bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dinitrogen fixation and nodulation by Frankia in Alnus incana as affected by inorganic nitrogen in pot experiments with peat
Authors: Granhall U. , Ericsson T. , Clarholm M.
Published: November 2009

The effects of single large or repeated, exponentially increasing applications of nutrients, with or without inorganic nitrogen and at two pH levels, on the growth, nodulation, acetylene reduction, and nutrient uptake in Alnus incana (L.) Moench were investigated in pot experiments with peat under controlled laboratory conditions. The repeated application of inorganic nitrogen did not suppress nitrogenase activity until the last 2 weeks, whereas an initial, large, nitrogen application effectively inhibited nodulation and activity throughout the 40-day experimental period. The mode of nitrogen application was thus found to be more important than the total amounts applied. Shoot length, leaf area, shoot–root relations, dry-matter production, and nitrogen contents of plants were determined at the end of the experiment, as well as the effect of Frankia inoculations. Nitrogenase activity was determined three times, at 0, 3, and 5 weeks. N2 fixation (balance/acetylene reduction) was found to be maximal, 55% of total nitrogen uptake, in minus-N pots with single applications of essential nutrients. The fastest growth was, however, noted in pots with single applications of all nutrients, including N. Among the latter, pots inoculated with Frankia showed the best growth, in spite of low nitrogenase activity. The only noticeable effect of a raised pH level was a reduced endophyte activity in minus-N pots with single applications of essential nutrients, due to increased N mineralization in the peat.
Cataloging Frankia strains
Authors: Lechevalier Mary P.
Published: November 2009

A catalog listing known Frankia isolates and introducing a homogeneous numbering system for all strains will be published and distributed to interested scientists. Details are given concerning the procedure to be followed for cataloging the strains as well as the coding of information about them. An up-to-date listing of actinorhizal plant species is included along with the codes to be used for each plant taxon.
Soil microfungi in an area polluted by heavy metals
Authors: Nordgren Anders , Bååth Erland , Söderström Bengt
Published: November 2009

The microfungal species composition was studied in coniferous forest soils surrounding a brass mill at Gusum in southeast Sweden. Both the Cu and Zn concentrations were ca. 20 000 μg/g dry soil close to the mill. Pb concentration was ca. 1000 μg/g dry soil and the pH about 2 units above the normal of 3.5–4. The microfungal species composition (determined by the dilution plate technique) was strongly affected by the heavy-metal contamination. Close to the mill there was a decrease in isolation frequency of fungi common in coniferous forest soils, e.g., Penicillium spinulosum, P. montanense, P. brevicompactum, Oidiodendron cf. tenuissimum, O. cf. echinulatum, and O. maius. Other less common or rare fungi increased, e.g., Paecilomyces farinosus, Geomyces pannorum, Chalara constricta, C. longipes, and sterile forms. Fungi of the genus Mortierella seemed affected little by the heavy-metal contamination. Multivariate statistical analyses showed that the heavy-metal pollution was the dominating influence along the metal gradient and that soil moisture and loss on ignition accounted for little of the variation in the fungal data.
Development of white spruce (Picea glauca) seedling roots
Authors: Johnson-Flanagan Anne M. , Owens John N.
Published: November 2009

The root system of container-grown white spruce seedlings (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) consists of a taproot and many lateral roots. The lateral roots can be divided into three classes on the basis of external morphology. Although growth cycles of individual roots are independent, there are overall trends of growth in the root system. A preponderance of one morphological root class is usually associated with a specific phase of the growth cycle. Apical organization in absorbing and elongating roots is similar. When elongation ceases, roots become brown as a result of two separate processes, suberization of the endodermis and metacutization of a discrete layer enveloping the root apex. Zonation in the apex is reduced in brown roots. Renewed growth is marked by swelling of the brown root apex followed by the emergence of a white root tip.
The effects of nectar level and flower development on pollen carry-over in inflorescences of fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) (Onagraceae)
Authors: Galen C. , Plowright R. C.
Published: November 2009

Nectar in flowers of Epilobium angustifolium was manipulated experimentally to provide enriched versus depleted reward levels to bumblebee pollinators. Bumblebees visited significantly more flowers on inflorescences with high rewards than low ones and stayed longer on individual flowers with high rewards. The greatest pollen deposition occurred in older female flowers having enriched nectar levels. In older female flowers the stigma lobes coil backward, reducing the distance between their receptive surfaces and the nectary site. Younger female flowers, regardless of reward level, only occasionally received more than a few pollen grains per bee visit. Although higher nectar levels are likely to promote pollen receipt over the course of a flower's lifetime, because of changes in stigma configuration with flower development, the number of pollen grains transferred to the stigma at any given time depends on the flower's age as well as its reward status. In this self-compatible plant species, most of the increase in pollen receipt resulting from high nectar production is likely to lead to self-matings since (i) plants are clonal and bees usually fly to nearest neighbor ramets after rewarding visits, (ii) bees visit more flowers on enriched inflorescences than on depleted ones, and (iii) pollen carry-over declines exponentially over the course of an inflorescence visit.
Kinetics of potassium uptake in red spruce seedlings
Authors: Cumming J. R. , Eckert R. T. , Evans L. S.
Published: November 2009

Potassium uptake by roots of 3-week-old red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) seedlings was measured in nutrient solutions ranging in K+ concentration from 0.01 to 10.0 mM. Nonlinear least squares analysis was used to estimate uptake parameters Vmax and Km. Analyses of residuals generated by several theoretical models of ion uptake were undertaken to choose the best mechanistic uptake model. Potassium absorption by red spruce seedlings was characterized by Michaelis–Menten behavior from K+ solutions in the range 0.01 to 1.0 mM. Above 1.0 mM, accumulation of potassium was most readily accounted for by a linear diffusive component superimposed on saturation kinetics. Uptake parameter values of Vmax = 1.17 μmol K∙g fresh weight−1∙h−1 and Km = 0.083 mM were similar to those reported for other species. The culture of seedlings in full-strength nutrient solution did not reduce the ability to resolve these uptake parameters in short-term experiments.
Chromosome numbers in the aureoid Senecio complex (Asteraceae)
Authors: Bain John F.
Published: November 2009

Chromosome numbers are reported for 12 species of the aureoid Senecio complex. First reports are presented for Senecio debilis (n = 23) and Senecio crocatus (n = 23) and a new report is presented for Senecio dimorphophyllus (n = 23). Polyploidy is common in the widespread species of the complex, but in all cases diploid populations are still extant. In Senecio neomexicanus, polyploidy is correlated with infraspecific variation at the varietal level. In Senecio pauperculus, the distribution of tetraploid populations is correlated with previously glaciated regions. Tetraploid populations of Senecio streptanthifolius are of two distinct types, a northern race resembling diploid populations from the same area and a southern race of possible alloploid origin. All species examined contained at least some diploid populations.
Marine fungi from Seychelles. I. Nimbospora effusa and Nimbospora bipolaris sp. no v. from driftwood
Authors: Hyde Kevin D. , Jones E. B. Gareth
Published: November 2009

Collections of filamentous marine fungi in Seychelles included Nimbospora effusa Koch and an undescribed species, Nimbospora bipolaris Hyde & Jones sp. nov. Tha latter differs from N. effusa in the size of the ascospores and in ascospore appendage morphology. Both species are illustrated by light microscope and scanning electron microscope micrographs.
Population dynamics of woody plants on a river island
Authors: Barnes William J.
Published: November 2009

The woody plant population on a small, frequently flooded, river island was studied. The island occurs on the Chippewa River near Eau Claire, Wisconsin, U.S.A. The major species included sandbar willow (Salix interior, Rowlee), a small shrub; Cottonwood (Populus deltoides Marsh.) and river birch (Betula nigra L.), both early successional species in river bottoms; and silver maple (Acer saccharinum L.), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh), and American elm (Ulmus americana L.) which are later successional species. Seedling input is sporadic and unpredictable. However, mortality rates of successfully established plants are quite low because of their ability to sprout following damage. The resultant clones may exhibit differing growth patterns. Willow extends laterally into adjacent unoccupied areas, thereby increasing its cover. It tends to be most abundant in the low, frequently flooded parts of the island and is predicted to continue to increase in abundance. Others, such as elm and silver maple, produce fewer sprouts which grow directly from the root crown and attain greater heights but do not spread into new areas. These species occur at higher elevations and are also predicted to increase in numbers. Still other species, such as green ash and Cottonwood, are so severely damaged by recurring beaver cutting that their normal growth form is greatly modified and their future uncertain.
Gq-mediated Ca2+ signals inhibit adenylyl cyclases 5/6 in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: von Hayn Kathrin , Werthmann Ruth C. , Nikolaev Viacheslav O. , Hommers Leif G. , Lohse Martin J. , Bünemann Moritz
Published: November 2009

cAMP and Ca2+ are antagonistic intracellular messengers for the regulation of vascular smooth muscle tone; rising levels of Ca2+ lead to vasoconstriction, whereas an increase of cAMP induces vasodilatation. Here we investigated whether Ca2+ interferes with cAMP signaling by regulation of phophodiesterases (PDEs) or adenylyl cyclases (ACs). We studied regulation of cAMP concentrations by Ca2+ signals evoked by endogenous purinergic receptors in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based cAMP sensor Epac1-camps allowed the measurement of cAMP levels in single-living VSMCs with subsecond temporal resolution. Moreover, in vitro calibration of Epac1-camps enabled us to estimate the absolute cytosolic cAMP concentrations. Stimulation of purinergic receptors decreased cAMP levels in the presence of the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol. Simultaneous imaging of cAMP with Epac1-camps and of Ca2+ with Fura 2 revealed a rise of intracellular Ca2+ in response to purinergic stimulation followed by a decline of cAMP. Chelation of intracellular Ca2+ and overexpression of Ca2+-independent AC4 antagonized this decline of cAMP, whereas pharmacological inhibition of Ca2+-activated PDE1 had no effect. AC assays with VSMC membranes revealed a significant attenuation of isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP production by the presence of 2 μM Ca2+. Furthermore, small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of AC5 and AC6 (the two ACs known to be inhibited by Ca2+), significantly reduced the decrease of cAMP upon purinergic stimulation of isoproterenol-prestimulated VSMCs. Taken together, these results implicate a Ca2+-mediated inhibition of AC5 and 6 as an important mechanism of purinergic receptor-induced decline of cAMP and show a direct cross talk of these signaling pathways in VSMCs.
Dysregulation of very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase coupled with lipid peroxidation
Authors: Kabuyama Yukihito , Suzuki Toshiyuki , Nakazawa Naomi , Yamaki Junko , Homma Miwako K , Homma Yoshimi
Published: November 2009

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive lung disease of unknown etiology. We previously revealed increased oxidative stress and high expression of antioxidant proteins in culture cell lines established from lesional lung tissues with IPF (Kabuyama Y, Oshima K, Kitamura T, Homma M, Yamaki J, Munakata M, Homma Y. Genes Cells 12: 1235–1244, 2007). In this study, we show that IPF cells contain high levels of free cholesterol and its peroxidized form as compared with normal TIG7 lung fibroblasts, suggesting that radical oxygen species (ROS) are generated within specific organelles. To understand the molecular basis underlying the generation of ROS in IPF cells, we performed proteomic analysis of mitochondrial proteins from TIG and IPF cells. This analysis shows that the phosphorylation of Ser586 of very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) is significantly reduced in IPF cells. Similar results are obtained from immunoblotting with anti-pS586 antibody. Kinase activity toward a peptide containing Ser586 from IPF cells is significantly lower than that from TIG cells. Furthermore, a phosphorylation-negative mutant (S586A) VLCAD shows reduced electron transfer activity and a strong dominant-negative effect on fatty acid β-oxidation. The ectopic expression of the S586A mutant induced human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells to produce significantly high amounts of oxidized lipids and hydrogen peroxide. HEK293 cells expressing the S586A mutant exhibit a reduction in cell growth and an enhancement in apoptosis. These results suggest a novel regulatory mechanism for homeostatic VLCAD activity, whose dysregulation might be involved in the production of oxidative stress and in the pathogenesis of IPF.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase modulates hydronephrosis following partial or complete unilateral ureteral obstruction in the neonatal mouse
Authors: Yoo Kee Hwan , Thornhill Barbara A. , Forbes Michael S. , Chevalier Robert L.
Published: November 2009

To investigate the role of endogenous inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the response of the developing kidney to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), neonatal iNOS null mutant (−/−) and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to partial or complete UUO. At 7 and 21 days of age, apoptosis, renin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblasts (anti-fibroblast-specific peptide 1), myofibroblasts (α-smooth muscle actin), macrophages (F4/80), and collagen were measured in kidney tissue. Compared with WT, renal parenchymal thickness was increased, with preservation of the papilla, in −/− mice with partial UUO, but decreased in −/− mice with complete UUO. Ureteral peristalsis increased with severity of pelvic dilatation in WT, and increased further in −/− mice with partial UUO. Apoptosis, fibroblasts, and macrophages were increased in −/− mice with complete UUO, but there was no effect of iNOS on other histological parameters following complete UUO. Renin was decreased in −/− mice with partial UUO. There was no effect of iNOS genotype on renal collagen accumulation at either 7 or 21 days of age. These results are consistent with an injurious role for endogenous iNOS following partial UUO by inhibiting ureteral peristalsis and increasing renal renin although renal fibrosis is not affected. In contrast, in mice with complete UUO, iNOS attenuates apoptosis and enhances renal parenchymal thickness. Alterations in the severity of ureteral obstruction may therefore influence the effect of iNOS on long-term renal injury.
Facilitatory conditioning of the supplementary motor area in humans enhances the corticophrenic responsiveness to transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Raux Mathieu , Xie Haiqun , Similowski Thomas , Koski Lisa
Published: November 2009

Inspiratory loading in awake humans is associated with electroencephalographic signs of supplementary motor area (SMA) activation. To provide evidence for a functional connection between SMA and the diaphragm representation in the primary motor cortex (M1DIA), we tested the hypothesis that modulating SMA activity using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) would alter M1DIA excitability. Amplitude and latency of diaphragm motor evoked potentials (MEPDIA), evoked through single pulse M1DIA stimulation, before and up to 16 min after SMA stimulation, were taken as indicators of M1DIA excitability. MEPs from the first dorsal interosseous muscle (FDI, MEPFDI) served as a control. Four SMA conditioning sessions were performed in random order at 1-wk intervals. Two aimed at increasing SMA activity (5 and 10 Hz, both at 110% of FDI active motor threshold; referred to as 5Hz and 10Hz, respectively), and two aimed at decreasing it (1 Hz either at 110% of FDI active or resting motor threshold, referred to as aMT or rMT, respectively). The 5Hz protocol increased MEPDIA and MEPFDI amplitudes with a maximum 11–16 min poststimulation ( P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively). The 10Hz protocol increased MEPFDI amplitude with a similar time course ( P = 0.03) but did not increase MEPDIA amplitude ( P = 0.32). Both aMT and rMT failed to decrease MEPDIA or MEPFDI amplitudes ( P = 0.23 and P = 0.90, respectively, for diaphragm and P = 0.48 and P = 0.14 for FDI). MEPDIA and MEPFDI latencies were unaffected by rTMS. These results demonstrate that 5-Hz rTMS over the SMA can increase the excitability of M1DIA. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis of a functional connection between SMA and M1DIA.
Who’s Afraid of Critical Social Science?
Authors: Sayer Andrew
Published: November 2009

The article offers an assessment of rationales for critical social science (CSS), noting that over the last three decades these have become increasingly cautious and timid, so that, for example, critique is reduced to uncovering hidden presuppositions and deepening reflexivity. First, the article outlines a simple conception of CSS based on the standpoint of the reduction of illusion, distinguishes this from scepticism and partisanship, and notes the importance of the denaturalization of social forms, Second, it assesses the critical standpoint of freedom. Third, the article argues that a stronger standpoint of the critique of avoidable suffering is needed and already implicit in limited form in existing CSS. Fourth, the article explores and counters some of the key reasons for the retreat of critique, and concludes.
When Actions and Attitude Count Most: Assessing Perceived Level of Responsibility and Support for Inmate Treatment and Rehabilitation Programs Among Correctional Employees
Authors: Antonio Michael E. , Young Jacqueline L. , Wingeard Lisa M.
Published: November 2009

In July 2006, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections began delivering a 2-hour training session titled “Reinforcing Positive Behavior” (RPB). Findings from an attitude survey showed that the training was effective for changing staff attitudes and awareness about inmate treatment and rehabilitative programs. Specific findings revealed that correctional officers, when compared with treatment staff, were less concerned about showing inmates respect and also minimized the impact of their own actions on inmate behavior and rehabilitation efforts. Policy implications and recommendations for improving the RPB training and for furthering data collection efforts during basic orientation and inside the state institutions will be discussed.
Characterization of the Combustion Process of Flame Resistant Thermal Protective Textiles in the Presence of Oily Contaminants: Effects of Contamination and Decontamination
Authors: Mettananda Chathuri V. R. , Torvi David A. , Crown Elizabeth M.
Published: November 2009

This paper reports two experimental studies wherein the combustion process of flame resistant (FR) thermal protective textiles is characterized in terms of thermal decomposition and heat release parameters before and after contamination and in terms of heat release parameters after contamination and decontamination. Aramid and FR cotton/nylon decomposed at higher and aramid/FR viscose at lower temperature in the presence of oil. Oil interferes with thermally induced interactions between aramid and FR viscose, altering the thermal decomposition rates and formation of char, and thereby increasing the effectiveness of the flame retardant present in the viscose. It is apparent that oily contaminants present in FR fabrics affect the initiation of the thermal degradation and formation of char. All contaminated FR fabrics showed significantly higher peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR) and effective heat of combustion (EHC) compared to uncontaminated ones. Oily specimens laundered with no detergent or prewash product had higher PHRR, THR and EHC compared to other treatments regardless of the fabric type or number of contamination/decontamination cycles. Heat release increased with increased number of contamination/decontamination cycles for most laundry treatments for all FR fabrics. FR cotton/nylon had the highest and aramid had the lowest PHRR and THR whether specimens were uncontaminated, contaminated or decontaminated. In this study heat release from FR fabrics increased with increased oily contamination.
Surface Graft Modification of Styrene—Butadiene—Styrene Triblock Copolymer Membrane by Ultraviolet Irradiation
Authors: Lee Wen-Fu , Lee Heng-Hsien
Published: November 2009

To improve the wettability or hydrophilicity of the styrene— butadiene—styrene (SBS) triblock copolymer membrane using as transdermal patches, a series of graft copolymers were prepared by grafting hydrophilic monomers onto SBS membrane through ultraviolet irradiation technique. The characterization of the grafted membranes and the influence of various grafting factors on grafting percentage were studied. Infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques were used to elucidate the surface properties of the grafted membrane. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the surface morphology of the grafted membrane. Experimental results showed that the grafting percentage and extent of grafting per area (mg/ cm2) were about linearly increased with an increase of the molar ratio of hydrophilic monomer. In addition, the grafting percentage and extent of grafting per area for the grafted membranes were also approximately linearly increased with increase in irradiation time until 40 min. Decreasing contact angle and increasing equilibrium water content confirmed that the wettability of modified SBS membrane was improved.
Disparate Response to Metoclopramide Therapy for Gastric Feeding Intolerance in Trauma Patients With and Without Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Dickerson Roland N. , Mitchell Jennifer N. , Morgan Laurie M. , Maish George O. , Croce Martin A. , Minard Gayle , Brown Rex O.
Published: November 2009

Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have delayed gastric emptying and often require prokinetic drug therapy to improve enteral feeding tolerance. The authors hypothesized that metoclopramide was less efficacious for improving gastric feeding tolerance for trauma patients with TBI compared to trauma patients without TBI. A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients admitted to the trauma or neurosurgical intensive care unit who received gastric feeding from January 2006 to April 2008. Gastric feeding intolerance was defined by a gastric residual volume >200 mL or emesis with abdominal distension or discomfort. Patients with gastric feeding intolerance were given metoclopramide 10 mg intravenously every 6 hours, followed by a dose escalation to 20 mg, and then combination therapy with metoclopramide and erythromycin 250 mg intravenously every 6 hours if intolerance persisted. In total, 882 trauma patients (49% with TBI) were evaluated. TBI patients had a higher incidence of gastric feeding intolerance than those without TBI (18.6% vs 10.4%, P ≤ .001). Efficacy rates for metoclopramide 10 mg, metoclopramide 20 mg, and metoclopramide‐erythromycin were 55%, 62%, and 79%, respectively (P ≤ .03). Metoclopramide failure occurred in 54% of patients with TBI compared to 35% of patients without TBI, respectively (P ≤ .02), due to a greater prevalence of tachyphylaxis. Single‐drug therapy with metoclopramide was less effective for TBI trauma patients compared to trauma patients without TBI. Combination therapy with erythromycin as first‐line therapy for TBI trauma patients with gastric feeding intolerance is indicated if there are no contraindications or significant drug interactions.
Butyrate Increases GLUT2 mRNA Abundance by Initiating Transcription in Caco2‐BBe Cells
Authors: Mangian Heather F. , Tappenden Kelly A.
Published: November 2009

Background: Glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) is a high‐capacity, facilitative intestinal monosaccharide transporter, known to be upregulated by short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) derived from the intestinal microbiota during fermentation. Understanding the mechanisms regulating intestinal function is important to optimize therapies for patients with intestinal failure and ultimately reduce their dependence on parenteral nutrition. Objective: The objective was to examine the mechanism regulating the underlying response of GLUT2 to the SCFA butyrate. Methods: GLUT2 messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance was measured in differentiated Caco2‐BBe monolayers treated for 0.5‐24 hours with 0‐20 mM butyrate using quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Activation of the human GLUT2 promoter was measured using luciferase reporting in transiently transfected Caco2‐BBe monolayers. Results: GLUT2 mRNA abundance was higher (P < .0001) with 1‐4 hours of exposure to 2.5, 7.5, and 10 mM butyrate. Butyrate induced (P < .0001) promoter activity in a dose‐dependent fashion. Analysis of the GLUT2 promoter indicated that regions– 282/+522, –216/+522, and –145/+522 had a heightened (P < .05) response to butyrate compared with 1135/+522 and 564/+522. Conclusions: Butyrate upregulates GLUT2 mRNA abundance in Caco2‐BBe monolayers by activating specific regions within the human GLUT2 promoter. These results identify a cellular mechanism wherein butyrate upregulates intestinal absorption that may be relevant to patients with reduced function. Additional work is necessary to understand cellular targets of butyrate therapy and define clinically appropriate means of providing such strategies, such as consuming prebiotics and probiotics.
Neonatal Parenteral Nutrition Hypersensitivity: A Case Report Implicating Bisulfite Sensitivity in a Newborn Infant
Authors: Huston Robert K. , Baxter Louise M. , Larrabee Paige B.
Published: November 2009

This report describes a case of parenteral nutrition hypersensitivity in a 37 weeks' gestation infant with congenital diaphragmatic hernia complicated by bowel necrosis and functional short bowel syndrome. The patient developed a rash with subsequent urticaria beginning on the 50th day of life. The reactions were confirmed with a positive rechallenge. After the amino acid solution was replaced with a non–bisulfite‐containing product, the infant was able to continue to receive nutrition support through parenteral nutrition without recurrence of symptoms. It is speculated that the bisulfite additive in the amino acid solution may have interacted with the lipid emulsion to sensitize the patient.
From traditional essay to ‘Ready Steady Cook’ presentation
Authors: Leedham Maria
Published: November 2009

The prose essay, case study and laboratory report, composed by individual students in isolation from their peers, used to be the mainstay of undergraduate writing. However, in recent years an array of alternative assignment types such as blogs, letters and e-posters have widened the repertoire of texts expected. This article attempts to describe the reasoning behind changes in assignment types at undergraduate and master’s level at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Data from 58 semi-structured interviews with lecturers in three UK universities is used together with course handbooks and some clarifications with lecturers via email. Suggested reasons for new assignment types are grouped into three categories: external, lecturer-driven and student-driven. The article surmises that, because of these pressures, students are now expected to produce a wide variety of text types, and greater attention should be paid to guidance in new assignments for both native and non-native speaker students.
Personal psychotherapy in psychiatric training: study of four London training schemes
Authors: Dover Deborah , Beveridge Ed , Leavey Gerry , King Michael
Published: November 2009

Aims and Method

We carried out a web-based survey to establish the proportion of London psychiatry senior house officers who undertake personal psychotherapy. Demographics, training characteristics and psychotherapy experience were examined using descriptive statistics. Predictors of personal psychotherapy status were examined using logistic regression.

Results

The majority of trainees who undertook personal psychotherapy included training as a reason for doing so. of the participants, 16% had undergone personal psychotherapy and of the remainder, 73% reported that they would consider it in the future. Ethnicity was the only predictor of psychotherapy status, with White British trainees nearly four times more likely to pursue it.

Clinical Implications

Personal psychotherapy appeared to have relevance to training from both a pastoral and a learning perspective. If training schemes wish to support this practice they will need to address difficulties trainees may face in accessing therapy. Trainees might also be encouraged to think about the effect of cultural factors on their attitudes towards psychological therapies.
Learning about cancer from frogs: analysis of mitotic spindles in Xenopus egg extracts
Authors: Cross Marie K. , Powers Maureen A.
Published: November 2009

The mitotic spindle is responsible for correctly segregating chromosomes during cellular division. Disruption of this process leads to genomic instability in the form of aneuploidy, which can contribute to the development of cancer. Therefore, identification and characterization of factors that are responsible for the assembly and regulation of the spindle are crucial. Not only are these factors often altered in cancer, but they also serve as potential therapeutic targets. Xenopus egg extract is a powerful tool for studying spindle assembly and other cell cycle-related events owing, in large part, to the ease with which protein function can be manipulated in the extract. Importantly, the spindle factors that have been characterized in egg extract are conserved in human spindle assembly. In this review, we explain how the extract is prepared and manipulated to study the function of individual factors in spindle assembly and the spindle checkpoint. Furthermore, we provide examples of several spindle factors that have been defined functionally using the extract system and discuss how these factors are altered in human cancer.
Infinitesimal initial part of a singular foliation
Authors: Corral Nuria
Published: November 2009

This work provides a necessary and sufficient condition to assure that two generalized curve singular foliations have the same reduction of singularities and same Camacho-Sad indices at each infinitely near point.
Nutrient release by a Brazilian sedimentary zeolite
Authors: Monte Marisa B.M. , Middea Antonieta , Paiva Paulo R.P. , Bernardi Alberto C.C. , Rezende Nélio G.A.M. , Baptista-Filho Milton , Silva Marcelo G. , Vargas Helion , Amorim Helio S. , Souza-Barros Fernando de
Published: November 2009

This report describes the characterization of a sedimentary occurrence from the Parnaíba Basin, Brazil, containing the zeolite stilbite intertwined with smectitic clay mineral. The head samples from different sites present a wide content range of the zeolitic phase - 15% to 50%. The use of simple separation techniques - conventional gravitic treatments - yields concentrates containing about 67% of the zeolitic component. Assays with the amendments of these concentrates with plant nutrients yield release rates matching those reported for similar commercial products.
A critical analysis of studies assessing L-ornithine-L-aspartate (LOLA) in hepatic encephalopathy treatment
Authors: Soárez Patrícia Coelho de , Oliveira Ana Cláudia , Padovan Jorge , Parise Edison Roberto , Ferraz Marcos Bosi
Published: November 2009

CONTEXT: Experimental and clinical studies suggest that LOLA may have a favorable influence on hepatic encephalopathy due to the effect on the reduction of ammonia, and improvement of the symptoms and laboratory findings. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and to critically analyze the efficacy and/or effectiveness results of the use of LOLA when compared to placebo in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. DATA SOURCES: LILACS, SciELO, MEDLINE, PubMed database and Cochrane Collaboration Register of Controlled Trials were searched from 1966 to September of 2006. The review has included all the randomized controlled double-blind clinical trials performed in humans in English language. RESULTS: Four studies published between 1993 and 2000 were selected and reviewed. LOLA was showed as being able to reduce hyperammonemia in patients with hepatic encephalopathy, when compared to patients in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Although the trials have shown efficacy of LOLA in reducing hyperammonemia of hepatic encephalopathy, sufficient evidence of a significant beneficial effect of LOLA on patients with hepatic encephalopathy was not found. The studies performed in this area were small, with short follow-up periods and half of them showed low methodological quality.
Accidental infection by Trypanosoma cruzi follow-up by the polymerase chain reaction: case report
Authors: Kinoshita-Yanaga Andréa Tieko , Toledo Max Jean de Ornelas , Araújo Silvana Marques de , Vier Berenice Pelizza , Gomes Mônica Lúcia
Published: November 2009

We report a case of accidental infection by Trypanosoma cruzi in a 42-year-old female patient who presented an inoculation chagoma. Laboratory confirmation was based on examination of fresh blood, Giemsa-stained blood smear, immunoenzyme test (EIA-IgG), indirect immunofluorescence (IIF-IgM, IgG) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Only the PCR gave a positive result, and the EIA test was inconclusive. Two treatments with benznidazole were necessary. PCR was the only technique that continued to give positive results for approximately two months (65 days, or 2.2 months) following the second treatment and negative results from 96 days (3.2 months) to 850 days (28.3 months). We concluded that the presence of an inoculation chagoma and use of PCR were important and decisive for diagnosis and follow-up of the case.
Efeito das variáveis abióticas e do fitoplâncton sobre a comunidade zooplanctônica em um reservatório do Nordeste brasileiro
Authors: Dantas Ênio W. , Almeida Viviane L. dos S. , Barbosa José E. de L. , Bittencourt-Oliveira Maria do Carmo , Moura Ariadne do N.
Published: November 2009

O zooplâncton do reservatório de Mundaú, Pernambuco, nordeste do Brasil foi estudado quanto a variabilidade temporal (entre os horários e períodos seco chuvoso) e espacial (nas regiões pelágica e litorânea em diferentes profundidades) correlacionando-as com as variáveis ambientais e com o fitoplâncton. Vinte e três táxons infragenéricos e cinco subgenéricos de zooplâncton foram encontrados. De forma geral, Rotifera foi o grupo dominante em todo o estudo. O fitoplâncton foi dominado pelas cianobactérias. No período seco, as variáveis físicas certamente controlaram o desenvolvimento do zooplâncton, favorecendo o estabelecimento de elevadas densidades algais. No período chuvoso, a correlação do zooplâncton com os níveis de nutrientes do sistema na região pelágica provavelmente conduziu a uma competição de recursos entre o fitoplâncton e o zooplâncton, controlando as densidades algais.
Feeding ecology of Ozotoceros bezoarticus: conservation implicationsin Uruguay
Authors: Cosse Mariana , González Susana , Gimenez-Dixon Mariano
Published: November 2009

The pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus Linnaeus, 1758) was in the recent past one of the most characteristic species in the Uruguayan grasslands. However, today the species is very rare, with small relict populations inhabiting in few ranches. To improve our understanding of pampas deer habitat use in modified ecosystems and propose management guidelines we analyzed the pampas deer feeding ecology at Los Ajos ranch. We performed an annual vegetation survey with the purpose to identify the main components of pampas's deer diet and the spatial overlap with livestock. Vegetation offer was characterized by predominance of monocotyledon plants; in three of the four sample periods. The preference values for the crops were positive for ryegrass in winter (0.24) and spring (0.54), the moments of greatest productivity of this pasture; while the rice crops values were negative all year round. The spatial overlap indexes with sheep show a complete exclusion, whereas with cattle the indexes gave values of 0.95 in spring to 0.14 in summer. The niche amplitude was significantly correlated with the spatial overlap levels with cattle. Pampas deer foraging behaviour is opportunistic, typical of mixed feeders. Conservation efforts should focus on implementation of management guidelines of agriculture and cattle breeding activities.
Influencia do leite puro ou fermentado sobre a curva do peso
Authors: Pacheco Genesio , Xavier Antonio Augusto
Published: November 2009

A ministração a coelhos, pela via digestiva, de leite fresco - crú ou fervido, e de leite fermentado, quer naturalmente, quer artificialmente, pela proliferação de bacilos coli ou aerogenes, não influe na curva de peso de maneira bastante apreciavel. A maior perda de peso, observada num coelho que ingeria leite fresco, não fervido, poude ser attribuida a modificações da flora do intestino e suas consequencias sobre o organismo do animal. Estes resultados estão de accôrdo com observações feitas durante o preparo de sôros immunisantes anti-coli em coelhos, aos quaes propinavamos quantidades consideraveis de corpos bacterianos, sem que lhes occorresse perda significativa de peso.
Acção do leite-crú ou fervido, e do leite fermentado, sobre o intestino perfundido segundo o methodo de Cohnheim - Magnus
Authors: Xavier Antonio Augusto , Pacheco Genesio
Published: November 2009

Leite fresco-crú ou fervido nenhuma acção exerce sobre o tonus de uma preparação de intestino isolado e perfundido, entretanto determina augmento bastante apreciavel da amplitude das contracções rhythmicas. O leite fermentado, natural ou experimentalmente, pela proliferação de bacilos coli ou aerogenes, por espaço de 6 a 24 horas, em estufa a 37° C., determina muitas vezes augmento consideravel do tonus do segmento de intestino, bem assim augmento da amplitude das oscilações phasicas, em todo caso, uma e outra alteração mostrando-se de modo menos energico do que já observaramos com os filtrados de culturas antigas de bacillo coli. A acção sobre o tonus não parece depender da acidez do leite fermentado, desde que ella não desapparece com a neutralisação do leite. De outro lado, uma solução de acído lactíco do mesmo theôr encontrado no leite fermentado, expresso em graus Dornic, não determina augmento do tonus da preparação. O aquecimento até 115° C., ou o resfriamento prolongado a + 3° C., não supprime a actividade do leite fermentado natural - ou artificialmente, no que concerne seus efeitos sobre tonus da preparação de intestino isolado, facto analogo tendo sido já por nós observado com os filtrados de culturas antigas de bacillo coli. A ingestão prévia de filtrados de culturas antigas de bacillo coli, ou de leite fermentado experimentalmente por esse germe, parece determinar uma maior reactividade do segmento de intestino, o que se póde averiguar pelas reacções mais promptas e mais energicas, quando dos ensaios in-vitro com leite fermentado experimentalmente com bacillo coli, em confronto com as experiencias realisadas com intestino de coelhos normaes. O mesmo facto já havia sido por nós observado com os filtrados de culturas antigas de bacillo coli.
Infecções experimentaes na Leishmaniose visceral americana
Authors: Cunha Aristides Marques da
Published: November 2009

Passando em revista as experiencias de infecção que effectuamos e que acabamos de relatar, vemos que, as culturas isoladas de casos de Leishmaniose visceral americana quer do homem quer do cão, são capazes de infectar hamsters, rhesus e cães de maneira identica ao que acontece com as outras formas de Kala-Azar. Notamos ainda que a evolução da doença e as lesões observadas nos animaes assim infectados, se assemelham ao que tem sido observado nessa enfermidade aproximando-a de maneira singular do Kala-Azar mediterraneo. É sobretudo no cão que a semelhança se torna mais patente. A infecção da pelle e as lesões por ella provocadas que observamos, não differem em nada das que tem sido descriptas na infecção natural do cão e já assignaladas tambem na infecção experimental desse animal, embora de maneira menos completa do que fazemos agora aqui. As lesões oculares com formação de placas de keratite, a infeccção massiça do intestino nos casos fataes de infecção e até mesmo as lesões do figado descriptas por Adler como peculiares á infecção experimental, (infiltração em torno da veia central do lobulo) constituem outros tantos caracteres que mostram a completa analogia entre as infecções do cão que obtivemos e as já observadas no Kala-Azar mediterraneo. Além disso, a presença de Leishmanias na pelle, as vezes em grande numero e a constancia dessa localisação parasitaria, vem mostrar que o cão apresenta as condições necessarias para desempenhar o papel de depositario de virus tal como acontece no Kala-Azar mediterraneo, tanto mais que é elle encontrado naturalmente infectado, nas regiões em que grassa a doença. Mas não é só a infecção do cão que mostra essa semelhança; nos outros animaes tambem se verifica o mesmo facto e até pequenos signaes, taes como a tumefacção das patas assignalada nos hamsters infectados com Leishmania infantum, foram tambem observados aqui. Por outro lado, a reacção de sôro-agglutinação, conforme mostramos em trabalho anterior, não permite a separação das especies do genero Leishmania, pois todas ellas, quando recentemente isoladas, possuem identica constituição antigenica, que se modifica depois, pela conservação longo tempo em cultura. É esse facto, que deu logar ás conclusões contradictorias a que chegaram os autores que se ocuparam do assumpto bem como os primeiros resultados que obtivemos. Deante de todos esses factos, nos julgamos autorizados a concluir como já fizemos anteriormente, que o agente da Leishmaniose visceral americana é identico á Leishmania infantum. Ao terminar, queremos deixar consignados nossos agradecimentos ao Dr. E. chagas, por ter posto a nossa disposição as culturas de Leishmania por elle isoladas, tornando possivel deste modo, a execução do presente trabalho.
Infecção gonocócica em rim carcinomatoso
Authors: Gouvêa Jorge de , Lacorte J. Guilherme
Published: November 2009

Os A.A. observaram um caso de infecção renal gonocócica, que relatam com as necessarias minucias, tanto sob o ponto de vista clinico-cirurgico como bacteriologico. 2 - Revendo a bibliografia sobre o assunto, verificaram que as infecções renais gonocócias são raras, e rarissimas as que apresentam provas de identificação bacteriologica completa do gonocóco, como se fez no presente caso que deve figurar em 15º lugar, desde a descoberta do germen por Neisser, ha 59 anos. 3 - As provas bacteriologicas consistiram no exame bacterioscopico do sedimento urinario e pús renal, caracteres das colonias e culturas, seguidas de exames de esfregaços, provas de fermentação de glicose e maltose; sôro aglutinação e gono fixação. Todas as provas foram positivas para o gonocóco. 4- O rim não deve ser favoravel á proliferação do gonocóco, ou pela natureza do seu epitelio ou pela secreção de substancias que impeçam o seu desenvolvimento ou outra causa qualquer. Dada a frequencia das infecções gonocócicas no parelho urinario inferior, seria de esperar que, em grande numero de casos, fosse atingido o superior.5 - Como causas predisponentes a esse ataque secundario que se processa por vias sanguinea, linfatica ou contiguidade, cita Uhle as seguintes: 1º - perturbações congenitas, lesões obstrutoras, principalmente do ureter. 2º - calculos, tumores, etc. 3º - traumatismos seguidos de rutura e hemorragia e 4º - antecedentes patologícos não demonstrados. O nosso caso cabe no 2º paragrafo. O rim apresentava um tumor maligno e tinha inumeros calculos. 6 - Depois que o rim foi retirado pela intervenção cirurgica, que correu sem acidentes, o doente entrou logo a melhorar, tendo alta curado, do Hospital. Nada tem havido, até a presente data, que faça suspeitar, no desenvolvimento de qualquer metastase do tumor. Aliás, a operação foi indicada em virtude do estado infeccioso, sendo posterior á mesma a descoberta do carcinoma. 7 - Interessante referir tambem que, muito embora o rim estivesse atacado pelo gonocóco, o aparelho urinario inferior nada acusou nesse sentido, nem antes da operação, nem depois do doente ter tido alta. 8 - Casos como o presente, se bem que raros, pois que assim se têm mostrado nos centros onde a pesquiza é sistematica, devem aparecer outras vezes, sendo, portanto, sempre aconselhavel o exame bacteriologico dos casos de infecções renais supuradas.
Avaliação de linfangiomas cervicais fetais por ressonância magnética e correlação com achados ultrassonográficos
Authors: Antunes Erika da Gloria , Werner Junior Heron , Daltro Pedro Augusto , Rodrigues Leise , Amim Bruno , Guerra Fernando , Domingues Romeu Côrtes , Gasparetto Emerson Leandro
Published: November 2009

OBJETIVO: Avaliar três casos de linfangioma cervical por ressonância magnética e correlacionar com os achados da ultrassonografia. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Três pacientes com idade gestacional entre 24 e 35 semanas, com suspeita de higromas císticos cervicais fetais na ultrassonografia obstétrica de rotina, foram submetidas a ressonância magnética e, posteriormente, a nova ultrassonografia para correlação dos achados. Em ambos os métodos de imagem foram avaliadas as dimensões, a localização, o conteúdo e a extensão das lesões. RESULTADOS: Tanto a ultrassonografia quanto a ressonância magnética avaliaram de modo semelhante a localização, o tamanho e o conteúdo dos tumores. As três lesões localizavam-se na região cervical posterior e lateral. Quanto ao conteúdo, duas eram predominantemente císticas com finos septos em seu interior e uma era heterogênea. A extensão e invasão das estruturas adjacentes foram mais bem caracterizadas na ressonância magnética do que na ultrassonografia, demonstrando de forma adequada o acometimento do pavilhão auditivo do feto em um caso e do mediastino superior em outro. CONCLUSÃO: A ressonância magnética fetal pode ser um complemento útil da ultrassonografia em fetos portadores de linfangiomas, avaliando de forma mais precisa a extensão e invasão de estruturas vizinhas, permitindo melhor planejamento cirúrgico pós-natal.
Induction of plant defense responses by Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae) leaf extracts
Authors: Colpas Flávia Tavares , Schwan-Estrada Kátia Regina Freitas , Stangarlin José Renato , Ferrarese Maria De Lurdes , Scapim Carlos Alberto , Bonaldo Solange Maria
Published: November 2009

Aqueous extracts of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum at 10, 25, 40 and 50% (w/v) concentrations induced the production of phytoalexins in soybean cotyledons and sorghum mesocotyls. The aqueous extracts also induced systemic resistance in cucumber to Colletotrichum lagenarium, reflected by reduction in disease incidence and an increase in chitinase production. Modes of action and the existence of possible elicitors of defense response in O. gratissimum leaf extracts are discussed.