bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basic aspects of inhibitors to factors VIII and IX and the influence of non‐genetic risk factors
Authors: ASTERMARK J.
Published: November 2006

Summary.  The appearance of polyclonal antibodies inhibiting the function of exogenous factors VIII (FVIII) and IX (FIX) continues to be a major challenge in the treatment of patients with congenital haemophilia. Why these inhibitors develop in 10–20% of patients with haemophilia A, and in 1–5% of patients with haemophilia B, remains largely unexplained. The antibodies, however, are characterized by several features that may have implications for the immune process by which they occur. The FVIII antibodies are mainly directed towards the A2, A3 and C2 domains, thereby interfering with the function of the factor Xase complex, the binding of FVIII to von Willebrand factor, and the binding of FVIII to phospholipid membranes. The FIX epitopes are localized to the NH2‐terminal γ‐carboxyglutamic acid region and the serine protease domain. Genetic risk factors are known to be of importance in the development of inhibitors, whereas the impact of non‐genetic factors is less clear. However, based on studies of related subjects, it is obvious that non‐genetic factors are of importance as well. Putative factors currently debated include age at the start of treatment, treatment in association with immune challenges, the type of product, and the mode of administration. Most of the findings reported to date, however, derive from small cohorts that have not been sufficiently well characterized with respect to genetic risk profile. Therefore, additional studies are required to quantify the impact of non‐genetic factors on the pathophysiologic process of inhibitor development.
Prophylaxis in haemophilia patients with inhibitors
Authors: LEISSINGER C. A.
Published: November 2006

Summary.   The presence of high titre inhibitors makes the treatment of bleeding episodes in haemophilia patients difficult and increases the risk of uncontrollable bleeding and disability, despite optimum on‐demand treatment with bypassing agents. The inability to effectively control joint bleeding leads to progressive joint disease in many patients with inhibitors. Significant mobility impairments are far more prevalent in patients with inhibitors than in those without inhibitors. Emerging data suggest that prophylaxis using bypassing agents may be effective and safe in reducing the incidence of joint bleeding during immune tolerance induction (ITI), and for patients who failed ITI or who were never candidates for ITI. Only controlled clinical trials will ultimately demonstrate whether prophylaxis can prevent joint bleeding and damage, and improve quality of life in patients with inhibitors. This article will review the published data on the use of bypassing agents in the prevention of bleeding, and will discuss ongoing clinical prophylaxis trials in inhibitor patients.
SEN virus co‐infection among HCV‐RNA‐positive mothers, risk of transmission to the offspring and outcome of child infection during a 1‐year follow‐up
Authors: Moriondo M. , Resti M. , Betti L. , Indolfi G. , Poggi G.M. , De Martino M. , Vierucci A. , Azzari C.
Published: November 2006

Summary.  SEN is a newly discovered blood‐transmissible virus. Among its variants, SENV‐D and ‐H are most often associated with non‐A, ‐E hepatitis. Very little is known about the risk of vertical transmission of the virus. By using polymerase chain reaction with specific primers for SENV‐D and ‐H, we investigated the prevalence of SENV‐H and ‐D infection, the transmission rate of SENV infection and clinical features of SENV‐infected children in 89 hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐positive human immunodeficiency virus type 1‐negative mothers. SENV infection was found in 36 (40%) mothers, and SENV‐D was more frequent than SENV‐H infection (34/36, 94%vs 5/36, 14%, P < 0.01). No difference in SENV infection rates was found between injection drug user (IDU) mothers (17/51, 33%) and mothers with no risk for bloodborne infection (19/38, 50%, P = ns). SENV‐H infection was found only in IDU mothers and mothers with HCV genotype1b. Both SENV‐D and ‐H can be transmitted to the offspring with an overall rate of 47%. Vertical transmission of HCV does not facilitate SENV infection of the offspring. Among 17 SENV‐infected children, none was co‐infected with HCV. Maternal HCV genotype or viral load does not interfere with mother‐to‐infant transmission of SENV. Persistence of SENV infection was demonstrated in 100% of infected children after 1‐year follow‐up, but none had clinical evidence of liver disease.
Inconsistencies between cpx‐grt geothermometry and field observations: example of the peraluminous eclogites from Beni Bousera (North Morocco)
Authors: Alaoui Hassan Chrifi , Kornprobst Jacques , Laporte Didier
Published: November 2006

Large variations in clinopyroxene‐garnet (cpx‐grt) temperatures are recorded in thin peraluminous eclogite layers from Beni Bousera ultramafic massif (Morocco): cpx‐grt temperatures in the core of layers < 20 cm thick are higher by up to 300°C than in the margins. The cpx‐grt temperatures are correlated to both Al‐concentration in cpx and Ca‐concentration in grt, the two latter parameters being themselves closely intercorrelated. It is demonstrated that the regular interaction parameter ΔwgrtCa calculated from the Beni Bousera natural data is very close to ΔwgrtCa calculated from experimental data analysis for Ca‐rich garnet. It is concluded that: (i) Al‐concentration in cpx has no significant effect on the distribution of Fe and Mg between cpx and grt; and (ii) cpx‐grt temperature variations observed across Beni Bousera peraluminous eclogite layers do not correspond to real thermal gradients, but merely result from the inadequacy of the thermometric equations in Ca‐rich systems (XgrtCa > 0.15).
Stratified oceans and oxygenation of the late Precambrian environment: a post glacial geochemical record from the Neoproterozoic of W. Mongolia
Authors: Shields Graham , Stille Peter , Brasier Martin D. , Atudorei Nicu‐Viorel
Published: November 2006

The late Neoproterozoic (750–545 Ma) was a time of revolutionary environmental change, recurrent glaciation and tectonic upheaval, which culminated in the evolution of metazoans and animal biomineralization. Geochemical data are presented for a post glacial (∼ 700 Ma) limestone succession from W. Mongolia. 87Sr/86Sr is used to constrain the timing of early diagenetic exchange. Stratigraphic trends to high δ13C(carb)) and δ13C(org) mirror sea‐level fluctuations, which, we argue, is consistent with the hypothesis that late Precambrian ocean chemistry, was controlled by vertical stratification. Repeated establishment of stratification 700–545 Ma would have led to greater oxygen availability in the surface environment. A causal link between this oxygenation and the further evolution of animals is proposed.
Translating Milankovitch climate forcing into eustatic fluctuations via thermal deep water expansion: a conceptual link
Authors: Schulz Michael , Schäfer‐Neth Christian
Published: November 2006

Sedimentological evidence indicates metre‐scale, cyclic changes in global sea‐level during Mesozoic greenhouse climates; the cyclicity is thought to be due to Milankovitch forcing. The absence of continental ice‐caps requires other mechanisms than glacier build‐up to explain these variations. We propose that thermal expansion of the entire oceanic water column may partly explain the observed sea‐level variations on Milankovitch timescales. Using existing climate model results, we show that an increase in deep water temperature of ∼ 2°C and a corresponding sea‐level rise of 1.7 m by thermal expansion can be induced by Milankovitch forcing via increased formation of warm deep waters in low latitudes.
Detrital zircon ages from the Loch Maree Group, Lewisian Complex, NW Scotland: confirmation of a Palaeoproterozoic Laurentia—Fennoscandia connection
Authors: Whitehouse M. J. , Bridgwater D. , Park R. G.
Published: November 2006

Ion‐microprobe U‐Pb zircon ages of detrital zircons from a metasediment of the Loch Maree Group, Lewisian Complex, NW Scotland show striking similarities to those in coeval Palaeoproterozoic belts of Laurentia and Fennoscandia, and confirm previous suggestions of a connection between them. Late‐Archaean zircons (3.06–2.48 Gyr old) represent derivation from Lewisian quartzofeldspathic gneisses, andlor a contemporaneous terrane. Palaeoproterozoic zircons (2.2–2.0 Gyrold) place a maximum age constraint upon deposition. An appropriate quartzofeldspathic source for these latter zircons is not presently known, either in the Lewisian or the wider Laurentia‐Fennoscandia region, although its requirement would be consistent with a development of the Loch Maree Group, together with juvenile magmatic arc rocks, at an active margin which was probably removed by lateral tectonics. Comparisons are made with contemporaneous supracrustal sequences throughout the Laurentia–Fennoscandia region, which exhibit marked similarities in source region age characteristics, lithologies, and inferred depositional environment.
Weed suppression in mixed cropped grain peas and false flax (Camelina sativa)
Authors: SAUCKE H , ACKERMANN K
Published: November 2006

Mixed cropping peas with false flax, a brassica oil seed crop, in additive arrangements had a significant suppressive effect on weed coverage (63% in 2003 and 52% in 2004), compared with the monocropped pea plots. Weed suppression by false flax was apparently restricted to the establishment phase, because effects were significant against the key annuals Fallopia convolvulus, Sonchus oleraceus and Matricaria recutita, but ineffective towards the major perennials Cirsium arvense and Elytrigia repens. Relatively higher yields in mixed stands with calculated land equivalent ratios (LER) of 1.43 (2003) and 1.98 (2004) were the result of low monocrop yields mainly related to weed pressure not only in pea but also in false flax. Partial LERs were in favour of peas, demonstrating a balanced but asymmetric complementarity of the components, with peas as the main and false flax as the minor crop component. The role of false flax in row‐cropped peas can be characterized as both a smother crop and weed antagonist with no obvious indications for allelopathic traits. Weed suppression was probably achieved by a mutually enhanced competitiveness of both crop components, indicating a mechanism based on resource allocation, but further research is needed for a better understanding of weed‐suppressive traits in pea–false flax mixed cropping systems.
Current practice of hemodynamic monitoring and vasopressor and inotropic therapy in post‐operative cardiac surgery patients in Germany: results from a postal survey
Authors: Kastrup M. , Markewitz A. , Spies C. , Carl M. , Erb J. , Große J. , Schirmer U.
Published: November 2006

Background:  In Germany, more than 100,000 patients are monitored and treated in 80 intensive care units (ICUs) following cardiac surgery each year. The controversies concerning the different methods of hemodynamic monitoring and the appropriate agents for volume therapy and inotropic support are well known. However, little is known about how monitoring and treatment are currently performed.

Methods:  A questionnaire with 39 questions was sent to the leading physicians of 80 ICUs in Germany, treating patients after cardiac surgery. The questions to be answered covered the current practice of hemodynamic monitoring, volume replacement, inotropic/vasopressor support and transfusions in patients after cardiac surgery.

Results:  Sixty‐nine per cent of the questionnaires were completed and returned. All ICUs used basic monitoring as recommended by the societies. The use of advanced hemodynamic monitoring included the pulmonary artery catheter (58.2%), transesophageal echocardiography (38.1%) and transpulmonary dilution techniques (13%). Crystalloids (21.2%) and colloids (73%) were used for volume replacement. Epinephrine (41.8%) and dobutamine (30.9%) were the first‐choice inotropic drugs for the treatment of low cardiac output syndrome, followed by phosphodiesterase inhibitors (14.5%). Second‐choice drugs for the treatment of low cardiac output syndrome were enoximone (29%), milrinone (25%) and dobutamine (25%). A written transfusion protocol and a transfusion threshold for red blood cells existed in 59% and 79% of ICUs, respectively.

Conclusion:  Hemodynamic monitoring and the variability in clinical practice with regard to volume replacement, transfusion triggers and the use of vasopressors/inotropes in cardiac surgery patients tend to follow the results of traditional experience rather than current scientific knowledge. Guidelines are therefore necessary to help to improve the standards of intensive care after cardiac surgery and thus the outcome of patients.
Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the liver associated with dermatomyositis: Autopsy case and review of the literature
Authors: Yasuda Emi , Takeshita Atsushi , Murata Susumu , Ihaku Yuko , Nitta Toshikatsu , Akutagawa Hiroshi , Egashira Yutaro , Shibayama Yuro
Published: November 2006

Reported herein is an autopsy case of primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma associated with dermatomyositis. A 71‐year‐old Japanese man, who was diagnosed with dermatomyositis 5 months before death, had multiple tumors within a non‐cirrhotic liver. Histopathologically, the tumors were composed of small‐ and medium‐sized round cells with clear cytoplasm arranged in nests, sheets or rosettes. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for chromogranin A, neuron‐specific enolase and CD56 and were negative for synaptophysin. This tumor was diagnosed as a primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma with metastasis to the lung, gallbladder and lymph nodes around the pancreas and aorta; no primary lesions were detected in any other organ. The tumor cells were also positive for cytokeratin 7, cytokeratin 19 and epithelial membrane antigen but were negative for anti‐hepatocyte antibody and AFP. These findings suggest that the tumor originated in intrahepatic bile duct epithelium. Various cancers have been reported in patients with dermatomyositis, but only seven cases of dermatomyositis associated with primary liver cancer have been reported. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of dermatomyositis associated with primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma.
The Effects of SNP Genotyping Errors on the Power of The Cochran‐Armitage Linear Trend Test for Case/Control Association Studies
Authors: Ahn Kwangmi , Haynes Chad , Kim Wonkuk , Fleur Rose St. , Gordon Derek , Finch Stephen J.
Published: November 2006

The questions addressed in this paper are: What single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping errors are most costly, in terms of minimum sample size necessary (MSSN) to maintain constant asymptotic power and significance level, when performing case‐control studies of genetic association applying the Cochran‐Armitage trend test? And which trend test or χ2 test is more powerful under standard genetic models with genotyping errors? Our strategy is to expand the non‐centrality parameter of the asymptotic distribution of the trend test to approximate the MSSN using a Taylor series linear in the genotyping error rates. We apply our strategy to example scenarios that assume recessive, dominant, additive, or over‐dominant disease models.

The most costly errors are recording the more common homozygote as the less common homozygote, and the more common homozygote as the heterozygote, with MSSN that become indefinitely large as the minor SNP allele frequency approaches zero. Misclassifying the heterozygote as the less common homozygote is costly when using the recessive trend test on data from a recessive model. The χ2 test has power close to, but less than, the optimal trend test and is never dominated over all genetic models studied by any specific trend test.
A gobiconodontid (Mammalia, Eutriconodonta) from the Early Cretaceous (Barremian) Wessex Formation of the Isle of Wight, Southern Britain
Authors: SWEETMAN STEVEN C.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Bulk screening of Early Cretaceous (Barremian) strata of the Wessex Formation, exposed in sections on the south‐west and south‐east coasts of the Isle of Wight, southern England, has resulted in the recovery of mammal remains, the first to be obtained from Wealden Group strata since the early 1970s. The fauna comprises at least six taxa represented by isolated teeth and in addition, in the case of an as yet undescribed spalacotheriid, a partial dentary. One of the teeth, a distal premolar, is of unique tricuspid, single‐rooted morphology and represents the first British record of the Gobiconodontidae. Discovery of a gobiconodontid mammal in Early Cretaceous deposits of Britain sheds further light on the palaeogeographical distribution of an apparently successful clade of Early Cretaceous mammals and together with the occurrence of a gobiconodontid in the earliest Cretaceous of North Africa calls into question recent hypotheses concerning the area of origin of the Gobiconodontidae and mechanisms of dispersal therefrom.
Aggregation behaviour in juvenile millipedes from the Upper Carboniferous of Mazon Creek, Illinois
Authors: WILSON HEATHER M.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Two ironstone nodules are described from the Braidwood Biota of the Upper Carboniferous Mazon Creek Lagerstätte, Illinois, each preserving numerous juvenile millipedes referred to Euphoberia sp. The millipedes belong to different stadia, as evidenced by segment number, but are similar in size so probably nearly the same age. These juvenile euphoberiids differ from adults in having shorter pleurotergal spines, a reduced number of ocelli and a series of reduced, apodous trunk rings posteriorly. These nodules provide the first evidence of aggregation behaviour in Palaeozoic millipedes. Aggregation in juvenile euphoberiids is hypothesized to serve as a defence mechanism, compensating for the reduced length of their pleurotergal spines relative to adults, possibly through a collective chemical defence.
Walking and jumping with Palaeozoic apterygote insects
Authors: MINTER NICHOLAS J. , BRADDY SIMON J.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Abundant arthropod walking and jumping traces, from the Lower Permian Robledo Mountains Formation of southern New Mexico, provide direct evidence of the locomotory techniques of monurans, an extinct group of archaeognathan apterygote insects. The jumping behaviour of monurans is compared with that of the extant machilid archaeognathan Petrobius. The jumping traces are referred to Tonganoxichnus robledoensis, and demonstrate that monurans were capable of forward progression via a linear succession of jumps of several times their body length. Petrobius also employs an unusual, fast, in‐phase, jumping gait for normal directed locomotion; however, unlike the T. robledoensis traces, these jumps are only about one body length. In‐phase trackways, referred to Stiaria intermedia from the Upper Carboniferous Tonganoxie Sandstone of Kansas, are found in association with Tonganoxichnus traces, indicating that monurans were also capable of such a fast jumping gait. Petrobius employs an escape jump that is more similar in terms of magnitude to those represented by T. robledoensis; however, the escape jump is essentially random in terms of direction and rotation of the body. Out‐of‐phase trackways from the Robledo Mountains Formation, also referred to Stiaria intermedia, are found preceding or following on from several Tonganoxichnus traces, and demonstrate that monurans also used normal, out‐of‐phase, walking gaits across open ground. Analysis of these trackways demonstrates that they used a variety of gaits ranging from very slow and stable gait ratios of 1·2 : 8·8 (i.e. the propulsive backstroke phase comprises 88 per cent of the step cycle) following jumps, to fast gait ratios of 3·3 : 6·7 and 5·0 : 5·0 preceding jumps. Petrobius tends not to use such normal walking gaits unless on the undersurface of rocks, preferring to use the unusual, fast, in‐phase, jumping gait over open ground. Monurans appear to have been capable of many of the same jumping behaviours as Petrobius, apart from the random escape jump. Archaeognathans are the most primitive group of true insects, and the presence of these similar types of jumping behaviours in monurans and machilids suggests that such behaviours were a primitive method of insect locomotion.
Innate immunity and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: JIN Ou , SUN Lingyun , KAVIKONDALA Sushma , LAU Chak‐Sing
Published: November 2006

Innate immunity is the first‐line host defence against pathogens and damaged host cells, and the major cellular components are phagocytes such as monocytes/macrophages, polymorphonuclear cells and dendritic cells. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the loss of tolerance to self‐antigens, the source of which has been suggested to be apoptotic cells. In this article, we will review studies on apoptosis in SLE and discuss the contribution of innate immunity abnormalities in the development of this condition.
An overview of clinical manifestations and survival of systemic lupus erythematosus patients in Asia
Authors: NAVARRA Sandra V. , KING Jacqueline O.
Published: November 2006

Aim:  To provide an overview of the clinical manifestations, survival and causes of mortality of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in Asia.

Methods:  Literature retrieval utilized the following sources: (i) computerized bibliographic database of the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE 1986–2006) by PubMed; (ii) articles on SLE published in journals of national medical or rheumatology societies; and (iii) abstracts presented in national, regional and international rheumatology and SLE conferences. The available materials were cited to summarize and extrapolate data deemed most representative of each Asian country.

Results:  The average age at SLE diagnosis ranged from 24–33 years, with a ratio ranging from 8–28 females to one male. Cutaneous and musculoskeletal manifestations were the most frequently observed, ranging from 45–98% and 36–85%, respectively. Renal involvement ranged from 6–100% (overall), or 26–74% (excluding presenting manifestations, and data obtained from a renal centre). Survival rates ranged from 65–98% at 5 years, and 50–84% at 10 years, with a trend for improved survival in more recent reports. Infection and active SLE disease were the predominant causes of mortality, with renal and central nervous system involvement as the main organs involved at time of death.

Summary:  This overview substantiates the potential vastness of clinical material on SLE in Asia, and reinforces the need for concerted efforts to encourage more research designed to address special issues and develop a more efficient health care delivery system tailored to the Asian lupus patient.
B‐cell abnormality and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: TSUBATA Takeshi
Published: November 2006

Antigen‐stimulated mature B‐cells either undergo apoptosis leading to tolerance, or undergo activation leading to immune responses. Antigen‐induced apoptosis appears to be crucial for maintenance of self‐tolerance by tolerating mature self‐reactive B‐cells, which have escaped self‐tolerance at the immature B‐cells stage in the bone marrow. Various molecules are involved in determining the fate of antigen‐stimulated mature B‐cells whether they undergo apoptosis or activation. Molecules such as CD40L, BAFF or TLR ligands are required for activation of antigen‐stimulated B‐cells. In the absence of these stimuli, B‐cells undergo apoptosis. In contrast, coreceptors CD22 and CD72 are essential for antigen‐induced apoptosis of mature B‐cells. Accumulating pieces of evidence including those on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in Asia suggest that abnormalities of these molecular mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of SLE, probably by converting the apoptotic fate of self‐reactive B‐cells to activation.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSES OF THE DINOFLAGELLATE FLAGELLAR APPARATUS. III. FREEZE SUBSTITUTION OF AMPHIDINIUM RHYNCHOCEPHALUM1
Authors: Farmer Mark A. , Roberts Keith R.
Published: November 2006

The flagellar apparatus of the marine dinoflagellate Amphidinium rhynchocephalum Anissimowa was examined using the techniques of rapid freezing/freeze substitution and serial thin section three dimensional reconstruction. The flagellar apparatus is composed of two basal bodies that are offset from one another and lie at an angle of approximately 150° The transverse basal body is associated with two individual microtubules that extend from the proximal end of the basal body toward the flagellar opening. One of these microtubules is closely appressed to a striated fibrous root that also extends from the proximal base of the transverse basal body. The longitudinal basal body is associated with a nine member microtubular root that extends from the proximal end of the basal body toward the posterior of the cell. The longitudinal microtubular root and the transverse striated fiber are connected by a striated connective fiber. In addition to the microtubules associated with the transverse and longitudinal basal bodies, a group of microtubules originates adjacent to one of the transverse flagellar roots and extends into the cytoplasm. Vesicular channels extend from the flagellar openings to the region of the basal bodies where they expand to encompass the various connective structures of the flagellar apparatus. The possible function and evolutionary importance of these structures is discussed.
ESTABLISHMENT, PERSISTENCE AND DOMINANCE OF CORALLINA (RHODOPHYTA) IN ALGAL TURF1
Authors: Stewart Joan G.
Published: November 2006

The dominance of Corallina thalli in an intertidal algal assemblage was examined by a series of algal removal experiments to test the hypothesis that other tam are competitively excluded from rock substrate. An alternate explanation, that environmental factors seasonally filter out taxa leaving Corallina as the only alga adapted for year to year survival, was considered. Development of vegetation on patches of naturally exposed bare rock was monitored and compared with manipulated surfaces. Thalli of several species were selectively removed from exposed surfaces and intact turf;. changes in tam occupying primary substrate were recorded over more than three years. No significant differences in mean percent cover for Corallina, Lithothrix, bare rock, or algal crusts were found among treatments. Except for initial growth of colonizing species, abundances of other species dad not increase in the absence of Corallina. Large amounts of rock remained bare or intermittently covered by transient populations of short‐lived algae. Data from single quad‐rats, where individual clumps of Lithothrix were followed from month to month, indicated that the continued presence of this co‐occurring and often abundant species depended on turnover of short‐lived thalli rather than persistence of the same clumps. No interactions were found among the several categories of species that appeared after rock substrate was cleared. Most species were the same ones that grew, epiphytically in intact turf at the same time. In control quadrats Corallina maintained 59‐95% cover while slowly increasing on surfaces earlier exposed. I predict that Corallina species will regain their dominance in the absence of competitors for primary substrate if the slowly spreading basal crusts remain undisturbed. Morphological and life history characteristics are identified that adapt Corallina to its dominant role in this habitat.
EFFECTS OF IRRADIANCE AND GRAZING ON LOTIC ALGAL ASSEMBLAGES1
Authors: Steinman Alan D. , McIntire C. David , Gregory Stanley V. , Lamberti Gary A.
Published: November 2006

A laboratory experiment was conducted for 75 days to examine how irradiance levels and grazing influence algal biomass and community structure. Twelve laboratory streams were used for experimental analyses, with four channels exposed to one of three irradiance levels (15, 100, or 400 μE·m−2·s−1). Three of the four stream at each light level were stocked with the snail Juga silicula (250·m−2), leaving one stream at each light level without snails. Grazed stream exposed to low light levels developed low amounts of algal biomass (<2 g AFDW·m−2) and were dominated by adnately attached diatoms. Mean algal biomass increased over time in the grazed streams exposed to intermediate light; by day 75, these streams were characterized by moderate algal biomasses (30‐40 g AFDW·m−2) and filamentous chlorophytes. Algal assemblages in high light, grazed channels had high levels of biomass at day 43 (70 g AFDW·m−2) that declined to 30 g AFDW·m−2at day 75 and were dominated by chlorophytes. Among ungrazed streams, algal biomass at day 75 was relatively low in the low light streams (<7g AFDW·m−2) and was dominated by adnately attached diatoms. Ungrazed streams exposed to intermediate and high light levels had moderate biomasses (23 and 19 g AFDW·m−2, respectively) and were dominated by chlorophytes and large diatoms. Grazing appeared both to delay and alter successional trajectories of algal assemblages, with alterations most noticeable during early seral stages at intermediate and high light levels. Grazing had the least effect on successional trajectories at low light.
SPECTRAL LIGHT ABSORPTION BY INTACT BLADES OF PORPHYRA ABBOTTAE (RHODOPHYTA): EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN CULTURE1
Authors: Hannach Gabriela
Published: November 2006

Whole thallus absorptance spectra were recorded for Porphyra abbottae Krishnamurthy gametophytes grown in batch culture at combinations of temperature (8, 10, 12° C), irradiance (17.5, 70, 140 μmol photons·m−2·s−1), nutrients (f/4, f/2, f media) and water motion (0, 50, 100, 150 rpm). Light, nutrients, water motion and the interaction of nutrients with water motion all significance affected broadband (400‐700 nm) absorptance and absorptance by phycoerythrin (566 nm), phycocyanin (624 nm) and chlorophyll a (680 nm). Absorptances increased in low light, low water motion and high nutrient levels. Shifts in phycoerythrin: chlorophyll a absorptance ratios closely paralleled changes of absorptance by the major pigments, whereas the phycoerythrin: phycocyanin ratio decreased only with increasing nutrient supply Absorptance ratios were significantly correlated with growth rate. Absorptance increased asymptotically with blade thickness or pigment content. Based on previously determined growth rates, nutrient saturated P. abbottae can synthesize photosynthetic pigments in excess of immediate needs. Allocation is given preferentially to the phycobiliproteins, with highest preference for phycocyanin.
THE RED ALGAL EPIPHYTES MICROCLADIA COULTERI AND M. CALIFORNICA (RHODOPHYCEAE, CERAMIACEAE). I. TAXONOMY, LIFE HISTORY AND PHENOLOGY1
Authors: Gonzalez Mariela A. , Goff Lynda J.
Published: November 2006

In the northeast Pa@, there are two epiphytic species of the genus Microcladia Grev. Microcladia coulteri Ham. grows on a wide range of red algal and occasionally brown algal basiphytes whereas M. californica Farl. grows only on the brown alga Egregia menziesii (Turn.) Aresch. Although both are obligate epiphytes in the field, they complete their life history in culture in the absence of their respective basiphytes. Along the coast of central California, M. californica exhibits distinct seasonal patterns in reproduction whereas M. coulteri does not. In addition to previously documented daferences in cystocarp development and branchlet patterns, the two taxa can be delineated by differences in spore sizes, timing of spore attachment and morphology of the primary rhizoid. The haploid chromosome number for both species ranges from 14‐16. Attempts to hybridize the two species have been unsuccessful. In addition, restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses of the plastid DNA of the two species provides further evidence that Microcladia coulteri and Microcladia californica represent distinctive species.
Coronary Stent Thrombosis Related to Aspirin Resistance: What are the Underlying Mechanisms?
Authors: RUEF JOHANNES , KRANZHÖFER ROGER
Published: November 2006

Acute coronary stent thrombosis represents a serious complication for which aspirin resistance could be a potential cause. The actual case is a myocardial infarction treated with immediate stenting of the right coronary artery followed by elective stenting of the left anterior descending artery 4 days later. Despite standard antiplatelet therapy, stents in both arteries occluded 2 days after the last procedure. The patient's blood samples were analyzed and revealed the presence of aspirin resistance as well as elevated thromboxane B2 plasma levels. No thrombophilic disorder was detected. Today the mechanism of aspirin resistance is mostly unknown. Further research as well as recommendations for laboratory screening and for alternative pharmacological treatment options are required.
Fatty acid composition of chylomicron remnant‐like particles influences their uptake and induction of lipid accumulation in macrophages
Authors: De Pascale Clara , Avella Michael , Perona Javier S. , Ruiz‐Gutierrez Valentina , Wheeler‐Jones Caroline P. D. , Botham Kathleen M.
Published: November 2006

The influence of the fatty acid composition of chylomicron remnant‐like particles (CRLPs) on their uptake and induction of lipid accumulation in macrophages was studied. CRLPs containing triacylglycerol enriched in saturated, monounsaturated, n−6 or n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from palm, olive, corn or fish oil, respectively, and macrophages derived from the human monocyte cell line THP‐1 were used. Lipid accumulation (triacylglycerol and cholesterol) in the cells was measured after incubation with CRLPs for 5, 24 and 48 h, and uptake over 24 h was determined using CRLPs radiolabelled with [3H]triolein. Total lipid accumulation in the macrophages was significantly greater with palm CRLPs than with the other three types of particle. This was mainly due to increased triacylglycerol concentrations, whereas changes in cholesterol concentrations did not reach significance. There were no significant differences in lipid accumulation after incubation with olive, corn or fish CRLPs. Palm and olive CRLPs were taken up by the cells at a similar rate, which was considerably faster than that observed with corn and fish CRLPs. These findings demonstrate that CRLPs enriched in saturated or monounsaturated fatty acids are taken up more rapidly by macrophages than those enriched in n−6 or n−3 polunsaturated fatty acids, and that the faster uptake rate results in greater lipid accumulation in the case of saturated fatty acid‐rich particles, but not monounsaturated fatty acid‐rich particles. Thus, dietary saturated fatty acids carried in chylomicron remnants may enhance their propensity to induce macrophage foam cell formation.
MEN, WOMEN, AND MANAGERS: ARE STEREOTYPES FINALLY CHANGING?
Authors: DUEHR EMILY E. , BONO JOYCE E.
Published: November 2006

As the number of women in management roles increases and organizations place a greater emphasis on diversity, a subsequent change in perceptions of women as leader‐like is expected. To test this notion, we examined gender and management stereotypes of male and female managers and students. Results reveal considerable change in male managers' views of women over the past 30 years, as evidenced by greater congruence between their perceptions of women and successful managers and stronger endorsement of agentic and task‐oriented leadership characteristics for women. Stereotypes held by male students changed less, remaining strikingly similar to stereotypes held by male managers 15 years ago. Across samples, there was general agreement in the characteristics of managers but less agreement about the characteristics of women. We also found men somewhat less likely than women to attribute successful manager characteristics to women. Respondents with positive past experiences with female managers tended to rate women higher on management characteristics.
Kit mutants and gastrointestinal physiology
Authors: Sanders Kenton M. , Ward Sean M.
Published: November 2006

There has been considerable speculation about the function of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) since their discovery more than 100 years ago. It has been difficult to study these cells under native conditions, but great insights about the function of ICC have come from studies of genetic models with loss‐of function mutations in the Kit signalling pathway. First it was discovered that signalling via Kit (a receptor tyrosine kinase) was vital for the development and maintenance of the ICC phenotype in gastrointestinal (GI) muscles. In compound heterozygotes (W/WV and Sl/Sld animals), where there are partial loss‐of‐function mutations in Kit receptors or Kit ligand (stem cell factor), ICC failed to develop in various regions of the GI tract, but no major changes in the smooth muscle layers or enteric nervous system occurred in the absence of these cells. Animals with these mutations provided an unprecedented opportunity to understand the role of ICC in GI motor function, and it is now clear from these studies that ICC serve as: (i) pacemaker cells, generating the spontaneous electrical rhythms of the gut known as slow waves; (ii) a propagation pathway for slow waves so that large areas of the musculature can be entrained to a dominant pacemaker frequency; (iii) mediators of excitatory cholinergic and inhibitory nitrergic neural inputs from the enteric nervous system, and (iv) stretch receptors that modulate membrane potential and electrical slow wave frequency. This review describes the use of genetic models to understand the important physiological role of ICC in the GI tract.
Erythropoietin treatment elevates haemoglobin concentration by increasing red cell volume and depressing plasma volume
Authors: Lundby Carsten , Thomsen Jonas Juhl , Boushel Robert , Koskolou Maria , Warberg Jørgen , Calbet José A. L. , Robach Paul
Published: November 2006

Erythropoietin (Epo) has been suggested to affect plasma volume, and would thereby possess a mechanism apart from erythropoiesis to increase arterial oxygen content. This, and potential underlying mechanisms, were tested in eight healthy subjects receiving 5000 IU recombinant human Epo (rHuEpo) for 15 weeks at a dose frequency aimed to increase and maintain haematocrit at approximately 50%. Red blood cell volume was increased from 2933 ± 402 ml before rHuEpo treatment to 3210 ± 356 (P < 0.01), 3117 ± 554 (P < 0.05), and 3172 ± 561 ml (P < 0.01) after 5, 11 and 13 weeks, respectively. This was accompanied by a decrease in plasma volume from 3645 ± 538 ml before rHuEpo treatment to 3267 ± 333 (P < 0.01), 3119 ± 499 (P < 0.05), and 3323 ± 521 ml (P < 0.01) after 5, 11 and 13 weeks, respectively. Concomitantly, plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentration were reduced. This maintained blood volume relatively unchanged, with a slight transient decrease at week 11, such that blood volume was 6578 ± 839 ml before rHuEpo treatment, and 6477 ± 573 (NS), 6236 ± 908 (P < 0.05), and 6495 ± 935 ml (NS), after 5, 11 and 13 weeks of treatment. We conclude that Epo treatment in healthy humans induces an elevation in haemoglobin concentration by two mechanisms: (i) an increase in red cell volume; and (ii) a decrease in plasma volume, which is probably mediated by a downregulation of the rennin–angiotensin–aldosterone axis. Since the relative contribution of plasma volume changes to the increments in arterial oxygen content was between 37.9 and 53.9% during the study period, this mechanism seems as important for increasing arterial oxygen content as the well‐known erythropoietic effect of Epo.
LOW TEMPERATURE SPECIFIC HEAT ANALYSIS OF LaMnO3+δ MANGANITES
Authors: VARSHNEY DINESH , KAURAV N.
Published: November 2006

We report a theoretical analysis for the experimental specific heat C(T) data of the perovskite manganites LaMnO 3+δ, with δ=0.11, 0.15 and 0.26, in the temperature domain 4≤T≤10 K . Calculations of C(T) have been made within the two-component scheme: one is the Fermionic and the other is Bosonic (phonon or magnon) contribution. Lattice specific heat is well estimated from the Debye temperature for lanthanum manganites with different δ obtained following an overlap repulsive potential. Fermionic component as the electronic specific heat coefficient is deduced using the band structure calculations. Later on, following double exchange mechanism the role of magnons is assessed toward specific heat and is found that at low temperatures, specific heat shows almost T3/2 dependence on the temperature. We note that the lattice specific heat is smaller for δ=0.11 when compared with that of magnon specific heat below 6 K, while the lattice contribution is larger with the magnon contribution for δ=0.15 and 0.26. It is further noticed that in the ferromagnetic phase, deduced electronic specific heat is smaller in comparison with reported large electronic term in low temperature domain. The present investigations allow us to stress that electron correlations are essential to enhanced density of state over simple Fermi liquid approximation in pure LaMnO 3+δ (δ=0.11, 0.15 and 0.26). These findings express that the large Coulomb interaction U suppresses the double occupancies of eg electrons and enhanced electronic specific heat, while there is a decrease of T3/2-term with δ from 0.26 to 0.11. The present numerical analysis of specific heat shows similar results as those revealed from experiments.
STATISTICAL APPROACH TO NON-FICKIAN DIFFUSION
Authors: VASCONCELLOS AUREA R. , GALVÃO RAMOS J. , GORENSTEIN A. , KLEINKE M. U. , SOUZA CRUZ T. G. , LUZZI ROBERTO
Published: November 2006

Competing styles in statistical mechanics have been introduced to investigate physico-chemical systems displaying complex structures, when one faces difficulties to handle the standard formalism in the well-established Boltzmann–Gibbs statistics. After a brief description of the question, we consider the particular case of Renyi statistical approach, which is applied to the study of the "anomalous" (non-Fickian) diffusion that is involved in experiments of cyclic voltammetry in electro-physical chemistry. In these experiments, one is dealing with the fractal-like structure of the thin film morphology present in electrodes in microbatteries. Fractional-power laws are evidenced in the voltammetry measurements and in the analysis of the interphase width obtained using atomic force microscopy. The resulting fractional-powers are related to each other and to the statistical fractal dimension, and can be expressed in terms of the index on which Renyi's statistical approach depends. The important fact that this index, which is restricted to a given interval, provides a measure of the micro-roughness of the electrode surface, and is related to the dynamics involved, the nonequilibrium thermodynamic state of the system, and to the experimental protocol is clarified.
Novel technique for monitoring micturition and sexual function in male rats using telemetry
Authors: Nout Yvette S. , Bresnahan Jacqueline C. , Culp Esther , Tovar C. Amy , Beattie Michael S. , Schmidt Markus H.
Published: November 2006

We developed a novel technique to simultaneously monitor micturitions and erections in rats by using pressure monitoring within the corpus spongiosum of the penis (CSP). We present data validating this technique and report pressure waveform characteristics of micturition and erectile events during four different behavioral contexts in 10 awake, freely-moving male rats. Telemetric pressure transducers were implanted in the bulb of the CSP. CSP pressure was monitored while the animals were simultaneously recorded on video for determination of presence and volume ( n = 7) of micturitions and while the animals underwent behavioral tests for determination of erections. Observed micturitions and CSP pressure waveforms characteristic of micturitions occurred simultaneously ( r = 0.98) at a frequency of 32 ± 4 micturitions per 24 h and with a volume of 0.95 ± 0.12 ml/urination. Micturition duration recorded by CSP pressure and volume determined by urine weight were highly correlated ( r = 0.82). We found that 100% of visually confirmed erectile events occurred simultaneously with CSP pressure waveforms characteristic of erections during ex copula reflex erection tests. During noncontact erection and mating tests more erections were identified by telemetry than by observation alone. Erections during mating tests had a different appearance than those seen in other contexts; they were shorter in duration ( P < 0.05) and typically were characterized by a single suprasystolic CSP pressure peak, highlighting the context-specificity of erections. Quality of recordings remained stable in three of four rats we followed for 8 wk. We demonstrate that telemetric recording of CSP pressure provides a quantitative and qualitative assessment of penile erections and micturition in freely behaving rats.
Leptin Regulates Neointima Formation After Arterial Injury Through Mechanisms Independent of Blood Pressure and the Leptin Receptor/STAT3 Signaling Pathways Involved in Energy Balance
Authors: Bodary Peter F. , Shen Yuechun , Öhman Miina , Bahrou Kristina L. , Vargas Fernando B. , Cudney Sarah S. , Wickenheiser Kevin J. , Myers Martin G. , Eitzman Daniel T.
Published: November 2006

Background—

Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone critical for energy homeostasis and implicated in vascular disease processes. The relevant cellular leptin receptor pools and signaling pathways involved in leptin-related vascular phenotypes in vivo are unclear.

Methods and Results—

Arterial injury was induced in wild-type (
wt
), leptin-deficient (

lep
ob/ob

), and leptin receptor–deficient (

lepr
db/db

) mice. Compared with
wt
mice,

lep
ob/ob

and

lepr
db/db

mice were protected from the development of neointima. Bone marrow transplantation experiments between
wt
and

lepr
db/db

mice indicated that the vascular protection in

lepr
db/db

mice was not attributable to lack of leptin receptor expression on bone marrow–derived elements. To investigate the role of the
lepr-
mediated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in the response to vascular injury,
lepr
s/s
mice homozygous for a leptin receptor defective in STAT3 signaling underwent femoral arterial injury. Despite similar obesity and blood pressure levels, the neointimal area in
lepr
s/s
mice was significantly increased compared with

lepr
db/db

mice.

Conclusions—

The molecular mechanism by which the leptin receptor mediates neointima formation and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation is largely independent of the STAT3-dependent signaling pathways involved in energy balance.