bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Thrombin Inhibitor on Thrombin-Related Signal Transduction and Cerebral Vasospasm in the Rabbit Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Model
Authors: Tsurutani Hisanobu , Ohkuma Hiroki , Suzuki Shigeharu
Published: May 2003

Background and Purpose—

Thrombin is activated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, the relationship between thrombin and cerebral vasospasm has not yet been fully established. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of thrombin as a causative factor for cerebral vasospasm and to delineate the signal transduction mechanism that results in thrombin-inducing sustained vasoconstriction in cerebral vasospasm.

Methods—

In the SAH group, SAH was simulated by the 2-hemorrhage rabbit model. In the treatment group, antithrombin III (AT-III) was injected into the cisterna magna just before production of the SAH. CSF samples were obtained serially to measure
d
-dimer with latex photometric immunoassay. On day 4, the basilar artery was excised after perfusion-fixation. The degree of cerebral vasospasm was evaluated by measuring the cross-sectional area of each basilar arterial lumen, and the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the vascular wall was examined with an immunohistochemical technique.

Results—

In the treatment group, the value of
d
-dimer on day 4 was 0.83±0.07 μg/mL, which was statistically significantly lower than that in the nontreated SAH group (2.49±0.09 μg/mL,
P
<0.01). The cross-sectional area of the arterial lumen in the treatment group was 3.67×10
5±
1.58×10
4
square pixels, which was statistically significantly larger than that in the nontreated SAH group (2.60×10
5±
2.29×10
4
square pixels;
P
<0.01). MAPK was detected diffusely in the vascular smooth muscle cell layer in the nontreated SAH group, but it was absent in the treatment group.

Conclusions—

Inhibition of thrombin activity leads to amelioration of cerebral vasospasm and suppression of MAPK diphosphorylation. This suggests that thrombin and its related signal transduction, including the MAPK cascade, appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm after SAH.
Free-living nematodes from nature reserves in Costa Rica. 4. Cephalobina
Authors: Holovachov Oleksandr , Esquivel Alejandro , Bongers Tom
Published: May 2003

Four species of Cephalobina: Geraldius bakeri, Diastolaimus croca, Trualaimus
culeatus and Tricirronema tentaculatum are described and illustrated on the
basis of material collected in Costa Rica. A scanning electron microscope
(SEM) study of G. bakeri is given for the first time. Diastolaimus croca is
found to have a circle of six setiform processes anterior to the true labial
setae. Detailed descriptions of the female reproductive system in G.
backeri, D. croca and Macrolaimus sp. are given. The use of the female
reproductive system and structure of the labial sensilla in the systematics
of the family Chambersiellidae, together with its taxonomic placement, are
discussed. Notes on the systematic position of the family Bicirronematidae
and a key to the species of this family are given.
Characterisation and partial purification of a white mustard kairomone that attracts the beet cyst nematode, Heterodera schachtii
Authors: Rühm Rainer , Dietsche Elvira , Harloff Hans-Joachim , Lieb Manuela , Franke Stephan , Aumann Jens
Published: May 2003

A kairomone from white mustard, Sinapis alba , that attracts infective juveniles (J2) of the beet cyst nematode, Heterodera schachtii, was extracted from root exudates and enriched by rotary evaporation. The kairomone-containing root exudate fractions were then repeatedly enriched and separated on a combination of octyl and octadecyl columns, leaving a single UV-absorbing HPLC peak. Glucose and fructose were identified by a subsequent HPLC separation in the ion moderated partition chromatography mode. The kairomone appeared in the fructose-containing fraction. As fructose did not cause nematode attraction, the fructose fraction contained at least one further substance. HPLC separations showed that the kairomone shares several properties with fructose and that it is relatively more polar than those compounds giving an UV signal. The repeated reversed-phase and ion moderated partition chromatography separations of single kairomone-containing fractions indicate that the kairomone is composed of one single substance which could not be identified with the methods applied. Gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric analyses revealed the presence of glucose, fructose, myo-inositol, sucrose and xylofuranose/ribofuranose in S. alba root exudates.
The reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus macrosoma, infecting olive in southern Spain
Authors: Castillo Pablo , Vovlas Nicola , Troccoli Alberto
Published: May 2003

Severe root infection of wild olive (Olea europea L. ssp. sylvestris),
together with heavy soil infestation by the reniform nematode Rotylenchulus
macrosoma, was detected in a natural wild olive orchard on sandy soil in
Cádiz province, Andalucía, southern Spain. Most, but not all, of the
morphometric characters of this population agreed with those reported for
immature and adult females and males in previously studied populations.
Sedentary immature and mature females showed a semi-endoparasitic feeding
habit in wild and cultivated olives (cvs Arbequina and Picual). Naturally
infected roots of wild olive responded to nematode infection identically to
artificially infected olive planting stocks. The feeding site induced by R.
macrosoma on olive roots consists of a stelar syncytium, which originates
from an endodermal cell enlarging by a curved sheet of pericycle cells
formed by hypertrophy of pericycle cells adjacent to the feeding cell. There
were obvious anatomical differences between the feeding sites induced by R.
macrosoma and R. macrodoratus on olive roots.
Lipid utilisation during storage of the entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis megidis from Greece and the UK
Authors: Menti Hara , Patel Mavji , Wright Denis , Perry Roland
Published: May 2003

The total lipid (TL) content and the fatty acid composition of the different
lipid classes in infective juveniles of Steinernema feltiae and
Heterorhabditis megidis isolates from Greece (GR) and from the United
Kingdom (UK) were compared, and the changes during storage were determined.
Steinernema feltiae GR had a greater amount of TL than S. feltiae UK, which
was reflected in a greater neutral lipid (NL) content. The phospholipid and
free fatty acid fractions of the two Steinernema populations were similar.
The two Heterorhabditis populations did not differ in their lipid content.
In both S. feltiae populations, NL decreased by ca 60% during the first 4
weeks but remained more or less stable during the next 16 weeks. In the two
Heterorhabditis populations, NL decreased by ca 70% during the first 4 weeks
and continued to decrease, with 3-5% remaining after 12 weeks. The fatty
acid profiles and the percentages of saturation of NL and phospholipid
fractions in each population were similar before and after storage.
Virulence in Meloidogyne hapla differentiated by resistance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: Chen Peichen , Roberts Philip
Published: May 2003

A diverse collection of seven Meloidogyne hapla isolates, all identified as
cytological race A, were studied for their host-parasite interactions with
several common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes. The M. hapla isolates
showed significant (P < 0.01) differential interactions of ability to
reproduce on resistant common bean cultivars. Based on the nematode egg mass
production on susceptible cv. Yolano and resistant cv. NemaSnap beans, the
isolates formed three groups. Four isolates produced many egg masses on both
susceptible and resistant cultivars and were defined as virulent to
resistance in cv. NemaSnap. Two isolates produced many egg mass numbers on
susceptible cv. Yolano, but very few on resistant cv. NemaSnap, and were
defined as avirulent to the resistance in NemaSnap. One isolate, WI,
produced fewer egg masses on susceptible cv. Yolano than on resistant cv.
Nemasnap and was defined as virulent to resistance in cv. NemaSnap. The
three types of host-parasite interaction indicated a transagonal reaction
for a gene-for-gene relationship between M. hapla and resistant common bean
(cv. NemaSnap). Analysis of an F2 population from crosses between cultivars
NemaSnap and Yolano revealed a single dominant gene pattern of segregation
for a major form of resistance in cv. NemaSnap. According to an allelism
test, the resistance to M. hapla in cv. NemaSnap was not derived from the
line PI165426, which is the pedigree source of M. incognita resistance in
cv. NemaSnap. However, PI165426 was found to have M. hapla resistance but
may not be homozygous for these factors.
The infectivity and behaviour of exsheathed and ensheathed Heterorhabditis megidis infective juveniles
Authors: Dempsey Catherine , Griffin Christine
Published: May 2003

The consequences of sheath loss on infectivity and behaviour of infective juveniles (IJ) were investigated in Heterorhabditis megidis. Ensheathed IJ were more infective, killing 32% of wax moth larvae, compared to 18% killed by exsheathed IJ. The percentage of time engaged in seven behavioural activities was recorded for individually stored IJ but no differences were found between exsheathed and ensheathed IJ. Immobility was the most common behavioural category exhibited by both exsheathed and ensheathed IJ, occupying one third of the observation time. Storage conditions affected the rate of exsheathment; 40% of IJ stored for 28 days in water in bulk (50 in 8 ml) exsheathed compared to only 23% of those stored individually (1 in 2 ml).
Effect of tuber-borne micro-organisms on hatching activity of potato root leachate towards potato cyst nematodes
Authors: Ryan N. Aileen , Jones Peter
Published: May 2003

Potato cyst nematodes hatch in response to hatching factors (HF) present in potato root leachate (PRL). The much higher spontaneous hatch (hatch in the absence of potato plants or PRL) of both Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida in sand (32.2 and 21.1%, respectively) compared to in vitro (6.0 and 4.8%) experiments suggested the presence of other hatching factor-producing organisms in the non-sterile sand. When sterile PRL (from aseptically cultured microplants) and non-sterile PRL (from aseptically cultured microplants grown in the presence of tuber washings) samples were collected and assayed for hatching activity, the in vitro hatch of both PCN species but particularly of G. pallida was greater in non-sterile PRL. When these samples were fractionated on Sephadex G-10 by low pressure liquid chromatography and the fractions tested for hatching activity, the non-sterile PRL produced more hatching factors (HF) than the sterile PRL; in the fractionated sterile PRL only one significant HF (active towards G. pallida) was observed, compared to six (towards G. pallida) and three (towards G. rostochiensis) HF from the non-sterile PRL, with two HF being active towards both species. The non-sterile PRL appeared to produce more hatching factor stimulants (HS) and fewer hatch inhibitors (HI) than the sterile PRL. These results suggest that soil micro-organisms play an important role in the production of hatching chemicals and it is proposed that the differences in HF profiles between sterile and non-sterile PRL were due, at least in part, to increased HS production in the non-sterile PRL.
Investigations into the chemoattraction of the potato cyst nematodes Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida towards fractionated potato root leachate
Authors: Devine Ken , Jones Peter
Published: May 2003

The behaviour of stimulated second stage juveniles (J2) (i.e., hatched in root leachate from potato cv. Cara) and unstimulated J2 (spontaneously hatched in water) of Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida in response to fractionated and unfractionated potato root leachate (PRL) was investigated in attraction assays. In PRL, fractionated by combined ion-exchange-gel permeation chromatography on Sephadex G-10, three classes of semiochemicals with activity towards J2 were distinguished: i) chemoattractants; ii) chemostats, and iii) chemorepellents. The motility of PRL-hatched G. rostochiensis J2 in one fraction (12) at 10 days after their removal from the root leachate was significantly greater than that of water-hatched J2 apparently due to sensitisation of PRL-hatched J2. PRL-hatched J2 of G. pallida were attracted to different fractions than those of G. rostochiensis, whereas the water-hatched J2 from the two species were attracted to common fractions, indicating that sensitisation by exposure to PRL was species selective. The attraction of PRL-hatched PCN J2 to unfractionated PRL appeared to be dependent on the ratio of chemoattractant to chemorepellent semiochemicals in the leachate. For both species there was no detectable correlation between hatching activity and either attractiveness of root leachates from 12 potato genotypes or chemoattraction in PRL fractions, indicating that hatching factors were not active chemoattractants.
Reproductive fitness on lettuce of populations of Meloidogyne hapla from New York State vegetable fields
Authors: Mitkowski Nathaniel , Abawi George
Published: May 2003

Six New York State populations of Meloidogyne hapla differed in their reproductive fitness and severity of galling induced on lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cvs Ithaca, Salinas, and Montello and the breeding line 41-595. Both lettuce germplasm and nematode population had a significant effect on reproductive fitness and the interaction between germplasm and population was also significant. Differences in the number of nematodes recovered per g of root was attributable to differences in numbers of eggs per egg mass. Results suggested that there are separate genetic factors controlling reproduction and galling on lettuce. Based on this study, it would be prudent to include multiple, local populations of M. hapla in future resistance germplasm screening tests.
Responses of banana and plantain cultivars, lines and hybrids to the burrowing nematode Radopholus similis
Authors: Viaene Nicole , Durán Luis , Rivera J. Mauricio , Dueñas Jorge , Rowe Phil , De Waele Dirk
Published: May 2003

Twenty-eight genotypes (bred diploids, seed-fertile triploids and tetraploid
hybrids) of Musa spp. were evaluated in pot tests in Honduras for resistance
and tolerance to Radopholus similis through comparison with reference
genotypes (Grand Nain as susceptible and Pisang Jari Buaya and Yangambi Km5
as resistant). Eleven tests were carried out, each with seven to 12 Musa
genotypes. Tissueculture plants (TC) or plants grown from a corm (Co) were
inoculated with 1000 or 3500 nematodes per plant, respectively. Data on
nematode population densities, fresh root weight, percentages dead roots,
root necrosis and root bases on the corm with lesions were taken 13-23 weeks
after inoculation. In most tests, Gros Michel and Highgate were as
susceptible to R. similis as Grand Nain. Resistance was shown by both TC and
Co plants of SH-3142, SH-3362, SH-3648 and SH-3723, and by Co plants of
SH-2095, SH-3624, the female parents Calcutta 4 and Prata Enana, and the
hybrid FHIA-01. Moderate resistance was shown by TC plants of SH-3624 and Co
plants of SH-3437, the female parent Pelipita and the hybrids FHIA-18 and
FHIA-23. The other genotypes were susceptible to R. similis although the
male parents SH-3386 and SH-3640, and the hybrid FHIA-21 had some degree of
resistance. FHIA-03 was susceptible but showed tolerance to R. similis.
Molecular identification of cyst-forming nematodes (Heteroderidae) from Iran and a phylogeny based on ITS-rDNA sequences
Authors: Maafi Zahra Tanha , Subbotin Sergei , Moens Maurice
Published: May 2003

RFLP and sequences of ITS-rDNA of 45 populations of cyst-forming nematodes
collected from different parts of Iran were analysed and identified as
representatives of 21 species. Eight enzymes generated RFLP for all studied
populations. Comparison of RFLP profiles and sequences of the ITS regions
with published data confirmed the presence of Heterodera avenae, H.
filipjevi, H. glycines, H. hordecalis, H. latipons, H. schachtii and H.
trifolii in Iran. RFLP patterns and ITS sequences for H. elachista, H.
turcomanica, H. mothi and C. cacti were obtained for the first time in this
study. Heterodera humuli, H. goettingiana, H. fici, H. elachista, H.
turcomanica and Cactodera cacti are recorded for the first time in Iran.
These results correspond with morphological and morphometric identification
of the populations. Several populations were not identified at the species
level and are attributed to Heterodera sp.; some of these may correspond to
new species. Twenty-one new sequences from Iranian cyst-forming nematodes
and 36 known sequences were used for the phylogenetic analyses. The
cyst-forming nematodes formed several clades corresponding to their
morphological features. Heterodera mothi and H. elachista clustered with
high support with other Cyperi group species and H. turcomanica formed a
moderately to highly supported clade with the Humuli group.
Seasonal distribution of free-living nematodes in the Krähenbach, a fine-grained submountain carbonate stream in southwest Germany
Authors: Beier Stefanie , Traunspurger Walter
Published: May 2003

The temporal distribution of the nematode fauna in the upper 5 cm sediment of the streambed of a small submountain carbonate stream (Krähenbach, Germany) was investigated over a 1-year period. The total nematode density was low during autumn and winter and reached a maximum value of 84 individuals/10 cm2 in summer. The fresh biomass of nematodes ranged from 3.6 to 44.2 μg/10 cm2. Deposit-feeders (65% of total fauna) and chewers (21%) were the two dominant feeding types. Of the 1027 nematodes examined, 9% were gravid females, 35% females, 2% males and 54% juveniles. At least 71 nematode species were identified. The relative low value of the Shannon Wiener index of diversity (2.61) is not the consequence of a low number of species, but of the presence of three species with a much higher frequency (57% of total fauna) than the others. The dominant species are Eumonhystera filiformis (Bastian, 1865)/ vulgaris (de Man, 1880), Tobrilus cf. pellucidus (Bastian, 1865) and E. simplex (de Man, 1880). The seasonal pattern of E. filiformis/vulgaris showed a minimum density in summer and a maximum density in spring and is similar to the abundance variation of all deposit-feeders. The seasonal pattern of T. cf. pellucidus showed a minimum density in winter and a maximum density in summer and is similar to the abundance variation of all chewers. Throughout the year, nematodes were found in both layers (analysed depths: 0-2 cm, 2-5 cm), but higher mean annual densities occurred in the upper layer (68% of all nematodes). The preference for the upper cm of sediment was independent of feeding-type, age structure or species. The calculation of the Maturity Index and of the ratio of Secernentea/Adenophorea indicate a 'high status' of water quality at the analysed sampling site.
Using RAPD markers to analyse genetic diversity in Portuguese potato cyst nematode populations
Authors: Da Conceição Isabel Luci Pisa Mata , Dos Santos Maria Clara Vieira , De Oliveira Abrantes Isabel Maria , De Almeida Santos Maria Susana Newton
Published: May 2003

The two species of potato cyst nematodes (PCN) have different spectra of
virulence towards host resistance genes and a proper identification is
important in the control of these nematodes by means of resistant potato
cultivars. Genetic variability of 32 populations of Globodera rostochiensis
and three of G. pallida from different regions of Portugal were analysed and
compared using random amplified polymorphic DNA and sixteen primers. In
addition, a population of G. pallida (Luffness) from Scotland, UK, was
included for comparison. The patterns obtained were evaluated using the Nei
coefficient and the UPGMA cluster method. The resulting clusters were
expressed as dendrograms in the Phylogeny Inference Package (PHYLIP)
program. Separation of the two species of PCN was achieved with an average
similarity of 43%. Two populations of G. rostochiensis (PT1 and PT82) appear
to be distinct from the main group of this species. One population of
G.pallida (PT104) was distinct from the others of this species and the
Luffness population was linked most closely with PT5701. Distinct clusters
were observed within both species but the clusters could not be related to
the geographic proximity of the populations.
Presenting the Past: The Genre of Commentary in Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Hughes Aaron
Published: May 2003

This article provides a theoretical discussion of the genre of commentary writing. Rather than examining the role of commentary in a specific religion, it attempts to articulate a set of useful questions to begin the process of rethinking what this genre is and, in the process, help create a theoretical vocabulary and conceptual framework for an analysis of commentary from the history of religions. The article is divided into three parts. The first broadens the traditional concept of a "canon", ostensibly the raw data upon which the commentary imposes a taxonomy. The second argues that the human condition, what Heidegger calls the way in which we are thrown into the world, demands that we interpret it. Finally, it is suggested that commentary is fundamentally about location or space, thereby providing the classificatory schema that is necessary for contextualizing both past and present. The main goal of this article is to problematize the current discussion of commentary in a theoretical way.
Why it Is Better to Know Some of the Questions Than All of the Answers
Authors: Strenski Ivan
Published: May 2003

Karl Popper has argued that "problems" are central to any disciplined study (or science). This is (or should be) true as well of the study of religion. If "problems" are critical in this way, then a grasp of the problems of "religion" should be critical to the long-term intellectual seriousness and durability of the study of religion. Religious Studies needs to work on what a syllabus of such "problems" are, and to build the curriculum of the study of religion, deliberately and explicitly, to include them. This article makes suggestions as to what such "problems" might be.
Autobiography and Ethnography: Falling in Love with the Inner Other
Authors: Shapiro Faydra
Published: May 2003

This article considers the potential value of the researcher's self for making sense of others in doing fieldwork and writing ethnography. The author shows how her insights about an Israel experience program for unaffiliated, North American Jewish youth owe much to her positioned self, and she assesses how her self was radically altered by her fieldwork. Grounded in both personal narrative and ethnographic description, the author explores the mutually enriching relationship between self and other.
Integrating Institutions
Authors: Jupille Joseph , Caporaso James A. , Checkel Jeffrey T.
Published: May 2003

Three central goals motivate this introductory essay and the articles that follow. First, we seek better understanding of the EU's own institutions, especially to the extent that they play a role in or represent the process of integration. Second, we seek better integration of the multiple general understandings of institutions and primarily of rationalist and constructivist conceptions. Third and most important, we seek to promote the integration of institutional research. Our overarching argument is that metatheoretical debate about institutions has run its course and must now give way to theoretical, methodological, and carefully structured empirical dialogue. To this end, we offer specific strategies for promoting greater synthesis among competing institutional schools.
Endogenous Preferences And Delegation In The European Union
Authors: Hug Simon
Published: May 2003

The interplay among intergovernmental and supranational actors is a defining feature of the institutional life of the European Union (EU). Too often, however, these actors are considered independent of each other, and their autonomy is assessed in a vacuum. This is problematic because if there is such a thing as "endogenous preferences" in the EU, it appears exactly through this interdependence of intergovernmental and supranational actors. None of the institutionalist approaches to the EU has come to grips with this fact yet. Based on some very simple gametheoretic ideas, I offer in this article a rationale for "endogenous preferences" and discuss their impact on issues of delegations. Some cursory empirical evidence supports the claims that the preferences of supranational actors are related to those of the actors who select or appoint them. Similarly, the analyses presented here suggest that preferences over delegation to supranational actors are influenced by differences in policy views between principals and agents.
From "Grand Coalition" To Left-Right Confrontation
Authors: Kreppel Amie , Hix Simon
Published: May 2003

In this article, the authors address the rationalist-constructivist debate head on. They start by discussing a significant empirical phenomenon in contemporary EU politics: the changing pattern of political competition in the European Parliament (EP), from a "grand coalition" of the two main parties in the 1994-1999 EP, to a new structure of left-right competition in the 1999-2004 EP. The authors then illustrate how rational choice and constructivist assumptions offer competing explanations of this shift in the "culture of competition" in the EP, which in turn generate competing empirically testable hypotheses. These propositions are tested using a logistic analysis of more than 400 roll-call votes in a period from the 1994-1999 and the 1999-2004 parliament. The authors conclude that neither basic theoretical framework performs well and that the best explanation needs to incorporate assumptions from both frameworks.
Institutional Environments And Everyday EU Decision Making
Authors: Lewis Jeffrey
Published: May 2003

What difference do institutional environments make? Do they primarily affect strategy, with constraining and enabling effects on behavior as rationalists hold? Or do they also affect attitudes, identities, and how interests are formulated as constructivists assert? Within a given institutional environment, what impact does the "style" of decision making-which beyond formal characteristics such as the decision rule includes informal rules, norms, and shared understandings-play in determining bargaining outcomes? This article examines these questions in the context of EU decision making by focusing on the Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper). Coreper is an ideal laboratory to test these questions empirically, because this committee represents the needle's eye through which the legislative workload of the Council flows. And the permanent representatives who live in Brussels and meet weekly to prepare upcoming ministerial meetings are exemplars of state agents given their prominence in articulating and defending national interests across the gamut of EU affairs.
Control Mechanism Or Deliberative Democracy?
Authors: Pollack Mark A.
Published: May 2003

One of the most striking features of contemporary EU governance is the ubiquity of Commission and member-state committees known under the rubric of "comitology." The significance of these committees, however, remains a matter of dispute, with two distinct theoretical images of comitology being put forward in the literature. The first of these approaches, drawn from sociological institutionalism and constructivism, suggests that EU committees provide a forum in which national and supranational experts meet and deliberate in a search for the most efficient solutions to common policy problems. A second view, derived from rational choice theory, depicts comitology committees as control mechanisms designed by EU member governments to supervise the Commission in its executive duties. This article engages in a direct competitive test of these two approaches, examining the empirical record of institutional choice of comitology committees and demonstrating that the weight of both quantitative and qualitative evidence supports rationalist hypotheses. Deliberation may well take place under certain conditions within comitology committees, but it is likely that such deliberation takes place only within a relatively narrow domain, and under conditions yet to be identified.
Strategic Action In A Community Environment
Authors: Schimmelfennig Frank
Published: May 2003

In this article, the author proposes a synthetic approach to the analysis of institutional effects on EU policy making by combining a rationalist theory of action with a constructivist assumption on the social environment: Actors in European integration act strategically on the basis of individual specific policy preferences but do so in a community environment that affects their strategies and the collective interaction outcome. This synthetic approach draws on the work of Erving Goffman and is based on the "sequencing" of rationalist and constructivist propositions. Furthermore, this approach will be most salient when the institutional rules in question are constitutive and legitimate and resonate with national values and norms. Following the design of controlled competition, the author argues that this sequencing better explains the EU's decision to expand to the East than either rationalist or constructivist propositions alone.
The Structure And Dynamics Of Eu Federalism
Authors: Kelemen R. Daniel
Published: May 2003

This article analyzes European Union (EU) politics through the lens of comparative federalism. The article assesses the contributions that rationalist and constructivist approaches can make to the analysis of EU federalism, focusing on two broad questions. First, what explains shifts in authority from the state (i.e., member states) to the federal (i.e., EU) level? Second, what explains the degree to which the federal government constrains state discretion? This article develops testable hypotheses based on the rationalist and constructivist perspectives and presents a set of initial plausibility probes. The article shows that there is considerable room for dialogue between rationalist and constructivist perspectives and together they can provide a more comprehensive explanation for the dynamics of EU federalism.
"Going Native" In Europe?
Authors: Checkel Jeffrey T.
Published: May 2003

This article advances hypotheses linking specific European institutions to changes in agent preferences, with the objective to explore the pathways and mechanisms through which such shifts occur. Drawing on work in social psychology and communications research, the author develops a micro-, process-, and agency-based argument on the nature of social interaction within institutions. Empirically, he examines committees of the Council of Europe, the main European rights institution, asking whether the preferences/interests of social agents changed as they discussed and debated issues. Put differently, did they "go native" in Strasbourg? Theoretically, a series of scope conditions for when argumentative persuasion will be effective in "changing minds" is advanced. By thus defining clear domains of application, the article contributes to a central goal of this special issue: building bridges to other-rationalist, in this case-views on social interaction.
Safety and effectiveness of long-term therapy with the oral iron chelator deferiprone
Authors: Cohen Alan R. , Galanello Renzo , Piga Antonio , De Sanctis Vincenzo , Tricta Fernando
Published: May 2003

The identification of a safe, orally active iron chelator is critically important for the prevention of morbidity and early death in patients receiving regular red cell transfusions. Based on our findings in a 1-year multicenter, prospective study of the safety and efficacy of deferiprone in patients with thalassemia major, we have extended the treatment period to 4 years. The mean dose of the chelator was 73 mg/kg per day during 531 patient-years. The rates of agranulocytosis (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] < 500 × 109/L) and milder forms of neutropenia (ANC, 500-1500 × 109/L) were 0.2 and 2.8 per 100 patient-years, respectively. Neutropenia occurred significantly more commonly in patients with intact spleens. Gastrointestinal and joint symptoms decreased significantly after the first year of therapy, and led to discontinuation of deferiprone in only one patient in years 2 to 4. The mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) value of 71 U/L after 4 years of therapy was significantly higher than the baseline value of 61 U/L. Trend analysis showed no increase in the ALT levels or the percentage of patients with ALT levels greater than twice the upper limit of the reference range. Ferritin levels did not change significantly from the values at the time of change from deferoxamine to deferiprone in either the intention-to-treat analysis or in the 84 patients who completed 4 years of therapy. Because of concerns regarding the effectiveness of the studied dose of deferiprone, 47 patients discontinued therapy, whereas 15 patients interrupted therapy because of concerns regarding low iron levels. The results of this study help to define the safety and effectiveness of long-term therapy with deferiprone.
Induction of pro-angiogenic signaling by a synthetic peptide derived from the second intracellular loop of S1P3 (EDG3)
Authors: Licht Tamar , Tsirulnikov Lilia , Reuveni Hadas , Yarnitzky Talia , Ben-Sasson Shmuel A.
Published: May 2003

The G-protein–coupled receptors of the endothelial differentiation gene (EDG) family mediate pro-angiogenic activities, such as endothelial cell proliferation, chemotaxis, and vessel morphogenesis. We synthesized and tested the effects of a 9-amino acid peptide (KRX-725), derived from the second intracellular loop of S1P3 (EDG3). KRX-725 mimics the effects of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), the natural ligand of S1P3, by triggering a Gi-dependent MEK-ERK (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase) signal transduction pathway. Using aortic rings as an ex vivo model of angiogenesis, vascular sprouting was assessed in the presence of KRX-725 or S1P. KRX-725 induced extensive and dense vascular sprouts, which contain an elaborated organization of endothelial and smooth muscle layers, including lumen formation. When KRX-725 or S1P was combined with proangiogenic factors, such as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), stem cell factor, or vascular endothelial growth factor, the effect was synergistic, leading to further enhancement of vascular sprouting. KRX-725 also initiated neovascularization in a mouse corneal pocket assay in vivo and showed synergism with bFGF. The specificity of KRX-725 was demonstrated via peptide-induced receptor internalization of S1P3 but not S1P1. The ability of a short peptide to stimulate extensive angiogenesis and to synergize with pro-angiogenic factors suggests that KRX-725 may serve as a useful agent in treating pathologic conditions such as peripheral vascular disease, cardiac ischemia, or tissue grafts.
Fanconi anemia type C–deficient hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells exhibit aberrant cell cycle control
Authors: Li Xiaxin , Plett P. Artur , Yang Yanzhu , Hong Ping , Freie Brian , Srour Edward F. , Orschell Christie M. , Clapp D. Wade , Haneline Laura S.
Published: May 2003

The pathogenesis of bone marrow failure in Fanconi anemia is poorly understood. Suggested mechanisms include enhanced apoptosis secondary to DNA damage and altered inhibitory cytokine signaling. Recent data determined that disrupted cell cycle control of hematopoietic stem and/or progenitor cells disrupts normal hematopoiesis with increased hematopoietic stem cell cycling resulting in diminished function and increased sensitivity to cell cycle–specific apoptotic stimuli. Here, we used Fanconi anemia complementation type C–deficient (Fancc–/–) mice to demonstrate that Fancc–/– phenotypically defined cell populations enriched for hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells exhibit increased cycling. In addition, we established that the defect in cell cycle regulation is not a compensatory mechanism from enhanced apoptosis occurring in vivo. Collectively, these data provide a previously unrecognized phenotype in Fancc–/– hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, which may contribute to the progressive bone marrow failure in Fanconi anemia.
The type 3 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor is concentrated at the tight junction level in polarized MDCK cells
Authors: Colosetti Pascal , Tunwell Richard E. A. , Cruttwell Caroline , Arsanto Jean-Pierre , Mauger Jean-Pierre , Cassio Doris
Published: May 2003

The subcellular localization of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate(InsP3)-induced Ca2+ signals is important for the activation of many physiological functions. In epithelial cells the spatial distribution of InsP3 receptor is restricted to specific areas, but little is known about the relationship between the receptor's distribution and cell polarity. To investigate this relationship, the best known polarized cell model, MDCK, was examined. This cell line is characterized by a strong expression of the type 3 InsP3 receptor and the subcellular localization of this receptor was followed during cell polarization using immunofluorescence and confocal analysis. In non-polarized cells, including ras transformed f3 MDCK cells, the type 3 InsP3 receptor was found to co-localize with markers of the endoplasmic reticulum in the cytoplasm. In contrast, in polarized cells, this receptor was mostly distributed at the apex of the lateral plasma membrane with the markers of tight junctions, ZO-1 and occludin. The localization of the type 3 InsP3 receptor in the vicinity of tight junctions was confirmed by immunogold electron microscopy. The culture of MDCK cells in calcium-deprived medium, led to disruption of cell polarity and receptor redistribution in the cytoplasm. Addition of calcium to these deprived cells induced the restoration of polarity and the relocalization of the receptor to the plasma membrane. MDCK cells were stably transfected with a plasmid coding the full-length mouse type 1 InsP3 receptor tagged with EGFP at the C-terminus. The EGFP-tagged type 1 receptor and the endogenous type 3 co-localized in the cytoplasm of non-polarized cells and at the tight junction level of polarized cells. Thus,the localization of InsP3 receptor in MDCK depends on polarity.
Fission yeastmeu14+is required for proper nuclear division and accurate forespore membrane formation during meiosis II
Authors: Okuzaki Daisuke , Satake Wataru , Hirata Aiko , Nojima Hiroshi
Published: May 2003

Using a meiosis-specific subtracted cDNA library of Schizosaccharomyces pombe, we identified meu14+ as a gene whose expression is upregulated during meiosis. Transcription of meu14+ is induced abruptly after the cell enters meiosis. Its transcription is dependent on the meiosis-specific transcription factor Mei4. In meu14Δ cells, the segregation and modification of the SPBs (spindle pole bodies) and microtubule elongation during meiosis II were aberrant. Meiotic meu14Δ cells consequently produced a high frequency of abnormal tetranucleate cells harboring aberrant forespore membranes and failed to produce asci. In wild-type cells harboring the integrated meu14+-gfp fusion gene, Meu14-GFP first appeared inside the nuclear region at prophase II, after which it accumulated beside the two SPBs at metaphase II. Thereafter, it formed two ring-shaped structures that surrounded the nucleus at early anaphase II. At post-anaphase II, it disappeared. Meu14-GFP appears to localize at the border of the forespore membrane that later develops into spore walls at the end of sporulation. This was confirmed by coexpressing Spo3-HA, a component of the forespore membrane, with Meu14-GFP. Taken together, we conclude that meu14+ is crucial in meiosis in that it participates in both the nuclear division during meiosis II and the accurate formation of the forespore membrane.
The V-type H+-ATPase in Malpighian tubules of Aedes aegypti: localization and activity
Authors: Weng Xing-He , Huss Markus , Wieczorek Helmut , Beyenbach Klaus W.
Published: May 2003

The V-type H+-ATPase is thought to provide the driving force for transepithelial electrolyte and fluid secretion in Malpighian tubules. To confirm the presence of this proton pump in Malpighian tubules of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti, we used several antibodies raised against the V-type H+-ATPase of Manduca sexta. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of the V-type H+-ATPase in Malpighian tubules of Aedes aegypti. In situ immunostaining identified the V-type H+-ATPase at the apical membrane of the mitochondrion-rich brush border of principal cells. The V-type H+-ATPase was not found in stellate cells. Measurements of ATPase activity revealed that bafilomycin-sensitive and NO3--sensitive ATPase activity accounted for 50–60% of total ATPase activity in crude extracts of Malpighian tubules. No significant ouabain- or vanadate-sensitive Na+/K+-ATPase activity was detected. These results support the conclusion reached previously in electrophysiological studies that the mechanisms for transepithelial electrolyte secretion in the AedesMalpighian tubules rely on the V-type H+-ATPase as the principal energizer of epithelial transport. Measures of transepithelial Na+and K+ secretion and estimates of the H+ flux mediated by the V-type H+-ATPase suggest a 1:1 stoichiometry for Na+/H+ and K+/H+ exchange transport across the apical membrane.
Energetics of nestling growth and parental effort in Antarctic fulmarine petrels
Authors: Hodum Peter J. , Weathers Wesley W.
Published: May 2003

Antarctic fulmarine petrels breed in some of the coldest conditions encountered by any bird and their young grow twice as fast as predicted allometrically. To examine the energetic consequences of fast growth in a cold environment, we used the doubly labeled water technique to measure field metabolic rates of adults (three species) and different-aged nestlings (four species) of Antarctic fulmarine petrels in the Rauer Islands, East Antarctica:Antarctic fulmar Fulmarus glacialoides, Antarctic petrel Thalassoica antarctica, Cape petrel Daption capense and snow petrel Pagodroma nivea. We used our data to assess parental effort and, together with literature values on nestling growth and resting metabolic rate, to construct and partition nestling energy budgets. Nestling total energy expenditure and peak daily metabolic rate were significantly higher than predicted allometrically (33–73% and 17–66% higher,respectively), and the relative cost of growth in nestling petrels was among the highest reported for birds (54–72 kJ g-1). Parental effort during the nestling-feeding period was identical in adult Cape and Antarctic petrels (3.5 times basal metabolic rate, BMR), and was somewhat (but not significantly) higher in snow petrels (4.6 times BMR). These values are comparable to those of other high-latitude procellariiform birds. Thus,despite the constraints of a compressed breeding season, cold temperatures and fast-growing nestlings, adult Antarctic fulmarine petrels do not work harder than procellariid adults whose chicks grow much more slowly. Our findings suggest that obtaining sufficient food is generally not a constraint for adult fulmarine petrels and that factors operating at the tissue level limit nestling growth rate.
Olfactory input increases visual sensitivity in zebrafish: a possible function for the terminal nerve and dopaminergic interplexiform cells
Authors: Maaswinkel Hans , Li Lei
Published: May 2003

Centrifugal innervation of the neural retina has been documented in many species. In zebrafish Danio rerio, the only so-far described centrifugal pathway originates from terminal nerve (TN) cell bodies that are located in the olfactory bulb. Most of the TN axons terminate in the forebrain and midbrain, but some project via the optic nerve to the neural retina, where they synapse onto dopaminergic interplexiform cells (DA-IPCs). While the anatomical pathway between the olfactory and visual organs has been described, it is unknown if and how olfactory signals influence visual system functions. We demonstrate here that olfactory input is involved in the modulation of visual sensitivity in zebrafish. As determined by a behavioral assay and by electroretinographic (ERG) recording, zebrafish visual sensitivity was increased upon presentation of amino acids as olfactory stimuli. This effect, however, was observed only in the early morning hours when zebrafish are least sensitive to light. The effect of olfactory input on vision was eliminated after lesion of the olfactory bulbs or after the destruction of DA-IPCs. Intraocular injections of a dopamine D2 but not a D1 receptor antagonist blocked the effect of olfactory input on visual sensitivity. Although we cannot exclude the involvement of other anatomical pathways, our data suggest that the TN and DA-IPCs are the prime candidates for olfactory modulation of visual sensitivity.
Juvenile hormone and division of labor in honey bee colonies: effects of allatectomy on flight behavior and metabolism
Authors: Sullivan Joseph P. , Fahrbach Susan E. , Harrison Jon F. , Capaldi Elizabeth A. , Fewell Jennifer H. , Robinson Gene E.
Published: May 2003

Three experiments were performed to determine why removal of the corpora allata (the glands that produce juvenile hormone) causes honey bees to fail to return to their hive upon initiating flight. In Experiment 1, the naturally occurring flights of allatectomized bees were tracked with radar to determine whether the deficit is physical or cognitive. The results indicated a physical impairment: allatectomized bees had a significantly slower ground speed than sham and untreated bees during orientation flights, but otherwise attributes such as flight range and area were normal. Flight impairment was confirmed in Experiment 2, based on observations of takeoff made in the field at the hive entrance. The allatectomized group had a significantly smaller percentage of flightworthy bees than did the sham and untreated groups. Experiment 3 confirmed the flight impairment in laboratory tests and showed that allatectomy causes a decrease in metabolic rate. Allatectomized bees had significantly lower metabolic rates than untreated and sham bees, while allatectomized bees receiving hormone replacement had intermediate values. These results indicate that allatectomy causes flight impairment, probably partly due to effects on metabolic rate. They also suggest that juvenile hormone plays an additional, previously unknown, role in coordinating the physiological underpinning of division of labor in honey bee colonies.
In vitro analysis of the wear, wear debris and biological activity of surface-engineered coatings for use in metal-on-metal total hip replacements
Authors: Williams S , Tipper J L , Ingham E , Stone M H , Fisher J
Published: May 2003

Extremely low wear rates have been reported for metal-on-metal total hip replacements, but concerns remain about the effects of metal ion release, dissolution rates and toxicity. Surface-engineered coatings have the potential to improve wear resistance and reduce the biological activity of the wear debris produced. The aim of this study was to examine the wear and wear debris generation from surface-engineered coatings: titanium nitride (TiN), chromium nitride (CrN) and chromium carbon nitride (CrCN) applied to a cobalt-chrome alloy (CoCr) substrate. The coatings were articulated against themselves in a simple geometry model. The wear particles generated were characterized and the cytotoxic effect on U937 macrophages and L929 fibroblasts assessed. The CrN and CrCN coatings showed a decrease in wear compared to the CoCr bearings and produced small (less than 40 nm in length) wear particles. The wear particles released from the surface engineered bearings also showed a decreased cytotoxic effect on cells compared to the CoCr alloy debris. The reduced wear volumes coupled with the reduced cytotoxicity per unit volume of wear indicate the potential for the clinical application of this technology.