bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of fertilizers on the occurrence of Armillaria mellea in Scots pine plantations
Authors: Rykowski K.
Published: June 2007

Assessment was made of the health of fertilized (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) and non‐fertilized Scots pine plantations infected by Armillaria mellea. Fertilization improved the appearance of the plantations by retarding or stabilizing or preventing the appearance of disease symptoms in the crowns of some specimens even if their roots were partially colonized by A. mellea. The modifications of anatomical aspect of infection due to fertilization were not observed. The partial mycological analysis of roots was made. The mortality, in two cases, was higher on fertilized plots, in one (the youngest plantation) ‐ on non‐fertilized area. The problems of genetical and ecological resistance were discussed.
Carbon dioxide fixation by wood‐rotting fungi
Authors: Schinner F. , Concin R.
Published: June 2007

Heterotrophic CO2 fixation was measured quantitatively on the wood‐rotting fungi Armillariella mellea, Fomitopsis pinicola, Heterobasidium annosum, Phaeolus schweinitzii, Piptoporus betulinus, Trametes quercina and Chaetomium globosum.

Fomitopsis pinicola showed the highest fixation activity of 19, 4 nCi/g, which corresponds to a carbon uptake of 0,253 mg/g dry matter. The values of the other organisms did not exceed 4 nCi/g DW under the same conditions.

No correlation between carbon fixation activity of fungi and their taxonomic position or their nutritional requirements could be demonstrated.
A simple callus test to determine the aggressiveness of wood‐destroying fungi
Authors: HŘib Dipl.‐Ing. J. , Rypáček V.
Published: June 2007

A simple callus test is presented to determine the degree of aggressiveness of parasitic wood‐destroying fungi. The test is based on the growth response of the fungi to in vitro callus culture of the tree species under study.
Irreversible Pathogenitätsverminderung bei Endothia parasitica durch übertragbare Hypovirulenz
Authors: Bazzigher G. , Kanzler Esther , Kübler Th.
Published: June 2007

Irreversible reduction in pathogenicity of Endothia parasitica through transmissible hypovirulence. Transmissible hypovirulence is an epidemic disease of Endothia parasitica which reduces the pathogenicity of the affected pathogen but not its vitality. The hypovirulence is controlled by a genetic factor in the cytoplasm of the fungus. It has recently been shown that a ds‐RNA (virus‐RNA) is involved. In other cases, virus‐like particles have been found in hypovirulent strains. The effects of hypovirulence can be demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. Transmission can occur between Endothia‐strains within the same vegetative compatibility group. Hypovirulence occurs frequently in chestnut stands in southern Switzerland. To date, more than five different compatibility groups have been differentiated.
Chloroplast prottein fractions from poplar leaves of clones differing in resistance to infection by the rust Melampsora larici‐populina Kleb.1
Authors: Spychala M. , Siwecki R.
Published: June 2007

The differences of chloroplast protein fractions were observed in one rust resistant and one susceptible poplar clone. These differences are quantitative rather than qualitative.
Schadbild und Ätiologie des Tannensterbens
Authors: Blaschke H.
Published: June 2007

Symptoms and etiology of dieback of silver fir (fir dying). II. On the mycorrhizal and pathogenic status in fine roots in relation to symptoms of fir dying. Investigations of the fine roots revealed, that pathogenic fungal infections contributed to the dying of feeder roots and the necrosis of woody fine roots. Root damage was associated with a decrease in the root storage capacity and therefore, root regeneration of affected trees was markedly reduced.
A scanning electron microscope study of cell wall degradation in elm wood by aggressive and non‐aggressive isolates of Ophiostoma ulmi
Authors: Scheffer R. J. , Elgersma D. M.
Published: June 2007

Degradation of cell walls in elm wood tissue (Ulmus americand) by aggressive and non‐aggressive isolates of Ophiostoma ulmi was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Xylem vessel walls were much more affected after infection with the aggressive isolate than after infection with the non‐aggressive one.
Stammfaulen in Douglasien‐, Kiefern‐, Fichten‐Mischbestanden1
Authors: Von Siepmann R.
Published: June 2007

Butt rot in mixed conifer stands. 70 years old Pseudotsuga menziesii trees on sandy soil, grown together with Pinus syhestris, Picea abies, Fagus sylvatica were analysed for butt rot. 73 % resp. 70 % of the Douglas fir, 13% resp. 28% of the Scotch pine and 82% resp. 84% of the Norway spruce showed decay. The most frequent fungi in Pseudotsuga were Heterobasidion annosum, Calocera viscosa, Sparassis crispa, in Pinus Sparassis crispa and in Picea Heterobasidion annosum. In a neighbouring stand with 85 years old Pseudotsuga menziesii ‐ more often thinned than the 70 years old stand ‐ only 23 % of the trees were with decay.
The survival of Ceratocystis fagacearum in South Carolina
Authors: Tainter F. H. , Ham D. L.
Published: June 2007

This research, which involved observing and sampling artificially inoculated oak‐wilted turkey oak trees, substantiates previous field observations that C. fagacearum does not quickly kill oak trees in South Carolina. C. fagacearum seems to quickly lose virulence during the first growing season following inoculation. Rather than being quickly killed, as occurs with infected red oaks in more temperate climates, oak trees in South Carolina either survive infection or die much more slowly. Moisture, total carbohydrate, and reducing sugar contents of infected trees indicate that these trees suffer an initial physiologic trauma. Branches die first, followed by upper stems, and in few cases lower stems. Some trees, however, have survived inoculation, and initial partial wilting, but have since recovered.
Antagonistische Wirkung von Candida sp. auf Kiefernschütteerreger und andere Pilze in vitro1
Authors: Kowalski T.
Published: June 2007

Antagonistic effects of Candida sp. on Scots pine needle‐cast fungi and on other fungi in vitro

The influence of Candida sp. on several phytopathogenic and saprophytic fungi was examined in vitro. by different test‐methods. Candida sp. showed strong inhibitory effects on mycelial growth and spore germination of the tested fungi.
First report of the brown root rot disease caused by Phellinus noxius, its distribution and newly recorded host plants in the Amami Islands, southern Japan
Authors: Sahashi N. , Akiba M. , Ishihara M. , Abe Y. , Morita S.
Published: June 2007

To determine whether the brown root rot disease caused by Phellinus noxius is present in the Amami islands, which are situated near Okinawa, we conducted six field surveys from 1999 to 2005. The brown root rot disease was found in 22 tree species in 17 plant families at 25 different sites in all the islands surveyed. Sixteen of these species were newly recorded as host plants of P. noxius. The disease was more common in the low elevation plains and on hills less than 100 m above sea level than in mountainous areas. This is the first report of the brown root rot disease caused by P. noxius in the Amami Islands, Japan, and Ohshima Island is currently the northern‐most distribution point of the disease in the northern hemisphere.
Efficacy of dioctahedral smectite in treating patients of diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Chang Full‐Young , Lu Ching‐Liang , Chen Chih‐Yen , Luo Jiing‐Chyuan
Published: June 2007

Background and Aim:  Dioctahedral smectite (DS) is natural adsorbent clay useful in treating acute diarrhea. The aim of this study was to determine DS efficacy on patients with diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D‐IBS in a phase III‐, 8‐week‐randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.

Methods:  The 104 patients who met the D‐IBS Rome II criteria were randomized to receive either DS (n = 52) or placebo (n = 52) treatment for 8 weeks (three sachets daily). The primary efficacy endpoint was the changes of the visual analog scale (VAS) score of IBS overall disorder and pain/discomfort‐related symptoms after treatment on days 28 and 56, respectively. Other outcome measures included improvement of bowel movement disorders. The therapeutic global response was assessed by the patients and investigators at each visit, as was drug safety.

Results:  Both treatments diminished overall disorder at each visit (P < 0.01), with respect to primary efficacy. This effect was further observed in DS‐treated patients on day 56 (P = 0.0167). Placebo had no effect on the VAS score of pain/discomfort at any visit, whereas DS improved this score on days 28 and 56, respectively (P < 0.05). DS and placebo similarly diminished bowel disorders at each visit; however, only DS improved abdominal bloating (P < 0.01). The global therapeutic responses evaluated by the patients and investigators were similarly distributed. The study drug was well tolerated during the 8‐week period.

Conclusion:  DS seems acceptable to treat D‐IBS patients, particularly for pain‐related symptoms.
Relationship between disease severity, quality of life and health‐care resource use in a cross‐section of Australian patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Gibson Peter R , Weston Adèle R , Shann Amelia , Florin Timothy H J , Lawrance Ian C , Macrae Finlay A , Radford‐Smith Graham
Published: June 2007

Background and Aim: New treatments for Crohn's disease are expensive and place economic strain upon health‐care systems, and ‘value‐for‐money’ needs to be confirmed. This study aimed to correlate disease severity with health‐related quality of life and with health‐care resource use, to allow evaluation of the cost effectiveness of these treatments.

Methods: A cross‐sectional, non‐interventional, pharmacoeconomics study was performed with patients completing questionnaires comprising demographic, disease and health‐care utilization questions, together with the disease‐specific Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) and the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) multi‐attribute utility instrument. The Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) was used to assess disease severity.

Results: 143 patients with a broad range of disease severity (CDAI 36–446, fistulae 23%) were recruited from referral centers. Stepwise regression analyses demonstrated a negative correlation between disease severity and both IBDQ and AQoL (bothP < 0.0001). Age, gender and years since diagnosis did not impact upon either of the quality‐of‐life outcomes. Mean utility score for non‐fistulizing patients with moderate–severe active disease (CDAI ≥ 220) was 0.45, mild disease (CDAI 150–219) was 0.68 and for remission (CDAI < 150) was 0.77. Health‐care resource utilization increased with increasing CDAI (P < 0.001), with hospital admissions being the largest component cost. Twenty‐seven percent of patients (mean age 38 year) received a government benefit, 51% primarily due to their Crohn's disease.

Conclusion: Crohn's disease severity correlates with poor quality of life. Utility scores determined will permit cost–utility analyses to be made in order to best allocate limited health resources.
Expression of MUC2 in gastric carcinomas and background mucosae
Authors: Lee Hae‐Wan , Yang Dae H , Kim Hong K , Lee Bong H , Choi Kyung C , Choi Young H , Park Young E
Published: June 2007

Background and Aim:  Gastric carcinomas contain elements of both intestinal and diffuse types. Such heterogeneous components may distort the evaluation of the role of the mucin MUC2 in gastric carcinoma. The role of MUC2 expression in background mucosa is not yet clarified.

Methods:  We analyzed the expression of MUC2 in gastric mucosa and intestinal metaplasia adjacent to the tumoral area and carcinomas (n = 98) using immunohistochemistry. The immunoreactivity was quantified using an immunohistochemical scoring system.

Results:  In the intestinal metaplasia adjacent to the tumoral area, MUC2 was detected in 76 (97.4%) of 78 intestinal metaplasia, and MUC2 expression was inversely associated with the depth of wall penetration (P = 0.026) and tumor stage (P = 0.021). Although the expression rate of MUC2 antigens was higher in intestinal‐type adenocarcinoma than in diffuse‐type adenocarcinoma, a significant correlation with pathologic staging of the TNM system (pTNM staging) and MUC2 expression could not be found in each subtype of gastric carcinomas.

Conclusion:  The expression of MUC2 in intestinal metaplasia was higher in tumors of earlier stages. These findings suggest that increased MUC2 expression in intestinal metaplasia in the neighborhood of the carcinomas may play an important role in gastric carcinomas. Further investigations regarding the role of MUC2 expression in gastric carcinoma and background mucosae are necessary.
Correlation between expression of leptin and clinicopathological features and prognosis in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Zhao Xiaolong , Huang Kaihong , Zhu Zhaohua , Chen Shuhong , Hu Renming
Published: June 2007

Background:  The relationship between the expression of leptin in the tissue of gastric cancer and the clinicopathological features as well as patients' outcome were investigated.

Methods:  Sixty‐one gastric cancer specimens were investigated by immunohistochemical studies with anti‐leptin and anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies and by monitoring patients for at least 3 years after surgery.

Results:  A positive rate of leptin expression was significantly associated with Borrmann classification (Borrmann type 1 and type 2 68.2% vs Borrmann type 3 and type 4 or unclassified 35.3%), tumor histology (well differentiated tumors 87.5% vs poorly differentiated tumors 48.9%), lymph node metastasis (with 69.0% vs without 36.8%) and stage (stage III + IV 69.0% vs stage I + II 36.8%).There was a significant association between leptin expression and VEGF expression. In the poorly differentiated group, the overall survival rate for patients with a weak expression of leptin (histochemistry score <0.5) was significantly higher than that in patients with a strong expression (histochemistry score =0.5). The Cox proportional hazards model identified serosal involvement, tumor size, metastasis, tumor histology, leptin expression, lymph node metastasis, age and postoperative chemotherapy as significant prognostic factors.

Conclusions:  The expression of leptin in the tissue of gastric cancer was significantly associated with tumor histology, Borrmann classification, lymph node metastasis and stage of gastric cancer. In patients with poorly differentiated gastric cancer, a poor prognosis was found in those with a strong expression of leptin.
Serrated neoplasias and de novo carcinomas in ulcerative colitis: A histological study in colectomy specimens
Authors: Rubio Carlos A
Published: June 2007

Background and Aim:  Cancer in ulcerative colitis (UC) originates in dysplastic crypts, adenomatous growths (UCAG), and UC‐associated adenomas (UCAD). The aim of the present study was to compare the histological phenotypes between UCAG, UCAD, and sporadic colorectal adenomas in non‐colitics (non‐UCAD), as well as between UC‐associated carcinomas (UCC) and carcinomas in non‐colitic patients (non‐UCC).

Methods:  Three thousand and forty nine sections from 96 colectomy specimens in patients with UC‐pancolitis and carcinoma were reviewed.

Results:  Villous phenotypes were more frequent in UCAG (48%) than in UCAD (26%) and non‐UCAD (11%), and serrated phenotypes more frequent in UCAD (29%) than in UCAG (12%) and non‐UCAD (8%). Tubular phenotypes were far less frequent in UCAG (14%) than in UCAD (45%) and non‐UCAD (80%). Villous and signet ring cell cancer phenotypes were more frequent in UCC (22% and 8%, respectively) than in non‐UCC (9% and 0.8%, respectively). Six UCC (5.6%) were de novo carcinomas.

Conclusions:  Invasive carcinomas were found in one‐half of the UCAG and in one‐third of the UCAD, indicating that both lesions are important in cancer development in UC. The different proportions of histological phenotypes found in UCAG, UCAD, and non‐UCAD on the one hand, and UCC and non‐UCC on the other, suggest that chronic protracted inflammation might have modified the stem cell receptors that receive the molecular signals that program structural configurations in neoplastic glands. This is the first study reporting the occurrence of serrated and microtubular UCAG and of de novo carcinomas in UC.
Effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide on gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Guo‐Hua , Qian Wei , Song Geng‐Qing , Hou Xiao‐Hua
Published: June 2007

Background and Aim:  Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a gastrointestinal hormone in the secretin–VIP family. It has been reported that VIP affects some tumor growth, and there is a VIP autocrine regulation in some cancers. However, the effect of VIP on gastric adenocarcinoma is not clear yet. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of VIP on gastric adenocarcinoma, especially autocrine regulation of VIP on gastric adenocarcinoma.

Methods:  VIP mRNA and protein, and its receptor mRNA (VIPR1 and VIPR2) were measured in 15 normal antrum mucosa, 20 gastric adenocarcinoma tissues, and the SGC7901 gastric adenocarcinoma cell line by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), immunohistochemistry, or radioimmunoassay methods. The effect of the VIP protein and its antagonist (D‐p‐Cl‐Phe6, Leu17)‐VIP on SGC7901 cell growth was detected by methylthiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. The expressions of c‐myc mRNA and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) mRNA in SGC7901 cells before and after the incubated VIP protein and/or its antagonist were also measured by RT–PCR method.

Results:  The VIP mRNA expression in gastric adenocarcinoma tissues was significantly higher than that in normal antrum mucosa (P < 0.01). The VIP‐positive immunoreactivity cells existed in 40% of gastric adenocarcinoma tissues, but not in normal tissues (P < 0.01). The VIP‐positive immunoreactivity nerve fibers were observed in normal tissues, but not in adenocarcinoma tissues (P < 0.01). The expression rate of VIPR1 mRNA in adenocarcinoma tissues was significantly lower than that in normal tissues, but that of VIPR2 mRNA in the two kinds of tissues were similar (P > 0.05). In addition, the expression quantity of VIPR1 mRNA and VIPR2 mRNA in adenocarcinoma tissues was significantly lower than that in normal tissues (P < 0.05). SGC7901 cells expressed not only VIP mRNA and the VIP protein, but also VIPR1 and VIPR2 mRNA. 106 SGC7901 cells secreted 13.15 ± 8.54 pg VIP on average. VIP did not affect the proliferation of SGC7901 cells, but the antagonist stimulated the proliferation of SGC7901 cells from 10−5 to 10−8 mol/L concentration incubated for 24–96 h. VIP downregulated the expressions of c‐myc and ODC mRNA, but its antagonist upregulated their expressions.

Conclusions:  The expression of VIP mRNA upregulates, but the expressions of VIPR mRNA downregulates in gastric adenocarcinoma tissues. The gastric adenocarcinoma tissues contain endocrine cells to secrete VIP, which show malignant specialities. The VIP autocrine regulation exists in SGC7901 cells, and potentially inhibits the proliferation of the cells by downregulating the expressions of c‐myc and ODC mRNA. It suggests that VIP may play an important role in the regulation of the growth of gastric cancer cells.
Helicobacter pylori infection induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells through the mitochondrial pathway
Authors: Zhang Hao , Fang Dian‐Chun , Lan Chun‐Hui , Luo Yuan‐Hui
Published: June 2007

Background and Aims:  To clarify the role of the mitochondrial pathway in apoptosis induced by H. pylori infection in gastric epithelial cells.

Methods:  Cells of a gastric adenocarcinoma cell line SGC‐7901 were co‐cultured with H. pylori NCTC 11637, with or without preincubation with the inhibitors of caspases ‐3, ‐8, and ‐9. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. RT‐PCR was used to determine the expression of Bid, Bax, and Bcl‐2 mRNA, and Western blotting was used to determine the expression of Bid, Bax, and Bcl‐2 proteins, and the activation of caspases ‐3 and ‐9.

Results:  H. pylori directly induced apoptosis in SGC‐7901 cells. Apoptotic indices (AIs) were 6.30 ± 0.40%, 11.57 ± 0.78%, 8.63 ± 0.67%, and 7.22 ± 0.97%, respectively, at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after SGC‐7901 cells were co‐cultured with H. pylori. H. pylori up‐regulated the expression of Bid and Bax at both protein and mRNA levels, and induced a time‐dependent activation of caspases ‐3 and ‐9. Apoptosis was inhibited significantly by the preincubation of SGC‐7901 cells with the inhibitors of caspase‐3 (AIs were 1.72 ± 0.59%, 2.97 ± 0.55%, 4.38 ± 1.56%, and 3.29 ± 0.83%, respectively, at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h), and caspase ‐9 (AIs were 2.47 ± 0.53%, 6.68 ± 0.47%, 5.97 ± 0.46%, and 5.43 ± 0.15%, respectively, at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h). The caspase‐8 inhibitor also reduced H. pylori‐induced apoptosis by 20%.

Conclusions:  H. pylori infection induces apoptosis and the activation of caspases ‐3 and ‐9 in gastric cancer cells. Moreover, the caspase inhibitors significantly suppress H. pylori‐induced apoptosis. These findings suggest that the mitochondrial pathway may be the major pathway in H. pylori‐induced apoptosis in gastric epithelial cells.
Survey of implementation of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines in nine Asian countries
Authors: Kodama Yuzo , Seyama Kuniaki , Yoshimi Kaku , Ueki June , Oka Hideichi , Ikari Yoshinobu , Fukuchi Yoshinosuke
Published: June 2007

After the release of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines in 2001 and update in 2003, its implementation in nine Asian countries was investigated. Questionnaire surveys involving thoraco‐pulmonary physicians or internists investigated the awareness and consensus of the GOLD guidelines including the care and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in Asian. Two surveys were conducted, in June 2002 and March 2004, through questionnaires by direct mail in Japan and face‐to‐face interviews in the other countries. Approximately 600 questionnaires were returned with approximately 84% awareness of the publication and its update and nearly 90% appreciated the globalization efforts. The survey revealed great variances concerning the definition of COPD, its diagnosis, and use of computed tomography. As for the implementation, the majority answered the use of the combined local and GOLD guidelines in five of nine countries surveyed, while the GOLD guidelines were implemented mainly in Korea, suggesting the influence in daily practice for care and management of COPD patients. Implication of rehabilitation in clinical practice has not been standardized despite high evidence of its advantages. Most respondents stated the necessity of developing a local or regional guideline for best practice. Our survey revealed: (i) awareness of the GOLD guidelines was high and well accepted; (ii) the possibility of developing a uniform or standard guideline in Asia is low due to local characteristics; (iii) modifications of the GOLD guidelines may be more practical; and (iv) that the multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation program needs to be further activated in GOLD implementation for the Asia–Pacific region.
Dynamic control of a central pattern generator circuit: a computational model of the snail feeding network
Authors: Vavoulis Dimitris V. , Straub Volko A. , Kemenes Ildikó , Kemenes György , Feng Jianfeng , Benjamin Paul R.
Published: June 2007

Central pattern generators (CPGs) are networks underlying rhythmic motor behaviours and they are dynamically regulated by neuronal elements that are extrinsic or intrinsic to the rhythmogenic circuit. In the feeding system of the pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis, the extrinsic slow oscillator (SO) interneuron controls the frequency of the feeding rhythm and the N3t (tonic) has a dual role; it is an intrinsic CPG interneuron, but it also suppresses CPG activity in the absence of food, acting as a decision‐making element in the feeding circuit. The firing patterns of the SO and N3t neurons and their synaptic connections with the rest of the CPG are known, but how these regulate network function is not well understood. This was investigated by building a computer model of the feeding network based on a minimum number of cells (N1M, N2v and N3t) required to generate the three‐phase motor rhythm together with the SO that was used to activate the system. The intrinsic properties of individual neurons were represented using two‐compartment models containing currents of the Hodgkin–Huxley type. Manipulations of neuronal activity in the N3t and SO neurons in the model produced similar quantitative effects to food and electrical stimulation in the biological network indicating that the model is a useful tool for studying the dynamic properties of the feeding circuit. The model also predicted novel effects of electrical stimulation of two CPG interneurons (N1M and N2v). When tested experimentally, similar effects were found in the biological system providing further validation of our model.
Long‐term behavioural and molecular alterations associated with maternal separation in rats
Authors: Lippmann Melanie , Bress Aaron , Nemeroff Charles B. , Plotsky Paul M. , Monteggia Lisa M.
Published: June 2007

In this study we addressed whether certain behavioural measures, endocrine levels and specific stress‐related proteins exhibit long‐term alterations in adult rats following repeated postnatal maternal separation. Rats were subjected to daily maternal separation for 15 min (HMS15) or 180 min (HMS180) from postnatal day 2–14. Adult HMS180 animals were hypoactive and had increased levels of stereotypy compared to HMS15 and normal animal facility‐reared (AFR) animals. HMS180 animals also had augmented plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) concentrations following an acute stressor, compared to the other two groups. We assessed persistent changes in proteins regulated by stress in hippocampus, cortex, ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, striatum and amygdala. Western blotting analysis revealed a decrease in the levels of mature brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hippocampus and striatum, but an increase in the ventral tegmental area in the HMS180 rats. Levels of pro‐BDNF were significantly increased in the ventral tegmental area of HMS180 animals but were unchanged in other brain regions compared to the other two groups. Levels of the transcription factors cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and ΔFosB were unchanged in all of the brain regions studied in the maternally separated rats. These data show that maternal separation induces long‐term changes in BDNF expression, and more specifically the processing of BDNF, in the hippocampus, striatum and ventral tegmental area. Recognition of these adaptations begins to define the brain regions, and neural circuitry, associated with persistent alterations induced by early life stressors and the development of mood disorders.
The effects of selective amygdala, orbital frontal cortex or hippocampal formation lesions on reward assessment in nonhuman primates
Authors: Machado Christopher J. , Bachevalier Jocelyne
Published: June 2007

We examined the effects of bilateral amygdaloid, hippocampal or orbital frontal cortex lesions on reward assessment in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). In Experiment 1, basic preferences for foods and inedible nonfoods were measured pre‐ and postsurgery. None of the lesions produced changes in animals' preferences for palatable foods or raw meat relative to presurgery, although amygdaloid or hippocampal lesions yielded increased preference for inedible nonfoods postsurgery. When the reinforcement value of each animal's highest‐preferred food was decreased by selective satiation, only animals with neurotoxic orbital frontal cortex lesions continued to select the sated food. Experiment 2 measured the impact of each lesion on learning 60 concurrent discrimination problems and, then, on flexibly avoiding objects associated with sated foods in favour of objects associated with nonsated foods. None of the lesions affected concurrent discrimination learning, but animals with neurotoxic amygdala or aspiration orbital frontal lesions could not refrain from displacing items covering devalued foods. Only animals with orbital lesions also selected the devalued food beneath the object. The results indicate a functional dissociation for the amygdala and orbital frontal cortex in reward assessment, depending on the type of the reinforcer available (objects vs. food). Finally, this is the first study indicating that the hippocampal formation is involved in the assessment of familiar nonfoods, but not in judging the current value of unconditioned and conditioned reinforcers.
Differential c‐fos expression in the brain of male Japanese quail following exposure to stimuli that predict or do not predict the arrival of a female
Authors: Taziaux M. , Lopez J. , Cornil C. A. , Balthazart J. , Holloway K. S.
Published: June 2007

We investigated the effects of presenting a sexual conditioned stimulus on the expression of c‐fos in male Japanese quail. Eight brain sites were selected for analysis based on previous reports of c‐fos expression in these areas correlated with sexual behaviour or learning. Males received either paired or explicitly unpaired presentations of an arbitrary stimulus and visual access to a female. Nine conditioning trials were conducted, one per day, for each subject. On the day following the ninth trial, subjects were exposed to the conditional stimulus (CS) for 5 min. Conditioning was confirmed by analysis of rhythmic cloacal sphincter movements (RCSM), an appetitive sexual behaviour, made in response to the CS presentation. Subjects in the paired condition performed significantly more RCSM than subjects in the unpaired group. Brains were collected 90 min following the stimulus exposure and stained by immunohistochemistry for the FOS protein. Significant group differences in the number of FOS‐immunoreactive (FOS‐ir) cells were found in two brain regions, the nucleus taeniae of the amygdala (TnA) and the hippocampus (Hp). Subjects in the paired condition had fewer FOS‐ir cells in both areas than subjects in the unpaired condition. These data provide additional support to the hypothesis that TnA is implicated in the expression of appetitive sexual behaviours in male quail and corroborate numerous previous reports of the involvement of the hippocampus in conditioning. Further, these data suggest that conditioned and unconditioned sexual stimuli activate different brain regions but have similar behavioural consequences.
Serotonin increases the excitability of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus magnocellular neurons
Authors: Ho Sara S. N. , Chow Billy K. C. , Yung Wing‐Ho
Published: June 2007

Recent evidence that 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT or serotonin) enhances the release and the gene expression of vasopressin and oxytocin in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) suggests that 5‐HT can excite the PVN magnocellular neurons. The objective of this study was to examine the underlying mechanisms for such excitatory action in the electrophysiologically identified hypothalamic PVN magnocellular neurons in rats using whole‐cell patch‐clamp. We found that 5‐HT weakly depolarizes 33.3% of PVN magnocellular neurons in the presence of tetrodotoxin. A minuscule inward current was produced by 5‐HT in 48% of the cells, which was attenuated when the 5‐HT4 antagonist GR113808 or the 5‐HT7 antagonist SB269970 was added. In addition, 5‐HT reduced the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents in a dose‐dependent manner. This inhibition was mimicked by the 5‐HT1B agonist CP93129, and reversed in the presence of 5‐HT1B antagonists cyanopindolol and SB224289. Besides, 5‐HT induced a biphasic effect on the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents, comprising a transient inhibition and a delayed concentration‐dependent excitation (onset latency ∼ 5 min). The facilitation was mimicked by the 5‐HT2A/2C agonist DOI and abolished in the presence of the 5‐HT2C antagonist RS102221. Our findings reveal that 5‐HT directly increases the excitability of the PVN magnocellular neurons via multiple receptor subtypes and mechanisms. This may help understanding the regulation of 5‐HT‐induced hormone release and feeding behavior in the PVN.
Development of structural and functional connectivity in the thalamocortical somatosensory pathway in the wallaby
Authors: Leamey C. A. , Flett D. L. , Ho S. M. , Marotte L. R.
Published: June 2007

Neuronal activity is implicated as a driving force in the development of sensory systems. In order for it to play a developmental role, however, the pathways involved must be capable of transmitting this activity. The relationship between afferent arrival, synapse formation and the onset of chemical neurotransmission has been examined using the advantageous model of a marsupial mammal, the wallaby (Macropus eugenii), to determine at what stage activity has the capacity to influence cortical development. It is known that thalamocortical afferents arrive in the somatosensory cortex on postnatal day (P)15 and that their growth cones reach to the base of the compact cell zone of the cortical plate. However, electronmicroscopy showed that thalamocortical synapses were absent at this stage. Glutamatergic responses were recorded in the cortex following stimulation of the thalamus in slices at this time but only in magnesium‐free conditions. The responses were mediated entirely by N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors. From P28, responses could be recorded in normal magnesium and comprised a dominant NMDA‐mediated component and a non‐NMDA mediated component. At this time thalamocortical synapses were first identified and they were in the cortical plate. By P63 the non‐NMDA‐mediated component had increased relative to the NMDA‐mediated component, and by P70 layer IV began to emerge and contained thalamocortical synapses. By P76 a fast non‐NMDA‐mediated peak dominated the response. This coincides with the appearance of cortical whisker‐related patches and the onset in vivo of responses to peripheral stimulation of the whiskers.
Auditory evoked fields differentially encode speech features: an MEG investigation of the P50m and N100m time courses during syllable processing
Authors: Tavabi Kambiz , Obleser Jonas , Dobel Christian , Pantev Christo
Published: June 2007

The functional organization of speech sound processing in the human brain and its unfolding over time are still not well understood. While the N100/N100m is a comparatively well‐studied, and quite late, component of the auditory evoked field elicited by speech, earlier processes such as those reflected in the P50m remain to be resolved. Using magnetoencephalography, the present study follows up on previous reports of N100m‐centred spatiotemporal encoding of phonological features and coarticulatory processes in the auditory cortex during consonant–vowel syllable perception. Our results indicate that the time course and response strength of the P50m and N100m components of evoked magnetic fields are differentially influenced by mutually exclusive place‐of‐articulation features of a syllable's stop consonant and vowel segments. Topographical differences in P50m generators were driven by place contrasts between consonants in syllables, with spatial gradients orthogonal to the ones previously reported for N100m. Peak latency results replicated previous findings for the N100m and revealed a reverse pattern for the earlier P50m (shorter latencies depending on the presence of a back vowel [o]). Our findings allow attribution of a role in basic feature extraction to the comparatively early P50m time window. Moreover, the observations substantiate the assumption that the N100m response reflects a more abstract phonological representational stage during speech perception.
Simulation of robustness against lesions of cortical networks
Authors: Kaiser Marcus , Martin Robert , Andras Peter , Young Malcolm P.
Published: June 2007

Structure entails function, and thus a structural description of the brain will help to understand its function and may provide insights into many properties of brain systems, from their robustness and recovery from damage to their dynamics and even their evolution. Advances in the analysis of complex networks provide useful new approaches to understanding structural and functional properties of brain networks. Structural properties of networks recently described allow their characterization as small‐world, random (exponential) and scale‐free. They complement the set of other properties that have been explored in the context of brain connectivity, such as topology, hodology, clustering and hierarchical organization. Here we apply new network analysis methods to cortical interareal connectivity networks for the cat and macaque brains. We compare these corticocortical fibre networks to benchmark rewired, small‐world, scale‐free and random networks using two analysis strategies, in which we measure the effects of the removal of nodes and connections on the structural properties of the cortical networks. The structural decay of the brain networks is in most respects similar to that of scale‐free networks. The results implicate highly connected hub‐nodes and bottleneck connections as a structural basis for some of the conditional robustness of brain systems. This informs the understanding of the development of connectivity of the brain networks.
Inhibition of spinal constitutive NOS‐2 by 1400W attenuates tissue injury and inflammation‐induced hyperalgesia and spinal p38 activation
Authors: Tang Qingbo , Svensson Camilla I. , Fitzsimmons Bethany , Webb Michael , Yaksh Tony L. , Hua Xiao‐Ying
Published: June 2007

Nitric oxide (NO) and its synthesizing enzymes, including NO synthase‐2 (NOS‐2, also called inducible NOS, iNOS), have been implicated in spinal nociception. 1400W is a highly selective NOS‐2 inhibitor, as compared with either NOS‐1 (neuronal NOS, nNOS) or NOS‐3 (endothelial NOS). Here we examined the anti‐nociceptive effects of intrathecal (IT) administration of 1400W in two experimental models of hyperalgesia (formalin and carrageenan models), in addition to the effect of 1400W on stimulation‐induced activation of spinal p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38). IT treatment of rats with 1400W produced a dose‐dependent inhibition of paw formalin‐induced phase II flinches, and attenuated carrageenan‐induced thermal hyperalgesia. In contrast, IT injection of a selective inhibitor of NOS‐1, nNOS inhibitor‐I, had no effect in either model. Furthermore, 1400W at a dose that suppressed formalin‐induced flinching behavior also blocked formalin‐evoked p38 phosphorylation (activation) in the spinal cord, while nNOS inhibitor‐I displayed no activity. The prompt effects of IT 1400W suggest involvement of constitutively expressed NOS‐2 in spinal nociception. The NOS‐2 protein in rat spinal cords was undetectable by Western blotting. However, when the protein was immunoprecipitated prior to Western blotting, NOS‐2‐immunoreactive bands were detected in the tissues, including naïve spinal cords. The presence of constitutive spinal NOS‐2 was further confirmed by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Taken together, the present studies suggest that constitutively expressed spinal NOS‐2 mediates tissue injury and inflammation‐induced hyperalgesia, and that activation of p38 is one of the downstream factors in NO‐mediated signaling in the initial processing of spinal nociception.
Experimental clipping of sagebrush inhibits seed germination of neighbours
Authors: Karban Richard
Published: June 2007

Current views of plant communities emphasize the importance of competition for resources and colonization ability in determining seedling establishment and plant distributions. Many desert shrubs are surrounded by bare zones that lack other plants or have different suites of species beneath them compared with the open desert surrounding them. Releases of biochemicals as volatiles from leaves, leachates from litter, or exudates from roots have been proposed as mechanisms for this pattern, but such phytotoxicity has been controversial. I tested the hypothesis that experimental clipping of sagebrush foliage enhances its effect as a germination inhibitor. Germination of native forbs and grasses was reduced in association with clipped, compared with unclipped, sagebrush foliage in lath house and field experiments. Sagebrush seeds were not significantly affected. Air contact was required for this inhibition of germination. Soil contact and leaf litter were not required and added little inhibition of germination. These results suggest a potentially large, indirect, and previously overlooked role for interactions between herbivory and germination that could affect plant community structure.
The Social Costs of Extrinsic Relative to Intrinsic Goal Pursuits: Their Relation With Social Dominance and Racial and Ethnic Prejudice
Authors: Duriez Bart , Vansteenkiste Maarten , Soenens Bart , De Witte Hans
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT
Self‐determination theory's distinction between extrinsic and intrinsic goal pursuits offers a possible explanation for ethnic and racial prejudice. Because extrinsic relative to intrinsic goal pursuits (E/I) stimulate interpersonal competition, they were expected to predict social dominance orientation (SDO), which, in turn, would predict racial and ethnic prejudice. Results of a first cross‐sectional study showed that E/I goal pursuits are positively associated with prejudice and that SDO partially mediates this association. In a second longitudinal study, we replicated these results. In addition, however, we found evidence for a reciprocal relationship between E/I goal pursuit and SDO. Moreover, both E/I goal pursuit and SDO had an independent effect on increases in prejudice. Implications of these findings are discussed.
NEW ESTIMATES OF AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC BORROWING AND CAPITAL RAISED IN LONDON, 1849–1914
Authors: Attard Bernard
Published: June 2007

Current statistics of Australian public borrowing to 1914 suffer from several limits. On the basis of a comprehensive revision, an upward bias is shown in all the alternative time series of London borrowing, while statistics of local bond issues are derived for the first time. The new time series show the importance of the initial borrowing cycle during the 1850s and 1860s; the scale of debt repatriation from the mid‐1890s; the interaction between domestic and overseas borrowing before the 1880s; and the potential significance of remittance as an ‘invisible stabiliser’ of the exchanges and alternative indirect source of capital imports.
THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPETITION POLICY IN AUSTRALIA: THE ROLE OF RON BANNERMAN
Authors: Merrett David , Corones Stepehn , Round David
Published: June 2007

The 1965 legislation to curb restrictive trade practices has been widely regarded as weak. By contrast, the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) has been considered as providing the platform for a more comprehensive competition policy. This paper argues that the 1965–67 and 1971 Acts were more effective than has been commonly recognised in raising awareness about the extent of restrictive trade practices, discrediting price agreements and laying the foundations for the 1974 Act. The role of Ron Bannerman, the sole Commissioner of Trade Practices, was critical to their success. This paper uses parliamentary debates, Bannerman’s published works and an interview with him undertaken in early 2005.
The impact of computer‐mediated interaction on distance learning
Authors: Godwin Stephen J. , Thorpe Mary S. , Richardson John T. E.
Published: June 2007

Distance‐learning courses were classified with regard to their use of computer‐mediated interaction and the degree to which such interaction was integrated into the curriculum and the assessment regime. This produced four groups of courses varying according to their use of interaction and integration. The impact of interaction and integration was investigated in terms of their effects on students' performance, their perceptions of academic quality and their approaches to studying. In all three respects, variations within the groups of courses proved to be more important than variations between the groups. Interpretation of these results suggests that the adoption of interactive environments within computer‐mediated learning may not be enough in itself to lead to positive learning outcomes. We found no evidence for this assumption in terms of students' completion rates, pass rates, grades, perceptions of the quality of their courses or approaches to studying. Large variations in the measured indicators were found between courses, and these appeared to be largely independent of the effects of interaction and integration. Courses may differ markedly with regard to how they make use of computer‐mediated interaction and how this is integrated into the curriculum and the assessment regime. A case study approach is suggested as being more likely to identify the impact of specific designs based on computer‐mediated interaction and to bring together the diverse student responses arising from the use of such interaction in their studies.
SECOND HOMES AND COMPACT CITIES IN SPAIN: TWO ELEMENTS OF THE SAME SYSTEM?
Authors: MÓDENES JUAN‐ANTONIO , LÓPEZ‐COLÁS JULIÁN
Published: June 2007

The aim of this paper is to connect two processes that have been analysed independently to date and that have characterised the housing experience of the Spanish population. On the one hand, the consequences induced by the high density of Spanish urban spaces on other spatial spheres of people's lives and on the other hand, the traditional presence and the recent expansion of second home possession. In this context, we will demonstrate that, in Spain, a strong statistical relationship has been established between the location of main dwellings in a very dense urban context and a greater probability of having second homes. This relationship is better known in the scientific literature as the ‘compensation hypothesis’.
INTERNATIONAL CO‐OPERATION OF POLISH MUNICIPALITIES: DIRECTIONS and EFFECTS
Authors: FURMANKIEWICZ MAREK
Published: June 2007

The paper describes and discusses the outcomes of the cross‐border and international co‐operation (CIC) of Polish local governments in the years 1990–2004 (before Polish accession to the European Union), indicated by local government officers in a questionnaire survey, and finally it gives some general conclusions as to future CIC support policy. In 2004, nearly half of all existing 2,500 Polish municipalities participated in CIC. They achieved most frequently non‐material local effects of co‐operation in euroregions and in town‐twinning (citizen and professional exchange, etc.). The economic effects such as investments, equipment purchases, innovative management, etc. were achieved to a lower degree, but they were important in improving local public services in dozens of urban municipalities. In general, CIC enhanced mainly European integration in creating links between communities and helping to overcome negative national prejudices, but to a lesser degree integration interpreted as levelling economic differences.