bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐linear feedback processes and a latitudinal gradient in the climatic effects determine green spruce aphid outbreaks in the UK
Authors: Lima Mauricio , Harrington Richard , Saldaña Silverio , Estay Sergio
Published: June 2008

The role of climatic fluctuations in determining the dynamics of insect populations has been a classical problem in population ecology. Here, we use long‐term annual data on green spruce aphid populations at nine localities in the UK for determining the importance of endogenous processes, local weather and large‐scale climatic factors. We rely on diagnostic and modelling tools from population dynamic theory to analyse these long‐term data and to determine the role of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and local weather as exogenous factors influencing aphid dynamics. Our modelling suggests that the key elements determining population fluctuations in green spruce aphid populations in the UK are the strong non‐linear feedback structure, the high potential for population growth and the effects of winter and spring weather. The results indicate that the main effect of the NAO on green spruce aphid populations is operating through the effect of winter temperatures on the maximum per capita growth rate (Rm). In particular, we can predict quite accurately the occurrence of an outbreak by using a simple logistic model with weather as a perturbation effect. However, model predictions using different climatic variables showed a clear geographical signature. The NAO and winter temperature were best for predicting observed dynamics toward the southern localities, while spring temperature was a much better predictor of aphid dynamics at northern localities. Although aphid species are characterized by complex life‐cycles, we emphasize the value of simple and general population dynamic models in predicting their dynamics.
Survey of the vectorial competence of ticks in an endemic area of spotted fever group rickettsioses in Fukui Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Ishiguro Fubito , Takada Nobuhiro , Fujita Hiromi , Noji Yoshihiro , Yano Yasuhiro , Iwasaki Hiromichi
Published: June 2008

The prevalence of SFGR in ixodid ticks in the Mt. Arashima‐dake area in the northern part of Fukui Prefecture was surveyed, because of strong suspicions that the first case identified in this Prefecture had become infected withR. helveticain this region. The ticks identified consisted of three genera and six species;I.ovatus, I. persulcatus, I. monospinosus, H. flava, H. japonicaandD. taiwanensis. Of all 222 ticks collected, onlyI. monospinosusticks (8 of 32 examined) were positive for SFGR isolates, which were genetically identified asR. helvetica. Ticks (157 of all 222) positive for SFGR‐DNA fragments consisted ofI. monospinosus(14 of 32),I. persulcatus(11 of 55),I. ovatus(3 of 38),H. flava(5 of 21) andH. japonica(2 of 9). Of these, thirteenI. monospinosus,eightI. persulcatus, threeI. ovatus, twoH. flavaand oneH. japonicawere identified by nucleotide sequences as positive forR. helvetica. DNA fragments from threeH. flavaand oneH. japonicashowed greater homology toR. japonicathan toR. helveticaorR. asiatica.The present results indicate that it is most likely that the vector tick ofR. helveticainfection in Fukui Prefecture isI. monospinosus.
Nucleotide variability and linkage disequilibrium patterns at the porcine FABP5 gene
Authors: Ojeda A. , Estellé J. , Folch J. M. , Pérez‐Enciso M.
Published: June 2008

Fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) is a major positional and physiological candidate gene for the porcine FAT1 QTL on SSC4. Here we characterize the nucleotide polymorphism and haplotype variability of FABP5 and we compare it with that of FABP4, given their close physical location and similar metabolic roles. DNA resequencing of the FABP5 gene region in 29 pigs from 14 breeds and in European and Japanese wild boars revealed 36 polymorphisms in 5.2 kb, and a nucleotide diversity of 0.19%, comparable to values reported in other domestic species but sixfold lower than that previously found for FABP4. Remarkably, both the nucleotide variability and the haplotype structure of FABP5 and FABP4 were dramatically different, and the Hudson–Kreitman–Aguadé test was highly significant. Nevertheless, both genes also had similarities. The neighbour‐joining trees of their haplotypes did not show a geographical arrangement for any of the genes. Besides, both genes presented a similar extent and pattern of linkage disequilibrium. Haplotype blocks did not extend for large stretches (∼1 kb in both genes), and the number of tag SNPs required to capture all variability was higher than previously expected. Our findings indicate that FABP4 and FABP5 have undergone different selective or evolutive processes. The fact that haplotype blocks were so small may require us to increase the number of SNPs in prospective whole‐genome association studies in the pig.
Winter soil frost conditions in boreal forests control growing season soil CO2 concentration and its atmospheric exchange
Authors: ÖQUIST M. G. , LAUDON H.
Published: June 2008

The impact of changes in winter soil frost regime on soil CO2 concentration and its atmospheric exchange in a boreal Norway spruce forest was investigated using a field‐scale soil frost manipulation experiment. The experiment comprised three treatments: deep soil frost, shallow soil frost and control plots (n= 3). Winter soil temperatures and soil frost distribution were significantly altered by the different treatments. The average soil CO2 concentrations during the growing season were significantly lower in plots with deep soil frost than in plots with shallow soil frost. The average CO2 soil–atmosphere exchange rate exhibited the same pattern, and differences in soil respiration rates among the treatments were statistically significant. Both the variation in soil CO2 concentration and the CO2 soil–atmosphere exchange rate could statistically be explained by the differences in the maximum soil frost depth during the previous winter. A response model for growing season soil respiration rates suggests that every 1 cm change in winter soil frost depth will change the emission rates by ca. 0.01 g CO2 m−2 day−1, corresponding to 0.2–0.5% of the estimated net ecosystem productivity (NEP). This suggests that the soil frost regime has a significant influence on the C balance of the system, because interannual variations in soil frost up to 60 cm have been recorded at the site. We conclude that winter climate conditions can be important in controlling C balances in northern terrestrial ecosystems, and also that indirect effects of the winter season must be taken into account, because these can affect the prevailing conditions during the growing season.
Properties of a concentrated minipool solvent‐detergent treated cryoprecipitate processed in single‐use bag systems
Authors: BURNOUF T. , CARON C. , RADOSEVICH M. , GOUBRAN H. A. , GOUDEMAND J. , EL‐EKIABY M.
Published: June 2008

Summary.  Cryoprecipitate is still used to treat factor VIII (FVIII), von Willebrand factor (VWF) and/or fibrinogen deficiency. Recently a solvent‐detergent (S/D) process of minipools of cryoprecipitate performed in a closed bag system has been designed to improve its viral safety. Still, cryoprecipitate has other drawbacks, including low concentration in active proteins, and presence of haemolytic isoagglutinins. We report here the biochemical evaluation of S/D‐treated minipools of cryoprecipitates depleted of cryo‐poor plasma. Cryoprecipitates were solubilized by 8 mL of a sterile glucose/saline solution, pooled in batches of 40 donations and subjected to S/D treatment in a plastic bag system using either 2% TnBP or 1% TnBP‐1%Triton X‐45, followed by oil extractions (n = 10). Mean (±SD) FVIII and fibrinogen content was 8.86 (±1.29) IU mL−1 and 16.02 (±1.98) mg mL−1, and 8.92 (±1.05) IU mL−1 in cryoprecipitate minipools treated with 2% TnBP, and 17.26 (±1.71) mg mL−1, in those treated by TnBP‐Triton X‐45, respectively. The WWF antigen, ristocetin cofactor and collagen binding activities were close to 10, 7 and 8 IU mL−1, respectively, and were not affected by either SD treatment. VWF multimeric pattern of SD‐treated cryoprecipitates were similar to that of normal plasma, and the >15 mers and >10 mers content was identical to that of the starting cryoprecipitates. The anti‐A and anti‐B titre was 0–1 and 0–1/8, respectively. Therefore, it is possible to prepare virally inactivated cryoprecipitate minipools depleted of isoagglutinins and enriched in functional FVIII, VWF and clottable fibrinogen.
Sampling survey on intellectual disability in 0∼6‐year‐old children in China
Authors: Xie Z.‐H. , Bo S.‐Y. , Zhang X.‐T. , Liu M. , Zhang Z.‐X. , Yang X.‐L. , JI S.‐R. , Yan H. , Sui X.‐L. , Na X. , Guo S.‐H. , Wu Z.‐L.
Published: June 2008

Objectives  To understand the current status of intellectually disabled children and the prevalence of intellectual disability (ID) in children aged 0∼6 years and its risk factors, and to provide scientific evidence to formulate relevant policies for helping intellectually disabled children.

Methods  Multiphase, stratified, unequal proportional and cluster sampling was adopted to investigate 60 124 children aged 0∼6 years. All the children investigated were screened for ID using the Denver Developmental Screening Test, and those with positive screening test would be further diagnosed by varied specialists using the Gesell Developmental Inventory.

Results  In total, 560 of 60 124 children were diagnosed as intellectually disabled with an overall prevalence of 0.93%. Prevalence of ID was highest in children living in medium‐developed areas with a prevalence of 1.20%, higher than in those living in developed areas (0.75%) and in underdeveloped areas (0.84%). It was higher in rural areas (1.03%) than in urban areas (0.83%), and higher in boys (1.01%) than in girls (0.84%). Prevalence of ID increased with the age of children and decreased with the educational level of their parents.

Conclusions  The study suggested that ID is still prevalent in the children of China, and rehabilitation for them is lagging behind current needs. Early prevention of ID in children and pre‐school education for them should be strengthened.
Smelling right: the scent of male lemurs advertises genetic quality and relatedness
Authors: CHARPENTIER MARIE J. E. , BOULET MARYLÈNE , DREA CHRISTINE M.
Published: June 2008

Sexual selection theory predicts that competitors or potential mates signal their quality or relatedness to conspecifics. Researchers have focused on visual or auditory modes of signal transmission; however, the importance of olfactory indicators is gaining recognition. Using a primate model and a new integrative analytical approach, we provide the first evidence relating male olfactory cues to individual genome‐wide heterozygosity and to the genetic distance between individuals. The relationships between male semiochemical profiles and genetic characteristics are apparent only during the highly competitive and stressful breeding season. As heterozygosity accurately predicts health and survivorship in this population, we identify scrotal olfactory cues as honest indicators of male quality, with relevance possibly to both sexes. Beyond showing that semiochemicals could underlie kin recognition and nepotism, we provide a putative olfactory mechanism to guide male–male competition and female mate choice.
Spatial distribution of mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA variation in Daubenton's bat within Scotland
Authors: NGAMPRASERTWONG THONGCHAI , MACKIE IAIN J. , RACEY PAUL A. , PIERTNEY STUART B.
Published: June 2008

Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii) is a known reservoir for European bat lyssavirus type 2 (EBLV‐2). An appreciation of the potential for epidemiological spread and disease risk requires an understanding of the dispersal of the primary host, and any large‐scale geographical barriers that may impede gene flow. The spatial pattern of microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA variation was examined to infer patterns of dispersal of bats among 35 populations across Scotland. DNA sequence variation at the mitochondrial control region and ND1 genes revealed two distinct phylogeographical clades, with generally nonoverlapping geographical distributions except for a small number of populations where both matrilines were found in sympatry. Such discontinuity suggests that Scotland was recolonised twice following the retreat of the Pleistocene ice sheet with little subsequent matrilineal introgression. However, eight microsatellite loci showed low levels of genetic divergence among populations, even between populations from the two distinct mitochondrial DNA clades. An overall, macrogeographical genetic isolation‐by‐distance pattern was observed, with high levels of gene flow among local populations. Apparently contrasting patterns of mitochondrial and microsatellite divergence at different scales could be explained by sex‐specific differences in gene flow at large scales.
GHASP: an Hα kinematic survey of spiral and irregular galaxies – VI. New Hα data cubes for 108 galaxies
Authors: Epinat B. , Amram P. , Marcelin M. , Balkowski C. , Daigle O. , Hernandez O. , Chemin L. , Carignan C. , Gach J.-L. , Balard P.
Published: June 2008

We present the Fabry–Perot observations obtained for a new set of 108 galaxies in the frame of the Gassendi Hα survey of SPirals (GHASP). The GHASP survey consists of 3D Hα data cubes for 203 spiral and irregular galaxies, covering a large range in morphological types and absolute magnitudes, for kinematics analysis. The new set of data presented here completes the survey. The GHASP sample is by now the largest sample of Fabry–Perot data ever published. The analysis of the whole GHASP sample will be done in forthcoming papers. Using adaptive binning techniques based on Voronoi tessellations, we have derived Hα data cubes from which are computed Hα maps, radial velocity fields as well as residual velocity fields, position–velocity diagrams, rotation curves and the kinematical parameters for almost all galaxies. Original improvements in the determination of the kinematical parameters, rotation curves and their uncertainties have been implemented in the reduction procedure. This new method is based on the whole 2D velocity field and on the power spectrum of the residual velocity field rather than the classical method using successive crowns in the velocity field. Among the results, we point out that morphological position angles have systematically higher uncertainties than kinematical ones, especially for galaxies with low inclination. The morphological inclination of galaxies having no robust determination of their morphological position angle cannot be constrained correctly. Galaxies with high inclination show a better agreement between their kinematical inclination and their morphological inclination computed assuming a thin disc. The consistency of the velocity amplitude of our rotation curves has been checked using the Tully–Fisher relationship. Our data are in good agreement with previous determinations found in the literature. Nevertheless, galaxies with low inclination have statistically higher velocities than expected and fast rotators are less luminous than expected.
A multi-coloured survey of NGC 253 with XMM–Newton: testing the methods used for creating luminosity functions from low-count data
Authors: Barnard R. , Greening L. Shaw , Kolb U.
Published: June 2008

NGC 253 is a local, starbursting spiral galaxy with strong X-ray emission from hot gas, as well as many point sources. We have conducted a spectral survey of the X-ray population of NGC 253 using a deep XMM–Newton observation. NGC 253 only accounts for ∼20 per cent of the XMM–Newton EPIC field of view, allowing us to identify ∼100 X-ray sources that are unlikely to be associated with NGC 253. Hence, we were able to make a direct estimate of contamination from, for example, foreground stars and background galaxies.

X-ray luminosity functions (XLFs) of galaxy populations are often used to characterize their properties. There are several methods for estimating the luminosities of X-ray sources with few photons. We have obtained spectral fits for the brightest 140 sources in the 2003 XMM–Newton observation of NGC 253, and compare the best-fitting luminosities of those 69 non-nuclear sources associated with NGC 253 with luminosities derived using other methods. We find the luminosities obtained from these various methods to vary systematically by a factor of up to 3 for the same data; this is largely due to differences in absorption. We therefore conclude that assuming Galactic absorption is probably unwise; rather, one should measure the absorption for the population.

A remarkable correlation has been reported between the XLFs of galaxies and their star formation rates. However, the XLFs used in that study were obtained using several different methods. If the sample galaxies were revisited and a single method were applied, then this correlation may become stronger still.

In addition, we find that standard estimations of the background contribution to the X-ray sources in the field are insufficient. We find that the background active galactic nuclei (AGN) may be systematically more luminous than previously expected. However, the excess in our measured AGN XLF with respect to the expected XLF may be due to an as yet unrecognized population associated with NGC 253.
A mixture of Escherichia coli (DSM 17252) and Enterococcus faecalis (DSM 16440) for treatment of the irritable bowel syndrome – A randomized controlled trial with primary care physicians
Authors: Enck P. , Zimmermann K. , Menke G. , Müller‐lissner S. , Martens U. , Klosterhalfen S.
Published: June 2008

Abstract  Therapy trials with bacterial compounds in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have produced conflicting results. This study was performed in 1988 and 1989, and was re‐analysed according to current IBS standards. Two hundred ninety‐seven patients with lower abdominal symptoms diagnosed as IBS were treated for 8 weeks by the compound ProSymbioflor® (Symbiopharm GmbH, Herborn, Germany), an autolysate of cells and cell fragments of Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli, or placebo in a double‐blinded, randomized fashion. Patients were seen weekly by the physician, who assessed the presence of core IBS symptoms. Responders had at least a 50% decrease in global symptom score (GSS) and in abdominal pain score (APS) reports at ≥1 visit during treatment. The responder rate in GSS to the drug was 102/149 (68.5%) in comparison to placebo with 56/148 (37.8%) (P < 0.001), the improvement in APS was 108/149 (72.5%) and 66/148 (44.6%) respectively (P = 0.001). The number‐needed‐to‐treat was 3.27 for GSS and 3.59 for the APS report. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a mean response time of 4–5 weeks for active treatment and more than 8 weeks for placebo (P < 0.0001). Treatment of IBS with the bacterial lysate ProSymbioflor is effective and superior to placebo in reducing typical symptoms of IBS patients seen by general practitioners.
Microcalcification after excitotoxicity is enhanced in transgenic mice expressing parvalbumin in all neurones, may commence in neuronal mitochondria and undergoes structural modifications over time
Authors: Maetzler W. , Stünitz H. , Bendfeldt K. , Vollenweider F. , Schwaller B. , Nitsch C.
Published: June 2008

Aims: Parenchymal microcalcification in the brain coincides with neurodegenerative diseases, but is also frequently found in neurologically normal individuals. The origin and role of this process are still under debate. Parvalbumin (PV) is a protein acting as a Ca2+ buffer and Ca2+ shuttle towards intracellular Ca2+ sinks, like mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. Constitutively, it is present in a subset of inhibitory neurones. In transgenic mice expressing pan‐neuronal PV, the mitochondrial volume is reduced. We tested whether elevated levels of intraneuronal [Ca2+] and reduced mitochondrial volume in the neurone interfere with the generation of parenchymal microcalcification. Methods: The striatum of wild type and transgenic mice was injected with the glutamate receptor agonist ibotenic acid (IBO), which is known to induce not only excitotoxic neurodegeneration, but also parenchymal calcification. Sections were studied by light and electron microscopy at various time points after IBO application. Results: Morphometric analysis 2, 4 and 20 weeks after IBO application revealed microcalcification in transgenic and wild type mice; the calcification process, however, was enhanced and accelerated in the transgenic animals. Ultrastructural analyses suggest neuronal mitochondria as the nucleators of the deposits which consist of hydroxyapatite. The time‐dependent changes in size and surface structure of the deposits indicate the presence of biological mechanisms in the brain promoting regression of bioapatites. Conclusions: The overload of intraneuronal [Ca2+] in combination with impaired mitochondrial function activates neuronal microcalcification. It is hypothesized that this process is an alternative/adaptive mechanism of the neurone to reduce further brain damage.
Schistosoma mansoni Triose Phosphate Isomerase Peptide MAP4 is Able to Trigger Naïve Donor Immune Response Towards a Type‐1 Cytokine Profile
Authors: Reis E. A. G. , Mauadi Carmo T. A. , Athanazio R. , Reis M. G. , Harn Jr D. A.
Published: June 2008

We evaluated the ability of naïve monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (DC) to sensitize autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to the schistosome vaccine candidate MAP4 using a priming in vitro (PIV) assay. MAP4 is a multiple antigen peptide containing B‐ and T‐cell epitopes derived from the glycolytic enzyme triose phosphate isomerase. PBMC primed and restimulated with MAP4 first and secondary recalls (MAP4 PIV cells) were examined for cell phenotype and cytokine production. We found that after the first recall stimulation with MAP4, the major cell population was predominantly CD4+ T‐cell subsets (68.5%), CD8+high (16%) and CD19+ (10%). Additionally, MAP4 PIV cells significantly expressed CD4+‐HLA‐DR+, ‐CD54+, ‐CD45RO+ (P < 0.0001) and ‐CD25+ (P < 0.0004) together with significant expression of CD80+ on CD19+ B cells (P < 0.007). Cytokine production from activated MAP4 PIV cells was predominantly Th1‐like, consisting mainly of IFN‐γ. Interestingly, IFN‐γ production was suppressed when Schistosoma mansoni‐soluble egg antigen (SEA) was added to a MAP4 PIV cell culture. Furthermore, addition of MAP4 to a SEA PIV cell culture significantly reduced secretion of IL‐10. The present findings add to the knowledge gained from studies in the mouse model, and our results show that naïve donor DC, sensitized with MAP4, were able to prime and clonally expand MAP4‐specific T cells towards a Th1‐type response.
Influence of clonal growth on selfing rate in Vaccinium myrtillus L.
Authors: Albert T. , Raspé O. , Jacquemart A.‐L.
Published: June 2008

Clonal growth, which allows the multiplication of flowering shoots of the same genet, can lead to a large floral display and may thus increase the rate of selfing through geitonogamy as a consequence of an increase in the number of successively visited flowers. The aim of the present research was to analyse the combined effect of the diversity and intermingling of clones on the rate of selfing in Vaccinium myrtillus. Four mother plants were selected within patches characterised by contrasting clonal structure (low versus high number and intermingling of clones). The selfing rate was significantly lower for plants situated within patches characterised by a high number of intermingled clones (3%) than for plants situated in patches with a low number of clones (50%). Therefore, for this species suffering from inbreeding depression, an increase in the number or the intermingling of the clones could reduce the rate and the cost of geitonogamy and allow a large floral display to attract pollinators. We also found that the main pollinators, bumblebee queens, presented a foraging behaviour favouring geitonogamy, as their successive visits to flowers were quite short (89% of flights were 40 cm or less).
Effect of the Rht‐D1 dwarfing locus on Fusarium head blight rating in three segregating populations of winter wheat
Authors: Voss H.‐H. , Holzapfel J. , Hartl L. , Korzun V. , Rabenstein F. , Ebmeyer E. , Coester H. , Kempf H. , Miedaner T.
Published: June 2008

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the major fungal diseases in wheat throughout the world. To control FHB severity, breeding genetically resistant varieties is thought to be the most promising strategy. In wheat breeding programmes, short cultivars predominantly carrying the Norin 10 derived semi‐dwarfing allele Rht‐D1b (Rht2) are preferred worldwide because of higher achievable grain yields and lower risk of lodging. This study was conducted to determine the influence of different alleles at the Rht‐D1 locus on FHB reaction. Three winter wheat populations were produced by crossing rather susceptible varieties ‘Biscay’, ‘Pirat’ and ‘Rubens’ carrying mutant‐type allele Rht‐D1b with the more resistant varieties ‘Apache’, ‘Romanus’ and ‘History’ containing the Rht‐D1a wild‐type allele (rht2). The 190, 216 and 103 progeny of the F4‐derived populations were assayed for the presence of Rht‐D1a or Rht‐D1b, plant height, and mean FHB rating after spray inoculation at flowering time with a highly aggressive isolate of Fusarium culmorum. Comparably, high mean FHB severities ranging from 28% to 49% for all population × environment combinations were achieved, with significant genotypic variation for FHB rating and plant height within all populations. Both traits were negatively correlated with r ranging from −0.48 to −0.61 in the complete populations. However, within the subpopulations homozygous for one or other height allele these correlations decreased considerably. The Rht‐D1b semi‐dwarfing allele resulted in 7–18% shorter plants, depending on the population, but a considerably increased FHB reaction of 22–53%. Nevertheless, significant genotypic variance for FHB resistance remained in all tested Rht‐D1b subpopulations indicating that selection for moderately FHB resistant genotypes within agronomically beneficial Rht‐D1b genotypes is still feasible.
PHYSIOLOGICAL SLEEP‐DEPENDENT CHANGES IN ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE: CENTRAL AUTONOMIC COMMANDS AND BAROREFLEX CONTROL
Authors: Silvani Alessandro
Published: June 2008

Sleep is a heterogeneous behaviour. As a first approximation, it is subdivided objectively into two states: non‐rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) and rapid eye movement sleep (REMS).

The mean value and variability of arterial blood pressure (ABP) decrease physiologically from wakefulness to NREMS. In REMS, there may be a further decrease or increase in mean ABP as well as phasic hypertensive events, which enhance the variability of ABP.

The reduced mean ABP during NREMS results from a decrease in either heart rate or sympathetic vasoconstrictor tone. During REMS, sympathetic activity to the different cardiovascular effectors undergoes a substantial repatterning. Thus, the mean ABP in REMS reflects a balance between changes in cardiac output and constriction or dilatation of different vascular beds.

In both sleep states, the phasic changes in ABP are driven by bursts of vasoconstriction, which may be accompanied by surges of heart rate.

The available evidence supports the hypothesis that the sleep‐dependent changes in ABP, either tonic or phasic, result from the integration between cardiovascular reflexes and central autonomic commands that are specific to each sleep state.
The investigation of putative agents, using an in vitro model, to prevent cavernosal smooth muscle dysfunction during low‐flow priapism
Authors: Muneer Asif , Cellek Selim , Ralph David J. , Minhas Suks
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of putative agents for preventing irreversible smooth muscle dysfunction, using an in vitro model of low‐flow priapism (a condition conventionally managed using a combination of corporal blood aspiration and instillation of α‐adrenergic agonists), as failure of detumescence results in a high incidence of erectile dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated the effects of several agents (N‐acetylcysteine, BayK 8644, glutathione, digoxin, calcium and Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester) on the recovery of smooth muscle tone after exposure to 4 h of a combination of hypoxia, glucopenia and acidosis in corpus cavernosum isolated from rabbit.

RESULTS

After 4 h of ischaemia, none of the agents were able to prevent irreversible smooth muscle dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

Prolonged low‐flow priapism leads to smooth muscle dysfunction and fibrosis within the corpus cavernosum. When α‐adrenergic agents fail to reverse the condition, surgical intervention is required. We showed that the administration of novel agents, including antioxidants, does not prevent smooth muscle dysfunction.
American “prestige press” representations of the global hegemony of English
Authors: DEMONT‐HEINRICH CHRISTOF
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT:  An extensive body of scholarship exists on the complex ways in which various peoples, states, and regions outside core English‐speaking countries are being affected by, and view themselves as being affected by, the global rise of English. However the different ways in which core country elites understand and represent their unique sociolinguistic position vis‐à‐vis the global ascendancy of English has received much less attention. This paper, as does the study whose results it summarizes, pays special attention to what Schiller (2000) has described as “the American situation” with respect to the global hegemony of English. It does so by way of critical interpretation of more than 200 accounts of the global spread of English published from January 1, 1991 to May 1, 2003 in five American‐owned prestige press publications: the Los Angeles Times, the International Herald Tribune, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post. Its overall conclusion is that the prestige press representations examined frame English in terms that largely allow Americans to view the rise of English, and their apparently limited role in this phenomenon, in primarily (though not wholly) uncritical, non‐reflexive, positive, and magnanimous fashion.
Language, ideology and ‘English within a globalized context’
Authors: SEARGEANT PHILIP
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT: This paper offers an examination of the role played by ideology in the research and regulation of ‘English within a globalized context’ (EGC). It analyzes the two major paradigms in this field: that which promotes English as a single, universal code; and that which advocates the need for the acknowledgement of discrete, localized varieties. It explores the linguistic assumptions upon which these are based, as well as the ideological frameworks that assign the particular functions and character to the language within this context, and which, in effect, create the concept of English as a Universal Language. By drawing upon an integrated theory of language ideologies and the linguistic system, the paper outlines the ways in which ideological issues are of fundamental importance for the way that the language both exists and operates within the globalized context.
Salinity tolerance in halophytes*
Authors: Flowers Timothy J. , Colmer Timothy D.
Published: June 2008

Contents

Summary
945

I.
Introduction
946

II.
Growth and osmotic adjustment
946

III.
Uptake and transport of monovalent ions
950

IV.
Conclusions and perspectives
956

Acknowledgements
957

References
959
Exogenous nitric oxide negatively regulates c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase activation via inhibiting endogenous NO‐induced S‐nitrosylation during cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rat hippocampus
Authors: Pei Dong‐Sheng , Song Yuan‐Jian , Yu Hong‐Min , Hu Wei‐Wei , Du Yang , Zhang Guang‐Yi
Published: June 2008

Nitric oxide (NO), synthesized from l‐arginine by NO synthases, is a small endogenous free radical with multiple functions. The c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway plays a critical role in mediating apoptosis in cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. In this study, we found that the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) can decrease the damage of hippocampal neurons induced by cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. Our current study demonstrates that SNP can suppress the phosphorylation of JNK3 by suppressing the increased S‐nitrosylation of JNK3 induced by cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. In contrast, dithiothreitol reversed the effect of SNP on S‐nitrosylation of JNK3. Furthermore, the inhibitor of nNOS (7‐NI) and the inhibitor of iNOS (AMT) can decrease JNK3 phosphorylation through decreasing S‐nitrosylation of JNK3. Our data suggest that endogenous NO synthesized by NO synthases can increase JNK3 phosphorylation by means of S‐nitrosylation during global ischemia/reperfusion in rat hippocampus. However, the exogenous NO (SNP) can reverse the effect of endogenous NO by inhibiting S‐nitrosylation of JNK3. Together, these results suggest that the exogenous NO may provide a new clue for stroke therapy.
Inference for Clustered Inhomogeneous Spatial Point Processes
Authors: Henrys P. A. , Brown P. E.
Published: June 2008

SummaryWe propose a method to test for significant differences in the levels of clustering between two spatial point processes (cases and controls) while taking into account differences in their first‐order intensities. The key advance on earlier methods is that the controls are not assumed to be a Poisson process. Inference and diagnostics are based around the inhomogeneousK‐function with confidence envelopes obtained from either resampling events in a nonparametric bootstrap approach, or simulating new events as in a parametric bootstrap. Methods developed are demonstrated using the locations of adult and juvenile trees in a tropical forest. A simulation study briefly examines the accuracy and power of the inferential procedures.
Thrombin induces osteoprotegerin synthesis via phosphatidylinositol 3′‐kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway in human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Arayatrakoollikit U. , Pavasant P. , Yongchaitrakul T.
Published: June 2008

Background and Objective:  Thrombin influences the biological behavior of periodontal ligament cells and plays multiple roles in the early stages of bone healing. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is one of the key molecules that regulate bone homeostasis and prevent osteoclastogenesis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biological effects of thrombin on OPG synthesis in human periodontal ligament (HPDL) cells in vitro.

Material and Methods:  Cells were treated with various concentrations (0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 U/mL) of thrombin. The mRNA expression and protein synthesis of OPG, as well as of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), were determined by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blot analysis, respectively. The influence of thrombin on OPG synthesis and its signaling pathway were investigated using inhibitors.

Results:  Thrombin profoundly induces protein synthesis of OPG at 0.1 U/mL. The inductive effect was inhibited by cycloheximide, but not by indomethacin. The phosphatidylinositol 3′‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, LY294002, and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, rapamycin, exerted an inhibitory effect on the thrombin‐induced OPG synthesis. In addition, the effect was inhibited by protease‐activated receptor (PAR)‐1 antagonist. Activation of phospho‐Akt (p‐Akt) was observed and the effect was abolished by LY294002.

Conclusion:  Thrombin induces OPG synthesis in HPDL cells post‐transcriptionally, possibly through PAR‐1. The regulation was through the PI3K/Akt and mTOR pathway. This finding suggests that thrombin may play a significant role in alveolar bone repair and homeostasis of periodontal tissue, partly through the OPG/RANKL system.
The barnacle and the building: a modern morality tale
Authors: BUCKERIDGE John S.
Published: June 2008

A rare and almost complete barnacle fossil, previously described on the basis of two isolated shell fragments, was recently exposed in a limestone block on the outer wall of Melbourne's Old Magistrates' Courts in Victoria, Australia. These courts comprise one of the oldest and grandest buildings in Melbourne and because of this they have a heritage listing. As heritage‐listed buildings are protected from alteration by law, and as removal of the fossil would be deemed “alteration”, official permission had to be obtained to extract the specimen. This paper discusses the processes involved with extraction of a unique specimen from a protected building and provides an overview of the palaeontological significance of the fossil. Consideration is given to the likely fate of a fossil of this nature, situated a little below eye level on a busy city street, if it was left in situ; finally, the implications of designating a holotype from material removed from a building are assessed.
Relationship between estrus cycles and behavioral durations of captive female alpine musk deer
Authors: MENG Xiuxiang , PERKINS Genevieve C. , YANG Qisen , FENG Zuojian , MENG Zhibin , XU Hongfa
Published: June 2008

Owing to poor breeding success in captive alpine musk deer, an understanding of the behavioral patterns of musk deer in captivity is important. This study was conducted from June 2004 to January 2005 at the Xinglongshan Musk Deer Farm, which is located within Xinglongshan National Nature Reserve, Gansu Province, China. Focal sampling and continuous recording were used to observe the behaviors of 51 female alpine musk deer (Moschus sifanicus), 42 of which had completed a single estrus cycle and nine of which had completed two or more estrus cycles. All animals were adults that had been born and raised in captivity. The durations of 12 behaviors, including environmental sniffing, moving and feeding, were recorded during the non‐breeding seasons and behavioral patterns were compared. The behavioral patterns of females that had completed a single estrus cycle and females that had completed multiple estrus cycles were compared to assess potential behavioral differences. The results showed that females who had only one complete estrus cycle demonstrated more resting behavior, but less feeding and locomotor behavior than females who had completed multiple estrus cycles. Furthermore, single estrus cycle females demonstrated tail‐rubbing during the breeding season. The results may yield useful information that can be used in developing better musk deer farming practices.
Active bleb formation is abated in Lytechinus variegatus red spherule coelomocytes after disruption of acto‐myosin contractility
Authors: D'ANDREA‐WINSLOW Lisanne , NOVITSKI Amy K.
Published: June 2008

Red spherule coelomocytes are immune cells in the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus that have been characterized as motile O2 transport cells. Video microscopy of living red spherule coelomocytes reveals a constitutive, dynamic array of cellular morphologies and movements. Cells continuously send out and retract membrane blebs all over the cell surface as part of their normal cellular physiology. Disruption of microtubules by perfusion with either nocodazole or taxol had no effect on bleb formation or motility. Perfusion with cytochalasin B abated bleb formation and revealed cells that exhibited multiple small spheres attached by short membrane extensions. Attenuation of blebbing and intracellular organelle motility were restored by washing out with cytochalasin B. Treatment with phalloidin also abated bleb formation and revealed a smooth, spherical cellular morphology. The effects of phalloidin were completely reversible after washout. Red spherule coelomocytes treated with blebbistatin rounded up with an irreversible retraction of blebs into surface blebs that were greatly reduced in size, number and motility. Normal cell surface bleb formation and intracellular organelle motility were not restored after washout of the drug. These results indicate that the acto‐myosin contractile mechanism contributes to the dynamics of constitutive cell surface membrane blebbing in invertebrate immune cells.
Topographic variation of the choroidal watershed zone and its relationship to neovascularization in patients with age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Mendrinos Efstratios , Pournaras Constantin J.
Published: June 2008

Purpose:  To evaluate the patterns of choroidal watershed zones (WZs) in exudative age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and to describe their relationship with choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Methods:  We retrospectively evaluated 50 digital indocyanine green video‐angiograms of 50 patients with exudative AMD demonstrating one or more WZs. In addition, the relationship between the site of CNV and the WZ was analysed.

Results:  A stellate WZ was observed in 30 of 50 (60%) patients. Choroidal neovascularization occurred within the centre of the WZ in all cases. The WZ was vertically oriented in 18 of 50 (36%) patients. When the WZ coursed through or extended into the fovea, CNV occurred within the WZ, but it occurred at its margin when the WZ did not involve the fovea. An angled WZ coursing through the fovea with CNV occurring within it was observed in two of 50 (4%) patients.

Conclusions:  In exudative AMD, the WZ most commonly conformed to the stellate pattern, followed by the vertical and angled patterns. Choroidal neovascularization occurred within the WZ in 44 of 50 (88%) patients. When the WZ did not involve the fovea (12%), CNV occurred at its margin. The relationship between the site of CNV and macular WZs suggests that macular WZs may be areas which are vulnerable to AMD and which are predisposed to CNV by the resulting hypoxia−ischaemia.
Cultivation and molecular identification ofEhrlichia canisandEhrlichia chaffeensisfrom a naturally co‐infected dog in Venezuela
Authors: Gutiérrez Clara N. , Martínez María , Sánchez Erlinda , De Vera Marisol , Rojas Marìa , Ruiz Joahnny , Triana‐Alonso Francisco J.
Published: June 2008

Background:Diagnosis of canine ehrlichiosis in Venezuela is normally performed by examination of buffy coat smears (BCS). Characteristic inclusion bodies are frequently observed in leukocytes and platelets from dogs with clinical signs of the disease.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate the co‐infection of a dog withEhrlichia canisandE hrlichia chaffeensisusing microbiological and molecular techniques.

Methods:Primary cultures of monocytes from a dog showing signs of ehrlichiosis were performed. Ehrlichial inclusions in blood cells were demonstrated by BCS and in cultured cell smears with direct immunofluorescence and Dip Quick staining. Nested PCR analysis was performed with DNA from blood samples and cultures, using primers specific forE. canisandE. chaffeensis. The amplified DNA fragments were sequenced to confirm the specificity of the amplifications.

Results:The BCS of the naturally infected dog contained intracellular morulae. Ehrlichial inclusions were observed 9 days after inoculation of the primary cultures. After 3 passages with monocytes from a healthy dog, 65% of infected cells, and cells with >60 morulae were observed. A healthy female German Shepherd dog, seronegative forE. canisandE. chaffeensisantigens and without contact to ticks, was inoculated with an infected culture. The animal developed signs of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis and became seropositive. Nested PCR results and sequencing of amplified DNA fragments demonstrated the simultaneous presence ofE. canisandE. chaffeensisin both dogs.

Conclusions:This is the first report ofE. chaffeensisin dogs in South America. This organism was previously identified in dogs by PCR only in the United States.
Large-Amplitude Sloshing With Submerged Blocks
Authors: Huerta A. , Liu W. K.
Published: June 2008

The computer simulation of forced vibrations induced on a water pool is presented in this paper. The complexity of the seismic fluid-structure interaction problem is accentuated by the large free surface motion. To overcome this difficulty, the arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) finite element formulation is employed. Moreover, the nonlinear behavior of the free surface motion is also taken into account. The results of the numerical simulation are compared with published experimental data and the effectiveness of the ALE algorithm is demonstrated.
Nonlinear Analysis of Steel Liner—Reinforced Concrete Penstocks
Authors: Don Z.-R. , Zhao Q.-F. , Song C.-C. , Chang T.-Y. P.
Published: June 2008

This paper is concerned with the nonlinear structural responses of steel liner-reinforced concrete penstocks of a concrete dam subjected to an internal pressure. The study reported herein consists of three major parts: 1) testing of two large penstock specimens, 2) a quasi-analytical solution for preliminary design, and 3) a detailed nonlinear finite element analysis. Each of the three parts are described in the paper with some detail. The quasi-analytical solution, although limited in geometric modeling, can give reasonable predictions on the overall deformation behavior and the ultimate failure strengths of penstocks in question. The finite element analysis, on the other hand, provided more detailed development and distribution of concrete cracking as a function of the applied pressure.
Effect of Temperature Variation on Cyclic Elastic-Plastic Behavior of
SUS 304 Stainless Steel
Authors: Niitsu Y. , Ikegami K.
Published: June 2008

The cyclic elastic-plastic behavior of SUS 304 stainless steel was investigated experimentally under various temperatures and temperature-changing conditions. The specimens were cyclically loaded between fixed axial strain limits at constant temperatures in the range from room temperature to 600°C. The effects of the cyclic strain amplitude on the saturation property of cyclic hardening were obtained at various temperatures. The effects of temperature variations on the cyclic hardening were examined under the temperature conditions of changing between two different temperatures. From these experimental results, the effects of the temperature variation on the saturation properties were found under several temperature conditions. The three different hardening models accounting for these cyclic hardening properties were proposed. The experimental results were compared with the results calculated by those three cyclic hardening models.
Validation of the Deformation Plasticity Failure Assessment Diagram
(DPFAD) Approach—The Case of an Axial Flaw in a Pressurized
Cylinder
Authors: Bloom J. M.
Published: June 2008

The validation of the deformation plasticity failure assessment diagram (DPFAD) approach for application to the prediction of failure pressures for pipes or pressure vessels with axial flaws is addressed in this paper. The DPFAD approach has been extensively documented with regard to its validity in open literature for various configurations of test specimens. For actual structural configurations, however, no such comparisons appear in open literature. In particular, the model of a part-through wall axial flaw in a pressurized cylinder has not been validated through comparisons with actual structural tests results. Two sources of test data from structural tests of axially flawed pressurized cylinders were evaluated. • Heavy-Section Steel Technology (HSST) intermediate test vessels. • Eiber/Battelle Columbus Laboratories (BCL) axially cracked pipes. The DPFAD axial flaw model was developed using finite-element results to generate calibration constants as functions of crack depth to wall thickness and crack depth to crack length for an axially oriented semi-elliptical flaw on the inside surface of a pressurized cylinder. The calibration constants were then used to generate failure assessment curves that can be used to assess or predict failure of pipes or vessels with axial flaws under pressure loading. A key assumption in the analysis was the use of the failure assessment curve for the inside surface flaw in the prediction of outside-surface-flawed cylinder failures. Based on the excellent results from the comparisons with predicted failures to actual vessel and pipe failures, this assumption was found to be reasonable. Furthermore, based on predicted test results of the HSST vessel tests and the Eiber/BCL pipe tests, it was concluded that the DPFAD semi-elliptical axial flaw model can be used reliably in assessing part-through flaws in pressurized vessels and pipes.