bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Larval Flatfish Distributions and Drift on the Southern Grand Bank
Authors: Frank Kenneth T. , Loder John W. , Carscadden James E. , Leggett William C , Taggart Christopher T.
Published: April 2008

Ichthyoplankton and hydrographic surveys of the southern Grand Bank in September of 1986, 1987, and 1988 revealed substantial correspondence between the areal distributions of larvae of three flatfish species and temperature below the thermocline. Depth-averaged densities of American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides) were negatively correlated with temperature whereas yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea) and witch flounder (Glyptocephalus cynoghssus) densities were positively correlated with temperature. In spite of large interannual differences in abundance, the larval distributions showed similar structure from year to year. Using estimates of larval age inferred from length frequency distributions and literature values for growth rate, in conjunction with moored current measurements, estimates of spawning times and locations were obtained for each species. These estimates were compared with historical information on the distribution of prespawning fish for each species to examine the hypothesis of passive larval drift. The results indicate that in most, but not all cases, the larval distributions and currents are consistent with passive larval drift for particular growth rates and vertical distributions. However, the observations are not adequate to rule out alternative mechanisms involving behaviour.
Antifreeze Production, Freeze Resistance, and Overwintering of Juvenile Northern Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua)
Authors: Goddard Sally V. , Kao Ming H. , Fletcher Garth L.
Published: April 2008

Four size groups of northern Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) (juveniles < 15, 15–25, and 26–40 cm and adults > 50 cm) were investigated over a winter cycle for their ability to increase freeze resistance by producing plasma antifreeze glycoproteins. All juveniles had significantly higher plasma antifreeze levels than adults during the winter (January–March) under similar conditions of cycling temperature and ambient photoperiod. Highest winter plasma antifreeze levels and lowest plasma freezing temperatures were consistently found in the 15–25 cm group. Fish length and plasma antifreeze levels were inversely related from January to April, with the exception of the 0 + cod. All juvenile groups developed considerable freeze protection early in the winter cycle before the onset of freezing temperatures. However, the adults were not significantly protected until the end of January, when ambient temperatures had fallen below 0 °C. The 15–25 cm cod were held in three cycling temperature regimes. Induction temperatures for antifreeze production in this size group appeared to be between 2 and 3 °C, as compared with between 1 and 0 °C for the adults. We suggest that these patterns of antifreeze production may have direct bearing on habitat selection and overwintering behaviour of the northern Atlantic cod at different stages of development.
An Evaluation of the Stereocinematographic Method to Estimate Fish Swimming Speed
Authors: Boisclair Daniel
Published: April 2008

I evaluated the precision and accuracy of the stereocinematographic (SCG) method for estimating fish swimming speed. The SCG method implements the differences in images recorded by two cameras to determine the position of a target in an x, y, z, coordinate system. Movements and speeds were determined using variations in the position of the targets over time. Movements of rulers [Formula: see text] estimated in the laboratory did not differ significantly from measured values. The accuracy of the SCG method in the field was assessed by comparing simultaneous estimates of the speed of the head and of the tail of individual fish observed in in situ enclosures. Differences between these descriptors of fish swimming were always < 2 body lengths (bl)∙s−1 and, on average, did not differ significantly from 0. Swimming speeds [Formula: see text] ranged from 0.6 to 20.7 cm∙s−1 (0.1–3.8 bl∙s−1). Speed variations between two consecutive 1-s intervals ranged from −23.9 cm∙s−1 (deceleration) to 23.6 cm∙s−1 (acceleration). Positioning fish at 1- to 6-s intervals tended to decrease the variance of swimming speed estimates. A sample size of 100–150 speeds per hour was sufficient to accurately describe fish swimming in an in situ enclosure.
Selection of Factors Affecting the Presence of Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in Adirondack Lakes: A Case Study
Authors: Beauchamp J. J. , Christensen S. W. , Smith E. P.
Published: April 2008

We used multiple logistic regression techniques to develop models for estimating the probability of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) presence/absence as a function of observable water chemistry variables and watershed characteristics. The data set consists of the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation data collected on 1469 lakes during 1984–87. Two models fitted to a randomly selected development subset of lakes, using two sets of candidate explanatory/predictor variables of particular interest, were compared on the basis of coefficient consistency and predictive ability. In addition to the usual maximum likelihood logistic regression results, we also applied collinearity and other associated diagnostics and variable-selection procedures designed specifically for the logistic regression model to arrive at parsimonious models. Both models correctly predicted fish presence in more than 85% of the model development set and more than 80% of the lakes in the verification data. For those variables appearing in both models, the signs of the estimated coefficients were the same and in agreement with expectation. The removal of influential observations, as indicated by the logistic regression diagnostics, caused all of the estimated coefficients to increase in absolute magnitude. This results in a model which is more sensitive to changes in the explanatory variables.
Sequence homology of polymorphic AFLP markers in garlic (Allium sativum L.)
Authors: Ipek Meryem , Ipek Ahmet , Simon Philipp W.
Published: April 2008

Linkage mapping and genetic diversity studies with DNA markers in plant species assume that comigrating bands are identical, or at least that they have homologous sequences. To test this assumption in a plant with a large genome, sequence identities of 7 polymorphic amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers of garlic, previously used to estimate similarity in genetic diversity studies, were characterized. Among 37 diverse garlic clones, 87 bands from these 7 polymorphisms were excised, amplicons were cloned, and 2 to 6 colonies were sequenced from each band, to yield a total of 191 DNA amplicons. Of these 87 bands, 83 bands (95.4%) contained AFLP amplicons that were identical or highly homologous to the typical marker of that band; only 4 bands contained amplicons with little homology to the same-sized amplicons of other garlic clones. Of these 83 bands, 64 (73.6%) contained only highly homologous amplicons (>90% sequence identity), whereas 19 (21.8%) contained both homologous and nonhomologous amplicons, with sequence identities less than 60%. Of the 37 nonhomologous amplicons identified, 25 (67.5%) differed in length from other amplicons in the band. Sequence conservation of AFLP amplicons followed patterns similar to phylogenetic relationships among garlic clones, making them useful for developing simple PCR-based markers in genetic mapping and diversity assessment.
Genetic diversity of maize kernel starch-synthesis genes with SNAPs
Authors: Shin Ji-Hyun , Kwon Soon-Jae , Lee Ju Kyong , Min Hwang-Kee , Kim Nam-Soo
Published: April 2008

Measuring genetic diversity in populations of a crop species is very important for understanding the genetic structure of and subsequently improving the crop species by genetic manipulation. Single-nucleotide amplified polymorphisms (SNAPs) among and within maize populations of waxy, dent, and sweet corns at 25 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites in 6 kernel starch-synthesis genes (sh2, bt2, su1, ae1, wx1, and sh1) were determined. Because of the intensive selection of some favorable alleles in starch-synthesis genes during the breeding process, and the resultant strong linkage disequilibrium (LD), the number of haplotypes in each population was far less than expected. Subsequent phenetic clustering analysis with the SNAPs indicated that the dent, waxy, and sweet corns formed distinct subclusters, except in a few incidences. LD was surveyed among SNAPs of intragenic, intergenic, and intrachromosomal SNPs in whole and subpopulations, which revealed that some SNAPs showed high LD with many other SNAPs, but some SNAPs showed low or no significant LD with others, depending on the subpopulation, indicating that these starch genes have undergone different selection in each subpopulation during the breeding process. Because the starch synthesis genes used in this study are important in maize breeding, the genetic diversity, LD, and accessions having rare SNAP alleles might be valuable in maize improvement programs.
New porcine microRNA genes found by homology search
Authors: Kim Hee-Jeong , Cui Xiang-Shun , Kim Eun-Jung , Kim Wun-Jae , Kim Nam-Hyung
Published: April 2008

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) repress target genes at the post-transcriptional level and play important roles in development and cell lineage decisions. In vertebrates, however, both the targets of miRNAs and their expression profiles during development are poorly understood. Thus far, 326 human miRNAs, 249 mouse miRNAs, and 195 rat miRNAs have been identified. Even though the pig is a promising animal model in regenerative biology, as well as in livestock production, only 54 pig miRNAs have been identified. Here, we report the identification of 58 new pig miRNAs. We conducted a homology search using either human or mouse miRNAs genes queried against the pig genome. The new pig miRNAs consist of 23 miRNAs showing homology to mouse, 21 showing homology to human, and 16 showing homology to both human and mouse. The expression profile of 6 miRNAs were analyzed by Northern blot analysis isolated from porcine tissues: ovary, heart, kidney, liver, and pancreas.
Linear free-energy correlation analysis of the electronic effects of the substituents in the Sonogashira coupling reaction
Authors: Gottardo Christine , Kraft Thomas M , Hossain M Selim , Zawada Peter V , Muchall Heidi M
Published: April 2008

Relative rate constants (krel) for the Sonogashira coupling were determined in competitive reactions between iodobenzene and a series of para- and meta-substituted iodobenzenes and compared to the charge on iodine and the z-component of the quadrupole moment of the iodine-bearing carbon. We use an Hammett correlation analysis and the computational data to provide further evidence that the rate limiting step of the Sonogashira reaction is the initial oxidative addition of Pd to the carbon-iodine bond.Key words: Sonogashira, competitive reactions, Hammett correlation.
Sample size – precision relationships for use in estimating stand characteristics and spruce budworm caused tree mortality
Authors: MacLean David A. , Ostaff Donald P.
Published: April 2008

Data on spruce budworm (Choristoneurafumiferana (Clem.)) caused tree mortality and stand characteristics collected between 1977 and 1981 from 25 plots on the Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia, were used to derive relationships between sample size and precision level. Comparison of three plot types (prism point samples with BAF = 2.3, 0.01-ha circular fixed area plots, and 0.05-ha fixed area plots) indicated that using larger numbers of small plots (either prism or fixed area) within each sampled stand would be the best method for estimating tree mortality. Curves relating required number of plots to desired precision level (specified as a bound on the mortality estimate) were presented for estimating both annual mortality and cumulative (total) mortality. These relationships will assist in choosing sample size in future studies determining stand characteristics and bud worm-caused tree mortality. As a rough approximation, sampling about 15 prism points within each stand should result in estimation of cumulative mortality to about ±10% precision.
Changes in soil nitrogen concentration around Alnusglutinosa in a mixed, short-rotation plantation with hybrid Populus
Authors: Dawson Jeffrey O. , Dzialowy Paul J. , Gertner George Z. , Hansen Edward A.
Published: April 2008

Soil nitrogen concentration around AlnusglutinosaL. (Gaertn.) stems differed significantly both spatially and with the proportion of hybrid Populus in a 4-year-old mixed plantation near Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Single rows of Alnus bounded by adjacent rows of hybrid Populus had the greatest increase and concentration of nitrogen in the top 16 cm of soil. Alnus, with an adjacent row of Populus and an adjacent row of Alnus, had less total nitrogen concentration in the soil and there was little significant increase in total nitrogen concentration. Where Alnus trees had a row of Alnus on either side, the total nitrogen concentration was least, having decreased significantly from concentrations in soil prior to tree planting. Soil nitrogen accretion and concentration was always highest in the top 4 cm of soil. Results are consistent with speculation that competition-induced stress from shading by Populus or Populus allelochemicals results in early accretion of nitrogen in soil around Alnus intermixed with Populus.
Distribution and cycling of elements in a Pinus resinosa plantation ecosystem, Wisconsin
Authors: Bockheim J. G. , Lee S. W. , Leide J. E.
Published: April 2008

Biomass in 34-year-old planted red pine (Pinusresinosa Ait.) on a Typic Udipsamment soil was 127 t ha−1. Aboveground net primary production was 10.2 t ha−1 year−1. Nutrient concentrations in the trees varied by (i) tissue, (ii) position in tree, and (iii) age of foliage. In the aboveground tree concentrations of N, P, K, Mg, and S were greatest in foliage followed by bolebark, live branches, and bolewood. Concentrations of N and S in foliage, bolebark, and live branches and concentrations of K, Mg, and P in the bolebark and live branches increased toward the apex of the tree. Whereas concentrations of Ca, Mg, and S increased with foliar age, concentrations of K and P decreased with foliar age. Total elements in the aboveground and belowground biomass were ranked: N > Ca > K > Mg > S > P. The forest floor contained greater quantities of N (254 kg ha−1) than the vegetation (222 kg ha−1). The upper 100 cm of mineral soil contained from 8.2% (N) to 89% (Mg) of the readily available nutrients in the ecosystem: Atmospheric inputs were the major source of N and S. Output of a given element by leaching beyond the rooting zone (55 cm) was less than 7 kg ha−1 year−1, except for S which was 12 kg ha−1 year−1. Litterfall returned the greatest amounts of each of the elements to the soil surface, followed by throughfall and stemflow. Because of foliar leaching, the net loading of each of the elements exceeded that of the precipitation. With the exception of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and H, loading of elements in the forest floor leachate exceeded that of the throughfall + stemflow. Nitrogen mineralization was estimated to be 44 kg ha−1 year−1. Whereas N, S, and P in the forest floor required approximately 10 years to turn over, Ca, Mg, and K turned over in about 5 years. Mineral weathering provided 22, 6.9, and 5.0 kg ha−1 year−1 of Ca, K, and Mg, respectively. These estimates, determined from the mass balance approach, are considered to be too high. Elements were taken up by the vegetation in the following order: Ca (56 kg ha−1 year−1), N (54), K (18), S (13), and Mg (10 kg ha−1 year−1). Elemental retention, which ranged from 30% for S to 50% for K, was lower than for comparable ecosystems.
Dynamic investment considerations in forestry project evaluations
Authors: Nautiyal J. C. , Rezende J. L.
Published: April 2008

The reasons why benefit–cost analysis has not been very popular with foresters are indicated. Consideration of relative price changes and inflation, social costs of alternative projects, and most significantly, the dynamics of project evaluation can make forestry projects assume their due importance in investment analysis without resorting to the dubious logic of using lower discount rates than those used for other projects.
Effects of forest litter on mycorrhiza development and growth of Douglas-fir and western red cedar seedlings
Authors: Parke Jennifer L. , Llnderman R. G. , Trappe J. M.
Published: April 2008

Preparation of forest regeneration sites prior to conifer planting often includes slash burning or physical removal of soil organic matter. Experiments were conducted to determine if organic matter contributes to the mycorrhizal fungus inoculum potential in forest soils and to compare the growth of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and western red cedar (Thujaplicata J. Donn ex D. Donn) seedlings with and without litter. Litter and humus were found to include inoculum of both vesicular–arbuscular (VA) and ectomycorrhizal fungi. Litter amendment usually enhanced growth of host seedlings, but growth enhancement could not be fully attributed to addition of mycorrhizal inoculum or nutrients provided by litter. These findings suggested that other biological factors stimulated the growth of conifer seedlings and (or) activity of mycorrhizal fungi.
The utilization of carbohydrates in aspen roots following partial or complete top removal
Authors: FitzGerald R. D. , Hoddinott J.
Published: April 2008

The decline in carbohydrates in roots of aspen (Populustremuloides Michx.) as a consequence of shoot production and the contribution of new shoots to root carbohydrate levels was investigated as part of a study of the factors controlling aspen regrowth following top removal. The level of non structural carbohydrates in the roots of young aspen shoots which had been clipped during the growing season was estimated at the commencement of the dormant season. Segments of the roots were then placed in growth cabinets and kept either in darkness or in one of two light regimes having equal quantum flux densities, but with quality akin to either normal sunlight or shade. Shoot growth in darkness was greater from roots taken from plots where clipping had been conducted in midseason rather than later in the season, suggesting that some carbohydrate replenishment had taken place in those plots. Carbohydrate concentration in roots placed in the three light regimes declined to approximately the same extent over the 8 weeks of the experiment, but total weight of shoots was greater in light than in darkness, which suggests that newly synthesized carbohydrates were retained in the tops for growth. While shoots in normal and shade quality light were not phenologically different, shoots in normal light had greater leaf development than shoots in shade light and were heavier, presumably as a consequence of the greater leaf development leading to a greater net photosynthesis.
Site-specific growth and nutrition of planted Piceamariana in the Ontario Clay Belt.: II. Effects of nitrogen fertilization
Authors: Munson A. D. , Timmer V. R.
Published: April 2008

Bioassay and field outplanting experiments in three black spruce dominated ecosystems examined 1st- and 2nd-year responses of Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P. seedlings to nitrogen fertilization in the same season as outplanting. The two experiments also tested a previous diagnosis of relative N deficiency on lowland Alnus–Herb poor and Ledum sites compared with an upland Feathermoss site, and allowed comparison of responses to N addition under operational and more controlled conditions. In the bioassay, fertilizer growth response was greatest and comparable on the two lowland sites, confirming the N deficiency. In the field experiment, results from these two sites demonstrated significant seedling response to N only on the Ledum site, while competing vegetation appeared to limit growth increase on the Alnus site. A comparison of bioassay and field results demonstrated a lag in shoot fertilizer response in the field, and a lesser response on the Alnus site indicated the necessity of testing cultural manipulations under operational conditions. However, the pot trial was useful in that it confirmed the initial diagnosis made by site comparison. Interaction of site factors with the N treatment emphasized the importance of calibrating fertilizer response within a framework such as the Clay Belt Forest Ecosystem Classification system.
THE AVERAGING PROBLEM IN COSMOLOGY AND MACROSCOPIC GRAVITY
Authors: ZALALETDINOV ROUSTAM
Published: April 2008

The averaging problem in cosmology and the approach of macroscopic gravity to resolve the problem is discussed. The averaged Einstein equations of macroscopic gravity are modified on cosmological scales by the macroscopic gravitational correlation tensor terms as compared with the Einstein equations of general relativity. This correlation tensor satisfies a system of structure and field equations. An exact cosmological solution to the macroscopic gravity equations for a constant macroscopic gravitational connection correlation tensor for a flat spatially homogeneous, isotropic macroscopic space-time is presented. The correlation tensor term in the macroscopic Einstein equations has been found to take the form of either a negative or positive spatial curvature term. Thus, macroscopic gravity provides a cosmological model for a flat spatially homogeneous, isotropic Universe which obeys the dynamical law for either an open or closed Universe.
TENSORIAL STRUCTURE OF THE LQG GRAVITON PROPAGATOR
Authors: ALESCI EMANUELE
Published: April 2008

We review the construction of the tensorial structure of the graviton propagator in the context of loop quantum gravity and spinfoam formalism. The main result of this analysis is that applying the same strategy used to compute the diagonal terms, the Barrett-Crane vertex is unable to yield the correct propagator in the long distance limit. The problem is in the intertwiner-independence of the Barrett-Crane vertex. We also review the asymptotic behavior of an alternative vertex that is able to give the correct propagator.
BRST SYMMETRY TOWARDS THE GAUSS CONSTRAINT FOR GENERAL RELATIVITY
Authors: CASTELLANA MICHELE , MONTANI GIOVANNI
Published: April 2008

Quantization of systems with constraints can be carried on with several methods. In the Dirac's formulation the classical generators of gauge transformations are required to annihilate physical quantum states to ensure their gauge invariance. Carrying on BRST symmetry it is possible to get a condition on physical states which, differently from the Dirac's method, requires them to be invariant under the BRST transformation. Employing this method for the action of general relativity expressed in terms of the spin connection and tetrad fields with path integral methods, we construct the generator of BRST transformation associated with the underlying local Lorentz symmetry of the theory and write a physical state condition following from BRST invariance.

The condition we gain differs form the one obtained within Ashtekar's canonical formulation, showing how we recover the latter only by a suitable choice of the gauge fixing functionals. We finally discuss how it should be possible to obtain all the requested physical state conditions associated with all the underlying gauge symmetries of the classical theory using our approach.
MAGNETOCHEMISTRY OF SOME TRINUCLEAR Co(II) THIOCARBOXYLATES
Authors: BAYRI ALI , AYTEKIN OZLEM , SULU MUSTAFA , KARAKAPLAN MUSTAFA
Published: April 2008

This study discusses the magnetic behavior of some trinuclear Co(II) thiocarboxylates complexes. From the detailed theoretical investigation, it is suggested that, although the reported magnetic moments seem to be due to the spin and some orbital contributions, there may be some intramolecular ferromagnetic exchange interactions among the paramagnetic centers.
Octylphenol stimulates resistin gene expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes via the estrogen receptor and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways
Authors: Lee Meng-Jung , Lin Heng , Liu Chi-Wei , Wu Min-Hua , Liao Wei-Ju , Chang Hsin-Huei , Ku Hui-Chen , Chien Yeh-Sheng , Ding Wang-Hsien , Kao Yung-Hsi
Published: April 2008

Resistin is known as an adipocyte-specific secretory hormone that can cause insulin resistance and decrease adipocyte differentiation. It can be regulated by sexual hormones. Whether environmental estrogens regulate the production of resistin is still not clear. Using 3T3-L1 adipocytes, we found that octylphenol upregulated resistin mRNA expression in dose- and time-dependent manners. The concentration of octylphenol that increased resistin mRNA levels by 50% was ∼100 nM within 6 h of treatment. The basal half-life of resistin mRNA induced by actinomycin D was lengthened by octylphenol treatment, suggesting that octylphenol decreases the rate of resistin mRNA degradation. In addition, octylphenol stimulated resistin protein expression and release. The basal half-life of resistin protein induced by cycloheximide was lengthened by octylphenol treatment, suggesting that octylphenol decreases the rate of resistin protein degradation. While octylphenol was shown to increase activities of the estrogen receptor (ER) and MEK1, signaling was demonstrated to be blocked by pretreatment with either ICI-182780 (an ERα antagonist) or U-0126 (a MEK1 inhibitor), in which both inhibitors prevented octylphenol-stimulated phosphorylation of ERK. These results imply that ERα and ERK are necessary for the octylphenol stimulation of resistin mRNA expression. Moreover, U-0126 antagonized the octylphenol-increased resistin protein expression and release. These data suggest that the way octylphenol signaling increases resistin protein levels is similar to that by which it increases resistin mRNA levels; it is likely mediated through an ERK-dependent pathway. In vivo, octylphenol increased adipose resistin mRNA expression and serum resistin and glucose levels, supporting its in vitro effect.
Subdiaphragmatic vagal afferent nerves modulate visceral pain
Authors: Chen S. L. , Wu X. Y. , Cao Z. J. , Fan J. , Wang M. , Owyang C. , Li Y.
Published: April 2008

Activation of the vagal afferents by noxious gastrointestinal stimuli suggests that vagal afferents may play a complex role in visceral pain processes. The contribution of the vagus nerve to visceral pain remains unresolved. Previous studies reported that patients following chronic vagotomy have lower pain thresholds. The patient with irritable bowel syndrome has been shown alteration of vagal function. We hypothesize that vagal afferent nerves modulate visceral pain. Visceromotor responses (VMR) to graded colorectal distension (CRD) were recorded from the abdominal muscles in conscious rats. Chronic subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve sections induced 470, 106, 51, and 54% increases in VMR to CRD at 20, 40, 60 and 80 mmHg, respectively. Similarly, at light level of anesthesia, topical application of lidocaine to the subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve in rats increased VMR to CRD. Vagal afferent neuronal responses to low or high-intensity electrical vagal stimulation (EVS) of vagal afferent Aδ or C fibers were distinguished by calculating their conduction velocity. Low-intensity EVS of Aδ fibers (40 μA, 20 Hz, 0.5 ms for 30 s) reduced VMR to CRD at 40, 60, and 80 mmHg by 41, 52, and 58%, respectively. In contrast, high-intensity EVS of C fibers (400 μA, 1 Hz, 0.5 ms for 30 s) had no effect on VMR to CRD. In conclusion, we demonstrated that vagal afferent nerves modulate visceral pain. Low-intensity EVS that activates vagal afferent Aδ fibers reduced visceral pain. Thus EVS may potentially have a role in the treatment of chronic visceral pain.
Modulation of single-nephron GFR in thedb/dbmouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. II. Effects of renal mass reduction
Authors: Levine David Z. , Iacovitti Michelle , Robertson Susan J.
Published: April 2008

This study examines for the first time the effects of uninephrectomy (Nx) on modulation of whole kidney glomerular filtration rate (GFR), single-nephron GFR (SNGFR), and progression of diabetic nephropathy in the db/db mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. To characterize SNGFR and tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) responses to Nx and chronic neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibition in the db/db mouse, we studied the effects of Nx on whole kidney GFR, SNGFR, and TGF characteristics in db/db and wild-type (WT) mice after Nx or sham Nx. We also documented progression of glomerular changes over a 6-mo period. Whole kidney GFR and SNGFR were significantly higher in db/db Nx than db/db sham mice, without change in proximal tubule reabsorptive rates. The TGF responses, determined as proximal-distal SNGFR differences, were brisk: 12.1 ± 1.0 vs. 8.4 ± 0.6 nl/min in WT sham ( P < 0.05), 15.7 ± 1.0 vs. 12.0 ± 1.0 nl/min in WT Nx ( P < 0.05), and 17.8 ± 1.3 vs. 14.3 ± 1.0 nl/min in db/db Nx ( P < 0.05) mice. Chronic ingestion of the neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor S-methylthiocitrulline for 2–3 wk after Nx had no effect on SNGFR or the TGF response. These studies show further elevations in whole kidney GFR and SNGFR in these hyperglycemic morbidly obese db/db mice, with an intact TGF system after Nx. In addition, in the db/db Nx mice, 4–6 mo after Nx, there was an exacerbation of the lesions of diabetic nephropathy, as quantified by a significant increase in the ratio of mesangial surface area to total glomerular surface area.
Rapid cold-hardening in larvae of the Antarctic midgeBelgica antarctica:cellular cold-sensing and a role for calcium
Authors: Teets Nicholas M. , Elnitsky Michael A. , Benoit Joshua B. , Lopez-Martinez Giancarlo , Denlinger David L. , Lee Richard E.
Published: April 2008

In many insects, the rapid cold-hardening (RCH) response significantly enhances cold tolerance in minutes to hours. Larvae of the Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica, exhibit a novel form of RCH, by which they increase their freezing tolerance. In this study, we examined whether cold-sensing and RCH in B. antarctica occur in vitro and whether calcium is required to generate RCH. As demonstrated previously, 1 h at −5°C significantly increased organismal freezing tolerance at both −15°C and −20°C. Likewise, RCH enhanced cell survival of fat body, Malpighian tubules, and midgut tissue of larvae frozen at −20°C. Furthermore, isolated tissues retained the capacity for RCH in vitro, as demonstrated with both a dye exclusion assay and a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)-based viability assay, thus indicating that cold-sensing and RCH in B. antarctica occur at the cellular level. Interestingly, there was no difference in survival between tissues that were supercooled at −5°C and those frozen at −5°C, suggesting that temperature mediates the RCH response independent of the freezing of body fluids. Finally, we demonstrated that calcium is required for RCH to occur. Removing calcium from the incubating solution slightly decreased cell survival after RCH treatments, while blocking calcium with the intracellular chelator BAPTA-AM significantly reduced survival in the RCH treatments. The calmodulin inhibitor N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide hydrochloride (W-7) also significantly reduced cell survival in the RCH treatments, thus supporting a role for calcium in RCH. This is the first report implicating calcium as an important second messenger in the RCH response.
Arachidonic acid inhibits basolateral K channels in the cortical collecting duct via cytochrome P-450 epoxygenase-dependent metabolic pathways
Authors: Wang ZhiJian , Wei Yuan , Falck John R. , Atcha Krishnam Raju , Wang Wen-Hui
Published: April 2008

We used the patch-clamp technique to study the effect of arachidonic acid (AA) on basolateral 18-pS K channels in the principal cell of the cortical collecting duct (CCD) of the rat kidney. Application of AA inhibited the 18-pS K channels in a dose-dependent manner and 10 μM AA caused a maximal inhibition. The effect of AA on the 18-pS K channel was specific because application of 11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid had no effect on channel activity. Also, the inhibitory effect of AA on the 18-pS K channels was abolished by blocking cytochrome P-450 (CYP) epoxygenase with N-methylsulfonyl-6-(propargyloxyphenyl)hexanamide (MS-PPOH) but was not affected by inhibiting CYP ω-hydroxylase or cyclooxygenase. The notion that the inhibitory effect of AA was mediated by CYP epoxygenase-dependent metabolites was further supported by the observation that application of 100 nM 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) mimicked the effect of AA and inhibited the basolateral 18-pS K channels. In contrast, addition of either 5,6-, 8,9-, or 14,15-EET failed to inhibit the 18-pS K channels. Moreover, application of 11,12-EET was still able to inhibit the 18-pS K channels in the presence of MS-PPOH. This suggests that 11,12-EET is a mediator for the AA-induced inhibition of the 18-pS K channels. We conclude that AA inhibits basolateral 18-pS K channels by a CYP epoxygenase-dependent pathway and that 11,12-EET is a mediator for the effect of AA on basolateral K channels in the CCD.
Differential Cholinergic Modulation of Ca2+ Transients Evoked by Backpropagating Action Potentials in Apical and Basal Dendrites of Cortical Pyramidal Neurons
Authors: Cho Kwang-Hyun , Jang Hyun-Jong , Lee Eun-Hui , Yoon Shin Hee , Hahn Sang June , Jo Yang-Hyeok , Kim Myung-Suk , Rhie Duck-Joo
Published: April 2008

The effect of the cholinergic agonist carbachol (CCh) on backpropagating action potential (bAP)–evoked Ca2+ transients in distal apical and basal dendrites of layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in the primary visual cortex of rats was studied using whole cell recordings and confocal Ca2+ imaging. In the presence of CCh (20 μM), initial bAP-evoked Ca2+ transients were followed by large propagating secondary Ca2+ transients that were restricted to proximal apical dendrites ≤40 μm from the soma. In middle apical dendrites (41–100 μm from the soma), Ca2+ transients evoked by AP bursts at 20 Hz, but not by single APs, were increased by CCh without secondary transients. CCh failed to increase the bAP-evoked Ca2+ transients in distal apical dendrites (101–270 μm from the soma). In contrast, in basal dendrites, CCh increased Ca2+ transients evoked by AP bursts, but not by single APs, and these transients were relatively constant over the entire length of the dendrites. CCh further increased the enhanced bAP-evoked Ca2+ transients in the presence of 4-aminopyridine (200 μM), an A-type K+ channel blocker, in basal and apical dendrites, except in distal apical dendrites. CCh increased large Ca2+ transients evoked by high-frequency AP bursts in basal dendrites, but not in distal apical dendrites. CCh-induced increase in Ca2+ transients was mediated by InsP3-dependent Ca2+-induced Ca2+-release. These results suggest that cholinergic stimulation differentially increases the bAP-evoked increase in [Ca2+]i in apical and basal dendrites, which may modulate synaptic activities in a location-dependent manner.
Upregulation of the T-Type Calcium Current in Small Rat Sensory Neurons After Chronic Constrictive Injury of the Sciatic Nerve
Authors: Jagodic Miljen M. , Pathirathna Sriyani , Joksovic Pavle M. , Lee WooYong , Nelson Michael T. , Naik Ajit K. , Su Peihan , Jevtovic-Todorovic Vesna , Todorovic Slobodan M.
Published: April 2008

Recent data indicate that peripheral T-type Ca2+ channels are instrumental in supporting acute pain transmission. However, the function of these channels in chronic pain processing is less clear. To address this issue, we studied the expression of T-type Ca2+ currents in small nociceptive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells from L4-5 spinal ganglia of adult rats with neuropathic pain due to chronic constrictive injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. In control rats, whole cell recordings revealed that T-type currents, measured in 10 mM Ba2+ as a charge carrier, were present in moderate density (20 ± 2 pA/pF). In rats with CCI, T-type current density (30 ± 3 pA/pF) was significantly increased, but voltage- and time-dependent activation and inactivation kinetics were not significantly different from those in controls. CCI-induced neuropathy did not significantly change the pharmacological sensitivity of T-type current in these cells to nickel. Collectively, our results indicate that CCI-induced neuropathy significantly increases T-type current expression in small DRG neurons. Our finding that T-type currents are upregulated in a CCI model of peripheral neuropathy and earlier pharmacological and molecular studies suggest that T-type channels may be potentially useful therapeutic targets for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with partial mechanical injury to the sciatic nerve.
Mites Associated With the Oyster‐Shell Scale( Lepidosaphes Ulmi Linne)
Authors: Ewing H. E. , Webster R. L.
Published: April 2008

Correctiondx.doi.org/10.1155/1912/82863
Xenillus Clypeator Robineau‐Desvoidyand its Identity
Authors: Jacot Arthur Paul
Published: April 2008

Errata for vol. 36dx.doi.org/10.1155/1929/25287
A New Genus of Microdontine Flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) With Notes on the Placement of the Subfamily
Authors: Thompson F. Christian
Published: April 2008

I discovered the following new genus o Syrphidae while reviewing
the Neotropical Microdontinae. I had planned to put aside its description
until my study of the subfamily was finished. However,
publication of a second species assignable to it by van Doesburg
(1966) has necessitated publishing a name now for this genus so that
it can be incIuded in the Catalog of South American Diptera.
New Genera and Species of Tyrini FromAustralia (Coleoptera: Pselaphidae)
Authors: Chandler Donald S.
Published: April 2008

While preparing a paper on the pselaphid genera of Australia,
three groups of the Tyrini, subtribe Tyrina, were discovered which
could not be placed within the current generic concepts of the Australian
fauna One of hese groups apears to be congeneric with
Tyrogetus Broun from New Zealand. white the other two represent
undescribed genera, With the recognition of these taxa, the major
generic components of the Tyrini appear to be described for
Australia

All measurements are in millimeters. Slides of cleared and disarticulated specimens were used to determine the patterns of foveation
of the genera. Holotypes are placed in the Australian National
Insect Collection Canberra, or in the National Museum of Victoria,
Abbotsford.
A New Species of Desmopachria (S. STR.)From the Antillean‐Caribbean Region(Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)
Authors: Young Frank N.
Published: April 2008

The small beetle described below is probably classified in many
collections as either Desmopachria grana (Aubé) or Desmopachria
nitida Babington. However, the male external genitalia (Fig. 1) are
unique among the species of the typical subgenus of Desmopachria.
The species is closest to Desmopachria glabricula Sharp, but the
genitalia are distinctive (Fig. 2).

I take pleasure in dedicating this species to my friend and mentor,
the late Phillip J. Darlington, Jr.
Defensive Regurgitation by A Noctuid Moth Larva (Litoprosopus Futilis)
Authors: Smedley Scott R. , Ehrhardt Elizabeth , Eisner Thomas
Published: April 2008

Larvae of the noctuid moth Litoprosopus futilis regurgitate
when disturbed. The oral effluent proved deterrent to ants on nearcontact,
and topically irritating in a scratch test with a cockroach.
Larvae regurgitated when attacked by lycosid spiders and derived
some protection from this behavior. Caterpillars were able to
regurgitate even when emerging from the eggs; however, at this
stage, they proved vulnerable to attack by chrysopid larvae and
ants.
Foraging Behavior of Odontomachus bauri on Barro Colorado Island, Panama
Authors: Ehmer Birgit , Hölldobler Bert
Published: April 2008

Foraging behavior and partitioning of foraging areas of Odonomachus bauri were investigated on Barro Colorado Island in Panama. The activity of the ants did not show any daily pattern; foragers were active day and night. The type of prey captured by O. bauri supports the idea that in higher Odontomachus and Anochetus species, the high speed of mandible closure serves more for generating power than capturing elusive prey. Polydomous nests may enable O. bauri colonies to enlarge their foraging areas.
Foraging, Mating, and Thermoregulatory Behavior of Cyrtopogon willistoni Curran (Diptera: Asilidae)
Authors: O′Neill Kevin M.
Published: April 2008

The robber fly Cyrtopogon willistoni Curran was studied in SW Montana, where it was an opportunistic predator of relatively small insects from 25 families in 7 orders. The most common prey were Diptera (44%) and Homoptera (21%), with Cicadellidae, Bibionidae, and Formicidae comprising 44% of the prey. The elaborate courtship behavior of males included audible airborne visual displays that made use of silvery‐white combs of hairs on the males′ foretarsi. While perching, the flies exhibited both lateral and dorsal basking postures, and were apparently capable of strong flight only when direct sunlight was available. I compare the foraging and courtship behaviors of C. willistoni to those of other Cyrtopogon, and their thermal responses to those of other robber flies in the same habitat.
A Dolichoderus taschenbergi Queen Found in a Polygynous Colony of D. plagiatus(Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Ortius Diethe
Published: April 2008

Very little is known about colony founding strategies and social organization of the four North American species of the ant genus
Dolichoderus. I here report the finding of a Dolichoderus taschenbergi queen in a colony of D. plagiatus, which suggests parasitic colony founding may occur occasionally in Dolichoderus taschenbergi.
In addition, the colony contained three reproductively active queens of D. plagiatus, indicating that this species is facultatively polygynous.
A Revision of the Neotropical Orb‐Weaving Spider Genus Scoloderus (Araneae: Araneidae)
Authors: Traw M. Brian
Published: April 2008

More than one‐fourth of the spiders examined for this revision were collected since the neotropical genus Scoloderus was revised in 1976. Thirteen names have been proposed for what appear to be five valid species (Scoloderus cordatus, S. gibber, S. nigriceps, S. tuberculifer, and S. ackerlyi). These species are distinguished by the presence or absence of abdominal humps on the female, the shape of the median apophysis of the male palpus, and the shape of the scape of the female epigynum. Abdominal coloration and pattern are highly variable and unreliable for identification. One new species, Scoloderus ackerlyi, is described on the basis of a single, unique female from Belize.
Pseudoanaplectinia yumotoi, A New Ovoviviparous Myrmecophilous Cockroach Genus and Species from Sarawak (Blattaria: Blattellidae; Blattellinae)
Authors: Roth Louis M.
Published: April 2008

Pseudoanaplectinia yumotoi, a new myrmecophilous cockroach genus and species, is described from Sarawak. Based on the male genital phallomeres, it is placed in the Blattellidae: Blattellinae. The genus is ovoviviparous and probably arose from an anaplectinoid‐like ancestor. This is the third case of ovoviviparity arising in the Blattellidae. The cockroach has a symbiotic relationship with an ant Crematogaster sp.
Variational Iteration Decomposition Method for Solving Eighth‐Order Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Noor Muhammad Aslam , Mohyud-Din Syed Tauseef
Published: April 2008

We implement a relatively new analytical technique, the variational iteration decomposition method (VIDM), for solving the eighth‐order boundary value problems. The proposed method is an elegant combination of variational iteration method and decomposition method. The analytical results of the equations have been obtained in terms of convergent series with easily computable components. Numerical work is given to check the efficiency of the method. Comparisons are made to confirm the reliability and accuracy of the technique. The technique can be used as an alternative for solving nonlinear boundary value problems.
Texture Control During the Manufacturing of Nonoriented Electrical Steels
Authors: Kestens Leo , Jacobs Sigrid
Published: April 2008

Methods of modern quantitative texture analysis are applied in order to characterize the crystallographic texture of various non-oriented electrical steel grades in view of their relation with the magnetic properties of the steel sheet. A texture parameter is defined which quantifies the density of ‹100› easy magnetic directions in the sheet planes. An extensive correlation study revealed the relation of this parameter with the hysteresis losses, determined at an induction of 1.5 T, and with the induction measured at an applied external field of 25 A/cm. It is shown that the latter magnetic property is the more texture dependent, whereas the former one is more sensitive to the grain size of the steel. Also various strategies for texture control are critically reviewed. It is shown that the conventional manufacturing process only provides poor tools for optimizing the texture of the final product. In order to obtain a quantum-leap improvement of the magnetic quality of the texture, in combination with other important microstructural features, nonstandard processing strategies are required, such as cross-rolling, two-stage cold rolling, or surface annealing.
Bayesian Functional Data Clustering for Temporal Microarray Data
Authors: Ma Ping , Zhong Wenxuan , Feng Yang , Liu Jun S.
Published: April 2008

We propose a Bayesian procedure to cluster temporal gene expression microarray profiles, based on a mixed-effect smoothing-spline model, and design a Gibbs sampler to sample from the desired posterior distribution. Our method can determine the cluster number automatically based on the Bayesian information criterion, and handle missing data easily. When applied to a microarray dataset on the budding yeast, our clustering algorithm provides biologically meaningful gene clusters according to a functional enrichment analysis.
Cu(II) and Ni(II) Interactions with the Terminally Blocked Hexapeptide Ac‐Leu‐Ala‐His‐Tyr‐Asn‐Lys‐amide Model of Histone H2B (80–85)
Authors: Panagiotou Katerina , Panagopoulou Maria , Karavelas Tilemachos , Dokorou Vassiliki , Hagarman Andrew , Soffer Jonathan , Schweitzer-Stenner Reinhard , Malandrinos Gerasimos , Hadjiliadis Nick
Published: April 2008

The N‐ and C‐terminal blocked hexapeptide Ac‐Leu‐Ala‐His‐Tyr‐Asn‐Lys‐amide (LAHYNK) representing the 80–85 fragment of histone H2B was synthesized and its interactions with Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions were studied by potentiometric, UV‐Vis, CD, EPR, and NMR spectroscopic techniques in solution. Our data reveal that the imidazole N(3) nitrogen atom is the primary ligating group for both metal ions. Sequential amide groups deprotonation and subsequent coordination to metal ions indicated an {Nimidazole, 3Namide} coordination mode above pH ~ 9, in all cases. In the case of Cu(II)‐peptide system, the almost exclusive formation of the predominant species CuL in neutral media accounting for almost 98% of the total metal ion concentration at pH 7.3 strongly indicates that at physiological pH values the sequence ‐LAHYNK‐ of histone H2B provides very efficient binding sites for metal ions. The imidazole pyrrole N(1) ionization (but not coordination) was also detected in species
CuH-4L present in solution above pH ~ 11.