bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Calliphoridae (Diptera) Fauna and Seasonal Distribution on Carrion in Ankara Province*
Authors: Sabanoğlu Burcu , Sert Osman
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  This study was conducted from March 2006 to 2007. The aim of the study was to determine the forensically significant Calliphoridae (Diptera) species and their seasonal distribution in Ankara province at Beytepe Campus. Pig carcasses were killed by a veterinary using pentobarbital sodium with intervals from 2 to 3 weeks to a month. Samples were collected from the carcass everyday in the morning, in the afternoon, and at sunset. Temperature and parameters of weather, such as cloudy, sunny, rainy, and snowy, were recorded at each visit. Phaenicia sericata (Meigen), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Calliphora vomitoria (Linnaeus), and Calliphora vicina (Robineau‐Desvoidy) species, which belong to Calliphoridae family, were collected. It was shown that the seasonal distribution of the collected species was different from each other. The species were determined on carcass between the following times; P. sericata, from April to November; C. albiceps, from May to November; Ca. vomitoria, from February to June and from September to December; and Ca. vicina, from February to May and in June and September. Calliphoridae fauna and its annual seasonal distribution in Turkey on 12 pig carcasses were reported for the first time in this study.
Absence of male reproductive skew, along with high frequency of polyandry and conspecific brood parasitism in the lekking Houbara bustard Chlamydotis undulata undulata
Authors: Lesobre Loïc , Lacroix Frédéric , Le Nuz Eric , Hingrat Yves , Chalah Toni , Jaime Michel Saint
Published: March 2010

Behavioural studies have led to the perception that lekking species experience a high male reproductive skew as a consequence of females’ selective mate choice. In addition, observations suggest that females copulate only once and therefore polyandry seems unlikely as females are supposed to choose the best male available. In order to analyse the mating strategy of the Houbara bustard, an endangered lekking species under reinforcement in eastern Morocco, we used microsatellite data to perform paternity analyses. None of our observations followed common expectations under a lek mating system: we found no male reproductive skew suggesting no apparent selective female mate choice and no apparent male benefit from lekking. In contrast, a high level of polyandry (60 % of the nests) was recorded suggesting that sperm competition may operate. In addition, we present another case of conspecific brood parasitism in a lekking species and this was an unexpected alternative strategy for a species presenting high parental cost and low fecundity. The increasing number of studies contradicting common assumptions on lekking species suggests that alternative breeding strategies such as males pursuing an off‐lek mating strategy, female polyandry and even conspecific brood parasitism might be more widespread in lekking species than previously thought.
Seasonal abundance, diet, and energy consumption of round gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) in Lake Erie tributary streams
Authors: Pennuto C. M. , Krakowiak P. J. , Janik C. E.
Published: March 2010

Pennuto CM, Krakowiak PJ, Janik CE. Seasonal abundance, diet, and energy consumption of round gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) in Lake Erie tributary streams. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 206–215. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  The invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is a benthic invertivore that has become established in many lake and river systems of Europe and the United States, especially within the Great Lakes basin. Multiple reports document its negative impact on benthic macroinvertebrates and fishes in lakes and recent studies show fish and invertebrate communities in streams are equally at risk. We assessed the seasonal abundance of round gobies and their summer diet composition in tributary streams to Lake Erie. Populations of round gobies in the lower reaches of two tributary streams peaked in abundance in early fall, were absent in late winter, and reappeared in early spring, suggesting a possible out‐migration to the lake in winter. Population size distributions show a peak recruitment of young round gobies in July and low‐level recruitment through October. In this study, round gobies obtained most of their energy from amphipods, chironomids, and caddisflies compared to other invertebrates, and midges were consumed in greater proportion than their availability suggesting a preference for these prey. As the stream lacked molluscs, large round gobies remained generalist invertivores without a diet shift to molluscivory as has been reported in lake studies. The observations on recruitment and abundance, and possible out‐migration suggest the lower reaches of tributary streams may act as source populations for lake‐bound round gobies. It may be possible to take advantage of this out‐migration behaviour as a control strategy to capture large numbers of round gobies each winter.
The Poetry of Brendan Kennelly. An Exploration of Contemporary Irish Experience
Authors: O’Dwyer Kathleen
Published: March 2010

The claim of this paper is that the work of the Irish poet Brendan Kennelly offers a unique and creative exploration of some significant experiences of life in contemporary Ireland; these experiences include the effects of religious, educational and political influences on social and personal freedom and limitation, the paradoxical assumption of conservative and restrictive aims and methods by a newly established independent state, and the conflict between the private and complex experience of the individual and the publicly and historically accepted portrayal of Irish life. This aspect of Kennelly’s poetry is examined with reference to philosophical and psychoanalytic thought, and, in particular, the work of Freud and Nietzsche. Through a close reading of selected poems and prose extracts, the author asserts that Kennelly’s poetry enables an insightful analysis of concepts and experiences that are relevant and challenging to the individual in contemporary Ireland; however, the author also argues that such concepts and challenges are not exclusive to the Irish experience, but may be recognized and acknowledged across the contemporary Western world.
Effects of feeding ratio of beet pulp to alfalfa hay or grass hay on ruminal mat characteristics and chewing activity in Holstein dry cows
Authors: IZUMI Kenichi , UNNO Chigusa
Published: March 2010

The influence of the feeding ratio of a non‐forage fiber source and hay on ruminal mat characteristics and chewing activity was evaluated in dairy dry cows. Cows were fed four different diets: the ratios of alfalfa hay (AH) to beet pulp (BP) were 8:2 (dry matter basis, A8B2) and 2:8 (A2B8), and those of grass hay (GH) to BP were 8:2 (G8B2) and 2:8 (G2B8). Total eating time was decreased with increasing BP content (P < 0.01). Total rumination time for AH was shorter than that for GH (P < 0.01), and it decreased with increasing BP content (P < 0.01). The ruminal mat was detected by using a penetration resistance test of the rumen digesta. Penetration resistance value (PRV) of ruminal mat was highest with the G8B2 diet and PRV decreased with increasing BP content (P < 0.05) and feeding AH (P < 0.05). Thickness of the ruminal mat was greater for increasing BP content (P < 0.05). Simple linear regression of ruminal mat PRV on total rumination time resulted in a high positive correlation (r = 0.744; P < 0.001; n = 16). The results demonstrated that increasing the PRV of the ruminal mat stimulated rumination activity and a ruminal mat could be formed, although it was soft even when cows were offered a large quantity of BP.
Pilot study to test the safety of an exercise machine on healthy adult females
Authors: MIYAJIMA Taeko , ISHIDA Kazuyoshi , SATO Mitsuko , YAMAGATA Zentaro
Published: March 2010

Aim: To assess the safety and effectiveness of a chair‐type training machine developed for the elderly and to conduct a training program in healthy women using this machine.

Methods: Twenty‐four healthy women (mean age: 27.0 ± 5.4 years; range: 21–38 years) were randomly assigned to the exercise program (intervention) group (n = 12) or the control group (n = 12). Intervention: Training program using the chair‐type training machine for the elderly in 60‐min sessions twice a week for 12 weeks. Measurements: Safety standards for machinery (ISO 12100) and physiological phenomena (blood pressure, heart rate, and subjective symptoms and objective symptoms) were assessed. The primary endpoints were isometric muscle strength (knee joint extension strength (KJES)), ankle dorsal flexion strength (ADFS), and ankle plantar flexion strength (APFS); these were assessed using standardized protocols at the beginning and the end of intervention.

Results: There were two dropouts in the intervention group. The safety of the machine was judged as acceptable based on the standard. No training‐related medical problems occurred. It was observed that 12 weeks after the end of the training program, the isometric muscle strengths of all the left muscles and the right APFS were reinforced in the intervention group (P < 0.05). The right KJES and right ADFS of the intervention group did not show significant change when compared to the control.

Conclusion: The chair‐type training machine and the training program with this machine are safe and effective for increasing muscle strength.
Low‐Grade Endotoxemia Contributes to Chronic Inflammation in Hemodialysis Patients: Examination With a Novel Lipopolysaccharide Detection Method
Authors: Terawaki Hiroyuki , Yokoyama Keitaro , Yamada Yukiko , Maruyama Yukio , Iida Rinako , Hanaoka Kazushige , Yamamoto Hiroyasu , Obata Toru , Hosoya Tatsuo
Published: March 2010

Chronic inflammation has recently been proposed to play a major role in the development of cardiovascular disease and mortality among advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients; however, why advanced CKD promotes chronic inflammation is still unclear. We hypothesized that a very low level of plasma endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) contributes to chronic inflammation in advanced CKD patients. We measured the plasma LPS levels using a novel LPS detection method (ESP method, a method for endotoxin detection using laser scattering photometry) concurrently with serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels and various blood tests in 17 stable hemodialysis (HD) patients. As a result, the median LPS levels measured by the ESP method was 0.23 pg/mL (range, 0.01–3.89) (inflow, start of HD), 0.22 pg/mL (<0.01–9.97) (outflow, start of HD), 0.37 pg/mL (<0.01–7.42) (inflow, end of HD), and 1.07 pg/mL (<0.01–10.66) (dialysate), respectively; statistically significant differences were not detected between them. The predialysis median CRP level was 0.19 mg/dL (0.04–3.02). The logarithm of plasma LPS independently correlated with serum CRP (R = 0.595, P = 0.0103). In multiple (forward stepwise) regression analysis, in which CRP was determined to be the criterion variable, LPS (log), albumin, and the white blood cell count were adopted as independent explanatory variables (R = 0.401, −0.397 and 0.387, respectively). In conclusion, the present study revealed a significant relationship between LPS and CRP using the novel ESP method, and suggested that very low‐grade endotoxemia is contributing to systemic inflammation in HD patients.
EFFECT OF ULTRASONIC TREATMENT ON THE GEL STRENGTH OF TILAPIA (SAROTHERODON NILOTICA) SURIMI
Authors: ZHANG YIN , ZENG QING‐XIAO , ZHU ZHI‐WEI , ZHOU RUI
Published: March 2010

The effect of ultrasonic treatment on the gel strength of tilapia (Sarotherodon nilotica) surimi was investigated. Prior to chopping, surimi was treated by ultrasound, 250 W at 28 kHz, 45 kHz, and 100 kHz, respectively. The results showed that the breaking force, deformation, and gel strength of surimi gels prepared from ultrasonic‐treated (UT) surimi were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of the control. A possible reason for the result was that ultrasonic treatment led to a disruption of muscle tissue. This was supported by the observation that the salt‐ or water‐soluble proteins of UT surimi were higher (P < 0.05) than those of the control; the microscope images; and the optimal chopping times for the maximum breaking force, deformation, and gel strength were longer than that adopted in the gel preparation; there were no new peaks produced in the SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the UT surimi and the control.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Chopping is important for the preparation of surimi gel. The purpose of chopping is to disrupt muscle structure, permitting the muscle proteins to be effectively dissolved by salt and to form a stronger gel. Research has indicated that ultrasound can disrupt cell walls. Therefore, ultrasound was used with mechanical chopping to disrupt the muscle structure of tilapia surimi. This supplies a new method to process surimi.
HIGH METHOXYL PECTIN/APPLE PARTICLES COMPOSITE GELS: EFFECT OF PARTICLE SIZE AND PARTICLE CONCENTRATION ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND GEL STRUCTURE
Authors: GENOVESE DIEGO B. , YE AIQAIN , SINGH HARJINDER
Published: March 2010

In order to study the effect of fruit pulp on the structure of fruit jams, they were modeled as composites with a high‐methoxyl pectin (HMP) gel matrix filled with apple particles. The effect of particle concentration (0, 1 and 2 wt%) and particle size (small: <125 µm, and large: 125–850 µm) on a pectin gel (0.5 wt% HMP, 65 wt% glucose, pH 3.0, 0.1 M citrate buffer) were studied. Rheological measurements showed that increasing concentration of small particles produced a significant increase in the elastic modulus of the composite gels. Penetration tests showed that 1 wt% small particles produced a significant decrease of gel strength, rupture strength, adhesiveness and brittleness. Increasing particle size produced a further decrease of these properties (only significant for gel strength). When concentration of small particles was raised to 2 wt%, these parameters (except brittleness) increased back to the control sample (0% particles) values.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Knowledge of the effect of fruit particles on the structure of pectin gels would allow controlling the rheological and mechanical properties of fruit jams in terms of the size and concentration of fruit pulp used in their formulation.
INFLUENCE OF FENUGREEK SEED POWDER ON THE DOUGH RHEOLOGY, MICROSTRUCTURE AND QUALITY OF PAROTTA – AN INDIAN FLAT BREAD
Authors: INDRANI D. , RAJIV JYOTSNA , RAO G. VENKATESWARA
Published: March 2010

The effect of replacement of wheat flour with 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% fenugreek seed powder (FSP) on the rheological characteristics of wheat flour and quality of parotta was studied. Increasing FSP from 0 to 7.5% increased farinograph water absorption from 61.8 to 72.2%, amylograph peak viscosity (920–1,250 BU), spread ratio of parotta (31–34.8), decreased extensograph extensibility from 124 to 97 mm and shear force from 1,300 to 1,150 g. However, the values for farinograph stability, extensograph resistance to extension and area increased only up to 5% FSP level. Sensory evaluation showed that parotta with perceptible fenugreek flavor and without adverse effect on the quality characteristics could be produced by adding 5% FSP. The micrographs of parotta dough, outer and middle layers of baked parotta containing 5% FSP showed a thick matrix and starch granules appeared to be coated with fenugreek gum.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The information on the effect of fenugreek seed powder on rheological characteristics of wheat flour in relation to parotta will be useful in the production of speciality parotta with perceptible fenugreek flavor. Such parottas will have medicinal value also. This study will throw a light on the use of functional ingredients in flat breads.
Satellite remote sensing for mapping vegetation in New Zealand freshwater environments: A review
Authors: Ashraf Salman , Brabyn Lars , Hicks Brendan J. , Collier Kevin
Published: March 2010

Freshwater environments in New Zealand provide a range of ecosystem services and contain important biodiversity. Managing these environments effectively requires a comprehensive inventory of the resource and cost‐effective tools for regular monitoring. The complex and extensive margins of natural water bodies make them difficult to sample comprehensively. Problems thus occur with extrapolating point‐specific sampling to accurately represent the diversity of vegetation in large freshwater bodies. Mapping freshwater vegetation using satellite remote sensing can overcome problems associated with access, scale and distribution, but it requires high‐resolution images that have appropriate spectral characteristics. This paper provides an overview of the optical satellite data characteristics required for mapping riparian, submerged and emergent vegetation associated with freshwater environments in New Zealand.
Exploring the fringe belt concept in Auckland: An urban morphological idea and planning practice
Authors: Gu Kai
Published: March 2010

The idea of urban fringe belts has been recognised as a powerful means of understanding the physical form of urban areas and the process of urban outward growth and internal change. Surrounding Auckland's city core, an inner fringe belt can be recognised. Farther out there are middle and outer fringe belts. Fluctuations in socio‐economic development, the adoption of new transport modes, land reclamation and topography are major factors influencing the formation of these fringe belts. The examination of changes to fringe belts highlights important issues of urban transformation, which are pertinent to planning and design policies for urban landscape management.
Morphological dynamics of upland headwater streams in the southern North Island of New Zealand
Authors: Schwendel Arved C. , Fuller Ian C. , Death Russell G.
Published: March 2010

Short‐term channel dynamics of mountain stream reaches in the southern North Island of New Zealand were assessed over two successive 3‐month periods using morphological budgeting. Response to floods varies between reaches, even when the catchments were located close to each other and had similar characteristics. The reaches on the Central Volcanic Plateau experienced least morphological change, while streams with steep catchments and migrating planform in the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges showed frequent channel adjustments. Channel response is conditioned by intrinsic variables rendering reaches responsive or robust to the effects of floods, and this is likely to reflect the degree of connectivity between slopes and channels, and reaches.
‘Anywhere you can talk about how you feel is better’: Young people's experiences of sexual health messages
Authors: Coleman Tara M. , Kearns Robin A. , Collins Damian C. A.
Published: March 2010

Despite increased sexuality education in New Zealand, concern remains about high rates of sexually transmitted infection and unplanned pregnancy among young people. To understand this ‘gap’, we consider what high school students learn about sexual health, and where they learn it. Narrative evidence reveals the negative, risk‐oriented nature of sexual health messages at school and at home. In these power‐laden places, little information is imparted about several key issues, including emotions. Students are aware of such absences, and articulate a desire for more open discussions of sexual health and sexuality, as is possible in informal settings occupied by friends.
An analysis of cascade‐aerated facultative waste stabilisation ponds in the United Kingdom
Authors: Rinnhofer Bernhard , Smith Michael D.
Published: March 2010

This paper examines the performance of cascade‐aerated facultative ponds in a waste stabilisation pond (WSP) installation in the United Kingdom. The pond system is privately owned and treats wastewater from a conference centre with a population equivalent between 20 and 40. A snapshot analysis investigates the removal efficiency of BOD, COD, SS, FC and nutrients. Further, the oxygen supply through ‘flow form’ cascades is examined, and the DO concentrations, surface loads and retention times are discussed. The results show a very high removal of BOD, COD and SS; and nutrient removal is satisfactory. An unusual finding is that the FC removal efficiency is almost two log units better than for a common maturation pond. This is possibly attributable to the high cascade flow, where wastewater is exposed to the damaging effects of sunlight (photo‐oxidation).
Skeletal muscle fibre diversity and the underlying mechanisms
Authors: Canepari M. , Pellegrino M. A. , D’Antona G. , Bottinelli R.
Published: March 2010

The review first briefly summarizes how myosin isoforms have been identified as the major determinant of the functional variability among skeletal muscle fibres. The latter feature is a major characteristic of muscle fibres and a major basis of skeletal muscle heterogeneity and plasticity in vivo. Then, evidence is reported, which indicates that the properties of muscle fibres can vary with no change in the myosin isoform they express. Moreover, the physiological and pathological conditions (ageing, disuse, exercise training, muscular dystrophy) in which such myosin isoform independent change in functional properties occurs and the possible underlying mechanisms are considered. Finally, the known molecular bases of the functional differences among slow and fast isoforms are briefly dealt with.
Role of mechanical factors in governing muscle blood flow
Authors: Sheriff D. D.
Published: March 2010

Overview

This study evaluates how mechanical factors impact cardiac output at the systemic level, and how mechanical factors influence muscle blood flow at the local level. Importantly, the two are intertwined; events that work locally in the periphery to augment muscle blood flow can also act centrally to contribute to the development of a high cardiac output.
Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Raspberry and Blackberry Cultivars
Authors: Sariburun Esra , Şahin Saliha , Demir Cevdet , Türkben Cihat , Uylaşer Vildan
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT:  Raspberry (Aksu Kırmızısı, Rubin, Newburgh, Hollanda Boduru, Heritage) and blackberry (Bursa 1, Bursa 2, Jumbo, Chester) cultivars were assayed for antioxidant activity (determined as 2,2‐azino‐di‐[3‐ethylbenzothialozine‐sulphonic acid][ABTS], 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical [DPPH], and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity [CUPRAC]), total phenol, total flavonoid, and total anthocyanin contents. In addition, 10 anthocyanins and anthocyanidins were determined in raspberry and blackberry by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Raspberry and blackberry had the highest ABTS, DPPH, CUPRAC, total phenol, and total flavonoid contents in methanol extracts, whereas total anthocyanin contents were the highest in water extracts. The antioxidant activity of the raspberry and blackberry was directly related to the total amount of phenolic compounds detected in the raspberry and blackberry. All antioxidant activity values were highly correlated with anthocyanin content in blackberry (0.93 ≤ r ≤ 0.99, P = 0.05). On the other hand, high correlation between total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity was recorded in water extract of blackberry (0.91 ≤ r ≤ 0.93, P = 0.05). ABTS value was highly correlated with total flavonoid content in methanol extract (r = 0.90), whereas total flavonoid content was relatively less correlated with DPPH (r = 0.85) and CUPRAC (r = 0.89).
Dynamic expression of hepatic thioredoxin mRNA in rats with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: DUAN Xiao Yan , ZHAO He Ping , FAN Jian Gao
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the expression and significance of thioredoxin messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in the development of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by a high fat diet.

METHODS:  A total of 48 male Wistar rats were divided into a normal control group and a model group, which were both divided into three subgroups (at weeks 9, 13 and 18, respectively). The levels of serum tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), free fatty acid (FFA), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyeride (TG), changes in the serum and hepatic tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione hormone (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. The expression of thioredoxin mRNA in rat livers were detected with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Meanwhile, the pathological changes of liver tissue were observed by hematoxylin‐eosin stain.

RESULTS:  Simple fatty liver was observed in model group at week 9. From weeks 13 to 18, liver histopathology showed steatohepatitis. Compared with corresponding normal groups, in the model groups the levels of TNF‐α, FFA, TC, TG in serum, and MDA in serum and liver increased significantly, while the vitality of SOD and GSH content in serum and liver decreased remarkably. Meanwhile, in the model group, the expression of hepatic thioredoxin mRNA was significantly decreased at week 9 compared with the normal group (P < 0.01), then increased gradually, but were lower than the corresponding normal groups at all times (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION:  The expression of thioredoxin mRNA is significantly lower in the liver of rats with NAFLD and might reach the lowest point after developing simple fatty liver. Meanwhile the downregulation of thioredoxin mRNA may cause the inflammatory injury initially in NAFLD.
A case of Conn's syndrome revealed after oral sodium phosphate (fleet) preparation for colonoscopy
Authors: LEE Ralph , STORR Martin , HERSHFIELD Noel B.
Published: March 2010

Oral sodium phosphate solutions (Fleet Mcneil Consumer Healthcare, Guelph, Ontario, Canada) are commonly used as bowel cleansing agents in preparation for colonoscopic exams; however, serious electrolyte disorders associated with oral sodium phosphate use have been described in case reports including hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hypernatremia, and hypokalemia. We describe a 57‐year‐old patient with a past history of resistant hypertension who experienced severe symptomatic hypokalemia following colonic cleansing with an oral sodium phosphate solution. Further investigations revealed a serum aldosterone of 691 pmol/L and a serum renin level of 0.02 ng/L/s with a corresponding aldosterone‐to‐renin ration of 34550:1. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with primary aldosteronism secondary to an adenoma of the adrenal gland. Bilateral adrenal venous sampling revealed excessive levels of aldosterone in the left adrenal vein prior to definitive surgery. This case indicates that an oral sodium phosphate bowel preparation, though safe for most patients, can be complicated by a previously not diagnosed endocrine disease like the primary aldosteronism (Conn's syndrome) reported here. This is the first report of a Conn's syndrome diagnosed after bowel cleansing with a sodium phosphate solution.
Combined use of ultrasonography, MDCT and MRCP for the diagnosis of gallbladder duplication: Case report
Authors: HEKİMOGLU Koray , BAYRAK Ahmet , ULU Funda , COSKUN Mehmet
Published: March 2010

Gallbladder duplication is a rare congenital anomaly, and the exact diagnosis of this pathology is important for preventing any clinical and surgical problems. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) have increasing values in the diagnosis of gallbladder duplication. In this case report we present an evaluation and exact diagnosis of gallbladder duplication using ultrasound, MDCT and MRCP.
Slugs’ last meals: molecular identification of sequestered chloroplasts from different algal origins in Sacoglossa (Opisthobranchia, Gastropoda)
Authors: HÄNDELER KATHARINA , WÄGELE HEIKE , WAHRMUND UTE , RÜDINGER MAREIKE , KNOOP VOLKER
Published: March 2010

Some sacoglossan sea slugs have become famous for their unique capability to extract and incorporate functional chloroplasts from algal food organisms (mainly Ulvophyceae) into their gut cells. The functional incorporation of the so‐called kleptoplasts allows the slugs to rely on photosynthetic products for weeks to months, enabling them to survive long periods of food shortage over most of their life‐span. The algal food spectrum providing kleptoplasts as temporary, non‐inherited endosymbionts appears to vary among sacoglossan slugs, but detailed knowledge is sketchy or unavailable. Accurate identification of algal donor species, which provide the chloroplasts for long‐term retention is of primary importance to elucidate the biochemical mechanisms allowing long‐term functionality of the captured chloroplast in the foreign animal cell environment. Whereas some sacoglossans forage on a variety of algal species, (e.g.Elysia crispataandE. viridis)others are more selective. Hence, characterizing the range of functional sacoglossan‐chloroplast associations in nature is a prerequisite to understand the basis of this enigmatic endosymbiosis. Here, we present a suitable chloroplast gene (tufA) as a marker, which allows identification of the respective algal kleptoplast donor taxa by analysing DNA from whole animals. This novel approach allows identification of donor algae on genus or even species level, thus providing evidence for the taxonomic range of food organisms. We report molecular evidence that chloroplasts from different algal sources are simultaneously incorporated in some species ofElysia. NeigborNet analyses for species assignments are preferred over tree reconstruction methods because the former allow more reliable statements on species identification via barcoding, or rather visualize alternative allocations not to be seen in the latter.
Single‐port laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A comparative study in 106 initial cases
Authors: Kim JH , You YK , Hong TH , Lee SK , Park JH , Yoon YC , Kim JG
Published: March 2010

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been the standard of care for gallbladder diseases since the late 1980s. Many surgeons have rapidly adopted single‐port laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder pathologies. The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinical outcome in initial single‐port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods: Data from 106 consecutive single‐port laparoscopic cholecystectomies between May 2008 and April 2009 were analyzed retrospectively. We divided the patients into two groups – an early group (group I, n=56) and a late group (group II, n=50) – to compare clinical outcomes. During each procedure, only one longitudinal transumbilical incision, 1.5 to 2.0 cm in length, was made to access the abdominal cavity. A multichannel port system was assembled with existing devices. Standard laparoscopic instruments were used to perform each cholecystectomy.

Results: Patient demographics did not differ between the two groups. Of the eight cases that were converted to conventional laparoscopic surgery, seven were part of group I (P=0.063). Mean operation time for single‐port laparoscopic cholecystectomy was significantly shorter in group II (58.2 versus 71.6 min, P=0.004). There were two operative complications in group I, which were successfully managed with laparoscopic surgery. There was no statistical difference in occurrence of operative complication and hospital stay between the two groups.

Conclusion: Single‐port laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be safely performed for various gallbladder lesions in selected cases, and the operation time improved with accumulation of cases.
Rigid local systems and motives of typeG2. With an appendix by Michale Dettweiler and Nicholas M. Katz
Authors: Dettweiler Michael , Reiter Stefan
Published: March 2010

Using the middle convolution functorMCχintroduced by N. Katz, we prove the existence of rigid local systems whose monodromy is dense in the simple algebraic groupG2. We derive the existence of motives for motivated cycles which have a motivic Galois group of typeG2. Granting Grothendieck’s standard conjectures, the existence of motives with motivic Galois group of typeG2can be deduced, giving a partial answer to a question of Serre.
Transition mechanism of InAs/GaAs quantum-dot infrared photodetectors with different InAs coverages
Authors: Tseng Chi-Che , Chung Tung-Hsun , Mai Shu-Cheng , Chao Kuang-Ping , Lin Wei-Hsun , Lin Shih-Yen , Wu Meng-Chyi
Published: March 2010

In this article, the authors investigate the influences of different InAs coverages on the photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra and spectral responses of InAs/GaAs quantum-dot infrared photodetectors (QDIPs). An increase in InAs coverage would lead to an increase in energy separation between heavy-hole state and light-hole state in the wetting layer (WL) region in the QD PLE spectra. The results suggest that most of the strain resulted from the InAs/GaAs lattice mismatch may be accumulated in the WL instead of the QD region. Also observed are the similar energy separations of energy levels responsible for the intraband absorption in the PLE spectra of the QDIPs such that similar detection wavelengths are observed for the devices.
Heme-Like Coordination Chemistry Within Nanoporous Molecular Crystals
Authors: Bezzu C. Grazia , Helliwell Madeleine , Warren John E. , Allan David R. , McKeown Neil B.
Published: March 2010

Iron Exposure

The macrocyclic heme motif coordinates iron ions in proteins and plays a widespread role in biochemical oxidative catalysis.

Bezzu
et al.

(p.
1627
) prepared crystals in which analogous iron-centered macrocycles were aligned in pairs. The outer faces of the pairs exposed the iron ions to vacant cavities, where ligand exchange could take place; the inner faces were bound together by rigid bridging ligands lending the crystals structural integrity. The stability and high porosity of these crystals lend themselves to potential catalytic applications.
Shaping Development of Autophagy Inhibitors with the Structure of the Lipid Kinase Vps34
Authors: Miller Simon , Tavshanjian Brandon , Oleksy Arkadiusz , Perisic Olga , Houseman Benjamin T. , Shokat Kevan M. , Williams Roger L.
Published: March 2010

Lipid Kinase Revealed

The lipid kinase, Vps34, makes the key signaling lipid phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate [PI(3)P] and has essential roles in autophagy, membrane trafficking, and cell signaling. It is a class III PI 3-kinase, a class against which there is currently no specific inhibitor.

Miller
et al.

(p.
1638
) now describe the crystal structure of Vps34. Modeling substrate binding and combining structural data with mutagenesis suggests a mechanism in which Vps34 is auto-inhibited in solution, but adopts a catalytically active conformation on membranes. Structures of Vps34 with existing inhibitors might allow for the generation of inhibitors with high affinity and specificity.
It’s Time to Reinvent the Transistor!
Authors: Theis Thomas N. , Solomon Paul M.
Published: March 2010

A breakthrough in materials could refresh and sustain the information technology revolution.
Food Security for a Billion Poor
Authors: Lele Uma
Published: March 2010

There are at least 1 billion poor people living with chronic undernourishment, and the United Nations (UN) Millennium Development Goal of substantially reducing the world's hungry by 2015 will not be met. The developing world's poor are experiencing the effects of higher commodity prices, and declining agricultural productivity growth is exacerbating the problem. Next week, leaders in science and society will convene in Montpellier, France, for the first Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD 2010) to organize sweeping changes in global agricultural research. The meeting follows major reforms of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), endorsed in December 2009. CGIAR's new business model is meant to more effectively address food security, focusing on people, results, and efficiency. “Mega Programs” (now called “Themes”) will deliver research outputs to achieve scaled-up impacts on poverty, and a new fund will harmonize donor contributions to support CGIAR's 15 research centers. But the total global investment in public-sector agricultural research is 20 times greater than that of CGIAR. How to better harness this critical resource (along with private-sector investments) for worldwide poverty reduction will be a major focus for GCARD.
Restoration or Devastation?
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: March 2010

A massive South Korean project to dam and dredge four major rivers has provoked bitter opposition from scientists and environmentalists.
A 'Green' Blessing Raises Questions
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: March 2010

The United Nations Environment Programme has been encouraging governments planning recession-fighting stimulus packages to support environmentally friendly projects and forge what UNEP calls a "Global Green New Deal." But critics charge that South Korea's Four Major Rivers Project is anything but friendly to the environment.
Cross-Neutralization of 1918 and 2009 Influenza Viruses: Role of Glycans in Viral Evolution and Vaccine Design
Authors: Wei Chih-Jen , Boyington Jeffrey C. , Dai Kaifan , Houser Katherine V. , Pearce Melissa B. , Kong Wing-Pui , Yang Zhi-yong , Tumpey Terrence M. , Nabel Gary J.
Published: March 2010

The 1918 and 2009 pandemic influenza viruses are both inhibited by antibodies directed to an exposed region of the viral spike, but this region becomes shielded by glycans in influenza seasonal strains.
Could Leptin Be Used to Treat Type 1 Diabetes?
Authors: Buettner Christoph
Published: March 2010

In type 1 diabetic mice, leptin restores glucose and lipid homeostasis without altering insulin levels.
Don't Forget Your Glia
Authors: Minzenberg Michael J.
Published: March 2010

The amyloid-β peptide implicated in Alzheimer’s disease has deleterious effects on astrocyte metabolism that in turn depress neuronal viability.
Truncated Hantavirus Nucleocapsid Proteins for Serotyping Sin Nombre, Andes, and Laguna Negra Hantavirus Infections in Humans and Rodents
Authors: Koma Takaaki , Yoshimatsu Kumiko , Pini Noemi , Safronetz David , Taruishi Midori , Levis Silvana , Endo Rika , Shimizu Kenta , Yasuda Shumpei P. , Ebihara Hideki , Feldmann Heinz , Enria Delia , Arikawa Jiro
Published: March 2010

Sin Nombre virus (SNV), Andes virus (ANDV), and Laguna Negra virus (LANV) have been known as the dominant causative agents of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). ANDV and LANV, with different patterns of pathogenicity, exist in a sympatric relationship. Moreover, there is documented evidence of person-to-person transmission of ANDV. Therefore, it is important in clinical medicine and epidemiology to know the serotype of a hantavirus causing infection. Truncated SNV, ANDV, and LANV recombinant nucleocapsid proteins (trNs) missing 99 N-terminal amino acids (trN100) were expressed using a baculovirus system, and their applicability for serotyping SNV, ANDV, and LANV infection by the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) was examined. HPS patient sera and natural-reservoir rodent sera infected with SNV, ANDV, and LANV showed the highest optical density (OD) values for homologous trN100 antigens. Since even patient sera with lower IgM and IgG antibody titers were serotyped, the trN100s are therefore considered useful for serotyping with early-acute-phase sera. In contrast, assays testing whole recombinant nucleocapsid protein antigens of SNV, ANDV, and LANV expressed in
Escherichia coli
detected homologous and heterologous antibodies equally. These results indicated that a screening ELISA using an
E. coli
-expressed antigen followed by a serotyping ELISA using trN100s is useful for epidemiological surveillance in regions where two or more hantavirus species cocirculate.
Lambda Interferon Renders Epithelial Cells of the Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Tracts Resistant to Viral Infections
Authors: Mordstein Markus , Neugebauer Eva , Ditt Vanessa , Jessen Birthe , Rieger Toni , Falcone Valeria , Sorgeloos Frederic , Ehl Stephan , Mayer Daniel , Kochs Georg , Schwemmle Martin , Günther Stephan , Drosten Christian , Michiels Thomas , Staeheli Peter
Published: March 2010

Virus-infected cells secrete a broad range of interferons (IFN) which confer resistance to yet uninfected cells by triggering the synthesis of antiviral factors. The relative contributions of the various IFN subtypes to innate immunity against virus infections remain elusive. IFN-α, IFN-β, and other type I IFN molecules signal through a common, universally expressed cell surface receptor, whereas type III IFN (IFN-λ) uses a distinct cell-type-specific receptor complex for signaling. Using mice lacking functional receptors for type I IFN, type III IFN, or both, we found that IFN-λ plays an important role in the defense against several human pathogens that infect the respiratory tract, such as influenza A virus, influenza B virus, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus. These viruses were more pathogenic and replicated to higher titers in the lungs of mice lacking both IFN receptors than in mice with single IFN receptor defects. In contrast, Lassa fever virus, which infects via the respiratory tract but primarily replicates in the liver, was not influenced by the IFN-λ receptor defect. Careful analysis revealed that expression of functional IFN-λ receptor complexes in the lung and intestinal tract is restricted to epithelial cells and a few other, undefined cell types. Interestingly, we found that SARS coronavirus was present in feces from infected mice lacking receptors for both type I and type III IFN but not in those from mice lacking single receptors, supporting the view that IFN-λ contributes to the control of viral infections in epithelial cells of both respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.
Studies of the “Chain Reversal Regions” of the Avian Sarcoma/Leukosis Virus (ASLV) and Ebolavirus Fusion Proteins: Analogous Residues Are Important, and a His Residue Unique to EnvA Affects the pH Dependence of ASLV Entry
Authors: Delos Sue E. , La Bonnie , Gilmartin Allissia , White Judith M.
Published: March 2010

Most class I fusion proteins exist as trimers of dimers composed of a receptor binding and a fusion subunit. In their postfusion forms, the three fusion subunits form trimers of hairpins consisting of a central coiled coil (formed by the N-terminal helices), an intervening sequence, and a region containing the C helix (and flanking strands) that runs antiparallel to and packs in the grooves of the N-terminal coiled coil. For filoviruses and most retroviruses, the intervening sequence includes a “chain reversal region” consisting of a short stretch of hydrophobic residues, a Gly-Gly pair, a CX
6
CC motif, and a bulky hydrophobic residue. Maerz and coworkers (A. L. Maerz, R. J. Center, B. E. Kemp, B. Kobe, and P. Poumbourios, J. Virol.
74:
6614-6621, 2000) proposed a model for this region of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) Env in which expulsion of the final bulky hydrophobic residue is important for early conformational changes and specific residues in the chain reversal region are important for forming the final, stable trimer of hairpins. Here, we used mutagenesis and pseudovirus entry assays to test this model for the avian retrovirus avian sarcoma/leukosis virus (ASLV) and the filovirus ebolavirus Zaire. Our results are generally consistent with the model proposed for HTLV-1 Env. In addition, we show with ASLV EnvA that the bulky hydrophobic residue following the CX
6
CC motif is required for the step of prehairpin target membrane insertion, whereas other residues are required for the foldback step of fusion. We further found that a His residue that is unique to the chain reversal region of ASLV EnvA controls the pH at which ASLV entry occurs.
DYNAMICS OF ASYMMETRIC COUPLINGS OF TWO HÉNON MAPS
Authors: CASAS GABRIELA A. , RECH PAULO C.
Published: March 2010

In this paper, we present and analyze two asymmetric couplings of two Hénon maps. In the first case, we investigate numerically phenomena associated with the appearence, in the parameter-space, of periodic structures like Arnold tongues, which are windows of periodicity immersed in a quasiperiodic region resulting from a Naimark–Sacker bifurcation. We show that these structures organize themselves in period-adding bifurcation cascades, and that successive windows have monotonically decreasing width. In the second case, we show that when the individual Hénon maps in coupling are both chaotic, there are specific parameter values that may force the coupled maps into periodic orbits. Therefore, parameter-space regions of the coupled system where the chaotic dynamics is driven towards regular dynamics are found. In the two cases, Lyapunov exponents, bifurcation diagrams, parameter-space and phase-space plots are used to characterize the dynamics observed as parameters are changed.
INTERVAL METHODS IN KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION
Authors: Kreinovich Vladik
Published: March 2010

This section is maintained by Vladik Kreinovich. Please send your abstracts (or copies of papers that you want to see reviewed here) to vladik@utep.edu, or by regular mail to: Vladik Kreinovich, Department of Computer Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
Is R&D Always Beneficial?
Authors: Chang Hsu-Ling , Su Chi-Wei
Published: March 2010

This study sets out with the aim of determining whether there is such a thing as an optimal level of research and development (R&D) intensity within which a firm can effectively maximize its sales growth ratio. We adopt an advanced panel threshold regression model to examine the relationship between R&D intensity and the growth rate in sales based upon data on firms within the electronics industry in Taiwan. The results demonstrate that R&D intensity has a positive impact on sales growth when the level of such R&D intensity is below the threshold value, and a negative impact when the level of R&D intensity is above the threshold value.
Financial Distress Announcements, Transaction Mode Change, and Aggregate Shareholder Wealth: Empirical Evidence from TAIEX-Listed Companies
Authors: Yen Gili , Li Jian-Fa
Published: March 2010

This study is to address the estimation of financial distress costs including the deterioration in asset value. A sample of 104 TAIEX-listed financially distressed companies was collected covering the period from 1998 to 2004. As expected, it is found that the TAIEX-listed financially distressed companies have registered a huge reduction in stock price. Moreover, as expected, it is found that the financial distress costs of the "delisting" group are largest, the financial distress costs of the "maintaining normal trading" group are lowest, and the financial distress costs of the "cash transaction only/suspended trading" group fall somewhere in between. Based on the empirical findings, the present study concludes that the magnitude of financial distress costs is substantially underreported in the literature as a result of ignoring deterioration in asset value.
Short Sale, Stock Liquidity, and the Day-of-the-Week Effect: Evidence from the Taiwan Stock Market
Authors: Huang Zhaodan , Hu Ou , Liao Bih-Shuang
Published: March 2010

In this paper, we revisit the day-of-the-week effect by examining the Taiwan stock market. Based on the daily data from 1991 to 2008, our results show that the Taiwan stock market exhibits a strong day-of-the-week effect. In particular, the return on Tuesday is negative and significant from 1991 to 1997, and the returns on the weekend are positive and significant from 1991 to 1997 and from 2001 to 2008. In agreement with other studies, our results also show that the Tuesday's effect is weaker in recent years. In an attempt to explain the day-of-the-week effect, we demonstrate that short sales do not seem to play a significant role, which is contrary to the findings of Chen and Singal (2003) who study the US stock market. However, stock liquidity (measured by turnover ratio) seems to be related to the day-of-the-week effect in the Taiwan stock market.