bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parkin Protects against LRRK2 G2019S Mutant-Induced Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration in Drosophila
Authors: Ng Chee-Hoe , Mok Shaun Z. S. , Koh Cherlyn , Ouyang Xuezhi , Fivaz Marc L. , Tan Eng-King , Dawson Valina L. , Dawson Ted M. , Yu Fengwei , Lim Kah-Leong
Published: September 2009

Mutations in theleucine-rich repeat kinase 2(LRRK2) gene are currently recognized as the most common genetic cause of parkinsonism. Among the large number of LRRK2 mutations identified to date, the G2019S variant is the most common. In Asia, however, another LRRK2 variant, G2385R, appears to occur more frequently. To better understand the contribution of different LRRK2 variants toward disease pathogenesis, we generated transgenicDrosophilaover-expressing various human LRRK2 alleles, including wild type, G2019S, Y1699C, and G2385R LRRK2. We found that transgenic flies harboring G2019S, Y1699C, or G2385R LRRK2 variant, but not the wild-type protein, exhibit late-onset loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in selected clusters that is accompanied by locomotion deficits. Furthermore, LRRK2 mutant flies also display reduced lifespan and increased sensitivity to rotenone, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor. Importantly, coexpression of human parkin in LRRK2 G2019S-expressing flies provides significant protection against DA neurodegeneration that occurs with age or in response to rotenone. Together, our results suggest a potential link between LRRK2, parkin, and mitochondria in the pathogenesis of LRRK2-related parkinsonism.
Representation of Goal and Movements without Overt Motor Behavior in the Human Motor Cortex: A Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Study
Authors: Cattaneo Luigi , Caruana Fausto , Jezzini Ahmad , Rizzolatti Giacomo
Published: September 2009

We recorded motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) to transcranial magnetic stimulation from the right opponens pollicis (OP) muscle while participants observed an experimenter operating two types of pliers: pliers opened by the extension of the fingers and closed by their flexion (“normal pliers”) and pliers opened by the flexion of the fingers and closed by their extension (“reverse pliers”). In one experimental condition, the experimenter merely opened and closed the pliers; in the other, he grasped an object with them. In a further condition, the participants imagined themselves operating the normal and reverse pliers. During the observation of actions devoid of a goal, the MEP amplitudes, regardless of pliers used, reflected the muscular pattern involved in the execution of the observed action. In contrast, during the observation of goal-directed actions, the MEPs from OP were modulated by the action goal, increasing during goal achievement despite the opposite hand movements necessary to obtain it. During motor imagery, the MEPs recorded from OP reflected the muscular pattern required to perform the imagined action. We propose that covert activity in the human motor cortex may reflect different aspects of motor behavior. Imagining oneself performing tool actions or observing tool actions devoid of a goal activates the representation of the hand movements that correspond to the observed ones. In contrast, the observation of tool actions with a goal incorporates the distal part of the tool in the observer's body schema, resulting in a higher-order representation of the meaning of the motor act.
Adenosine-Evoked Hyperpolarization of Retinal Ganglion Cells Is Mediated by G-Protein-Coupled Inwardly Rectifying K+and Small Conductance Ca2+-Activated K+Channel Activation
Authors: Clark Benjamin D. , Kurth-Nelson Zeb L. , Newman Eric A.
Published: September 2009

Adenosine is a neuromodulator that activates presynaptic receptors to regulate synaptic transmission and postsynaptic receptors to hyperpolarize neurons. Here, we report that adenosine-induced hyperpolarization of retinal ganglion cells is produced by the activation of A1receptors, which initiates a signaling cascade that activates G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K+(GIRK) channels and small conductance Ca2+-activated K+(SK) channels. Rat retinal ganglion cells were stimulated by focal ejection of the adenosine receptor agonist 5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) while cell activity was monitored with whole-cell patch recordings and Ca2+imaging. Focal ejections of NECA evoked outward currents in all cells tested and reduced light- and depolarization-induced spiking. The NECA-evoked current was abolished by the A1antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) but was unaffected by A2a, A2b, and A3antagonists, indicating that the response was mediated entirely by A1receptors. The GIRK channel blocker rTertiapin-Q diminished the NECA-evoked inhibitory current by 56 ± 12%, whereas the SK channel blocker apamin decreased the NECA-induced current by 42 ± 7%. The SK component of the NECA-evoked current coincided with an increase in intracellular Ca2+and was blocked by IP3receptor antagonists and depletion of internal Ca2+stores, suggesting that A1receptor activation leads to an increase in IP3, which then elevates intracellular Ca2+and activates SK channels. This A1-mediated, prolonged SK channel activation has not been described previously. The coactivation of GIRK and SK channels represents a novel mechanism of adenosine-mediated neuromodulation that could contribute to the regulation of retinal ganglion cell activity.
Role of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF)–Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM) Interactions in Induction of Neurite Outgrowth and Identification of a Binding Site for NCAM in the Heel Region of GDNF
Authors: Nielsen Janne , Gotfryd Kamil , Li Shizhong , Kulahin Nikolaj , Soroka Vladislav , Rasmussen Kim K. , Bock Elisabeth , Berezin Vladimir
Published: September 2009

The formation of appropriate neuronal circuits is an essential part of nervous system development and relies heavily on the outgrowth of axons and dendrites and their guidance to their respective targets. This process is governed by a large array of molecules, including glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), the interaction of which induce neurite outgrowth. In the present study the requirements for NCAM-mediated GDNF-induced neurite outgrowth were investigated in cultures of hippocampal neurons, which do not express Ret. We demonstrate that NCAM-mediated GDNF-induced signaling leading to neurite outgrowth is more complex than previously reported. It not only involves NCAM-140 and the Src family kinase Fyn but also uses NCAM-180 and the fibroblast growth factor receptor. We find that induction of neurite outgrowth by GDNF via NCAM or bytrans-homophilic NCAM interactions are not mutually exclusive. However, whereas NCAM-induced neurite outgrowth primarily is mediated by NCAM-180, we demonstrate that GDNF-induced neurite outgrowth involves both NCAM-140 and NCAM-180. We also find that GDNF-induced neurite outgrowth via NCAM differs from NCAM-induced neurite outgrowth by being independent of NCAM polysialylation. Additionally, we investigated the structural basis for GDNF–NCAM interactions and find that NCAM Ig3 is necessary for GDNF binding. Furthermore, we identify within the heel region of GDNF a binding site for NCAM and demonstrate that a peptide encompassing this sequence mimics the effects of GDNF with regard to NCAM binding, activation of intracellular signaling, and induction of neurite outgrowth.
Orexin A/Hypocretin-1 Selectively Promotes Motivation for Positive Reinforcers
Authors: Borgland Stephanie L. , Chang Shao-Ju , Bowers M. Scott , Thompson Jennifer L. , Vittoz Nicole , Floresco Stan B. , Chou Jonathan , Chen Billy T. , Bonci Antonello
Published: September 2009

Orexin A/hypocretin-1 (oxA/hcrt-1) is known to be a modulator of dopamine-dependent neuronal activity and behaviors. However, the role of this system in driving motivated behaviors remains poorly understood. Here, we show that orexin/hypocretin receptor-1 (ox/hcrt-1R) signaling is important for motivation for highly salient, positive reinforcement. Blockade of ox/hcrt-1R selectively reduced work to self-administer cocaine or high fat food pellets. Moreover, oxA/hcrt-1 strengthened presynaptic glutamatergic inputs to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) only in cocaine or high fat self-administering rats. Finally, oxA/hcrt-1-mediated excitatory synaptic transmission onto VTA neurons was not potentiated following an arousing, aversive stimulus, suggesting that oxA/hcrt-1-mediated glutamatergic synaptic transmission was potentiated selectively with highly salient positive reinforcers. These experiments provide evidence for a selective role of oxA/hcrt-1 signaling in motivation for highly salient reinforcers and may represent a unique opportunity to design novel therapies that selectively reduce excessive drive to consume positive reinforcers of high salience.
Regular aerobic exercise training improves endothelium-dependent arterial dilation in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Xiang Guang-da , Pu Jinhui , Sun Huiling , Zhao Linshuang , Yue Ling , Hou Jie
Published: September 2009

Objective

Impairment of flow-mediated endothelium-dependent arterial dilation (FMD) exists in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (sHT). Several studies showed that exercise training can improve FMD in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, we hypothesized that exercise training can also improve FMD in subjects with sHT. The purpose of the study was to test this hypothesis.

Research design and methods

We selected 30 sedentary women with sHT and 27 sedentary healthy women with euthyroid. All individuals participated in an exercise training of 6 months. Before and after exercise training, high resolution ultrasound was used to measure FMD.

Results

At baseline, FMD among subjects with sHT was 3.87%, which was significantly lower than that in controls (5.98%; P<0.001). After 6 months of exercise, there was a remarkable increase in FMD (31.3%) and VO2 max (36.7%; P<0.01), and significant decreases in total cholesterol (20%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL; 29%), triglycerides (TG; 47.6%), and C-reactive protein (CRP; 61.5%; P<0.05) were observed over the exercise in patients with sHT. The absolute changes in FMD showed significant correlation with changes in LDL (r=−0.596), TG (r=−0.532), and CRP (r=−0.511; P<0.01), and multiple regression analysis showed changes of LDL, TG, CRP were significant determinants of changes of FMD in sHT patients during exercise course.

Conclusion

Regular aerobic exercise improves FMD in sHT patients, and changes of lipids and inflammation during the exercise period may partially contribute to the improvement of endothelial function.
Ectopic Overproduction of a Sporulation-Specific Transcription Factor Induces Assembly of Prespore-Like Membranous Compartments in Vegetative Cells of Fission Yeast
Authors: Nakase Yukiko , Hirata Aiko , Shimoda Chikashi , Nakamura Taro
Published: September 2009

Mei4 is a key sporulation-specific transcription factor in fission yeast. Ectopic expression of Mei4 in vegetative cells caused formation of nucleated membranous compartments, which shared common features with normal forespore membranes, thereby perturbing nuclear division. These results suggest why expression of development-specific transcription factors must be strictly controlled.
Two Distinct Roles for EGL-9 in the Regulation of HIF-1-Mediated Gene Expression in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Shao Zhiyong , Zhang Yi , Powell-Coffman Jo Anne
Published: September 2009

Oxygen is critically important to metazoan life, and the EGL-9/PHD enzymes are key regulators of hypoxia (low oxygen) response. When oxygen levels are high, the EGL-9/PHD proteins hydroxylate hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) transcription factors. Once hydroxylated, HIFα subunits bind to von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ligases and are degraded. Prior genetic analyses in Caenorhabditis elegans had shown that EGL-9 also acted through a vhl-1-independent pathway to inhibit HIF-1 transcriptional activity. Here, we characterize this novel EGL-9 function. We employ an array of complementary methods to inhibit EGL-9 hydroxylase activity in vivo. These include hypoxia, hydroxylase inhibitors, mutation of the proline in HIF-1 that is normally modified by EGL-9, and mutation of the EGL-9 catalytic core. Remarkably, we find that each of these treatments or mutations eliminates oxygen-dependent degradation of HIF-1 protein, but none of them abolishes EGL-9-mediated repression of HIF-1 transcriptional activity. Further, analyses of new egl-9 alleles reveal that the evolutionarily conserved EGL-9 MYND zinc finger domain does not have a major role in HIF-1 regulation. We conclude that C. elegans  EGL-9 is a bifunctional protein. In addition to its well-established role as the oxygen sensor that regulates HIF-1 protein levels, EGL-9 inhibits HIF-1 transcriptional activity via a pathway that has little or no requirement for hydroxylase activity or for the EGL-9 MYND domain.
Incidence of Acute Mountain Sickness in Adolescents
Authors: Dallimore Jon , Rowbotham Emma C.
Published: September 2009

Objective

To measure the incidence of acute mountain sickness (AMS) in adolescents travelling to moderately high altitudes.

Methods

The study was carried out on a cohort of 63 adolescents with an average age of 15.9 years during an 8-day trip to Morocco, travelling to altitudes between 3106 m and 4167 m. The incidence of AMS was calculated using the Lake Louise questionnaire, which was completed twice daily by each participant. An episode of AMS was defined as being a score of 3 or more on the Lake Louise questionnaire in the presence of a headache. Difference in incidence between boys and girls was analyzed using 2-tailed Mann-Whitney U testing.

Results

The daily incidence of AMS among 52 participants with complete data was found to be between 3.8% and 42.3% and increased with increasing altitude. Girls had a statistically significant higher incidence of AMS (80%) compared with boys (55%) ( P < .01).

Conclusions

Acute mountain sickness may occur more commonly in female adolescents than in male adolescents. Overall, however, it appears that the incidence of AMS in adolescents is similar to that found in adults in previous studies.
Effects of Cold Environment Exposure and Cold Acclimatization on Exercise-Induced Salivary Cortisol Response
Authors: Izawa Shuhei , Kim Kijin , Akimoto Takayuki , Ahn Nayoung , Lee Hoseong , Suzuki Katsuhiko
Published: September 2009

Objective

Considering the adverse effects of exercise-induced cortisol secretion on health in athletes, it is important to determine the environmental and individual factors that contribute to the variations in exercise-induced cortisol secretion. In this study, the effects of cold environment exposure and cold acclimatization on exercise-induced salivary cortisol responses were investigated.

Methods

Short track skaters ( n = 11), who usually practice under cold conditions, and inline skaters ( n = 11), who usually practice under room temperature conditions, participated in a randomized crossover study. All participants cycled for 60 minutes at 65% [Formula: see text] under cold (ambient temperature: 5 ± 1°C, relative humidity 41% ± 9%) and room temperature (ambient temperature: 21 ± 1°C, relative humidity 35% ± 5%) conditions. The participants had a 120-minute bed rest recovery phase at room temperature after both exercise bouts. Cortisol levels were measured in saliva samples collected pre-exercise and postexercise at 1 minute, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes.

Results

Both short track and inline skaters exhibited clear cortisol responses to exercise under cold and room temperature conditions. The magnitude of the cortisol response, however, was different between skaters and conditions. The inline skaters exhibited significantly higher cortisol values under cold conditions than under room temperature conditions (7.6 nmol/L and 4.2 nmol/L, respectively). However, the short track skaters exhibited significantly higher cortisol values under cold conditions compared to room temperature conditions (8.7 nmol/L and 5.4 nmol/L, respectively).

Conclusions

The effects of cold environment exposure on exercise-induced cortisol response were different between skaters who usually practice under cold or room temperature conditions. These results can be interpreted as acclimatization to either cold or room temperature conditions attenuating the cortisol response, suggesting that acclimatization may be beneficial in reducing the exercise-induced cortisol response.
Into Thin Air: Extreme Ultrasound on Mt Everest
Authors: Otto Christian , Hamilton Douglas R. , Levine Benjamin D. , Hare Craig , Sargsyan Ashot E. , Altshuler Peter , Dulchavsky Scott A.
Published: September 2009

Objective

Mountaineers face a variety of health risks at altitude including pulmonary edema; portable ultrasound may be used to diagnose high altitude pulmonary edema. This report tests the functionality of electronic equipment in a hypobaric test environment and the ability of remotely guided nonexperts to use ultrasound to evaluate respiratory status on Mt Everest.

Methods

Two ultrasound devices and associated video equipment were tested in a cooled (4°C–5°C) hypobaric chamber to 27 000 feet (8230 m) before travel to Mt Everest. The ultrasound system was connected via satellite phone to a video streaming device and portable computer to stream video through the Internet for remote guidance of a novice user by an expert. Pulmonary interstitial fluid was quantified by the presence of “comet tail” artifacts.

Results

There was no notable degradation in equipment performance in cold, hypobaric conditions; ultrasound confirmation of increased comet tails was noted in the chamber despite oxygen supplementation and the very brief exposure. Two pulmonary surveys of asymptomatic participants were completed by novice operators within 25 minutes on Mt Everest. The remote expert was able to guide and identify comet tails suggestive of intermediate pulmonary interstitial fluid. Image quality was excellent.

Conclusions

The tested ultrasound devices functioned nominally in cold, hypobaric conditions; acute changes in lung fluid content were noted in these conditions despite normoxia. We successfully used a satellite telemedical connection with a remote expert to guide thoracic ultrasound examinations at Advanced Base Camp on Mt Everest. Coupling portable ultrasound with remote expert guidance telemedicine provides a robust diagnostic capability in austere locations.
The Anti Snake Venom Crisis in Africa: A Suggested Manufacturers Product Guide
Authors: Simpson Ian D. , Blaylock Roger S.M.
Published: September 2009

Considerable attention has been given to the shortage of anti snake venom in Africa. The current supply is reported to rest at crisis levels, and considerable attention has been given to reporting the crisis. What has been absent is a recommended list of anti snake venoms that suppliers can produce in order to alleviate the problem. Suppliers who may want to enter the market and provide new anti snake venoms are hampered by a lack of knowledge of which to provide, where to source the venoms necessary for production, and the likely volume levels required. Snakebite epidemiology is recognized as being poor, particularly in estimating the number of envenomations. Snakebite authorities and organizations such as the World Health Organisation have provided lists of medically significant species, but these are inadequate as a guide to production. This paper proposes a list of anti snake venoms that could be produced by suppliers and crucially lists relevant species by geographical area, venom sources for the target species, and likely production volumes to enable suppliers to develop a confident forecast of demand to ensure sustainability.
The Impact of Footwear and Packweight on Injury and Illness Among Long-Distance Hikers
Authors: Stewart Anderson L. , Rebholz Casey M. , White Laura F. , Mitchell Patricia , Curcio Edward P. , Feldman James A. , Kahn Joseph H.
Published: September 2009

Objective

To determine the prevalence and predictors of injury and illness among long-distance hikers.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of long-distance hikers (>500 miles [805 km]) along the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trails between August and October of 2006. An 8-page survey instrument was made available to hikers at a designated station near the northern terminus of the respective trails. The survey questions were yes/no or multiple choice. Independent variables included packweight, footwear, and type and frequency of water purification. χ2 tests to compare categorical data and the Cochran-Armitage test for trend were used ( P < .05 significant). We used logistic regression to compare the variables concurrently, and significance was determined using likelihood ratio tests. Profile likelihood confidence intervals for the odds ratios are reported.

Results

Of the 128 hikers completing surveys that met inclusion criteria, the mean age was 33 years (range = 18–65 years), 94% walked >1500 miles (2400 km), and 70% were male. Using univariate analysis, trends were noted in the proportion of hikers reporting paresthesias and increasing packweight (35% with 10–20 pound [4.5–9 kg] packs, 50% with 21–30 pound [9.5–13.5 kg] packs, and 69% with >31 pound [14 kg] packs [ P < .002]), as well as in the proportion of hikers reporting paresthesias and increasing footwear rigidity (29% sandals, 36% running shoes, 42% hiking shoes, and 68% hiking boots [ P < .001]). In multivariate analysis compared to sandals, the odds ratio of suffering from paresthesias with running shoes was 1.57 (95% CI 0.3, 12.2), hiking shoes 1.73 (95% CI 0.3, 13.9), and hiking boots 3.9 (95% CI 0.7, 32.1) ( P = .16). Compared to 10 to 20 pound (4.5–9 kg) packs, the odds ratios of suffering from paresthesias with 21 to 30 pound (9.5–13.5 kg) packs was 1.5 (95% CI 0.6, 3.9), and for >31 pounds (14 kg) was 2.2 (CI 0.7, 7.1) ( P = .03). Adjusting for footwear and pack weight, only pack weight was significantly associated with paresthesias. Packweight and footwear were not significantly associated with other musculoskeletal injuries, such as joint sprains or chronic pain, and muscle injuries.

Conclusions

There is an association between packweight and the prevalence of paresthesias among long-distance hikers. The association between type of footwear and the prevalence of paresthesias is significant when analyzed independently, but loses its significance when the variables are examined together. This suggests that there is confounding between footwear and packweight.
Back to the Future? Molecules Take Us Back to the 1925 Classification of the Lembophyllaceae (Bryopsida)
Authors: Quandt Dietmar , Huttunen Sanna , Tangney Ray , Stech Michael
Published: September 2009

Although the Lembophyllaceae has undergone considerable revision during the last century, the generic and familial level relationships of this pleurocarpous moss family are still poorly understood. To address this problem, a generic revision of the Lembophyllaceae based on molecular
data was undertaken. We analyzed two plastid markers, the trnL-trnF and the psbT-psbH region in combination with the ITS2 of nuclear ribosomal DNA. The molecular data reveal that the current circumscription of the family is too narrow and that several genera previously placed
in the Lembophyllaceae should be reincluded. The family includes: Bestia, Camptochaete, Dolichomitra, Dolichomitriopsis, Fallaciella, Fifea, Isothecium, Lembophyllum, Looseria stat. nov., Pilotrichella, Rigodium,
Tripterocladium, and Weymouthia. Looseria contains a single species: Looseria orbiculata comb. nov. Acrocladium is excluded and provisionally accommodated in the Lepyrodontaceae. Generic limits supported by the molecular data support a return to the
early twentieth century family concept of Brotherus. The analyses indicate that the segregate genus Orthostichella is distinct from its parent genus Pilotrichella, probably at the family level. Whereas Pilotrichella is resolved within the Lembophyllaceae, Orthostichella
clusters with Porotrichum and Porothamnium forming a clade (OPP-clade) sister to the remaining Neckeraceae and Lembophyllaceae. Hence, the Neckeraceae is paraphyletic. Recognition of the OPP-clade as a new family is desirable but awaits the results of detailed ongoing morphological
studies.
More Miocene Dispersal Between Africa and Asia—the Case of Bridelia (Phyllanthaceae)
Authors: Li Yongquan , Dressler Stefan , Zhang Dianxiang , Renner Susanne S.
Published: September 2009

Several hundred angiosperm genera range from Africa to Asia and Australia, among them Bridelia (Phyllanthaceae), with ca. 40 species, including commercially important timber trees. We here use nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences from herbarium material, plus new collections
from China, to test the monophyly of Bridelia and to infer the geologic times when it acquired its disjunct range. For the Southeast Asian mainland, within-species sampling, including material collected close to the type localities, allowed testing current species concepts. Based on
a sample of 114 chloroplast matK sequences of Phyllanthaceae, Bridelia is monophyletic and sister to an Asian clade which requires resurrecting an older generic name to make the African Cleistanthus monophyletic. Within Bridelia, gene trees from the combined data
(3,177 aligned nucleotides from 25 species of Bridelia plus outgroups) agree with most morphological species boundaries. Exceptions are that B. tomentosa must include B. harmandii and B. curtisii to become monophyletic and that B. fordii is distinct from
B. retusa. The topology, together with relaxed clock divergence times, implies that Bridelia dispersed from tropical Asia to Africa once or twice between 10 and 1.85 million years ago (Ma). Australia was reached, probably from New Guinea, at least twice, both times ca. 2 Ma.
Together with earlier studies, there are now at least eight cases of Neogene long distance dispersal between Africa and Asia (followed by speciation), with no directional bias apparent so far.
Assessing the Monophyly of Alectra and its Relationship to Melasma (Orobanchaceae)
Authors: Morawetz Jeffery J. , Wolfe Andrea D.
Published: September 2009

Alectra (Orobanchaceae) consists of primarily hemiparasitic herbaceous species distributed mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, with two species native to tropical America, and two widespread species extending out of Africa into India and China. Despite containing an economically important
noxious agricultural weed, Alectra has never been the subject of a phylogenetic analysis. The monophyly of Alectra was assessed using DNA sequences from the nuclear (internal transcribed spacer) and chloroplast (rpl16, trnT-L) genomes, including 11 of 12 species.
One of two holoparasitic species, Alectra alba, was placed outside of Alectra, supported as sister to a lineage containing the Asian holoparasitic genera Aeginetia + Christisonia. Two highly supported lineages of Melasma were revealed: one containing the
two included African species, and the other comprising the tropical American Melasma rhinanthoides and the single accession of the tropical American Escobedia. The placement of the Madagascan endemic Alectra fruticosa was shown to be unresolved in relationship to the remaining
Alectra species and the two lineages containing Melasma. The monophyly of the remaining species of Alectra was highly supported.
Molecular Phylogeny of the Cuscuta californica Complex (Convolvulaceae) and a New Species from New Mexico and Trans-Pecos
Authors: Costea Mihai , Stefanović Saša
Published: September 2009

Multiple DNA sequences from plastid (trnL–F region and rbcL) as well as nuclear (ITS and 26S rDNA) genomes were used to infer the phylogeny of the Cuscuta californica complex. This group is currently circumscribed to include nine species distributed mostly
in western North America. Four well-supported lineages have been revealed within this complex. The first lineage includes the controversial C. californica s. l., an assemblage of taxa characterized by their lack of infrastaminal scales; the second lineage consists of a single species,
C. subinclusa, with short fimbriate scales. The third lineage groups C. howelliana, C. salina, and C. suksdorfii, with scales that exhibit a reduction trend, while the forth includes C. decipiens and a new species from New Mexico and trans-Pecos Texas, C.
draconella, both with well-developed infrastaminal scales. Stereo, compound, and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the new species and compare it with C. decipiens, its closest relative, as well as to update the taxonomic treatment of C. californica
s. l. Cuscuta decipiens, in its original delimitation, is polyphyletic and was thus recircumscribed. In contrast to previous taxonomic treatments of C. californica s. l., phylogenetic relationships in conjunction with morphological data support the delimitation of three species:
C. brachycalyx, C. californica, and C. occidentalis.
Controversies in the Treatment of Lymphoma with Autologous Transplantation
Authors: Moskowitz Alison J. , Moskowitz Craig H.
Published: September 2009

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Appraise the available data supporting the use of autologous stem cell transplant in follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and peripheral T-cell lymphoma.Discuss the appropriate role of autologous stem cell transplant in the treatment of follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and peripheral T-cell lymphoma.Outline the areas of investigation regarding mobilization, conditioning, and maintenance regimens for autologous stem cell transplant in follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and peripheral T-cell lymphoma.

This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Comparable effects of moderate intensity exercise on changes in anorectic gut hormone levels and energy intake to high intensity exercise
Authors: Ueda Shin-ya , Yoshikawa Takahiro , Katsura Yoshihiro , Usui Tatsuya , Fujimoto Shigeo
Published: September 2009

There is growing interest in the effects of exercise on plasma gut hormone levels and subsequent energy intake (EI) but the effects of mode and exercise intensity on anorectic hormone profiles on subsequent EI remain to be elucidated. We aimed to investigate whether circulating peptide YY3–36 (PYY3–36) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1 or GCG as listed in the HUGO Database) levels depend on exercise intensity, which could affect subsequent EI. Ten young male subjects (mean±s.d., age: 23.4±4.3 years, body mass index: 22.5±1.0 kg/m2, and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max): 45.9±8.5 ml/kg per min) received a standardized breakfast, which was followed by constant cycling exercise at 75% VO2 max (high intensity session), 50% VO2 max (moderate intensity session), or rest (resting session) for 30 min. At lunch, a test meal was presented, and EI was calculated. Blood samples were obtained during three sessions for measurements of glucose, insulin, PYY3–36, and GLP-1, which includes GLP-1 (7–36) amide and GLP-1 (9–36) amide. Increases in blood PYY3–36 levels were dependent on the exercise intensity (effect of session: P<0.001 by two-way ANOVA), whereas those in GLP-1 levels were similar between two different exercise sessions. Of note, increase in area under the curve values for GLP-1 levels was negatively correlated with decrease in the EI in each exercise session (high: P<0.001, moderate: P=0.002). The present findings raise the possibility that each gut hormone exhibits its specific blood kinetics in response to two different intensities of exercise stimuli and might play differential roles in regulation of EI after exercise.
Archaeological Dating from Magnetic Maps: Some Failures
Authors: Bevan Bruce W.
Published: September 2009

It may be possible to estimate the age of a feature that has been fired in place, even though that feature is underground and has not been excavated. This is because the analysis of a magnetic map may reveal the direction of magnetization within that feature. Some failed attempts at this type of dating are described here. The failures have been caused by non-uniform magnetization and perhaps by the rotation of a feature. Three examples are illustrated. The first is a study of the hearths of prehistoric furnaces in Wales; this example shows the difficulty that can be caused by overlapping anomalies. If the directions of magnetization are not all the same (for example, if one feature has a natural origin), it will probably be impossible to separate the directions. If the directions of magnetization are the same, then the overlap of the anomalies may cause little difficulty. A second example is the blocks of slag that were formed below early iron furnaces in Denmark. It was found that about half of these blocks have a complex magnetization, apparently caused by lumps of metallic iron near their upper surface; these blocks may contain two or more directions of magnetization. The other half of the blocks have a simple magnetization with a single direction; these blocks appear to be suitable for dating. The third example is a medieval kiln in Crimea. An analysis of this kiln reveals a direction of magnetization that is over 30° from its correct value; it is possible that this kiln has rotated, for it is on the side of a steep slope. This dating procedure is at an early stage of development. Its ultimate accuracy is unknown; however, errors in dates of 50–200 years or more will probably remain.
The Application of Electrical Resistivity Tomography to Detecting a Buried Fault: A Case Study
Authors: Zhu Tao , Feng Rui , Hao Jin-qi , Zhou Jian-guo , Wang Hua-lin , Wang Shuo-qin
Published: September 2009

The location of buried faults, especially in the near surface, is of considerable importance with respect to earthquake prediction, disaster reduction, and city planning. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), which can have an effective depth of investigation of several hundred meters, has been applied to the detection of buried faults in urban areas on the China mainland since 2001, and has proven to be one of the most powerful geophysical tools for this application. To better facilitate exploration for buried faults, we present this study of the Zhangdian-Renhe fault. Using our method of interpretation and analysis of the resistivity tomogram obtained by ERT, we infer the presence and location of this fault. Subsequent geologic drilling records prove that our results are correct. We demonstrate that ERT can play an important role in the exploration for buried faults in urban areas.
Computer Access and Computer Use for Science Performance of Racial and Linguistic Minority Students
Authors: Chang Mido , Kim Sunha
Published: September 2009

This study examined the effects of computer access and computer use on the science achievement of elementary school students, with focused attention on the effects for racial and linguistic minority students. The study used the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS-K) database and conducted statistical analyses with proper weights and design-effect adjustments. After controlling for age, gender, prior science performance, and family socioeconomic level, the effects of computer access and computer use on English Language Learners (ELL) and on English-speaking students were examined and compared by subdividing the participants into four racial groups: Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, and Asian. The results revealed that access to home computers and purposeful computer use had positive effects on the science performance of English-speaking students. In contrast, mere frequent computer use by English-speaking students yielded negative effects. Home computer access for ELL students indicated negative effects, especially for Hispanic ELL students. Frequent computer use also indicated negative effects for African-American and Hispanic English-speaking students, and for Asian ELL students. These results enhance our understanding of computer use in regard to science learning, and provide implications for future practice.
Model of Steam and Water Extraction of Essential Oil of Eucalyptus Citriodora Using a Complete 2n Factorial Plan
Authors: Silou Thomas , Mapola Georges , Makany Roger Armand , Loumouamou Aubin Nestor , Malanda Marc , Chalchat Jean-Claude
Published: September 2009

The steam and water distillation of leaves of Eucalyptus citriodora was modeled using a complete 2n factorial plan. Eight experiments were carried out, with three easily interpretable variables, for steam distillation and for a first degree polynomial model. The average essential oil yield was 2.3%. Positive effects decreased in the order: duration of the extraction, heating power and state of division of the plant. Interactions were negligible. Extraction conditions had no practical impact on citronellal content, which yielded an average content of 83.26% with a range of 80.2-85.4%. Weak negative effects were observed on duration of heating and state of division of plant material. Sixteen experiments were conducted on four variables for water distillation. The extracted essential oil yield was increased by 28%. Effects on citronellal content were the same as with steam extraction. Hence, water distillation is better suited for small-scale extraction given the simplicity of the equipment required and the significant gain in extraction yield.
Somatic and functional status of boys from various social and environmental categories
Authors: Domaradzki Jarosław , Ignasiak Zofia , Sławińska Teresa
Published: September 2009

Somatic and functional status of boys from various social and environmental categories

Study aim: To assess the somatic and fitness status of adolescent boys from polluted industrial areas.

Material and methods: A group of 313 boys aged 11 - 15 years from 5 villages located in the copper mine area in South-Western Poland were classified by the degree of lead and cadmium pollution (high - very high) and by parents' education (primary - secondary or higher). Somatic (body height and mass, BMI, body fat content) and functional (handgrip strength, standing broad jump, sit-and-reach, plate tapping, 1-kg medicinal ball throw, reaction time) were recorded. The data were standardised against age-specific means and standard deviations and subjected to two-way ANOVA.

Results: Boys from more polluted area had significantly (p<0.01) higher BMI than those from the less polluted one but only when their parents had primary education. Explosive strength was significantly higher in the less polluted area (p<0.05) and when parents had higher than primary education (p<0.01). In case of reaction speed only the degree of environmental pollution had significant effect (p<0.05), no significant effects being noted for other variables

Conclusions: The results pointed to the importance of parents' education in shaping health-directed behaviours, which may compensate for the negative impact of a degraded environment.
Roughness of Unpaved Roads
Authors: Namur Emil , de Solminihac Hernán
Published: September 2009

One of the main tasks of the Chilean Dirección Nacional de Vialidad and its regional and provincial secretariats is to determine the maintenance requirements of its roads. In developing countries, most roads managed under this process are unpaved. The traditional way of determining maintenance requirements relies on the criteria applied by whoever inspects the roads. To improve this process, the present work proposes an easy, objective method for determining the conservation requirements of unpaved roads. Roughness thresholds are proposed because they adequately summarize the functional characteristic of this kind of road. Roughness thresholds were determined for different road types after consulting public-, private-, and academic-sector experts who proposed international roughness index (IRI) values based on the characteristics of each road. To measure the roughness of unpaved roads, the use of a response-type roughmeter is recommended. When this type of equipment is not available, it is proposed that IRI be estimated with data obtained from visual inspection. The main distresses of unpaved roads and IRIs were correlated by using data collected from 61 test sections.
Method for Assessing Heavy Traffic Impacts on Gravel Roads Serving Oil- and Gas-Drilling Operations
Authors: Huntington George , Ksaibati Khaled
Published: September 2009

In cooperation with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Sheridan, Johnson, and Carbon Counties, the Wyoming Technology Transfer Center conducted a 3-year pilot asset management program. These counties were chosen because of significant impacts on their road networks from oil- and natural gas–drilling activities. One objective of the program was to assess the impacts of drilling activities on the counties’ roads, with the hope that decision makers would achieve a better understanding of these impacts; this assessment is described. Improvements were recommended for roads with inadequate surface conditions for their functional class. The costs of recommended improvements were examined for both the roads that serve predominantly drilling activities (drilling roads) and the rest of the counties’ roads (nondrilling roads), along with the distresses driving the recommendations. From a comparison of the rate at which improvements were recommended on the drilling and nondrilling roads, conclusions were drawn about the impacts of drilling traffic. The portion of roads in substandard condition is much higher for drilling roads than for nondrilling roads. Clearly, the heavy traffic associated with drilling activities has significantly damaged these three counties’ roads beyond what would be anticipated from typical traffic loads. The proposed method could easily be adapted to other road systems experiencing a significant influx of heavy truck traffic to assess the impact of the additional traffic.
Effect of Exopolymers on the Liquid Limit of Clays and Its Engineering Implications
Authors: Nugent Rick A. , Zhang Guoping , Gambrell Robert P.
Published: September 2009

An experimental study aimed at understanding the interactions between exopolymers exuded by microorganisms and clays, particularly kaolinite, is described. Two biopolymers–-xanthan gum, an anionic bacterial extracellular polysaccharide, and guar gum, a neutrally charged plant polysaccharide–-were used as exopolymer analogs. Liquid limits of a kaolinite clay were measured, with varied biopolymer concentrations and background cations (Ca2+, Na+, or K+) in the pore fluid, to study the influence of exopolymers on clay behavior. Results indicate that the liquid limit of kaolinite generally increases with the biopolymer concentration of the pore fluid as a result of increased viscosity, and the background cation present in the pore fluid alters the liquid limit. Five types of active nanoscale interactions between clay particles, cations, and biopolymers were adopted to interpret the results: biopolymer-induced aggregation of clay particles tends to decrease the liquid limit; polymer cross-linking caused by divalent cations significantly increases the biopolymer solution viscosity and hence the liquid limit; the formation of a clay–polymer interconnected network via cation bridging and hydrogen bonds increases the liquid limit; a reduction in the thickness of the electric double layer on the clay surface decreases the liquid limit; and preferred adsorption of monovalent cations over biopolymer molecules decreases the liquid limit. The variations in the liquid limit reflect the macroscopic response of these interactions competing with each other at the nanoscale. Engineering implications also are discussed on the basis of the experimental results and the clay–biopolymer interactions.
Matric Suction Prediction Model in New AASHTO Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide
Authors: Zapata Claudia E. , Perera Yugantha Y. , Houston William N.
Published: September 2009

Equilibrium moisture beneath highway pavements is critical to pavement design because it directly affects the strength and stiffness of pavement systems. Moisture is related to soil suction by means of the soil water characteristic curve (SWCC). Previous research has indicated a correlation of suction with Thornthwaite's moisture index and soil type; however, these suction correlations exhibit large variability. Under NCHRP Project 9-23, Environmental Effects in Pavement Mix and Structural Design, sponsored by FHWA, soil samples were collected from beneath 30 pavement sections throughout the United States. The SWCCs and index properties of collected samples were measured at Arizona State University. The in situ degree of saturation was obtained and the corresponding in situ soil suction was found from measured SWCCs. On the basis of the field and laboratory data, two models were developed to predict equilibrium suction under pavements: one for granular non-plastic materials and another for fine-grained plastic materials. These models were adopted in the new AASHTO Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide because they exhibited good results, with variability within acceptable limits. Model development is presented.
Variations of Resilient Modulus of Subgrade Soils with Postcompaction Moisture Contents
Authors: Khoury Naji , Brooks Robert , Zaman Musharraf M. , Khoury Charbel N.
Published: September 2009

Environmental conditions such as temperature and moisture can significantly influence the performance of a pavement structure. These conditions vary within the pavement layers, degrading or enhancing the properties of pavement materials. The AASHTO 1993 design guide accounts for this influence by incorporating a single resilient modulus ( MR) value that represents the effective roadbed resilient modulus; the revised AASHTO Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) uses models that predict changes in modulus due to moisture, temperature, or both. The effect of changes in postcompaction moisture content (i.e., wetting or drying) on the resilient moduli of subgrade soils is evaluated. The effects of wetting and drying were examined by conducting resilient modulus tests on specimens compacted at various initial moisture contents: optimum moisture content (OMC), 4% drier than OMC (OMC – 4%), and 4% wetter than OMC (OMC + 4%). Results showed that MR–moisture content ( MRMC) relationships caused by drying exhibited higher values than the corresponding MRMC curves for specimens subject to wetting. The most significant finding was that changes in MR values depended on the initial compaction moisture contents; the MR values compacted at OMC exhibited a different drying and wetting trend than the ones compacted at OMC ± 4%. Finally, the MEPDG MR–moisture model was modified in this study to better predict the variations of resilient modulus with moisture changes.
Estimation of Subgrade Resilient Modulus for Virginia Soil
Authors: Hossain M. Shabbir
Published: September 2009

In 2004, the Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) was developed under NCHRP Project 1-37A to replace the currently used 1993 AASHTO guide. Implementing the MEPDG requires the mechanistic characterization of pavement materials and the calibration of performance prediction models by the user agencies. The Virginia Department of Transportation required a guideline for the mechanistic characterization of subgrade soils in its MEPDG implementation. More than 100 soil samples representing every physiographic region in Virginia were collected for resilient modulus testing, including quick shear and soil index properties, standard Proctor values, and California bearing ratio. Resilient modulus values and regression coefficients of constitutive models for the resilient modulus of typical Virginia soils were successfully computed. They could be used for the MEPDG Level 2 or Level 3 design and analysis of smaller projects for which costly and complex resilient modulus testing is not justified. Correlations between resilient modulus values and all other test results were not statistically significant except for the quick shear test on fine soil, which was strongly correlated ( R2 = 0.98). A simple version of the quick shear test, the unconfined compression test, is recommended for investigation in developing a predictive model for estimating the resilient modulus.