bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Macroinvertebrate Exclusion on Leaf Breakdown Rates in a Tropical Headwater Stream1
Authors: Wright Meredith S. , Covich Alan P.
Published: August 2005

The role of macroinvertebrates in the process of leaf breakdown is well studied in temperate streams, but less is known about their role in the tropics. We investigated the effect of reducing macroinvertebrate access to leaf material on leaf breakdown rates in a forested headwater stream in the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico. We measured leaf mass loss using fine and coarse mesh bags over 12 weeks for two common riparian species: Cecropia schreberiana (Moraceae) and Dacryodes excelsa (Burseraceae). Coarse mesh allowed freshwater shrimp and other macroinvertebrates to access leaf material, while fine mesh did not. Leaf breakdown rates did not differ between C. schreberiana and D. excelsa in coarse mesh bags (−0.0375/day vs. −0.0395/day, respectively), but C. schreberiana breakdown was significantly slower than D. excelsa in fine mesh bags (−0.0159/day vs. −0.0266/day). Additionally, breakdown in fine mesh bags was significantly slower compared to coarse mesh bags for C. schreberiana, but less so for D. excelsa. Breakdown rates for all treatments were fast relative to those in temperate‐zone streams indicating that both macroinvertebrates and macroinvertebrate‐independent processing can strongly influence leaf decomposition in tropical streams. The difference between C. schreberiana and D. excelsa indicates that the effect of macroinvertebrate exclusion can change with leaf type.
Reproduction of the Bat Glossophaga commissarisi (Phyllostomidae: Glossophaginae) in the Costa Rican Rain Forest During Frugivorous and Nectarivorous Periods1
Authors: Tschapka Marco
Published: August 2005

I studied the reproduction of the 9 g nectarivorous bat Glossophaga commissarisi (Phyllostomidae: Glossophaginae) in relation to its food choice in a Costa Rican lowland rain forest over more than 2 yr. Reproduction was bimodal with birth peaks in April/May and October/November. The first birth peak coincided with a period of frugivory, whereas the second occurred during a period of almost exclusive nectarivory. All adult females recaptured in consecutive reproductive periods were reproductively active on both occasions, indicating that individual G. commissarisi females regularly reproduce twice per year at the study site. Throughout the annual cycle the mean testis length of the males correlated best with the proportion of females lactating, suggesting a post partum estrous pattern. Animals became reproductively active at about 1 yr of age. Fecal samples showed that females consumed significantly more insects than males.
CNS‐induced natriuresis, neurohypophyseal peptides and renal dopamine and noradrenaline excretion in prehypertensive salt‐sensitive Dahl rats
Authors: Sjöquist Mats , Lee Siu‐Lan , Hansell Peter
Published: August 2005

To identify defects in the salt‐sensitive Dahl rat (Dahl‐S), the natriuretic, catecholaminergic and pressor responses to 60‐min elevation of the cerebroventricular sodium concentration (CNS‐induced natriuresis) were compared between prehypertensive salt‐sensitive Dahl‐S and salt‐resistant Dahl rats (Dahl‐R). The plasma concentrations of the rat natriuretic hormone oxytocin, which has implications for the development of hypertension, and vasopressin (AVP) were also measured. Basal sodium and catecholamine excretion and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were similar in both strains. Sodium excretion during CNS stimulation increased more than 15‐fold in Dahl‐R but only 10‐fold in Dahl‐S. Dopamine excretion increased only transiently and similarly in both strains. Noradrenaline excretion and response to CNS stimulation were similar, suggesting a comparable sympathetic nervous activity between the strains. MAP increased comparably in Dahl‐R and Dahl‐S. Plasma AVP concentration was similar in both strains while plasma oxytocin concentration after CNS stimulation was more than 2‐fold higher in Dahl‐S than in Dahl‐R. In conclusion, the prehypertensive Dahl‐S has an attenuated natriuretic response to elevations of the cerebroventricular fluid sodium concentration and a higher plasma level of the natriuretic hormone oxytocin. Dopamine is not a mediator of CNS‐induced natriuresis in neither strain. The attenuated natriuretic response may partly explain the salt‐sensitivity in Dahl‐S, and the higher plasma oxytocin value may either represent an effort to compensate for the deficient natriuretic response or reflect a primary defect in this system. Due to the known involvement of oxytocin in central MAP regulation in some hypertensive animal models, the findings warrant further investigation.
Dose‐dependent systemic and renal haemodynamic effects of angiotensin II in conscious lambs: role of angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors
Authors: Chappellaz Mona L. , Smith Francine G.
Published: August 2005

The present experiments were designed to measure the effects of acute administration of angiotensin (ANG) II on mean arterial pressure (MAP) and renal blood flow (RBF) in conscious, chronically instrumented lambs at two different stages of postnatal maturation, and to determine the receptors through which these effects of ANG II are elicited. Experiments consisted of haemodynamic measurements for 10 s before (Control) and for 60 s after intravenous (i.v.) administration of one of 11 doses of ANG II (0–200 ng kg−1). Administration of ANG II was associated with a dose‐dependent increase in MAP to a maximal effective concentration (EC100) of 100 ng kg−1 in lambs aged 1 and 6 weeks. Administration of ANG II has caused a dose‐dependent decrease in RBF, with EC100 values of 50 ng kg−1 in 1‐week‐old lambs, and 25 ng kg−1 in 6‐week‐old lambs. Responses to ANG II at the EC50 were also measured in the presence of the specific ANG II AT1 receptor antagonist, ZD 7155, the specific AT2 receptor antagonist, PD 123319, and vehicle. Administration of ZD 7155, but not PD 123319 or vehicle, abolished the MAP and RBF responses to ANG II in both age groups. In addition, MAP decreased and RBF increased in both age groups after administration of ZD 7155, but not PD 123319; the effects were similar in both age groups. These data provide new information that pressor and renal vasoconstrictor effects of ANG II during the first 6 weeks of postnatal life in lambs are elicited by activation of AT1 but not AT2 receptors.
QUANTIZATION OF MECHANICAL SYSTEMS WITH FRACTIONAL DERIVATIVES
Authors: MUSLIH SAMI I. , RABEI EQAB M.
Published: August 2005

In this paper, the mechanical systems with fractional derivatives are studied by using Riewe's formalism. The path integral quantization of these systems is constructed as an integration over the canonical phase space coordinated. An example is shown.
DARK MATTER TO DARK ENERGY TRANSITION IN k-ESSENCE COSMOLOGIES
Authors: CHIMENTO L. P. , FORTE MÓNICA , LAZKOZ RUTH
Published: August 2005

We implement the transition from dark matter to dark energy in k-essence cosmologies for a very large set of kinetic functions F, in a way alternative to recent proposals which use generalized Chaplygin gas and transient models. Here we require that the pressure admits a power-law expansion around some value of the kinetic energy where the pressure vanishes. In addition, for suitable values of the parameters of the model, the speed of sound of the dark matter will be low. We first present the discussion in fairly general terms, and later consider for illustration two examples.
DEEP INELASTIC SUM RULES AT THE BOUNDARIES BETWEEN PERTURBATIVE AND NONPERTURBATIVE QCD
Authors: KATAEV A. L.
Published: August 2005

The basis of renormalon calculus is briefly discussed. This method is applied to study the QCD predictions for three different sum rules of deep-inelastic scattering, namely for the Gross–Llewellyn Smith, Bjorken polarized and unpolarized sum rules. It is shown that the renormalon structures of these a posteriori different physical quantities are closely related. These properties give us the hint that theoretical expressions of these three sum rules are similar both in the perturbative and nonperturbative sectors. Some phenomenological consequences of the new relations are discussed.
A NOTE ON STRONGLY n-TRIVIAL LINKS
Authors: TORISU ICHIRO
Published: August 2005

In this paper, we extend a Howards–Luecke's theorem on strongly n-trivial knots to link case. We show that a link is strongly n-trivial for all n if and only if it is a trivial link.
WEAKLY NONPARAXIAL EFFECTS ON THE PROPAGATION OF (1+1)D SPATIAL SOLITONS IN INHOMOGENEOUS KERR MEDIA
Authors: SURYANTO A. , VAN GROESEN E. , HAMMER M.
Published: August 2005

The widely-used approach to study the beam propagation in Kerr media is based on the slowly varying envelope approximation (SVEA) which is also known as the paraxial approximation. Within this approximation, the beam evolution is described by the nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation. In this paper, we extend the NLS equation by including higher-order terms to study the effects of nonparaxiality on the soliton propagation in inhomogeneous Kerr media. The result is still a one-way wave equation which means that all back-reflections are neglected. The accuracy of this approximation exceeds the standard SVEA. By performing several numerical simulations, we show that the NLS equation produces reasonably good predictions for relatively small degrees of nonparaxiality, as expected. However, in the regions where the envelope beam is changing rapidly as in the breakup of a multisoliton bound state, the nonparaxiality plays an important role.
OPTICAL SENSING AND SWITCHING DEVICE BASED ON A FINITE DEEP NONLINEAR BRAGG GRATING WITH A MIRROR
Authors: ALATAS H. , ISKANDAR A. A. , TJIA M. O. , VALKERING T. P.
Published: August 2005

We investigate the detailed transition of the dark to antidark soliton-like states in a system of finite deep nonlinear Bragg grating equipped with a movable metallic mirror and illuminated by a continuous laser source. As reported previously, the transition can be induced mechanically by moving the mirror as well as optically by changing the light source intensity.
ULTRA-COMPACT SPECTRAL SLICER DEVICES BASED ON MICRORING RESONATORS
Authors: TAN FREDDY SUSANTO , KELDERMAN HENRY , DRIESSEN ALFRED
Published: August 2005

In Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM), access network spectral slicer devices in connection with a broadband light source are attracting low-cost alternatives for the laser diodes that are required for transmission in the desired wavelength channels. The proposed ultra-compact spectral slicer devices consist of microring resonators with slightly different radius and consequently slightly different resonant wavelength. Single and cascaded multiple microring devices have been fabricated and characterized to demonstrate the desired functionality. Cascaded devices show better performance in term of lower crosstalk, higher rejection ratio and faster roll-off. Moreover, they open the possibility to improve the spectral efficiency of the individual channels without introducing additional channel crosstalk.
SURFACE PLASMON DIFFRACTION BIOSENSOR
Authors: YU FANG , KNOLL WOLFGANG
Published: August 2005

We describe experiments with surface plasmon polaritons excited by a laser beam in the Kretschmann configuration that are diffracted by a periodic pattern at the metal/dielectric interface. This suggested technique has become a novel sensing principle with particular potential for bio-affinity studies. It is demonstrated that the optical field enhancements associated with the resonant excitation of surface plasmons directly translate into a sensitivity gain. A few characteristic features of the obtained diffraction patterns, e.g., the quadratic increase of the intensity diffracted into higher order spots with the increase of the grating amplitude, are discussed. Moreover, it is shown that the basic mechanism of the signal generation leads to a so-called self-referencing of the sensor which makes it largely insensitive to variations in temperature or refractive index fluctuations of the analyte solution.
Regulation of lipolytic activity by long-chain acyl-coenzyme A in islets and adipocytes
Authors: Hu Liping , Deeney Jude T. , Nolan Christopher J. , Peyot Marie-Line , Ao Ada , Richard Ann Marie , Luc Esthere , Faergeman Nils J. , Knudsen Jens , Guo Wen , Sorhede-Winzell Maria , Prentki Marc , Corkey Barbara E.
Published: August 2005

Intracellular lipolysis is a major pathway of lipid metabolism that has roles, not only in the provision of free fatty acids as energy substrate, but also in intracellular signal transduction. The latter is likely to be particularly important in the regulation of insulin secretion from islet β-cells. The mechanisms by which lipolysis is regulated in different tissues is, therefore, of considerable interest. Here, the effects of long-chain acyl-CoA esters (LC-CoA) on lipase activity in islets and adipocytes were compared. Palmitoyl-CoA (Pal-CoA, 1–10 μM) stimulated lipase activity in islets from both normal and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL)-null mice and in phosphatase-treated islets, indicating that the stimulatory effect was neither on HSL nor phosphorylation dependent. In contrast, we reproduced the previously published observations showing inhibition of HSL activity by LC-CoA in adipocytes. The inhibitory effect of LC-CoA on adipocyte HSL was dependent on phosphorylation and enhanced by acyl-CoA-binding protein (ACBP). In contrast, the stimulatory effect on islet lipase activity was blocked by ACBP, presumably due to binding and sequestration of LC-CoA. These data suggest the following intertissue relationship between islets and adipocytes with respect to fatty acid metabolism, LC-CoA signaling, and lipolysis. Elevated LC-CoA in islets stimulates lipolysis to generate a signal to increase insulin secretion, whereas elevated LC-CoA in adipocytes inhibits lipolysis. Together, these opposite actions of LC-CoA lower circulating fat by inhibiting its release from adipocytes and promoting fat storage via insulin action.
Impact of flow rate on lactate uptake and gluconeogenesis in glucagon-stimulated perfused livers
Authors: Sumida Ken D. , Urdiales Jerry H. , Donovan Casey M.
Published: August 2005

The impact of reduced hepatic flow on lactate uptake and gluconeogenesis was examined in isolated glucagon-stimulated perfused livers from 24-h-fasted rats. After surgical isolation, livers were perfused (single pass) for 30 min with Krebs-Henseleit (KH) bicarbonate buffer, fresh bovine erythrocytes (hematocrit ∼20%), and no added substrate. After this “washout” period, steady-state perfusions were initiated with a second reservoir containing the KH buffer, bovine erythrocytes, [U-14C]lactate (10,000 dpm/ml), lactate (2.5 mM), and glucagon (250 μg/ml). Perfusion flow rate was adjusted to one of five rates (i.e., 1.8, 2.7, 3.9, 7.4, and 11.0 ml·min−1·100 g body wt−1). After the perfusion, the liver was dissected out and weighed so as to establish the actual flow rate per gram of liver. The resulting flow rates ranged from 0.52 to 4.03 ml·min−1·g liver−1. As a function of flow rate, lactate uptake rose in a hyperbolic fashion to an apparent plateau of 2.34 μmol·min−1·g liver−1. Fractional extraction (FX) of lactate from the perfusate demonstrated an exponential decline with increased flow rates ( r = 0.97). At flow rates above 1.0 ml·min−1·g liver−1, adjustments in FX compensated for changes in lactate delivery, resulting in steady rates of lactate uptake and gluconeogenesis. Below 1.0·min−1·g liver−1the increased FX was unable to compensate for the decline in lactate delivery and lactate uptake declined rapidly. Gluconeogenesis demonstrated similar kinetics to lactate uptake, reflecting its dominant role among pathways for lactate removal under the current conditions.
Angiotensin receptors and actions in guinea pig enteric nervous system
Authors: Wang Guo-Du , Wang Xi-Yu , Hu Hong-Zhen , Fang Xiu-Cai , Liu Sumei , Gao Na , Xia Yun , Wood Jackie D.
Published: August 2005

Actions of ANG II on electrical and synaptic behavior of enteric neurons in the guinea pig small intestine were studied. Exposure to ANG II depolarized the membrane potential and elevated neuronal excitability. The number of responding neurons was small, with responses to ANG II in 32% of submucosal neurons and 25% of myenteric neurons. Hyperpolarizing responses were evoked by ANG II in 45% of the neurons. The hyperpolarizing responses were suppressed by α2-noradrenergic receptor antagonists, which suggested that the hyperpolarizing responses reflected stimulation of norepinephrine release from sympathetic neurons. Exposure to ANG II enhanced the amplitude and prolonged the duration of noradrenergic inhibitory postsynaptic potentials and suppressed the amplitude of both fast and slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials. The selective ANG II1receptor (AT1R) antagonists, ZD-7115 and losartan, but not a selective AT2R antagonist (PD-123319), suppressed the actions of ANG II. Western blot analysis and RT-PCR confirmed expression of AT1R protein and the mRNA transcript for the AT1R in the enteric nervous system. No expression of AT2R protein or mRNA was found. Immunoreactivity for AT1R was expressed by the majority of neurons in the gastric antrum and small and large intestine. AT1R immunoreactivity was coexpressed with calbindin, choline acetyltransferase, calretinin, neuropeptide Y, and nitric oxide synthase in subpopulations of neurons. The results suggest that formation of ANG II might have paracrine-like actions in the enteric nervous system, which include alterations in neuronal excitability and facilitated release of norepinephrine from sympathetic postganglionic axons. The enhanced presence of norepinephrine is expected to suppress fast and slow excitatory neurotransmission in the enteric microcircuits and to suppress neurogenic mucosal secretion.
Two pathways for ATP release from host cells in enteropathogenicEscherichia coliinfection
Authors: Crane John K. , Naeher Tonniele M. , Choudhari Shilpa S. , Giroux Elisa M.
Published: August 2005

We previously reported that enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) infection triggered a large release of ATP from the host cell that was correlated with and dependent on EPEC-induced killing of the host cell. We noted, however, that under some circumstances, EPEC-induced ATP release exceeded that which could be accounted for on the basis of host cell killing. For example, EPEC-induced ATP release was potentiated by noncytotoxic agents that elevate host cell cAMP, such as forskolin and cholera toxin, and by exposure to hypotonic medium. These findings and the performance of the EPEC espF mutant led us to hypothesize that the CFTR plays a role in EPEC-induced ATP release that is independent of cell death. We report the results of experiments using specific, cell-permeable CFTR activators and inhibitors, as well as transfection of the CFTR into non-CFTR-expressing cell lines, which incriminate the CFTR as a second pathway for ATP release from host cells. Increased ATP release via CFTR is not accompanied by an increase in EPEC adherence to transfected cells. The CFTR-dependent ATP release pathway becomes activated endogenously later in EPEC infection, and this activation is mediated, at least in part, by generation of extracellular adenosine from the breakdown of released ATP.
Inducible binding of PU.1 and interacting proteins to the Toll-like receptor 4 promoter during endotoxemia
Authors: Pedchenko Tetyana V. , Park Gye Young , Joo Myungsoo , Blackwell Timothy S. , Christman John W.
Published: August 2005

We hypothesized that PU.1 and PU.1 interacting proteins (PIP) binding to the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) promoter is involved in endotoxin-induced upregulation of TLR4 gene expression. Our results employing chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicate that PU.1 binds to the murine TLR4 promoter both in macrophage cells and, most importantly, in whole lung tissue. Treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with endotoxin induced the association of PU.1 and the TLR4 promoter in a time-dependent manner, and this was closely tied to interactions between the TLR4 promoter and the PIP interferon regulatory factors (IRF)4 and IRF8. PU.1 binding was related to increases in steady-state TLR4 mRNA and total TLR4 protein in RAW cells. Endotoxemia in animals caused the similar inducible interaction between PU.1 and IRF4 and the TLR4 promoter in lung tissue of mice that was treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of endotoxin. PU.1 binding to the TLR4 promoter was not enhanced in the lung tissue of endotoxin-resistant C3H/HeJ mice in response to endotoxemia. Transient transfection studies in RAW cells indicate that inducible binding of PU.1 to the TLR4 promoter is abrogated by a Ser148 to Ala mutation in PU.1. These data suggest that induction of PU.1/PIP binding to the TLR4 promoter is involved in endotoxin response in vivo and may mediate transcriptional changes in TLR4 gene expression.
Regulation of TRPV1 by a novel renally expressed rat TRPV1 splice variant
Authors: Tian Wei , Fu Yi , Wang Donna H. , Cohen David M.
Published: August 2005

The capsaicin receptor and transient receptor potential channel TRPV1 senses heat, protons, and vanilloid agonists in peripheral sensory ganglia. Abundant data have suggested the presence of potentially novel splice variants in the kidney. We report a novel rat TRPV1 splice variant, TRPV1VAR, cloned from kidney papilla. TRPV1VAR cDNA was identified in multiple kidney tissues. Its sequence was fully compatible with potential splice donor and acceptor sites in the rat TRPV1 gene. TRPV1VAR is predicted to encode a truncated form of TRPV1 consisting of the NH2-terminal 248 residues of TRPV1 (all within the NH2-terminal intracellular domain) followed by five nonconsensus amino acids (Arg-Glu-Ala-Met-Trp) and a stop codon. The variant utilizes the same consensus Kozak sequence as canonical TRPV1. A band of the appropriate molecular mass was identified in rat kidney papillary (but not medullary) lysates immunoblotted with an antibody directed against the NH2 terminus of TRPV1, whereas an antibody recognizing the TRPV1 COOH terminus failed to detect it. Upon heterologous expression in HEK 293 cells, TRPV1VAR potentiated the ability of cotransfected TRPV1 to confer calcium influx in response to resiniferatoxin. TRPV1VAR did not influence expression or cell surface localization of cotransfected TRPV1. TRPV1VAR protein product associated with the NH2 terminus of canonical TRPV1. Interestingly, when expressed in the COS-7 epithelial cell line, TRPV1VAR functioned in a dominant-negative acting capacity, partially blocking TRPV1-dependent resiniferatoxin responsiveness. We conclude that TRPV1VAR is one of perhaps several TRPV1 splice variants expressed in rat kidney and that it may serve to modulate TRPV1 responsiveness in some tissues.
Renal expression and localization of the facilitative glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT12 in animal models of hypertension and diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Linden Kelly C. , DeHaan Carrie L. , Zhang Yuan , Glowacka Sylwia , Cox Alison J. , Kelly Darren J. , Rogers Suzanne
Published: August 2005

Renal tubular glucose reabsorption is mediated by facilitative glucose transporter (GLUT) proteins and energy-dependent sodium glucose luminal transporters. Glucose transport in the diabetic kidney is upregulated and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of progressive diabetic nephropathy. Hyperglycemia, hypertension, and activation of the renin-angiotensin system are believed important in the development of the disease. The present study examines the renal expression of the facilitative glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT12 in rat models of diabetic nephropathy. Sprague-Dawley and transgenic (mRen-2)27 rats received either streptozotocin-induced diabetes or vehicle. GLUT12 expression and localization were determined by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, in situ hybridization, and confocal immunofluorescence. GLUT1 immunolabeling was detected on the basolateral membrane throughout the nephron. GLUT12 was localized to the distal tubules and collecting ducts. A significant increase in GLUT12 immunolabeling was measured in Ren-2 controls and Ren-2 diabetic animals compared with Sprague-Dawley controls. GLUT12 expression was higher in Ren-2 diabetic compared with Sprague-Dawley diabetic rats. Long-term diabetes resulted in significant increases in GLUT1 levels in the renal proximal tubules and expression was higher in Ren-2 diabetic than Sprague-Dawley diabetic rats. GLUT12 protein was localized to the cytoplasm and to the apical membrane of human and rat distal tubules and collecting ducts. The apical localization of GLUT12 in the distal tubules and collecting ducts suggests that it could contribute to additional glucose reabsorption in the late nephron. Levels of both GLUT1 and GLUT12 are elevated in animal models of hypertension and diabetic nephropathy.
Mechanical strain increases SPARC levels in podocytes: implications for glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Durvasula Raghu V. , Shankland Stuart J.
Published: August 2005

Glomerular capillary hypertension is a final common pathway to glomerulosclerosis. Because podocyte loss is an early event in the development of glomerulosclerosis, it is logical that the deleterious effects of glomerular capillary hypertension involve podocyte injury. Yet, the mechanisms by which elevated intraglomerular pressure is translated into a maladaptive podocyte response remain poorly understood. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a matricellular protein activated in various disease states of the podocyte and accelerates renal injury, as evidenced by the milder course of experimental diabetic nephropathy in SPARC-null mice compared with diabetic SPARC wild-type mice. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that mechanical strain activates SPARC in podocytes and thus is a putative mediator of podocyte injury in states of intraglomerular capillary hypertension. Conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes were subjected to 10% cyclical stretch while nonstretched cells served as controls. SPARC levels were measured in whole cell lysate and cell media. Immunostaining was performed for SPARC in an experimental model of glomerular capillary hypertension. Our results demonstrate cyclical stretch of podocytes markedly increased SPARC levels in cell lysate, through activation of p38, as well as secreted SPARC. Relevance was shown by demonstrating increased podocyte staining for SPARC in the uninephrectomized spontaneously hypertensive rat. In conclusion, we have made the novel observation that mechanical forces characteristic of states of glomerular capillary hypertension lead to increased levels of SPARC in podocytes. We speculate that the increase in SPARC may be maladaptive and lead to a progressive reduction in podocyte number, thus fueling the future development of glomerulosclerosis.
The scoliosis (sco) mouse: a new allele of Pax1
Authors: Adham I.M. , Gille M. , Gamel A.J. , Reis A. , Dressel R. , Steding G. , Brand-Saberi B. , Engel W.
Published: August 2005

We describe the spontaneous mutant mouse scoliosis (sco) that carries a new allele of Pax1 (un-i, undulated intermediate). The Pax1un-i allele is lacking the 5′-flanking region and exon 1 to 4 which is mapped to nt –2636 to –640 and –272 to 4271 of the Pax1 gene. Homozygous mice show a mild form of the known phenotypes of other Pax1 mutants. Adult mice have a lumbar scoliosis and kinky tails. In homozygous embryos the skeleton ossifies early, ossification centers of the vertebral bodies are fused with the ossification centers of the pedicles. Neural arches and spinous processes are underdeveloped but the pedicles and transverse processes are overdeveloped which is in contrast to other Pax1 mutants. In the scapula, the acromion is missing and the deltoid tuberosity of the proximal humerus is shortened and thickened. Among the inner organs the thymus development is affected. In late embryos, the thymus is small and thymocyte numbers are reduced. T-cell development from CD4– and CD8– double negative (DN) to CD4+ and CD8+ double positive (DP) is decelerated. The percentage of CD90+ cells is also reduced but in contrast to other Pax1 mutants no alteration of the expression level of the CD90 (Thy-1) could be found.
Genomic structure and alternative transcript of bovine fatty acid synthase gene (FASN): comparative analysis of the FASN gene between monogastric and ruminant species
Authors: Roy R. , Taourit S. , Zaragoza P. , Eggen A. , Rodellar C.
Published: August 2005

Fatty acid synthesis differs considerably between monogastric and ruminant species. Fatty acid synthase (FASN) plays a central role in de novo lipogenesis in mammals. FASN has seven active sites which help to catalyse all the reaction steps in the conversion of acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA to palmitate. In this work, the bovine fatty acid synthase gene (FASN) was cloned, characterized and compared to the human and rat orthologs. Comparative analysis reveals evolutionarily conserved exon regions and gene flanking sequences. Analysis of the DNA sequence in the 5′ flanking region of the FASN bovine gene revealed a potential TATA box, CAAT box and 5 Sp1 binding sites located in a CpG island. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that FASN expression was higher in brain, testis and adipose tissue than in liver and heart. The longer form of the FASN cDNA includes a 7,542-bp sequence which encodes a protein with 2,513 amino acids. An alternative transcript was discovered in bovine and ovine tissues devoid of part of exon 9. The removal of part of exon 9 by post-transcriptional splicing causes a frameshift in the open reading frame and results in a premature termination codon. We hypothesize that in ruminants, FASN may be regulated by the ratio between the two transcripts. The small transcript is mostly produced in tissues with low fatty acid synthesis.
Molecular cloning, expression analysis and assignment of the porcine tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 10 gene (TNFSF10) to SSC13q34→q36 by fluorescence in situ hybridization and radiation hybrid mapping
Authors: Kemter E. , Philipp U. , Klose R. , Kuiper H. , Boelhauve M. , Distl O. , Wolf E. , Leeb T.
Published: August 2005

We have cloned the complete coding region of the porcine TNFSF10 gene. The porcine TNFSF10 cDNA has an ORF of 870 nucleotides and shares 85% identity with human TNFSF10, and 75% and 72% identity with rat and mouse Tnfsf10 coding sequences, respectively. The deduced porcine TNFSF10 protein consists of 289 amino acids with the calculated molecular mass of 33.5 kDa and a predicted pI of 8.15. The amino acid sequence similarities correspond to 86, 72 and 70% when compared with human, rat and mouse sequences, respectively. Northern blot analysis detected TNFSF10-specific transcripts (∼1.7 kb) in various organs of a 10-week-old pig, suggesting ubiquitous expression. Real-time RT-PCR studies of various organs from fetal (days 73 and 98) and postnatal stages (two weeks, eight months) demonstrated developmental and tissue-specific regulation of TNFSF10 mRNA abundance. The chromosomal location of the porcine TNFSF10 gene was determined by FISH of a specific BAC clone to metaphase chromosomes. This TNFSF10 BAC clone has been assigned to SSC13q34→q36. Additionally, the localization of the TNFSF10 gene was verified by RH mapping on the porcine IMpRH panel.
Characteristic Features of Allergic Airway Inflammation in a Murine Model of Infantile Asthma
Authors: Ohki Yasushi , Tokuyama Kenichi , Mayuzumi Hiroo , Sato Akira , Koyama Harumi , Takizawa Takumi , Arakawa Hirokazu , Mochizuki Hiroyuki , Morikawa Akihiro
Published: August 2005

Background: The pathophysiology of infantile asthma may differ from that in older children or in adults, partly because of the different immune response depending upon maturation. In adult mice, the sensitizing dose of antigen is known to be critical to the polarized development of helper T cell subsets and allergic airway inflammation. We wanted to know the characteristics of allergic airway inflammation of infantile asthma by developing a murine model. Methods: BALB/C mice at different stages of maturation (juvenile: 3 days after birth; adult: 8 weeks of age) were sensitized with 10 or 1,000 µg ovalbumin (OVA) or vehicle. The animals were then challenged with aerosolized OVA or saline once a day during 6 consecutive days. After the final challenge, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), histological changes in the airways and immunological status were examined. Results: In both juvenile and adult animals, sensitization with 10 µg OVA induced the T helper 2 response (elevated IL-4 and decreased IFN-γ levels). BHR, airway eosinophilia, the inflammatory cell infiltration, goblet cell metaplasia (GCM), and IgE antibody production were more prominent in animals given this dose than 1,000 µg OVA. Among these responses, GCM as well as BALF IL-4, and BHR were comparable between juvenile and adult animals, whereas other parameters were lower in juvenile animals, especially in those given 1,000 µg OVA. Conclusion: GCM and, consequently, airway mucus hypersecretion may be an important component of allergic airway inflammation in infantile asthma.
Lactoferrin Expression by Bovine Ocular Surface Epithelia: A Primary Cell Culture Model to Study Lactoferrin Gene Promoter Activity
Authors: Santagati Maria Grazia , La Terra Mulè Simona , Amico Carla , Pistone Matteo , Rusciano Dario , Enea Vincenzo
Published: August 2005

Tear lactoferrin, mainly secreted by the lachrymal glands, exerts a protective effect on the ocular surface, and an abnormal decrease of its production may lead to an increased risk of infection and pathological alterations of ocular surface epithelia. In this study we analyzed whether corneal and conjunctival epithelia could be an additional source of tear lactoferrin, and whether conjunctival epithelial cells in culture could be a suitable model system to address regulation of lactoferrin gene expression. Real-time PCR and Western immunoblotting showed that in bovines lactoferrin is indeed produced by these epithelia, and that the human lactoferrin promoter can direct the expression of a CAT reporter gene, thus indicating that these cells are a true source of lactoferrin, and may be used in vitro to study the regulation of lactoferrin expression.
Adrenocortical Response to Ovine Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone in Young Men: Cortisol Measurement in Matched Samples of Saliva and Plasma
Authors: Kumar Adarsh M. , Solano Maria P. , Fernandez Jesus B. , Kumar Mahendra
Published: August 2005

Background: Assessment of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function in stress-related health problems in humans is frequently carried out as a dynamic test by measuring the profile of increment in adrenocortical hormone (ACTH) and/or cortisol level in plasma in response to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) administration. However, obtaining multiple blood samples for this type of test is not only an invasive procedure but also problematic to use in individuals with constricted or damaged veins which collapse during the blood draw such as the injecting drug users (IDUs) and HIV-1-infected individuals. Salivary cortisol measurement presents a non-invasive alternate approach to evaluate HPA axis activity in different situations. In order to validate the efficacy of salivary cortisol measurement for a dynamic test in IDUs and HIV-1-infected individuals, the present study was carried out to evaluate the cortisol profile in matched samples of plasma and saliva in healthy young men in response to ovine CRH (oCRH) administration. Methods: Cortisol levels were measured in matched samples of plasma and saliva of healthy young men at baseline and over a 90-min period after administration of a single low dose of oCRH (1 µg/kg). Results: Salivary cortisol levels were found to follow the profile similar to that of plasma, increasing significantly at each time point after oCRH administration from their respective baseline values (all Sign tests, p < 0.05). The peak level of cortisol occurred at 30 min in both fluids. Although salivary cortisol concentration was a fraction of the total plasma cortisol levels at all time points, there was a significant correlation in the values between the two fluids at baseline (r = 0.87, p < 0.02) as well as at 90 min (r = 0.70, p < 0.03). Conclusion: The findings support the earlier studies and substantiate the efficacy of using salivary free cortisol measurement for assessment of dynamic function of pituitary-adrenal axis in healthy young men and its application in individuals such as IDUs and HIV-infected individuals who may have difficulty in donating multiple blood samples.
Effect of L-Carnitine on the Serum Lipoproteins and HDL-C Subclasses in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Argani H. , Rahbaninoubar M. , Ghorbanihagjo A. , Golmohammadi Z. , Rashtchizadeh N.
Published: August 2005

Aims: Following carnitine administration a decrease in plasma levels of triglyceride (TG) and increase in total high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) has been reported. Our hypothesis was that it also improves the HDL2/HDL3 ratio, symptomatic intradialytic hypotension, and anemia in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: Forty HD patients with a mean (± SD) age of 53 ± 13 years were treated with 500 mg/day carnitine taken orally for 2 months. Patients were used as their own controls (before treatment). Lipid and lipoproteins were determined by Alcyon Abbott autoanalyzer. HDL subclasses were measured by magnesium precipitation after fractionation with dextran sulfate. Hemoglobin, hematocrit and serum albumin were measured by standard methods. The results were analyzed by SPSS 11.05. Results: We found a significant decrease in serum TG (2.22 ± 0.99 vs. 1.93 ± 1.07 mmol/l, p < 0.01) and VLDL-C (0.93 ± 0.36 vs. 0.81 ± 0.34 mmol/l, p = 0.01) and a marked increase in HDL-C (0.9 ± 0.16 vs. 1.06 ± 0.24 mmol/l, p < 0.05), HDL2-C (0.17 ± 0.06 vs. 0.27 ± 0.14 mmol/l, p < 0.05) and albumin (37 ± 4 vs. 42 ± 5 g/l, p = 0.01) levels. The serum levels of total cholesterol (4.61 ± 0.89 vs. 4.5 ± 0.95 mmol/l, p = 0.1), LDL-C (2.78 ± 0.85 vs. 2.6 ± 0.89 mmol/l, p > 0.05), HDL3-C (0.73 ± 0.1 vs. 0.79 ± 0.17 mmol/l, p > 0.05), hemoglobin, hematocrit, and intradialytic blood pressure did not change after the treatment. Conclusion: Treatment with 500 mg/day carnitine taken orally for 2 months reduces serum levels of TG and VLDL-C, and increases HDL-C, HDL2-C and albumin in HD patients.
A Study of Prejudice in Children
Authors: Frenkel-Brunswik Else
Published: August 2005

The present paper deals with an effort to combine the resources of social dynamic psychology in exploring patterns of social, motivational and cognitive factors in children that may contribute to their attitudes towards important social issues. To diagnose or anticipate these patterns at an age where the modifiability is relatively great and where educational efforts can be applied on a wide scale seems ofparticular importance.
Social Psychology in the United States During the Second World War
Authors: Cartwright Dorwin
Published: August 2005

This article, together with a number of others, was prepared at the request of the American Council of Learned Societies, partly for the information of scholars in other countries. Distribution of the articles outside the United States will be accomplished by a special distribution of reprints as well as through the complete issues of the journals in which they appear. The bulk of the materialpresented in this article was collected by a committee of the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues on the Evaluation of Social Psychology in the War. Special credit should be given to Mr. David Jenkins who assisted in the compilation of the material presented here.
Group Member Traits, Group Process, and Group Performance
Authors: Sorenson James R.
Published: August 2005

A laboratory study utilizing sixteen three-man groups varying in member trait composition was executed using measures of group task behavior as well as group performance. The research suggests the fruitfulness of employing measures of group composition, task behavior, and group performance simultaneously. The data suggest that the two group member traits studied, remote associates proficiency and social differentiation had an effect on group performance by shaping the quantity and distribution of both evaluative and elaborative behaviors of the groups. The traits also had an effect on group performance by molding the amount of group conflict generated over the discussion of alternative solutions to group problems.
Commitment in an Israeli Kibbutz
Authors: Antonovsky Helen F. , Antonovsky Aaron
Published: August 2005

This paper attempts to deal with the concept of commitment to a society in the context of a commitment-alienation continuum. Twcr aspects of commitment were measured: cohesion or affective commitment and control or ideological commitment. Data were collected in a society intentionally structured to solve the problem of alienation: a kibbutz in Israel. Measures of the two dimensions of commitment were related to overall satisfaction and a series of ten variables (involving social roles, values and interpersonal relations) which were posited to be significant in the lives of kibbutz members. The main findings were:

1. The degree of commitment to the society is positively related to the degree of overall social need satisfaction.

2. The degree of commitment tends to be higher the more the individual is satisfied in those areas of life which are important to him.

3. Persons occupying roles considered important in the society tend to be more committed to the society than persons occupying less important roles.
Decision Processes, Expectations, and Adoption of Strategies in Zero-Sum Games
Authors: Touhey John C.
Published: August 2005

To examine the possibility that expectations and related psychological variables interact with the direction of payoff to determine strategies in zero-sum games, an experiment by Lieberman (1962) was replicated and extended. Subjects played 300 trials on matrixes without saddle points against an opponent's minimax strategy or strategies that increased or decreased payoffs. Findings showed that subjects who received decreased payoffs shifted to minimax strategies but subjects who received increased payoffs exploited the game beyond the values established by the manipulation. Findings of post-experimental interviews indicated that increased payoffs led to relatively accurate expectations and judgments of the game, and two separate individual decision processes are proposed to account for the adoption of mixed strategies.
How Psychologically Dangerous are T-Groups and Encounter Groups?
Authors: Cooper Cary L.
Published: August 2005

A number of people involved in the field of group training have suggested that Sensitivity Training (or T-groups as they are commonly called in Europe) and Encounter Groups may be 'counter-productive', 'disrupt ongoing personality functions', and 'encourage inappropriate levels of intimacy which may destroy rewarding psychological relationships with other people' (Mann, 1970: Crawshaw, 1969). That is, that this form of training is potentially dangerous and may have psychologically disturbing consequences for participants. Until recently the claims and counter-claims with respect to this issue have consisted primarily of opinions and inference drawn from limited or circumscribed experience (i.e., 'I knew a person once who attended a T-group...' vs. 'In my many years of training T-groups and Encounter Groups, I have never known a single case of...') Some empirical research is now being conducted to evaluate in a more systematic and controlled way this important issue. The magnitude of the problem can be seen in the steadily increasing numbers of people attending such groups (Smith, 1971). The purpose of this article is to examine the available evidence in an effort to assess the current state of research and to encourage and focus future research work in this area.
Role Conflict in Women as a Function of Marital Status
Authors: Nevill Dorothy , Damico Sandra
Published: August 2005

Questionnaires on eight role conflict categories (Time Management, Relations with Husband, Household Management, Financial, Child Care, Expectations for Self, Expectations of Others, and Guilt) were administered to 518 women. Marital status was found to be a significant variable with married women expressing more conflict than other women. Never married and formerly married women did not differ significantly from each other. The results further suggested the existence of a generalized role expectation for women and the importance of the husband in marriage.
The Two Meanings of External Invalidity
Authors: Kruglanski Arie W.
Published: August 2005

A distinction is proposed between two different senses of the treatment by background interaction (termed 'external invalidity' by Campbell & Stanley, 1966). The distinction parallels the dichotomy between universalistic (or theory centered) and particularistic (or context centered) objectives of behavioral research. In its universalistic sense the interaction above suggests a redefinition of the abstract meaning attached to the independent variables effective with respect to a given phenomenon of interest. In its particularistic sense this interaction defines the concrete contexts over which a given outcome will hold. The implications of the proposed distinction are discussed in reference to the phases of (1) designing the experiment and (2) evaluating the obtained results.
The Effect of Situational vs. Behavioral Problem Statements on Solution Quality
Authors: Solem Allen R.
Published: August 2005

This experiment explores whether the manner in which a problem is stated to a group influences the nature of the solution. Groups of three, including a discussion leader-member, were asked to develop at least two solutions toward improving output of a circular five-man assembly line. Productivity is limited to the pace of a slow man who must be retained. Many solutions are possible. One solution, rotation, is clearly superior to all others, yet is rarely developed. Leaders were given one of four prepared problem statements to read aloud to their groups prior to 20-minute discussions. The statements differed primarily on a behavioral versus situational dimension. Results indicate that problem statements designed to orient discussion toward situational factors significantly more often cause groups to develop the insightful solution than do behaviorally oriented problem statements. More generally, the results suggest that leader use of basic principles for stating problems can upgrade the quality of the group product.
The Demand for Participation among Employees
Authors: Hespe George , Wall Toby
Published: August 2005

Britain 's entry to the European Economic Community has addedfuel to the frequently fiery debates amongst politicians, managements, trade unions, and social scientists on the merits of existing member countries' current participative practices. These discussions seem to carry an underlying assumption that the furtherance of such systems as Employee Directors and Works Councils will be reflected in an improved quality of working life for employees. This paper suggests that participation will be more meaningful to workers when those to be affected participate in decisions concerning the practices to be adopted in their own workplace. The authors' studies, in organizations ranging from a coal mine to a number of hospitals, reveal considerable individual and organizational differences in the manner and extent of desiredparticipation. It is concluded that the higher level forms of participation, though of commendable ideal, may be inappropriate where the climate of the organization denies employees suitable opportunities to participate in decisions seen to be of more direct relevance to their everyday activities. Tailoring a participative system to the characteristics of the employees and the organization may be difficult but also more worthwhile.