bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aging‐dependent changes of microglial cells and their relevance for neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Von Bernhardi Rommy , Tichauer Juan E. , Eugenín Jaime
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1099–1114.

Among multiple structural and functional brain changes, aging is accompanied by an increase of inflammatory signaling in the nervous system as well as a dysfunction of the immune system elsewhere. Although the long‐held view that aging involves neurocognitive impairment is now dismissed, aging is a major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer`s disease, Parkinson`s disease and Huntington’s disease, among others. There are many age‐related changes affecting the brain, contributing both to certain declining in function and increased frailty, which could singly and collectively affect neuronal viability and vulnerability. Among those changes, both inflammatory responses in aged brains and the altered regulation of toll like receptors, which appears to be relevant for understanding susceptibility to neurodegenerative processes, are linked to pathogenic mechanisms of several diseases. Here, we review how aging and pro‐inflammatory environment could modulate microglial phenotype and its reactivity and contribute to the genesis of neurodegenerative processes. Data support our idea that age‐related microglial cell changes, by inducing cytotoxicity in contrast to neuroprotection, could contribute to the onset of neurodegenerative changes. This view can have important implications for the development of new therapeutic approaches.
DNA methylation regulates adenosine A2A receptor cell surface expression levels
Authors: Buira Sandra P. , Albasanz José Luis , Dentesano Guido , Moreno Jesús , Martín Mairena , Ferrer Isidre , Barrachina Marta
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1273–1285.

Adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs) appear to play important roles in inflammation and in certain diseases of the nervous system. Pharmacological modulation of A2ARs is particularly useful in Parkinson’s disease and has been tested in schizophrenia. However, little is known about the regulation of A2AR gene (ADORA2A). A bioinformatic analysis revealed the presence of three CpG islands in the 5′ UTR region of human ADORA2A. Next, HeLa, SH‐SY5Y and U87‐MG cells were treated for 48 h with 5 μM 5‐azacytidine (Aza). Increased A2AR levels were demonstrated in HeLa and SH‐SY5Y cells when compared with non‐treated cells. No modifications were seen in U87‐MG cells. The increased A2AR mRNA and protein levels were accompanied by a loss of DNA methylation pattern in HeLa and SH‐SY5Y cells, as measured with the SEQUENOM MassArray platform. The Aza treatment also reduced the affinity of a methyl‐CpG‐binding protein for ADORA2A by quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation in HeLa cells. Interestingly, A2AR levels were reduced by S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine treatment in U87‐MG and methyl‐CpG‐binding protein affinity was increased for ADORA2A by quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation. Therefore, these results show for the first time that DNA methylation plays a role in ADORA2A transcription and, subsequently, in constitutive A2AR cell surface levels.
Stress and GABAAreceptors
Authors: Skilbeck Kelly J. , Johnston Graham A. R. , Hinton Tina
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem.(2010)112, 1115–1130.

GABAAreceptors are sensitive to subtle changes in the environment in both early‐life and adulthood. These neurochemical responses to stress in adulthood are sex‐dependent. Acute stress induces rapid changes in GABAAreceptors in experimental animals, with the direction of the changes varying according to the sex of the animals and the stress‐paradigm studied. These rapid alterations are of particular interest as they provide an example of fast neurotransmitter system plasticity that may be mediated by stress‐induced increases in neurosteroids, perhaps via effects on phosphorylation and/or receptor trafficking. Interestingly, some studies have also provided evidence for long‐lasting changes in GABAAreceptors as a result of exposure to stressors in early‐life. The short‐ and long‐term stress sensitivity of the GABAergic system implicates GABAAreceptors in the non‐genetic etiology of psychiatric illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia in which stress may be an important factor.
Inhibition of Aβ aggregation and neurotoxicity by the 39‐kDa receptor‐associated protein
Authors: Kerr Megan L. , Gasperini Robert , Gibbs Marie E. , Hou Xu , Shepherd Claire E. , Strickland Dudley K. , Foa Lisa , Lawen Alfons , Small David H.
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1199–1209.

Aggregation of β‐amyloid protein (Aβ) to form oligomers is considered to be a key step in generating neurotoxicity in the Alzheimer’s disease brain. Agents that bind to Aβ and inhibit oligomerization have been proposed as Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics. In this study, we investigated the binding of fluorescein‐labeled Aβ1–42 (FluoAβ1–42) to SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and examined the effect of the 39‐kDa receptor‐associated protein (RAP), on the Aβ cell interaction. FluoAβ1–42 bound to the cells in a punctate pattern. Surprisingly, when RAP was added to the incubations, FluoAβ1–42 and RAP were found to be co‐localized on the cell surface, suggesting that RAP and Aβ may bind to each other. Experiments using the purified proteins confirmed that a RAP–Aβ complex was stable and resistant to sodium dodecyl sulfate. RAP also inhibited Aβ oligomerization. We next examined whether RAP could inhibit the neurotoxic effects of Aβ. Addition of Aβ1–42 to SH‐SY5Y cells caused an increase in intracellular Ca2+ that was inhibited by treatment of the Aβ peptide with RAP. RAP also blocked an Aβ‐induced inhibition of long‐term memory consolidation in 1‐day‐old chicks. This study demonstrates that RAP binds to Aβ and is an inhibitor of the neurotoxic effects of Aβ.
Endogenous purinergic signaling is required for osmotic volume regulation of retinal glial cells
Authors: Wurm Antje , Lipp Stephan , Pannicke Thomas , Linnertz Regina , Krügel Ute , Schulz Angela , Färber Katrin , Zahn Dirk , Grosse Johannes , Wiedemann Peter , Chen Ju , Schöneberg Torsten , Illes Peter , Reichenbach Andreas , Bringmann Andreas
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem.(2010)112, 1261–1272.

Intense neuronal activity in the sensory retina is associated with a volume increase of neuronal cells (Uckermannet al.,J. Neurosci. 2004,24:10149) and a decrease in the osmolarity of the extracellular space fluid (Dmitrievet al.,Vis. Neurosci.1999, 16:1157). Here, we show the existence of an endogenous purinergic mechanism that prevents hypoosmotic swelling of retinal glial (Müller) cells in mice. In contrast to the cells from wild‐type mice, hypoosmotic stress induced rapid swelling of glial cell somata in retinal slices from mice deficient in P2Y1, adenosine A1receptors, or ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase (CD73). Consistently, glial cell bodies in retinal slices from wild‐type mice displayed osmotic swelling when P2Y1or A1receptors, or CD73, were pharmacologically blocked. Exogenous ATP, UTP, and UDP inhibited glial swelling in retinal slices, while the swelling of isolated glial cells was prevented by ATP but not by UTP or UDP, suggesting that uracil nucleotides indirectly regulate the glial cell volume via activation of neuronal P2Y4/6and neuron‐to‐glia signaling. It is suggested that autocrine/paracrine activation of purinergic receptors and enzymes is crucially involved in the regulation of the glial cell volume.
Global change in four semi‐arid transnational river basins: Analysis of institutional water sharing preparedness
Authors: Falkenmark Malin , Fraiture Charlotte de , Vick Margaret J.
Published: December 2009

Climate change has exacerbated concerns about water security. The authors stress the need for countries in basins where populations are growing to anticipate the water shortage implications for food production. The paper analyses the future status of the interdependence among riparian states in four semi‐arid transnational basins under the climate change SRES A2 scenario and projected population growth with a focus on the potential for rainfed agriculture on current croplands and the requirements for irrigation water. Increasing water interdependence among basin states requires institutional preparedness and water sharing arrangements. We conclude that the inclusion of long‐term trends in the design of water sharing agreements will improve their robustness to cope with change and mitigate the potential risk of conflict.
Intelligent Adversary Risk Analysis: A Bioterrorism Risk Management Model
Authors: Parnell Gregory S. , Smith Christopher M. , Moxley Frederick I.
Published: December 2009

The tragic events of 9/11 and the concerns about the potential for a terrorist or hostile state attack with weapons of mass destruction have led to an increased emphasis on risk analysis for homeland security. Uncertain hazards (natural and engineering) have been successfully analyzed using probabilistic risk analysis (PRA). Unlike uncertain hazards, terrorists and hostile states are intelligent adversaries who can observe our vulnerabilities and dynamically adapt their plans and actions to achieve their objectives. This article compares uncertain hazard risk analysis with intelligent adversary risk analysis, describes the intelligent adversary risk analysis challenges, and presents a probabilistic defender–attacker–defender model to evaluate the baseline risk and the potential risk reduction provided by defender investments. The model includes defender decisions prior to an attack; attacker decisions during the attack; defender actions after an attack; and the uncertainties of attack implementation, detection, and consequences. The risk management model is demonstrated with an illustrative bioterrorism problem with notional data.
Molecular Evidence that Phylogenetically Diverged Ciliates Are Active in Microbial Mats of Deep‐Sea Cold‐Seep Sediment
Authors: TAKISHITA KIYOTAKA , KAKIZOE NATSUKI , YOSHIDA TAKAO , MARUYAMA TADASHI
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT.Cold seeps are areas of the seafloor where hydrogen sulfide‐ and methane‐rich fluid seepage occurs, often sustaining chemosynthetic ecosystems. It is well known that both archaea and bacteria oxidize sulfides and methane to produce chemical energy and that several endemic animals use this energy to thrive in cold seeps. On the other hand, there is little knowledge regarding diversity and ecology of microbial eukaryotes in this ecosystem. In this study we isolated environmental RNA and DNA from microbial mats of cold‐seep sediment in Sagami Bay, Japan, and retrieved eukaryotic small‐subunit ribosomal RNA sequences with polymerase chain reaction methods followed by clone library construction. Most RNA‐derived clones obtained were from ciliates, although DNA‐derived clones were mainly from the fungusCryptococcus curvatus, suggesting that ciliates are active in the environment. The ciliate sequences were phylogenetically diverse, and represented eight known class lineages as well as undesignated lineages. Because most ciliates are bacterivorous, it is highly likely that the ciliates for which sequences were recovered play a role in the food web of this ecosystem as grazers of microbial mats. In addition, given that the environment studied is under highly reduced (anoxic) conditions, based on the prokaryotic community structure deduced from T‐RFLP profiles, the ciliates detected may be obligatory or facultative anaerobes.
Intellectual Quotient of Juveniles Evaluated in a Forensic Psychiatry Clinic After Committing a Violent Crime*
Authors: Lopez‐Leon Manuel , Rosner Richard
Published: December 2009

Abstract:  The purpose of this preliminary study is to evaluate if there is a difference between the intelligence quotient (IQ) of 27 adolescent defendants referred to the Bellevue Hospital Center Forensic Psychiatry Clinic after committing violent crimes, and those adolescents in the same age group in the general population of the United States, as defined by the norms of the psychometric testing instrument Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 4th edition (WISC‐IV). The IQ scores and sub‐scores were compared to IQ scores of the general population (mean = 100, SD = 15) using a Z‐test. The mean for the Full Scale IQ was 82.93. The means for the subtests which include Processing Speed Index, Perceptual Reasoning Index, Verbal Comprehension Index, and Working Memory Index, were: 78.48, 87.78, 86.70 (p < 0.05), and 90.78 (p = 0.09) respectively. There is a statistically significant difference in the IQ scores of the violent juveniles studied when compared to the general population.
Prevalence and predictors of recurrence of major depressive disorder in the adult population
Authors: Hardeveld F. , Spijker J. , De Graaf R. , Nolen W. A. , Beekman A. T. F.
Published: December 2009

Hardeveld F, Spijker J, De Graaf R, Nolen WA, Beekman ATF. Prevalence and predictors of recurrence of major depressive disorder in the adult population.

Objective:  Knowledge of the risk of recurrence after recovery of a major depressive disorder (MDD) is of clinical and scientific importance. The purpose of this paper was to provide a systematic review of the prevalence and predictors of recurrence of MDD.

Method:  Studies were searched in Medline en PsychINFO using the search terms ‘recur*’, ‘relaps*’, ‘depress*’, ‘predict*’ and course.

Results:  Recurrence of MDD in specialised mental healthcare settings is high (60% after 5 years, 67% after 10 years and 85% after 15 years) and seems lower in the general population (35% after 15 years). Number of previous episodes and subclinical residual symptoms appear to be the most important predictors. Gender, civil status and socioeconomic status seem not related to the recurrence of MDD.

Conclusion:  Clinical factors seem the most important predictors of recurrence. Data from studies performed in the general population and primary care on the recurrent course of MDD are scarce.
Activity and safety of combination chemotherapy with methotrexate, ifosfamide, l‐asparaginase and dexamethasone (MILD) for refractory lymphoid malignancies: a pilot study
Authors: Tsukune Yutaka , Isobe Yasushi , Yasuda Hajime , Shimizu Seiichi , Katsuoka Yuna , Hosone Masaru , Oshimi Kazuo , Komatsu Norio , Sugimoto Koichi
Published: December 2009

Optimal salvage chemotherapy has not been established for lymphoid malignancy, which is refractory to the conventional cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone regimen. To explore an effective regimen, we conducted a phase I pilot study of combination chemotherapy with methotrexate, ifosfamide, l‐asparaginase and dexamethasone (MILD), which are unaffected by MDR1‐encoded P‐glycoprotein. A total of 18 patients with lethal lymphoid malignancy were enrolled over a 2‐yr period. The median age was 63 yr. Eleven patients had T/NK‐cell malignancies, six had B‐cell malignancies, and one was diagnosed with a blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm. Patients aged ≥60 and <60 yr were planned to receive a set of starting doses of methotrexate and ifosfamide, which should induce myelosuppression. Eleven patients completed two courses of MILD therapy. Treatment‐related death because of systemic mucormycosis was observed in one patient. Major treatment‐related adverse events were grade 3 or more hematologic toxicities, which included lymphopenia corresponding to dose‐limiting toxicity. The most common grade 3 non‐hematologic toxicity was febrile neutropenia. Of the 14 evaluated patients, three achieved a complete response, and four showed a partial response. The overall response rate was 57%. It was very interesting that all of seven responders had T/NK‐cell malignancies. MILD therapy was feasible and presented acceptable toxicity in patients with refractory or lethal lymphoid malignancies. The efficacy for T/NK‐cell malignancies should be further evaluated.
Treatment response to bortezomib in multiple myeloma correlates with plasma hepatocyte growth factor concentration and bone marrow thrombospondin concentration
Authors: Ludek Pour , Hana Svachova , Zdenek Adam , Martina Almasi , Dana Kralova , Tomas Buchler , Lucie Kovarova , Marta Krejci , Jaroslav Michalek , Miroslav Penka , Jiri Vorlicek , Roman Hajek
Published: December 2009

Multiple myeloma (MM) is associated with increased rate of bone marrow angiogenesis. Increased concentration of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is associated with poor prognosis in patients treated with conventional chemotherapy or thalidomide. We have shown previously that decreased level of thrombospondin, an angiogenesis inhibitor, correlates with poor response to high‐dose chemotherapy. The aim of our current study was to evaluate association between therapeutic response to bortezomib and thrombospondin and HGF levels. Peripheral blood plasma concentration of HGF and bone marrow plasma concentration of thrombospondin were measured in patients with MM prior to the initiation of bortezomib therapy. Overall, 58 patients were enrolled, 44/58 (76%) of them with relapsed disease. Treatment outcomes were analyzed for possible associations with pretreatment HGF and thrombospondin levels. Patients who achieved complete response had significantly higher pretreatment HGF levels and lower pretreatment thrombospondin levels than others. More than 70% of patients with low pretreatment HGF and high pretreatment thrombospondin concentrations achieved very good partial response or complete response, in contrast to only 20% of patients with high HGF and low thrombospondin levels. High pretreatment thrombospondin and low pretreatment HGF concentrations are associated with therapeutic response to bortezomib in patients with MM.
Density‐dependent growth of young‐of‐the‐year Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) revisited
Authors: Imre I. , Grant J. W. A. , Cunjak R. A.
Published: December 2009

Imre I, Grant JWA, Cunjak RA. Density‐dependent growth of young‐of‐the‐year Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) revisited. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 1–6. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract – The length of individual young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Catamaran Brook decreases with increasing population density following a negative power curve. Because most of this decrease in growth rate occurs at low densities (<1 fish·m−2), (Imre et al. 2005; Journal of Animal Ecology, 74: 508–516)suggestedthat exploitation competition for drifting prey rather than space limitation might be responsible for this pattern. Recently, (Ward et al. 2007; Journal of Animal Ecology, 76: 135–138) showed that the negative power curve of growth rate versus densitycanbe caused by other mechanisms and suggested that Imre et al.’s evidence for density‐dependent growth would have been stronger if we had analysed final size versus initial density rather than final density. We examined (i) whether the negative power curve of size versus density was also apparent in an analysis of final size versus initial density and tested two predictions that emerge from Ward et al.’s model, (ii) the variance in body size increases with population density, and (iii) the maximum fish size at a site is density‐independent. The final size of YOY salmon decreased with increasing initial density following a negative power curve. Our data did not provide strong support for the above predictions emerging from Ward et al.’s model. Our analyses of different years, sites and seasons were consistent with the hypothesis of density‐dependent growth of YOY salmon.
Does morphological variation between young‐of‐the‐year perch from two Swedish lakes depend on genetic differences?
Authors: Heynen M. , Hellström G. , Magnhagen C. , Borcherding J.
Published: December 2009

Heynen M, Hellström G, Magnhagen C, Borcherding J. Does morphological variation between young‐of‐the‐year perch from two Swedish lakes depend on genetic differences? Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 163–169. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Different local environmental conditions have often been found to generate phenotypic diversity. In the present study we examined morphological differences between young‐of‐the‐year perch from two lake populations with differences in size‐specific predation risk. A common garden setup was used to examine the genetic and environmental components of the morphological variation. We found differences in head and jaw length and slight differences in body depth between the wild young‐of‐the‐year perch from Lake Ängersjön and Lake Fisksjön. The differences found between the wild fish from the two lakes were not maintained under common garden rearing. The observed morphological divergence between the wild young‐of‐the‐year perch from Lake Ängersjön and Lake Fisksjön seems to stem mainly from a plastic response to different environmental conditions in the two lakes. It is clear that the morphological traits are not influenced by direct reaction to the size‐specific risk of cannibalism, but probably stem from a combination of different environment characteristics, including resource and habitat use, and the density of other piscivores, such as pike.
Birth defects caused by mutations in human GLI3 and mouse Gli3 genes
Authors: Naruse Ichiro , Ueta Etsuko , Sumino Yoshiki , Ogawa Masaya , Ishikiriyama Satoshi
Published: December 2009

GLI3 is the gene responsible for Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome (GCPS), Pallister–Hall syndrome (PHS) and Postaxial polydactyly type‐A (PAP‐A). Genetic polydactyly mice such as Pdn/Pdn (Polydactyly Nagoya), XtH/XtH (Extra toes) and XtJ/XtJ (Extra toes Jackson) are the mouse homolog of GCPS, and Gli3tmlUrtt/Gli3tmlUrt is produced as the mouse homolog of PHS. In the present review, relationships between mutation points of GLI3 and Gli3, and resulting phenotypes in humans and mice are described. It has been confirmed that mutation in the upstream or within the zinc finger domain of the GLI3 gene induces GCPS; that in the post‐zinc finger region including the protease cleavage site induces PHS; and that in the downstream of the GLI3 gene induces PAP‐A. A mimicking phenomenon was observed in the mouse homolog. Therefore, human GLI3 and mouse Gli3 genes have a common structure, and it is suggested here that mutations in the same functional regions produce similar phenotypes in human and mice. The most important issue might be that GCPS and PHS exhibit an autosomal dominant trait, but mouse homologs, such as Pdn/Pdn, XtH/XtH, XtJ/XtJ and Gli3tmlUrt/Gli3tmlUrt, are autosomal recessive traits in the manifestation of similar phenotypes to human diseases. It is discussed here how the reduced amounts of the GLI3 protein, or truncated mutant GLI3 protein, disrupt development of the limbs, head and face.
Relationship Between Aboveground Biomass and Multiple Measures of Biodiversity in Subtropical Forest of Puerto Rico
Authors: Vance‐Chalcraft Heather D. , Willig Michael R. , Cox Stephen B. , Lugo Ariel E. , Scatena Frederick N.
Published: December 2009

Anthropogenic activities have accelerated the rate of global loss of biodiversity, making it more important than ever to understand the structure of biodiversity hotspots. One current focus is the relationship between species richness and aboveground biomass (AGB) in a variety of ecosystems. Nonetheless, species diversity, evenness, rarity, or dominance represent other critical attributes of biodiversity and may have associations with AGB that are markedly different than that of species richness. Using data from large trees in four environmentally similar sites in the Luquillo Experimental Forest of Puerto Rico, we determined the shape and strength of relationships between each of five measures of biodiversity (i.e., species richness, Simpson's diversity, Simpson's evenness, rarity, and dominance) and AGB. We quantified these measures of biodiversity using either proportional biomass or proportional abundance as weighting factors. Three of the four sites had a unimodal relationship between species richness and AGB, with only the most mature site evincing a positive, linear relationship. The differences between the mature site and the other sites, as well as the differences between our richness–AGB relationships and those found at other forest sites, highlight the crucial role that prior land use and severe storms have on this forest community. Although the shape and strength of relationships differed greatly among measures of biodiversity and among sites, the strongest relationships within each site were always those involving richness or evenness.
The Impact of Vertical Scaling Decisions on Growth Interpretations
Authors: Briggs Derek C. , Weeks Jonathan P.
Published: December 2009

Most growth models implicitly assume that test scores have been vertically scaled. What may not be widely appreciated are the different choices that must be made when creating a vertical score scale. In this paper empirical patterns of growth in student achievement are compared as a function of different approaches to creating a vertical scale. Longitudinal item‐level data from a standardized reading test are analyzed for two cohorts of students between Grades 3 and 6 and Grades 4 and 7 for the entire state of Colorado from 2003 to 2006. Eight different vertical scales were established on the basis of choices made for three key variables: Item Response Theory modeling approach, linking approach, and ability estimation approach. It is shown that interpretations of empirical growth patterns appear to depend upon the extent to which a vertical scale has been effectively “stretched” or “compressed” by the psychometric decisions made to establish it. While all of the vertical scales considered show patterns of decelerating growth across grade levels, there is little evidence of scale shrinkage.
Norm‐ and Criterion‐Referenced Student Growth
Authors: Betebenner D.
Published: December 2009

Annual student achievement data derived from state assessment programs have led to widespread enthusiasm for statistical models suitable for longitudinal analysis. The current policy environment's adherence to high stakes accountability vis‐à‐vis No Child Left Behind (NCLB)'s universal proficiency mandate has fostered an impoverished view of what an examination of student growth can provide. To address this, student growth percentiles are introduced supplying a normative description of growth capable of accommodating criterion‐referenced aims like those embedded within NCLB and, more importantly, extending possibilities for descriptive data use beyond the current high stakes paradigm.
Discussion: With Choices Come Consequences
Authors: Braun Henry
Published: December 2009

The Growth Model Pilot Program (GMPP) was introduced as a response to criticism of the reliance of No Child Left Behind on status‐based indicators. Although incorporating a growth component appears to be a step in the right direction, it adds a level of complexity that brings to the fore new concerns. Three of the four papers in this special issue address different manifestations of a common problem: how choices related to implementation of the GMPP, made on technical or practical grounds, can have substantial consequences for schools and teachers. The fourth paper explicates a different approach to growth modeling. Together these papers add considerably to our understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of growth‐based indicators. In this discussion, I attempt to set these papers in a larger context before providing brief reviews. I conclude by arguing that the nation will be better served if policy makers appreciated the consequences of choices before they crafted legislation and the accompanying regulations.
Evaluation of Nondigested Carbohydrates in Hydroxypropylated Tapioca Starch
Authors: Tachibe M. , Kato R. , Nishibata T. , Tashiro K. , Kishida T. , Ebihara K.
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT:  In vitro and in vivo digestibilities of hydroxypropyl starch were investigated to determine an appropriate nondigested carbohydrate assaying method for hydroxypropyl starch. Hydroxypropyl tapioca starch (HPTS), with a 0.338 degree of substitution, was used as a hydroxypropyl starch source. Practically all nondigested carbohydrate in HPTS was low molecular weight and was not precipitated in 78% ethanol. The contents of nondigested carbohydrate in HPTS and in effluents of ileorectomized rats fed the HPTS diet obtained by the AOAC 2001.03 (enzyme‐gravimetric‐HPLC method) were almost the same, 56% and 59%, respectively. The recovery of hydroxypropyl groups from ileorectomy effluents was 98%. The AOAC 2001.03 method is suggested to be appropriate in determining the content of nondigested carbohydrates in hydroxypropyl starch.
Histological Contribution of Collagen Architecture to Beef Toughness
Authors: Nakamura Y‐N , Tsuneishi E. , Kamiya M. , Yamada A.
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT:  The relationship between shear‐force value and collagen architecture of connective tissue of the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle of Japanese Black (n = 10) and Brown (Kumamoto) (n = 5) steers (body weight: 688.4 ± 8.6 kg as average and standard error) was investigated. There were negative correlations between the shear‐force value and lipid content (n = 15, R2= 0.3709, P < 0.01) and protein content and lipid content (n = 15, R2= 0.6748, P < 0.01). Shear‐force value and collagen content (n = 15, R2= 0.4344, P < 0.01) were positively correlated. In scanning electron microscopic photographs of the macerated preparation, the perimysium of the high‐lipid LT muscle was broken down compared with the low‐lipid LT muscle. The endomysium in all LT muscle fibers showed similar architecture. The fine surface cover of reticular collagen fibers around an adipocyte was observed in the high‐lipid LT muscle perimysium. These results suggested that the shear‐force value of the LT muscle was related to change in collagen architecture and of the perimysium in particular.
β‐Glucanases as a Tool for the Control of Wine Spoilage Yeasts
Authors: Enrique M. , Ibáñez A. , Marcos J.F. , Yuste M. , Martínez M. , Vallés S. , Manzanares P.
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT:  In this study, the antimicrobial activity of a commercial β‐glucanase preparation against wine spoilage yeasts such as Cryptococcus albidus, Dekkera bruxellensis, Pichia membranifaciens, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Zygosaccharomyces bailii, and Zygosaccharomyces bisporus has been evaluated. Yeast species tested showed different sensitivities to the enzyme preparation. In vitro assays in laboratory medium (GPY) showed inhibition by the β‐glucanase preparation of D. bruxellensis and Z. bailii growth with IC50 and MIC values approximately 3 to 4‐fold greater than the recommended dose for improving wine filtration. Wine spoilage experiments showed antimicrobial action against D. bruxellensis and Z. bailii although with reduced effectiveness to that showed in laboratory medium. Under the conditions tested, the addition of β‐glucanase did not affect wine enological parameters. Our data suggest the potential use of β‐glucanases as antimicrobial agents in wine and indicate that the application of antimicrobial enzymes for yeast spoilage control deserves further investigation.
Extension theorems for differential forms and Bogomolov–Sommese vanishing on log canonical varieties
Authors: Greb Daniel , Kebekus Stefan , Kovács Sándor J.
Published: December 2009

Given a normal variety Z, a p-form σ defined on the smooth locus of Z and a resolution of singularities $\pi : \widetilde {Z} \to Z$, we study the problem of extending the pull-back π*(σ) over the π-exceptional set $E \subset \widetilde {Z}$. For log canonical pairs and for certain values of p, we show that an extension always exists, possibly with logarithmic poles along E. As a corollary, it is shown that sheaves of reflexive differentials enjoy good pull-back properties. A natural generalization of the well-known Bogomolov–Sommese vanishing theorem to log canonical threefold pairs follows.
Iapetus: Unique Surface Properties and a Global Color Dichotomy from Cassini Imaging
Authors: Denk Tilmann , Neukum Gerhard , Roatsch Thomas , Porco Carolyn C. , Burns Joseph A. , Galuba Götz G. , Schmedemann Nico , Helfenstein Paul , Thomas Peter C. , Wagner Roland J. , West Robert A.
Published: December 2009

Iapetus Revealed

The striking appearance of Saturn's moon Iapetus—half black and half white—has puzzled astronomers for over three centuries. Now
Spencer and Denk
(p.
432
, published online 10 December) present an explanation for this asymmetry: A thermally controlled runaway migration of water ice triggered by exogenic deposition of dark material on the moon's leading darker side, which faces the direction of motion of the moon in its orbit around Saturn. This mechanism is unique to Iapetus because it rotates slowly enough to allow large temperature variations to arise, it is small enough to allow long-range migration of water, and there is a source of dust to trigger the process. In a related paper,

Denk
et al.

(p.
435
, published online 10 December) present data derived from the Cassini Imaging Science Subsystem that reveal that both dark and bright materials on the leading side of Iapetus are redder than their trailing-side counterparts. This asymmetry results from the deposition of dust and debris from other moons in the saturnian system—the very same process that initiates the thermal segregation proposed above.
Global Analysis of Short RNAs Reveals Widespread Promoter-Proximal Stalling and Arrest of Pol II in
Drosophila
Authors: Nechaev Sergei , Fargo David C. , dos Santos Gilberto , Liu Liwen , Gao Yuan , Adelman Karen
Published: December 2009

To Stall or Not to Stall

Recent studies in mammals and
Drosophila
have shown that RNA polymerase II frequently stalls shortly after initiating messenger RNA synthesis and that this stalling is important for proper expression of genes. Although several protein factors that affect polymerase stalling are known, the role of DNA sequence in this process has remained unclear. Now

Nechaev
et al.

(p.
335
, published online 10 December) report that the initially transcribed sequences of many genes contain a signal that works like a stop sign for the elongating polymerase. Expression of genes may thus be regulated by a combination of a DNA signal that induces promoter-proximal stalling and protein factors that alter its duration.
Quantitative Estimation of Epiphytic Invertebrate Populations
Authors: Downing John A. , Cyr Hélène
Published: December 2009

Quantitative comparisons were made of the relative accuracy, precision, and cost of various population estimation techniques for epiphytic invertebrates. Quadrat clipping was often more accurate than the Gerking, Macan, Minto, or KUG samplers, yielding population estimates an average of sevenfold greater where differences were found. All quadrat sizes (112 cm2 to 1 m2) usually yielded equal estimates of epiphytic invertebrate populations. The spatial variance of replicate epiphytic invertebrate samples increased with population density and decreased with the size of sampler employed (R2 = 0.94; n = 497). All samplers yielded equivalent levels of sampling precision. A method providing provisional estimates of the requisite number of replicate samples for a given level of precision is presented. Greater replication is required at low invertebrate population density or when small samplers are used. The most cost effective sampler size for the phytofauna is about 500 cm2. Improved sampling design can result in up to fivefold reductions in sampling effort. Taxa examined include Acari, Amphipoda, Chironomidae, Cladocera, Copepoda, Gastropoda, Hirudinea, Lepidoptera, Nematoda, Oligochaeta, Ostracoda, Trichoptera, and Turbellaria.
Relationship Between Nutrients, Dominant Ions, and Phytoplankton Standing Crop in Prairie Saline Lakes
Authors: Bierhuizen J. F. H. , Prepas E. E.
Published: December 2009

We collected data from 20 saline lakes (total dissolved solids from 1000 to 91 000 mg∙L−1) in southeastern Alberta to compare relationships between phosphorus, nitrogen, and phytoplankton standing crop with those in freshwater lakes. In 18 lakes, Na+, Mg2+, SO42−, and HCO3−-CO32− were the dominant ions. In these lakes there was a significant positive correlation between Ca2+ and chlorophyll a (Chl a), and there were significant negative correlations between Chl a and conductivity, pH, Na+, Mg2+, SO42−, HCO3−, and CO32−. When all 20 lakes were considered there were no significant relationships between Chl a and phosphorus or nitrogen. Empirical relationships for freshwater lakes, based on spring or summer total phosphorus (TP) or total nitrogen (TN), overestimated Chl a in all the study lakes. However, in saline lakes with similar ionic composition and TN to TP ratios greater than 12 (by weight), there was a significant positive relationship between TP and Chl a. For the saline lakes with TN to TP ratios greater than 12, the deviations between the Chl a levels predicted from models developed for freshwater lakes and the observed levels were positively correlated with conductivity, total dissolved solids, and Na+ (r2 = 0.78–0.82, P < 0.001). We developed the first empirical model that describes nutrient – Chl a relationships for inland saline lakes. The deviation of measured phytoplankton biomass from that predicted by models developed for freshwater lakes can be explained by conductivity or dominant ion concentration.
Patterns of Interannual Variation in Age at Maturity of Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in Alaska and British Columbia
Authors: Peterman Randall M.
Published: December 2009

Interannual variations in mean age of maturity tend to be positively correlated among 10 stocks of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) which spawn in rivers emptying into Bristol Bay, Alaska. Taking a comparative approach, I utilized data from British Columbia and Alaska sockeye stocks with different life histories to test alternative hypotheses about sources of these variations in mean age at maturity. The hypotheses included freshwater environment, marine environment, and parental influences. Freshwater hypotheses were rejected and while some parental effects do exist, they are small compared with the effect of events in early marine life. Early marine growth rate data do not exist for these stocks but evidence from five other sockeye stocks shows that fast growth during this period tends to lead to earlier age at maturity.
Hormonal Growth Promotion and Evidence for a Size-Related Difference in Response to Estradiol-17β in Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens)
Authors: Malison Jeffrey A. , Best Cody D. , Kayes Terrence B. , Amundson Clyde H. , Wentworth Bernard C.
Published: December 2009

Our studies indicate that estrogen(s) promote growth and may mediate sexually related dimorphic growth in yellow perch (Perca flavescens). (1) Neither 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) at 1.5–60 μg/g diet nor estradiol-17β (E2) at 15–120 μg/g stimulated length or weight gain when fed for 85 d to age 0 perch that were initially 20–35 mm total length (TL) and 0.14–0.25 g total weight (TW). (2) In larger age 0 perch (initially 90–110 mm TL and 8–12 g TW), E2 at 2 or 20 μg/g accelerated length and weight gain; MT, triiodothyronine, and zeranol failed to promote growth at all doses tested. (3) E2 at 20 μg/g had differential effects when fed for 84 d to age 0 perch (initially 30–50 mm TL and 0.5–0.7 g TW) and age 1 perch (initially 90–110 mm TL and 8–12 g TW): E2 stimulated weight gain in the larger fish within the first 28 d, but did not improve growth in the smaller perch until they reached 80–100 mm TL and 5–10 g TW (after day 56). These results demonstrate that E2 promotes perch growth only after a certain size- or age-related maturational status has been reached. We suggest that this status is related to the onset of spermatogenesis, vitellogenesis, and sexually related dimorphic growth and may be linked to the maturation of hormone receptors.
Density-Dependent Catchability and Its Potential Causes and Consequences on Connecticut River American Shad, Alosa sapidissima
Authors: Crecco Victor A. , Savoy Thomas F.
Published: December 2009

Using commercial catch per unit effort data (C/f) and relative shad population size, we assessed the hypothesis that commercial catchability coefficients for Connecticut River American shad, Alosa sapidissima, are inversely related to female shad population size. Daily female catch per gillnet drift and commercial effort data from 1978 through 1980 were also used to evaluate the nonrandom search behavior of fishermen, as well as the extent of temporal heterogeneity of the female shad population. Commercial catchability coefficients were inversely related to female shad population size, the relationship being well described by a power function with an exponent (B) of −0.743. Commercial C/f data were asymptotically and not linearly related to changes in the female population size, indicating that commercial C/f data underestimate percent changes in the female shad population. The inverse relationship between catchability and female population size was not due to serial improvements in gear technology, but rather to the ability of commercial fishermen to differentially exploit patches of female American shad during their upriver migration.
Role of Olfaction in the Behavioral and Neuronal Responses of Atlantic Salmon, Salmo salar, to Hydrographic Stratification
Authors: Døving Kjell B. , Westerberg Håkan , Johnsen Peter B.
Published: December 2009

The behavior of sham-operated and anosmic Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, was studied in a fjord system with close reference to the fine-scale hydrographic features. Control fish made small-amplitude vertical movements, with sudden large-amplitude excursions. The anosmic fish made large continuous searches up and down in the water column, descended below the sill depth of the fjord, and followed the bottom contours. None of these three behaviors was seen in the control fish. The trauma caused by the surgical incision did not prevent the fish from active swimming, and a fish with unilateral sectioning of the olfactory nerve returned to the river of release. Activity of single olfactory bulb neurons was recorded during stimulation of salmon olfactory epithelium with water samples taken from different depths of the fjord. These water samples had been taken from regions that showed layering and to which migrating salmon demonstrated behavioral preferences in ultrasonic tracking experiments. Ninety percent of responding neurons showed differencial responses to the water samples, indicating the capacity of the olfactory system to discriminate among stratified water layers found in the ocean. We conclude that olfactory discrimination of fine-scale hydrographic features may provide a necessary reference system for successful orientation in nearshore regions by salmon.
THE CONVERGENCE OF A MULTIDIMENSIONAL, LOCALLY CONSERVATIVE EULERIAN–LAGRANGIAN FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR A SEMILINEAR PARABOLIC EQUATION
Authors: DOUGLAS JIM , SPAGNUOLO ANNA MARIA , YI SON-YOUNG
Published: December 2009

We study a locally conservative Eulerian–Lagrangian finite element method for approximating the solution of a semilinear parabolic equation and prove that a post-processed version of the method converges at an optimal rate as the space and time increments tend to zero.
NUCLEAR PHOTON SCIENCE WITH INVERSE-COMPTON SCATTERING
Authors: FUJIWARA MAMORU
Published: December 2009

Recent developments of the synchroton radiation facilities and intense lasers are now guiding us to a new research frontier with probes of a high energy GeV photon beam and an intense and short pulse MeV γ-ray beam. New directions of the science developments with photo-nuclear reactions are discussed. The inverse Compton γ -ray has two good advantages for searching for a microscopic quantum world; they are 1) good emmitance and 2) high linear and circular polarizations. With these advantages, photon beams in the energy range from MeV to GeV are used for studying hadron structure, nuclear structure, astrophysics, materials science, as well as for applying medical science.
STRUCTURE OF THE NEUTRON RICH Ga AND Ge ISOTOPES OBSERVED AT ALTO
Authors: VERNEY D. , LEBOIS M. , IBRAHIM F. , ESSABAA S. , AZAIEZ F. , CHEIKH MHAMED M. , COTTEREAU E. , CUONG P.V. , FERRATON M. , FLANAGAN K. , FRANCHOO S. , GUILLEAMUD-MUELLER D. , HAMMACHE F. , LAU C. , LE BLANC F. , LE DU J.-F. , MOUGINOT B. , PETRACHE C. , ROUSSIERE B. , SAGUI L. , DE SEREVILLE N. , STEFAN I. , TASTET B.
Published: December 2009

During test runs dedicated to the commissioning of ALTO (Accélérateur Linéaire et Tandem à Orsay), β and β- n decay of the very neutron rich [Formula: see text] could be observed at the tape station installed on-line with the PARRNe mass-separator. γ-lines observed in the resulting spectra and a careful analysis of the balance of their relative intensities point toward the existence of two β-decaying states in 84 Ga . The decay of these long-lived states appear to feed the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] excited states of [Formula: see text] and the [Formula: see text] state in [Formula: see text] allowing a significant improvement of the knowledge on nuclear structure in the immediate vicinity of 78 Ni .
COALESCENCE OF TWO EXCEPTIONAL POINTS IN THE ANTI-HERMITIAN 3-LEVEL PAIRING MODEL
Authors: DUKELSKY J. , OKOŁOWICZ J. , PŁOSZAJCZAK M.
Published: December 2009

The formation of a higher-order singularity by the coalescence of two exceptional points is studied in the anti-hermitian limit of the complex-extended 3-level Richardson-Gaudin model.
STUDY OF THE 20O(d,t) REACTION WITH THE TIARA-MUST2-VAMOS-EXOGAM SETUP
Authors: RAMUS A. , ACHOURI N. L. , AL FALOU H. , ASHWOOD N. I. , BEAUMEL D. , BLUMENFELD Y. , BROWN S. M. , CATFORD W. N. , CHAPMAN R. , CHARTIER M. , CURTIS N. , DELAUNAY F. , FERNÁNDEZ-DOMÍNGUEZ B. , FORCE C. , DE FRANCE G. , FRANCHOO S. , GUILLOT J. , GUPTA D. , HAIGH P. , HAMMACHE F. , LABICHE M. , LAPOUX V. , LEMMON R. C. , MARÉCHAL F. , MARTIN B. , MOUGEOT X. , MOUGINOT B. , NALPAS L. , NAVIN A. , ORR N. A. , PATTERSON N. , PIETRAS B. , POLLACCO E. C. , LE PRINCE A. , REJMUND M. , SCARPACI J. A. , DE SÉRÉVILLE N. , STEFAN I. , SORLIN O. , THOMAS J. S. , WILSON G. L.
Published: December 2009

The reaction 20 O ( d , t ) has been studied in inverse kinematics using a secondary radioactive beam produced with the SPIRAL facility at GANIL. Fragments, light charged particles and gamma rays were measured with the TIARA, MUST2, VAMOS and EXOGAM detectors and preliminary results are reported. The level scheme of 19 O is built and the spin and parity of one state is tentatively assigned using the one-neutron transfer angular distribution.
FERMIONIC MOLECULAR DYNAMICS FOR NUCLEAR DYNAMICS AND THERMODYNAMICS
Authors: HASNAOUI K. H. O. , CHOMAZ PH , GULMINELLI F.
Published: December 2009

A new Fermionic Molecular Dynamics (FMD) model based on a Skyrme functional is proposed in this paper. After introducing the basic formalism, some first applications to nuclear structure and nuclear thermodynamics are presented.
GT± STRENGTH DISTRIBUTION IN 48Sc AND 116In MEASURED BY (p, n) AND (n, p) REACTIONS AT 300 MeV AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR 2ν2β DECAY
Authors: SAKAI HIDE , YAKO KENTARO , ICHOR COLLABORATION
Published: December 2009

Angular distributions of the double differential cross sections for the 48 Ca , 116 Cd (p, n) and the 48 Ti , 116 Sn (n, p) reactions were measured at 300 MeV. A multipole decomposition technique was applied to the spectra to extract the Gamow-Teller (GT) transition strengths. In both (n, p) spectra beyond 8 MeV excitation energy extra B( GT +) strengths which are not predicted by either shell model or QRPA calculations. This extra B( GT +) strengths certainly contribute to the nuclear matrix element of the 2ν2β-decay.