bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Essential Internal Promoter in the
spoIIIA
Locus of
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Guillot Chris , Moran Charles P.
Published: August 2007

The
Bacillus subtilis spoIIIA
locus encodes eight proteins, SpoIIIAA to SpoIIIAH, which are expressed in the mother cell during endospore formation and which are essential for the activation of σ
G
in the forespore. Complementation studies indicated that this locus may be transcribed from two promoters, one promoter upstream from the first gene and possibly a second unidentified promoter within the locus. Fragments of the
spoIIIA
locus were expressed at an ectopic site to complement the sporulation-defective phenotype of a
spoIIIAH
deletion, and we determined that complementation required a fragment of DNA that extended into
spoIIIAF
. To confirm that there was a promoter located in
spoIIIAF
, we constructed transcriptional fusions to
lacZ
and found strong sporulation-induced promoter activity. Primer extension assays were used to determine the transcription start site, and point mutations introduced into the −10 and −35 regions of the promoter reduced its activity. This promoter is transcribed by σ
E
-RNA polymerase and is repressed by SpoIIID. Therefore, we concluded that the
spoIIIA
locus is transcribed from two promoters, one at the start of the locus (

P1
spoIIIA

) and the other within the locus (

P2
spoIIIA

). Based on Campbell integrations and reverse transcription-PCR analysis of the

P2
spoIIIA

region, we determined that

P2
spoIIIA

is sufficient for transcription of
spoIIIAG
and
spoIIIAH
. Inactivation of

P2
spoIIIA

blocked spore formation, indicating that

P2
spoIIIA

is essential for expression of
spoIIIAG
and
spoIIIAH
. The

P2
spoIIIA

activity is twice the

P1
spoIIIA

activity; therefore, larger amounts of SpoIIIAG and SpoIIIAH than of proteins encoded at the upstream end of the locus may be required.
Mutations in Type I and Type IV Pilus Biosynthetic Genes Affect Twitching Motility Rates in
Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: De La Fuente Leonardo , Burr Thomas J. , Hoch Harvey C.
Published: August 2007

Xylella fastidiosa
possesses both type I and type IV pili at the same cell pole. By use of a microfluidic device, the speed of twitching movement by wild-type cells on a glass surface against the flow direction of media was measured as 0.86 (standard error [SE], 0.04) μm min
−1
. A type I pilus mutant (
fimA
) moved six times faster (4.85 [SE, 0.27] μm min
−1
) and a
pilY1
mutant moved three times slower (0.28 [SE, 0.03] μm min
−1
) than wild-type cells. Type I pili slow the rate of movement, while the putative type IV pilus protein PilY1 is likely important for attachment to surfaces.
A public-domain image processing tool for automated quantification of fluorescence in situ hybridisation signals
Authors: Konsti J , Lundin J , Jumppanen M , Lundin M , Viitanen A , Isola J
Published: August 2007

Aims:

To develop and evaluate an automated method for quantification ofHER2fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) signals.

Methods:

Using a popular, open source image manipulation tool, ImageJ, a macro for FISH signal assessment was created. A comparison against traditional manual counting was performed in breast cancer specimens from 42 patients. The tumour specimens were hybridised with probes forHER2and chromosome 17 centromere (CEP17) and selected areas were digitised for image processing. Hybridisation signals were calculated both manually and automatically with the ImageJ custom macro.

Results:

The correlation coefficient between the automatic and manualHER2/CEP17 ratios was 0.98. The corresponding percentage agreement was 90% and the kappa value was 0.82.

Conclusions:

This study shows that it is possible to automate the determination ofHER2amplification by the use of open-source software, with results comparable to manual counting. The automated counting decreases the time needed for sample analysis and provides possibilities to enhance inter- and intralaboratory reproducibility of results. The FISH quantification tool (FishJ) is available for download as an ImageJ macro or alternatively it can be utilised through a web interface with an option of uploading FISH images for hybridisation signal counting. Combined with digitisation of FISH samples, the FishJ macro enables gene copy number to be assessed and re-evaluated on any area of a digitised specimen.
Quantification of intrahepatic total hepatitis B virus DNA in chronic hepatitis B patients and its relationship with liver histology
Authors: Bayram A , Erkilic S , Özkur A , Bayram M , Sari I
Published: August 2007

Aims:

This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between total intrahepatic hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels and liver histology in terms of the degree of histological activity index (HAI) that yields necroinflammation (HAI-NI) and fibrosis (HAI-F) of the liver.

Methods:

Prospectively, Tru-cut needle biopsy samples were obtained from the livers of 42 patients with chronic hepatitis B. Levels of serum and liver HBV DNA were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Demographic data of patients, together with hepatitis B serology, alanine aminotransferase levels, and HAI-NI and HAI-F scores, were recorded.

Results:

Twenty of the patients were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive, while 22 patients were positive for antibody to HBeAg (anti-HBe). Serum and liver total HBV DNA levels were found to correlate directly with each other in the two groups (r = 0.669, p = 0.001; and r = 0.880, p<0.001; respectively) and the correlation was more marked in anti-HBe-positive patients. Although serum HBV DNA levels correlated positively with HAI-NI and HAI-F scores in HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients, total liver HBV DNA levels correlated with HAI-NI and HAI-F scores in anti-HBe-positive patients only.

Conclusions:

Quantitative measurement of intrahepatic HBV DNA is a valuable marker of the histological status of the liver in anti-HBe-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B, and it may give an insight into the prognosis and the ideal time for the cessation of antiviral treatment.
ON ELECTROMAGNETIC CONTRIBUTIONS IN WIMP QUESTS
Authors: BERNABEI R. , BELLI P. , MONTECCHIA F. , NOZZOLI F. , CAPPELLA F. , INCICCHITTI A. , PROSPERI D. , CERULLI R. , DAI C. J. , HE H. L. , KUANG H. H. , MA J. M. , SHENG X. D. , YE Z. P.
Published: August 2007

The effect pointed out by A. B. Migdal in 1940's (hereafter named Migdal effect) has so far been usually neglected in the direct searches for WIMP Dark Matter candidates. This effect consists in the ionization and the excitation of bound atomic electrons induced by the recoiling atomic nucleus. In the present paper the related theoretical arguments are developed and some consequences of the proper accounting for this effect are discussed by some examples of practical interest.
Palaeomagnetism and
40
Ar/
39
Ar age determinations of the Ediacaran traps from the southwestern margin of the East European Craton, Ukraine: relevance to the Rodinia break-up
Authors: Elming S.Å. , Kravchenko S.N. , Layer P. , Rusakov O.M. , Glevasskaya A.M. , Mikhailova N.P. , Bachtadse V.
Published: August 2007

A palaeomagnetic study and age determinations have been performed on Ediacaran basalts from the northwestern Ukraine. Whole-rock
40
Ar/
39
Ar age determination revealed plateau ages at 590–560 Ma and 393 Ma, the latter probably reflecting a resetting of the radiometric system. Palaeomagnetic poles have been calculated from five basalt flows, two of which (A poles) are considered reliable with ages that range from 580 to 560 Ma. Tentative poles (B poles), calculated from most probably primary magnetizations, have ages estimated at 580–545 Ma. Secondary magnetizations, possibly of late Ediacaran or Devonian age, have also been isolated (C poles). Based on the new poles, Baltica drifted together with Laurentia from an equatorial position at
c
. 750 Ma to occupy high southern latitude positions at
c
. 580 Ma. Baltica during that time period was joined to Laurentia in a similar relative position to that at 750 Ma. The two shields then split up from each other and from
c
. 550 Ma Baltica drifted at moderately high latitudes and rotated some 180° during the final opening of the Iapetus ocean. This reconstruction suggests that during the Ediacaran glaciation Baltica occupied high-latitude positions, which contradicts the high-obliquity model to explain low-latitude Neoproterozoic glaciations.
Late Jurassic bimodal magmatism in the northern sea-floor remnant of the Rocas Verdes basin, southern Patagonian Andes
Authors: Calderón M. , Fildani A. , Hervé F. , Fanning C.M. , Weislogel A. , Cordani U.
Published: August 2007

Magmatic and detrital zircon ages from the Rocas Verdes basin, a tectonically juxtaposed remnant of sea floor in the Magallanes fold and thrust belt (southern Patagonia, South America), indicates that a rifting phase of the Rocas Verdes basin occurred between 152 and 142 Ma, and was accompanied by bimodal magmatism. A dacite dyke cross-cutting pillow-basalt successions and a plagiogranite dyke in mixed mafic–felsic terranes of the basal Sarmiento Ophiolite Complex contain 150 Ma zircon crystals, indicating that mafic submarine volcanism had started prior to or during the Late Jurassic, 10–15 Ma earlier than previously thought. The silicic pyroclastic rocks of the Tobífera Formation, with two samples dated at 148 and 142 Ma, were heralded by synrift sedimentation along fault-bounded grabens within Palaeozoic metasediments. No evidence for an active volcanic arc during the early formation of the Rocas Verdes basin was detected in detrital zircon grains of the lower sedimentary member of the Tobífera Formation. A minimum of 25 Ma of continuous sedimentation in the Rocas Verdes basin is suggested by detrital zircon grains in the upper member of the Zapata Formation. The Rocas Verdes basin was rimmed on the western side by an incipient and subaerial magmatic arc only in its later evolution.
The stratigraphic role of marine deposits in the geological evolution of the Panarea volcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy)
Authors: Lucchi F. , Tranne C.A. , Calanchi N. , Rossi P.L. , Keller J.
Published: August 2007

Using reconstructed unconformity-bounded stratigraphy, the geological evolution of Panarea and surrounding islets can be described in terms of the interaction between the growing volcano and sea-level fluctuations. From the recognition of marine deposits corresponding to marine oxygen isotope stage (MIS) 5 and of widespread Brown Tuff-type pyroclastic deposits on Panarea, two first-order unconformities (U
I
and U
II
) of regional stratigraphic significance can be correlated with the island of Lipari and adopted as a means of correlation on an inter-island scale in the Aeolian Volcanic District. Then, two second-order and three third-order unconfomities, consisting of erosional surfaces related to minor sea-level fluctuations or to subaerial reworking operating during the phases of volcanic inactivity, are introduced. The construction of the volcanic edifice occurred during seven successive eruptive epochs of local volcanic activity, between 150 and 10 ka, with intervening dormant periods characterized by the activation of reworking processes in subaerial and marine environments, and by the emplacement of widespread pyroclastic deposits of external provenance.
Modulation of the rate of cardiac muscle contraction by troponin C constructs with various calcium binding affinities
Authors: Norman Catalina , Rall Jack A. , Tikunova Svetlana B. , Davis Jonathan P.
Published: August 2007

We investigated whether changing thin filament Ca2+sensitivity alters the rate of contraction, either during normal cross-bridge cycling or when cross-bridge cycling is increased by inorganic phosphate (Pi). We increased or decreased Ca2+sensitivity of force production by incorporating into rat skinned cardiac trabeculae the troponin C (TnC) mutants V44QTnCF27Wand F20QTnCF27W. The rate of isometric contraction was assessed as the rate of force redevelopment ( ktr) after a rapid release and restretch to the original length of the muscle. Both in the absence of added Piand in the presence of 2.5 mM added Pi1) Ca2+sensitivity of ktrwas increased by V44QTnCF27Wand decreased by F20QTnCF27Wcompared with control TnCF27W; 2) ktrat submaximal Ca2+activation was significantly faster for V44QTnCF27Wand slower for F20QTnCF27Wcompared with control TnCF27W; 3) at maximum Ca2+activation, ktrvalues were similar for control TnCF27W, V44QTnCF27W, and F20QTnCF27W; and 4) ktrexhibited a linear dependence on force that was indistinguishable for all TnCs. In the presence of 2.5 mM Pi, ktrwas faster at all pCa values compared with the values for no added Pifor TnCF27W, V44QTnCF27W, and F20QTnCF27W. This study suggests that TnC Ca2+binding properties modulate the rate of cardiac muscle contraction at submaximal levels of Ca2+activation. This result has physiological relevance considering that, on a beat-to-beat basis, the heart contracts at submaximal Ca2+activation.
Salt-sensing mechanisms in blood pressure regulation and hypertension
Authors: Orlov Sergei N. , Mongin Alexander A.
Published: August 2007

High salt consumption contributes to the development of hypertension and is considered an independent risk factor for vascular remodeling, cardiac hypertrophy, and stroke incidence. In this review, we discuss the molecular origins of primary sensors involved in the phenomenon of salt sensitivity. Based on the analysis of literature data, we conclude that the kidneys and central nervous system (CNS) are two major sites for salt sensing via several distinct mechanisms: 1) [Cl−] sensing in renal tubular fluids, primarily by Na+-K+-Cl−cotransporter (NKCC) isoforms NKCC2B and NKCC2A, whose expression is mainly limited to macula densa cells; 2) [Na+] sensing in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by a novel isoform of Na+channels, Nax, expressed in subfornical organs; 3) sensing of CSF osmolality by mechanosensitive, nonselective cation channels (transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 channels), expressed in neuronal cells of supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei; and 4) osmolarity sensing by volume-regulated anion channels in glial cells of supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei. Such multiplicity of salt-sensing mechanisms likely explains the differential effects of Na+and Cl−loading on the long-term maintenance of elevated blood pressure that is documented in experimental models of salt-sensitive hypertension.
Selective impairment of central mediation of baroreflex in anesthetized young adult Fischer 344 rats after chronic intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Gu He , Lin Min , Liu Jianyu , Gozal David , Scrogin Karie E. , Wurster Robert , Chapleau Mark W. , Ma Xiuying , Cheng Zixi (Jack)
Published: August 2007

Baroreflex control of heart rate (HR) is impaired after chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). However, the location and nature of this response remain unclear. We examined baroreceptor afferent, vagal efferent, and central components of the baroreflex circuitry. Fischer 344 (F344) rats were exposed to room air (RA) or CIH for 35–50 days and were then anesthetized with isoflurane, ventilated, and catheterized for measurement of mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and HR. Baroreceptor function was characterized by measuring percent changes of integrated aortic depressor nerve (ADN) activity (Int ADNA) relative to the baseline value in response to sodium nitroprusside- and phenylephrine-induced changes in MAP. Data were fitted to a sigmoid logistic function curve. HR responses to electrical stimulation of the left ADN and the right vagus nerve were assessed under ketamine-acepromazine anesthesia. Compared with RA controls, CIH significantly increased maximum baroreceptor gain or maximum slope, maximum Int ADNA, and Int ADNA range (maximum − minimum Int ADNA), whereas other parameters of the logistic function were unchanged. In addition, CIH increased the maximum amplitude of bradycardic response to vagal efferent stimulation and decreased the time from stimulus onset to peak response. In contrast, CIH significantly reduced the maximum amplitude of bradycardic response to left ADN stimulation and increased the time from stimulus onset to peak response. Therefore, CIH decreased central mediation of the baroreflex but augmented baroreceptor afferent function and vagal efferent control of HR.
Efferent vagal nerve stimulation induces tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rabbit
Authors: Uemura Kazunori , Li Meihua , Tsutsumi Takaki , Yamazaki Toji , Kawada Toru , Kamiya Atsunori , Inagaki Masashi , Sunagawa Kenji , Sugimachi Masaru
Published: August 2007

Vagal nerve stimulation has been suggested to ameliorate left ventricular (LV) remodeling in heart failure. However, it is not known whether and to what degree vagal nerve stimulation affects matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP) in myocardium, which are known to play crucial roles in LV remodeling. We therefore investigated the effects of electrical stimulation of efferent vagal nerve on myocardial expression and activation of MMPs and TIMPs in a rabbit model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Anesthetized rabbits were subjected to 60 min of left coronary artery occlusion and 180 min of reperfusion with (I/R-VS, n = 8) or without vagal nerve stimulation (I/R, n = 7). Rabbits not subjected to coronary occlusion with (VS, n = 7) or without vagal stimulation (sham, n = 7) were used as controls. Total MMP-9 protein increased significantly after left coronary artery occlusion in I/R-VS and I/R to a similar degree compared with VS and sham values. Endogenous active MMP-9 protein level was significantly lower in I/R-VS compared with I/R. TIMP-1 mRNA expression was significantly increased in I/R-VS compared with the I/R, VS, and sham groups. TIMP-1 protein was significantly increased in I/R-VS and VS compared with the I/R and sham groups. Cardiac microdialysis technique demonstrated that topical perfusion of acetylcholine increased dialysate TIMP-1 protein level, which was suppressed by coperfusion of atropine. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated a strong expression of TIMP-1 protein in cardiomyocytes around the dialysis probe used to perfuse acetylcholine. In conclusion, in a rabbit model of myocardial I/R injury, vagal nerve stimulation induced TIMP-1 expression in cardiomyocytes and reduced active MMP-9.
Obesity augments vasoconstrictor reactivity to angiotensin II in the renal circulation of the Zucker rat
Authors: Stepp David W. , Boesen Erika I. , Sullivan Jennifer C. , Mintz James D. , Hair Clark D. , Pollock David M.
Published: August 2007

Obesity is an emerging risk factor for renal dysfunction, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. Obese patients show heightened renal vasodilation to blockade of the renin-angiotensin system, suggesting deficits in vascular responses to angiotensin II (ANG II). This study tested the hypothesis that obesity augments renal vasoconstriction to ANG II. Lean (LZR), prediabetic obese (OZR), and nonobese fructose-fed Zucker rats (FF-LZR) were studied to determine the effects of obesity and insulin resistance on reactivity of blood pressure and renal blood flow to vasoconstrictors. OZR showed enlargement of the kidneys, elevated urine output, increased sodium intake, and decreased plasma renin activity (PRA) vs. LZR, and renal vasoconstriction to ANG II was augmented in OZR. Renal reactivity to norepinephrine and mesenteric vascular reactivity to ANG II were similar between LZR and OZR. Insulin-resistant FF-LZR had normal reactivity to ANG II, indicating the insulin resistance was an unlikely explanation for the changes observed in OZR. Four weeks on a low-sodium diet (0.08%) to raise PRA reduced reactivity to ANG II in OZR back to normal levels without effect on LZR. From these data, we conclude that in the prediabetic stages of obesity, a decrease in PRA is observed in Zucker rats that may lead to increased renal vascular reactivity to ANG II. This increased reactivity to ANG II may explain the elevated renal vasodilator effects observed in obese humans and provide insight into early changes in renal function that predispose to nephropathy in later stages of the disease.
Involvement of αENaC and Nedd4-2 in the conversion from lung fluid secretion to fluid absorption at birth in the rat as assayed by RNA interference analysis
Authors: Li Tianbo , Koshy Shyny , Folkesson Hans G.
Published: August 2007

To explore interactions between the epithelial Na channel (ENaC) and neural precursor expressed, developmentally downregulated protein 4-2 (Nedd4-2) at the conversion of the rat lung from fluid secretion to absorption at birth, we used small-interfering RNA (siRNA) against αENaC and Nedd4-2. siRNA-generating plasmid DNA (pDNA) was administered via trans-thoracic intrapulmonary (ttip) injection 24 h before ENaC and Nedd4-2 expression, extravascular lung water, and mortality were measured. αENaC mRNA and protein were specifically reduced by ∼65% after pSi-4 injection. Nedd4-2 mRNA and protein were reduced by ∼60% after pSi-N1 injection. Interestingly, αENaC and βENaC mRNA and protein expression were increased after Nedd4-2 silencing. Extravascular lung water was significantly increased after αENaC silencing and reduced after Nedd4-2 silencing. αENaC silencing resulted in a fourfold increase in newborn mortality, whereas silencing Nedd4-2 did not affect mortality. We also isolated distal lung epithelial (DLE) cells after in vivo αENaC or Nedd4-2 silencing and measured αENaC or Nedd4-2 expression in freshly isolated DLE cells. In these DLE cells, there were attenuated αENaC or Nedd4-2 mRNA and protein, thus demonstrating that αENaC and Nedd4-2 silencing occurred in alveolar epithelial cells after ttip injection. We also looked for pDNA by PCR to determine pDNA presence in the lungs and found strong evidence for pDNA presence in both lungs. Thus we provide evidence that ENaC and Nedd4-2 are involved in the transition from lung fluid secretion to fluid absorption near term and at birth.
Identification of a Ribosomal L10-Like Protein from Flavobacterium psychrophilum as a Recombinant Vaccine Candidate for Rainbow Trout Fry Syndrome
Authors: Crump Elizabeth M. , Burian Ján , Allen Philippe D. , Gale Stephen , Kay William W.
Published: August 2007

The psychrophilic bacterium Flavobacterium psychrophilum is a rapidly emerging, virulent pathogen of a variety of commercially important finfish species, including salmonids. No vaccines against F. psychrophilum are currently available, partly due to its recalcitrant growth in vitro. Consequently, we explored the possibility of constructing recombinant vaccines in Escherichia coli as a prophylactic biotechnological strategy to counter F. psychrophilum infections. An immunoreactive clone from a F. psychrophilum expression library was found to express a ∼16 kDa protein antigen. A proteomics approach was taken to identify the ORF encoding the ∼16 kDa protein. Tryptic fragments of the ∼16 kDa protein were analyzed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and compared to theoretical (in silico) tryptic fragments of translated ORFs predicted within the cloned DNA. The target protein was identified as a 166 amino acid protein (named 7-166) with homology to rplJ which encodes bacterial ribosomal protein L10. Whenhighly expressed in E. coli as an N-terminal fusion protein, this chimera reacted with convalescent rainbow trout serum. When adjuvanted and administered intraperitoneally to immature rainbow trout a high level of protection (82% RPS) was afforded against virulent F. psychrophilum challenge; thus establishing F. psychrophilumrplJ homologue 7-166 as a promising vaccine candidate for RTFS.
Sudden Glory Revisited: Cognitive Contents of Hypomania
Authors: Colom Francesc , Vieta Eduard
Published: August 2007

Introduction: Cognitive aspects of hypomania have been historically neglected. Although they do not have an etiological role, they may be essential to understand factors underlying the hypomanic ascent in bipolar disorders and constitute key modulators of the course of illness. Methods: We have performed a critical review of the existing literature on the role of cognition during hypomania, considering outputs coming from very different fields of knowledge. Results: There is a nuclear cognitive change occurring in most hypomanic phases that we have defined as ‘anastrophic’ thinking. This key cognitive procedure has several implications – going from social sciences and philosophy to basic sciences. Conclusions: Hypomania has received certain attention from cognitive theorists. Unfortunately, this attention has not been translated into a cognitive model that is as robust as the one seen in depression. The inclusion of certain psychological aspects in models of hypomania should give rise, as occurred with depression, to an increased emphasis on psychoeducation and cognitive modification of behavioral patterns in the management of this disorder with combined psychological and pharmacological tools.
Sepsis and the Heart
Authors: Merx M.W. , Weber C.
Published: August 2007

Sepsis is generally viewed as a disease aggravated by an inappropriate immune response encountered in the afflicted individual. As an important organ system frequently compromised by sepsis and always affected by septic shock, the cardiovascular system and its dysfunction during sepsis have been studied in clinical and basic research for more than 5 decades. Although a number of mediators and pathways have been shown to be associated with myocardial depression in sepsis, the precise cause remains unclear to date. There is currently no evidence supporting global ischemia as an underlying cause of myocardial dysfunction in sepsis; however, in septic patients with coexistent and possibly undiagnosed coronary artery disease, regional myocardial ischemia or infarction secondary to coronary artery disease may certainly occur. A circulating myocardial depressant factor in septic shock has long been proposed, and potential candidates for a myocardial depressant factor include cytokines, prostanoids, and nitric oxide, among others. Endothelial activation and induction of the coagulatory system also contribute to the pathophysiology in sepsis. Prompt and adequate antibiotic therapy accompanied by surgical removal of the infectious focus, if indicated and feasible, is the mainstay and also the only strictly causal line of therapy. In the presence of severe sepsis and septic shock, supportive treatment in addition to causal therapy is mandatory. The purpose of this review is to delineate some characteristics of septic myocardial dysfunction, to assess the most commonly cited and reported underlying mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction in sepsis, and to briefly outline current therapeutic strategies and possible future approaches.
Mais le Cadi Tranche-t-il?
Authors: Hentati Nejmeddine
Published: August 2007

J. Berque has argued that the main task of the Muslim judge is to encourage agreement between parties to a dispute. In this essay, I test his thesis in the light of information relating to Muslim judges in the Mālikī West between the 3d/9th and 8th/14th centuries. After discussing the relationship between a court judgment, arbitration, and transaction, I analyze the competence and jurisdiction of the judge in an effort to determine whether or not he did in fact settle disputes and enforce his judgments. Jacques Berque estime que l'essentiel du travail du cadi musulman est de favoriser la conclusion d'accords entre les parties en litige. L'objet de cette étude est d'examiner cette thèse à la lumière des données relatives au cadi malikite en Occident musulman médiéval. Dans un premier moment, nous avons évoqué la relation entre qadā' (juridiction), arbitrage et transaction. Dans un second moment, nous avons parlé de la compétence du cadi en matière de jugement et de son exécution pour savoir s'il tranche les litiges et travaille à l'exécution de ses sentences.
The Effectiveness of Equine-Assisted Experiential Therapy: Results of an Open Clinical Trial
Authors: Bivens Alex , Leinart Deb , Klontz Bradley , Klontz Ted
Published: August 2007

This article describes an equine-assisted experiential therapy approach and presents treatment outcomes in 31 participants in an equine-assisted, experiential therapy program. Participants completed psychological measures prior to treatment, immediately following treatment, and 6 months after treatment. Reported reductions in psychological distress and enhancements in psychological well being were significant immediately following treatment and were stable at 6-month follow-up. The article discusses the clinical implications and limitations of the present study and directions for further research.
The Significant Life Experiences (SLEs) of Humane Educators
Authors: Lewis Jacquie
Published: August 2007

This study provides evidence of the significant life experiences (SLEs), which influence advocates for nonhuman animals to develop sensitivity toward animals. Thirty-nine humane educators participated in an online survey. Findings indicate that having a relationship with a companion animal in adulthood is the most important life experience, followed by having a childhood experience with an animal, being exposed to a positive role model in childhood, and reading about animals and animal issues. The study did not find age and gender related differences in life experiences. This paper compares the results from this study to two previous studies. The first study examined the SLEs of animal advocate leaders through analysis of autobiographies, biographies, oral histories, and written interviews. The second study examined the SLEs of animal rescuers through an open-ended survey. This paper discusses similarities and differences among these three groups.
Morphological and molecular studies on Heterodera sacchari, H. goldeni and H. leuceilyma (Nematoda: Heteroderidae)
Authors: Tanha Maafi Zahra , Sturhan Dieter , Handoo Zafar , Mor Mishael , Moens Maurice , Subbotin Sergei
Published: August 2007

Heterodera sacchari, H. leuceilyma and H. goldeni are closely related members of the H. sacchari species complex, which is mainly characterised and distinguished from all other described Heterodera species by the presence of finger-like projections of the strongly developed underbridge in the vulval cone of the cysts. Males are rare in all three species and are described here in H. goldeni for the first time. Reproduction appears to be parthenogenetic. There are only minor morphological distinctions between the three species, particularly after our present studies have emended their original descriptions from various populations. Heterodera sacchari and H. goldeni showed differences in the ITS-rRNA gene sequences. Heterodera sacchari was described and reliably identified from many tropical African countries, H. leuceilyma is known only from Florida, USA, and H. goldeni has been identified in Egypt, Israel and Iran. All three species have grasses and other Poaceae as hosts, H. sacchari commonly attacking rice and sugarcane, and H. goldeni reproducing successfully on sugarcane ratoon seedlings. Morphological data emending the descriptions of H. sacchari, H. goldeni and H. leuceilyma from various populations are presented and discussed along with their host and distribution. Molecular characterisation of H. sacchari and H. goldeni is provided. An analysis of phylogenetic relationships within species of the sacchari-group using ITS-rRNA gene sequences is also presented.
Nematodes of the order Dorylaimida from Andalucía Oriental, Spain. The genus Enchodelus Thorne, 1939. 1. Description of two new and two known species with conical tail
Authors: Guerrero Pablo , Liébanas Gracia , Peña-Santiago Reyes
Published: August 2007

Two new and two known species belonging to the genus Enchodelus from the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula are described and illustrated. Enchodelus porosus sp. n. is characterised by its medium-sized body (1.39-1.70 mm), lateral chord bearing conspicuous pores surrounded by a refractive ring, odontostyle 16.5-18.0 μ m long, female reproductive system amphidelphic with uterus bipartite including irregular refractive bodies, pars refringens vaginae absent, spicules 39-45 μ m long, 4-6 separated ventromedian supplements and ventrally curved conical tail. Enchodelus veletensis sp. n. is a medium-to large-sized nematode (1.78-2.06 mm), with odontostyle 29-31 μ m long, female genital system amphidelphic with uterus bipartite, vagina bearing two sclerotisations surrounded by a spherical pars distalis and ventrally curved conical tail. In addition, E. morgensis is redescribed and new observations on E. brevidentatus are provided and discussed.
Morphological and molecular characterisation of Longidorus danuvii sp. n. and L. silvae Roca, 1993 (Nematoda: Dorylaimida) from Serbia
Authors: Barsi László , Lamberti Franco , De Luca Francesca
Published: August 2007

Specimens of a Longidorus species, here described as L. danuvii sp. n., were
recovered from the rhizosphere of Amorpha fruticosa growing in a floodplain
forest on the bank of the river Danube at Novi Sad, Serbia; a second
population was collected from Populus sp. also at Novi Sad. Longidorus
danuvii sp. n. is characterised by medium sized body length (3.7-5.4 mm),
slightly expanded, anteriorly flattened and laterally rounded lip region,
set off by a depression from the rest of the body, distinctly bilobed
amphidial pouches with lobes of about equal length, medium odontostyle
length (86-101 μ m) and elongate, conoid tail with more or less bent
appearance. Four juvenile developmental stages were identified. A second
Longidorus species, identified as L. silvae, was recovered from the
rhizosphere of Quercus petraea at Rakovac, Fruška Gora mountain, Serbia. The
discovery of two males is the second record for this species. PCR-RFLP
analyses of the ITS containing regions and sequences of the D3 region of the
26S rDNA were done.
An unusual cyst nematode from New Zealand, Paradolichodera tenuissima gen. n., sp. n. (Tylenchida: Heteroderidae)
Authors: Sturhan Dieter , Wouts Wim M. , Subbotin Sergei A.
Published: August 2007

A new genus, Paradolichodera gen. n., is proposed for a heteroderid species
parasitising the rush Eleocharis gracilis on the banks of a lagoon near
Christchurch, New Zealand. The slender body of the second-stage juveniles (a
= 61-79) makes the type species, P. tenuissima sp. n., unique among known
Heteroderidae species. The females weakly tan after death and retain eggs.
The cysts are elongate-ovoid with rounded posterior end, a circumfenestral
vulva area in terminal position, an indistinct anus and a cuticle with faint
striation anteriorly and punctations posteriorly. The male body is not
twisted, a cloacal tube is present and phasmids are lacking.
Morphologically, the new genus is closest to Dolichodera in the subfamily
Punctoderinae. A phylogenetic analysis of the ITS1-rRNA sequence of P.
tenuissima sp. n. shows a close relationship to Punctodera and
Globodera.
Public Theology in (South) Africa: A Trinitarian Approach
Authors: Koopman Nico
Published: August 2007

This article discusses the potential of a Trinitarian approach to theology for constructing a public theology in the context of the immense social, political, economic, environmental, cultural, sexual and health challenges of (South) Africa. Theology engages with the three publics of academy, society and church in order to enhance a flourishing life for all humans and the rest of creation. Sallie McFague's Trinitarian planetary theology is investigated. It is argued that her portrayal of God—as the one who: creates us in God's image; liberates us from all enslavements; provides for our spiritual and material needs; saves us from personal and institutional sin and renews humans, churches, nature and society—offers guidelines for constructing a Trinitarian public theology on African soil.
The Concept of Sacrifice: A Reconsideration of the Feminist Critique
Authors: McIntosh Esther
Published: August 2007

Domestic violence is an on-going problem, especially for women. Moreover, feminist theologians have criticized the Christian churches for failing to respond adequately both to the violence itself and to the underlying theology that supports and legitimizes the subordination of women; in particular, this includes the concept of sacrifice. With the release of the Church of England's guidelines on 'Responding to Domestic Abuse', it is time for public theology to reconsider the feminist critique. This article sets out the historical background of the Christian concept of sacrifice, explains the feminist critique of it and then assesses the role of self-love in answer to the feminist critique; finally, it attempts to make sense of why and how we might still value some sacrifice, while taking feminist concerns seriously.
Freedom or Respect?: Public Theology and the Debate over the Danish Cartoons
Authors: Kim Sebastian
Published: August 2007

As a way to consider an appropriate methodology for public theology, this article examines the recent controversy over the Danish cartoons. The focus of the article is the debate for and against the cartoons and the two apparently competing values of 'freedom of expression' and 'respect for faith'. The article argues that these two concepts of freedom and respect are entwined with each other and need to be understood in the light of one another, because they are not necessarily in opposition; in fact, in the course of the debate, these two areas of concern overlap. The article then investigates further to find a common place of mutual acceptance of both secular and religious values, by discussing the development of the concept of tolerance in the west and in India. It is suggested that, in the west, this common space needs to be formulated in a secular setting. This article concludes that a suitable method for public theology is to examine critically both sides of a dispute and to suggest an alternative perspective by employing theological insights from other contexts.
Historiography of an African Church: a Treasure Trove and Do-It-Yourself Book — An Elaborated Book Review
Authors: Verstraelen Frans
Published: August 2007

The aim of this article is to pass on a few suggestions for making the History of the Catholic Church in Zambia more accessible locally, and more acceptable internationally. By improving its methodology, this History can make a real contribution to the development of the history of Christianity in Africa in the context of African history. The article deals with methodological questions and offers some suggestions. It uses the text of this History only in a very limited way in as far as it serves its methodological aim. Yet, I hope that the few references to the text will whet the appetite of the reader to get to know the whole content of this History, since that is remarkably informative and very readable.
Speaking of God in Memory of September 11th, 2001. An Aesthetic Approach
Authors: Küster Volker
Published: August 2007

God talk is visual speech, even contrary to monotheistic religions' prohibition against images. The power of the images unleashed by terrorists on 9/11 is grounded in a conflict of powerful images of God that drive the combatants into this jihad and 'war against evil or terror' respectively. This article contrasts works of art portraying the violence and terror of 9/11 or the conflicts in the Muslim world with the images of 9/11 itself. Three criteria of vision, distance and inviolacy are derived from this comparative approach. They can also be used as a yardstick to gauge competing images of God. 9/11 is not the beginning of a new era as the Western media claimed but is a symbol of the repercussions of the wave of globalization initiated by the implosion of the communist block, the expansion of neo-liberal capitalism and the compression of the world by new media technologies.
Mission to the South, Words to the North: Reflections on Communication in the Church by a Northerner in the South
Authors: Harries Jim
Published: August 2007

Limitations in the possibility of clear communication, even when the language in use (English) is supposedly international, form the foundation for this post-Jenkinsian view of the relationship between Southern and Northern churches today. Presented by a Northerner living in the South this perspective suggests that Northern domination of Southern Christianity (as well as of the South in general) is a threat to the Southern church. Colonial, and particularly post-colonial North/South relations aggravate corruption in the South, and promote a shallow imitation of Northern ways which forms a thin veneer over lives that are deeply rooted in magical/witchcraft worldviews. The widespread negative evaluation of Northern Christianity is here identified with a linguistic idiosyncrasy arising from the preeminence of secularism in the North. 'Southern English' makes different sense of the term 'religion'. Christianity is a way of life. Secularism is also a way of life, and it was its being omitted from Jenkins' look at the world religious scene that has given it a misleading singular status. Christianity is alive in the north, but needs a jerk to arrest its current injurious southwards impact.
Toxic Remedy: A Case of a 3-Year-Old Child With Lead Colic Treated With Lead Monoxide (Greta)
Authors: Cabb Elena E. , Gorospe Emmanuel C. , Rothweiler Anne M. , Gerstenberger Shawn L.
Published: August 2007

This article reports the case of a 3-year-old male with an elevated blood lead level. The child had a history of consuming imported lead-contaminated candies resulting in abdominal pains for which he was given a Hispanic folk remedy, called greta, by his mother. The home remedy aggravated the child's symptoms which prompted medical consultation. Analysis of the powdered folk remedy revealed a lead concentration of 140 000 ppm. This case highlights the complexities associated with identifying unfamiliar sources of lead poisoning, and their potential relationships to cultural practices.
The Object Called “Language” and the Subject of Linguistics
Authors: Agha Asif
Published: August 2007

The trajectory of linguistics in the coming decades is likely to be shaped by how it formulates its object of study (whether as language or as some narrowly defined aspect of language) and by the corresponding breadth or narrowness with which it articulates its own epistemic project within the twenty-first-century-academy. This article discusses two epistemic projects that have shaped linguistics in the previous century, both of which survive in rather distinct institutional zones of the academy today. I diagnose some of the assumptions underlying the narrower conception of linguistics in the first of these traditions. I argue that the “linguistic turn” within the academy is, by contrast, oriented to the study of language more broadly understood. This creates difficulties for any narrowly conceived linguistics, difficulties which a broader vision of language as an object of study—and of any discipline that studies it—must strive to overcome.
A Linguistics for the Evolution and Neurobiology of Language
Authors: Schumann John H.
Published: August 2007

This article raises questions about the kind of linguistic data that is relevant to evolutionary and neurobiological accounts of language. We would not want to demand an account of the evolution and current neurobiology of human movement provide an explanation for how an Olympic skater is able to do a triple Lutz. We also would not want to burden an account of the evolution and neurobiology of language with the necessity to explain the form of utterances made possible by writing. In both cases, the brain (nervous system) requires years of specialized training to produce the behavior. And in neither case would we have identified the evolutionary and neurobiological phenomenon we wish to understand. This article discusses problems in identifying “what evolved” in language evolution and in identifying the kind of language the brain processes today when it comprehends, produces, and acquires “what evolved.”
Linguistics and Micro-Rhetoric
Authors: Hopper Paul J.
Published: August 2007

Increasingly linguists look to usage for explanations of how patterns of forms come to acquire grammatical status. This search leads linguistics closer to the realm of inquiry traditionally occupied by rhetoric, the study of the effective uses of language. It is proposed here that a view of language as temporal brings these two disciplines closer, and that, in fact, (usage-based) linguistics is nothing other than the “micro” end of rhetoric. As an example of the kind of rethinking of linguistic structure necessary to accommodate this proposal, it is argued that the unfolding of discourse in time proceeds by a progressive delivery of prepackaged formulas that are either juxtaposed or linked by apo koinou . Implications of these ideas for the academic organization of linguistics are discussed.
Tiny Tech, Transcendent Tech
Authors: Thurs Daniel Patrick
Published: August 2007

Images derived from science fiction have been widely used to discuss the emerging science of nanotechnology. Such usage also reflects what it takes to make science noteworthy, interesting, and important. According to journalist Gary Stix, science fiction imagery has helped “to create a fascination with the small that genuine scientists, consciously or not, would later use to draw attention to their work on more mundane but eminently more real projects” (Stix 2001, 36). The vocabulary of sci-fi has ultimately enabled those enthusiastic about nanotechnology to transcend the limits of the popular rhetorical habits put on science and its place in modern culture.
Assessing Media Influences on Middle School–Aged Children's Perceptions of Women in Science Using the Draw-A-Scientist Test (DAST)
Authors: Steinke Jocelyn , Lapinski Maria Knight , Crocker Nikki , Zietsman-Thomas Aletta , Williams Yaschica , Evergreen Stephanie Higdon , Kuchibhotla Sarvani
Published: August 2007

Gender stereotypes in the mass media perpetuate traditional views of women that may influence children's perceptions of women in science, engineering, and technology. This study used a randomized posttest-only control group design to determine the efficacy of media literacy training on middle school–aged children's perceptions of scientists. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: discussion, discussion plus viewing of television and film clips that featured images of women, or a control. A total of 304 seventh-grade students were asked to complete the Draw-A-Scientist Test and to write down the source of information for their drawings. Across conditions, boys were more likely than girls to draw male scientists, and girls were more likely than boys to draw female scientists. Boys also were more likely to depict other stereotypes of scientists. Media sources were listed as the primary source of information for the drawings.
Avoiding Malpractice in HRD . . .Five Imperatives for HRD Professionals in Organizations
Authors: Lombardozzi Catherine
Published: August 2007

Human resource development (HRD) practitioners are increasingly being called upon to become more evidence-based in their approaches. This article urges HRD professionals to practice five imperatives in order to ensure ongoing competence. These imperatives include practicing conscious competence, asking for the evidence and research base for solutions, researching strategic HRD issues, partnering with researchers, and staying current in the field.