bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Diversity and Distribution of Korean Isolates of Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Jeong Yeonhwa , Kim Jinwoo , Kang Yongsung , Lee Seungdon , Hwang Ingyu
Published: September 2007

Genetic diversity among 478 isolates of Ralstonia solanacearum collected from various plants in Korea between 1997 and 2005 was determined based on biovar, pathogenicity, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), 16S rRNA, endoglucanase, hrpB, and mutS gene sequence analyses. Of the isolates, 440 belonged to biovars 1, 3, or 4, and 38 belonged to biovar 2. Biovar N2 isolates were not found. The biovar 1 and 2 isolates were found mainly in southern Korea, whereas the biovar 3 and 4 isolates were widely distributed throughout all nine provinces. AFLP analysis divided the 109 representative Korean isolates into six clusters that were distinct from most of the foreign isolates. Grouping of 8 representative isolates based on their 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that biovars 1, 3, and 4 belonged to division 1, while biovar 2 belonged to subdivision 2b. Sequence analysis of the endoglucanase, hrpB, and mutS genes from the same isolates indicated that the biovar 1, 3, and 4 isolates belonged to phylotype I, while the biovar 2 isolate belonged to phylotype IV. This study is the first comprehensive analysis of genetic diversity among Korean isolates of R. solanacearum.
In-Furrow Applications of Metalaxyl and Phosphite for Control of Pink Rot (Phytophthora erythroseptica) of Potato in New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Al-Mughrabi Khalil I. , Peters Rick D. , Platt H. W. (Bud) , Moreau Gilles , Vikram Appanna , Poirier René , MacDonald Ian
Published: September 2007

The efficacy of metalaxyl-m (Ridomil Gold 480EC) and phosphite (Phostrol) applied at planting in-furrow against pink rot (Phytophthora erythroseptica) of potato (Solanum tuberosum) ‘Shepody’ and ‘Russet Burbank’ was evaluated in field trials conducted in 2005 and 2006 in Florenceville, New Brunswick, Canada. Inoculum made from a metalaxyl-m-sensitive isolate of P. erythroseptica from New Brunswick was applied either in-furrow as a vermiculite slurry at planting or as a zoospore drench in soils adjacent to potato plants in late August. After harvest, the number and weight of tubers showing pink rot symptoms were assessed and expressed as percentages of the total tuber number and total weight of tubers. Metalaxyl-m applied in-furrow was significantly more effective against pink rot than phosphite. The mean percentage of diseased tubers as a percentage of total tuber weight was 1.5% (2005) and 1.2% (2006) for metalaxyl-m-treated plots and 9.6% (2005) and 2.8% (2006) for phosphite-treated plots, a percentage similar to that obtained in inoculated control plots with no fungicide treatment. The mean percentage of diseased tubers expressed as a percentage of the total number of tubers was 1.7% (2005) and 1.3% (2006) for metalaxyl-m-treated plots and 10.1% (2005) and 3.1% (2006) for phosphite-treated plots. Disease incidence was significantly higher using the late-season inoculation technique (respective means in 2005 and 2006 were 9.9 and 3.8% diseased tubers, by weight, and 10.6 and 3.9%, by number) than with the in-furrow inoculation method (respective means in 2005 and 2006 were 3.3 and 0.7% by weight, and 3.7 and 1.3%, by number). The potato cv. Shepody was significantly more susceptible to pink rot (9.9 and 3.3% diseased tubers, by weight, in 2005 and 2006, respectively, and 10.6 and 3.9%, by number) than Russet Burbank (respective means in 2005 and 2006 were 3.4,% and 1.2%, by weight, and 3.7,% and 1.2%, by number). Our findings indicate that metalaxyl applied in-furrow at planting is a viable option for control of pink rot caused by metalaxyl-sensitive strains of P. erythroseptica, whereas phosphite was ineffective.
Development of an Integrated Approach for Managing Bacterial Wilt and Root-Knot on Tomato Under Field Conditions
Authors: Ji Pingsheng , Momol M. Timur , Rich Jimmy R. , Olson Stephen M. , Jones Jeffrey B.
Published: September 2007

A 2-year field study was conducted to develop a field application method using thymol as a preplant soil treatment for controlling bacterial wilt and root-knot nematode on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). In addition, acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), which induces plant systemic resistance, was applied in conjunction with thymol to determine whether combining these tactics could improve bacterial wilt management. The test sites were artificially infested with Ralstonia solanacearum and Meloidogyne arenaria, and thymol was applied as preplant fumigation through drip irrigation lines under polyethylene mulch at a rate of 73 kg/ha in both 2004 and 2005. ASM was applied primarily as foliar spray at a concentration of 25 mg/liter. Application of thymol significantly reduced incidence of bacterial wilt on tomato in both years of the trial. In thymol-treated plots, 26.0 and 22.6% of the plants wilted in 2004 and 2005, respectively; whereas, in untreated plots, more than 95% of the plants wilted in each year. Number of root-knot nematode juveniles was significantly reduced in field plots treated with thymol and ASM for both years. The combined use of thymol and ASM provided the greatest reduction of root galling among the treatments. Tomato yield (cv. FL47) was evaluated only in the 2005 trial; thymol-treated plots produced significantly higher marketable yield than untreated plots, and the thymol treatment in combination with ASM significantly increased tomato yield compared with thymol or ASM alone. These results indicate that use of thymol and ASM was beneficial in controlling bacterial wilt and root-knot. We developed an effective method for applying thymol through drip irrigation lines for managing these diseases in tomato production.
Effects of Pathogen Polygalacturonase, Ethylene, and Firmness on Interactions Between Pear Fruits and Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Akagi Aya , Stotz Henrik U.
Published: September 2007

The plant hormone ethylene regulates developmental processes as well as responses to abiotic stress and pathogens. Ethylene influences interactions between the gray mold pathogen, Botrytis cinerea, and its hosts. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of ethylene on gray mold susceptibility of pear fruits. B. cinerea induced ethylene emission from infected pear fruits. As expected, ethylene production and softening of pear fruits were accelerated by propylene and inhibited by 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), but these chemical treatments had a relatively small effect on the rate of lesion expansion after wound inoculation with B. cinerea. Cotreatment of pear fruits with 1-MCP and aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) delayed the onset of ethylene emission well beyond the onset of lesion expansion. The trace amount of ethylene produced after inhibition with AVG and 1-MCP was at least partially produced via 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid. Gray mold susceptibility was cultivar-dependent; d'Anjou pears were more susceptible than Bartlett fruits. Storage enhanced the susceptibility of pear fruits. Virulence of the B. cinerea strain B05.10 on pear fruits was dependent on the polygalacturonase gene Bcpg1, but not on the pectin methylesterase gene Bcpme1. Thus, we conclude that, unlike exogenous manipulation of ethylene and associated changes in fruit softening, pectin catabolism plays a major role in gray mold susceptibility of pear.
First Report of a Bacterial Leaf and Fruit Spot of Cashew Nut (Anacardium occidentale) Caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. mangiferaeindicae in Brazil
Authors: Viana F. M. P. , Cardoso J. E. , Saraiva H. A. O. , Ferreira M. A. S. V. , Mariano R. L. R. , Trindade L. C.
Published: September 2007

In 2003 and 2004, leaves and young fruits of cashew nut plants showing an undescribed disease symptom were observed on plants of an early-dwarf clone in a commercial orchard in Ceará and Piauí states in northeastern Brazil. Initial symptoms consisted of angular, water-soaked, dark-to-black spots on the leaf and at the mid-rib vein surrounding the leaf veins. Eventually, lesions also extended from the mid-rib to the secondary veins, delineating the vein system of the leaf. In young, green fruits, symptoms were large, dark, oily spots surrounded by conspicuous water-soaked areas. A yellow-pigmented colony was consistently recovered from the lesions on nutrient yeast-extract dextrose agar medium (3 g of meat extract, 5 g of peptone, 10 g of dextrose, 5 g of yeast extract, and 18 g of agar per liter). Physiological tests revealed colonies that were gram negative, strictly aerobic, oxidase negative, catalase positive, lacking fluorescent pigmentation on King's B medium, urea hydrolase negative, and able to grow on yeast dextrose calcium carbonate medium yielding yellow colonies. These tests indicated that the bacterium belonged to the genus Xanthomonas. PCR amplification of bacterial DNA using RST2 (1) and Xcv3R (3) primers resulted in identical band patterns to mango isolates Xanthomonas campestris pv. mangiferaeindicae. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of PCR-amplified products of six isolates of X. campestris pv. mangiferaeindicae was conducted with HaeIII and showed different profile patterns on agarose gel, indicating genetic variability among these isolates. Pathogenicity was demonstrated by gently piercing and misting cashew leaves with a bacterial suspension adjusted to 106 CFU/ml. Inoculated plants were enclosed in plastic bags for 24 h and then incubated in a greenhouse (29 ± 1°C). Control plants were misted with sterile water and treated the same way. After 8 days, foliar symptoms similar to those observed in the field developed on all inoculated plants, and reisolated bacteria were characterized and found to be X. campestris pv. mangiferaeindicae. Control plants remained symptomless. To our knowledge, this is the first description of commercially grown cashew plants as host to X. campestris pv. mangiferaeindicae in Brazil. This disease may pose a serious problem to the cashew-growing industry in Brazil. This bacterial pathogen has been reported on mangoes (Mangifera indica) and cashew in India (2) under the former name of Pseudomonas mangiferae-indicae.

References: (1) R. P. Leite, Jr. et al. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:1068, 1994. (2) M. K. Patel et al. Curr. Sci. 17:189, 1948. (3) L. C. Trindade et al. Summa Phytopathol. 33:16, 2007.
First Report of Leaf Spot Caused by a Phoma sp. on Clematis × jackmanii in Italy
Authors: Garibaldi A. , Bertetti D. , Gullino M. L.
Published: September 2007

The genus Clematis, belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, is widely used in gardens and is very much appreciated for its climbing attitude as well as rich flower production. In the fall of 2006, in a private garden located near Biella (northern Italy), a severe foliar disease was observed on 2-year-old plants of Clematis × jackmanii. Small necrotic spots were observed on the upper and lower sides of infected leaves. At temperatures of 15 to 25°C, spots enlarged to form round areas that were 2 to 7 cm in diameter and well defined by a brown margin. Severely infected leaves wilted without abscising. The disease occurred on 100% of the plants of the C. × jackmanii hybrid in one garden. Stems and flowers were not affected by the disease. From infected leaves, a fungus was consistently isolated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with 25 mg/liter of streptomycin. The fungus was grown on PDA and maintained at 22°C (12-h light, 12-h dark). After 10 days, black pycnidia 132 to 340 μm in diameter developed, releasing abundant hyaline, elliptical, nonseptate, conidia measuring 5.1 to 8.3 (6.8) × 1.6 to 3.4 (2.7) μm. On the basis of its morphological characteristics, the fungus was identified as a Phoma sp. (2). The internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA was amplified using primers ITS4/ITS6 (1,3), sequenced (GenBank Accession No. EF566917), and identified as a Phoma sp. Pathogenicity tests were performed by spraying leaves of healthy 1-year-old potted C. × jackmanii (cvs. Superba, Mrs N. Thomson, and Vagebond) plants with a spore and mycelial suspension (4 × 105 spores or mycelial fragments per ml). Noninoculated plants served as controls. Five plants per cultivar were used for each treatment. Plants were covered with plastic bags for 3 days after inoculation and kept in a growth chamber at 18 to 20°C. Symptoms previously described developed on leaves of all tested cultivars 10 days after inoculation, while control plants remained healthy. On the infected leaves, pycnidia and conidia with the same dimensions and characteristics as previously described were observed. The fungus was consistently reisolated from the lesions of the inoculated plants. The pathogenicity test was carried out twice. The presence of Ascochyta clematidina, then renamed as Phoma clematidina, on Clematis species has been reported in the United States (4) and subsequently in the Netherlands, Britain, and New Zealand.

References: (1) S. F. Altschud et al. Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389, 1997. (2) G. H. Boerema and G. J. Bollen. Persoonia 8:111, 1975. (3) D. E. L. Cooke and J. M. Duncan. Mycol. Res. 101:667, 1997. (4) W. O. Gloyer. J. Agric. Res. 4:331, 1915.
First Report of Asian Soybean Rust Caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi on Kudzu in South Africa
Authors: Pretorius Z. A. , Visser B. , du Preez P. J.
Published: September 2007

Asian soybean rust was first reported on soybean in South Africa (SA) in 2001 (3). The disease has occurred in all ensuing seasons, particularly in the humid, eastern production regions, causing significant losses in soybean fields not protected by fungicides. In April 2005, rust-infected Pueraria lobata (kudzu) was detected near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, SA. At this location (25°20′41″S, 30°43′30″E), kudzu plants occurred abundantly on road sides, edges of pine plantations, and in natural vegetation. Most vines were infected, with abaxial surfaces of older leaves often showing 100% severity. Following inoculation with rust spores collected from kudzu, soybean line PI200492 (Rpp1) produced tan lesions typical of a susceptible reaction for Asian soybean rust. PI230970 (Rpp2), PI462312 (Rpp3), and PI459025 (Rpp4) showed red-brown lesions typical of a resistant reaction. Using Ppm1/Ppa2 and Ppm1/Ppm2 primer combinations, the amplification profiles of the internal transcribed spacer region (1) of rust DNA extracted from primary leaves of line PI200492 infected with spores collected from kudzu positively identified the pathogen as Phakopsora pachyrhizi. The Ppm1/Pme2 primer combination specific for P. meibomiae (1) did not yield an amplification product. The Qualiplate ELISA test kit (EnviroLogix Inc., Portland, ME) verified the identification of P. pachyrhizi on an original kudzu sample as well as the leaf material used for DNA analysis. A survey of kudzu at the Nelspruit site during July 2005 confirmed the presence of the pathogen during the offseason for soybean. At that time, incidence of kudzu rust remained high, but few leaves showed high severity. The susceptibility of kudzu to Asian soybean rust has been reported in controlled infection studies in SA (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. pachyrhizi causing rust on a large, naturally occurring kudzu population in SA.

References: (1) R. D. Frederick et al. Phytopathology 92:217, 2002. (2) A. Nunkumar. M.Sc. thesis. University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 2006. (3) Z. A. Pretorius et al. Plant Dis. 85:1288, 2001.
Growth, decay and bifurcation of shock amplitudes under the type-II flux law
Authors: Jordan P.M
Published: September 2007

By replacing Fick's diffusion law with Green and Nagdhi's type-II flux law, a hyperbolic counterpart to the classical Fisher–KPP equation is obtained. In this article, an analytical study of this partial differential equation is presented with an emphasis on shock and related kinematic wave phenomena. First, an exact travelling wave solution (TWS) is derived and examined. Then, using singular surface theory, exact amplitude expressions for both shock and acceleration waves are obtained. In addition, the issue of shock stability is addressed and the limitations of the model are noted.

It is shown that discontinuity (i.e. shock) formation in the TWS occurs only when the propagation speed, which must exceed the characteristic speed, tends to the latter. It is also shown that the shock amplitude equation undergoes a transcritical bifurcation. Lastly, numerical simulations of acceleration waves in a simple model problem are presented.
Link between single-particle properties and macroscopic properties in particulate assemblies: role of structures within structures
Authors: Antony S.J
Published: September 2007

The prevalence of particulate materials in modern industrial processes and products provides a significant motivation to achieve fundamental understanding of the bulk behaviour of particulate media. The rapid progress being made with atomic force microscopy and related particle characterization techniques pushes the limits of micro- and nanotechnologies such that interparticle interactions can be engineered to fabricate particulate assemblies to deliver specific functionalities. In this paper, primarily based on discrete element method simulations that we performed over the past 10 years, we summarize the key findings on the role of force transmission networks in dense particulate systems subjected to shearing. In general, the macroscopic strength characteristics in particulate systems is dictated by the distribution of heavily loaded contacts, also referred to as ‘strong’ force chains. Surprisingly, they constitute only a limited proportion of all contacts in particulate systems. They act like a ‘granular brain’ (memory networks) at particle scale. We show that the structural arrangement of the force chains and their evolution during loading depends on the single-particle properties and the initial packing condition in particulate assemblies. Further, the ‘nature’ of force chains in sheared granular media induces larger ‘solid’ grains to behave like ‘fluid’ particles, retarding their breakage. Later, we probe for ways by which we can control the signature of memory networks in packed beds, for example by applying an external electrical field in a densely packed particulate bed subjected to shearing (combined electromechanical loading). Though further research is required to account for more realistic conditions and preferably to allow particles to self-organize to strength specifications, understanding the hidden memory networks in particulate materials could be exploited to optimize their collective strength.
Mixed valency and magnetism in cyanometallates and Prussian blue analogues
Authors: Herrera J.M , Bachschmidt A , Villain F , Bleuzen A , Marvaud V , Wernsdorfer W , Verdaguer M
Published: September 2007

Prussian blue (PB) is a well-known archetype of mixed valency systems. In magnetic PB analogues {CxAy[B(CN)6]z}.nH2O (C alkali cation, A and B transition metal ions) and other metallic cyanometallates {Cx(AL)y[B(CN)8]z}.nH2O (L ligand), the presence of two valency states in the solid (either A–B, or A–A′ or B–B′) is crucial to get original magnetic properties: tunable high Curie temperature magnets; photomagnetic magnets; or photomagnetic high-spin molecules. We focus on a few mixed valency pairs: V(II)/V(III)/V(IV); Cr(II)/Cr(III); Fe(II)–Fe(III); Co(II)–Co(III); Cu(I)–Cu(II); and Mo(IV)/Mo(V), and discuss: (i) the control of the degree of mixed valency during the synthesis, (ii) the importance of mixed valency on the local and long-range structure and on the local and macroscopic magnetization, and (iii) the crucial role of the cyanide ligand to get these original systems and properties.
Sublingual administration of furosemide: new application of an old drug
Authors: Haegeli Laurent , Brunner‐La Rocca Hans Peter , Wenk Markus , Pfisterer Matthias , Drewe Jürgen , Krähenbühl Stephan
Published: September 2007

What is already known about this subject

• Furosemide is an effective diuretic, but its absorption may be too slow to allow oral treatment in certain patients.

What this study adds

• In healthy volunteers, sublingual administration is associated with a higher Cmax, a higher bioavailability and a more accentuated initial natriuretic response than oral furosemide. Sublingual administration may offer advantages over oral administration of furosemide in certain clinical situations.

Background

In patients with decompensated heart failure, absorption of orally administered furosemide may be delayed, possibly leading to impaired pharmacodynamic effects. Sublingual administration may represent an alternative in such situations.

Methods

In a crossover study including 11 healthy men, 20 mg furosemide was administered intravenously, orally and sublingually on three different days. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were assessed from repeated blood and urine samples.

Results

Compared with oral administration, sublingual administration was associated with 43% higher Cmax[difference 215 ng ml−1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 37, 392], a higher urinary recovery (8.9 vs. 7.3 mg, difference 1.6 mg, 95% CI 0.3, 2.9), an 28% higher AUC (difference 328 ng h−1 ml−1, 95% CI 24, 632) and a higher bioavailability of furosemide (59 vs. 47%, difference 12.0%, 95% CI −1.2, 25.2). Sodium excretion was higher after sublingual compared with oral administration (peak excretion rate 1.8 vs. 1.4 mmol min−1, P < 0.05), whereas urine volume did not differ significantly between the two application modes. In comparison, intravenous administration showed the expected more rapid and intense response.

Conclusion

Sublingually administered furosemide tablets differ in certain kinetic and dynamic properties from identical tablets given orally. Sublingual administration of furosemide may offer therapeutic advantages in certain groups of patients.
The effect of dietary l‐carnitine supplementation on pulmonary hypertension syndrome mortality in broilers exposed to low temperatures
Authors: Tan X. , Hu S. H. , Wang X. L.
Published: September 2007

Oxidative stress is involved in the development of pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) in broilers. l‐Carnitine has an antiperoxidative effect and supplemental l‐carnitine has been revealed to increase broiler heart weight. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of an addition of 100 mg/kg l‐carnitine to the basal diets on PHS mortality in cold‐exposed broilers. Two‐hundred and forty mixed‐sex broilers were equally assigned to three groups. The control group was reared in normal temperatures throughout the experiment. Starting on day 14 continuing until the end of the experiment, the other two groups were subjected to a step‐down temperature programme (by lowering the temperature 1–2 °C per day down to 12–14 °C) with or without l‐carnitine added to the basal diets. Cold exposure increased the right/total ventricle ratio (RV/TV) and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and led to pulmonary vascular remodelling in birds without feeding additional l‐carnitine. Supplemental l‐carnitine reduced plasma MDA, increased SOD, inhibited remodelling and postponed the occurrence of PHS for 1 week in cold‐exposed broilers; nevertheless, it did not significantly influence the cumulative PHS mortality (p > 0.05). On days 24 and 32, birds fed supplemental l‐carnitine had lower RV/TV and higher total ventricle/body weight (p < 0.05) but unchanged right ventricle/body weight ratios (p > 0.05) compared to their cold‐exposed counterparts, indicating an increase in left ventricle weight. However, from day 39 on, their RV/TV ratios were suddenly increased (p < 0.05). It was suggested that the l‐carnitine‐induced increase in left heart weight might partially account for the postponed occurrence of pulmonary hypertension in the early stage by elevating cardiac output, which might, in turn, lead to the resulting increase in pulmonary pressure. In view of its complex effects on cardiopulmonary haemodynamics, l‐carnitine supplementation may be impractical for reducing PHS.
A Comparative Clinical Study of Three Different Dosages of Intramuscular Midazolam–Medetomidine–Ketamine Immobilization in Cats
Authors: Ebner J. , Wehr U. , Busch R. , Erhardt W. , Henke J.
Published: September 2007

A low dose of midazolam–medetomidine–ketamine (MMK) combination was evaluated in three increasing dosages. Each of the 18 cats was randomly allocated for several times to one of four groups. Five minutes after premedication with intramuscular (IM) 0.04 mg/kg atropine, group A (n = 43), B (n = 40) and C (n = 28) all were anaesthetized with 0.5 mg/kg midazolam, combined with 10, 20 or 30 μg/kg medetomidine, and 1.0, 2.0 or 3.0 mg/kg ketamine, respectively, IM in one syringe. Group D (n = 11) received the established combination of 50 μg/kg medetomidine and 10.0 mg/kg ketamine for comparison. Because this study was in cooperation with a project on dental prophylaxis, cats had to be immobilized for approximately 1 h. Therefore, anaesthesia was prolonged with propofol to effect, if necessary. Duration of MMK anaesthesia was between 30 ± 15, 45 ± 19 and 68 ± 28 min in groups A, B and C respectively. A significant decrease of respiratory rate was observed with increasing dosage, but venous carbon dioxide (pCO2) and pH values in combination with arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) values were not alarming. The diastolic blood pressure particularly showed an increase. MMK combination A showed the best cardiovascular results, but it cannot be recommended due to disadvantages like a long induction time sometimes accompanied by excitations and the short duration of surgical immobilization. Dosage C in contrast had fewer side effects but less favourable cardiovascular results and a longer recovery period. However, either dosage B or C was suitable as a repeatable IM immobilization method for non‐invasive procedures in healthy cats.
Effects of Abdominal Surgery on Thiobarbituric acid Reactive Substances and Plasma Anti‐oxidative Capacity in Dairy Cows
Authors: Mudron P. , Herzog K. , Höltershinken M. , Rehage J.
Published: September 2007

The present investigation was undertaken to study the effects of surgical stress on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) in dairy cows. Ten Holstein–Friesian dairy cows, mean age 5.26 years, admitted for treatment of left abomasal displacement (omentopexy), were used in our study. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein prior to surgery, immediately and then 15, 30, 60, 90 min, and 2, 5, 10, and 24 h after reposition of abomasum. Surgical stress resulted in a significant increase in plasma cortisol concentrations (P < 0.001) with the highest mean levels 15 min after surgery (32.4 ± 18.1 μg/l) as well as in serum levels of glucose (P < 0.001) and non‐esterified fatty acids (P < 0.001). Similarly, surgery transiently enhanced the plasma levels of TBARS (P < 0.001). The highest TBARS plasma levels (0.91 ± 0.18 μmol/l) were recognized 60 min after reposition of abomasums. There were no significant differences in FRAP in dairy cows before and after reposition of abomasum. In conclusion, these data indicate that stress reaction caused by surgical correction of left displacement of abomasum can be associated with higher production of TBARS.
Extensive structural remodeling of the injured spinal cord revealed by phosphorylated MAP1B in sprouting axons and degenerating neurons
Authors: Soares Sylvia , Barnat Monia , Salim Claudio , Von Boxberg Ysander , Ravaille‐Veron Michèle , Nothias Fatiha
Published: September 2007

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in loss of sensory and motor function because injured axons do not regenerate and neurons that die are not replaced. Nevertheless, there is evidence for spontaneous reorganization of spared pathways (i.e. sprouting) that could be exploited to improve functional recovery. The extent of morphological remodeling after spinal cord injury is, however, not understood. We have previously shown that a phosphorylated form of microtubule‐associated protein‐1B, MAP1B‐P, is expressed by growing axons, but is detected in intact adult SC in fibers exhibiting a somatotopic distribution of myelinated sensory fibers. We now demonstrate that after adult SCI, MAP1B‐P is up‐regulated in other classes of axons. We used immunohistochemistry to show changing levels and distributions of MAP1B‐P after a right thoracic hemisection of adult rat spinal cord. MAP1B‐P labeling suggests rearrangements of the axonal circuitry that go well beyond previous descriptions. MAP1B‐P‐positive fibers are present in ectopic locations in gray matter in both dorsal and ventral horns and around the central canal. Double staining reveals that primary sensory and descending serotonergic and corticospinal axons are MAP1B‐P positive. In white matter, high MAP1B‐P expression is found on terminal enlargements near the injury, reflecting retraction of transected axons. MAP1B‐P also accumulates in pre‐apoptotic neuronal somata axotomized by the lesion, indicating association of MAP1B‐P not only with axon extension and retraction, but also with neuronal degeneration. Finally, we provide evidence that MAP1B phosphorylation is correlated with activation of JNK MAP‐kinase, providing a step towards unraveling the mechanisms of regulation of this plasticity‐related cytoskeletal protein.
Linnaeus’ apostles, scientific travel and the East India trade
Authors: Nyberg Kenneth
Published: September 2007

This paper discusses the significance of East India trade to scientific travel in the 18th century, focusing in particular on the so‐called ‘apostles’ or travelling students of Linnaeus. On the one hand, enterprises such as the Swedish East India Company (SOIC) were of crucial importance by providing both incentives for natural history research and the necessary infrastructure for scientific travel. It is indeed difficult to imagine most of the apostles’ expeditions without the framework of East India trade. On the other hand, there were also obvious limits to the willingness of the SOIC to actively sponsor research which was not immediately useful or profitable; such support was typically only given to travellers working on board as chaplains or surgeons, and only as long as it did not interfere with their regular duties. In this context, I briefly discuss the complicated relationship — in the 18th century no less than today — between two contrasting scientific ideals: one based on the notion of curiosity or the search for knowledge as an end in itself and the other fuelled by a belief that science is meaningless if it does not yield tangible benefits to human economy and society.
Governing Post Apartheid Spatiality: Implementing City Improvement Districts in Cape Town
Authors: Miraftab Faranak
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  To achieve a world‐class city capable of attracting business in a competitive global market, the municipal government of Cape Town, South Africa, like many cities of the global North, has adopted a model of urban revitalization popularized by New York City: business or city improvement districts (BIDs or CIDs). By examining CIDs in city center Cape Town, the paper casts light on the socio‐spatial relationship facilitating the neoliberal post‐apartheid regime and its governance. Analyzing discursive and spatial practices of Cape Town Partnership, the managing body of downtown CIDs, from 2000 to 2006, the paper reveals its difficulties in stabilizing the socio‐spatial relations of a transnationalizing urban revitalization strategy and rejects the view of CIDS as simply a global roll‐out of neoliberal urban policies. It highlights how CIDs are challenged from both within and outside of their managing structures by contentious local issues, and in particular by vast social inequalities and citizens' historical struggle for inclusive citizenship and the right to the city. Whether and how CIDs' inherent limitations can be overcome to address socio‐spatial inequalities is an open question.
Tribal Sovereignty and the Problem of Difference in Environmental Regulation: Observations on “Measured Separatism” in Indian Country
Authors: Ranco Darren , Suagee Dean
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  The legal and juridical sovereignty of American Indian nations is supposed to help Native peoples maintain their own distinct political and cultural communities. In the context of environmental issues, this means that tribal governments have both the inherent and statutory right to set their own environmental standards, which have the potential to protect tribal peoples and their natural resources in culturally relevant ways. In the past, the US Supreme Court has sought to curtail this kind of sovereignty when the due process of non‐Indians might be hindered. In this article, we look at why tribal environmental sovereignty can and should address the issues of due process in the context of environmental regulation in tribal borders, and make a call for this to be done in a way that supports American Indian tribal sovereignty. Moreover, we connect these issues to the current legal and juridical struggles of other environmental justice groups and the need for more meaningful participation in environmental regulation within the nation‐state for all cultural minorities.
The adaptation of an adult group screening test for dyslexia into Finland‐Swedish: Normative data for university students and the effects of language background on test performance
Authors: LINDGRÉN SIGNE‐ANITA , LAINE MATTI
Published: September 2007

We present a Finland‐Swedish adaptation of the Sweden‐Swedish group screening test for dyslexia for adults and young adults DUVAN™ (Lundberg & Wolff, 2003) together with normative data from 143 Finland‐Swedish university students. The test is based on the widely held phonological deficit hypothesis of dyslexia and consists of a self‐report and five subtests tapping phonological working memory, phonological representation, phonological awareness, and orthographic skill. We describe the test adaptation procedure and show that the internal reliability of the new test version is comparable to the original one. Our results indicate that the language background (Swedish, Finnish, early simultaneous Swedish‐Finnish bilingualism) should be taken into account when interpreting the results on the Finland‐Swedish DUVAN test. We show that the FS‐DUVAN differentiates a group of students with dyslexia diagnosis from normals, and that a low performance on the FS‐DUVAN correlates with a positive self‐report on familial dyslexia and with a history of special education in school. Finally, we analyze the sensitivity and specificity of the FS‐DUVAN for dyslexia among university students.
Effects of unilateral hippocampus‐amygdala‐partial temporal lobe resection on auditory EEG/MEG responses: A case study
Authors: HÄMÄLÄINEN HEIKKI , KUJALA TEIJA , KEKONI JOUNI , HURSKAINEN HELEENA , PIRILÄ JOUNI , WIKSTRÖM HEIDI , HUOTILAINEN MINNA
Published: September 2007

Auditory orienting and discrimination were studied with combined multi‐channel EEG and MEG recordings in a patient with unilateral amygdala‐hippocampus‐partial temporal lobe resection of the right hemisphere. The results revealed abnormalities of habituation in alerting‐ and orienting‐related responses, and discrimination‐related responses, elicited by auditory stimulation contralateral to the resected cerebral hemisphere. These results give support to the notions about the role of the amygdala and hippocampus in alerting and orienting, respectively, and of the temporal cortex in auditory discrimination.
Iron uptake by the ichthyotoxic Chattonella marina (Raphidophyceae): impact of superoxide generation1
Authors: Garg Shikha , Rose Andrew L. , Godrant Aurélie , Waite T. David
Published: September 2007

Significant production of superoxide, a known reductant of both inorganic and organically complexed iron(III), occurs in natural systems by both biotic and abiotic pathways. We have investigated the generation of superoxide by Chattonella marina (Subrahman.) Y. Hara et Chihara, a phytoplankton taxon known to produce high levels of this reactive oxygen species, and examined the role of superoxide in the acquisition of iron by this organism. Additionally, a generalized model for iron acquisition by C. marina has been developed, which includes three pathways of iron acquisition from organically complexed iron(III): nondissociative reductive uptake, dissociative reductive uptake, and nonreductive dissociative uptake. The model is shown to be particularly useful in ascertaining the relative importance of these various iron‐uptake pathways as a function of solution parameters including concentration and iron‐binding strength of the organic ligand and superoxide concentration. Our results suggest that superoxide can participate in the C. marina iron‐uptake process when iron is complexed to weak ligands, such as citrate, but plays only a minor role when iron is bound to a strong ligand. It thus appears that facilitation of iron acquisition is not the sole purpose of superoxide production by these organisms.
mRNA Profiling for Body Fluid Identification by Multiplex Quantitative RT‐PCR*
Authors: Juusola Jane , Ballantyne Jack
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  An alternative approach to conventional protein‐based body fluid identification is gene expression profiling analysis. In the present work, we report the development of sensitive and robust multiplex quantitative reverse transcriptase‐PCR assays for the identification of blood, saliva, semen, and menstrual blood. Each body fluid assay comprises a triplex system that detects transcripts from two body fluid‐specific genes and a housekeeping gene GAPDH. The body fluid‐specific genes include erythroid δ‐aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS2) and β‐spectrin (SPTB) for blood, statherin (STATH) and histatin 3 (HTN3) for saliva, protamine 1 (PRM1) and protamine 2 (PRM2) for semen, and matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) and matrix metalloproteinase 10 (MMP10) for menstrual blood. Normalization of both body fluid‐specific genes to the housekeeping gene by means of appropriate cycle threshold metrics ensures the high specificity of each assay for its cognate body fluid.
Physician end‐of‐life decision‐making in newborns in a less developed health care setting: insight in considerations and implementation
Authors: Verhagen AAE , Spijkerman J , Muskiet FD , Sauer PJ
Published: September 2007

Background: A substantial proportion of the decisions to withhold or withdraw life‐prolonging treatment are based on the newborn's predicted poor quality of life. All previous studies on end‐of‐life decisions were done in countries with adequate support for disabled neonatal intensive care units (NICU) survivors. Data on quality‐of‐life considerations in countries with developing health care are not available yet.

Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the considerations of physicians taking end‐of‐life decisions in sick newborns and how those decisions are carried out in practice in a less developed health care setting.

Method: Thirty‐two deaths over 18 months in a neonatal unit were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: Twenty‐four deaths (75%) were attributable to withholding or withdrawing of treatment. In 7 of these cases (29%), the decisions were based on quality‐of‐life considerations, mostly predicted suffering and expected hospital dependency. For the majority of paediatricians, end‐of‐life decision making was not influenced by legal or economic considerations or by considerations regarding availability of supportive care after discharge.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that physician end‐of‐life decision making in this unit in a less developed health care setting is found to be similar to that in developed health care settings and is independent of availability of supportive care after discharge for infants with disabilities.
Promoting adolescent health
Authors: Kelly Kristina Berg
Published: September 2007

The aim is to discuss why paediatricians should be involved in adolescent health care and provide youth‐friendly‐health‐services. Global epidemiological data on morbidity and mortality demonstrate that much of ill health in the short and long run are connected to adolescent behaviour and in theory available for prevention. Young people seemingly lose their heads and do not consider dangers. Recent research on brain development provides us with an understanding how this may have a biological base. Also psychology has long taught us how adolescents use experimental behaviours as means to satisfy developmental needs and explore identity. Prevention and health promotion are areas of research where much more needs to be done. There is also a lack of venues for publishing even excellent studies in this field.
A Substituted Tetrahydro-Tetrazolo-Pyrimidine Is a Specific and Novel Inhibitor of Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen Secretion
Authors: Dougherty Anne Marie , Guo Haitao , Westby Gael , Liu Yuanjie , Simsek Ender , Guo Ju-Tao , Mehta Anand , Norton Pamela , Gu Baohua , Block Timothy , Cuconati Andrea
Published: September 2007

The high levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg)-bearing subviral particles in the serum of chronically infected individuals are thought to play a role in suppressing the HBV-specific immune response. Current therapeutics are not directed at reducing this viral antigenemia; thus, our group has focused on identifying inhibitors of HBsAg secretion. By using the HBV-expressing cell line HepG2.2.15, high-throughput screening of an 80,288-compound synthetic small-molecule library identified HBF-0259, an aromatically substituted tetrahydro-tetrazolo-(1, 5-a)-pyrimidine. Following resynthesis, HBF-0259 had a 50% effective concentration of approximately 1.5 μM in a secondary, HBV-expressing cell line, with a concentration that exhibited 50% cytotoxicity of >50 μM. The equilibrium concentration of HBF-0259 in aqueous solution at physiological pH was 15 to 16 μM; the selective index was thus >9. As intended by our screening paradigm, HBF-0259 is a selective, potent inhibitor of secretion of both subviral and DNA-containing viral particles, while the secretion of α-1-acid glycoprotein and α-1-antitrypsin was unaffected. The HBV e antigen, which is not a constituent of HBV particles, was also unaffected, suggesting that the secretion of particles bearing HBV structural glycoproteins is targeted directly. Inhibitory activity was also confirmed by transfection of HBsAg, indicating that the action of the compound is independent of those of other viral proteins. HBF-0259 had no effect on HBV DNA synthesis, demonstrating that inhibition is independent of viral genomic replication. Finally, HBF-0259 had little or no effect on the cell-to-cell spread of two unrelated viruses, suggesting that it is a specific inhibitor of secretion of HBsAg. Possible mechanisms of action and the implications for its development are discussed.
Ribosome Protection Prevents Azithromycin-Mediated Quorum-Sensing Modulation and Stationary-Phase Killing of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Köhler Thilo , Dumas Jean-Luc , Van Delden Christian
Published: September 2007

In
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, azithromycin has been shown to reduce virulence factor production, to retard biofilm formation, and to exhibit bactericidal effects on stationary-phase cells. In this study we analyzed whether these azithromycin-mediated effects require interaction with the ribosome. We blocked the access of azithromycin to the ribosome in
P. aeruginosa
PAO1 by expressing the 23S rRNA methylase ErmBP from
Clostridium perfringens
. Ribosome protection prevented the azithromycin-mediated reduction of elastase and rhamnolipid production, as well as the inhibition of swarming motility. Ribosome protection also prevented the killing of stationary-phase cells, suggesting that the cell-killing effect of azithromycin does not result solely from membrane destabilization. We further show that rhamnolipids are involved in cell killing, probably by increasing the uptake of the hydrophobic azithromycin molecule. These results have important implications for the treatment with azithromycin of patients chronically colonized by
P. aeruginosa
and might explain the variability in the efficacy of azithromycin treatments.
Role of Neutrophils in Preventing and Resolving Acute Fungal Sinusitis
Authors: Rodriguez Tobias E. , Falkowski Nicole R. , Harkema Jack R. , Huffnagle Gary B.
Published: September 2007

Acute fungal sinusitis (AFS) is a devastating disease of the paranasal sinuses afflicting immunocompromised individuals. Knowledge about this disease is limited to clinical observations because there are no animal models in which to study the pathogenesis of the infection. Our goal was to develop a murine model of AFS and examine the role of neutrophils in host defense within the nasal cavity. Female C57BL/6 mice were depleted of neutrophils using anti-Gr-1 monoclonal antibody from day −1 to day 5 postinfection to initiate a transient neutropenia within the mice. At day 0,Aspergillus fumigatusconidia were administered intranasally. The untreatedAspergillus-exposed group had significant neutrophil recruitment by day 3, but by day 7 the leukocyte numbers had returned to unexposed levels. There was not a significant influx of mononuclear cells at either time point. In contrast, beginning at day 3 postinfection and continuing through day 7, anti-Gr-1-treated mice had increased cellular recruitment consisting of banded neutrophils at day 3 and mature neutrophils at day 7. Hyphal masses developed only in the anti-Gr-1-treated mice (25 to 36%) but only during the period of treatment. When the treatment was discontinued, hyphal masses could no longer be detected in the nasal cavities of these mice. In contrast, cyclophosphamide treatment did not induce neutropenia, and the nasal cavity remained free of hyphal masses. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of using this model to study AFS and implicate neutrophils in protection of the sinuses against acuteAspergillusinfection and in clearance of established hyphal masses.
Single Cell Mechanics and its connections to Human Diseases
Authors: Lim Teck Chwee
Published: September 2007

The article is about single cell mechanics and its connection to human diseases. It touches on the biomechanics used to perform quantitative study in the physical properties of cells with the progression of certain diseases such as malaria, sickle cell anemia and cancer.
ENGINEERING THE FUTURE
Authors: Institute of Bioengineering and Nan
Published: September 2007

The article starts of with an overview of the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. It describes the focus of the institution. There are two research articles after the summary. One of it touches on non-cytotoxic and photostable quantum dots for bioimaing applications and the other is on silica-coated nanocomposites of magnetic nanoparticles and quantum dots.
Commercialization of Publicly Funded Research
Authors: Tan Sunny
Published: September 2007

The article is about Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd that is set up by A*STAR to handle the management and commercialization of the researchers' IP.