WG, and SGR) among the groups fed the diets with astaxanthin supplementation at the termination of feeding trial. Survival of shrimp in the control and 100 mg/kg diet treatments was significantly lower than that of shrimp in the treatments with 200 and 400 mg/kg diet. After 9 d of a stress tolerance test, survival of shrimp in the 200 and 400 mg astaxanthin/kg treatments was significantly higher than that of shrimp in the 0 and 100 mg astaxanthin/kg treatments (P < 0.05). We concluded from this experiment that astaxanthin was a necessary ingredient for the development of larval L. vannamei. Considering the effect of astaxanthin on both, growth performance and survival of postlarval L. vannamei, the level of astaxanthin supplemented in the diet should be between 100 mg and 200 mg/kg of diet.
Ammonia‐, Sodium Chloride‐, and Calcium Sulfate‐induced Changes in the Stress Responses of Jundiá, Rhamdia quelen, Juveniles
Authors: Carneiro Paulo César Falanghe , Swarofsky Elaine Correa , Souza Daniana Pinotti E. , César Thiago Mocelin Ramos , Baglioli Bárbara , Baldisserotto Bernardo
Published: December 2009

Salt (NaCl) and gypsum (CaSO4) are used as water additives to mitigate fish stress and improve specimen survival. High stocking densities and the transportation of fish can increase aqueous ammonia, which can, in turn, alter fish cortisol secretion. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of salt, gypsum, and aqueous ammonia on some stress‐induced physiological responses of jundiá, Rhamdia quelen, juveniles induced by captivity and handling, and to determine the lethal ammonia concentration for this species. Jundiá juveniles were subjected to the following five treatments: water only, water + ammonia (0.4 mg/L), water + NH3 + NaCl (6 g/L), water + NH3 + gypsum (150 mg/L), and water + NH3 + NaCl + gypsum. Blood samples were taken after intervals of 1, 5, 24, and 96 h, and the concentrations of cortisol, glucose, chloride, ammonia, and hematocrit were determined. The NH3 LC50 value after 96 h of exposure (LC50−96h) was measured to be 1.9 mg/L NH3. Either salt or gypsum reduced both cortisol and glucose levels during most of the experimental period, but the combination of both reduced these levels even further. The combined use of NaCl and CaSO4 demonstrates a synergic effect on mitigating stress responses induced by handling and aqueous ammonia in jundiá juveniles.
Spectroscopic Properties of Fluorescein and Rhodamine Dyes Attached to DNA
Authors: Delgadillo Roberto F. , Parkhurst Lawrence J.
Published: December 2009

We report the spectroscopic properties of fluorescein, x‐rhodamine, tetramethyl‐rhodamine, attached to single strand, duplex DNA, and to the digestion products by DNAse I. The properties reported include: molar absorptivity, quantum yield, absorbance and fluorescence spectra, fluorescence lifetime, intrinsic lifetime (τ0), static quenching (S) and the Förster critical distances (R0) between fluorescein and x‐rhodamine or tetramethyl‐rhodamine (acceptors). These spectroscopic properties depend strongly on the local dye environment. Fluorescein was studied: (1) attached to biotin (BF), (2) BF bound to avidin; and attached to two positions in DNA. X‐rhodamine and tetramethyl‐rhodamine were studied as free dyes and attached at the 5′‐end of DNA. We propose a general method to determine the molar absorptivity and τ0 of a dye attached to DNA based on the reaction of a biotinylated and dye‐labeled oligomer with standardized avidin. The molar absorptivity of a second dye attached to a DNA duplex can be obtained by comparing spectra of doubly and singly labeled sequences. S, arising from dye–DNA interactions can then be determined. R0 for free and attached dyes showed differences from 1.1 to 4.2 Å. We present evidence for the direct interaction of dyes attached to the termini of various single‐stranded DNA sequences.
Kinetics of the M‐Intermediate in the Photocycle of Bacteriorhodopsin upon Chemical Modification with Surfactants
Authors: Chu Li‐Kang , El‐Sayed Mostafa A.
Published: December 2009

The spectroscopic and kinetic studies of the interaction between bacteriorhodopsin in the M‐intermediate and several surfactants (cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, diethylene glycol mono‐n‐hexyl ether, ethylene glycol mono‐n‐hexyl ether, sodium 1‐decanesulfonate and sodium 1‐heptanesulfonate) have been investigated using steady‐state UV–VIS spectrometry and time‐resolved absorption techniques. The steady‐state spectral results show that bR retains its trimeric state. Time‐resolved observations indicate that the rate of deprotonation of the protonated Schiff base increases in the presence of the cationic surfactants, whereas insignificant changes are observed in the neutral or anionic surfactants. The rate of the reprotonation of the Schiff base in the transition M → N is accelerated in anionic and neutral surfactants, but is decelerated in the presence of the cationic surfactants. Surfactants with a longer hydrocarbon tail have a greater effect on the kinetics when compared with surfactants having shorter hydrocarbon tails. The opposite effect is observed when the hydrophilic head of the surfactants contains opposite charges. These distinct kinetics are discussed in terms of the difference in the modified surface hydrophilicity of the bR and the possible protein configurational changes upon surfactant treatments.
Photocatalysis of Chloroform Decomposition by Hexachloroosmate(IV)
Authors: Peña Laura A. , Hoggard Patrick E.
Published: December 2009

Hexachloroosmate(IV) effectively catalyzes the photodecomposition of chloroform in aerated solutions. The decomposition products are consistent with a mechanism in which excited state OsCl62− reduces chloroform, rather than one involving photodissociation of chlorine atoms. Trace amounts of ethanol or water in the chloroform lead to photosubstitution to form OsCl5(EtOH)− or OsCl5(H2O)−, neither of which is photocatalytically active.
Massage Therapy Reduces Tension, Anxiety, and Pain in Patients Awaiting Invasive Cardiovascular Procedures
Authors: Wentworth Laura J. , Briese Lora J. , Timimi Farris K. , Sanvick Carrie L. , Bartel David C. , Cutshall Susanne M. , Tilbury R. Thomas , Lennon Ryan , Bauer Brent A.
Published: December 2009

Objectives: (1) To assess the efficacy of a 20 minute massage therapy session on pain, anxiety, and tension in patients before an invasive cardiovascular procedure. (2) To assess overall patient satisfaction with the massage therapy. (3) To evaluate the feasibility of integrating massage therapy into preprocedural practices. Experimental pretest‐posttest design using random assignment. Medical cardiology progressive care units at a Midwestern Academic Medical Center. Patients (N=130) undergoing invasive cardiovascular procedures. The intervention group received 20 minutes of hands on massage at least 30 minutes before an invasive cardiovascular procedure. Control group patients received standard preprocedural care. Visual analogue scales were used to collect verbal numeric responses measuring pain, anxiety, and tension pre‐ and postprocedure. The differences between pre‐ and postprocedure scores were compared between the massage and standard therapy groups using the Mann–Whitney Wilcoxon's test. Scores for pain, anxiety, and tension scores were identified along with an increase in satisfaction for patients who received a 20‐minute massage before procedure compared with those receiving standard care. This pilot study showed that massage can be incorporated into medical cardiovascular units' preprocedural practice and adds validity to prior massage studies.
Cardiac Support Devices
Authors: Rodger Marnie , McRae Marion E. , Jaffer Munira , Bailey Barbara , Signore Sandra Del
Published: December 2009

Heart failure is an increasingly common condition in the United States and is associated with high mortality and burden to health care. It is a chronic condition that is characterized by progressive left ventricular enlargement. While medical therapy can slow the progression of left ventricular remodeling, surgical approaches to treatment have been developed to improve the survival and quality of life of heart failure patients. This article reviews the surgical procedures for left ventricular dysfunction and focuses on cardiac support devices as a new therapy for heart failure patients. The nursing care of patients with cardiac support devices will be presented and a case study will highlight practical points to help guide patient care.
Association of Calcium‐Phosphorus Product With Blood Pressure in Dialysis
Authors: Ashkar Ziad M.
Published: December 2009

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2010;12:96–103. ©2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Hypertension is very common in dialysis patients. Disorders of mineral metabolism have been linked to vascular calcification and hypertension in dialysis. Fifty‐four hemodialysis patients were included in a cross‐sectional study in a dialysis unit during a 6‐month period. Linear regression analysis was done between averages of calcium and phosphorus (ca × ph) product and blood pressures (BPs). Ca × ph was significantly associated with systolic BP predialysis (P=.03, R=0.28), diastolic BP predialysis (P=.001, R=0.44), predialysis mean arterial pressure (MAP) (P=.002, R=0.4), and diastolic BP postdialysis (P=.03, R=0.26). No relationship was found with pulse pressures. Multilinear regression analysis was then done between ca × ph product and BPs adjusting for age, sex, hemoglobin, diabetes, albumin, parathyroid hormone, ultrafiltration volume, and average BP medications per patient. There was a strong positive association with predialysis systolic BP (P=.003, R2=0.49), predialysis MAP (P=.001, R2=0.51), and postdialysis MAP (P=.02, R2=0.65). No associations with pulse pressures were detected. The study findings suggest that ca × ph product is significantly associated with dialysis MAP and not pulse pressure. This is likely secondary to the stronger relationship with diastolic BP than with systolic BP. Prospective studies looking into the associated hemodynamic parameters related to arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction along with measures for calcifications would be very beneficial.
Pensiones sociales y aprendizaje en materia de políticas: el caso de África meridional
Authors: Casey Bernard H. , McKinnon Roddy
Published: December 2009

Durante los últimos diez años y especialmente desde que se publicaron los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio, las pensiones sociales han captado el interés de quienes están relacionados con el bienestar de las personas de edad avanzada de los numerosos países donde los sistemas de prestaciones de vejez oficiales financiados mediante cotizaciones cubren tan sólo a una minoría de la población. Las organizaciones internacionales han centrado su atención en dichos regímenes y algunas de ellas consideran que éstos desempeñan un papel importante. Sin embargo, la información sobre los mismos y sobre cómo funcionan, así como sobre su eficacia para cumplir los objetivos que persiguen, sigue siendo limitada. El aprendizaje no sólo ha tenido lugar en las organizaciones internacionales sino también en la región en que predominan: África meridional. Se debe fomentar dicho aprendizaje y en este proceso, la Asociación Internacional de la Seguridad Social tiene un papel que desempeñar.
Use and exchange of genetic resources of emerging species for aquaculture and other purposes
Authors: Nguyen Thuy T. T. , Davy F. Brian , Rimmer Michael A. , De Silva Sena S.
Published: December 2009

From a genetic resources viewpoint, emerging aquaculture species and species groups are examined mainly in terms of food use. In addition, we include species that are becoming increasingly important for biodiversity conservation and related ecotourism aspects. Together with ornamental fish species, we argue that these species are facing increasing vulnerability and warrant attention. Our intention is to raise awareness of the potential for increasing production and revenues from emerging species/species groups with an emphasis on an underlying link to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem preservation, and how this information will inform policy on access to the genetic resources and the sharing of benefits derived from their use. For food purposes, the fastest growing aquaculture sector is mariculture, and within this sector groupers and wrasses are considered to be the most important because they cater to the relatively lucrative live food fish restaurant trade (LFFRT), which is rapidly expanding in selected South‐East Asian countries. In the Asian region, ecotourism is an emerging sector and a prominent fish group for this purpose is considered to be mahseer. A number of mahseer species are culturally and commercially important and are often seen as a group of indigenous species that are suitable for aquaculture. This review summarizes much of the limited information related to the patterns of use and exchange of genetic resources on emerging aquatic species/species groups, with particular reference to Asia.
Use and exchange of genetic resources of penaeid shrimps for food and aquaculture
Authors: Benzie John A. H.
Published: December 2009

Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei Boone, 1931 and Penaeus monodon Fabricius, 1798 provide 87% of the world’s farmed marine shrimp, and 99% with another five species, Penaeus (Fenneropenaeus) chinensis (Osbeck, 1765), Penaeus (Fenneropenaeus) indicus Milne‐Edwards, 1837, Penaeus (Fenneropenaeus) merguiensis de Man, 1888, Penaeus (Litopenaeus) stylirostris Stimpson, 1874 and Penaeus (Marsupenaeus) japonicus Bate, 1888. Genetically improved strains have been traded for P. chinensis, P. stylirostris, P. vannamei and P. monodon, although closed populations have been developed for all seven species. To date, domesticated strains have played a dominant role in seed production for only P. vannamei and P. stylirostris. Extensive worldwide transfer of wild and/or domesticated stocks has occurred for these two species and for P. monodon, but the volume and extent of transfer of the other species is less. Genetic variation documented in wild stocks does not appear to be threatened, but variation within cultured stocks is often reduced relative to the wild and has affected performance in some (now mostly defunct) cultured populations. Hybridization is not effective in producing useful shrimp strains. There is no organized banking of penaeid shrimp genetic resources, either as live shrimp, frozen tissue, tissue or cell culture or DNA. Open access DNA sequences are available, although limited for most species. Significant expressed sequence tags and large insert libraries are available only for P. vannamei and P. monodon.
Environmental and economic analysis of the fully integrated biorefinery
Authors: SENDICH ELIZABETH D. , DALE BRUCE E.
Published: December 2009

Cellulosic biofuel systems have the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of the world's transportation energy requirements. However, realizing this potential will require systems level thinking and scale integration. Until now, we have lacked modeling tools for studying the behavior of integrated cellulosic biofuel systems. In this paper, we describe a new research tool, the Biorefinery and Farm Integration Tool (BFIT) in which the production of fuel ethanol from cellulosic biomass is integrated with crop and animal (agricultural) production models. Uniting these three subsystems in a single combined model has allowed, for the first time, basic environmental and economic analysis of biomass production, possible secondary products, fertilizer production, and bioenergy production across various regions of the United States. Using BFIT, we simulate cellulosic ethanol production embedded in realistic agricultural landscapes in nine locations under a collection of farm management scenarios. This combined modeling approach permits analysis of economic profitability and highlights key areas for environmental improvement. These results show the advantages of introducing integrated biorefinery systems within agricultural landscapes. This is particularly true in the Midwest, which our results suggest is a good setting for the cellulosic ethanol industry. Specifically, results show that inclusion of cellulosic biofuel systems into existing agriculture enhances farm economics and reduces total landscape emissions. Model results also indicate a limited ethanol price effect from increased biomass transportation distance. Sensitivity analysis using BFIT revealed those variables having the strongest effects on the overall system performance, namely: biorefinery size, switchgrass yield, and biomass farm gate price.
Public Health Argument to Retain Current UK National Controls for Tick and Tapeworms Under the Pet Travel Scheme
Authors: Gover L. , Kirkbride H. , Morgan D.
Published: December 2009

At present, the European Council is debating whether the current national controls under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), which aims to prevent the introduction of rabies and tapeworms or live ticks and their associated diseases into the United Kingdom (UK), should be harmonized amongst European Union (EU) Member States. There is a strong case to support the retention of control measures on human health grounds. Although many are aware of the implications of rabies infection, few realize the risk to the UK population if current tick and tapeworm controls under PETS were to be removed. If this were to occur, there is a risk that a number of diseases of human health importance may be introduced and become established in the UK. Such diseases include alveolar echinococcosis, tick borne encephalitis, tularaemia and Mediterranean spotted fever; all of which are found in other EU Member States but do not occur in the UK. These four diseases are responsible for a significant burden of disease in Europe, and current national controls under PETS have been highly effective in so far preventing their introduction into the UK.
Evaluation of peripheral blood neutrophil function in tumor‐bearing dogs
Authors: LeBlanc Casey J. , LeBlanc Amy K. , Jones Meredith M. , Bartges Joseph W. , Kania Stephen A.
Published: December 2009

Background: Peripheral blood neutrophils of untreated human cancer patients have been shown to have normal, increased, and decreased phagocytic activity, killing capacity, and/or oxidative burst activities.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate oxidative burst and phagocytic activities of peripheral blood neutrophils from tumor‐bearing dogs before therapy and compare them with neutrophil function of healthy control dogs.

Methods: Heparinized whole blood was obtained from dogs with high‐grade lymphoma (n=23), sarcoma (n=13), or carcinoma (n=11), and healthy control dogs (n=11) for flow cytometric evaluation of oxidative burst and phagocytic activities. Percentage of bursting cells and amount of oxidative burst activity were determined after stimulation with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) or Escherichia coli. Percentage of phagocytic cells and amount of phagocytic activity were determined after incubation with fluorescent E. coli.

Results: Compared with control dogs, dogs with sarcoma (P=.004) and carcinoma (P=.05) had a lower percentage of neutrophils exhibiting oxidative burst activity after stimulation with PMA. Phagocytic activity was significantly lower in dogs with sarcomas compared with control dogs (P<.0001) and dogs with lymphoma (P=.01).

Conclusions: Untreated carcinomas and sarcomas in dogs may suppress the percentage of neutrophils capable of oxidative burst when stimulated by PMA. Furthermore, sarcomas also may suppress the amount of phagocytic activity per neutrophil. Until further studies can be performed, the clinical significance of these findings is unknown.
Heteroclinic Orbit, Forced Lorenz System, and Chaos
Authors: Ghosh Dibakar , Ray Anirban , Chowdhury A. Roy
Published: December 2009

Forced Lorenz system, important in modeling of monsoonlike phenomena, is analyzed for the existence of heteroclinic orbit. This is done in the light of the suggested new mechanism for the onset of chaos by Magnitskii and Sidorov (2006, “Finding Homoclinic and Heteroclinic Contours of Singular Points of Nonlinear Systems of Ordinary Differential Equations,” Diff. Eq., 39, pp. 1593–1602), where heteroclinic orbits plays important and dominant roles. The analysis is performed based on the theory laid down by Shilnikov. An analytic expression in the form of uniformly convergent series is obtained. The same orbit is also obtained numerically by a technique enunciated by Magnitskii and Sidorov, reproducing the necessary important features.
Lateral-flow particle filtration and separation with multilayer microfluidic channels
Authors: Kim Hyun Chul , Park Jaewon , Cho Younghak , Park Hyunsoo , Han Arum , Cheng Xing
Published: December 2009

Separating particles from a suspension and sorting particles into different size ranges are important to many chemical, biological, and bioengineering applications. In this article, a novel lateral-flow particle separation device is presented for continuous particle fractionation from suspensions. This device is based on three-dimensional multilayer poly(dimethylsiloxane) microchannels, which can be fabricated by high-yield and low-cost molding and transfer-bonding techniques. By varying the dimensions of the microchannels in each layer, particles in a suspension can be fractionated into specific layers based on their sizes. Particle separation is successfully achieved in sorting polystyrene microbeads of 1, 10, and 45μm in diameter into different layers. The yield and selectivity of particle separation can be controlled by device geometries such as channel width and length. This novel continuous-flow particle filtration and separation device is expected to find applications in micrototal analysis systems due to its simple fabrication steps, low cost, and capability of particle separation in a deterministic fashion.
Epitope Switching as a Novel Escape Mechanism of HIV to CCR5 Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Jekle Andreas , Chhabra Milloni , Lochner Adriane , Meier Sonja , Chow Eugene , Brandt Michael , Sankuratri Surya , Cammack Nick , Heilek Gabrielle
Published: December 2009

In passaging experiments, we isolated HIV strains resistant to MAb3952, a chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 (CCR5) monoclonal antibody (MAb) that binds to the second extracellular domain (extracellular loop 2 [ECL-2]) of CCR5. MAb3952-resistant viruses remain CCR5-tropic and are cross-resistant to a second ECL-2-specific antibody. Surprisingly, MAb3952-resistant viruses were more susceptible to RoAb13, a CCR5 antibody binding to the N terminus of CCR5. Using CCR5 receptor mutants, we show that MAb3952-resistant virus strains preferentially use the N terminus of CCR5, while the wild-type viruses preferentially use ECL-2. We propose this switch in the CCR5 binding site as a novel mechanism of HIV resistance.
Effects of Immunomodulatory and Organism-Associated Molecules on the Permeability of anIn VitroBlood-Brain Barrier Model to Amphotericin B and Fluconazole
Authors: Pyrgos Vasilios , Mickiene Diane , Sein Tin , Cotton Margaret , Fransesconi Andrea , Mizrahi Isaac , Donoghue Martha , Bundrant Nikkida , Kim Su-Young , Hardwick Matthew , Shoham Shmuel , Walsh Thomas J.
Published: December 2009

Amphotericin B (AMB) is used to treat fungal infections of the central nervous system (CNS). However, AMB shows poor penetration into the CNS and little is known about the factors affecting its permeation through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therefore, we studied immunomodulatory and organism-associated molecules affecting the permeability of anin vitroBBB model to AMB. We examined the effects of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), zymosan (ZYM), dexamethasone (DEX), cyclosporine, and tacrolimus on transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER); endothelial tight junctions; filamentous actin; and permeability to deoxycholate AMB (DAMB), liposomal AMB (LAMB), and fluconazole. Proinflammatory cytokines and organism-associated molecules significantly decreased the mean TEER by 40.7 to 100% (P≤ 0.004). DEX increased the mean TEER by 18.2 to 26.4% (P≤ 0.04). TNF-α and LPS increased the permeability to AMB by 8.2 to 14.5% compared to that for the controls (1.1 to 2.4%) (P≤ 0.04). None of the other molecules affected the model's permeability to AMB. By comparison, the BBB model's permeability to fluconazole was >78% under all conditions studied, without significant differences between the controls and the experimental groups. LPS and TNF-α decreased tight-junction protein zona occludens 1 (ZO-1) between endothelial cells. In conclusion, IL-1β, ZYM, and LTA increased the permeability of the BBB to small ions but not to AMB, whereas TNF-α and LPS, which disrupted the endothelial layer integrity, increased the permeability to AMB.
The flavonoids of Mitella, Bensoniella, and Conimitella (Saxifragaceae)
Authors: Nicholls K. W. , Bohm B. A. , Wells E. F.
Published: December 2009

Flavonoid profiles have been determined for 16 species of Mitella and for the two monotypic genera, Bensoniella and Conimitella. With a single exception the profiles are based upon the flavonols kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin. The flavanone eriodictyol was seen in two Japanese species of Mitella. The flavonols exist as a series of 7-O-mono-, 3-O-mono-, 3-O-di-, and 3-O-triglycosides, although not all levels of glycosylation occur in each taxon. 7-O-Methylkaempferol and 7-O-methylquercetin were found in M. nuda and M. diphylla; M. nuda also has isorhamnetin. The flavonoids of M. nuda are unique in the genus, but otherwise the distribution of the pigments does not offer support for Rydberg's view of the species being assigned to four genera or Rosendahl's view that Mitella comprises two sections. The flavonoid profile of Bensoniella oregona clearly distinguishes it from Mitella. Flavonoid data for Conimitella williamsii agree in general with those of a moderately advanced species of Heuchera in agreement with Savile's views on the origin of Conimitella. Our results are discussed in terms of the recent finding that Conimitella and Mitella form natural hybrids.
Plant communities of Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, U.S.A.
Authors: Kurmis Vilis , Webb Sara L. , Merriam Jr. Lawrence C.
Published: December 2009

The vegetation of Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, U.S.A., was investigated, in part to establish a plant community classification system that would be useful to park managers and naturalists, and to evaluate short-term changes within plant communities. Samples from 120 stands were ordinated and classified on the basis of synecological coordinates, a system of ecological coordinates relating floristics to physical site conditions. Along indirect gradients of moisture and nutrient conditions, 12 ecological types were distinguished. Within each ecological type, it is expected that stands of diverse cover types will tend to converge, over a period of 150–200 years, on an edaphically constrained “climax” community characteristic of that ecological type, given present management practices and disturbance regimes. Permanent plots were established in 46 stands to permit future testing of these projections. Ecological types, named for expected dominants and for a typical undergrowth species or genus, include (1) jack pine – oak – Arctostaphylos; (2) red pine – white pine – Linnaea; (3) fir–spruce–birch–Lycopodium; (4) fir–birch–Mitella; (5) oak–maple–Uvularia; (6) ash–elm–Trillium; (7) black ash – Caltha; (8) white cedar – Coptis; (9) black spruce – Alnus; (10) black spruce – Kalmia; (11) leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne) bog; and (12) marsh.
Studies of the Salix lucida and Salix reticulata complexes in North America
Authors: Argus George W.
Published: December 2009

A study of morphological variation in the Salix lucida complex revealed three geographical races: one in northeastern North America, a second in western North America extending from Alaska to California, and a third in the southern Rocky Mountains, S. lucida ssp. lucida, Salix lucida ssp. lasiandra comb, nov., and Salix lucida ssp. caudata comb, nov., respectively. The Salix reticulata complex in the Rocky Mountain region is represented by two geographical races, ssp. reticulata in the north and ssp. nivalis in the south. Variation in ssp. nivalis suggests that hybridization and introgression occur where the two races overlap, and that the results of past hybridization are still evident in the southern Rocky Mountains.
The correlation between high-temperature and desiccation tolerances in a poikilohydric desert plant
Authors: Eickmeier William G.
Published: December 2009

The high-temperature tolerance of the desiccation-tolerant pteridophyte Selaginella lepidophylla (Hook. & Grev.) Spring was examined under laboratory conditions. Both desiccated whole plants and detached fronds were stored at 25, 45, and 65 °C for 1 to 70 days. The effects of high-temperature storage on whole plant photosynthetic recovery, conservation of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylase in desiccated fronds, apparent membrane damage as measured by frond leakage of electrolytic and UV-absorbing materials upon rehydration, and protein synthesis upon rehydration of detached fronds were determined. The temperature dependence of net photosynthesis of fully recovered, hydrated plants was also described. Desiccated storage for 17 days at 45 °C significantly impaired whole-plant photosynthetic recovery, and conservation of RuBP carboxylase in desiccated fronds declined within 33 days of storage at 45 °C, both relative to 25 °C controls. Storage at 65 °C caused additional inhibition of both photosynthetic recovery (after 17 and 33 days) and RuBP carboxylase conservation (within 70 days) over that for 45 °C storage. Frond leakage was significantly increased and protein synthesis was significantly reduced after 65 °C storage for 7 and 33 days, respectively, relative to controls. These results suggest that desiccation tolerance and high-temperature tolerance are not highly correlated in S. lepidophylla, which is more sensitive to high-temperature conditions when both hydrated and desiccated than was initially expected for a poikilohydric desert pteridophyte.
Effects of a homogeneous linear alcohol ethylene oxide surfactant on the ultrastructure of soybean cell suspension cultures
Authors: Davis David G. , Stolzenberg Rosa L.
Published: December 2009

Ultrastructural alterations of soybean cell suspension cultures treated with a homogeneous linear alcohol ethylene oxide nonionic surfactant, the octa(oxyethylene) adduct of 1-dodecanol (at concentrations below the critical micelle concentration), were determined at 0.5, 3, and 10 days. Treatments were 4 μM (2 ppm; nonphytotoxic), 11 to 17 μM (6 to 9 ppm; inhibitory), and 28 μM (15 ppm; phytotoxic). Plastids and mitochondria appeared to have reduced amounts of internal membranes at 0.5 days, even at sublethal concentrations. At 3 days after treatment, cells treated with up to 17 μM detergent looked similar to control cells, except for void regions in some organelles. Cells treated 0.5 days with 28 μM had plastids with few membranes and much reduced starch compared with controls; by 3 days, these cells were badly damaged, although numerous organelles still could be recognized and lipid bodies were spherical. Distinctive myelin-like membrane whorls were present in some 3-day 28 μM treated cells. Even at 10 days recognizable organelles in cells included nuclei, plastids, some endoplasmic reticulum and some flattened nuclei with irregularly shaped nucleoli. Starch granules were conspicuously free of the plastids in which they were formed. Lipid bodies were often angular in shape rather than spherical. Outer envelopes of organelles often remained, even though their internal structures were destroyed or altered greatly.