bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint use of habitat by red kangaroos and shorthorn cattle in arid central Australia
Authors: DUDZINSKI M. L. , LOWE W. A. , MÜLLER W. J. , LOW BOBBI S.
Published: July 2006

The distribution of cattle and red kangaroos among the major communities of a 170 km2 paddock in central Australia was determined from 108 and 82 air surveys respectively over a four and a half year period. Fifty‐nine surveys of each species were used in this report. Changes in use of the communities by the two species were analysed in relation to forage conditions using linear regression techniques. The two species showed trends in time of use of the open and wooded communities. Kangaroos used the mulga‐perennial community (groved Acacia woodland with a shrub and perennial grass understorey) during good forage conditions and moved to the drought refuge open communities when forage conditions deteriorated. Cattle, on the other hand, used the open communities during good forage conditions and tended to move to the mulga communities and the hills when drought began. Mulga‐annual (ungroved Acacia woodland with short grass and forb understorey) was the only major community which showed no clear linear relationship between kangaroo use and forage conditions. This might be a buffer area from which kangaroos come and go as other areas become more attractive as feeding areas. Cattle, however, show some preference for mulga annual during medium forage conditions. There appears to be little spatial interaction by the two species except during drought when kangaroos concentrate on the open communities and some cattle continue to feed in these communities. Community selection seems to be determined mainly by forage conditions, as there is no evidence that one species attracts or repels the other in spatial terms. In the conditions observed, the two species successfully coexisted with some control of numbers of cattle by man.
The life stages and population dynamics of an arid zone scorpion Urodacus yaschenkoi (Birula 1903)
Authors: SHORTHOUSE D. J. , MARPLES T. G.
Published: July 2006

The arid zone scorpion Urodacus yaschenkoi (Birula 1903) is shown to have six instars. Instars can be recognized by measuring the claws and the carapace plus first five tail segments. A population study, carried out at Coombah, NSW, showed that the life history consisted of mating in September–October, 18 month gestation, birth in February‐March, moult to second instar March‐April and annual moults to sixth instar in December–February. The minimum generation time was 6 y, and the population appeared to be stable. The calendar of catches method was used to determine the population size (about 400 animals in 2240 m2) but required some extra assumptions to cope with loss of marks from individuals when they moulted.
Partitioning of nectar sources in an Australian honeyeater community
Authors: FORD HUGH A. , PATON DAVID C.
Published: July 2006

Feeding by honeyeaters was found to maintain nectar at low levels at three sites studied on Kangaroo Island in May‐June 1978. The productivity of nectar at a site and position in a dominance hierarchy appeared to determine which bird species used each site. Correa was the main nectar source in the poorest area and produced 0.05 kJ m−2 per day. The small eastern spinebill was the most abundant honeyeater. The purple‐gaped honeyeater also occurred but fed mostly on honeydew. The medium sized New Holland honeyeater was common and territorial in the second area, where Banksia marginata and B. ornata inflorescences and Adenanthos flowers produced 0.7 kJ m−2 of nectar per day. Spinebills and crescent honeyeaters also visited flowers and were sometimes chased by New Holland honeyeaters. The richest site was a flowering Eucalyptus cosmophylla tree (5.1 kJ m−2 of nectar per day). A red wattlebird, the largest honeyeater, held a territory in part of this tree and chased other honeyeaters from the territory. New Holland, crescent and purple‐gaped honeyeaters fed on flowers in other parts of the tree. The spinebill was absent. We conclude that nectar was partitioned along a spectrum of rich to poor sources. Larger more aggressive species used and sometimes defended the richest sources while the smaller birds used the poorer sources.
Biology of Australian and United States strains of Trissolcus basalis, a parasitoid of the green vegetable bug, Nezara viridula
Authors: POWELL JANINE E. , SHEPARD MERLE
Published: July 2006

Strains of Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston) Hymenoptera: Scelionidae, an egg parasitoid of the green vegetable bug, Nezara viridula (L.), were obtained from three regions of Australia and from Homestead, Florida (USA). Percent parasitoid emergence was approximately the same for freezer‐stored (‐75°C) and fresh eggs, and freezer‐stored eggs were suitable hosts for a longer time.

Optimum host age, oviposition and emergence patterns, mean number of progeny per female, sex ratio and longevity were examined and certain comparisons were made between the Australian and USA parasitoids. Genetic crosses made between males and females of each strain revealed that reproductive isolation did not occur.

Higher fecundity of the Australian strains may make them more successful than indigenous (USA) strains for controlling pest populations of N. viridula in the southern USA.
Status of coastal dune communities invaded by Chrysanthemoides monilifera
Authors: WEISS P. W. , NOBLE I. R.
Published: July 2006

It has often been assumed that the introduced species Chrysanthemoides monilifera is displacing native species in invaded coastal communities in Australia but no direct evidence has been presented that this displacement is occurring and, if so, to what extent. At an invaded site near Moruya, New South Wales, we found strong negative correlations between the presence (measured as cover, frequency or volume of shrub) of C. monilifera and Acacia longifolia, the hitherto dominant native species, and of C. monilifera and Lomandra longifolia. The negative correlations are partly accounted for by differences in the amounts of each species on different zones on the dune, but the negative correlations remain even within these zones. Also a comparison with uninvaded sites indicates that C. monilifera is displacing A. longifolia from the fore‐dune and mid‐dune but is having less effect in the swale. In addition, there is a trend towards reduced seed production of A. longifolia when growing in proximity to C. monilifera.

There is no significant difference in the presence of L. longifolia in the uninvaded and invaded sites. In invaded sites, significantly fewer C. monilifera seedlings occur in the presence of L. longifolia. Thus it appears that the observed negative associations arise from different causes. Chrysanthemoides monilifera is displacing the structurally similar, and previously dominant A. longifolia, while the tussock‐forming L. longifolia is locally hindering the invasion.
Honeybees and the nectar of Echium plantagineum L. in southeastern Australia
Authors: CORBET SARAH A. , DELFOSSE ERNEST S.
Published: July 2006

An account is given of the flower of Echium plantagineum in south‐eastern Australia, including stages and timing of flowering, behaviour of raindrops in the flower and aspects of floral microclimate.

The concentration of nectar solutes varied with time and site, with means varying from 2 to 62% (as g sucrose/100 g solution). There was a significant negative correlation between nectar solute concentration and ambient relative humidity: the drier the air, the more concentrated the nectar.

Rates of nectar secretion per flower varied with the bagging method, with long‐term bagging reducing net secretion rates, possibly because of re‐absorption. Rates varied with time, day and site, with a temporal pattern of change suggesting a link between rates of photosynthesis and secretion. Maximum nectar secretion rates in short‐term bagging experiments were ca. 300 μg sugar/flower/hr (equivalent to > 2 mglflower/24 hr).

Secretion rate was correlated with flower density. As flower density increased, secretion rate per flower decreased; rate of sugar production per unit area increased relatively more slowly than flower density. E. plantagineum could produce > 500 mg sugar/m2/day.

Honeybees foraged on E. plantagineum only at ambient air temperatures above ca. 17°C unless irradiance exceeded ca. 750 W m‐2. Foragers collected nectar or pollen alone, or both, with the type of visit significantly correlated with nectar solute concentration. Below 35% (as g sucrose/100 g solution) most bees took pollen only; above 40%, most took nectar.

Mean standing crop of nectar was generally < 100 μg/flower when most bees were taking nectar, but could exceed 1000 μg/flower when bees were absent or foraging mainly for pollen. Honeybees did not always remove all nectar from flowers they probed. Reabsorption of residual nectar may augment the following day's secretion.
An assessment of a natural wetland receiving sewage effluent
Authors: FINLAYSON MAX , CULLEN PETER , MITCHELL DAVID , CHICK ALAN
Published: July 2006

An assessment of the performance of a wetland dominated by opportunistic weeds in removing nutrients from a secondary sewage effluent was carried out at Thredbo in Kosciusko National Park. Water quality sampling of the inflow and outflow showed a reduction in turbidity, pH and conductivity with passage through the wetland. Dissolved oxygen levels also decreased. In summer 1982, the phosphorus toad of 1.8 kg P day‐1 was reduced by 44% as wastewater moved through the wetland, and the nitrogen load of 6.4 kg N day‐1 by 65%. Winter retentions were 10% and 14% of inflowing loads, respectively. In 1983 there was a net release of phosphorus and reduced retention of nitrogen. This was regarded as being a result of physical disturbance of the wetland. Vegetation downstream of the effluent inflow was dominated by the opportunistic weeds Epilobium sarmantaceum and Rumex crispus. Upstream, Carex gaudichaudiana and Baeckea gunniana dominated. Marked seasonal changes in vigour and biomass were recorded. Plants, but not sediments, downstream of the inflow contained more nutrients than those upstream. Seed bank analysis showed more seeds downstream than upstream. A moist treatment promoted more seed germination than a flooded treatment. E. sarmantaceum and to a lesser extent R. crispus dominated in each treatment. In an effort to promote greater water retention and replacement of the weed species, channels in the wetland have been blocked with gravel and planted with Phragmites australis and Schoenoplectus validus.
Immediate and longer‐term effects of fire on seed predation by ants in sclerophyllous vegetation in south‐eastern Australia
Authors: ANDERSEN ALAN N.
Published: July 2006

Following a prescribed spring fire at a woodland site with heathy understorey in south‐eastern Australia, the following features changed markedly: the composition of the ant fauna taken in pitfall traps; the abundance of seed‐eating species; seedfall from woody‐fruitedEucalyptus obliquaandCasuarina pusilla; and rates of seed predation by ants. Broadly adapted species ofMonomoriumandRhytidoponera, uncommonly recorded before the fire, became the most abundant ants caught. Seed removal from baits dropped by almost half during the week after fire, despite an increased catch of seed‐eatingRhytidoponera tasmaniensis. This coincided with a massive fire‐induced release of seeds stored inside woody fruits, suggesting that predator satiation occurred.

The fall ofCasuarinaseeds andEucalyptuschaff returned to pre‐fire (low) levels 1 week after the fire, but a substantial proportion ofEucalyptusseeds fell after several weeks. By this time rates of seed removal were increasing rapidly as the abundance of seed‐eatingR. tasmaniensiscontinued to increase. Weekly removal from baits reached 100% 7 weeks after the fire, which was much higher than any level recorded before it. Results from a nearby heathland site, burned by an earlier fire, indicated that unusually high rates of seed removal, paralleling increases in abundance ofR. tasmaniensis, can persist for at least 2 years following fire. These results have potentially important implications for post‐fire recruitment.
Spatial variability of experimental fires in south‐west Western Australia
Authors: HOBBS RICHARD J. , ATKINS LYN
Published: July 2006

Descriptions of fire behaviour and severity are often limited to single measures of intensiv and some assessment of spread rates. This study examined the small‐scale variability in fire severity during three prescribed fires in shrub and woodland communities in south‐west Western Australia. Using Thermocolor pyrometers, the temperatures reached during the fires were found to vary spatially, because of variation in fuel distribution and type. Different shrub species also reached different temperatures during ignition. Temperatures at and just below the soil surface also varied greatly. Only in a very intense fire caused by heavy fuel loads was a uniform fire treatment experienced. Such fire variability may be important in determining post‐fire vegetation response, especially where temperature‐dependent germination or coneopening occurs. In fire studies some estimate of fire variability should be obtained to allow adequate explanation of subsequent regeneration patterns.
Dynamics of root growth and decay in two grasses native to semi‐arid Argentina
Authors: DISTEL ROBERTO A. , FERNÁNDEZ OSVALDO A.
Published: July 2006

The pattern of root growth and decay in Stipa tenuis Phil, and Piptochaetium napostaense (Speg.) Hack, was examined under field conditions in root observation chambers. The roots of both species grew uninterruptedly throughout the whole year. Root elongation during spring, summer, and early autumn can be six and five times as high as that in the late autumn to winter period for S. tenuis and P. napostaense, respectively. Root decay was a continuous process in both species throughout the year, with maximum decay rates occurring from late spring through to the middle of autumn. Comparison of minimum and maximum values registered during the year showed a root decay ratio of about 4:1 for S. tenuis and one of 5:1 for P. napostaense. During the period of maximum root growth, both species showed a pulse‐like pattern of root elongation in response to rapid changes in water availability. In a semi‐arid region in which the soil is notably shallow, root growth behaviour of this kind should allow these species to respond opportunistically to water.
Effects of the cholesterol‐lowering compound methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin in models of α‐synucleinopathy
Authors: Bar‐On Pazit , Rockenstein Edward , Adame Anthony , Ho Gilbert , Hashimoto Makoto , Masliah Eliezer
Published: July 2006

The aggregation of α‐synuclein (α‐syn) is believed to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of disorders such as dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease. The function of α‐syn remains unclear, although several lines of evidence suggest that α‐syn is involved in synaptic vesicle trafficking, probably via lipid binding, and interactions with lipids have been shown to regulate α‐syn aggregation. In this context, the main objective of this study was to determine whether methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MβCD), a cholesterol‐extracting agent, interfered with α‐syn accumulation in models of synucleinopathy. For this purpose, we studied the effects of MβCD on the accumulation of α‐syn in a transfected neuronal cell line and in transgenic mice. Immunoblot analysis showed that MβCD reduced the level of α‐syn in the membrane fraction and detergent‐insoluble fraction of transfected cells. In agreement with the in vitro studies, treatment of mice with MβCD resulted in decreased levels of α‐syn in membrane fractions and reduced accumulation of α‐syn in the neuronal cell body and synapses. Taken together, these results suggest that changes in cholesterol and lipid composition using cholesterol‐lowering agents may be used as a tool for the treatment of synucleinopathies.
Regulation of N‐acetylaspartate and N‐acetylaspartylglutamate biosynthesis by protein kinase activators
Authors: Arun Peethambaran , Madhavarao Chikkathur N. , Moffett John R. , Namboodiri M. A. Aryan
Published: July 2006

The neuronal dipeptide N‐acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) is thought to be synthesized enzymatically from N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) and glutamate. We used radiolabeled precursors to examine NAA and NAAG biosynthesis in SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells stimulated with activators of protein kinase A (dbcAMP; N6,2′‐O‐dibutyryl cAMP) and protein kinase C (PMA; phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate). Differentiation over the course of several days with dbcAMP resulted in increased endogenous NAA levels and NAAG synthesis from l‐[3H]glutamine, whereas PMA‐induced differentiation reduced both. Exogenously applied NAA caused dose dependent increases in intracellular NAA levels, and NAAG biosynthesis from l‐[3H]glutamine, suggesting precursor–product and mass–action relationships between NAA and NAAG. Incorporation of l‐[3H]aspartate into NAA and NAAG occurred sequentially, appearing in NAA by 1 h, but not in NAAG until between 6 and 24 h. Synthesis of NAAG from l‐[3H]aspartate was increased by dbcAMP and decreased by PMA at 24 h. The effects of PMA on l‐[3H]aspartate incorporation into NAA were temporally biphasic. Using short incubation times (1 and 6 h), PMA increased l‐[3H]aspartate incorporation into NAA, but with longer incubation (24 h), incorporation was significantly reduced. These results suggest that, while the neuronal production of NAA and NAAG are biochemically related, significant differences exist in the regulatory mechanisms controlling their biosynthesis.
Retracted: Deposition of iron and β‐amyloid plaques is associated with cortical cellular damage in rabbits fed with long‐term cholesterol‐enriched diets
Authors: Ghribi Othman , Golovko Mikhail Y. , Larsen Brian , Schrag Matthew , Murphy Eric J.
Published: July 2006

Hypercholesterolemia is a potential trigger of Alzheimer's disease, and is thought to increase brain levels of β‐amyloid (Aβ) and iron. However, animal models to address the mechanisms by which Aβ and iron accumulation may cause neuronal damage are poorly defined. To address this question, we fed adult rabbits a 1% cholesterol‐enriched diet for 7 months. This diet was associated with increased regional deposition of both iron and Aβ peptide in the brain. Iron preferentially accumulated around Aβ plaques in the adjacent cortex, but was not found in the hippocampus. Co‐localization of iron and Aβ was accompanied by apoptosis, DNA damage, blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, as well as dysregulation in the level of the iron‐regulatory proteins, ferritin and heme‐oxygenase‐1. We further demonstrate that the cholesterol diet‐induced apoptosis is mediated by the activation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway, involving the down‐regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum chaperones, calreticulin, grp78 and grp94, and the activation of the growth and arrest DNA damage protein, gadd153. Our results suggest that BBB damage and disturbances in iron metabolism may render the cortex more vulnerable than the hippocampus to the cholesterol‐induced cellular stress.
Neuron–astrocyte interactions in the regulation of brain energy metabolism: a focus on NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Escartin Carole , Valette Julien , Lebon Vincent , Bonvento Gilles
Published: July 2006

An adequate and timely production of ATP by brain cells is of cardinal importance to support the major energetic cost of the rapid processing of information via synaptic and action potentials. Recently, evidence has been accumulated to support the view that the regulation of brain energy metabolism is under the control of an intimate dialogue between astrocytes and neurons. In vitro studies on cultured astrocytes and in vivo studies on rodents have provided evidence that glutamate and Na+ uptake in astrocytes is a key triggering signal regulating glucose use in the brain. With the advent of NMR spectroscopy, it has been possible to provide experimental evidence to show that energy consumption is mainly devoted to glutamatergic neurotransmission and that glutamate‐glutamine cycling is coupled in a ∼ 1 : 1 molar stoichiometry to glucose oxidation, at least in the cerebral cortex. This improved understanding of neuron–astrocyte metabolic interactions offers the potential for developing novel therapeutic strategies for many neurological disorders that include a metabolic deficit.
Headaches Associated with Rathke's Cleft Cyst
Authors: Nishioka Hiroshi , Haraoka Jo , Izawa Hitoshi , Ikeda Yukio
Published: July 2006

Objective.—Headaches are common presentations in patients with Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC). This study was conducted to elucidate the characteristics and underlying mechanisms of the headache.

Methods.—We retrospectively studied 46 patients with RCC, 33 of whom underwent surgical intervention.

Results.—Headache, particularly frontal headache, was the most common symptom, occurring in 27 patients (58.7%). Eleven patients with sudden episodic headache mimicking that of pituitary apoplexy. Although the presence of headache did not correlate with cyst size, it was significantly more common in RCCs with: high‐ and iso intensity content on T1‐weighted MR image (P= .0363), mucous content within the cyst (P= .0023), and intense chronic inflammation at the cyst wall (P= .0276). Among 6 patients with histologically recognized intense inflammation, every patient had frontal headache (P= .0407), 5 patients had episodic headache (P= .0002), and 4 patients had associated hypopituitarism (P= .0073), none of which improved after surgical intervention. Headaches improved after surgery in 17 of 21 patients (81.0%).

Conclusions.—Headache, particularly frontal episodic headache, is a common and characteristic manifestation in patients with RCC and may indicate intermittent inflammatory reactions caused by mucous content. Patients with episodic headache should undergo surgical treatment to prevent exacerbation of the inflammation that can result in irreversible endocrine dysfunction.
Violence Exposure and Drug Use in Central American Youth: Family Cohesion and Parental Monitoring as Protective Factors
Authors: Kliewer Wendy , Murrelle Lenn , Prom Elizabeth , Ramirez Melva , Obando Patricia , Sandi Luis , Del Carmen Karenkeris Maria
Published: July 2006

Associations between witnessing serious violence and drug use, and the protective influences of family cohesion and parental monitoring, were investigated among 9,840 adolescents (50.5% female, M age=15.29 years, SD=1.76) living in Panama and Costa Rica. After accounting for demographics and parental and sibling substance use, witnessing serious violence was associated with greater drunkenness, tobacco use, number of illicit drugs used, and problems with drugs and alcohol. In every analysis, exposure to violence was associated with more drug use, while family cohesion and parental monitoring attenuated risk. Further, family cohesion and parental monitoring exerted a protective‐stabilizing effect on number of illicit drugs used and on problems with drugs and alcohol. There were few interactions with age. Implications for prevention are discussed.
Utilization of platelet transfusions in the intensive care unit: indications, transfusion triggers, and platelet count responses
Authors: Arnold Donald M. , Crowther Mark A. , Cook Richard J. , Sigouin Christopher , Heddle Nancy M. , Molnar Laura , Cook Deborah J.
Published: July 2006

BACKGROUND: A description of current platelet (PLT) transfusion practice in the intensive care unit (ICU) is needed.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: All thrombocytopenic patients (PLT count, <150 × 109/L) who received PLT transfusions were identified from a previous prospective study of consecutive medical‐surgical ICU patients; trauma, orthopedic, and cardiac surgery were exclusions. Risk factors for ineffective transfusions were examined.

RESULTS: Of 261 ICU patients, 118 (45.2%) had thrombocytopenia and a PLT count nadir of less than 50 × 109 per L (n = 22), 50 to 99 × 109 per L (n = 37), and 100 to 149 × 109 per L (n = 59). Twenty‐seven (22.9%) patients received PLT transfusions (n = 76 transfusions) and 37 (31.4%) had major bleeding. PLT dose was approximately 3 to 4 × 1011 per L transfusion. Therapeutic (n = 24) and prophylactic (n = 52) PLT transfusion triggers were 51 × 109 per L (interquartile range [IQR], 26 to 68) and 41 × 109 per L (IQR, 20 to 57), respectively, as measured at a median of 4.5 hours (IQR, <1.6 to 6.9) before transfusion. A single PLT transfusion resulted in a median PLT increase of 14 × 109 per L (IQR, −2 to 30) measured at 5.2 hours (IQR, 1.8 to 8.8) after the transfusion; however, no PLT count increase was observed after 17 transfusions given to 13 (48.1%) patients. No risk factors for ineffective transfusions were identified.

CONCLUSIONS: Among critically ill patients, most PLT transfusions were administered to prevent, rather than to treat, bleeding, with a transfusion trigger of 40 to 50 × 109 per L. Nearly half of ICU patients who received transfusions failed to mount a PLT count increase after a single transfusion. Prospective studies are needed to determine the effects of PLT transfusions on bleeding and predictors of ineffective transfusions in the ICU.
Mailing of a sickle cell disease educational packet increases blood donors within an African American community
Authors: Price Cynthia L. , Boyd Jessica H. , Watkins André R. , Fleming Fay , DeBaun Michael R.
Published: July 2006

BACKGROUND: Low blood donor rates among African American persons are recognized; however, few strategies exist to increase these numbers.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A 1‐year, prospective, ecologic study performed before and after an educational intervention designed to test the hypothesis that increased education about the importance of blood donation for children with sickle cell disease (SCD) would result in an increase in total blood donors among African American persons.

RESULTS: Approximately 5000 videos were mailed to 50 percent of the households in a zip code where 98 percent of the residents are African American. In the first 6‐month interval after mailing the video packet, there was a 75 percent (217 vs. 124; p = 0.05) increase in the total number of presenting donors and a 64 percent (126 vs. 77; p = 0.02) increase in the total number of first‐time donors from the same 6‐month period in the previous year. During the second 6‐month interval, the total number of first‐time donors declined. No significant increase in donor activity was noted during the two 6‐month periods after the intervention in the surrounding zip codes.

CONCLUSION: A mass mailing directed toward educating African American persons about the importance of blood donation for children with SCD may increase the number of total African American donors.
Phlebotomist interpersonal skill predicts a reduction in reactions among volunteer blood donors
Authors: Stewart Kendra Ray , France Christopher R. , Rader Aaron W. , Stewart Jesse C.
Published: July 2006

BACKGROUND: Adverse reactions in response to blood donation negatively affect the likelihood of donor return. In this study, the interpersonal skill of phlebotomists was examined as a potential predictor of both donor reactions and returns for future donation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Participants were 82 phlebotomists who completed the Social Skills Inventory, a global measure of interpersonal skill. Scores on this measure were used to predict the likelihood of donor reaction (rated by phlebotomists) and return for future donation in two samples of volunteer blood donors associated with these phlebotomists. Use of two samples permitted examination of phlebotomist interpersonal skill as a predictor of donor reactions and returns both before and after the phlebotomists were aware of the interpersonal skills assessment.

RESULTS: Results of multilevel logistic regression analyses demonstrated that a one‐standard‐deviation increase in Social Skills Inventory score was associated with a significant reduction in the likelihood of donor reaction in the first sample (odds ratio [OR], 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76‐0.96) and with a marginally significant reduction in the likelihood of donor reaction in the second sample (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.79‐1.02). Social Skills Inventory scores were not related to returns for future donation in either sample.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first empirical evidence that phlebotomist interpersonal skill predicts the experience of reactions among volunteer blood donors. A focus on the interpersonal skill of phlebotomists may therefore provide an additional avenue for improving donors’ physical well‐being and satisfaction, thereby enhancing donor retention.
Platelet binding and phagocytosis by macrophages
Authors: Badlou Bahram A. , Wu Ya Ping , Smid W. Martin , Akkerman Jan‐Willem N.
Published: July 2006

BACKGROUND: Earlier it was reported that metabolic arrest followed by incubation at 4°C reduces the platelet (PLT) storage defect. Here it is reported that this treatment also reduces binding and phagocytosis by macrophages.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Phagocytosis of mepacrine‐labeled PLTs by macrophages changes the latter into bright fluorescent particles easily detected by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting.

RESULTS: In combination with conventional binding analysis it was found that binding to phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate–matured THP‐1 cells is primarily regulated by PLT P‐selectin expression and phagocytosis by combined phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure and glycoprotein (GP) Ibα clustering. It was found that trapping of PLT Ca2+ and raising cAMP reduces phagocytosis by lowering PS exposure. Chilling of PLTs leads to an increase in binding and PS‐ and GPIbα‐mediated phagocytosis. Prior depletion of PLT energy stores prevents this increase by preserving low Ca2+ concentration, PS exposure, and PS‐mediated phagocytosis.

CONCLUSION: These data characterize the individual factors that control PLT binding and phagocytosis and might help to define conditions that improve the survival of stored PLTs after transfusion.
Novel monoclonal antibody‐based enzyme immunoassay for determining plasma levels of ADAMTS13 activity
Authors: Kato Seiji , Matsumoto Masanori , Matsuyama Tomomi , Isonishi Ayami , Hiura Hisahide , Fujimura Yoshihiro
Published: July 2006

BACKGROUND: ADAMTS13 specifically cleaves unusually large von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers, which induce platelet thrombi formation under high shear stress. ADAMTS13 activity is deficient in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). The determination of plasma levels of ADAMTS13 activity is a prerequisite for a differential diagnosis of thrombotic microangiopathies. Here, a unique and highly sensitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) of ADAMTS13 activity is described.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: ADAMTS13 hydrolyzes the peptide bond between Y1605 and M1606 of VWF. In this assay, a recombinant fusion protein (GST‐VWF73‐His) is used as a substrate. A panel of mouse monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) that specifically recognizes Y1605, which is the C‐terminal edge residue of the VWF‐A2 domain and is generated by the enzymatic cleavage, has been produced. These antibodies were prepared with a synthetic decapeptide, termed N‐10 (1596‐DREQAPNLVY‐1605), as the immunogen. Twenty‐six clones specific to N10 were obtained, and one anti‐N10 MoAb was used in this study.

RESULTS: With horseradish peroxidase–conjugated anti‐N10 MoAb, a standard enzyme assay was established. This assay was highly sensitive, and the detection limit was 0.5 percent of the normal. Further, an inhibitor of ADAMTS13 was measured to a level of 0.1 Bethesda units per mL. ADAMTS13 activity was measured in 20 patients with Upshaw‐Schulman syndrome, a congenital TTP, and 61 acquired TTP patients. The activity measured by this assay and by the classic VWF multimer assay showed high correlation.

CONCLUSION: A convenient and highly sensitive EIA for ADAMTS13 activity has been established. This assay can be introduced for routine laboratory work in transfusion medicine.
Fabrication of Crack‐Free C12A7 Nano‐Ceramics Composite from Eutectic Glass in the C12A7–CaYAlO4 System
Authors: Sakamoto Naonori , Watanabe Tomoaki , Yoshimura Masahiro
Published: July 2006

Crack formation in the C12A7 nano‐composite during crystallization was successfully avoided by using the eutectic glass in the C12A7–CaYAlO4 system. The crystal phases from the eutectic glass were identified to be C12A7 (major phase) and CaYAlO4 (minor phase) by X‐ray diffraction and high‐resolution transmission electron microscope. It was indicated that origin of cracks upon crystallization of C12A7 glass was the volume expansion caused by crystallization of C12A7 in the glass and the cracking could be avoided by the volume shrinkage by crystallization of CaYAlO4. By using a conventional molding technique, we have also succeeded to fabricate a bulk C12A7 composite with arbitrary shapes.
Sexual relationships and sexual conduct in the workplace
Authors: Clarke Linda
Published: July 2006

This paper examines concerns raised by employers about consensual sexual relationships occurring at work. It begins by examining the link between sexual relationships and sexual harassment as a justification for regulating relationships, particularly hierarchical ones, and suggests that the willingness of employers, particularly in the USA, to prohibit or regulate relationships might be motivated by reasons other than a concern for women’s equality at work. Secondly, it argues that although recent changes to the law on sexual harassment in the UK might encourage employers to consider prohibiting or regulating sexual relationships here, there are countervailing legal principles to be considered, such as anti-discrimination law and privacy rights. Finally, it argues that there is a real problem of harassment when relationships end and that sex discrimination law should be directed to ensuring that unacceptable behaviour is not tolerated, rather than prohibiting consensual relationships.
Breaking boundaries? Sexual consent in the jury room
Authors: Finch Emily , Munro Vanessa E
Published: July 2006

By introducing legal tests centring upon concepts of freedom, capacity and reasonableness, the Sexual Offences Act 2003 reflects a deliberate legislative attempt both to provide a clearer structure for jury deliberation on sexual consent and to hold defendants to a higher level of accountability in relation to their belief in its existence. While these developments are well intentioned, it is argued that they may ultimately prove to be of limited effect. More specifically, it is suggested that there is an inherent complexity in the concepts of freedom, capacity and reasonableness, at least in the largely undefined form in which they have been introduced, such that the Act may, in practice, simply result in the proliferation of a new set of malleable legal tests and unpredictable legal outcomes.

Drawing on a series of mock jury deliberations undertaken by the authors in which participants were asked, having observed a short rape trial reconstruction, to apply the tests set out in the Sexual Offences Act 2003 in order to reach a verdict, this paper examines the ways in which the concepts of freedom, capacity and reasonableness were interpreted. Bearing in mind the inevitable constraints of the mock jury methodology (in particular its verisimilitude to real juries), this paper suggests that there may, nonetheless, be some valuable lessons to be gleaned from these deliberations about the future application of the law in actual rape cases.
NO‐mediated regulation of NAD(P)H oxidase by laminar shear stress in human endothelial cells
Authors: Duerrschmidt Nicole , Stielow Claudia , Muller Gregor , Pagano Patrick J. , Morawietz Henning
Published: July 2006

The flowing blood generates shear stress at the endothelial cell surface. In endothelial cells, NAD(P)H oxidase complexes have been identified as major sources of superoxide anion (·O2−) formation. In this study, we analysed the effect of laminar shear stress on ·O2− formation by cytochrome c reduction assay and on NAD(P)H oxidase subunit expression by standard calibrated competitive reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot in human endothelial cells. Primary cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were exposed to laminar shear stress in a cone‐and‐plate viscometer for up to 24 h. Short‐term application of shear stress transiently induced ·O2− formation. This was inhibited by NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor gp91ds‐tat, but NAD(P)H oxidase subunit expression was unchanged. Long‐term arterial laminar shear stress (30 dyne cm−2, 24 h) down‐regulated ·O2− formation, and mRNA and protein expression of NAD(P)H oxidase subunits Nox2/gp91phox and p47phox. In parallel, endothelial NO formation and eNOS, but not Cu/Zn SOD, protein expression was increased. Down‐regulation of ·O2− formation, gp91phox and p47phox expression by long‐term laminar shear stress was blocked by l‐NAME. NO donor DETA‐NO down‐regulates ·O2− formation, gp91phox and p47phox expression in static cultures. In conclusion, our data suggest a transient activation of ·O2− formation by short‐term shear stress, followed by a down‐regulation of endothelial NAD(P)H oxidase in response to long‐term laminar shear stress. NO‐mediated down‐regulation by shear stress preferentially affects the gp91phox/p47phox‐containing NAD(P)H oxidase complex. This mechanism might contribute to the regulation of endothelial NO/·O2− balance and the vasoprotective potential of physiological levels of laminar shear stress.
Muscle sympathetic nerve activity responses to dynamic passive muscle stretch in humans
Authors: Cui Jian , Blaha Cheryl , Moradkhan Raman , Gray Kristen S. , Sinoway Lawrence I.
Published: July 2006

It is suggested that mechanoreceptors in muscle play an important role in the exercise pressor reflex. However, it has not been verified whether isolated stimulation of the mechanoreceptors can induce responses in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in young healthy individuals. We tested the hypothesis that passive stretch of muscle can evoke an increase in MSNA in healthy individuals. In 12 young subjects, leg calf muscles were passively stretched, or actively contracted for 5 s followed by a 15–25 s (random length) relaxation period. Stretch and contraction were each repeated 25 times. MSNA, heart rate and blood pressure were analysed, and averaged according to the onset of the force on a beat‐by‐beat basis. At the 1st to the 3rd heart beat from the onset of stretch, MSNA (199 ± 30%,P< 0.05) as well as heart rate (102.5 ± 0.7%,P< 0.05) increased transiently but significantly from the prior stretch baseline (100%), followed (from 3rd to 7th beat from the onset of stretch) by a transient increase in mean blood pressure (101.9 ± 0.3%,P< 0.05) from the baseline. Similar response patterns were observed during active muscle contractions. The present data show that MSNA responses to isolated stimulation of mechanoreceptors are measurable. Because of baroreflex engagement, the magnitude of the response is small and transient, and the haemodynamic consequences using this protocol may be limited.
“Fair’s fair argument” and voluntarism in clinical research: But, is it fair?
Authors: Perna M A
Published: July 2006

This article sets out to counteract HM Evans’s “fair’s fair argument” in support of abolishing veto to research participation. Evans’s argument attempts to assimilate ordinary clinical practice to clinical research. I shall refer to this attempt as “assimilation claim”. I shall attempt to show that this assimilation, as it is carried out in Evans’s argument, is misleading and, ultimately, logically undermines the conclusion. I shall then proceed to show that when the fair’s fair argument is proposed independently of the assimilation claim, Evans’s conclusion is not unavoidable and possible alternatives are equally open within the terms of the argument itself.
Substance P treatment stimulates chemokine synthesis in pancreatic acinar cells via the activation of NF-κB
Authors: Ramnath Raina Devi , Bhatia Madhav
Published: July 2006

Acinar cell injury early in acute pancreatitis leads to a local inflammatory reaction and to the subsequent systemic inflammatory response, which may result in multiple organ dysfunction and death. Inflammatory mediators, including chemokines and substance P (SP), are known to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis. It has been shown that pancreatic acinar cells produce the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in response to caerulein hyperstimulation, demonstrating that acinar-derived MCP-1 is an early mediator of inflammation in acute pancreatitis. Similarly, SP levels in the pancreas and pancreatic acinar cell expression of neurokinin-1 receptor, the primary receptor for SP, are both increased during secretagogue-induced experimental pancreatitis. This study aims to examine the functional consequences of exposing mouse pancreatic acinar cells to SP and to determine whether it leads to proinflammatory signaling, such as production of chemokines. Exposure of mouse pancreatic acini to SP significantly increased synthesis of MCP-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), as well as MIP-2. Furthermore, SP also increased NF-κB activation. The stimulatory effect of SP was specific to chemokine synthesis through the NF-κB pathway, since the increase in chemokine production was completely attenuated when pancreatic acini were pretreated with the selective NF-κB inhibitor NF-κB essential modulator-binding domain peptide. This study shows that SP-induced chemokine synthesis in mouse pancreatic acinar cells is NF-κB dependent.
Blockade of neurokinin-1 receptor attenuates CC and CXC chemokine production in experimental acute pancreatitis and associated lung injury
Authors: Sun Jia , Bhatia Madhav
Published: July 2006

Accumulating evidence suggests the neuropeptide substance P (SP) and its receptor neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, the mechanisms remain unclear. The present study investigated whether chemokines as proinflammatory molecules are involved in SP-NK-1R-related pathogenesis of this condition. We observed temporally and spatially selective chemokine responses in secretagogue caerulein-induced AP in mice. CC chemokines monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) and CXC chemokine MIP-2 were elevated after AP induction. Time-dependent, tissue-specific analysis of their mRNA and protein expression suggested that they are early mediators in the condition and mediate local as well as systemic inflammatory responses. In contrast, another CC chemokine regulated on activation, T cells expressed and secreted (RANTES) was only involved in local pancreatic inflammation at a later stage of the disease. Either prophylactic or therapeutic treatment with a potent selective NK-1R antagonist CP-96,345 significantly suppressed caerulein-induced increase in MCP-1, MIP-1α, and MIP-2 expression but had no apparent effect on RANTES expression. The suppression effect of CP-96,345 on MCP-1, MIP-1α, and MIP-2 expression was concordantly demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, which, additionally, suggested that chemokine immunoreactivity was localized to acinar cells and the infiltrating leukocytes in the pancreas and alveolar macrophages, epithelial cells, and endothelial cells in the lungs. Our data suggest that SP, probably by acting via NK-1R on various chemokine-secreting cells in the pancreas and lungs, stimulates the release of chemokines that aggravate local AP and the development of its systemic sequelae.
Maintenance and accumulation of trimethylamine oxide by winter skate (Leucoraja ocellata): reliance on low whole animal losses rather than synthesis
Authors: Treberg Jason R. , Driedzic William R.
Published: July 2006

Trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) is typically accumulated as an organic osmolyte in marine elasmobranchs to levels second only to urea (which can reach >400 mM); however, little is known about the whole animal regulation of TMAO in elasmobranchs. In the present study on the winter skate ( Leucoraja ocellata), we determine whether this species can maintain levels of TMAO in the absence of feeding, and if so, is this due to endogenous synthesis or low whole animal losses. Winter skates maintain plasma TMAO levels for up to 45 days without feeding. The liver displays methimazole oxidation, which is consistent with the presence of flavin-containing monooxygenase (E.C. 1.14.13.8 ) activity, the class of enzymes responsible for the physiological oxygenation of trimethylamine (TMA) to TMAO in mammals. However, no evidence for TMA oxygenation by winter skates was found using in vivo or in vitro techniques, indicating no significant capacity for endogenous TMAO synthesis. Fed skates displayed low, but measurable (∼4–13 μmol·kg−1·h−1), efflux of TMAO (plus TMA), whereas fasted skates did not. Using the loss of injected [14C]TMAO, it was determined that whole animal TMAO losses are likely <1% of whole body TMAO per day. These results demonstrate that winter skates utilize low whole animal TMAO losses, rather than endogenous synthesis, to maintain TMAO levels when not feeding.
Long-range negative correlation of glucose dynamics in humans and its breakdown in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ogata Hitomi , Tokuyama Kumpei , Nagasaka Shoichiro , Ando Akihiko , Kusaka Ikuyo , Sato Naoko , Goto Akiko , Ishibashi Shun , Kiyono Ken , Struzik Zbigniew R. , Yamamoto Yoshiharu
Published: July 2006

Diurnal fluctuations in glucose levels continuously monitored during normal daily life are investigated using an extended random walk analysis, referred to as detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA), in 12 nondiabetic subjects and 15 diabetic patients. The DFA exponent α = 1.25 ± 0.29 for healthy individuals in the “long-range” (>2 h) regime is shown to be significantly ( P < 0.01) smaller than the reference “uncorrelated” value of α = 1.5, suggesting that the instantaneous net effects of the dynamical balance of glucose flux and reflux, causing temporal changes in glucose concentration, are long-range negatively correlated. By contrast, in diabetic patients, the DFA exponent α = 1.65 ± 0.30 is significantly ( P < 0.05) higher than that in nondiabetic subjects, evidencing a breakdown of the long-range negative correlation. It is suggested that the emergence of such positive long-range glucose correlations in diabetic patients—indicating that the net effects of the flux and reflux persist for many hours—likely reflects pathogenic mechanisms of diabetes, i.e., the lack of long-term stability of blood glucose and that the long-range negatively correlated glucose dynamics are functional in maintaining normal glucose homeostasis.