bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internationalizing the American Politics Curriculum
Authors: Ward Deborah E.
Published: February 2008

The increasing recognition of a global interdependence among our
economies and societies places a significant amount of pressure on
educational institutions to prepare future citizens for successful
participation in this “new world order.” While there might be
general agreement that globalization or internationalization is a
“major trend in education” or a “worldwide
phenomenon,” there are barriers to internationalization, some of
which can be individual—resulting from faculty and student
attitudes; some institutional—caused by long-standing policies,
practices, and traditions; and some reflecting the attitudes and culture
of the wider American society (Green 2003, 11).
There are different ways that institutions of higher learning can respond
to this phenomenon most effectively, including, for example, changes at
the curricular level, broad institutional policies that involve
recruitment of foreign students, experiential partnerships with foreign
institutions of higher learning, and the creation of campuses in other
countries (see Altbach 2002).
Some Thoughts and Suggestions on Assessing Student Learning
Authors: Suskie Linda
Published: February 2008

Pressure to assess student learning more carefully and systematically
is clearly mounting. Federal and state agencies are increasingly calling
for solid, compelling evidence of student learning, while higher education
leaders are challenging faculty to improve the quality of curricula and
pedagogies. Efforts to assess student learning thus serve two ends: one,
to demonstrate the worth of our programs to external constituents and,
two, to inform our understanding of the effectiveness of our teaching
strategies.
Challenging Hegemonic Paradigms and Practices: Critical Thinking and Active Learning Strategies for International Relations
Authors: Lamy Steven L.
Published: February 2008

I argue in this paper that one possible way of addressing the critical issue of preparing students for their future role as citizens in a global society is to integrate active learning exercises such as case studies and problem-based learning scenarios that focus on international issues and events and significant global conditions. These provide an opportunity for students to practice the skills that are essential for participation in modern democratic societies. In this brief discussion paper, I present two very practical strategies for introducing students to global realities and exposing them to different cultural and ideological ways of “seeing the world.” Both strategies emphasize skills that are essential for analysis, evaluation and, eventually, problem-solving.
Just what is it that makes today's noise music so different, so appealing?
Authors: Hegarty Paul
Published: February 2008

This article explores how ‘noise music’ uses its influences, how it refers to them, and what occurs formally, when using influence self-consciously and formally. Specifically, it takes two artists, Nurse With Wound and The New Blockaders, that emerged at the same time as ‘industrial music’, and through different strategies, incorporated visual art influences into their work, to the point where influence as question is raised. Referring to Harold Bloom, the article notes that influence is not linear, nor is it fixed. The article begins with some general considerations about what noise is and how it works when in contact with music; it then looks in detail first at some works by Nurse With Wound, then at works by The New Blockaders. In so doing, it also pays attention to the material presentation of those works, which is a key part of the formal work of these artists. It concludes with some thoughts about how we can not only apply Bloom to experimental music, but that ‘noise music’ can provide itself as a theorisation of influence.
Choice or voice? Introduction to the Themed Section
Authors: Greener Ian
Published: February 2008

Readers of this journal will have seen themed sections on partnerships, governance and citizenship (volume 5, issue 2) and ‘consumerism in social policy (volume 2, issue 1) and might be asking exactly why a further one that combines these elements is now necessary. Having considered similar topics separately in these pages, why is it now necessary to look at them together?
Customer Relationship Management and Citizenship: Technologies and Identities in Public Services
Authors: Richter Paul , Cornford James
Published: February 2008

UK public services are characterised by a tension between a model of the service user as a customer of public services and a model which envisages the user as a citizen. Drawing on empirical work in one local authority, we argue that in this tension the model of the customer is bolstered by the availability of ‘shrink wrapped’ or ‘black boxed’ IT-based ‘solutions’, available under the rubric of Customer Relationship Management. We argue that those who advocate the citizen perspective need to engage at this material and technological level if they are to be effective.
Piston core record of Late Paleogene (31 Ma) to recent seafloor hydrothermal activity in the Southwest Pacific Basin
Authors: Stancin Andrea M. , Gleason James D. , Owen Robert M. , Rea David K. , Blum Joel D.
Published: February 2008

A large diameter piston core containing 8.35 m of metalliferous sediment has been recovered from a small abyssal valley in the remote Southwest Pacific Basin (31° 42.194′S, 143° 30° 331′W; 5082 m water depth), providing unique insight into hydrothermal activity and eolian sedimentation there since the early Oligocene. A combination of fish‐teeth Sr‐isotope stratigraphy and INAA geochemical data reveals an exponentially decreasing hydrothermal flux 31 Ma to the present. Although hydrothermal sedimentation related to seafloor spreading explains this trend, a complex history of late Eocene/early Oligocene ridge jumps, propagating rifts and plate tectonic reorganization of South Pacific seafloor could have also played a role. A possible hiatus in deposition, as recorded by changes in core composition just below 2 m depth, is beyond the resolution of the fish teeth Sr isotope dating method employed here; however, the timing of this interval may be coincident with extinction of the Pacific‐Farallon Ridge at ∼20 Ma. A low flux eolian component accumulating at this site shows an increase relative to the hydrothermal component above 2 m depth, consistent with dust‐generating continental sources far to the west (Australia/New Zealand). This is the first long‐term paleoceanographic record obtained from within the South Pacific “bare zone” (Rea et al., 2006), an anomalous region where Pacific seafloor has largely escaped sediment accumulation since the Late Cretaceous.
Bacterial response to dust pulses in the western Mediterranean: Implications for carbon cycling in the oligotrophic ocean
Authors: Pulido‐Villena Elvira , Wagener Thibaut , Guieu Cécile
Published: February 2008

The bacterial response to dust pulses was investigated in the Mediterranean Sea through a combined field and experimental study. During the stratification period, characterized by a nutrient‐starved mixed layer isolated from the depth, a Saharan dust event (2.6 g m−2) induced a 1.5‐fold increase in bacterial abundance (BA) and a 2‐fold increase in bacterial respiration (BR). Experimental dust additions (equivalent to fluxes of 5 and 20 g m−2) to bacteria natural assemblages also stimulated BA (between 2‐ and 4‐fold increases) and BR (between 1.5‐ and 3‐fold increases). Pooling the in situ and experimental data, linear relationships were obtained between dust concentration and BA (r2 = 0.86; p < 0.01) and BR (r2 = 0.89; p < 0.001). The dust‐induced bacterial bloom resulted in a C mineralization of 0.5 g m−2, which may represent up to 70% of bioavailable DOC annually exported to the depth in the Mediterranean. These results demonstrate that heterotrophic bacteria may play a much larger role in the connections between dust and the ocean carbon cycle than previously recognized and highlight the need for a more accurate understanding of how dust pulses may affect C export in the oligotrophic ocean.
Thermospheric global average density trends, 1967–2007, derived from orbits of 5000 near‐Earth objects
Authors: Emmert J. T. , Picone J. M. , Meier R. R.
Published: February 2008

We use orbit data on ∼5000 near‐Earth space objects to investigate long‐term trends in thermospheric total mass density, which has been predicted to decrease with time due to increasing CO2 concentrations. We refine and extend to 2007 previous density trend estimates, and investigate solar cycle‐dependent bias in empirical density models previously used to filter out solar irradiance effects. We find that the bias is caused in part by the solar cycle dependence of the long‐term trends, and we develop a new representation of solar cycle, seasonal, and geomagnetic activity effects. At 400 km, we estimate an overall trend of –2.68 ± 0.49 % per decade and trends of ∼–5 and –2 % per decade at solar minimum and maximum, respectively, in fair quantitative agreement with theoretical predictions. The global average density trends also depend on the phase of the year, with the strongest trends around October and weak trends in January.
Earthquake Early Warning Starts Nationwide in Japan
Authors: Hoshiba Mitsuyuki , Kamigaichi Osamu , Saito Makoto , Tsukada Shin'ya , Hamada Nobuo
Published: February 2008

When an earthquake occurs, a certain amount of time elapses before destructive seismic energy hits nearby population centers. Though this time is measured on the order of seconds, depending on the proximity of the rupture to a given city or town, a new public safety program in Japan is taking advantage of the fact that seismic energy travels slower than electronic communication.

In this program, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) rapidly determines the hypocenter (earthquake epicenter and focal depth) and magnitude of the earthquake by using real‐time data from stations near the hypocenter. The distribution of strong ground shaking is anticipated quickly, and then the information is delivered immediately to government officials, representatives from various industries, members of the news media, and individuals before strong ground shaking reaches them. For example, on receiving the warning, the control room of a railway company can send an emergency notice to all train drivers to stop their trains immediately, elevators in buildings can be triggered to stop at the nearest floor and open their doors automatically, and surgeons can temporarily suspend their surgical operations to avoid risk to patients on operating tables.
NOAA Budget Increases to $4.1 Billion, But Some Key Items Are Reduced
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: February 2008

The Bush administration has proposed a US$4.1 billion budget for fiscal year (FY) 2009 for the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The proposed budget, which would be the agency's largest ever, is $202.6 million, or 5.2%, above the FY 2008 enacted budget. By topping $4 billion and the amount Congress passed for FY 2008, the budget proposal crosses into “a new threshold,” according Navy Vice Admiral Conrad Lautenbacher, undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator.

“Most often, we hope Congress will help us. This year, we hope Congress will stay with us,7rdquo; Lautenbacher told constituents at a 7 February briefing in Washington, D.C. He said that the administration and Congress have recognized the need for the services NOAA provides.
In Memoriam
Authors: Anonymous
Published: February 2008

Pembroke J. Hart, 79, 6 February 2008, 2006 recipient of the Edward A. Flinn III Award, Seismology, 1958

Andrej Saulesleja, 59, 19 August 2007, Physics, Dynamics, and Climate, 1988
The dynamic magnetic transitions in LaxHo1−xMn2O5 (x=0–0.2) compounds
Authors: Yu C. C. , Huang S. Y. , Yeh C. J. , Lee C. W. , Wu C. B. , Chou H.
Published: March 2008

The influence of the local structure distortion on the magnetic transition in La doped HoMn2O5 has been investigated systematically. The orthorhombic crystal structure of LaxHo1−xMn2O5 is maintained up to x⩽0.2 but decomposed into multiphases for x⩾0.25. By doping La ions to a concentration of 0.1⩽x⩽0.2, the formation of the RMnO3 (113) phase can be suppressed and single-phase LaxHo1−xMn2O5 (0.1⩽x⩽0.2) compounds can be formed under 1atm flowing oxygen. For x=0.2, a ferromagnetic (FM) transition at 150K is superimposed on the paramagnetic background, which implies that the compound undergoes a ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition. This unique FM to AFM transition is observed for the first time. The FM transition is attributed to the formation of magnetic clusters in a host paramagnetic matrix.
Floral phenology in relation to pollination and reproductive output in Commelina caroliniana (Commelinaceae)
Authors: Kaul Veenu , Koul A. K.
Published: February 2008

Commelina caroliniana Walter is an andromonoecious rainy-season weed. It bears staminate and hermaphrodite flowers in spathes. In some spathes, structurally hermaphrodite flowers of the third and fourth orders function either as male or female. The flowers are structured for cross-pollination. Events of floral biology suggest weak protandry which also contributes to cross-pollination. Large numbers of hymenopterans (nine species) visited the flowers and transferred pollen to stigmas. Whenever cross-pollination failed, selfing took over. Auto-fertility and self-compatibility indices revealed that the plants were self-compatible. Only some flowers of the third and fourth orders within a spathe were partially self-compatible. These facts notwithstanding, manual cross-pollination of flowers yields increased fruit and seed set.
Limbless undulatory propulsion on land
Authors: Guo Z. V. , Mahadevan L.
Published: February 2008

We analyze the lateral undulatory motion of a natural or artificial snake or other slender organism that “swims” on land by propagating retrograde flexural waves. The governing equations for the planar lateral undulation of a thin filament that interacts frictionally with its environment lead to an incomplete system. Closures accounting for the forces generated by the internal muscles and the interaction of the filament with its environment lead to a nonlinear boundary value problem, which we solve using a combination of analytical and numerical methods. We find that the primary determinant of the shape of the organism is its interaction with the external environment, whereas the speed of the organism is determined primarily by the internal muscular forces, consistent with prior qualitative observations. Our model also allows us to pose and solve a variety of optimization problems such as those associated with maximum speed and mechanical efficiency, thus defining the performance envelope of this mode of locomotion.
Suppression of non-small cell lung tumor development by the
let-7
microRNA family
Authors: Kumar Madhu S. , Erkeland Stefan J. , Pester Ryan E. , Chen Cindy Y. , Ebert Margaret S. , Sharp Phillip A. , Jacks Tyler
Published: February 2008

Many microRNAs (miRNAs) target mRNAs involved in processes aberrant in tumorigenesis, such as proliferation, survival, and differentiation. In particular, the
let-7
miRNA family has been proposed to function in tumor suppression, because reduced expression of let-7 family members is common in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we show that let-7 functionally inhibits non-small cell tumor development. Ectopic expression of let-7g in K-Ras
G12D
-expressing murine lung cancer cells induced both cell cycle arrest and cell death. In tumor xenografts, we observed significant growth reduction of both murine and human non-small cell lung tumors when overexpression of let-7g was induced from lentiviral vectors. In let-7g expressing tumors, reductions in Ras family and HMGA2 protein levels were detected. Importantly, let-7g-mediated tumor suppression was more potent in lung cancer cell lines harboring oncogenic K-Ras mutations than in lines with other mutations. Ectopic expression of K-Ras
G12D
largely rescued let-7g mediated tumor suppression, whereas ectopic expression of HMGA2 was less effective. Finally, in an autochthonous model of NSCLC in the mouse, let-7g expression substantially reduced lung tumor burden.
Introduced rats indirectly change marine rocky intertidal communities from algae- to invertebrate-dominated
Authors: Kurle Carolyn M. , Croll Donald A. , Tershy Bernie R.
Published: February 2008

It is widely recognized that trophic interactions structure ecological communities, but their effects are usually only demonstrated on a small scale. As a result, landscape-level documentations of trophic cascades that alter entire communities are scarce. Islands invaded by animals provide natural experiment opportunities both to measure general trophic effects across large spatial scales and to determine the trophic roles of invasive species within native ecosystems. Studies addressing the trophic interactions of invasive species most often focus on their direct effects. To investigate both the presence of a landscape-level trophic cascade and the direct and indirect effects of an invasive species, we examined the impacts of Norway rats (
Rattus norvegicus
) introduced to the Aleutian Islands on marine bird densities and marine rocky intertidal community structures through surveys conducted on invaded and rat-free islands throughout the entire 1,900-km archipelago. Densities of birds that forage in the intertidal were higher on islands without rats. Marine intertidal invertebrates were more abundant on islands with rats, whereas fleshy algal cover was reduced. Our results demonstrate that invasive rats directly reduce bird densities through predation and significantly affect invertebrate and marine algal abundance in the rocky intertidal indirectly via a cross-community trophic cascade, unexpectedly changing the intertidal community structure from an algae- to an invertebrate-dominated system.
Stationary magnetic entropy tokamak states and experimental observations
Authors: Minardi E. , Sozzi C. , Mantica P.
Published: February 2008

The assumption that the tokamak magnetic configuration at equilibrium is associated with the stationary magnetic entropy and with minimum plasma thermal energy leads to the prediction of definite profiles for the induced current density and for the pressure. These profiles should characterize the states spontaneously assumed by the tokamak under normal conditions (to be defined in the text).

The theoretical results are compared with the observations collected from different tokamaks, plasma regimes and heating methods, taking into account the possible existence of non-inductive currents. The comparison allows the identification of the limits of validity of the model and confirms the robustness, within these limits, of the magnetic entropy concept for the description of the ‘privileged’ tokamak states.
Off-axis current drive and real-time control of current profile in JT-60U
Authors: Suzuki T. , Ide S. , Oikawa T. , Fujita T. , Ishikawa M. , Seki M. , Matsunaga G. , Hatae T. , Naito O. , Hamamatsu K. , Sueoka M. , Hosoyama H. , Nakazato M.
Published: February 2008

Aiming at optimization of current profile in high-β plasmas for higher confinement and stability, a real-time control system of the minimum of the safety factor (qmin) using the off-axis current drive has been developed. The off-axis current drive can raise the safety factor in the centre and help to avoid instability that limits the performance of the plasma. The system controls the injection power of lower-hybrid waves, and hence its off-axis driven current in order to controlqmin. The real-time control ofqminis demonstrated in a high-β plasma, whereqminfollows the temporally changing referenceqmin,reffrom 1.3 to 1.7. Applying the control to another high-β discharge (βN= 1.7, βp= 1.5) withm/n= 2/1 neo-classical tearing mode (NTM),qminwas raised above 2 and the NTM was suppressed. The stored energy increased by 16% with the NTM suppressed, since the resonant rational surface was eliminated. For the future use for current profile control, current density profile for off-axis neutral beam current drive (NBCD) is for the first time measured, using the motional Stark effect diagnostic. Spatially localized NBCD profile was clearly observed at the normalized minor radius ρ of about 0.6–0.8. The location was also confirmed by multi-chordal neutron emission profile measurement. The total amount of the measured beam driven current was consistent with the theoretical calculation using the ACCOME code. The CD location in the calculation was inward shifted than the measurement.
Error field correction in ITER
Authors: Park Jong-Kyu , Boozer Allen H. , Menard Jonathan E. , Schaffer Michael J.
Published: February 2008

A new method for correcting magnetic field errors in the ITER tokamak is developed using the Ideal Perturbed Equilibrium Code. The dominant external magnetic field for driving islands is shown to be localized to the outboard midplane for three ITER equilibria that represent the projected range of operational scenarios. The coupling matrices between the poloidal harmonics of the external magnetic perturbations and the resonant fields on the rational surfaces that drive islands are combined for different equilibria and used to determine an ordered list of the dominant errors in the external magnetic field. It is found that efficient and robust error field correction is possible with a fixed setting of the correction currents relative to the currents in the main coils across the range of ITER operating scenarios that was considered.
Decadal changes in hydrographic and ecological time-series in the Balearic Sea (western Mediterranean), identifying links between climate and zooplankton
Authors: Fernández de Puelles Maria Luz , Molinero Juan Carlos
Published: February 2008

Fernández de Puelles, M. L., and Molinero, J. C. 2008. Decadal changes in hydrographic and ecological time-series in the Balearic Sea (western Mediterranean), identifying links between climate and zooplankton. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 311–317. We investigated possible relationships between climate, hydrography, and zooplankton abundance in the Balearic Sea (BS), during a 10-year survey period spanning January 1994 to December 2003. It was demonstrated that large-scale atmospheric variability in the North Atlantic (NA) Ocean acts as a driver of regional meteorological variations and hydrographic patterns in the BS. The results also revealed that the variability of copepods, appendicularians, cladocerans, siphonophores, doliolids, and ostracods is closely related to variations in water temperature recorded during strong anomalies of the NA climate (>1 s.d.). Although the time-series that we analysed cover a period that is relatively short for investigating climate effects on marine ecosystems, the statistical results reported were consistent enough to emphasize the NA’s climate effect on the BS. The cascade of links identified by these results should be considered and integrated into the assessment and modelling studies of pelagic ecosystem and biogeochemical fluxes in the western Mediterranean Sea.
Pathogen prevalence predicts human cross-cultural variability in individualism/collectivism
Authors: Fincher Corey L , Thornhill Randy , Murray Damian R , Schaller Mark
Published: February 2008

Pathogenic diseases impose selection pressures on the social behaviour of host populations. In humans (Homo sapiens), many psychological phenomena appear to serve an antipathogen defence function. One broad implication is the existence of cross-cultural differences in human cognition and behaviour contingent upon the relative presence of pathogens in the local ecology. We focus specifically on one fundamental cultural variable: differences in individualistic versus collectivist values. We suggest that specific behavioural manifestations of collectivism (e.g. ethnocentrism, conformity) can inhibit the transmission of pathogens; and so we hypothesize that collectivism (compared with individualism) will more often characterize cultures in regions that have historically had higher prevalence of pathogens. Drawing on epidemiological data and the findings of worldwide cross-national surveys of individualism/collectivism, our results support this hypothesis: the regional prevalence of pathogens has a strong positive correlation with cultural indicators of collectivism and a strong negative correlation with individualism. The correlations remain significant even when controlling for potential confounding variables. These results help to explain the origin of a paradigmatic cross-cultural difference, and reveal previously undocumented consequences of pathogenic diseases on the variable nature of human societies.
Resource regulation by a twig‐girdling beetle has implications for desertification
Authors: DUVAL B. D. , WHITFORD W. G.
Published: March 2008

Abstract 1. Resource regulation by insects is the phenomenon by which herbivory enhances resources for the progeny of the herbivore. This report provides an example of resource regulation with implications for desertification in the Chihuahuan Desert of North America.

2. Female Oncideres rhodosticta beetles chew girdles around mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) stems before ovipositing in those stems. The mesquite plants respond by producing compensatory stems below the girdle. Mesquite volume was significantly correlated with the total number of beetle girdles across a suite of low shrub density grassland and high shrub density dune sites, and plants in dune sites had more old and new girdles than mesquite in grasslands.

3. Smaller, younger shrubs in grassland responded more vigorously to girdling than did larger, older shrubs in dune landscapes. Stems on shrubs within grassland produced significantly more and longer compensatory stems per girdle than stems on shrubs in dunes. Soil capture by individual plants positively correlated with stem density, and stem density is increasing in the younger plants as a response to beetle damage.

4. This study suggests that the interaction between O. rhodosticta and mesquite is an example of resource regulation that increases the stem density and soil capture ability of mesquite. Because the conversion of productive grasslands to mesquite dune landscapes is one of the most important drivers of desertification in the Chihuahuan Desert, feedbacks between organisms that promote an increase in the size and soil capture ability of mesquite may exacerbate desertification.
Polymorphism: a weak influence on worker aggregation level in ants
Authors: DEPICKÈRE STÉPHANIE , RAMÍREZ ÁVILA G. MARCELO , FRESNEAU DOMINIQUE , DENEUBOURG JEAN‐LOUIS
Published: March 2008

Abstract 1. Aggregation of individuals, a basic behaviour in social species, plays an essential role in many aspects of animal life (reproduction, defence, and alimentation). Understanding how this phenomenon is modulated is important to comprehend the social organisation of the group.

2. In social insects, aggregation is influenced by environmental (e.g. the light level) and social (e.g. polyethism in monomorphic ants) factors. Ants display a great variation of biological characteristics (e.g. queen number, polymorphism, division of labour, etc.) that are likely to influence the level of inter‐attraction and so the aggregation.

3. The present research focused on one biological characteristic: the morphological castes (minors, majors), testing the hypothesis that minors will aggregate more than majors due to their greater need to fight against the loss of heat and to increase their self‐protection.

4. Aggregation experiments were conducted on two highly polymorphic species, Atta sexdens rubropilosa and Solenopsis interrupta, using the two extreme morphological castes (majors and minors).

5. All castes exhibited a low level of aggregation: 40–50% of workers assembled for both species, the biggest cluster involving 20% of the total population. The lack of difference between morphological castes in the aggregation shows the weak influence of polymorphism on the interactions between ants.

6. It is concluded that the main factor modulating the aggregation behaviour is polyethism, i.e. the division of labour associated with the presence of an outside‐the‐nest experience: workers that only take care of the brood, without outside world experience (brood‐tenders) assembling more than foraging workers (foragers).
Posturographic analysis of balance control in patients with haemophilic arthropathy
Authors: GALLACH J. E. , QUEROL F. , GONZÁLEZ L. M. , PARDO A. , AZNAR J. A.
Published: February 2008

Summary.  Musculoskeletal disorders in haemophiliacs represent the highest percentage of lesions, giving rise to haemophilic arthropathy (HA) which predominantly affects lower limbs, influencing postural control, standing and walking. Leading a sedentary lifestyle seems to influence strength and muscular resistance in haemophiliacs which, in turn, are related to articular stability and the prevention of articular degenerative processes. The objective of this work was to study alterations in balance to subsequently evaluate the appropriate therapeutics and how this influences the development of arthropathy. Twenty‐five haemophiliacs with HA, 25 haemophiliacs without HA (NHA) and 25 healthy control subjects (CTL) took part in this study. Tests were performed on a force platform and the subjects remained as still as possible for 30 s under different conditions: (i) bilateral stance with eyes open; (ii) bilateral stance with eyes closed; (iii) right unilateral stance; and (iv) left unilateral stance. The results of these tests indicated significant differences (P < 0.05) between the groups HA, NHA and CTL. The HA group presented worse results for both unilateral and bilateral stance when compared with the other two cohorts. Surprisingly, the NHA group displayed a worse balance than the controls. A single calculated parameter (mean frequency) did not show significant differences. This apparently indicates the absence of pathology in the nervous system in relation to postural control. The results suggest that our patients should participate in physical exercise programmes, rehabilitation and physiotherapy to improve their postural control.
The use of factor VIII/von Willebrand factor concentrate for immune tolerance induction in haemophilia A patients with high‐titre inhibitors: association of clinical outcome with inhibitor epitope profile
Authors: GRENINGER D. A. , SAINT‐REMY J. M. , JACQUEMIN M. , BENHIDA A. , DIMICHELE D. M.
Published: February 2008

Summary.  A retrospective chart review of 11 subjects with severe haemophilia A and high‐titre inhibitors who received a von Willebrand factor‐containing FVIII concentrate (VWF/FVIII) for immune tolerance induction (ITI) was accompanied by B cell inhibitor epitope mapping during 10/11 treatment courses. ITI was successful or partially successful in all seven subjects who received VWF/FVIII for initial ITI, and failed in all four subjects whose ITI with this product was initiated following treatment failure using recombinant factor VIII. Variables including age at inhibitor development and age at ITI initiation, interval between inhibitor detection and ITI initiation, titre at start of ITI, and peak historical titres prior to and during ITI were not statistically significant outcome predictors in this cohort. However, the B cell epitope specificity in all four successful and in one of two partially successful ITI subjects for whom information was available included the C2 and excluded the A2 domains. Conversely, FVIII B cell epitopes in one partially successful ITI and in all three failed ITI subjects for whom data were available mapped to both the C2 and the A2 domains. The FVIII B cell epitope profile was associated with ITI outcome in this VWF/FVIII‐treated cohort. Its role in predicting ITI outcome and guiding choice of FVIII product for ITI requires further study.
In vivo models of haemophilia – status on current knowledge of clinical phenotypes and therapeutic interventions
Authors: ØVLISEN K. , KRISTENSEN A. T. , TRANHOLM M.
Published: February 2008

Summary.  Animal models have contributed immensely to the understanding of and the improvement in treatment of haemophilia A and B. First, establishment of haemophilic dog colonies provided an invaluable opportunity to investigate the diseases and later, the advances in gene technologies resulting in small haemophilic animal models were a milestone in the preclinical research making it possible to address some of the many unanswered questions. This review provides an overview of animal models used in the study of haemophilia as well as a short overview of the contributions resulting from studies in these models.
von Willebrand disease (VWD): evidence‐based diagnosis and management guidelines, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Expert Panel report (USA)1
Authors: NICHOLS W. L. , HULTIN M. B. , JAMES A. H. , MANCO‐JOHNSON M. J. , MONTGOMERY R. R. , ORTEL T. L. , RICK M. E. , SADLER J. E. , WEINSTEIN M. , YAWN B. P.
Published: February 2008

Summary.  von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a commonly encountered inherited bleeding disorder affecting both males and females, causing mucous membrane and skin bleeding symptoms, and bleeding with surgical or other haemostatic challenges. VWD may be disproportionately symptomatic in women of child‐bearing age. It may also occur less frequently as an acquired disorder (acquired von Willebrand syndrome). VWD is caused by deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor (VWF), a plasma protein that mediates platelet haemostatic function and stabilizes blood coagulation factor VIII. The pathophysiology, classification, diagnosis and management of VWD are relatively complex, but understanding them is important for proper diagnosis and management of patients with VWD. These evidence‐based guidelines for diagnosis and management of VWD from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Expert Panel (USA) review relevant publications, summarize current understanding of VWD pathophysiology and classification, and present consensus diagnostic and management recommendations based on analysis of the literature and expert opinion. They also suggest an approach for clinical and laboratory evaluation of individuals with bleeding symptoms, history of bleeding or conditions associated with increased bleeding risk. This document summarizes needs for further research in VWF, VWD and bleeding disorders, including clinical research to obtain more objective information about bleeding symptoms, advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic tools, and enhancement in the education and training of clinicians and scientists in bleeding and thrombotic disorders. The NHLBI Web site (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/vwd) has a more detailed document, a synopsis of these recommendations, and patient education information.
Involvement of Hofbauer cells and maternal T cells in villitis of unknown aetiology
Authors: Kim J‐S , Romero R , Kim M R , Kim Y M , Friel L , Espinoza J , Kim C J
Published: February 2008

Aims:  The nature of villitis of unknown aetiology (VUE) is intriguing in terms of its aetiology, origin of inflammatory cells and immunophenotype of T cells involved. The aim was to determine the origin of macrophages and the immunophenotype of T lymphocytes in VUE associated with various complications of pregnancy.

Methods and results:  Placentas with VUE (n = 45) were studied by chromogenic in‐situ hybridization (CISH) for Y chromosome (DYZ1) and immunohistochemistry for CD14, CD68, Ki67 (n = 10; all from male neonates) and a panel of T‐cell antigens (CD3, CD4 and CD8) (n = 35). All of the placentas from male neonates showed CISH+ signals from Y chromosomes in the majority of macrophages, but not in lymphocytes, indicating that the macrophages were of fetal origin. Many macrophages of the affected chorionic villi were Ki67+, suggesting that they are hyperplastic Hofbauer cells. Among the lymphocytes, CD8+ T cells outnumbered CD4+ T cells in all placentas with different obstetrical conditions.

Conclusions:  We define primary components of VUE as maternal CD8+ T cells and hyperplastic Hofbauer cells. We propose that VUE is a unique inflammatory reaction where the leucocytes from two hosts are key partners, analogous to either allograft rejection or graft‐versus‐host disease.
Propagule deposition along river margins: linking hydrology and ecology
Authors: Gurnell Angela , Thompson Ken , Goodson Joanne , Moggridge Helen
Published: February 2008

Research has highlighted the importance of buoyancy for hydrochorous propagule dispersal, but recently the river bed has been identified as a significant store of viable propagules.

Over four consecutive 4‐month periods, deposited propagules (predominantly seeds) and sediment were sampled at 78 river bed, bank face and bank top sites within three river reaches in two catchments. Species of deposited propagules were compared with the propagule bank and standing vegetation to identify ‘new’ species.

Forty‐four percent of deposited propagule species were not present in the vegetation and the largest proportions were deposited in winter. New propagules showed a higher proportion of species that establish long‐term seed banks and produce light seeds, a higher proportion of R‐strategists, and a lower proportion of C‐strategists than species in the vegetation.

Ordination of propagule species abundance data revealed differences in samples between reaches; bed and bank locations; and sampling periods. Within depositional samples there were significant positive correlations between average C scores and the proportion of species producing relatively heavy, short‐lived seeds and scores on an ordination axis describing a gradient from channel bed to bank top.

Correlations and multiple regression models between species richness and abundance of deposited propagules (total and new), and the quantity and calibre of river‐deposited sediment, demonstrated a direct link between propagule deposition and hydraulic conditions during inundation.

Synthesis. Riparian connectivity of river flows, varying hydraulic conditions and temporary storage of propagules are all complex components of hydrochorous propagule dispersal in the study reaches. Flood flows can transfer sediment particles and non‐buoyant, viable propagules from the river into the riparian zone. Propagules can pass in and out of storage within the channel bed and margins through a variety of dispersal processes and can then settle out of the water in suitable depositional environments generating distinct spatial and temporal patterns in total propagule deposition. New propagules show greatest floristic similarity to propagule bank and bed samples. They are preferentially smaller, lighter and form longer term seed banks, making them particularly suitable for long distance transport over prolonged time periods and for widespread dispersal across river margins.
Ultrastructural Features of Atretic Follicles in the Sexually Immature Ostrich (Struthio Camelus)
Authors: Madekurozwa M. ‐C. , Kimaro W. H.
Published: February 2008

The aim of this study was to describe the ultrastructural features of atresia in follicles of the immature ostrich (12–14 months old); a ratite that displays seasonal, precocious ovarian activity. The early stage of atresia in primordial, pre‐vitellogenic and vitellogenic follicles was characterized by the accumulation of lipid droplets in the granulosa cells. Granulosa cells with condensed cytoplasm and nuclei were a prominent feature during the intermediate phase of atresia. The degenerating follicles were then infiltrated by stroma during the terminal stages of atresia. The results of this study provide further information on the morphology of atretic ovarian follicles in the immature ostrich.
PCR primers for identification of Sirococcus conigenus and S. tsugae, and detection of S. conigenus from symptomatic and asymptomatic red pine shoots
Authors: Smith D. R. , Stanosz G. R.
Published: February 2008

Regions of diversity in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of Sirococcus species were exploited to design primer pairs used in a PCR‐based method for the identification of the conifer shoot blight pathogen Sirococcus conigenus and the closely related fungus Sirococcus tsugae. The specificity of each primer pair for the respective fungus, detection limits and utility for detection from host material were confirmed. The S. conigenus primers were then used to detect this pathogen in tissues of symptomatic or apparently healthy red pine shoots collected at six locations in Wisconsin and Michigan and results compared with those obtained using a cultural assay. For needles, bark and wood of symptomatic shoots, the mean frequencies of detection of S. conigenus using the PCR‐based methods were consistent (≥7.5 out of 10) and always greater than for the cultural assay. Detection from symptomatic shoots using the cultural assay was more frequent from needles than from bark or wood. Both the PCR‐based method and the cultural assay detected S. conigenus in similar frequencies from asymptomatic shoots, although less frequently than from symptomatic shoots. The efficiency of the PCR‐based method and its utility for direct testing of host material should make it particularly useful in areas where multiple shoot blight pathogens are found.
UNRAVELLING THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME: FOCUS ON SYMPATHETICALLY MAINTAINED PAIN
Authors: Gibbs Gael F , Drummond Peter D , Finch Philip M , Phillips Jacqueline K
Published: February 2008

In diseases such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), where neuropathic pain is the primary concern, traditional pain classifications and lesion descriptors are of limited value. To obtain better treatment outcomes for patients, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of neuropathic pain need to be elucidated and analysed so that therapeutic targets can be identified and specific treatments developed.

In the present review, we examine the current literature on sympathetically maintained pain (SMP), a subset of neuropathic pain, within the context of CRPS. Evidence from both human and animal studies is presented and discussed in terms of its support for the existence of SMP and the mechanistic information it provides.

We discuss three current hypotheses that propose both a site and method for sympathetic–sensory coupling: (i) direct coupling between sympathetic and sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglion; (ii) chemical coupling between sympathetic and nociceptive neuron terminals in skin; and (iii) the development of a‐adrenoceptor‐mediated supersensitivity in nociceptive fibres in skin in association with the release of inflammatory mediators.

Finally, we propose a new hypothesis that integrates the mechanisms of chemical coupling and a‐adrenoceptor‐mediated supersensitivity. This hypothesis is based on previously unpublished data from our laboratory showing that a histological substrate suitable for sympathetic–sensory coupling exists in normal subjects. In the diseased state, the nociceptive fibres implicated in this substrate may be activated by both endogenous and exogenous noradrenaline. The mediating a‐adrenoceptors may be expressed on the nociceptive fibres or on closely associated support cells.
CALCIUM SPARKLETS IN ARTERIAL SMOOTH MUSCLE
Authors: Santana Luis F , Navedo Manuel F , Amberg Gregory C , Nieves‐Cintrón Madeline , Votaw V Scott , Ufret‐Vincenty Carmen A
Published: February 2008

Voltage‐dependent, L‐type Ca2+ channels (LTCC) play an essential role in arterial smooth muscle contraction and, consequently, the regulation of arterial diameter, tissue perfusion and blood pressure. However, the spatial organization of functional LTCC in arterial myocytes is incompletely understood.

Total internal reflection fluorescence and swept‐field confocal microscopy revealed that the opening of a single or a cluster of LTCC produces local elevations in [Ca2+]i called Ca2+ sparklets. In arterial myocytes, Ca2+ sparklets are produced by the opening of Cav1.2 channels.

The Ca2+ sparklet activity is bimodal. In low activity mode, rare stochastic openings of solitary LTCC produce limited Ca2+ influx (‘low activity Ca2+ sparklets’). In contrast, discrete clusters of LTCC associated with protein kinase Ca (PKCa) operate in a sustained, high‐activity mode resulting in substantial Ca2+ influx (‘persistent Ca2+ sparklets’).

The Ca2+ sparklet activity varies regionally within a myocyte depending on the relative activities of nearby PKCa and opposing protein phosphates 2A and 2B.

Low‐ and high‐activity persistent Ca2+ sparklets modulate local and global [Ca2+]i in arterial smooth muscle, suggesting that this Ca2+ signal may play an important role in the regulation of vascular function.
Fish assemblages associated with urban structures and natural reefs in Sydney, Australia
Authors: CLYNICK B. G. , CHAPMAN M. G. , UNDERWOOD A. J.
Published: February 2008

Abstract  Fish ecology in urban estuaries is poorly understood. As coastal landscapes are transformed, recognizing the impact that urban structures, such as marinas, seawalls and wharfs, have on local fish populations is becoming increasingly important. The extent to which fish are able to maintain natural ecological assemblages can be measured, to a certain extent, by how closely they mimic natural habitats. In Sydney Harbour, assemblages of fish associated with artificial structures were compared with those associated with natural rocky reefs. Sampling was carried out in five locations, each with a marina, swimming enclosure and natural reef. In each location, different habitats supported different assemblages, but differences between habitats were not consistent among locations. Subsequent sampling compared artificial and natural sites in three different areas in each of three different estuaries. Results indicated that differences in fish assemblages between artificial and natural sites were greater than differences between sites within each habitat, but there were no patterns among different positions in an estuary or from estuary to estuary. This study provides initial evidence that, although artificial habitats generally support the same species as found on natural reefs, assemblages usually differed between natural and artificial habitats. In addition, without knowing if these habitats do, in fact, sustain viable populations of fish, it would be premature to label artificial structures as effective habitat for fish.