bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salt Gradient Dialysis Reconstitution of Nucleosomes
Authors: Peterson Craig L.
Published: December 2008

INTRODUCTION

In the salt gradient dialysis method, purified core histones are incubated with a DNA template in a buffer containing a high concentration of NaCl. As the salt is slowly dialyzed away, nucleosomes spontaneously assemble on the DNA, and their translational positioning along the DNA is directed by the DNA sequence. In the absence of nucleosome-positioning elements (e.g., 5S rDNA genes), the nucleosomes can adopt a closely packed nonphysiological structure with little space between the nucleosomes. Removal of remaining free histones, as well as templates with closely packed nucleosomes, can be achieved by fractionation over sucrose gradients. The chromatin assembled in these reactions can then be analyzed using micrococcal nuclease digestion. Salt dialysis reconstitutions are easy to perform, but they are time-consuming because of multiple changes of the dialysis buffer. The reconstitution method presented here takes a total of 1.5–2 d to complete.
Monitoring minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukaemia with NPM1 mutations by quantitative PCR: clonal evolution is a limiting factor
Authors: Papadaki Christina , Dufour Annika , Seibl Marlene , Schneider Stephanie , Bohlander Stefan K. , Zellmeier Evelyn , Mellert Gudrun , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Spiekermann Karsten
Published: December 2008

Nucleophosmin (NPM1) mutations in exon 12 represent the most frequent molecular aberrations in adult patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Molecular detection of NPM1 mutation A could be a useful marker for routine monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD). We established a calibrator‐normalized relative quantification real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for NPM1 mutation A. ABL1 was used as a reference housekeeping gene and the NPM1 mutation A‐containing OCI/AML3 cell line as a calibrator. Relative quantification was performed by calculating the NPM1 mutation A/ABL1 ratio which was normalized to the NPM1 mutation A/ABL1 ratio of OCI/AML3 calibrator cDNA. The assay showed a sensitivity of 10−5. The clinical usefulness was evaluated by monitoring MRD in 51 AML patients with NPM1 mutation A. In 27 patients analysed at diagnosis and after induction treatment, NPM1 mutation A ratios showed a median log10 reduction of 2·48, which correlated with response to therapy. Among the 51 patients, 21 relapsed and two lost the mutation. We established a sensitive, specific and reproducible assay for routine quantification and monitoring of NPM1 mutation A levels. However, clonal evolution was observed in 9·5% limiting the usefulness of the NPM1 mutation A mutation as a molecular marker in these patients.
Optimal management of adults with ALL
Authors: Rowe Jacob M.
Published: December 2008

The cure rate of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in adults remains unsatisfactory. The remarkable progress in childhood ALL has not been replicated in adult ALL and approximately two thirds of patients younger than 60 years, and more than 90% of those over 60 years, are expected to succumb to their disease. Over 80% of adults can achieve a complete remission; however, the majority of such patients relapse. Nevertheless, significant developments have occurred over the past decade. Prognostic factors have been more clearly defined, moving cytogenetics and molecular determinants forefront, much like acute myeloid leukaemia. Studies of postremission therapy have included prospective evaluation of allogeneic transplantation in areas not previously evaluated, i.e. patients with standard risk. Most importantly, the advent of imatinib mesylate has changed the outlook for adults with Ph‐positive ALL. Much work needs to be done to further improve chemotherapy treatment and reduce the toxicity of transplants.
Human TSLP and TLR3 ligands promote differentiation of Th17 cells with a central memory phenotype under Th2‐polarizing conditions
Authors: Tanaka J. , Watanabe N. , Kido M. , Saga K. , Akamatsu T. , Nishio A. , Chiba T.
Published: December 2008

Background
Human thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is expressed in the human asthmatic lung and activates dendritic cells (DCs) to strongly induce proallergic T‐helper type 2 (Th2) cell responses, suggesting that TSLP plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of human asthma. Th2 cells are predominantly involved in mild asthma, whereas a mixture of Th1 and Th2 cells with neutrophilic inflammation, probably induced by Th17, affects more severe asthmatic disease. Exacerbation of asthmatic inflammation is often triggered by airway‐targeting RNA viral infection; virus‐derived double‐stranded RNA, Toll‐like receptor (TLR)3 ligand, activates bronchial epithelial cells to produce pro‐inflammatory mediators, including TSLP.

Objective
Because TSLPR‐expressing DCs express TLR3, we examined how the relationship between TSLP and TLR3 ligand stimulation influences DC activation.

Methods
CD11c+DCs purified from adult peripheral blood were cultured in TLR ligands containing media with or without TSLP and then co‐cultured with allogeneic naïve CD4+T cells.

Results
CD11c+ DCs responded to a combination of TSLP and TLR3 ligand, poly(I : C), to up‐regulate expression of the functional TSLP receptor and TLR3. Although TSLP alone did not induce IL‐23 production by DCs, poly(I : C) alone primed DCs for the production of IL‐23, and a combination of TSLP and poly(I : C) primed DCs for further production of IL‐23. The addition of poly(I : C) did not inhibit TSLP‐activated DCs to prime naïve CD4+ T cells to differentiate into inflammatory Th2 cells. Furthermore, DCs activated by a combination of TSLP and poly(I : C) primed more naïve CD4+ T cells to differentiate into Th17‐cytokine–producing cells with a central memory T cell phenotype compared with DCs activated by poly(I : C) alone.

Conclusions
These results suggest that through DC activation, human TSLP and TLR3 ligands promote differentiation of Th17 cells with the central memory T cell phenotype under Th2‐polarizing conditions.
4-Thiouridine induces dose-dependent reduction of oedema, leucocyte influx and tumour necrosis factor in lung inflammation
Authors: Evaldsson C , Rydén I , Rosén A , Uppugunduri S
Published: December 2008

Recent reports demonstrate a role for nucleotides as inflammatory modulators. Uridine, for example, reduces oedema formation and leucocyte infiltration in a Sephadex-induced lung inflammation model. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) concentration was also reduced. Previous in vivo observations indicated that 4-thiouridine might have similar effects on leucocyte infiltration and TNF release. The aim of this study was thus to investigate the effects of 4-thiouridine in greater detail. We used a Sephadex-induced acute lung inflammation model in Sprague–Dawley rats. The dextran beads were instilled intratracheally into the lungs, which were excised and examined after 24 h. Sephadex alone led to massive oedema formation and infiltration of macrophages, neutrophils and eosinophils. Microgranulomas with giant cell formations were clearly visible around the partially degraded beads. A significant increase in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) content of TNF and leukotrienes was also seen. 4-Thiouridine co-administration affected all variables investigated in this model, i.e. oedema, microscopic and macroscopic appearance of lung tissue, total leucocyte and differential leucocyte counts in BALF, TNF and leukotrienes C4 (LTC4), LTD4 and LTE4 in BALF, indicating a reproducible anti-inflammatory effect. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that 4-thiouridine has anti-inflammatory effects similar to those of uridine. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of pharmacological 4-thiouridine effects in vivo. The results suggest nucleoside/nucleotide involvement in inflammatory processes, warranting further studies on nucleoside analogues as attractive new alternatives in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
CHARACTERIZATION OF AN α‐AMIDATING ACTIVITY IN A HUMAN PANCREATIC TUMOUR SECRETING VASOACTIVE INTESTINAL PEPTIDE (VIP)
Authors: MALTÉSE J.‐Y. , MONGE G. , GIRAUD P. , SALERS P. , OUAFIK LH. , PELEN F. , OLIVER C.
Published: December 2008

A case of watery diarrhoea hypokalemia achlorhydria (WDHA) syndrome due to a pancreatic tumour and identified by VIP plasma level, VIP immunocyto‐chemistry, and ultrastructural analysis of tumour sections, is reported, Since VIP is the mediator of the syndrome and is biologically active under its amidated form, the enzymatic α‐amidating activity was investigated and characterized in tumour extract; using the synthetic substrate D‐Tyr‐Val‐Gly, the enzyme displayed an optimal activity at pH 70, under aerobic conditions and with 35 μM CuSO4 and 3 mM ascorbate as co‐factors. The Kmax and Vmax values of the enzymatic activity were 133.7 μM and 26.9 pmol/h/μg protein respectively. Its molecular weight, determined by molecular sieving, was close to 36 kDa. Other tumours of the human endocrine pancreas were also investigated for the enzymatic activity. The clinical interest of studying the regulation of the α‐amidating activity in such tumours is discussed.
THE INFLUENCE OF GROWTH HORMONE ON SLEEP IN ADULTS WITH GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY
Authors: ÅSTRÖ CHRISTINA , PEDERSEN SØSREN ANKER , LINDHOLM JÖRGEN
Published: December 2008

Eight patients with isolated growth hormone deficiency(IGHD), 20–30 years old were studied with polysomnography before and after 6 months of treatment with growth hormone (GH). During GH treatment total sleep time decreased and REM sleep time increased significantly. Delta sleep time (stage 3 + 4) did not change significantly. All patients reported improved well‐being and none wished to discontinue the treatment with growth hormone. These findings suggest that GH has an effect on sleep. The effect of increased REM sleep in humans is incompletely understood, but sleep recordings may be one way of directly monitoring the effect of GH on the central nervous system.
A comparison of soil organic carbon stock in ancient and modern land use systems in Denmark
Authors: Breuning‐Madsen H. , Elberling B. , Balstroem T. , Holst M. , Freudenberg M.
Published: December 2008

During the South Scandinavian Early Bronze Age about 3300 years ago, thousands of burial mounds were constructed of sods from fallow ground used for grazing in Denmark and northern Germany. In some of these mounds a wet, anaerobic core developed, preventing the decomposition of organic matter. A comparison of the organic matter content in these mound cores and the plough layer in modern farmland offers an opportunity to compare the soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in ancient and modern land use systems and to evaluate the long‐term trends in carbon (C) sequestration in relation to modern farmland with varying inputs of manure and inorganic fertilizers. In the present paper we compare SOC stocks based on integrated horizon‐specific densities and SOC contents in three 3300‐year‐old buried farmland soils, representing the land use system at that time, with results from soil surveys representing modern land use systems with low and high inputs of manure. Results show that, within the upper 0.28 m, which is the average depth of present day plough layers in Denmark, soils receiving manure from intensive pig or cattle production hold c. 60% more SOC than the ancient soils from the South Scandinavian Bronze Age. In contrast, modern arable soils mainly receiving limited inputs of manure hold a SOC stock similar to that of the ancient soils.
TheAedes aegyptilarval transcriptome: a comparative perspective with emphasis on trypsins and the domain structure of peritrophins
Authors: Venancio T. M. , Cristofoletti P. T. , Ferreira C. , Verjovski‐Almeida S. , Terra W. R.
Published: December 2008

The genome sequence ofAedes aegyptiwas recently reported. A significant amount of Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) were sequenced to aid in the gene prediction process. In the present work we describe an integrated analysis of the genomic and EST data, focusing on genes with preferential expression in larvae (LG), adults (AG) and in both stages (SG). A total of 913 genes (5.4% of the transcript complement) are LG, including ion transporters and cuticle proteins that are important for ion homeostasis and defense. From a starting set of 245 genes encoding the trypsin domain, we identified 66 putative LG, AG, and SG trypsins by manual curation. Phylogenetic analyses showed that AG trypsins are divergent from their larval counterparts (LG), grouping with blood‐induced trypsins fromAnopheles gambiaeandSimulium vittatum. These results support the hypothesis that blood‐feeding arose only once, in the ancestral Culicomorpha. Peritrophins are proteins that interlock chitin fibrils to form the peritrophic membrane (PM) that compartmentalizes the food in the midgut. These proteins are recognized by having chitin‐binding domains with 6 conserved Cys and may also present mucin‐like domains (regions expected to be highlyO‐glycosylated). PM may be formed by a ring of cells (type 2, seen inAe. aegyptilarvae andDrosophila melanogaster) or by most midgut cells (type 1, found inAe. aegyptiadult andTribolium castaneum). LG andD. melanogasterperitrophins have more complex domain structures than AG andT. castaneumperitrophins. Furthermore, mucin‐like domains of peritrophins fromT. castaneum(feeding on rough food) are lengthier than those of adultAe. aegypti(blood‐feeding). This suggests, for the first time, that type 1 and type 2 PM may have variable molecular architectures determined by different peritrophins and/or ancillary proteins, which may be partly modulated by diet.
Multiple roles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa TBCF10839 PilY1 in motility, transport and infection
Authors: Bohn Yu‐Sing Tammy , Brandes Gudrun , Rakhimova Elza , Horatzek Sonja , Salunkhe Prabhakar , Munder Antje , Van Barneveld Andrea , Jordan Doris , Bredenbruch Florian , Häußler Susanne , Riedel Kathrin , Eberl Leo , Jensen Peter Østrup , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Moser Claus , Hoiby Niels , Tümmler Burkhard , Wiehlmann Lutz
Published: December 2008

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils are the most important mammalian host defence cells against infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Screening of a signature tagged mutagenesis library of the non‐piliated P. aeruginosa strain TBCF10839 uncovered that transposon inactivation of its pilY1 gene rendered the bacterium more resistant against killing by neutrophils than the wild type and any other of the more than 3000 tested mutants. Inactivation of pilY1 led to the loss of twitching motility in twitching‐proficient wild‐type PA14 and PAO1 strains, predisposed to autolysis and impaired the secretion of quinolones and pyocyanin, but on the other hand promoted growth in stationary phase and bacterial survival in murine airway infection models. The PilY1 population consisted of a major full‐length and a minor shorter PilY1* isoform. PilY1* was detectable in small extracellular quinolone‐positive aggregates, but not in the pilus. P. aeruginosa PilY1 is not an adhesin on the pilus tip, but assists in pilus biogenesis, twitching motility, secretion of secondary metabolites and in the control of cell density in the bacterial population.
Comparativein vitroantimicrobial efficacy of commercial ear cleaners
Authors: Swinney Alison , Fazakerley Jennifer , McEwan Neil , Nuttall Tim
Published: December 2008

The aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of ear cleaners againstStaphylococcus intermedius,Pseudomonas aeruginosaandMalassezia pachydermatis. Single isolates of each organism were incubated in duplicate at 38 °C for 30 min with each ear cleaner diluted 1/2 to1/256 in phosphate‐buffered saline. Positive and negative controls were included. Aliquots were then incubated for 16–18 h on sheep blood agar (bacteria) or for 3 days on Sabouraud's dextrose agar (Malassezia) at 38 °C. The lowest dilutions exhibiting 100% antimicrobial efficacy forS. intermediuswere: Cleanaural®Dog 1/32; Sancerum®1/16; Otoclean®1/4; EpiOtic®1/2; MalAcetic®1/2; and Triz Plus®1/2. The results forP. aeruginosawere Sancerum®and Triz Plus®1/16; Cleanaural®Dog and EpiOtic®1/8; Otoclean®1/4; and MalAcetic®1/2. Results forM. pachydermatis were: Cleanaural®Dog 1/32; Sancerum®, Otoclean®, EpiOtic®and Triz Plus®1/8; and MalAcetic®1/4. Cleanaural®Cat, MalAcetic HC®and Triz EDTA®did not display any antimicrobial activity at any dilution. Antimicrobial activity appeared to be associated with the presence of isopropyl alcohol, parachlorometaxylenol and a low pH. The results of this study may help clinicians make evidence‐based decisions when selecting ear cleaners for use in individual cases.
Glucocorticoids in the cat
Authors: Lowe Andrew D. , Campbell Karen L. , Graves Thomas
Published: December 2008

Glucocorticoids are one of the two main classes of hormones, along with mineralocorticoids, which are secreted from the adrenal cortex. Since the discovery of the anti‐inflammatory properties of the natural glucocorticoid hydrocortisone, a large number of artificial glucocorticoids have been synthesized to attempt to increase efficacy and decrease side effects. These drugs are now considered one of the most commonly prescribed agents in veterinary practice. The effect of these drugs has been shown to vary significantly between species. Cats appear to tolerate glucocorticoids well, resulting in these drugs being recommended for a wide variety of conditions; however, there are few studies on the effects of glucocorticoids in cats. In this paper we review some of the available literature on glucocorticoid use in the cat.
Transformation of Fusarium virguliforme, the Causal Agent of Sudden Death Syndrome of Soybean
Authors: Mansouri Saara , Van Wijk Ringo , Rep Martijn , Fakhoury Ahmad M.
Published: December 2008

Fusarium virguliforme is a soil‐borne pathogen that causes sudden death syndrome (SDS) in soybean. SDS is an important disease that causes significant losses in soybean growing areas worldwide. Little is known about the interaction between F. virguliforme and soybean. We have developed a protoplast‐based fungal transformation system for F. virguliforme. One of the applications of the transformation system was the production of a green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐expressing fungal transformant. The GFP‐expressing fungus can be used to study fungal infection processes including fungal penetration, colonization, and spread, especially at the early stages of disease development. Furthermore, in an attempt to increase the genetic resources available to identify and characterize fungal virulence genes involved in the F. virguliforme‐soybean system, we generated random insertional mutations in F. virguliforme using restriction enzyme mediated integration.
Psychotic boys performing well in school are at increased risk of suicidal ideation
Authors: Tikkanen Vesa , Alaräisänen Antti , Hakko Helinä , Räsänen Pirkko , Riala Kaisa ,   the STUDY‐70 workgroup
Published: December 2008

Aim:  This study investigated how the level of school performance is associated with suicidal behavior and psychiatric disorders among adolescent psychiatric inpatients aged 12–17 years.

Methods:  Data were collected from 508 adolescents (300 girls, 208 boys; age 12–17 years) admitted to inpatient psychiatric hospitalization between April 2001 and March 2006. Information on the adolescents' school performance, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and self‐mutilation as well as psychiatric DSM‐IV diagnoses was obtained using the Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia for School‐Age Children.

Results:  An elevated risk of suicidal ideation (OR = 3.6, 95% CI 1.3–10.2, P = 0.017) and of psychotic disorders (OR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.0–10.0, P = 0.048) was observed among male adolescents performing well in school. In addition, adolescents with poor school performance had an increased likelihood of substance‐related disorder both in boys (OR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.1–6.1, P = 0.027) and girls (OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.2–5.1, P = 0.011).

Conclusions:  Our findings indicate that psychotic inpatient male adolescents performing well in school are at an elevated risk of suicidal ideation. Although good school performance is often considered a marker of high intelligence and good general ability, symptoms of major psychiatric disorders and suicidality need to be taken very seriously among adolescents performing well in school.
Should obesity be the main game? Or do we need an environmental makeover to combat the inflammatory and chronic disease epidemics?
Authors: Egger G. , Dixon J.
Published: December 2008

There is a link between obesity and chronic disease. However, the causal relationship is complicated. Some forms of obesity are associated with low‐level systemic inflammation, which is linked to disease. But lifestyle behaviours that may not necessarily cause obesity (poor diet, inadequate sleep, smoking, etc.) can independently cause inflammation and consequent disease. It is proposed here that it is the environment driving modern lifestyles, which is the true cause of much chronic disease, rather than obesityper se, and that obesity may be a marker of environmental derangement, rather than the primary cause of the problem. Attempts to clinically manage obesity alone on a large scale are therefore unlikely to be successful at the population level without significant lifestyle or environmental change. Environmental factors influencing obesity and health have now also been implicated in ecological perturbations such as climate change, through the shift to positive energy balance in humans caused by the exponential use of fossil fuels in such areas as transport, and consequent rises in carbon emissions into the atmosphere. It is proposed therefore that a more policy‐based approach to dealing with obesity, which attacks the common causes of both biological and ecological ‘dis‐ease’, could have positive effects on both chronic disease and environmental problems. A plea is thus made for a greater health input into discussions on environmental regulation for chronic disease control, as well as climate change.
ARCHIMEDEAN METAETHICS DEFENDED
Authors: EHRENBERG KENNETH M.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:We sometimes say our moral claims are “objectively true,” or are “right, even if nobody believes it.” These additional claims are often taken to be staking out metaethical positions, representative of a certain kind of theorizing about morality that “steps outside” the practice in order to comment on its status. Ronald Dworkin has argued that skepticism about these claims so understood is not tenable because it is impossible to step outside such practices. I show that externally skeptical metaethical theory can withstand his attacks, thereby defending the possibility of this kind of metatheoretical method and showing that the additional objectivity claims still make sense as external claims. Four interpretations of the additional objectivity claims can still be understood externally: as secondary properties, as arguing for some form of causal correspondence, as explaining error, and under Blackburn's expressivism. In the end, Dworkin's argument can be turned against itself.
DEONTOLOGY IN ETHICS AND EPISTEMOLOGY
Authors: BOOTH ANTHONY ROBERT
Published: December 2008

Abstract: In this article, I consider some of the similarities and differences between deontologism in ethics and epistemology. In particular, I highlight two salient differences between them. I aim to show that by highlighting these differences we can see that epistemic deontologism does not imply epistemic internalism and that it is not a thesis primarily about epistemic permissibility. These differences are: (1) deontologism in epistemology has a quasi‐teleological feature (not shared with moral deontologism) in that it does not require that one abide by epistemic duties for the sake of (and not merely in accordance with) those very duties; and (2) in ethics, the relevant options we speak of are whether someone acts or does not act; in epistemology, we have an analogous further option: we can speak of whether someone believes that p, fails to believe that p, or withholds judgment about that p.
AUGUSTINE'S ADVICE FOR COLLEGE TEACHERS: EVER ANCIENT, EVER NEW
Authors: IMMERWAHR JOHN
Published: December 2008

Abstract: St. Augustine's short treatise Instructing Beginners in Faith (De Catechizandis Rudibus) is one of his less well known works, but it provides some fascinating insights on pedagogy that are applicable to college teaching. For Augustine, education is best understood as a relationship of love, where teacher and learner function in a reciprocal system. If the teacher is enthusiastic, the students respond, drawing even more energy from the teacher. If the teacher is dull, or if the students are unresponsive, the learning environment spirals downward. Augustine's relational analysis allows him to diagnose and prescribe cures for some of the problems contemporary college and university teachers often encounter in their classrooms.
How the longspur won its spurs: a study of claw and toe length in ground‐dwelling passerine birds
Authors: Green R. E. , Barnes K. N. , Brooke M. de L.
Published: December 2008

Noting that some ground‐dwelling passerine birds have remarkably long claws, reflected in such names as longclaw (Motacillidae) and longspur (Emberizidae), this comparative study assessed whether these features might aid movement over grassy ground vegetation. Using measurements of museum specimens, we found that, corrected for body size, larks (Alaudidae) living in grassy habitats (n=31) had significantly longer toes and claws and hence larger footspans than species dwelling on bare substrates (n=25). Using phylogenetically corrected contrasts, the claw result remained strongly significant, and the footspan result marginally significant, while there was no significant difference between the toes of the two groups. Among 15 matched pairs of other ground‐dwelling passerines, where one member of the pair inhabits vegetated ground and the other inhabits bare ground, the former had significantly longer toes and claws and hence larger footspans. We conclude that ground‐dwelling passerines living on vegetated, typically grassy ground, have larger feet, due to both longer toes and claws. This probably facilitates movement over uneven and unstable vegetation.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in arterial baroreceptor pathways: implications for activity‐dependent plasticity at baroafferent synapses
Authors: Martin Jessica L. , Jenkins Victoria K. , Hsieh Hui‐ya , Balkowiec Agnieszka
Published: December 2008

Functional characteristics of the arterial baroreceptor reflex change throughout ontogenesis, including perinatal adjustments of the reflex gain and adult resetting during hypertension. However, the cellular mechanisms that underlie these functional changes are not completely understood. Here, we provide evidence that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin with a well‐established role in activity‐dependent neuronal plasticity, is abundantly expressed in vivo by a large subset of developing and adult rat baroreceptor afferents. Immunoreactivity to BDNF is present in the cell bodies of baroafferent neurons in the nodose ganglion, their central projections in the solitary tract, and terminal‐like structures in the lower brainstem nucleus tractus solitarius. Using ELISA in situ combined with electrical field stimulation, we show that native BDNF is released from cultured newborn nodose ganglion neurons in response to patterns that mimic the in vivo activity of baroreceptor afferents. In particular, high‐frequency bursting patterns of baroreceptor firing, which are known to evoke plastic changes at baroreceptor synapses, are significantly more effective at releasing BDNF than tonic patterns of the same average frequency. Together, our study indicates that BDNF expressed by first‐order baroreceptor neurons is a likely mediator of both developmental and post‐developmental modifications at first‐order synapses in arterial baroreceptor pathways.
Coordination between electoral arenas in multilevel countries
Authors: LAGO IGNACIO , MONTERO JOSÉ RAMÓN
Published: December 2008

This article shows the existence of a coordination dilemma in multilevel countries that hold elections for different parliaments, at different territorial levels and with different electoral rules. With evidence from Spain, the analysis identifies interaction or contamination effects between national and subnational electoral arenas that generate, just as in most mixed‐member electoral systems, a centrifugal force that increases the number of electoral parties in national elections. The incentives that solve this coordination dilemma faced by small regional or local parties are theoretically discussed and empirically tested.
Information, visibility and elections: Why electoral outcomes differ when voters are better informed
Authors: BLAIS ANDRÉ , GIDENGIL ELISABETH , FOURNIER PATRICK , NEVITTE NEIL
Published: December 2008

This article assesses the aggregate effect of information shortfall on the outcome of the last six Canadian elections. Building on Bartels' analysis, the authors find an information effect in three of the six elections examined, and in each case the information gap benefits the Liberal Party. That finding raises the question: why does information matter in some contexts but not in others? It is argued in this article that the information gap is related to lack of visibility. When and where all political parties have some degree of visibility, the less informed vote like the better informed, but when and where a party is hardly visible, the less informed are less likely to support that party. The less informed appear to consider a smaller set of options when they decide how to vote.
PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSES OF THE RED ALGAL ORDER RHODYMENIALES SUPPORTS RECOGNITION OF THE HYMENOCLADIACEAE FAM. NOV., FRYEELLACEAE FAM. NOV., AND NEOGASTROCLONIUM GEN. NOV.1
Authors: Le Gall Line , Dalen Jennifer L. , Saunders Gary W.
Published: December 2008

Systematics of the red algal order Rhodymeniales was investigated using combined large‐subunit nuclear ribosomal DNA (LSU) and elongation factor 2 (EF2) analyses. These data were subjected to distance, parsimony, and Bayesian analyses, and the resulting phylogenies were largely congruent with previously published SSU results in that the four currently recognized rhodymenialean families (Champiaceae, Faucheaceae, Lomentariaceae, and Rhodymeniaceae) were resolved as monophyletic lineages (with the exception of Coelothrix, which is here transferred to the Champiaceae from the Rhodymeniaceae). In addition, taxa presently considered as incertae sedis consisted of two lineages (Fryeella lineage and Hymenocladia lineage). Based on these results, two new families are proposed: (i) the Fryeellaceae fam. nov. to accommodate the genera Fryeella, Hymenocladiopsis, and a new taxon from Tasmania, Australia; and (ii) the Hymenocladiaceae fam. nov., to accommodate Asteromenia, Hymenocladia, and Erythrymenia. In addition to resolving familial relationships, these analyses resolved some novel interspecific affinities, and we propose a new genus, Neogastroclonium gen. nov., for Gastroclonium subarticulatum, a species that differs significantly in both morphology and molecular data from genuine species of Gastroclonium. Relationships among additional faucheacean and lomentariacean taxa were investigated using LSU data only, and these results are discussed. The familial classification of the Rhodymeniales proposed herein is discussed in light of vegetative and reproductive anatomy, most notably the ontogeny of the tetrasporangia.
COLEOFASCICULUS GEN. NOV. (CYANOBACTERIA): MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR CRITERIA FOR REVISION OF THE GENUS MICROCOLEUS GOMONT1
Authors: Siegesmund Maria A. , Johansen Jeffrey R. , Karsten Ulf , Friedl Thomas
Published: December 2008

Species currently classified within the cyanobacterial genus Microcoleus were determined to fall into two distinct clades in a 16S rDNA phylogeny, one containing taxa within the Oscillatoriaceae, the other containing taxa within the Phormidiaceae. The two lineages were confirmed in an analysis of the 16S–23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequences and secondary structures. The type species for Microcoleus is M. vaginatus Gomont, and this taxon belongs in the Oscillatoriaceae. Consequently, Microcoleus taxa in the Phormidiaceae must be placed in separate genera, and we propose the new genus Coleofasciculus to contain marine taxa currently placed in Microcoleus. The type species for Coleofasciculus is the well‐studied and widespread marine mat‐forming species Microcoleus chthonoplastes (Mert.) Zanardini ex Gomont. Other characters separating the two families include type of cell division and thylakoid structure.
NEW STREPTOPHYTE GREEN ALGAE FROM TERRESTRIAL HABITATS AND AN ASSESSMENT OF THE GENUS INTERFILUM (KLEBSORMIDIOPHYCEAE, STREPTOPHYTA)1
Authors: Mikhailyuk Tatiana I. , Sluiman Hans J. , Massalski Andrzej , Mudimu Opayi , Demchenko Eduard M. , Kondratyuk Sergej Ya. , Friedl Thomas
Published: December 2008

Sarcinoid aeroterrestrial green algae were isolated from three arid locations in Ukraine and the Czech Republic. Although gross morphology suggested an affinity with Desmococcus (for taxonomic authorities, see Table S1 in the supplementary material), the cellular morphological characteristics were reminiscent of those of Geminella terricola. However, the presence of a complex of ultrastructural features indicated that these isolates were members of the streptophyte lineage in the green plants. 18S rDNA sequence phylogenies provided evidence of a close relationship with Klebsormidium in the Streptophyta, while the position of Desmococcus was within the Trebouxiophyceae. In the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA phylogeny, the sarcinoid isolates were closely related with strains of G. terricola and Interfilum paradoxum. Strains of that clade were morphologically united by a specific type of cell division that involves the association of persistent, cap‐shaped remains of the mother cell wall with daughter cells. Consequently, these strains were assigned to a redefined genus Interfilum, and a new species, I. massjukiae, was described to accommodate one of the sarcinoid isolates. As the position of the genus Geminella was in the Trebouxiophyceae, the streptophyte G. terricola was transferred to Interfilum, as I. terricola comb. nov., but the ITS rDNA analyses proved inconclusive to resolve its affinities with other species of Interfilum due to intragenomic polymorphisms. The species of Interfilum had a closer relationship with K. flaccidum than with other species of Klebsormidium. The latter genus may not be monophyletic in its present circumscription.
THE DISTRIBUTION, MORPHOLOGY, AND ECOLOGY OF THREE INTRODUCED ASIATIC SPECIES OF PORPHYRA (BANGIALES, RHODOPHYTA) IN THE NORTHWESTERN ATLANTIC1
Authors: Neefus Christopher D. , Mathieson Arthur C. , Bray Troy L. , Yarish Charles
Published: December 2008

Distributions of three Asiatic Porphyra species, Porphyra yezoensis Ueda, Porphyra katadae A. Miura, and Porphyra suborbiculata Kjellm., are reported from New England, USA. Species identifications were confirmed by rbcL and nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer‐1 (ITS1) sequence comparisons with herbarium specimens, cultures, and GenBank accessions. Two distinct genotypes of P. yezoensis were detected: forma narawaensis A. Miura and f. yezoensis. Forma narawaensis occurs south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and has ITS1 sequences identical to cultivars widely grown in Japan. Forma yezoensis occurs in western Long Island Sound and from Cape Cod northward to midcoastal Maine; its ITS1 sequence is identical to a wild specimen from Hokkaido, Japan. P. katadae has been collected from five locations near Cape Cod; its ITS1 sequence is identical to a cultured specimen from Qingdao, China. P. suborbiculata has been collected at several locations south of Cape Cod; its presence in North Carolina and Delaware during the mid‐1960s was confirmed from herbarium specimens. Morphological and ecological characteristics for New England populations of the three Asiatic species were compared to original descriptions. New England P. yezoensis f. yezoensis is similar to Ueda’s original description of Japanese specimens, but there are morphological differences for P. yezoensis f. narawaensis. In New England, f. narawaensis typically does not attain the length reported in Japan (max. 19 cm versus 100 cm). New England P. katadae is similar to Miura’s original description, except for slight differences in thallus thickness and reproductive patterns. By contrast, New England, Japanese, and other populations of P. suborbiculata exhibit pronounced differences in blade coloration, shape and dimensions, reproductive patterns, seasonal occurrence, and general ecology.
DEWFALL AS A WATER SOURCE FREQUENTLY ACTIVATES THE ENDOLITHIC CYANOBACTERIAL COMMUNITIES IN THE GRANITES OF TAYLOR VALLEY, ANTARCTICA1
Authors: Büdel Burkhard , Bendix Jörg , Bicker Fritz R. , Allan Green T. G.
Published: December 2008

Endolithic photosynthetic microorganisms like cyanobacteria and algae are well known from savannas and deserts of the world, the high Arctic, and also Antarctic habitats like the Dry Valleys in the Ross Dependency. These endolithic microbial communities are thought to be at the limits of life with reported ages in the order of thousands of years. Here we report on an extensive chasmoendolithic cyanobacterial community inside granite rocks of Mt. Falconer in the lower Taylor Valley, Dry Valleys. On average, the cyanobacterial community was 4.49 ± 0.95 mm below the rock surface, where it formed a blue‐green layer. The community was composed mainly of the cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp., with occasional Cyanothece cf. aeruginosa (Nägeli) Komárek and Nostoc sp. Mean biomass was 168 ± 44 g carbon · m−2, and the mean chl a content was 24.3 ± 34.2 mg · m−2. In situ chl fluorescence measurements—a relative measure of photosynthetic activity—showed that they were active over long periods each day and also showed activity the next day in the absence of any moisture. Radiocarbon dating gave a relatively young age (175–280 years) for the community. Calculations from microclimate data demonstrated that formation of dew or rime was possible and could frequently activate the cyanobacteria and may explain the younger age of microbial communities at Mt. Falconer compared to older and less active endolithic microorganisms reported earlier from Linnaeus Terrace, a higher altitude region that experiences colder, drier conditions.
Efficiency–equity tradeoffs and the scope for resource reallocation in agricultural research: evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Alene Arega D. , Manyong V. M. , Tollens Eric F. , Abele Steffen
Published: December 2008

On the basis of projected economic and poverty impacts of alternative commodity research programs, this article assessed efficiency and equity tradeoffs and the scope for research resource reallocation in Nigeria. Given the importance of major food staples to both poor and nonpoor households in production and consumption, introducing a poverty dimension revealed no significant shift in priorities compared with those implied by efficiency. The results showed that neither the additional benefits to the poor nor the foregone benefits to society are significant from prioritizing research according to equity—relative to efficiency—criteria. As current priorities are supported by neither efficiency nor equity criteria, however, there is considerable scope for maximizing research benefits to the poor through informed reallocation of research resources. The article concludes with a discussion of the patterns of resource reallocations implied by efficiency and equity criteria.
Agricultural commercialization of Karen Hill tribes in northern Thailand
Authors: Tipraqsa Prasnee , Schreinemachers Pepijn
Published: December 2008

Based on a random sample of 240 farm households in Chiang Mai province, Thailand, this study shows that—contrary to widespread belief—Karen farm households are well‐integrated into markets. Average levels of market integration are 31% for gross farm output, 35% for variable inputs, 49% for food consumption, and 80% for net family income. By estimating a two‐stage least squares (2SLS) regression model, this study finds that integration into output markets is positively associated with a diversification of land use away from rice monoculture, more intense contact with nearby urban centers, and a greater number of roads connecting the village to the outside world. Controlling for these factors, the distance to urban centers does not impede market integration; distant villages are equally well integrated into output markets. The study further finds that integration into output markets improves farm productivity and net per capita income. Concerns about market integration are discussed. Results have implications for Thai policy makers who have recently placed increasing emphasis on the concept of “sufficiency economy” in order to promote the well‐being of rural people.
Cool heads: ethical issues associated with therapeutic hypothermia for newborns
Authors: Wilkinson Dominic J
Published: December 2008

Hypothermia is the first treatment for newborns with hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) with consistent evidence of a reduction in the risk of death or severe disability. This paper addresses a number of ethical and practical issues faced by clinicians as cooling moves from an experimental treatment into practice. These issues are not unique to therapeutic hypothermia. They include the extrapolation of evidence from trials to clinical care, as well as the impact of hypothermia on prognosis and withdrawal of life‐sustaining treatment.

Conclusion: Hypothermia is a promising new therapy, but further research will be necessary to help resolve some of the ethical concerns associated with its use in newborns with HIE .
The mother's immune system is a balanced threat to the foetus, turning to protection of the neonate
Authors: Hanson Lars Å , Silfverdal Sven Arne
Published: December 2008

Immunological tolerance by the mother prevents rejection of the foetus, but aberrations may increase risk of abnormalities like spontaneous abortion, or foetal growth restriction.

The neonate is normally colonized with mother's gut microflora, mainly composed of protective anaerobes. This least threatening form of microbial colonization of the neonate, is impaired by sectio delivery, but supported by breastfeeding.

Mother's transplacental IgG, secretory IgA and other milk components help protect the neonate together with its own slowly expanding immune system.

Conclusion: The mother's immune system tolerates her foetus via several mechanisms. Failure to do so may cause foetal growth retardation, or spontaneous abortion. The mother and the neonate cooperate in preventing infections in the offspring.
Renal medullary effects of transient prehypertensive treatment in young spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Baumann M. , Janssen B. J. A. , Rob Hermans J. J. , Bartholome R. , Smits J. F. M. , StruijkerBoudier H. A. J.
Published: December 2008

Aim:  Transient angiotensin II receptor blockade (ARB) leads to prolonged blood pressure (BP) lowering, but the underlying mechanism remains uncertain. Long‐term BP control is regulated by the medullary microcirculation with the pericyte as contractile cell. We hypothesize that the prolonged BP effect is caused by increased medullary blood flow (MBF) associated with structural alterations based on reduced medullary pericyte number.

Methods:  Four‐week‐old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were treated for 4 weeks with losartan (SHR‐Los: 20 mg kg−1 day−1), hydralazine (SHR‐Hyd: 15 mg kg−1 day−1), losartan and pan‐caspase inhibitor zVAD (SHR‐Los + 1 mg kg−1 day−1 zVAD), losartan and glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK) inhibitor valproate (SHR‐Los + 10 mg kg−1 day−1 Val) or placebo. BP, MBF and pericyte number were determined under and after treatment (8 and 12 weeks). Apoptotic pericytes were determined with α‐actin and TUNEL double staining. Sodium concentration was determined in renal medulla and urine.

Results:  Antihypertensive treatment equipotently reduced BP at 8 weeks of age. After drug withdrawal (12 weeks of age) BP reduction was restricted to SHR‐Los (SHR‐Los: 153 ± 5, SHR‐Hyd: 177 ± 2, SHR: 184 ± 3 mmHg). Simultaneously, MBF was increased and pericyte number reduced, while medullary and urinary sodium concentration increased. Transient ARB in combination with zVAD or valproate resulted in more medullary pericytes and higher BP (SHR‐Los/zVAD: 164 ± 7; SHR‐Los/Val: 168 ± 6 mmHg) compared with transient ARB alone.

Conclusion:  After drug withdrawal, transient ARB leads to increased MBF and is associated with a reduction in medullary pericytes. This may be associated with pericyte apoptosis as anti‐apoptosis during transient ARB increases pericyte number and BP.
Estimating Watershed Level Nonagricultural Pesticide Use From Golf Courses Using Geospatial Methods1
Authors: Fox Garey A. , Thelin Gail P. , Sabbagh George J. , Fuchs John W. , Kelly Iain D.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  Limited information exists on pesticide use for nonagricultural purposes, making it difficult to estimate pesticide loadings from nonagricultural sources to surface water and to conduct environmental risk assessments. A method was developed to estimate the amount of pesticide use on recreational turf grasses, specifically golf course turf grasses, for watersheds located throughout the conterminous United States (U.S.). The approach estimates pesticide use: (1) based on the area of recreational turf grasses (used as a surrogate for turf associated with golf courses) within the watershed, which was derived from maps of land cover, and (2) from data on the location and average treatable area of golf courses. The area of golf course turf grasses determined from these two methods was used to calculate the percentage of each watershed planted in golf course turf grass (percent crop area, or PCA). Turf‐grass PCAs derived from the two methods were used with recommended application rates provided on pesticide labels to estimate total pesticide use on recreational turf within 1,606 watersheds associated with surface‐water sources of drinking water. These pesticide use estimates made from label rates and PCAs were compared to use estimates from industry sales data on the amount of each pesticide sold for use within the watershed. The PCAs derived from the land‐cover data had an average value of 0.4% of a watershed with minimum of 0.01% and a maximum of 9.8%, whereas the PCA values that are based on the number of golf courses in a watershed had an average of 0.3% of a watershed with a minimum of <0.01% and a maximum of 14.2%. Both the land‐cover method and the number of golf courses method produced similar PCA distributions, suggesting that either technique may be used to provide a PCA estimate for recreational turf. The average and maximum PCAs generally correlated to watershed size, with the highest PCAs estimated for small watersheds. Using watershed specific PCAs, combined with label rates, resulted in greater than two orders of magnitude over‐estimation of the pesticide use compared to estimates from sales data.