bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acrostichus megaloptae n. sp. (Nematoda: Diplogastridae), a phoretic associate of Megalopta spp. (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) in Central America
Authors: Thomas Kelley , Giblin-Davis Robin , Wcislo William , Kanzaki Natsumi , Zeng Yongsan , Ye Weimin , Center Barbara , Esquivel Alejandro
Published: May 2010

Adults of the dusk-flying and rotting wood-nesting bees Megalopta genalis and/or M. ecuadoria were collected at Barro Colorado Island, The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (BCI, STRI), Panama and La Selva, Costa Rica, and examined for nematodes. Nematodes were recovered as dauer juveniles from the Dufour's gland of female bees and aedeagus of male bees. Adult nematodes isolated from M. genalis (BCI and La Selva) and M. ecuadoria (BCI) were successfully cultured and kept in the laboratory. All three populations were used for morphological observations and molecular analyses and were identified as a new species that is described herein as Acrostichus megaloptae n. sp. It is characterised by its stomatal morphology, possession of six triangular cuticle flaps covering stomatal opening, duplicated cheilo- and gymnostomatal walls, large dorsal tooth and sclerotised ventral stegostomatal ridges, female with vulval flap, male spicule and gubernaculum morphology, i.e., relatively straight spicule with oval-shaped manubrium, rounded flap-like rostrum and separated and strongly ventrally curved spicule with bifurcate tip, gubernaculum L-shaped in lateral view and anchor-shaped in ventral view, and filiform tail of both sexes. Sequences from the three A. megaloptae n. sp. geographical/host isolates were not significantly different and molecular phylogenetic analysis and biological and morphological comparisons place the new species close to A. halicti from Halictus ligatus and A. puri from Augochlora pura from North America, although the new species is distinguished from A. halicti and A. puri based upon its stomatal morphology of males and females, male spicule and gubernaculum morphology and female vulval structure.
Effect of Fusarium oxysporum endophyte inoculation on the activities of phenylpropanoid pathway enzymes and Radopholus similis numbers in susceptible and tolerant East African Highland bananas
Authors: Coyne Daniel , Dubois Thomas , Paparu Pamela , Viljoen Altus
Published: May 2010

Phenylpropanoid pathway enzymes are involved in plant defence pathways leading to lignification, synthesis of secondary metabolites, such as salicylic acid and phytoalexins, wound healing and the oxidative burst. Endophytic non-pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum isolate V5w2 has been reported to show antagonistic effects against Radopholus similis in the screenhouse. An experiment was designed to study root biochemical changes (PAL, POX and PPO activities) and R. similis numbers in susceptible and tolerant bananas following inoculation with isolate V5w2. Constitutive expression of PAL and PPO were similar between the susceptible and tolerant cultivars, while constitutive POX activity was higher in the tolerant cultivar. PAL activity was suppressed in both cultivars 7 days after endophyte inoculation (7 dai), but was significantly up-regulated in the susceptible cv. Nabusa at 30 days post nematode challenge (dpnc) in endophyte-inoculated plants. In the tolerant cultivar, PAL activity was up-regulated in R. similis-challenged plants at 7 and 30 dpnc, irrespective of endophyte inoculation. POX and PPO were transiently up-regulated in cv. Nabusa 7 dai, exceeding levels observed in non-inoculated plants of the same cultivar. POX activity was up-regulated at 7 dpnc in endophyte-inoculated cv. Nabusa plants challenged with R. similis. In the tolerant cultivar, POX and PPO activities were similarly up-regulated in R. similis-challenged plants at 7 dpnc, irrespective of endophyte inoculation. The findings of this study implicate PAL, POX and PPO in banana defence against the root-burrowing nematode R. similis. Our findings further demonstrate the ability of endophytic F. oxysporum isolate V5w2 directly to induce POX and prime PAL in the susceptible cv. Nabusa for greater up-regulation following R. similis challenge.
“Maybe Freedom Will Come from You”: Christian Prophecies and Rumors in the Development of Rural Resistance in South Africa, 1948-1961
Authors: Redding Sean
Published: May 2010

In South Africa Christian teachings and texts informed African political activity in the 1950s and 1960s particularly in the rural areas, and rumors predicting both real revolts and fantastic interventions were common. While recent scholarship concerning supernatural beliefs in African political life often analyzes the impact of fears about witchcraft or faith in the ancestors, Christianity of various types was also a significant influence on people’s actions. This paper analyzes the historical background to the revolt against apartheid policies that developed in the Transkeian region of the eastern Cape of South Africa in the mid-twentieth century and pays special attention to the role of Christian influences. Christianity was consequential both in terms of how people understood their grievances and also in the kinds of predictions they made about their political future. Rumors and religion combined with material grievances to create a prophetic moment in which rebellion became a moral choice.
Breeding characteristics of the Lusitanian pine vole, Microtus lusitanicus
Authors: Ventura Jacint , Jiménez Laia , Gisbert Julio
Published: May 2010

Little is known about the breeding characteristics of the Lusitanian pine vole, Microtus lusitanicus, a Terricola representative from south-western Europe. The scarce information on this subject is surprising since, as with other arvicolines, in high population densities these animals can be agricultural pests. In this study we report on the reproduction of the species in a locality of El Bierzo (province of León, northwestern Spain), a zone where this vole frequently damages orchards, crops, and vegetable gardens. The sample analysed consisted of approximately 300 specimens, captured by farmers over several years, which were donated to us for study. Results revealed that reproduction in this population probably occurs all year round, although sexual activity could be slightly lower in winter. In males and females monthly mean of adult body mass did not vary significantly during the year. Sexual monomorphism in adult body size, the relatively small testes of mature males, and the balanced sex ratio observed both in non-mature and mature specimens suggest that in this population M. lusitanicus has a monogamous mating system. In general, mean litter size increased with body mass (age) and showed a seasonal variation, with significantly higher values in spring than in autumn. In comparison with other Microtus species, the mean litter size found in M. lusitanicus was low, indicative of a K-selection pattern.
Fat quill secretion in pigeons: could it function as a cosmetic?
Authors: Peters Anne , Klonczinski Eva , Delhey Kaspar
Published: May 2010

In order to maintain functionality of the plumage, birds apply a variety of fatty substances to the feathers, usually derived from the preen gland. Such secretions could also have cosmetic functions, altering plumage reflectance, and there is indeed some evidence for such cosmetic functions of preen fats. Some birds, noticeably pigeons, use fats derived from modified feathers, so called fat quills, in a presumably similar fashion, but almost nothing is known about their putative functions. Here we present a first test of the possibility that fat quill secretion could function as a cosmetic. As models we used domestic pigeon races that produce fat quills, we first confirm their extensive use in plumage maintenance behaviour. We then assessed the effect of experimental addition and removal fat quill secretion on reflectance of white feathers using reflectance spectrometry and physiological models of avian colour vision. Addition of secretion to cleaned white feathers resulted in a significant, discriminable change in the feather reflectance spectrum, which was strikingly similar to the absorbance spectrum of passerine preen gland secretion. However, like previous studies on preen gland secretion, removal of fats from intact feathers did not significantly alter feather reflectance, indicating that fat quill secretion when present in quantities as applied by the birds does not noticeably affect plumage reflectance. Therefore we conclude that the potential for the fat quill secretion to modify plumage colour appears limited at best, and other functions, such as antibiotic defense against feather-degrading bacteria, should be considered.
Seasonal variation in the diet of Long-eared Owl, Asio otus, in the desert of Northwest China
Authors: Song Sen , Zhao Wei , Zhao Jian-You , Shao Ming-qin , Liu Nai-fa
Published: May 2010

Regurgitated pellets (n = 584) of Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) were collected for three seasons from Gansu Endangered Animal Research Center, Gansu Province, China. From these pellets, a total of 1011 individual prey items – representing seven species of rodents and two undetermined species of birds and one undetermined sorex-species – were identified. Long-eared Owls depend mainly on small mammals both based on prey numbers (95.5%) and prey biomass (97.0%). The composition of the diet of Long-eared Owls varied significantly among seasons by frequency and by biomass. The individual species groups indicated significant variation among seasons for Mus musculus, Meriones meridianus, Cricetulus barabensis, Phodopus roborovskii, Dipus sagitta and Rattus norvegicus by biomass. And the difference of seasonal variation of prey items were significant but not for Mus musculus by frequency. Based on prey numbers, Mus musculus was the main food item (50.5%) in its diet; this species was most common in autumn (56.9%) and least common during spring (36.7%). Main prey species, based on prey biomass, was Rattus norvrgicus which comprised 27.5% of total biomass from our pellet samples. The mean length of tibias of mammals in pellets of Long-eared Owls was 18.6 ± 5.4 mm. Long-eared Owls utilize a wide range of prey items in respect to their habitats. Results suggest that Long-eared Owls are selective predators at some levels.
Bovine trypanosomosis in Gimbi district of Western Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Efrem Degneh , Yacob Hailu , Hagos Ashenafi , Basu Asoke
Published: May 2010

A study on the epidemiology of bovine trypanosomosis was conducted from September 2006 to April 2007 in six villages of the Gimbi district in west Wollega zone of Ethiopia. The prevalence of the disease, the apparent densities and distribution of tsetse and other biting flies in two seasons, the dry and rainy, were determined. The results of a questionnaire survey from 80 farmers revealed that trypanosomosis was a major health problem affecting animals and impeding agricultural activities.A total of 568 blood samples were collected from randomly selected animals (280 animals in rainy and 288 in dry season) and revealed the presence of Trypanosoma congolense Broden, 1904 and T. vivax Zieman, 1905 in the area. Trypanosoma congolense was the dominant species that accounted for 66.2% of the infections. The mean packed cell volume (PCV) concentrations were 22.77% (95% CI =19.99-21.55) in parasitaemic and 25.25% (95% CI=24.88-25.61) in aparasitaemic animals with a significant difference (P<0.005). There was a significant (P<0.012) difference in trypanosome infection between age groups of cattle, being higher in adults. The overall prevalence of trypanosomosis was 12.5%, while the disease prevalence was higher during the rainy season (15 %) than the dry season (10.1%). In three villages of lowland areas (below 1600 meter above sea level), a higher prevalence was recorded 20.9% and 7.9% as compared to three villages of midland areas (≥ 1600 meter above sea level) 11.8% and 8.3% in late rainy and dry season, respectively.A fly-survey was conducted by using 80 monoconical pyramidal traps and revealed that two tsetse species, namely Glossina morsitans submorsitans Newstead and Glossina tachinoides Westwood were found along with other biting flies (Tabanus, Haematopota and Stomoxys species). Higher numerical catches of Glossina were recorded in late rainy season and the apparent density was positively correlated (r=0.5171) with the prevalence of infection.
Alteration in the status of glutathione transferase of the water snail, Bulinus globosus, during aestivation and recovery
Authors: Adewale Isaac Olusanjo , Ojopagogo Yetunde Adedolapo
Published: May 2010

The varying status of glutathione transferases (GSTs) in water snail, Bulinus globosus, an intermediate host of disease-causing Schistosoma haematobium (Bilharz 1852) has been investigated. The expression of GST isoenzymes in the water snail appears seasonal with about three isoenzymes appearing during raining season, when the organism is active, which may reduce to a single peak of one isoenzyme during aestivation, when the organism is inactive. GST isoenzyme is present in high concentration in all the tissues investigated namely: haemolymph, foot muscle and hepatopancreas with specific activities of 0.006 ± 0.002, 0.45 ± 0.021 and 1.33 ± 0.103 units/mg protein respectively for 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) as substrate. With this substrate, the specific activity of GST from the hepatopancreas appears higher than the specific activities that have been previously reported for GSTs from molluscs. Partial purification of the isoenzymes using Tris acrylic acid-based resins enabled us to observe that GST appears to be the major protein in the hepatopancreas of this organism. We also found indications for the presence of an endogenous GST inhibitor in the cytosol, whose function is yet unknown. All the traditional GST inhibitors such as cibacron blue, hematin, bromosulfophthalein and S-hexylglutathione were able to inhibit the isoenzymes effectively, with cibacron blue being the most potent. The isoenzymes however have narrow substrate specificity. We conclude that different isoenzymes of GST are expressed in the same class of molluscs, even when they belong to the same genus or species, and that the expression may depend on whether the snails are on aestivation or not.
Cytochrome b gene based phylogeny and genetic divergence of Tetraophasis of China
Authors: Wen Longying , Liu Naifa
Published: May 2010

Tetraophasis (Galliformes; Phasianidae) includes T. obscurus and T. szechenyii, which are endemic and distributed in the west and central parts of China. The phylogenetic status of Tetraophasis in the Phasianidae and the divergence of the two species are still controversial. We performed a phylogenetic study using DNA sequences of 828bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) genes of Tetraophasis and of selected species of several other genera of Phasianidae. The phylogenetic trees suggest that Tetraophasis species belong to Phasianinae, which is inconsistent with the traditional taxonomic view that these species belong to Perdicinae. Sequence difference between T. obscurus and T. szechenyii was 3.0-3.1% and the divergence time was 1.88-1.94 Myr based on molecular clock estimate. Compared with other genera, T. obscurus and T. szechenyii should be classified as two distinct species. Our data suggest that the divergence of Tetraophasis may have been induced by the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and by environmental changes.
Experimental evidence for the biological species status in Lake Tana's Labeobarbus flock (Cyprinidae)
Authors: de Graaf Martin , Nagelkerke Leo , Palstra Arjan , Sibbing Ferdinand
Published: May 2010

Lake Tana (Ethiopia) harbours the only known remaining intact species flock of large (max. 100 cm standard length, SL) cyprinid fishes (15 Labeobarbus spp.). In 'common garden' experiments progeny of the riverine spawning benthivorous L. tsanensis, and of the piscivorous L. truttiformis and L. megastoma was raised under similar environmental conditions to test if interspecific morphological differentiation would occur. Interspecific morphological differences and divergence were clearly observed early in ontogeny (≤ 40 mm SL). This study is the first to demonstrate direct proof for the genetic basis of morphological differentiation among these labeobarbs, providing further support that Lake Tana's labeobarb species are true biological species.
Height Differences in English Dialects: Consequences for Processing and Representation
Authors: Scharinger Mathias , Lahiri Aditi
Published: May 2010

This study examines the role of abstractness during the activation of a lexical representation. Abstractness and conflict are directly modeled in our approach by invoking lexical representations in terms of contrastive phonological features. In two priming experiments with English nouns differing only in vowel height of their stem vowels (e.g., pin vs. pan), we compare a conflict versus non-conflict situation across English dialects. Based on differences in the vowel height representation, the conflict occurs in American English, but not in New Zealand English. The results show that there is a lack of priming in the conflict, but not in the non-conflict situation. This is taken as evidence for the claim that lexical access is sensitive to conflicts and non-conflicts between acoustic-phonetic and phonological information. We therefore conclude that discrete phonological features are crucial determiners for successful speech perception, which is in line with abstractionist approaches.
Exploring Methods to Investigate Sentencing Decisions
Authors: Merrall Elizabeth L. C. , Dhami Mandeep K. , Bird Sheila M.
Published: May 2010

The determinants of sentencing are of much interest in criminal justice and legal research. Understanding the determinants of sentencing decisions is important for ensuring transparent, consistent, and justifiable sentencing practice that adheres to the goals of sentencing, such as the punishment, rehabilitation, deterrence, and incapacitation of the offender, as well as reparation for the victim. It is important to frame research questions on sentencing that can feasibly be answered by appropriate research methods, within the constraints of limited time and resources. For illustration, this article presents three methodological approaches for investigating the factors that may influence sentencing decisions: multilevel analysis using existing sentencing data; sampling of, and data collection from, sentenced court case files; and experimental designs involving sentencers deciding on hypothetical cases. The strengths and weaknesses of each approach are compared and discussed.
Transitional Cluster Development: A Case Study From the New York Wine Industry
Authors: Centonze Arthur L.
Published: May 2010

A number of economic development studies have examined established wine industries around the world using Porter’s cluster model. This article uses Porter’s cluster model to study the strengths and weaknesses of the Hudson River Valley wine region as it transitions from an agricultural cluster to a wine cluster. The study seeks to determine what the cluster model can contribute to our understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the Hudson Valley wine cluster, and what the prospects are for its future development as an export-based wine region rather than an agritourism region. The nature of this transformation is explored as well as the challenges to the cluster’s future development and competitive performance. Some of the major policy implications of the case are discussed in light of the literature and specific development needs of a transitioning cluster.
Applying the Cultural Formulation Approach to Career Counseling With Latinas/os
Authors: Flores Lisa Y. , Ramos Karina , Kanagui Marlen
Published: May 2010

In this article, the authors present two hypothetical cases, one of a Mexican American female college student and one of a Mexican immigrant adult male, and apply a culturally sensitive approach to career assessment and career counseling with each of these clients. Drawing from Leong, Hardin, and Gupta’s cultural formulation approach (CFA) to career counseling, the authors conceptualize the cases and provide a plan for working with these clients that takes into account the individual’s career development and identity formation within the context of the Latina/o culture. Cultural dynamics in the career counseling relationship are addressed, and career counseling interventions that highlight the client’s identity in the contexts of culture and extended family are provided for career counselors.
The (Un)Importance of Cerebral Microemboli
Authors: Kruis Rosalie W. J. , Vlasveld Florine A. E. , Van Dijk Diederik
Published: May 2010

Background: The use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with cerebral microemboli. Cognitive decline after cardiac surgery has therefore always been attributed to the use of CPB. However, randomized studies comparing coronary bypass surgery with and without CPB failed to establish a clear cognitive benefit of avoiding CPB. The aim of this analysis was to systematically review the studies that directly assessed the association between cerebral microemboli and cognitive decline after cardiac surgery. Methods: The electronic database of PubMed of the National Library of Medicine from 1980 until 2009 was searched to identify relevant literature. Search terms related to “cardiac surgery,” “microemboli,” and “cognitive decline” were used. Studies were reviewed independently by 2 reviewers and relevant articles were included completely if they matched the selection criteria. This review included studies in adult cardiac surgical patients reporting both a measure of cerebral embolic load and cognitive outcomes. Results: The literature search yielded 423 different titles, of which 22 met the selection criteria. All 22 studies used neuropsychological tests to determine cognitive outcome. Seven studies used postoperative (diffusion-weighted) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect cerebral emboli and 15 studies used intraoperative transcranial Doppler imaging. In 1 MRI study and 5 Doppler studies, an association was found between the number of cerebral emboli and the risk of postoperative cognitive decline. In 15 studies, such an association could not be established. One study did not assess the direct relation between microemboli and cognitive decline. Conclusion: This systematic review could neither confirm nor rule out a causal link between emboli from CPB and postoperative cognitive decline.
Acting in Nature: Service Events and Agency in Wilderness Guiding
Authors: Valkonen Jarno
Published: May 2010

This article examines one of the key occupations in nature tourism: wilderness guiding. It investigates what it means for the work of guides when nature is simultaneously a product to be sold, an operational environment and a partaker in the tour. The concept of ‘collective’ by Bruno Latour is used as a methodological guideline in investigating guiding as work. By examining a guide’s work as a collective, we can see what kinds of demands this kind of ‘hybrid-work’ requires, how nature is intertwined with customer service practices, and how technology becomes a part of guiding. It is demonstrated that nature and technology play a greater role in shaping tourism practices and performances of employees than previously thought. Nature is an essential part of a guide’s performance; it is an ‘actor’ which participates in constructing the service event of nature tourism.
Small Tourism Firms as Agents of Critical Knowledge
Authors: Valtonen Anu
Published: May 2010

This article sets out to examine the potential of the distinctive practical knowledge inherent in small tourism firms in developing theorization of tourism. Whereas previous literature has commonly featured small tourism firms in terms of ‘lack of knowledge’, this paper suggests that particular structural epistemic conditions of small tourism firms enable them to gain a rich and varied repertoire of practical knowledge. This, in turn, opens up a way to rework the existing conceptual frameworks of tourism research. Based on various empirical data collected in Finnish Lapland, the study illustrates the way practical knowledge related to working outdoors in different weather conditions, with a range of groups of tourists and with tourists’ sleeping, invites a development of the existing conceptualizations of affordance, encounter, and agency in tourism. A more general goal of the study is to draw attention to the transmission and circulation of knowledge between and within the academy and the industry, and various spheres of life, and to promote a ‘from practice to theory’ viewpoint in theorizing tourism.
Transplantation of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells for adult T-cell leukemia: a nationwide retrospective study
Authors: Hishizawa Masakatsu , Kanda Junya , Utsunomiya Atae , Taniguchi Shuichi , Eto Tetsuya , Moriuchi Yukiyoshi , Tanosaki Ryuji , Kawano Fumio , Miyazaki Yasushi , Masuda Masato , Nagafuji Koji , Hara Masamichi , Takanashi Minoko , Kai Shunro , Atsuta Yoshiko , Suzuki Ritsuro , Kawase Takakazu , Matsuo Keitaro , Nagamura-Inoue Tokiko , Kato Shunichi , Sakamaki Hisashi , Morishima Yasuo , Okamura Jun , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Uchiyama Takashi
Published: May 2010

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is increasingly used as a curative option for adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), an intractable mature T-cell neoplasm causally linked with human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I). We compared outcomes of 386 patients with ATL who underwent allogeneic HSCT using different graft sources: 154 received human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–matched related marrow or peripheral blood; 43 received HLA-mismatched related marrow or peripheral blood; 99 received unrelated marrow; 90 received single unit unrelated cord blood. After a median follow-up of 41 months (range, 1.5-102), 3-year overall survival for entire cohort was 33% (95% confidence interval, 28%-38%). Multivariable analysis revealed 4 recipient factors significantly associated with lower survival rates: older age (> 50 years), male sex, status other than complete remission, and use of unrelated cord blood compared with use of HLA-matched related grafts. Treatment-related mortality rate was higher among patients given cord blood transplants; disease-associated mortality was higher among male recipients or those given transplants not in remission. Among patients who received related transplants, donor HTLV-I seropositivity adversely affected disease-associated mortality. In conclusion, allogeneic HSCT using currently available graft source is an effective treatment in selected patients with ATL, although greater effort is warranted to reduce treatment-related mortality.
Epigenetics, Behaviour, and Health
Authors: Szyf Moshe , Meaney Michael J
Published: May 2010

The long-term effects of behaviour and environmental exposures, particularly during childhood, on health outcomes are well documented. Particularly thought provoking is the notion that exposures to different social environments have a long-lasting impact on human physical health. However, the mechanisms mediating the effects of the environment are still unclear. In the last decade, the main focus of attention was the genome, and interindividual genetic polymorphisms were sought after as the principal basis for susceptibility to disease. However, it is becoming clear that recent dramatic increases in the incidence of certain human pathologies, such as asthma and type 2 diabetes, cannot be explained just on the basis of a genetic drift. It is therefore extremely important to unravel the molecular links between the "environmental" exposure, which is believed to be behind this emerging incidence in certain human pathologies, and the disease's molecular mechanisms. Although it is clear that most human pathologies involve long-term changes in gene function, these might be caused by mechanisms other than changes in the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence. The genome is programmed by the epigenome, which is composed of chromatin and a covalent modification of DNA by methylation. It is postulated here that "epigenetic" mechanisms mediate the effects of behavioural and environmental exposures early in life, as well as lifelong environmental exposures and the susceptibility to disease later in life. In contrast to genetic sequence differences, epigenetic aberrations are potentially reversible, raising the hope for interventions that will be able to reverse deleterious epigenetic programming.
Evaluation of exercise on individuals with dementia and their carers: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cerga-Pashoja Arlinda , Lowery David , Bhattacharya Rahul , Griffin Mark , Iliffe Steve , Lee James , Leonard Claire , Ricketts Sue , Strother Lyn , Waters Fiona , Ritchie Craig W , Warner James
Published: May 2010

Background

Almost all of the 820,000 people in the UK with dementia will experience Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). However, research has traditionally focused on treating cognitive symptoms, thus neglecting core clinical symptoms that often have a more profound impact on living with dementia. Recent evidence (Kales et al, 2007; Ballard et al, 2009) indicates that the popular approach to managing BPSD - prescription of anti-psychotic medication - can increase mortality and the risk of stroke in people with dementia as well as impair quality of life and accelerate cognitive decline. Consequently, there is a need to evaluate the impact that non-pharmacological interventions have on BPSD; we believe physical exercise is a particularly promising approach.

Methods/Design

We will carry out a pragmatic, randomised, single-blind controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise (planned walking) on the behavioural and psychological symptoms of individuals with dementia. We aim to recruit 146 people with dementia and their carers to be randomized into two groups; one will be trained in a structured, tailored walking programme, while the other will continue with treatment as usual. The primary outcome (BPSD) will be assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) along with relevant secondary outcomes at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks.

Discussion

Designing this study has been challenging both ethically and methodologically. In particular to design an intervention that is simple, measurable, safe, non-invasive and enjoyable has been testing and has required a lot of thought. Throughout the design, we have attempted to balance methodological rigour with study feasibility. We will discuss the challenges that were faced and overcome in this paper.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN01423159
Staging of biliary atresia at diagnosis by molecular profiling of the liver
Authors: Moyer Katie , Kaimal Vivek , Pacheco Cristina , Mourya Reena , Xu Huan , Shivakumar Pranavkumar , Chakraborty Ranajit , Rao Marepalli , Magee John C , Bove Kevin , Aronow Bruce J , Jegga Anil G , Bezerra Jorge A
Published: May 2010

Background

Young age at portoenterostomy has been linked to improved outcome in biliary atresia, but pre-existing biological factors may influence the rate of disease progression. In this study, we aimed to determine whether molecular profiling of the liver identifies stages of disease at diagnosis.

Methods

We examined liver biopsies from 47 infants with biliary atresia enrolled in a prospective observational study. Biopsies were scored for inflammation and fibrosis, used for gene expression profiles, and tested for association with indicators of disease severity, response to surgery, and survival at 2 years.

Results

Fourteen of 47 livers displayed predominant histological features of inflammation (N = 9) or fibrosis (N = 5), with the remainder showing similar levels of both simultaneously. By differential profiling of gene expression, the 14 livers had a unique molecular signature containing 150 gene probes. Applying prediction analysis models, the probes classified 29 of the remaining 33 livers into inflammation or fibrosis. Molecular classification into the two groups was validated by the findings of increased hepatic population of lymphocyte subsets or tissue accumulation of matrix substrates. The groups had no association with traditional markers of liver injury or function, response to surgery, or complications of cirrhosis. However, infants with an inflammation signature were younger, while those with a fibrosis signature had decreased transplant-free survival.

Conclusions

Molecular profiling at diagnosis of biliary atresia uncovers a signature of inflammation or fibrosis in most livers. This signature may relate to staging of disease at diagnosis and has implications to clinical outcomes.
Gravity inversion of 2D basement relief using entropic regularization
Authors: Silva João B. , Oliveira Alexandre S. , Barbosa Valéria C.
Published: May 2010

We have developed a gravity interpretation method for estimating the discontinuous basement relief of a sedimentary basin. The density contrast between the basement and the sediments is assumed to be known, and it could be either constant or vary monotonically with depth. The interpretation model consists of a set of vertical, juxtaposed prisms, whose thicknesses are the parameters to be estimated. We used the entropic regularization that combines the minimization of the first-order entropy measure with the maximization of the zeroth-order entropy measure of the solution vector. We validated the method by applying it to synthetic data produced by a simulated basin bordered by high-angle step faults; we obtained a good definition of the relief, particularly of the discontinuities. We also applied the method to a profile across the Büyük Menderes Valley in West Turkey and obtained a solution exhibiting a gravity fault with large slip on the northern border of the valley. When applied to the interpretation of a discontinuous basement relief, the method has a better performance than the global smoothness method. It is comparable to the weighted smoothness method, but it does not require the a priori knowledge about the maximum basin depth.
Deciphering Mechanisms Controlling Placental Artery Endothelial Cell Migration Stimulated by Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Authors: Liao Wu-xiang , Feng Lin , Zheng Jing , Chen Dong-bao
Published: May 2010

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulated fetoplacental artery endothelial (oFPAE) cell migration and activated multiple signaling pathways including ERK2/1, p38MAPK, Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK1/2), v-Akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (Akt1), and c-Src in oFPAE cells. VEGF-induced cell migration was blocked by specific kinase inhibitors of JNK1/2 (SP600125), c-Src (4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d] pyrimidine), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt (wortmannin) but not ERK2/1 (U0126) and p38MAPK (SB203580). VEGF-induced cell migration was associated with dynamic actin reorganization and focal adhesion as evidenced by increased stress fiber formation and phosphorylation of cofilin-1 and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin. Inhibition of JNK1/2, c-Src, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt suppressed VEGF-induced stress fiber formation and cofilin-1 phosphorylation. c-Src inhibition suppressed VEGF-induced phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, paxillin, and focal adhesion. VEGF-induced cell migration requires endogenous nitric oxide (NO) as: 1) VEGF-stimulated phosphorylation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) via activation of Akt, JNK1/2, and Src; 2) a NO donor diethylenetriamine-NO-stimulated cell migration; and 3) NO synthase inhibition blocked VEGF-induced cell migration. Targeted down-regulation and overexpression of caveolin-1 both inhibited VEGF-induced cell migration. Caveolin-1 down-regulation suppressed VEGF-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt, JNK, eNOS, c-Src, and FAK; however, basal activities of c-Src and FAK were elevated in parallel with increased stress fiber formation and focal adhesion. Caveolin-1 overexpression also inhibited VEGF-induced phosphorylation of Akt, JNK, c-Src, FAK, and eNOS. Thus, VEGF-induced placental endothelial cell migration requires activation of complex pathways that are paradoxically regulated by caveolin-1.
Suppressor of fused and Spop regulate the stability, processing and function of Gli2 and Gli3 full-length activators but not their repressors
Authors: Wang Chengbing , Pan Yong , Wang Baolin
Published: May 2010

Gli2 and Gli3 are primary transcriptional regulators that mediate hedgehog (Hh) signaling. Mechanisms that stabilize and destabilize Gli2 and Gli3 are essential for the proteins to promptly respond to Hh signaling or to be inactivated following the activation. In this study, we show that loss of suppressor of fused (Sufu; an inhibitory effector for Gli proteins) results in destabilization of Gli2 and Gli3 full-length activators but not of their C-terminally processed repressors, whereas overexpression of Sufu stabilizes them. By contrast, RNAi knockdown of Spop (a substrate-binding adaptor for the cullin3-based ubiquitin E3 ligase) in Sufu mutant mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) can restore the levels of Gli2 and Gli3 full-length proteins, but not those of their repressors, whereas introducing Sufu into the MEFs stabilizes Gli2 and Gli3 full-length proteins and rescues Gli3 processing. Consistent with these findings, forced Spop expression promotes Gli2 and Gli3 degradation and Gli3 processing. The functions of Sufu and Spop oppose each other through their competitive binding to the N- and C-terminal regions of Gli3 or the C-terminal region of Gli2. More importantly, the Gli3 repressor expressed by a Gli3 mutant allele (Gli3Δ699) can mostly rescue the ventralized neural tube phenotypes of Sufu mutant embryos, indicating that the Gli3 repressor can function independently of Sufu. Our study provides a new insight into the regulation of Gli2 and Gli3 stability and processing by Sufu and Spop, and reveals the unexpected Sufu-independent Gli3 repressor function.
Laser Control of Ion/Atom–Molecule Interaction: Application to (X + CH4, X = Li+ and Li) Reactions
Authors: Talaat Hassan , Sedik El-Wallid S , Kamal M Tag El-Din
Published: May 2010

Laser atom/ion–molecule reaction interaction through dipole moments leads to potential energy surface crossings in ion molecule (Li+ + CH4) and barrier reshaping in atom–molecule reaction (Li + CH4). We will show here by using gauge representation (electric field gauge) that we can create laser-induced surface crossing in the region (4 au) where the dipole moment changes sign for the LiH + CH3+ Li+ + CH4 reaction and reshape the barrier height (increase/decrease the height) by changing the laser phase for Li + CH4 → LiH + CH3 where dipole moment changes sign in the transition state region.
A New Type of Red-emitting (La,Ca)OCl:Eu3+ Phosphors
Authors: Kim Sun Woog , Jyoko Kazuya , Masui Toshiyuki , Imanaka Nobuhito
Published: May 2010

Red-emitting phosphors, (La1−xCax)OCl:y%Eu3+ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.17, 1 ≤ y ≤ 5), were synthesized in a single-phase form by a liquid-phase method and photoluminescence properties were characterized. The excitation peak intensity of the phosphor was increased with Ca2+ doping into the LaOCl lattice, corresponding to the successful enhancement of the emission intensity. The maximum emission intensity was obtained for (La1−xCax)OCl:y%Eu3+, where it was 63% of that of a commercial Y2O3:Eu3+ phosphor.
Stereochemical Structure Determination of Caffeine Complexes with Galloylated and Non-galloylated Catechins
Authors: Ishizu Takashi , Sato Takashi , Tsutsumi Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Hideji
Published: May 2010

Stereochemical structures of a 1:1 complex of (−)-epicatechin (EC) and caffeine, and a 2:4 complex of (−)-epicatechin gallate (ECg) and caffeine were determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis, and noncovalent interactions forming between EC, ECg and caffeine moieties were also elucidate.
Mixing of Molecular Crystals by Dry Cogrinding with Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Ichimura Kunihiro
Published: May 2010

The dry bead milling of a mixture of anthracene crystals and a tiny amount tetracene in the presence of surface-modified silica nanoparticles led to the fluorescence quenching of anthracene due to the doping of tetracene, supporting the occurrence of crystal mixing under dry conditions.
Fabrication of 3-nm Platinum Wires Using a Tobacco Mosaic Virus Template
Authors: Kobayashi Mime , Onodera Katsuya , Watanabe Yuichiro , Yamashita Ichiro
Published: May 2010

Fabrication of high aspect ratio 3-nm Pt wires was achieved by reducing K2PtCl4 with dimethylamine borane in the presence of a tube-shaped tobacco mosaic virus. The presence of a non-ionic detergent, Tween 20 in the reaction mixture prevents aggregation of the virus, and isolated Pt wires can be readily transferred onto silicon surfaces. Our results provide a new chemical approach to fabricate and locate 3-nm Pt wires on a substrate, which could not be achieved using conventional lithography.
Immobilization of ZnS–AgInS2 Solid Solution Nanoparticles on ZnO Rod Array Electrodes and Their Photoresponse with Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Sasamura Tetsuya , Okazaki Ken-ichi , Tsunoda Ryuta , Kudo Akihiko , Kuwabata Susumu , Torimoto Tsukasa
Published: May 2010

ZnS–AgInS2 solid solution (ZAIS) nanoparticles having elements of low toxicity were immobilized on thin ZnO rod array films, and the resulting film worked as an n-type semiconductor electrode for which the photoresponse varied depending on the composition of particles immobilized.
A Short and Efficient Total Synthesis of (±)-Ascofuranone
Authors: Haga Yasushi , Tonoi Takayuki , Anbiru Yoshihide , Takahashi Yuki , Tamura Sayuri , Yamamoto Masaichi , Ifuku Shinsuke , Morimoto Minoru , Saimoto Hiroyuki
Published: May 2010

Ascofuranone is a potent inhibitor of trypanosome alternative oxidase. A short and efficient total synthesis of (±)-ascofuranone was accomplished in only seven steps starting with geranyl acetate. The synthetic concept and methodology described in detail here provide a short and simple synthesis for ascofuranone and its derivatives.
Photocatalytic Degradation of 2-Propanol under Irradiation of Visible Light by Nanocrystalline Titanium(IV) Oxide Modified with Rhodium Ion Using Adsorption Method
Authors: Kitano Sho , Hashimoto Keiji , Kominami Hiroshi
Published: May 2010

Using adsorption method, a small amount of rhodium ion (Rh3+) was loaded on nanocrystalline titanium(IV) oxide (TiO2) with various physical properties prepared by HyCOM and subsequent calcinations at various temperatures. In photocatalytic degradation of 2-propanol under visible light irradiation, Rh3+-modified HyCOM-TiO2 samples exhibited higher levels of activity than did nitrogen-doped TiO2 sample and showed a volcano-like tendency with calcination temperature, suggesting that the balance of surface area and crystallinity of TiO2 is important in an Rh3+/TiO2 photocatalyst.
Excited Triplet State of a UV-B Absorber, Octyl Methoxycinnamate
Authors: Kikuchi Azusa , Yukimaru Shinsuke , Oguchi Nozomi , Miyazawa Kazuyuki , Yagi Mikio
Published: May 2010

The lowest excited triplet (T1) state of the most widely used UV-B absorber, octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC), has been studied through measurements of phosphorescence and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra in rigid solutions at 77 K. The energy level and lifetime of the T1 state of OMC were determined. The observed T1 lifetime and zero-field splitting parameter suggest that OMC possesses mainly a 3ππ* character in the T1 state.
High‐Resolution Melting Analysis for the Discovery of Novel Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout for Species Identification
Authors: McGlauflin Molly T. , Smith Matt J. , Wang Jonathan T. , Young Sewall F. , Chen Neng , Lee Yong C. , Pascal Carita , Seeb Lisa W. , Stevens Junko , Seeb James E.
Published: May 2010

We describe the use of high‐resolution melting (HRM), a recent enhancement to traditional DNA melting analyses for the characterization of polymerase chain reaction products, in the identification of 11 novel single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for distinguishing between rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and cutthroat trout O. clarkii. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms provide an important tool for species identification in studies of hybridization and introgression between these two species, but until now the time‐consuming and costly nature of DNA sequencing has limited identification of new markers. The ability of HRM to accurately discern nucleotide changes in a DNA sequence make it a cost‐ and time‐effective alternative to traditional sequencing for the detection of novel SNPs.
Observations on the Captive Biology of the Southern Stingray
Authors: Henningsen Alan D. , Leaf Robert T.
Published: May 2010

Complete life history information is essential for effective population management, but little is known about the demographic characteristics of the southern stingray Dasyatis americana. We describe life history characteristics of southern stingrays maintained in captivity from birth to 13 years. Size (disc width [DW]) at maturity ranged from 48 to 52 cm in males and from 75 to 80 cm in females; age at maturity was 3–4 years in males and 5–6 years in females. Individual growth was described using three models: the Gompertz function, von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF), and logistic function. Analyses of DW at age and weight at age indicated that females were significantly larger at birth and reached larger maximum sizes than males. Because of the ability of the VBGF to fit the observed growth and that of previously reported maximum sizes, we favor its use to describe individual growth dynamics for this species. Using this model, we estimated that for males (n = 20), the asymptotic DW (DW∞) was 67.4 cm, the von Bertalanffy growth coefficient (k) was 0.44 per year, and the predicted theoretical age at a DW of 0 cm (t0) was −0.93 years. The corresponding estimates for females (n = 15) were a DW∞ of 150.9 cm, a k‐value of 0.11 per year, and a t0 of −1.61 years. The oldest southern stingrays in the study were a 12‐year‐old male and a 13‐year‐old female, and estimates of longevity were 7.9 years for males and 31.5 years for females. The sex ratio of neonates (n = 453) did not differ significantly from 1:1. The life history characteristics derived from captive specimens indicate that southern stingrays are similar to other dasyatids in terms of growth and age at maturity.