bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Perceptual Control Theory and the Method of Levels to work with people who experience psychosis
Authors: Tai Sara J.
Published: October 2009

This paper provides an overview of perceptual control theory (PCT) in relation to understanding severe and enduring mental health problems. The core principles of control and conflict are reviewed in relation to understanding the experiences associated with psychotic disorders. The therapeutic application of PCT known as the Method of Levels (MOL) is described and an overview of how this might be a useful approach to use with people experiencing psychosis is provided. The benefits and difficulties of using MOL to work with people experiencing psychosis are described including case illustrations of preliminary work based on the application of MOL in clinical practice. It is concluded that PCT is a useful framework for understanding severe and enduring mental health problems and there are potential benefits in using MOL as a therapeutic intervention. Further research examining the effectiveness and feasibility of MOL as a specific treatment for psychosis is recommended.
Surf zone surface retention on a rip‐channeled beach
Authors: Reniers A. J. H. M. , MacMahan J. H. , Thornton E. B. , Stanton T. P. , Henriquez M. , Brown J. W. , Brown J. A. , Gallagher E.
Published: October 2009

The retention of floating matter within the surf zone on a rip‐channeled beach is examined with a combination of detailed field observations obtained during the Rip Current Experiment and a three‐dimensional (3‐D) wave and flow model. The acoustic Doppler current profiler–observed hourly vertical cross‐shore velocity structure variability over a period of 3 days with normally incident swell is well reproduced by the computations, although the strong vertical attenuation of the subsurface rip current velocities at the most offshore location outside the surf zone in 4 m water depth is not well predicted. Corresponding mean alongshore velocities are less well predicted with errors on the order of 10 cm/s for the most offshore sensors. Model calculations of very low frequency motions (VLFs) with O(10) min timescales typically explain over 60% of the observed variability, both inside and outside of the surf zone. The model calculations also match the mean rip‐current surface flow field inferred from GPS‐equipped drifter trajectories. Seeding the surf zone with a large number of equally spaced virtual drifters, the computed instantaneous surface velocity fields are used to calculate the hourly drifter trajectories. Collecting the hourly drifter exits, good agreement with the observed surf zone retention is obtained provided that both Stokes drift and VLF motions are accounted for in the modeling of the computed drifter trajectories. Without Stokes drift, the estimated number of virtual drifter exits is O(80)%, almost an order of magnitude larger than the O(20)% of observed exits during the drifter deployments. Conversely, when excluding the VLF motions instead, the number of calculated drifter exits is less than 5%, thus significantly underestimating the number of observed exits.
Water‐soluble organic compounds in PM2.5 and size‐segregated aerosols over Mount Tai in North China Plain
Authors: Wang Gehui , Kawamura Kimitaka , Umemoto Nobuhiko , Xie Mingjie , Hu Shuyuan , Wang Zifa
Published: October 2009

Daytime and nighttime PM2.5 samples were collected at the summit of Mount Tai (1534 m) located in North China Plain during a week in 2006 summer. Size‐segregated aerosol particles were also collected using an eight‐stage impactor during the same period. Samples were analyzed for various water‐soluble organic compounds using GC/FID and GC/MS techniques. Among the species identified in PM2.5 samples, dicarboxylic acids (C2–C11) were found as the most abundant compound class, followed by ketocarboxylic acids, saccharides, polyols and polyacids, and dicarbonyls. Daytime concentrations of most compounds were found to be 2–3 times higher than in nighttime. Such a diurnal variation was first interpreted by the depressed transport of pollutants in nighttime from the lowlands to the mountaintop owing to the decreased heights of planetary boundary layer, and second by the photochemical production in daytime. The diurnal variation trends of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) such as diacids at the mountain site are the same as those on lowlands, but the diurnal patterns of primary organic aerosols (POA) on the mountaintop are in contrast to those on lowlands, where POA such as saccharides and polyols are usually higher in nighttime owing to the accumulation within inversion layer developed. The eight‐stage impactor samples showed bimodal distributions of diacids and related compounds peaking at size ranges of 0.70–1.1 μm and 5.8–9.0 μm. In the present study, water‐soluble organics in the fine mode are largely originated from biomass burning and/or photooxidation of gaseous precursors and the subsequent adsorption on the preexisting particles, whereas those in the coarse mode are mainly derived from suspended soil particles and pollens and in part via the hygroscopic growth of fine particles and formation of cloud/fog droplets.
Estimating climate change impact on runoff across southeast Australia: Method, results, and implications of the modeling method
Authors: Chiew F. H. S. , Teng J. , Vaze J. , Post D. A. , Perraud J. M. , Kirono D. G. C. , Viney N. R.
Published: October 2009

This paper describes the modeling of climate change impact on runoff across southeast Australia using a conceptual rainfall‐runoff model SIMHYD and presents the results and assesses the robustness of the modeling approach. The future climate series is obtained by scaling the historical series, informed by 15 global climate models (GCMs), to reflect a 0.9°C increase in global average surface air temperature, using a daily scaling method that considers changes in the future mean seasonal rainfall and potential evapotranspiration as well as in the daily rainfall distribution. The majority of the modeling results indicate that there will be less runoff in southeast Australia in the future. However, there is considerable uncertainty, with the results ranging from a 17% decrease to a 7% increase in the mean annual runoff averaged across the study area for the 0.9°C global warming. The model assessments indicate that the modeling approach is generally robust and can be used to estimate the climate impact on runoff. The modeled mean annual runoff is generally within 10–20% of the observed runoff. The modeling results for an independent test period are only slightly poorer than the calibration period, indicating that a satisfactorily calibrated rainfall‐runoff model can be used to estimate runoff for another climate period. The modeled impact on various runoff characteristics as estimated by two rainfall‐runoff models investigated here differ by less than 10%, which is relatively small compared to the range of modeled runoff results using rainfall projections from different GCMs.
Parameter estimation for fractional transport: A particle‐tracking approach
Authors: Chakraborty Paramita , Meerschaert Mark M. , Lim Chae Young
Published: October 2009

Space‐fractional advection‐dispersion models provide attractive alternatives to the classical advection‐dispersion equation for model applications that exhibit early arrivals and plume skewness. This paper develops a flexible method for estimating the parameters of the fractional transport model on the basis of spatial plume snapshots or temporal breakthrough curve data. A particle‐tracking approach provides error bars for the parameter estimates and a general method for model fitting and comparison via optimal weighted least squares. A simple model of concentration variance, based on the particle‐tracking approach, identifies the optimal weights.
Dissolved carbon species in associated diffuse and focused flow hydrothermal vents at the Main Endeavour Field, Juan de Fuca Ridge: Phase equilibria and kinetic constraints
Authors: Foustoukos Dionysis I. , Pester Nicholas J. , Ding Kang , Seyfried William E.
Published: October 2009

Despite significant advances in the understanding of hydrothermal processes at mid‐ocean ridges, the linkage between focused flow and diffusively flowing vent fluids has remained elusive. Here, we report the distribution of dissolved carbon species in fluids issuing from associated low‐, moderate‐, and high‐temperature vent systems, collected in 2005 at the Main Endeavour Field (MEF), Juan de Fuca Ridge. Excess CO(aq) measured in the moderate‐temperature diffuse flow fluids indicates redox disequilibria between CO(aq) and CO2(aq), suggesting hydrothermal circulation of short residence time in near‐seafloor mixing zones. According to geochemical modeling, the chemical variability of MEF fluids is consistent with a combination of conductive cooling, reaction transport, and subsequent seawater mixing of a single source fluid. The similar distribution of C1‐C3 alkanes observed in diffuse and focused flow fluids likely indicates a minimal fingerprint of biological and methanogenic metabolism on organic fluxes, consistent with a possible short‐lived hydrothermal near‐seafloor circulation. Accordingly, dissolved carbon species in low‐temperature vent fluids can serve as geochemical proxies to distinguish the extent of compositional change in subsurface microbial habitats in the MEF hydrothermal fluids and elsewhere. Part of this reflects conditions unique to the near‐surface, diffuse flow environment, but the flux of components from deeper‐seated hydrothermal processes is important as well. In comparison with earlier measurements (1999 and 2000) of high‐temperature vent fluids at MEF, the 2005 data set exhibits lower Li/Cl ratios and H2(aq) concentrations indicative of higher fluid/rock mass ratios and more oxidizing and/or lower‐temperature conditions, respectively.
Petrogenesis of crustal wehrlites in the Oman ophiolite: Experiments and natural rocks
Authors: Koepke J. , Schoenborn S. , Oelze M. , Wittmann H. , Feig S. T. , Hellebrand E. , Boudier F. , Schoenberg R.
Published: October 2009

In the Wadi Haymiliyah of the Oman ophiolite (Haylayn block), discordant wehrlite bodies ranging in size from tens to hundreds of meters intrude the lower crust at different levels. We combined investigations on natural wehrlites from the Wadi Haymiliyah section with an experimental study on the phase relations in a wehrlitic system in order to constrain the petrogenesis of the crustal wehrlites of the Oman ophiolite. Secondary ion mass spectrometry analyses of clinopyroxenes from different wehrlite bodies imply that the clinopyroxenes were crystallized from tholeiitic, mid‐ocean ridge (MORB)–type melts. The presence of primary magmatic amphiboles in some wehrlites suggests a formation under hydrous conditions. Significantly enhanced 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios of separates from these amphiboles imply that the source of the corresponding magmatic fluids was either seawater or subduction zone–related. The experiments revealed that under wet conditions at relatively low temperatures, a MORB magma has the potential to produce wehrlite in the ocean crust by accumulation of early olivine and clinopyroxene. These show typically high Mg# which is a consequence of the oxidizing effect of the prevailing high aH2O. First plagioclases crystallizing after clinopyroxene under wet conditions are high in An content, in contrast to the corresponding dry system. Trace element compositions of clinopyroxenes of those wehrlites from the Moho transition zone are too depleted in HREE to be in equilibrium with present‐day MORB, implying a genetic relation to the V2 lavas of the Oman ophiolite, which are interpreted to be the result of fluid‐enhanced melting of previously depleted mantle. We present a model on the petrogenesis of the crustal wehrlites in an upper mantle wedge above an initial, shallow subduction zone at the beginning of the intraoceanic thrusting.
Heterogeneous seismic velocity structure of the upper lithosphere at Kane oceanic core complex, Mid‐Atlantic Ridge
Authors: Xu Min , Canales J. Pablo , Tucholke Brian E. , DuBois David L.
Published: October 2009

The Kane oceanic core complex (OCC) is a large, corrugated megamullion that was formed by a long‐lived detachment fault at the axis of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge adjacent to Kane Fracture Zone between 2.1 and 3.3 Ma. We use refracted arrivals recorded along a 6‐km‐long hydrophone streamer during a multichannel seismic survey to constrain the shallow seismic velocity structure of the OCC. Results are presented in high‐resolution traveltime seismic tomographic models along six lines that cover all of the main morphological features of the megamullion. The models show large lateral variability in P wave velocity within the upper ∼0.5–2.0 km of the lithosphere, and these variations correlate to first order with observed variations in lithology, documented by in situ basement samples and seafloor morphology. Lithological interpretation of the velocity models indicates that there is marked lateral variability in distribution of gabbroic intrusions, serpentinized peridotites, and basalts at scales of a few kilometers to ∼10 km. Serpentinized peridotites appear to dominate the central and older parts of the OCC. High‐velocity gabbros are consistently (but not exclusively) present closer to the termination of the Kane detachment fault and toward the ends of the OCC. The structure of the lithosphere exhumed by the Kane detachment fault is far from the standard ophiolite‐based Penrose model, and it does not show segment‐centered magmatism that is commonly interpreted at slow spreading ridges. If the gabbros exhumed toward the termination of the OCC were emplaced deep (∼10 km) beneath the spreading axis, they may have constituted a weak zone that focused initiation of the Kane detachment fault. Alternately, as the OCC footwall was being exhumed the gabbros may have been emplaced because of dynamic changes in melt supply, changes in mantle fertility, or decompression melting. Late stage volcanism is clearly associated with a major high‐angle normal fault that cuts the detachment surface; this volcanism may have been stimulated or enhanced by bending stresses in the bending footwall. The shape of the large‐scale corrugated morphology of the OCC is nearly invariant in the dip direction across major changes in basement lithology, indicating that once established, the form of the Kane detachment fault was highly resistant to modification.
Dual peak cholera transmission in Bengal Delta: A hydroclimatological explanation
Authors: Akanda Ali Shafqat , Jutla Antarpreet Singh , Islam Shafiqul
Published: October 2009

Cholera has reemerged as a global killer with the world witnessing an unprecedented rise in cholera infection and transmission since the 1990s. Cholera outbreaks across most affected areas show infection patterns with a single annual peak. However, cholera incidences in the Bengal Delta region, the native homeland of cholera, show bi‐annual peaks. The mechanisms behind this unique seasonal dual peak phenomenon in cholera dynamics, especially the role of climatic and hydrologic variables, are not fully understood. Here, we show that low flow in the Brahmaputra and the Ganges during spring is associated with the first outbreaks of cholera in Bangladesh; elevated spring cholera outbreaks are seen in low discharge years. Peak streamflow of these rivers, on the other hand, create a different cholera transmission environment; peak flood volumes and extent of flood‐affected areas during monsoon are responsible for autumn cholera outbreaks. Our results demonstrate how regional hydroclimatology may explain the seasonality and dual peaks of cholera incidence in the Bengal Delta region. A quantitative understanding of the relationships among the hydroclimatological drivers and seasonal cholera outbreaks will help early cholera detection and prevention efforts.
Crustal thickness of the Moon: Implications for farside basin structures
Authors: Ishihara Yoshiaki , Goossens Sander , Matsumoto Koji , Noda Hirotomo , Araki Hiroshi , Namiki Noriyuki , Hanada Hideo , Iwata Takahiro , Tazawa Seiichi , Sasaki Sho
Published: October 2009

Based on the latest SELENE lunar gravity and topography model obtained by Kaguya mission, we compute the lunar crustal thickness map to investigate differences between farside basin structures. The thickest crust is located in the southern rim of the Dirichlet‐Jackson basin and the thinnest crust at the Moscoviense basin. The thickest crust corresponds to the highest topography and is consistent with Airy isostasy. The thinnest crust is due to an abnormally large mantle plug. The crustal thicknesses at Apollo 12/14 sites of our crustal thickness model are 45.1 and 49.9 km. The crustal thickness map indicates that the differences between recently proposed type I and type II basins are probably controlled by the ratio between pre‐impact crustal thickness and impact scale.
Organization of volcanic plumbing through magmatic lensing by magma chambers and volcanic loads
Authors: Karlstrom Leif , Dufek Josef , Manga Michael
Published: October 2009

The development of discrete volcanic centers reflects a focusing of magma ascending from the source region to the surface. We suggest that this organization occurs via mechanical interactions between magma chambers, volcanic edifices, and dikes and that the stresses generated by these features may localize crustal magma transport before the first eruption occurs. We develop a model for the focusing or “lensing” of rising dikes by magma chambers beneath a free surface, and we show that chambers strongly modulate dike focusing by volcanic edifices. We find that the combined mechanical effects of chambers, edifice loading, and dike propagation are strongly coupled. Chambers deeper than ∼20 km below the surface with magmatic overpressure in the range of 20–100 MPa should dominate dike focusing, while more shallow systems are affected by both edifice and chamber focusing.
Methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 is phosphorylated by homeodomain‐interacting protein kinase 2 and contributes to apoptosis
Authors: Bracaglia Giorgia , Conca Barbara , Bergo Anna , Rusconi Laura , Zhou Zhaolan , Greenberg Michael E , Landsberger Nicoletta , Soddu Silvia , Kilstrup‐Nielsen Charlotte
Published: October 2009

Mutations in the methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MeCP2) are associated with Rett syndrome and other neurological disorders. MeCP2 represses transcription mainly by recruiting various co‐repressor complexes. Recently, MeCP2 phosphorylation at Ser 80, Ser 229 and Ser 421 was shown to occur in the brain and modulate MeCP2 silencing activities. However, the kinases directly responsible for this are largely unknown. Here, we identify the homeodomain‐interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) as a kinase that binds MeCP2 and phosphorylates it at Ser 80 in vitro and in vivo. HIPK2 modulates cell proliferation and apoptosis, and the neurological defects of Hipk2‐null mice indicate its role in proper brain functions. We show that MeCP2 cooperates with HIPK2 in induction of apoptosis and that Ser 80 phosphorylation is required together with the DNA binding of MeCP2. These data are, to our knowledge, the first that describe a kinase associating with MeCP2, causing its specific phosphorylation in vivo and, furthermore, they reinforce the role of MeCP2 in regulating cell growth.
VDAC2 is required for truncated BID‐induced mitochondrial apoptosis by recruiting BAK to the mitochondria
Authors: Roy Soumya Sinha , Ehrlich Amy M , Craigen William J , Hajnóczky György
Published: October 2009

Truncated BID (tBID), a proapoptotic BCL2 family protein, induces BAK/BAX‐dependent release of cytochrome c and other mitochondrial intermembrane proteins to the cytosol to induce apoptosis. The voltage‐dependent anion channels (VDACs) are the primary gates for solutes across the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM); however, their role in apoptotic OMM permeabilization remains controversial. Here, we report that VDAC2−/− (V2−/−) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) are virtually insensitive to tBID‐induced OMM permeabilization and apoptosis, whereas VDAC1−/−, VDAC3−/− and VDAC1−/−/VDAC3−/− MEFs respond normally to tBID. V2−/− MEFs regain tBID sensitivity after VDAC2 expression. Furthermore, V2−/− MEFs are deficient in mitochondrial BAK despite normal tBID–mitochondrial binding and BAX/BAK expression. tBID sensitivity of BAK−/− MEFs is also reduced, although not to the same extent as V2−/− MEFs, which might result from their strong overexpression of BAX. Indeed, addition of recombinant BAX also sensitized V2−/− MEFs to tBID. Thus, VDAC2 acts as a crucial component in mitochondrial apoptosis by allowing the mitochondrial recruitment of BAK, thereby controlling tBID‐induced OMM permeabilization and cell death.
Speech in Individuals With Down Syndrome
Authors: Fawcett Susan , Peralego Jenea
Published: October 2009

This article reviews the development of articulation and phonology in young children with Down syndrome. After summarizing factors that impact the development of speech, the authors review assessment and intervention of speech sound disorders in this population.
Bilingualism and Children With Down Syndrome
Authors: Bird Elizabeth Kay-Raining
Published: October 2009

This article discusses bilingualism and the factors that influence rate of bilingual development and fluency. Subsequently, the author highlights questions often asked regarding bilingualism and children with Down syndrome, and provides case study examples of children and bilingual language development.
Dysphagia Services in Schools: Applying Special Education Requirements to a Health Service
Authors: Power-deFur Lissa
Published: October 2009

School speech-language pathologists and districts frequently need guidance regarding how the legal provisions of special education affect the needs of children with dysphagia. This article reviews key principles of special education that guide eligibility determination and provision of services to all children. In the eligibility process, the school team would determine if the child's disability has an adverse effect on his/her education program and if the child needed special education (specially designed instruction) and related services. Dysphagia services would be considered a related service, a health service needed for the child to benefit from specially designed instruction. The article concludes with recommendations for practice that stem from a review of due process hearings and court cases for children with disabilities that include swallowing.
Optimizing Collaboration Between Medical and School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists Managing Pediatric Dysphagia
Authors: Miller Claire Kane
Published: October 2009

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who work with the pediatric population, regardless of setting—home-based, early intervention center, hospital, or school—are more likely than not to encounter children in their practice who exhibit dysphagia. The reasons for this are basically two-fold: medical and legislative. Continued advances in medical care and surgical management have resulted in increased survival rates of infants with very complex medical issues, which often include oral motor, feeding, and swallowing difficulty (Kelly, 2006; McNab & Blackman, 1998). Second, legislation ensuring that all children receive educational services in the least restrictive setting has increased the number of children being referred to the school-based pediatric SLP, given that addressing feeding and swallowing disorders is considered educationally relevant (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association [ASHA], 2007). The role of the SLP may differ in terms of the environment and by what type of service is being rendered, be it consultation, evaluation, or treatment. However, it is the common role and responsibility of all SLPs, regardless of setting, to work together to initiate and maintain ongoing communication and collaboration regarding the components of the dysphagia evaluation and treatment plan. As the number of children who require dysphagia treatment continues to rise, establishing and using organized systems for communication and information sharing between medical and education settings are underscored. The purpose of the following article is to increase awareness of current resources to guide practice patterns, and to offer some practical suggestions to enhance communication between medical and school-based SLPs.
Feed-forward inhibition as a buffer of the neuronal input-output relation
Authors: Ferrante Michele , Migliore Michele , Ascoli Giorgio A.
Published: October 2009

Neuronal processing depends on the input-output (I/O) relation between the frequency of synaptic stimulation and the resultant axonal firing rate. The all-or-none properties of spike generation and active membrane mechanisms can make the neuronal I/O relation very steep. The ensuing nearly bimodal behavior may severely limit information coding, as minimal input fluctuations within the expected natural variability could cause neuronal output to jump between quiescence and maximum firing rate. Here, using biophysically and anatomically realistic computational models of individual neurons, we demonstrate that feed-forward inhibition, a ubiquitous mechanism in which inhibitory interneurons and their target cells are activated by the same excitatory input, can change a steeply sigmoid I/O curve into a double-sigmoid typical of buffer systems. The addition of an intermediate plateau stabilizes the spiking response over a broad dynamic range of input frequency, ensuring robust integration of noisy synaptic signals. Both the buffered firing rate and its input firing range can be independently and extensively modulated by biologically plausible changes in the weight and number of excitatory synapses on the feed-forward interneuron. By providing a soft switch between essentially digital and analog rate-code, this continuous control of the circuit I/O could dramatically increase the computational power of neuronal integration.
Age-associated increase in lifespan of naïve CD4 T cells contributes to T-cell homeostasis but facilitates development of functional defects
Authors: Tsukamoto Hirotake , Clise-Dwyer Karen , Huston Gail E. , Duso Debra K. , Buck Amanda L. , Johnson Lawrence L. , Haynes Laura , Swain Susan L.
Published: October 2009

With age, T-cell generation from the thymus is much reduced, yet a substantial naïve T-cell pool is maintained even in aged animals, suggesting that naïve T cells either persist longer or turn over faster to maintain T-cell homeostasis. We found that with age, naïve CD4 T cells became progressively longer-lived. Their longer lifespan did not depend on recognition of self-peptide/class II. Newly generated naïve T cells derived from aged stem cells had a shorter lifespan, like that of young naïve T cells. Conversely, naïve CD4 T cells derived from middle-aged thymectomized mice were longer-lived in vivo, and their development of functional defects was accelerated. These observations suggest that naïve T cells develop their longer lifespan during their sojourn in the periphery. Increased longevity of naïve CD4 T cells correlated well with reduced expression of proapoptotic molecule Bim. We suggest that the intrinsic increase in longevity helps maintain naïve T-cell homeostasis but facilitates the development of functional defects in mice.
Antinociceptive Activity ofTrichilia catiguaHydroalcoholic Extract: New Evidence on Its Dopaminergic Effects
Authors: Viana Alice F. , Maciel Izaque S. , Motta Emerson M. , Leal Paulo C. , Pianowski Luiz , Campos Maria M. , Calixto João B.
Published: October 2009

Trichilia catiguais a native plant of Brazil; its barks are used by some local pharmaceutical companies to prepare tonic drinks, such as Catuama. The present study was addressed to evaluate the effects ofT. catiguahydroalcoholic extract in mouse nociception behavioral models, and to evaluate the possible mechanisms involved in its actions. Male Swiss mice were submitted to hot‐plate, writhing and von Frey tests, after oral treatment withT.catiguaextract (200 mg kg−1, p.o.). The extract displayed antinociceptive effect in all three models. For characterization of the mechanisms involved in the antinociceptive action of the extract, the following pharmacological treatments were done: naloxone (2.5 mg kg−1, s.c.), SR141716A (10 mg kg−1, i.p.), SCH23390 (15 μg kg−1, i.p.), sulpiride (50 mg kg−1, i.p.), prazosin (1 mg kg−1, i.p.), bicuculline (1 mg kg−1, i.p.) ordl‐p‐chlorophenylalanine methyl ester (PCPA, 100 mg kg−1, i.p.). In these experiments, the action ofT. catiguaextract was evaluated in the hot‐plate test. The treatment with SCH23390 completely prevented the antinociceptive effect, while naloxone partially prevented it. The possible involvement of the dopaminergic system in the actions ofT. catiguaextract was substantiated by data showing the potentiation of apomorphine‐induced hypothermia and by the prevention of haloperidol‐induced catalepsy. In conclusion, the antinociceptive effects ofT. catiguaextract seem to be mainly associated with the activation of dopaminergic system and, to a lesser extent, through interaction with opioid pathway.
Serum levels of large tenascin‐C variants, matrix metalloproteinase‐9, and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases in concentric versus eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Franz Marcus , Berndt Alexander , Altendorf‐Hofmann Annelore , Fiedler Nico , Richter Petra , Schumm Julia , Fritzenwanger Michael , Figulla Hans Reiner , Brehm Bernhard R.
Published: October 2009

Aims

Chronic hypertension may cause left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and tenascin‐C (Tn‐C) splice variants in concentric vs. eccentric left ventricular remodelling has not been investigated.

Methods and results

Serum levels of B or C domain containing Tn‐C, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1, −2, and −4 were determined in concentric (left ventricular posterior wall thickness >13 mm and intraventricular septum >13 mm, n = 61) and eccentric (end‐diastolic left ventricular diameter >55 mm or end‐systolic left ventricular diameter >40 mm, n = 34) LVH by enzyme‐linked immunoassays. Levels of B domain containing Tn‐C were higher in patients with LVH than in normal volunteers (P = 0.020) and higher in eccentric LVH (EH) compared with concentric LVH (CH) (P = 0.003). A cut‐off value of 900 ng/mL might discriminate between these different forms of LVH. Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 was higher in patients with LVH than in normal volunteers (P = 0.042), and levels were decreased in EH compared with CH (P = 0.028). Patients with LVH had higher levels of TIMP‐1 (P = 0.059), TIMP‐2 (P = 0.043), and TIMP‐4 (P = 0.163) than normal volunteers, but there were no differences between the LVH groups.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that myocardial remodelling in LVH is associated with changes in serum levels of MMP‐9, TIMP‐1, −2, −4, and Tn‐C splice variants. In addition, B domain containing Tn‐C discriminated EH from CH and might be suggested as a potential diagnostic marker.
The safety and tolerability of darbepoetin alfa in patients with anaemia and symptomatic heart failure
Authors: Klapholz Marc , Abraham William T. , Ghali Jalal K. , Ponikowski Piotr , Anker Stefan D. , Knusel Beat , Sun Yan , Wasserman Scott M. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J.
Published: October 2009

Aims

To assess the safety and tolerability of darbepoetin alfa (DA) in the treatment of anaemia in heart failure (HF).

Methods and results

In this pooled analysis of three randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies of anaemic [haemoglobin (Hb) ≤12.0 g/dL or ≤12.5 g/dL] symptomatic HF subjects, DA was administered subcutaneously once every 2 weeks and titrated to achieve and maintain a target Hb of 14.0 ± 1.0 g/dL. In total, 516 subjects were randomized; 231 (44.8%) to placebo, 285 (55.2%) to DA. Darbepoetin alfa was well tolerated, with an adverse event (AE) profile similar to placebo. Most subjects (placebo, 85%; DA, 87%) experienced at least one AE. There was a lower incidence of serious AEs in the DA group (placebo, 43%; DA, 37%) with the most frequent being worsening HF (placebo, 19%; DA, 11%). Treatment‐related AEs were reported for 9% and 12% in placebo and DA subjects, respectively. Fewer deaths were reported in DA group (6%) vs. placebo (8%).

Conclusion

Darbepoetin alfa was well tolerated with an AE profile similar to placebo in HF subjects treated to a target Hb of 14.0 ± 1.0 g/dL. Contrary to recent data in other patient populations, there was no evidence of increased risk of mortality or cardiovascular events.
Field Resistance to Potato Stem Colonization by the Black Dot Pathogen Colletotrichum coccodes
Authors: Nitzan Nadav , Evans Marc A. , Cummings Tom F. , Johnson Dennis A. , Batchelor Dallas L. , Olsen Chris , Haynes Kathleen G. , Brown Charles R.
Published: October 2009

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) germplasm was tested for resistance to stem colonization by the black dot pathogen Colletotrichum coccodes. Forty-six potato selections were tested in three field trials from 2006 to 2008. Resistance was determined by comparing disease severity on aboveground stems to the mean disease severity of the industry standards Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet, and Umatilla Russet. The potato selections were also tested for genotype*environment interaction to determine their genetic stability. Heritability of resistance was calculated to be 0.13 with confidence intervals between 0.00 and 0.68. The selections A0012-5, PA95B2-4, PA98NM38-1, and PO94A009-7 had less black dot than the standards in all years, and also demonstrated genetic stability. These selections also possess resistance to the root galling stage of the powdery scab pathogen Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea. PA95B2-4, PA98NM38-1, and PO94009-7 were derived from an introgression program to incorporate resistance to the Columbia root-knot nematode Meloidogyne chitwoodi from the Mexican wild species Solanum bulbocastanum, and also have the commercial cultivar Summit Russet in their ancestry. These selections are promising steps toward sustainable management of black dot and powdery scab and will be further tested and used for breeding purposes.
Broad Diversity of Ralstonia solanacearum Strains in Cameroon
Authors: Mahbou Somo Toukam Gabriel , Cellier Gilles , Wicker Emmanuel , Guilbaud Caroline , Kahane Rémi , Allen Caitilyn , Prior Philippe
Published: October 2009

In 2005, an extensive survey of bacterial wilt in Cameroon collected 110 strains of Ralstonia solanacearum from wilting tomato, potato, pepper, huckleberry (Solanum scabrum), sesame, and amaranth. The genetic diversity and phylogeny of selected strains from Cameroon were assessed by multiplex–polymerase chain reaction (PCR), race 3/biovar 2–specific PCR, and sequence analyses of the mutS and egl genes. These data were compared with those from 33 reference strains covering the known diversity within the R. solanacearum species complex. Strains isolated in Cameroon clustered into three of the four known phylotypes: I (Asian), II (American), and III (African). Lowland tomato strains belonged to phylotype I and were quite homogeneous. The strains belonging to phylotype II were genetically diverse, and partitioned into subclusters IIA and IIB (sequevar 1, race 3/biovar 2). Cameroon strains in the African phylotype III were distinct from reference strains from Zimbabwe or the Indian Ocean, highlighting the genetic diversity present within this phylotype. Strains from potatoes growing in the highlands of West Cameroon fell into both phylotypes II (race 3/biovar 2) and III. These phylotype II and III highland strains attacked both potato and tomato and could therefore pose an economic threat to potato and tomato crops throughout Central Africa. This is the first comprehensive report on the genetic diversity of R. solanacearum strains in Cameroon.
Verticillium Wilt of Ailanthus altissima: Susceptibility of Associated Tree Species
Authors: Schall Mark J. , Davis Donald D.
Published: October 2009

Verticillium albo-atrum causes unprecedented wilt and mortality of the invasive tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) within forests of south-central Pennsylvania. Stem inoculation of potted Ailanthus seedlings in the greenhouse and canopy Ailanthus trees in the field with V. albo-atrum resulted in 100% mortality. Stem inoculation of understory striped maple saplings in the field also resulted in 100% mortality. However, the high susceptibility of striped maple was not observed in naturally infected stands, where only 1% of striped maple saplings exhibited Verticillium wilt. Inoculation of chestnut oak, northern red oak, red maple, sugar maple, white ash, and yellow-poplar seedlings or canopy trees with V. albo-atrum did not induce wilt symptoms. Non-Ailanthus tree species growing adjacent to dead and dying Ailanthus trees in the field were asymptomatic. Pending further studies, V. albo-atrum should be considered as a potential biocontrol agent for invasive Ailanthus.
Aspergillus flavus Biomass in Maize Estimated by Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Is Strongly Correlated with Aflatoxin Concentration
Authors: Mideros Santiago X. , Windham Gary L. , Williams W. Paul , Nelson Rebecca J.
Published: October 2009

Aspergillus flavus causes ear rot of maize and produces aflatoxins that can contaminate grain even in the absence of visible symptoms of infection. Resistance to aflatoxin accumulation and pathogen colonization are considered distinct traits in maize. Colonization of grain by fungi such as A. flavus has been difficult to quantify. We developed and validated two quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays to estimate fungal biomass in maize tissues. In order to study the relationship between fungal biomass and aflatoxin accumulation, qPCR was conducted and aflatoxin concentrations were assayed in milled samples of mature maize kernels for two diverse sets of maize germplasm. The first was a set of hybrids that was inoculated with A. flavus in a conducive field environment in Mississippi. These hybrids, mainly early tropical and non-stiff-stalk genotypes adapted to local conditions, carry known sources of resistance among their progenitors. The second set, also tested in Mississippi, was a group of inbred lines representing a wider sample of maize genetic diversity. For both sets, our results showed a high correlation between fungal load and aflatoxin concentration in maize kernels. Our qPCR methodology could have a direct impact on breeding programs that aim to identify lines with resistance to aflatoxin accumulation, and set the stage for future studies on the genetic dissection of aflatoxin-related traits.
Evaluation of Two Disease Warning Systems for Botryosphaeria Panicle and Shoot Blight of California Pistachio and Efficient Control Based on Early-Season Sprays
Authors: Morgan David P. , Driever George F. , Felts Dan , Krueger William H. , Michailides Themis J.
Published: October 2009

Two empirical models to predict infection events were evaluated for control of Botryosphaeria panicle and shoot blight, caused by a Fusicoccum sp., as well as the effectiveness of early-season fungicide sprays on the control of this disease of pistachio. A model incorporating wetness duration was superior to one based solely on duration of rains ≥1 mm/h for ≥4 h and with temperature ≥11°C. The wetness duration threshold (W) for rain events ≥4 mm at a given temperature (T) for high-risk infection events was W = –7.8 + 397/T and the threshold for medium-risk events was W = –6.9 + 220/T. Wet periods interrupted by ≤12 h were added together to calculate W. In two orchards with high levels of inoculum, one high-risk event resulted in 20 to 23% blighted fruit at harvest and two or three high-risk events resulted in 31 to 80% blighted fruit. Latent infections were 0 to 1% in instances where only low-risk events (one to two events) occurred prior to collection of pistachio fruit for determination of latent infections and were 17 to 36% with one to three high-risk events. Early-season fungicide sprays in April to May effectively controlled panicle and shoot blight when applied up to 12 days before predicted infection events or 5 days after.
Relationship Between Cluster Compactness and Bunch Rot in Vignoles Grapes
Authors: Hed Bryan , Ngugi Henry K. , Travis James W.
Published: October 2009

The impact of cluster compactness and debris retention on harvest bunch rot of Vitis interspecific hybrid ‘Vignoles’ was investigated between 2001 and 2005 near Lake Erie, in Pennsylvania. Cluster compactness was characterized subjectively based on the OIV code 204 standard and objectively by determining the number of berries per centimeter of rachis. In 2001, 2002, and 2004, the median number of berries per centimeter for loose clusters was 6.3, 7.0, and 6.4 compared with 10.2, 12.7, and 12.4 for the compact clusters, respectively. Kolmogorov-Smirnoff and the Mann-Whitney U two-samples tests confirmed that the distribution of the berries per centimeter was significantly (90 ≤ χ2≤ 184.3; P < 0.0001) different between the two subjective compactness categories. Cluster compactness was strongly correlated with bunch rot incidence (χ2= 73.1 and 62.2 for 2001 and 2002, respectively; P < 0.0001), whereby disease incidence was higher in compact than in loose clusters. Logistic regression analysis indicated that every additional berry per centimeter unit of compactness almost doubled the likelihood of a cluster becoming infected with bunch rot (odds ratio = 1.828, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.392 to 2.399 in 2001 and odds ratio = 1.705, 95% CI = 1.394 to 2.085 in 2002). In 2004, bunch rot severity in compact clusters was nearly four times that of loose clusters. Linear regression analysis revealed that berries per centimeter accounted for >89% of the variation in bunch rot severity (R2= 0.893, P < 0.0001, n = 30) and >74% in cluster weight (R2= 0.745, P < 0.0001, n = 30). Accumulations of dehiscent floral debris contributed to greater bunch rot severity, and the effect was more pronounced in compact clusters than in loose clusters. Removal of basal leaves at trace bloom reduced berries per centimeter by 13% in 2004 and >25% in 2005, with corresponding reductions in bunch rot severity of 60% in 2004 and 62.5 to 82% in 2005. These results indicate that berries per centimeter is a good indicator of cluster compactness in Vignoles, and that practices that reduce cluster tightness would be effective in an integrated program for control of bunch rot on this cultivar.
An Amino Acid Deletion in Wheat streak mosaic virus Capsid Protein Distinguishes a Homogeneous Group of European Isolates and Facilitates Their Specific Detection
Authors: Gadiou Sébastien , Kúdela Otakar , Ripl Jan , Rabenstein Frank , Kundu Jiban K. , Glasa Miroslav
Published: October 2009

The tritimovirus Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) is widespread throughout the world and represents a severe threat to cereal crop production. To increase knowledge of genetic diversity of WSMV in Europe, until now scarce, capsid protein (CP) sequences of several Czech, French, Italian, Slovak, and Turkish isolates have been determined. A multiple alignment of CP nucleotide sequences using available WSMV sequences revealed only limited sequence variation among 3 previously sequenced European isolates and the 14 European isolates sequenced in this study. Moreover, these isolates were characterized by an identical 3-nucleotide deletion, resulting in the lack of the Gly2761 codon within the CP region of the polyprotein. The results indicate that this monophyletic group of isolates (designated as WSMV-ΔE) is common and widely dispersed throughout the European continent. The close relationship of WSMV-ΔE isolates implies a single common ancestor and, presumably, subsequent dispersal throughout Europe from a single focus. We developed two simple assays for specific and accurate detection of WSMV-ΔE isolates. First, a conserved ClaI restriction site in the core CP gene sequence unique to WSMV-ΔE isolates was used for restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of amplified polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Second, the conserved and specific codon gap in WSMV-ΔE sequences was used as a target to design specific primers functional in one-step reverse-transcription PCR detection of WSMV-ΔE isolates.
First Report of Alternaria panax Causing Leaf Spot of Aralia cordata in Japan
Authors: Zhang M. , Tsukiboshi T. , Okabe I.
Published: October 2009

Udo, Aralia cordata Thumb, Araliaceae, is a traditional Japanese perennial vegetable and used in Chinese herbal medicines. During the last 10 days of July 2008, before the period of flower, leaf spots were observed on udo growing under pine trees in Nasushiobara, Tochigi, Japan. Leaf spots affected more than 40% of the plants. Early symptoms appeared as small, round or irregular, water-soaked, dark brown lesions on the leaves. These areas expanded to 15 to 30 mm in diameter, were irregular and pale brown in the central area and the margin of the lesions were water soaked and dark brown. Later, some lesions coalesced. In continuously wet or humid conditions, conidiophores with conidia appeared on the surface of leaf spots. Conidiophores were medium brown and simple (approximately 70 to 160 × 6 to 8 μm). Well-developed conidia were long-obclavate, base obtuse, straight, yellowish brown, smooth walled, with six to nine transverse septa and three to five longitudinal or oblique septa, constricted at some main septa, some cells easily swelled, conidium body was 72 to 100 × 19 to 34 μm, and the rostra extension was 40 to 90 × 4 to 5 μm. The pathogen was identified as Alternaria panax on the basis of the morphology and sequence of ITS1-5.8s-ITS2 of rDNA. The sequence (GenBank Accession No. FJ607183) exactly matched the sequences of two A. panax (e.g., GenBank Accession Nos. AY898639 and AY898640) (2–4). The fungus was isolated on V8 agar from a single conidium found on symptomatic leaf tissue. Colonies of A. panax were gray-to-black and did not easily produce conidia on the agar. Koch's postulates were performed with the leaves of three branches on a field plant of Aralia cordata. Leaves were inoculated with a mycelial plug harvested from the periphery of a 7-day-old colony; an equal number of leaves on the same plant inoculated with plugs of V8 medium served as the control. All test leaves were covered with plastic bags for 24 h to maintain high relative humidity and incubated at a natural temperature (approximately 24 to 28°C). After 7 days, all inoculated leaves showed symptoms identical to those observed in natural conditions, whereas the controls remained symptom free. Reisolation of the fungus from lesions on inoculated leaves confirmed that the causal agent was A. panax. This species has been previously reported on Aralia cordata in Korea (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf spots caused by A. panax on Aralia cordata in Japan.

References: (1) W. D. Cho and H. D. Shin. List of Plant Diseases in Korea. 4th ed. Korean Society of Plant Pathology, 2004. (2) E. G. Simmons. Mycotaxon 14:17, 1982. (3) E. G. Simmons. Alternaria: An Identification Manual. CBS Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Utrecht, the Netherlands, 2007. (4) T. Y. Zhang et al. Flora Fungorum Sinicorum: Alternaria. Vol. 16. Science Press (in Chinese), Beijing, 2003.