bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cow’s milk allergy is associated with changes in urinary organic acid concentrations
Authors: Salmi Heli , Kuitunen Mikael , Viljanen Mirva , Lapatto Risto
Published: April 2009

Salmi H, Kuitunen M, Viljanen M, Lapatto R. Cow’s milk allergy is associated with changes in urinary organic acid concentrations. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: e401–e406. © 2009 The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Munksgaard

Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is the most common form of food allergy affecting 2.5% of children, but the diagnosis is often difficult. Both intestinal microbiota and barrier function seem to be disturbed in patients with food allergies, and administration of probiotics has been shown to normalize intestinal microbiota and alleviate symptoms. We hypothesized that the differences in intestinal metabolic activity and permeability could lead to detectable changes in the end‐products of metabolism in patients with CMA. This could offer new diagnostic possibilities. The urinary concentrations of 37 organic acids were studied by a mass spectrometry‐based method in 35 infants aged under 1 yr with atopic eczema, 16 of them having CMA diagnosed with a double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge test. The control group consisted of the remaining 19 infants with only atopic eczema. In a second study, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) or placebo was administered to the infants with CMA for 4 wk and the urinary organic acids were analysed again. CMA patients and patients with only atopic eczema had statistically significant differences in urinary concentrations of hydroxybutyrate (p < 0.001); adipate and isocitrate (p < 0.01 for both); homovanillate, suberate, tartarate, 3‐indoleacetate and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetate (p < 0.05 for all). These concentrations did not change significantly following LGG administration to the CMA patients, but a trend towards the control group was seen. Thus, CMA is associated with changes in some urinary organic acid levels. These differences between atopic infants with and without CMA could be investigated as a novel approach for CMA diagnosis.
Monitoring reactive oxygen species formation and localisation in living cells by use of the fluorescent probe CM‐H2DCFDA and confocal laser microscopy
Authors: Kristiansen Kim Anker , Jensen Poul Erik , Møller Ian Max , Schulz Alexander
Published: April 2009

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) develop as a consequence of wounding, light stress and chemical imbalances but act also as signals in living cells. The integrity of cells is seriously endangered, if ROS cannot be controlled by scavenging molecules and other repair mechanisms of the cell. For studying ROS development and signalling under stress, a reliable indicator is needed. We have tested the ROS sensitive dye 5‐(and‐6) chloromethyl‐2′,7′ dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate acetyl ester (CM‐H2DCFDA) using onion bulb scale and leaf epidermis as well as Arabidopsis leaves and protoplasts. ROS were generated by several fundamentally different methods—externally applied hydrogen peroxide, heat shock, high light or wounding. Confocal microscopy and fluorescence quantification over time showed that the indicator responds in an additive and dose‐dependent manner. The response to externally applied hydrogen peroxide followed saturation kinetics, consistent with a channel‐mediated uptake of the stressor across the plasma membrane. An inherent problem of the tested indicator was the uneven uptake in tissues, as compared with protoplasts, making it difficult to discriminate an uneven indicator distribution from an uneven ROS distribution. However, in protoplasts and under carefully designed preparation conditions CM‐H2DCFDA is a useful general ROS indicator. Subcellularly, the de‐esterified probe localised to the cytosol, to mitochondria and to chloroplasts.
Changes of alternative oxidase activity, capacity and protein content in leaves of Cucumis sativus wild‐type and MSC16 mutant grown under different light intensities
Authors: Florez‐Sarasa Igor , Ostaszewska Monika , Galle Alexander , Flexas Jaume , Rychter Anna M. , Ribas‐Carbo Miquel
Published: April 2009

In vitro studies demonstrated that alternative oxidase (AOX) is biochemically regulated by a sulfhydryl‐disulfide system, interaction with α‐ketoacids, ubiquinone pool redox state and protein content among others. However, there is still scarce information about the in vivo regulation of the AOX. Cucumis sativus wild‐type (WT) and MSC16 mutant plants were grown under two different light intensities and were used to analyze the relationship between the amount of leaf AOX protein and its in vivo capacity and activity at night and day periods. WT and MSC16 plants presented lower total respiration (Vt), cytochrome oxidase pathway (COP) activity (vcyt) and alternative oxidase pathway (AOP) activity (valt) when grown at low light (LL), although growth light intensity did not change the amount of cytochrome oxidase (COX) nor AOX protein. Changes of vcyt related to growing light conditions suggested a substrate availability and energy demand control. On the other hand, the total amount of AOX protein present in the tissue does not play a role in the regulation neither of the capacity nor of the activity of the AOP in vivo. Soluble carbohydrates were directly related to the activity of the AOP. However, although differences in soluble sugar contents mostly regulate the capacity of the AOP at different growth light intensities, additional regulatory mechanisms are necessary to fully explain the observed results.
The normal distribution as appropriate model of developmental instability inOpuntiacacti flowers
Authors: HELSEN P. , VAN DONGEN S.
Published: April 2009

Developmental instability (DI) as measured by fluctuating asymmetry (FA) has been proposed to reflect fitness and stress. Furthermore, the associated developmental buffering may reduce morphological variation, conceal the expression of genetic variation and as such play an important role in evolutionary biology. However, observed associations between FA and various forms of stress and quality appear very heterogeneous. Presently it is difficult to interpret the biological relevance of this heterogeneity because little is known about the link between FA and the underlying process of DI, casting doubt whether DI can be viewed as an individual property and how closely FA reflects the underlying process of DI. Therefore, studies that explicitly test the validity of assumptions of the proposed theoretical models and estimate between‐individual variations in DI are needed. We present data onOpuntiacacti floral traits confirming that the normal distribution can be viewed as an appropriate approximation of the distribution of DI and that the concept of hypothetical repeatability can provide useful insights into the interpretation of patterns in FA as a measure of DI. Furthermore, we detected significant between‐individual variation in DI. Measuring petals from several flowers within individual plants allowed making inference of individual DI.
Local host competition in the evolution of virulence
Authors: LIVELY C. M.
Published: April 2009

The evolution of parasite life histories should usually have correlated effects on host survivorship and/or reproductive success. For example, parasites that reproduce more rapidly might be expected to cause greater reductions in host fitness. Important theoretical advances have recently been made on virulence evolution, but the results are not always consistent. Here I compare two models [Q. Rev. Biol.71 (1996) 37; Q. Rev. Biol.75 (2000) 261] on the evolution of virulence that get qualitatively different results with respect to the effects of coinfection. I also construct a third model that attempts to connect these two formulations. The results suggest that parasite growth rates should increase as local host competition increases, unless relatedness is at equilibrium. In addition, the qualitative effect of adding coinfections on parasite growth rates depends critically on how the number of coinfections affects transmission success.
Hidden support from unpromising data sets strongly unites snakes with anguimorph ‘lizards’
Authors: LEE M. S. Y.
Published: April 2009

A combined analysis of nuclear, mitochondrial and morphological data robustly resolves snakes as the sister taxon to anguimorph ‘lizards’. Analysed in isolation, nuclear DNA (nDNA) produces a trichotomy between snakes, iguanians and anguimorphs, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is largely uninformative at deeper levels, and morphology tends to nest snakes deep within anguimorphs or with various legless squamate groups. When analysed simultaneously, the nuclear signal is sufficiently strong that mtDNA and morphology are constrained to choose between alternative resolutions of the iguanian–anguimorph–snake trichotomy (generated by the nDNA) – and both support the snake–anguimorph solution. Combined analyses of fast‐evolving or idiosyncratically evolving markers (mtNDA, morphology) with conservative traits (e.g. nuclear genes) might be the best way to resolve ancient, closely spaced divergences. Fast or idiosyncratic markers potentially provide the most information about short, ancient internodes, but can converge on spurious trees if analysed in isolation. However, if constrained to only choosing between plausible trees, such data can contribute unique and valuable phylogenetic signal that resolves such problematic divergences.
Recurrent selection of cocoa populations in Côte d’Ivoire: comparative genetic diversity between the first and second cycles
Authors: Pokou N. D. , N’Goran J. A. K. , Lachenaud Ph. , Eskes A. B. , Montamayor J. C. , Schnell R. , Kolesnikova‐Allen M. , Clément D. , Sangaré A.
Published: April 2009

In Côte d’Ivoire, the cocoa breeding programme has been based on the creation of hybrids between different genetic groups. From 1990 onward, a reciprocal recurrent selection programme has been set up with the purpose of improving simultaneously the characteristics of the two main genetic groups: Upper Amazon Forastero (UA) and a mixture of Lower Amazon Forastero (LA) and Trinitario (T). Based on data obtained from 12 microsatellite primers, the genetic diversity and genetic distances of the parental populations used in the first and second selection cycles are presented. The results revealed that the diversity of populations UA0 and UA1 on the one hand and (LA+T)0 and (LA+T)1 on the other is similar. The genetic distances were small between the parental populations used for the first and second cycles. Genetic diversity was greater in the UA group than in the LA+T group. The number of rare and of private alleles was reduced for both genetic groups, as well as the number of the frequent alleles in the LA+T group.
Identification and characterization of partial resistance to rust in a germplasm collection of Lathyrus sativus L.
Authors: Vaz Patto M. C. , Rubiales D.
Published: April 2009

Lathyrus sativus has high potential both as food and fodder crop but can be severely infected by rust. This study assessed the resistance level of a collection of L. sativus accessions against three rust species (Uromyces pisi, U. ciceris‐arietini and U. viciae‐fabae) and characterized, for the first time, macro and microscopically the resistance to U. pisi. All L. sativus accessions were highly resistant to U. ciceris‐arietini and to U. viciae‐fabae but showed a compatible interaction with U. pisi. However, in spite of this compatible interaction, high levels of rate reducing resistance were identified with significant disease severity reduction, fitting the Partial Resistance definition. Detailed histological observations showed that resistance was mainly because of haustorium formation restriction with high‐level of colony early abortion, and reduction in the haustoria number per colony. This was occasionally associated with reduction on the infection hyphae intercellular growth, in a clear example of prehaustorial resistance. Differences in germination, orientated germ tube growth and appressoria differentiation were observed but were, generally, of marginal importance to explain the observed resistance levels.
Effect of eCG Superstimulation and Buserelin on Cumulus–Oocyte Complexes Recovery and Maturation in Llamas (Lama glama)
Authors: Trasorras VL , Chaves MG , Miragaya MH , Pinto M , Rutter B , Flores M , Agüero A
Published: April 2009

Contents

The aim of the present study was two fold. Experiment I: evaluate the effect of buserelin on llama’s oocyte maturation after exogenous follicular activity suppression, followed by ovarian superstimulation with different doses of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Experiment II: compare the number of follicles aspirated and the number of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) recovered according to different doses of eCG followed by buserelin. Experiment I consisted in a control group (without buserelin) and a treatment group (with buserelin), both subdivided according to eCG dose administered: A: 500 IU; B: 1000 IU; C: 1500 IU. The treatment group received a single i.v. dose of 8 μg of buserelin when two or more dominant follicles were found at ultrasound evaluation and 20 h later were subjected to surgery. In group A, 83% of the llamas did not respond to superstimulation. In groups B and C differences were observed between the control and the treatment groups for the degree of COCs maturation (p < 0.05). In experiment II animals were divided into two groups according to the eCG dose administered: 1000 and 1500 IU. Twenty hours before surgery females received a single i.v. dose of 8 μg of buserelin. Average number of follicles aspirated and COCs recovered was higher (p < 0.05) with the administration of 1500 IU of eCG. A larger number of expanded COCs were obtained from follicles ≥7 mm in diameter. We conclude that buserelin aids the recovery of a larger number of expanded COCs. Administration of 1500 IU of eCG produces a higher number of follicles for aspiration and number of COCs recovered.
Renal α‐smooth muscle actin: A new prognostic factor for lupus nephritis
Authors: MAKNI KAOUTHAR , JARRAYA FAÏÇAL , KHABIR ABDELMAJID , HENTATI BASMA , HMIDA MOHAMED BEN , MAKNI HAFEDH , BOUDAWARA TAHIA , JLIDI RCHID , HACHICHA JAMIL , AYADI HAMMADI
Published: April 2009

Aim:  Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the prototype of autoimmune disease where renal involvement is frequent and always severe. Histological prognostic factors proposed for lupus nephritis (LN) including the World Health Organization and International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society – Working Group on the Classification classifications, active (AI) and chronicity (CI) indices may not predict response to treatment. The aim of this study was to correlate α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) expression, an early marker of glomerular and interstitial response to injury, to AI and CI, renal scarring progression and response to treatment.

Methods:  Fifty‐seven kidney biopsy specimens obtained from 32 patients suffering from LN were studied. Twenty patients with class IV LN at first biopsy were identified to study renal progression to chronic renal failure until the use of immunosuppressive treatment.

Results:  Interstitial α‐SMA (I‐α‐SMA) was correlated only with CI (P < 0.001) whereas mesangial α‐SMA (M‐α‐SMA) was correlated with neither LN activity (P = 0.126) nor sclerosis (P = 0.297). Only I‐α‐SMA was correlated with renal failure (P = 0.01). We divided patients with class IV LN into progressors and non‐progressors based on the slope of serum creatinine. At first biopsy, M‐α‐SMA and I‐α‐SMA, but not AI and CI, were correlated with renal failure progression (M‐α‐SMA, 9.7b1.1 vs 7.8b1.4, P = 0.004; and I‐α‐SMA, 9.3b1.1 vs 6.5b3.2, P = 0.011).

Conclusion:  The study data highlight that I‐α‐SMA immunostain in class IV LN patients was correlated with chronicity indices. Moreover, M‐α‐SMA and I‐α‐SMA expression in first biopsy predicted renal progression modality. α‐SMA expression may therefore be a useful marker to predict renal prognosis in LN.
Atorvastatin enhances humoral immune responses but does not alter renal injury in experimental crescentic glomerulonephritis
Authors: PHOON RICHARD K S , KITCHING A RICHARD , JONES LYNELLE K , HOLDSWORTH STEPHEN R
Published: April 2009

Aim:  Statins are widely used for their cholesterol‐lowering effects and for prevention of cardiovascular disease. Evidence indicates that these drugs also have immunomodulatory and other non‐lipid lowering effects, with studies suggesting benefit in some animal models of immune (particularly T helper (Th)1)‐mediated inflammatory disease and their corresponding human disease counterparts. We sought to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects and therapeutic potential of atorvastatin in experimental crescentic glomerulonephritis, a Th1‐predominant animal model of glomerulonephritis.

Methods:  Autologous phase, anti‐glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis was induced in C57BL/6 mice by intravenous injection of sheep anti‐mouse glomerular basement membrane globulin. Mice were administered atorvastatin (10 or 100 mg/kg) or control (phosphate‐buffered saline) daily by oral gavage. Immune responses and renal injury were assessed after 21 days.

Results:  Compared with control‐treated mice, treatment with atorvastatin did not alter renal injury (serum creatinine, proteinuria, glomerular crescent formation) or glomerular leukocytic infiltration (CD4+ T cells or macrophages). Atorvastatin resulted in a dose‐related increase in circulating serum antibody to the disease‐inducing antigen but no differences in antigen‐stimulated splenocyte production of Th1/Th2 cytokines. At the higher dose, atorvastatin also led to a significant reduction in apoptosis of splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes.

Conclusion:  This study demonstrates that statins modulate humoral responses and alter splenic CD4+ T cell apoptosis. However, atorvastatin does not lead to significant changes in T helper cell polarization or renal injury in experimental crescentic glomerulonephritis.
Thiazolidinedione attenuate proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis in Adriamycin‐induced nephropathy rats via slit diaphragm protection
Authors: LIU HUA‐FENG , GUO LI‐QIN , HUANG YU‐YING , CHEN KENG , TAO JING‐LI , LI SHANG‐MEI , CHEN XIAO‐WEN
Published: April 2009

Aim:  The slit diaphragm (SD) of podocyte impairment contributes to massive proteinuria and progressive glomerulosclerosis in many human glomerular diseases. The aim of the study was to determine if thiazolidinedione (TZD) reduce proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) by preserving the structure and function of SD.

Methods:  Adriamycin‐induced FSGS rat models were employed. Urinary protein content was measured dynamically during the experiment. Additional biochemical parameters in serum samples were measured after the animals were killed. Glomerular sclerosis index (SI) and podocyte foot processes fusion rate (PFR) were evaluated. The protein and mRNA expressing levels of nephrin, podocin and CD2‐associated protein (CD2AP) in glomeruli were assessed by immunohistochemistry and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The density of podocytes was also evaluated after anti‐Wilms' tumour‐1 immunohistochemical staining.

Results:  Rosiglitazone treatment partially reduced proteinuria, but did not significantly affect the serum levels of triglyceride, cholesterol, albumin, glucose, urea nitrogen and creatinine in Adriamycin‐induced FSGS rats. Glomerular SI and podocyte foot PFR were significantly attenuated by rosiglitazone treatment. Rosiglitazone prevented the reduction of nephrin, podocin and CD2AP protein expression induced by Adriamycin, however, the mRNA expression levels of these SD‐related markers did not change significantly. Rosiglitazone therapy did not reverse Adriamycin‐mediated reduction of the density of podocytes.

Conclusions:  The study data suggest that TZD are promising therapeutic agents on FSGS, and the mechanism may be mediated in part by directly protecting the structure and function of SD.
Biological Research and its Relationship to Vision and Optometry
Authors: HENRY G. H.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT  This paper traces the history of selected problems in visual physiology. The subdisciplines of colour vision and neuroretinal organisation are used to demonstrate that our understanding of visual processes stems as much from diligent research as from chance observation. These topics highlight the desirability of continuing research into the pure sciences, even in the absence of immediate practical value, in order to satisfy our innate curiosity and form the basis of our clinical knowledge.
Evaluation of a Near Distance Chart for Use in Examining Visual Display Unit Operators
Authors: DAIN S. J. , CHAN‐LING T.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT  The National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia) set near visual acuity standards of N6 at 40 cm and N12 at 70 cm for operators of visual display units (VDUs). This report considers the performance of VDU operators on a card designed for the purpose of testing the standards set in the guide and makes recommendations on time and error limits to be set. Application of these standards leads to about 1% under‐referral (false negatives) and about 6% over‐referral (false positives) (93% validity).
Herbivore metabolism and stoichiometry each constrain herbivory at different organizational scales across ecosystems
Authors: Hillebrand Helmut , Borer Elizabeth T. , Bracken Matthew E. S. , Cardinale Bradley J. , Cebrian Just , Cleland Elsa E. , Elser James J. , Gruner Daniel S. , Stanley Harpole W. , Ngai Jacqueline T. , Sandin Stuart , Seabloom Eric W. , Shurin Jonathan B. , Smith Jennifer E. , Smith Melinda D.
Published: April 2009

Plant‐herbivore interactions mediate the trophic structure of ecosystems. We use a comprehensive data set extracted from the literature to test the relative explanatory power of two contrasting bodies of ecological theory, the metabolic theory of ecology (MTE) and ecological stoichiometry (ES), for per‐capita and population‐level rates of herbivory across ecosystems. We found that ambient temperature and herbivore body size (MTE) as well as stoichiometric mismatch (ES) both constrained herbivory, but at different scales of biological organization. Herbivore body size, which varied over 11 orders of magnitude, was the primary factor explaining variation in per‐capita rates of herbivory. Stoichiometric mismatch explained more variation in population‐level herbivory rates and also in per‐capita rates when we examined data from within functionally similar trophic groups (e.g. zooplankton). Thus, predictions from metabolic and stoichiometric theories offer complementary explanations for patterns of herbivory that operate at different scales of biological organization.
Self‐recognition affects plant communication and defense
Authors: Karban Richard , Shiojiri Kaori
Published: April 2009

Animals have the ability to distinguish self from non‐self, which has allowed them to evolve immune systems and, in some instances, to act preferentially towards individuals that are genetically identical or related. Self‐recognition is less well known for plants, although recent work indicates that physically connected roots recognize self and reduce competitive interactions. Sagebrush uses volatile cues emitted by clipped branches of self or different neighbours to increase resistance to herbivory. Here, we show that plants that received volatile cues from genetically identical cuttings accumulated less natural damage than plants that received cues from non‐self cuttings. Volatile communication is required to coordinate systemic processes such as induced resistance and plants respond more effectively to self than non‐self cues. This self/non‐self discrimination did not require physical contact and is a necessary first step towards possible kin recognition and kin selection.
Phylogeny and classification of the tribe Hydaticini (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae): partition choice for Bayesian analysis with multiple nuclear and mitochondrial protein‐coding genes
Authors: Miller Kelly B. , Bergsten Johannes , Whiting Michael F.
Published: April 2009

A phylogenetic analysis of the diving beetle tribe Hydaticini Sharp (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Dytiscinae) is presented based on data from adult morphology, two nuclear (histone III and wingless) and two mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase I and II) protein‐coding genes. We explore how to best partition a data set of multiple nuclear and mitochondrial protein‐coding genes by using Bayes factor and a penalized modification of Bayes Factor. Ten biologically relevant partitioning strategies were identified ranging from all DNA analysed under a single model to each codon position of each gene treated with a separate model. Model selection criteria AIC, AICc, BIC and four ways of traversing parameter space in a hierarchical likelihood ratio test were applied to each partition. All unique partitioning and model combinations were analysed with Bayesian methods. Results show that partitioning by codon position and genome source (nuclear vs. mitochondrial) is strongly favoured over partitioning by gene. We also find evidence that Bayes Factor can penalize overparameterization even when comparing nested models. Species groups showing a strong geographical pattern were generally highly supported, however, the sister group relationship of an isolated Madagascan and Australian species were shown to be artefactual with a long‐branch extraction test. The following conclusions were supported in both the selected method of partitioning the Bayesian analysis and combined parsimony analyses: (i) the tribe Hydaticini is monophyletic (ii) the genusHydaticusLeach is paraphyletic with respect toProdaticusSharp (iii) the subgenusHydaticus(Hydaticus) is monophyletic, and (iv) the subgenusH. (Guignotites) Brinck is paraphyletic with respect toProdaticusand the subgeneraH. (Pleurodytes) Régimbart andH. (Hydaticinus) Guignot. Based on these results,HydaticusandProdaticusare each recognized as valid genera andGuignotites,HydaticinusandPleurodytesare each placed as junior synonyms ofProdaticus(new synonymies).
Efficacy Beliefs in Coach–Athlete Dyads: Prospective Relationships Using Actor–Partner Interdependence Models
Authors: Jackson Ben , Beauchamp Mark R.
Published: April 2009

The overall purpose of the study was to investigate prospective actor and partner effects (cf. Kenny, Kashy, & Cook, 2006) of interpersonal efficacy beliefs in relation to relationship commitment, satisfaction, and effort within coach–athlete dyads. Fifty youth tennis players (mean age = 15.52 years, SD = 1.45) and their coaches (mean age = 40.17 years, SD = 13.71) provided data related to their self‐efficacy, other‐efficacy, and relation‐inferred self‐efficacy (RISE) beliefs mid‐way through the competitive season. Three months later, participants provided data regarding personal effort, as well as relationship commitment and satisfaction. Actor–partner interdependence model analyses revealed positive actor effects for self‐efficacy in relation to effort, and for other‐efficacy in relation to commitment, effort, and satisfaction. Partner effects for other‐efficacy were found in relation to relationship commitment and effort. Finally, actor and partner effects were also evident for RISE beliefs; however, these relationships were moderated by the individual's role (i.e. athlete or coach), such that the direction of actor and partner effects differed for athletes and coaches. Implications for fostering effective coach–athlete relationships are discussed.

Cette recherche avait pour objectif général l’étude des retombées éventuelles sur l’acteur et son partenaire (Cf.: Kenny, Kashy & Cook, 2006) des croyances en l’efficience interpersonnelle en relation avec l’implication, la satisfaction et l’effort au sein de la dyade entraîneur‐athlète. Cinquante jeunes joueurs de tennis (âge moyen = 15,52; σ= 1,45) et leurs entraîneurs (âge moyen = 40,17; σ= 13,71) ont fourni des données relatives à leurs représentations concernant l’auto‐efficience, l’efficience d’autrui et l’auto‐efficience émanant de la relation (RISE), cela au milieu de la période des compétitions. Trois mois plus tard, les sujets ont donné des informations se rapportant à leur effort personnel, leur implication relationnelle et leur satisfaction. Les analyses relevant du modèle de l’interdépendance acteur‐partenaire ont révélé des conséquences positives pour l’acteur en ce qui concerne l’auto‐efficience en relation avec l’effort et l’efficience d’autrui en relation avec l’implication, l’effort et la satisfaction. Les effets du partenaire pour l’efficacité d’autrui étaient en relation avec l’effort et l’implication relationnelle. Finalement, les effets du partenaire et de l’acteur apparaissaient également pour les croyances RISE; ces relations étaient toutefois modulées par les rôles individuels (athlète ou entraîneur), de telle sorte que le sens des effets acteur‐partenaire différait pour les athlètes et les entraîneurs. On réfléchit aux applications permettant d’améliorer l’efficacité des relations athlète‐entraîneur.
ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF SEOUL'S JOB DECENTRALIZATION: A METROPOLITAN INPUT–OUTPUT ANALYSIS
Authors: Jun Myung‐Jin
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT This study analyzes the economic impacts of job decentralization with the aid of the Seoul metropolitan input–output model (SMIO) for the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA). Two main features can be highlighted: modeling perspective and simulation results. The SMIO is a pioneering work in the application of this type of metropolitan input–output analysis to the real world by taking into account the spatial and industrial relationships of multiplier effects simultaneously within a metropolitan economic system. The simulation results show that job decentralization results in a serious spatial and industrial restructuring of the metropolitan economy, and that the SMA gains significant economic benefits from job decentralization, no matter where the job expansion takes place within the metropolitan region. Interesting to find is that job decentralization generates positive induced effects for all scenarios through a virtuous circle of production, income formation, and consumption, given suburbanized population, which is one of the economic reasons why jobs follow people.
Entry, Exit and Productivity: Empirical Results for German Manufacturing Industries
Authors: Wagner Joachim
Published: April 2009

From a model by Hopenhayn, three hypotheses can be derived: (H1) Firms that exit in year t were less productive in t -1 than firms that continue to produce in t. (H2) Firms that enter in year t are less productive than incumbent firms in year t. (H3) Surviving firms from an entry cohort were more productive than nonsurviving firms from this cohort in the start year. This paper uses unique newly available panel datasets for all manufacturing plants from Germany (1995-2002) to test these hypotheses. All three hypotheses are supported empirically for West and East Germany.
IS THERE A TENSION IN WITTGENSTEIN'S PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION?
Authors: BURLEY MIKEL
Published: April 2009

This paper responds to Severin Schroeder's recent charge that Wittgenstein's philosophy of religion contains an ‘unresolved tension’ between three propositions, namely: (1) ‘As a hypothesis, God's existence (&c) is extremely implausible’; (2) ‘Christian faith is not unreasonable’; and (3) ‘Christian faith does involve belief in God's existence (&c)’. I argue as follows: that the first of these propositions has no place in Wittgenstein's thinking on religion; that the second is ill‐phrased and should be re‐worded as the proposition that ‘Christian faith is neither unreasonable nor reasonable’; and that the third proposition (contrary to what Schroeder seems to assume) tells us nothing about the nature of the objects of religious belief. It follows from my argument that Schroeder has not exposed a tension in Wittgenstein's thoughts on religion. I end with some positive remarks about Wittgenstein's method.
Utility of Topiramate for the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Migraine in the Presence or Absence of Acute Medication Overuse
Authors: Diener H-C , Dodick DW , Goadsby PJ , Bigal ME , Bussone G , Silberstein SD , Mathew N , Ascher S , Morein J , Hulihan JF , Biondi DM , Greenberg SJ
Published: April 2009

Chronic migraine has been linked to the excessive use of acute headache medications. Medication overuse (MO) is commonly considered the most significant risk factor for the progression of migraine from an episodic to a chronic condition. Managing MO is a challenge. Discontinuation of the acute medication can result in withdrawal headache, nausea, vomiting and sleep disturbances. This review summarizes the results from two similarly designed, randomized, placebo- controlled, multicentre studies of chronic migraine conducted in the USA and European Union. Both studies demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the migraine preventive medication, topiramate, for the treatment of chronic migraine in patient populations both with and without MO. These studies may have important implications for the future of chronic migraine management, suggesting that detoxification prior to initiating prophylactic therapy may not be required in all patients if MO is present.
Does Migraine-Associated Vertigo Share a Common Pathophysiology With Meniere's Disease? Study With Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potential
Authors: Murofushi T , Ozeki H , Inoue A , Sakata A
Published: April 2009

To clarify if migraine-associated vertigo (MAV) and Meniere's disease (MD) share a common pathophysiology, vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) were measured in 11 patients with MAV, 11 with unilateral MD and eight healthy subjects. As acoustic stimuli, tone bursts (TB; 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz) were presented. In healthy subjects, 500-Hz TB evoked the largest amplitude. To quantify this tendency, 500-1000 VEMP slope was calculated, and 500-1000 VEMP slope was the smallest on the affected side of MD patients. Among the 11 MD patients, five had significantly decreased 500-1000 VEMP asymmetry (shift of the tuning to 1000 Hz). Three of the 11 MAV patients also showed a significantly decreased 500-1000 VEMP slope. This finding suggests that MAV might share a common pathophysiology with MD. In addition to this finding, four of the other eight MAV patients showed prolonged p13 latencies. This suggests that MAV could consist of patients with different lesion sites.
Life‐history traits associated with fragmentation vulnerability of lizards in the Thousand Island Lake, China
Authors: Wang Y. , Zhang J. , Feeley K. J. , Jiang P. , Ding P.
Published: April 2009

Following habitat fragmentation, the remnant faunal community will undergo a period of species loss or ‘relaxation.’ Theory predicts that species with particular life‐history traits, such as a small population size, small geographical range, low fecundity and large body size, should be more vulnerable to fragmentation. In this study, we investigated the relationships between the above life‐history traits and the fragmentation vulnerability index (the number of islands occupied) of five lizard species inhabiting recently isolated land‐bridge islands in the Thousand Island Lake, China. Data on life‐history traits were collected from field surveys (population density) and from the literature (body size, clutch size and geographical range size). The species–area relationships for lizards sampled from the mainland versus on the islands differed significantly (i.e. the number of species inhabiting islands was decreased relative to similar‐sized areas on the mainland), indicating that species extinction has occurred on all of the study islands following isolation. For the fragmentation vulnerability index, model selection based on Akaike's information criterion identified natural density at mainland sites as the best correlate of vulnerability to fragmentation, supporting the hypothesis that rare species are most vulnerable to local extinction and will be lost first from fragmented landscapes. In contrast, there was little evidence for an effect of lizards' snout–vent length, clutch size or geographical range size on fragmentation vulnerability. Identification of species traits that render some species more vulnerable to fragmentation than others has important implications for conservation and can be used to aid direct management efforts.
Functional morphology and biomechanics of the tongue‐bite apparatus in salmonid and osteoglossomorph fishes
Authors: Camp Ariel L. , Konow Nicolai , Sanford Christopher P. J.
Published: April 2009

The tongue‐bite apparatus and its associated musculoskeletal elements of the pectoral girdle and neurocranium form the structural basis of raking, a unique prey‐processing behaviour in salmonid and osteoglossomorph fishes. Using a quantitative approach, the functional osteology and myology of this system were compared between representatives of each lineage, i.e. the salmonid Salvelinus fontinalis (N = 10) and the osteoglossomorph Chitala ornata (N = 8). Divergence was found in the morphology of the novel cleithrobranchial ligament, which potentially relates to kinematic differences between the raking lineage representatives. Salvelinus had greater anatomical cross‐sectional areas of the epaxial, hypaxial and protractor hyoideus muscles, whereas Chitala had greater sternohyoideus and adductor mandibulae mass. Two osteology‐based biomechanical models (a third‐order lever for neurocranial elevation and a modified four‐bar linkage for hyoid retraction) showed divergent force/velocity priorities in the study taxa. Salvelinus maximizes both force (via powerful cranial muscles) and velocity (through mechanical amplification) during raking. In contrast, Chitala has relatively low muscle force but more efficient force transmission through both mechanisms compared with Salvelinus. It remains unclear if and how behavioural modulation and specializations in the post‐cranial anatomy may affect the force/velocity trade‐offs in Chitala. Further studies of tongue‐bite apparatus morphology and biomechanics in a broader species range may help to clarify the role that osteology and myology play in the evolution of behavioural diversity.
The role of angiotensin‐(1–7) receptor Mas in spermatogenesis in mice and rats
Authors: Leal Marcelo C. , Pinheiro Sérgio V. B. , Ferreira Anderson J. , Santos Robson A. S. , Bordoni Leonardo S. , Alenina Natalia , Bader Michael , França Luiz R.
Published: April 2009

Evidence regarding the components of the renin–angiotensin (Ang) system suggests that this system plays an important role in male reproduction. However, there are few data available in the literature on the effects of Ang‐(1–7) on the male reproductive system. The present study investigated the effects of the genetic deletion and chronic blockage of Ang‐(1–7) receptor Mas on spermatogenesis and male fertility. The localization of Mas in mouse and rat testes was determined by binding assays and immunofluorescence, whereas the testis structure and spermatogenic process were morphologically and stereologically analysed by light microscopy. Ang‐(1–7) binding and immunofluorescence revealed the presence of Mas in the testes of mice and rats. Although the total numbers of Sertoli and Leydig cells per testis and Leydig cell size were similar in both wild‐type and Mas‐deficient mice, Mas−/– animals exhibited a significant reduction in testis weight and a greater volume of apoptotic cells, giant cells and vacuoles in the seminiferous epithelium. In both mice and rats, an increased number of apoptotic cells were found during meiosis. Due to disturbed spermatogenesis, daily sperm production was markedly reduced in Mas−/– mice. Moreover, chronic infusion of A‐779 [an Ang‐(1–7) antagonist] in rats significantly increased the total number of apoptotic cells and primary spermatocytes in particular stages of spermatogenesis. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that Ang‐(1–7) receptor Mas plays an important role in the regulation of spermatogenesis.
Petrosal anatomy and inner ear structures of the Late Jurassic Henkelotherium (Mammalia, Cladotheria, Dryolestoidea): insight into the early evolution of the ear region in cladotherian mammals
Authors: Ruf Irina , Luo Zhe‐Xi , Wible John R. , Martin Thomas
Published: April 2009

The petrosal anatomy and inner ear structure of Jurassic cladotherian mammals represent the ancestral morphological conditions (groundplan) from which modern therian mammals (marsupials and placentals) have evolved. We present the reconstruction of the petrosal and inner ear features of the Late Jurassic dryolestoid mammal Henkelotherium guimarotae from high‐resolution computed tomography and three‐dimensional imaging analysis. This study of Henkelotherium revealed a combination of derived and primitive features, including: cladotherian apomorphies, such as the promontorial sulcus for the internal carotid artery and reduced lateral trough; trechnotherian characters, such as an enclosed cochlear canaliculus for the perilymphatic duct, post‐promontorial tympanic sinus and caudal tympanic process; in addition to plesiomorphic mammalian features, such as the cavum supracochleare and prootic canal. The inner ear of Henkelotherium shows a division between the utricle and saccule, a cochlear canal coiled through at least 270°, a distinctive primary bony lamina for the basilar membrane, and a secondary bony lamina. The development of the primary and secondary bony laminae in the cochlear canal is suggested here to be correlated with the concurrent coiling of the bony canal and membranous duct of the inner ear cochlea, apomorphies of the more inclusive cladotherian clade that also represent the ancestral morphotype of modern therian mammals. Because these features are crucial for high‐frequency hearing in extant therian mammals, their early appearance in Late Jurassic cladotherians suggests a more ancient origination for high‐frequency hearing in mammalian history than previously thought.
Evolution of M1 crown size and cusp proportions in the genus Homo
Authors: Quam Rolf , Bailey Shara , Wood Bernard
Published: April 2009

Previous research into tooth crown dimensions and cusp proportions has proved to be a useful way to identify taxonomic differences in Pliocene and Pleistocene fossil hominins. The present study has identified changes in both M1 crown size and cusp proportions within the genus Homo, with M1 overall crown size reduction apparently occurring in two main stages. The first stage (a reduction of ca. 17%) is associated with the emergence of Homo ergaster and Homo erectus sensu stricto. The second stage (a reduction of ca. 10%) occurs in Homo sapiens, but the reduced modern human M1 tooth crown size was only attained in Upper Paleolithic times. The absolute sizes of the individual cusps are highly positively correlated with overall crown size and dental reduction produces a reduction in the absolute size of each of the cusps. Most of the individual cusps scale isometrically with crown size, but the paracone shows a negative allometric relationship, indicating that the reduction in paracone size is less than in the other M1 cusps. Thus, the phylogenetically oldest cusp in the upper molars also seems to be the most stable cusp (at least in the M1). The most striking change in M1 cusp proportions is a change in the relative size of the areas of the paracone and metacone. The combination of a small relative paracone and a large relative metacone generally characterizes specimens attributed to early Homo, and the presence of this character state in Australopithecus and Paranthropus suggests it may represent the primitive condition for the later part of the hominin clade. In contrast, nearly all later Homo taxa, with the exception of Homo antecessor, show the opposite condition (i.e. a relatively large paracone and a relatively small metacone). This change in the relationship between the relative sizes of the paracone and metacone is related to an isometric reduction of the absolute size of the metacone. This metacone reduction occurs in the context of relative stability in the paracone as crown size decreases. Among later Homo taxa, both Homo heidelbergensis and Homo neanderthalensis show a further reduction of the metacone and an enlargement of the hypocone. Fossil and contemporary H. sapiens samples show a trend toward increasing the relative size of the protocone and decreasing the relative size of the hypocone. In Europe, modern human M1 cusp proportions are essentially reached during the Upper Paleolithic. Although some variation was documented among the fossil taxa, we suggest that the relative size of the M1 paracone and metacone areas may be useful for differentiating the earliest members of our genus from subsequent Homo species.
Morphological and immunocytochemical characteristics indicate the yield of early progenitors and represent a quality control for human mesenchymal stem cell culturing
Authors: Haasters Florian , Prall Wolf Christian , Anz David , Bourquin Carole , Pautke Christoph , Endres Stefan , Mutschler Wolf , Docheva Denitsa , Schieker Matthias
Published: April 2009

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) are a heterogeneous cell population, which is reflected in varying morphological and biological properties. Three subpopulations with intrinsic characteristics can be distinguished: small rapidly self‐renewing cells, spindle‐shaped cells and large, flattened cells. Unfortunately, it has neither been possible to morphologically define these distinct cells consistently, nor to relate them to specific surface marker features. Here, the primary hMSC subpopulations of three donors are clearly defined by maximum cell diameter and area. Furthermore, these cells were stained for the putative hMSC surface markers CD105, CD90 as well as CD73, and evaluated by three‐colour flow cytometry and simultaneous multicolour immunocytochemistry. Interestingly, cell cultures with a high rate of triple‐positive hMSC featured a higher content of rapidly self‐renewing cells. On the other hand, a higher fraction of flattened cells correlated with a loss of one or more hMSC surface markers. The expression of CD73 showed the highest heterogeneity. Immunocytochemistry further confirmed that flattened cells mainly lack CD73 expression, whereas rapidly self‐renewing cells were steadily positive for all three hMSC markers. In the literature, hMSC properties are especially conceded to rapidly self‐renewing cells, whereas flattened cells have been suggested to represent early stages of lineage‐specific progenitors. We reveal that among the recently suggested surface markers, CD73 is the most sensitive, as it seems to be down‐regulated in the early stages of differentiation. Our morphological and immunocytochemical characterization of hMSC subpopulations indicates the yield of early multipotent hMSC and thereby provides a quality control approach for hMSC culturing.