bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced litter input rather than changes in litter chemistry drive soil carbon and nitrogen cycles under elevated CO2: a microcosm study
Authors: LIU LINGLI , KING JOHN S. , BOOKER FITZGERALD L. , GIARDINA CHRISTIAN P. , LEE ALLEN H. , HU SHUIJIN
Published: January 2009

Elevated CO2 has been shown to stimulate plant productivity and change litter chemistry. These changes in substrate availability may then alter soil microbial processes and possibly lead to feedback effects on N availability. However, the strength of this feedback, and even its direction, remains unknown. Further, uncertainty remains whether sustained increases in net primary productivity will lead to increased long‐term C storage in soil. To examine how changes in litter chemistry and productivity under elevated CO2 influence microbial activity and soil C formation, we conducted a 230‐day microcosm incubation with five levels of litter addition rate that represented 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.4 and 1.8 × litterfall rates observed in the field for aspen stand growing under control treatments at the Aspen FACE experiment in Rhinelander, WI, USA. Litter and soil samples were collected from the corresponding field control and elevated CO2 treatment after trees were exposed to elevated CO2 (560 ppm) for 7 years. We found that small decreases in litter [N] under elevated CO2 had minor effects on microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen and dissolved inorganic nitrogen. Increasing litter addition rates resulted in linear increase in total C and new C (C from added litter) that accumulated in whole soil as well as in the high density soil fraction (HDF), despite higher cumulative C loss by respiration. Total N retained in whole soil and in HDF also increased with litter addition rate as did accumulation of new C per unit of accumulated N. Based on our microcosm comparisons and regression models, we expected that enhanced C inputs rather than changes in litter chemistry would be the dominant factor controlling soil C levels and turnover at the current level of litter production rate (230 g C m−2 yr−1 under ambient CO2). However, our analysis also suggests that the effects of changes in biochemistry caused by elevated CO2 could become significant at a higher level of litter production rate, with a trend of decreasing total C in HDF, new C in whole soil, as well as total N in whole soil and HDF.
Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Majorana syriaca in Yellowfin tuna
Authors: Al‐Bandak Ghada , Tsironi Theofania , Taoukis Petros , Oreopoulou Vassiliki
Published: January 2009

The antimicrobial and antioxidant effect of Majorana syriaca extract, obtained by ethyl acetate, to Yellowfin tuna was examined. The extract was added to refined corn oil at different concentrations (0–3900 ppm). Minced tuna was mixed with corn oil containing the extract (tuna/oil: 3/1 w/w); the mixture was packed aerobically and stored at 0 °C. Microbial growth and lipid oxidation were determined periodically. Majorana syriaca extract delayed the microbial growth (total viable count, Pseudomonas sp. and lactic acid bacteria) as compared with pure minced tuna, with an increasing effect as concentration increased. Oxidation was monitored through measurement of peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances. Both tests showed inhibition of tuna oxidation as the concentration of the extract increased. The results of the study show the potential of M. syriaca extract in extending the shelf life of tuna fish.
Antimicrobial properties of grape seed extracts and their effectiveness after incorporation into pea starch films
Authors: Corrales Margarita , Han Jung H. , Tauscher Bernhard
Published: January 2009

Chemical analysis and antimicrobial nature of grape seed extracts (GSE) and their Reisling Vitis vinifera L. application as fortificants for edible starch films were investigated. GSE possessed an antioxidant activity of 17.18 ± 1.29 mmol TROLOX equivalents gextract−1 and total phenolic content of 327.58 ± 7.24 mmol gallic acid equivalents gextract−1 mainly attributed to their flavonoid and phenolic acid composition determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography accomplished to a diode array detector and a electrospray ionisation mass spectrometer in negative mode (HPLC‐DAD/ESI‐MS). GSE inhibited the growth of Gram‐positive food‐borne pathogens while Gram‐negatives were not inhibited. After GSE were incorporated into pea starch films, thickness of enriched films increased and the puncture and tensile strength decreased compared to control films. Furthermore, migration of phenolic compounds from the films to different food simulants, aqueous, acidic and alcoholic solution was determined according to 89\109\EEC directive. A higher particle migration in acidic simulants was found. Finally, the effect of GSE incorporated pea starch films was tested in vitro with pork loins infected with Brochothrix thermosphacta. GSE films reduced the bacterial growth in 1.3 log colony forming units mL−1 after 4 days incubation at 4 °C.
Pharmacological implications of cellular localization of α1‐adrenoceptors in native smooth muscle cells
Authors: McGrath J. C. , Mackenzie J. F. , Daly C. J.
Published: January 2009

1This study examines the cellular localization of α1‐adrenoceptors and demonstrates that binding to intracellular receptive binding sites in native smooth muscle cells may influence the pharmacological profile of agonists or antagonists. The example tissue studied was rat basilar artery.

2An α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist and fluorescent analogue of prazosin, BODIPY‐FL prazosin (QAPB) allowed visualization, with high resolution, of both plasma membrane and cytosolic binding sites on live native cells, as previously shown in cells harbouring recombinant receptors. QAPB‐associated fluorescence binding was both time‐ and concentration‐ dependent in rat basilar smooth muscle cells and affinity for α1‐adrenoceptors was calculated from specific binding curves as 1.1 nM.

3Concentration‐dependent binding of QAPB detected in smooth muscle cells dissociated from rat basilar arteries was composed of diffuse and clustered fluorescence. Visually the diffuse component of fluorescence was the more evident up to a concentration of 5 nM QAPB. Confocal visualization of an optical section through the cell showed that the clustered component was located mainly intracellularly. In rat basilar artery smooth muscle cells the intracellular binding sites were located in close proximity to the nuclear membrane.

43D models of QAPB‐associated fluorescence demonstrate that a high proportion of effective binding sites are intracellular, showing not only that a high proportion of receptors are located inside the cell but also that in this location they can bind ligands. This has implications for. pharmacological analysis in relation to the consequences of intracellular bindingper seand for differential effects upon the pharmacology of particular ligands according to whether they can enter the cell.
Review of mechanisms involved in the apparent differential desensitization of β1‐ and β2‐adrenoceptor‐mediated functional responses
Authors: Broadley K. J.
Published: January 2009

1There has been considerable debate whether responses mediated via β1‐ and β2‐adrenoceptors (β1ARs and β2ARs) display the same degree of desensitization after prolonged or repeated exposure to agonists.

2Examples are provided for selective desensitization of functional responses and loss of binding sites for β1ARs. Equally, examples are given of selective desensitization and down‐regulation involving β2ARs.

3This review examines whether receptor subtype‐selective desensitization of βAR‐mediated responses can occur and whether even within the same subtype, there may be tissue‐selective desensitization. Possible reasons why apparent selectivity of desensitization of functional responses may occur are considered and are divided into methodological and non‐methodological factors.

4Methodological factors discussed are: the concentration of agonist used for inducing desensitization and the washout times before construction of the post‐incubation concentration‐response curve (CRC), the need for correction of CRCs from time‐matched controls, and the methods adopted for plotting CRCs.

5Four non‐methodological factors are considered. Firstly, the roles of different receptor reserves for the responses of each tissue can have an important effect on whether desensitization is apparent; a large reserve will make desensitization less likely to be apparent. Secondly, there is more than one site at which desensitization occurs; receptors are uncoupled from adenylyl cyclase activation, there is an additional site at the level of stimulation of cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase and βARs may ultimately be down‐regulated. These processes may differ depending on the tissue and conditions and this may influence whether differential desensitization occurs between tissues. Thirdly, the apparent degree of desensitization after washout of an agonist can depend upon the rate of resensitization. Experiments to overcome this problem are described which demonstrate βAR desensitization in the continued presence of agonist. Finally, the role of up‐regulation of PDE in desensitization is discussed.
Modification of cardiovascular responses to spinal GABABreceptor stimulation by cAMP and by KATPchannel blockade in anaesthetized rats
Authors: Koh H. C. , Shin I. C. , Ha J. H. , Paik D. J. , Kang J. S. , Lee C H.
Published: January 2009

1Intrathecal (i.t.) injection of baclofen (30, 60 and 100 nmol), a GABABreceptor agonist, produced a dose‐dependent decrease in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR).

2Pretreatment with 5‐aminovaleric acid (50 nmol), a GABABreceptor antagonist, blocked the depressor and bradycardic effects of baclofen (100 nmol).

3Pretreatment with 8‐bromo‐cAMP (10 nmol), a cAMP analogue, attenuated the depressor and bradycardic effects of baclofen (100 nmol), but not with 8‐bromo‐cGMP (10 nmol), a cGMP analogue.

4In addition, pretreatment with glipizide (20 nmol), an ATP‐sensitive K+channel (KATP) blocker, attenuated the depressor and bradycardic effects of baclofen (100 nmol).

5These results suggest that GABABreceptors in the spinal cord have an inhibitory role in the central cardiovascular regulation and that these depressive and bradycardic actions are modified by cAMP and by KATPchannel blockade.
Pharmacological analysis of vasoconstrictor responses to periarterial purinergic nerve stimulation
Authors: Yang X.‐P. , Chiba S.
Published: January 2009

1 Periarterial electrical nerve stimulation at a low frequency (1 Hz) readily induced a vasoconstrictor response of the canine splenic artery in a pulse number‐related manner (1–30 pulses of trains). The vasoconstrictor response to trains of up to 10 pulses at 1 Hz of stimulation appeared to be monophasic, whereas it became clearly distinguished into two phases at a longer train of 30 pulses.

2 The monophasic vasoconstrictor responses to trains of 1, 3 or 10 pulses were not modified by an α1‐adrenoceptor blocking agent, prazosin (0.1 μM), but were completely inhibited by the P2X receptor desensitization with α,β‐methylene adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (α,β‐methlyene ATP; 1 μM). The 1st phase of vasoconstriction induced by a train length of 30 pulses was not influenced by the treatment with prazosin, but was abolished by α,β‐methylene ATP. The 2nd phase response was markedly inhibited by prazosin, and the remaining response of this phase was blocked by α,β‐methylene ATP.

3 Rauwolscine (0.3 μM), an α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist, enhanced the vasoconstrictor responses to trains of 1, 3 or 10 pulses. Particularly at 10 pulses of electrical stimulation, the vasoconstrictor responses were significantly potentiated. The blockade of neuronal uptake of noradrenaline with imipramine (1 μM) did not affect the vasoconstrictor responses to trains of 1, 3 or 10 pulses.

4 It is concluded that short pulse trains of stimulation at a low frequency may selectively activate a purinergic component of sympathetic cotransmission, and the prejunctional α2‐adrenergic feedback mechanism may tonically participate into the modulation of ATP release. Imipramine‐sensitive neuronal uptake mechanism may not play an important role in regulating vascular responses to periarterial purinergic nerve stimulation.
Sertraline inhibits the contractile responses to noradrenaline, KCI and electrical field stimulation of rat isolated vas deferens
Authors: Kalyoncu N. I. , Ozyavuz R. , Karaoglu S.
Published: January 2009

1The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sertraline, a selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitor, on contractile responses to noradrenaline (NA), KCI, serotonin (5‐HT) and electrical field stimulation of rat isolated vas deferens.

2Pre‐treatment with 10‐4M sertraline showed inhibitory effects on responses to NA, KCI, 5‐HT and electrical field stimulation, while pre‐treatment with 10‐6and 10‐5M sertraline caused potentiation of responses to NA (10‐7and 10‐6M).

3A voltage‐dependent calcium channel activator, Bay K 8644, restored the inhibited responses when sertraline was washed out of the organ bath, although restoration could not be seen when sertraline was not removed.

4The inhibition of the contractile responses by sertraline pre‐treatment may be via a mechanism through calcium channels which is additional to the selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitory effect of sertraline.
Disorders from perturbations of nuclear‐mitochondrial intergenomic cross‐talk
Authors: Spinazzola A. , Zeviani M.
Published: January 2009

In the course of evolution, mitochondria lost their independence, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) became the ‘slave’ of nuclear DNA, depending on numerous nucleus‐encoded factors for its integrity, replication and expression. Mutations in any of these factors may alter the cross‐talk between the two genomes and cause Mendelian disorders characterized by qualitative (multiple deletions) or quantitative (depletion) alterations of mtDNA, or by defective translation of mtDNA‐encoded respiratory chain components.
Batteries not included: diagnosis and management of mitochondrial disease
Authors: McFarland R. , Turnbull D. M.
Published: January 2009

In 1998, Wallace et al. (Science 1988; 242: 1427–30) published evidence that the mutation m.11778G>A was responsible for causing Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy. This was the first account of a mitochondrial DNA mutation being irrefutably linked with a human disease and was swiftly followed by a report from Holt et al. (Nature 1988; 331: 717–9) identifying deletions in mitochondrial DNA as a cause for myopathy. During the subsequent 20 years there has been an exponential growth in ‘mitochondrial medicine’, with clinical, biochemical and genetic characterizations of a wide range of mitochondrial diseases and evidence implicating mitochondria in a host of many other clinical conditions including ageing, neurodegenerative illness and cancer. In this review we shall focus on the diagnosis and management of mitochondrial diseases that lead directly or indirectly to disruption of the process of oxidative phosphorylation.
Phospholipase Dε and phosphatidic acid enhance Arabidopsis nitrogen signaling and growth
Authors: Hong Yueyun , Devaiah Shivakumar P. , Bahn Sung Chul , Thamasandra Bharath N. , Li Maoyin , Welti Ruth , Wang Xuemin
Published: January 2009

Activation of phospholipase D (PLD) produces phosphatidic acid (PA), a lipid messenger implicated in cell growth and proliferation, but direct evidence for PLD and PA promotion of growth at the organism level is lacking. Here we characterize a new PLD gene, PLDε, and show that it plays a role in promoting Arabidopsis growth. PLDε is mainly associated with the plasma membrane, and is the most permissive of all PLDs tested with respect to its activity requirements. Knockout (KO) of PLDε decreases root growth and biomass accumulation, whereas over‐expression (OE) of PLDε enhances root growth and biomass accumulation. The level of PA was higher in OE plants, but lower in KO plants than in wild‐type plants, and suppression of PLD‐mediated PA formation by alcohol alleviated the growth‐promoting effect of PLDε. OE and KO of PLDε had opposite effects on lateral root elongation in response to nitrogen. Increased expression of PLDε also promoted root hair elongation and primary root growth under severe nitrogen deprivation. The results suggest that PLDε and PA promote organism growth and play a role in nitrogen signaling. The lipid‐signaling process may play a role in connecting membrane sensing of nutrient status to increased plant growth and biomass production.
Pathogenesis‐related proteins protect extrafloral nectar from microbial infestation
Authors: González‐Teuber Marcia , Eilmus Sascha , Muck Alexander , Svatos Ales , Heil Martin
Published: January 2009

Plants in more than 300 genera produce extrafloral nectar (EFN) to attract carnivores as a means of indirect defence against herbivores. As EFN is secreted at nectaries that are not physically protected from the environment, and contains carbohydrates and amino acids, EFN must be protected from infestation by micro‐organisms. We investigated the proteins and anti‐microbial activity in the EFN of two Central American Acacia myrmecophytes (A. cornigera and A. hindsii) and two related non‐myrmecophytes (A. farnesiana and Prosopis juliflora). Acacia myrmecophytes secrete EFN constitutively at high rates to nourish the ants inhabiting these plants as symbiotic mutualists, while non‐myrmecophytes secrete EFN only in response to herbivore damage to attract non‐symbiotic ants. Thus, the quality and anti‐microbial protection of the EFN secreted by these two types of plants were likely to differ. Indeed, myrmecophyte EFN contained significantly more proteins than the EFN of non‐myrmecophytes, and was protected effectively from microbial infestation. We found activity for three classes of pathogenesis‐related (PR) enzymes: chitinase, β‐1,3‐glucanase and peroxidase. Chitinases and β‐1,3‐glucanases were significantly more active in myrmecophyte EFN, and chitinase at the concentrations found in myrmecophyte EFN significantly inhibited yeast growth. Of the 52 proteins found in A. cornigera EFN, 28 were annotated using nanoLC‐MS/MS data, indicating that chitinases and glucanases contribute more than 50% of the total protein content in the EFN of this myrmecophyte. Our study demonstrates that PR enzymes play an important role in protecting EFN from microbial infestation.
Can rice genetic diversity reduce Echinochloa crus‐galli infestation?
Authors: TANG J , XIE J , CHEN X , YU L
Published: January 2009

Pot and field experiments were conducted to test whether rice genetic diversity can reduce Echinochloa crus‐galli infestation through rice variety mixed‐plantings. Two weed‐suppressive rice (Oryza sativa) varieties, Guodao No. 1 (GD) and PI312777 (PI), and three non‐suppressive varieties, Xiushui No. 63 (XS), Zhongjian No. 2 (ZJ) and Chunjiang No. 016 (CJ) were used. Monocultures (GD, PI, XS, ZJ and CJ), two‐variety mixtures (GD + XS, GD + ZJ, GD + CJ, PI + XS, PI + ZJ, PI + CJ) and three‐variety mixtures (GD + PI + XS, GD + PI + ZJ and GD + PI + CJ) were tested. Effects of herbicide on rice grain yield of non‐suppressive varieties were compared between monocultures and mixtures. Pot experiment showed that E. crus‐galli germination rate in all mixed‐planting except CJ + PI, and E. crus‐galli biomass in mixed‐planting with GD decreased compared with monocultures. In a field experiment, E. crus‐galli density decreased in all mixed‐planting models of XS and CJ and ZJ + GD. Echinochloa crus‐galli biomass reduction was found in XS + GD, XS + GD + PI, ZJ + GD and CJ + GD. Rice grain yield increased in XS + GD, ZJ + GD, CJ + GD, CJ + PI and CJ + GD + PI. Rice grain yields of non‐suppressive varieties under mixtures without herbicides were lower than that in monoculture with full herbicide, but were not significantly different from monocultures with half rate herbicide. Moreover, rice yields of ZJ and CJ under mixtures with half rate herbicides did not decrease compared with monocultures with full rates. The results suggested that rice genetic diversity could reduce E. crus‐galli infestation and herbicide utilisation through rice variety mixed‐planting.
Weed suppression by soil steaming in combination with activating compounds
Authors: BÀRBERI P , MOONEN A C , PERUZZI A , FONTANELLI M , RAFFAELLI M
Published: January 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the weed suppression potential of soil steaming plus activating compounds (KOH or CaO) to boost soil temperature. Different combinations between the compounds and rates were tested in experiments carried out in the field and in a controlled environment. Treatment effects were assessed on field weed vegetation and on seedbank and seedling emergence of three winter (Alopecurus myosuroides, Matricaria chamomilla and Raphanus raphanistrum) and four spring annuals (Amaranthus retroflexus, Echinochloa crus‐galli, Fallopia convolvulus and Setaria viridis), were assessed on field weed vegetation. Neither maximum soil temperature (from 72 to 85°C) nor duration of high temperature in the 3 h following application consistently affected weed suppression. In the field, no significant effects on total weed density were recorded, but there were some significant effects on individual species. The weed seedbank was clearly suppressed by activated steaming: total seedling emergence was inversely related to increasing KOH rates both in the 0–10 and 10–20 cm soil layers, while for CaO the relationship was significant only in the 0–10 cm layer. Winter annuals were more sensitive to KOH than CaO and spring annuals had a more pronounced species‐specific response to treatments. There was a strong negative relationship between compound rate and seedling emergence for all species. Alopecurus myosuroides was the most sensitive to the steam‐alone treatment (77% reduction), whereas M. chamomilla and E. crus‐galli were the least sensitive. Results from this study indicate that the type and rates of activating compounds for soil steaming must be adjusted to the weed community composition.
Influence of defoliation on reproductive capacity and growth in Buddleja davidii
Authors: THOMAS M M , WATT M S , JAY J , PELTZER D , MASON E G , TURNBULL M H , WHITEHEAD D
Published: January 2009

This study aims at quantifying the effects of defoliation on seed production and germination in Buddleja davidii, and determining the potential for reducing the invasive success of the species. The effects of defoliation on seed production and germination at the flower spike and plant levels were investigated for control plants and plants that were defoliated by 66% at monthly intervals from mid‐summer (January) to mid‐autumn (April). Seed samples for germination were collected in late autumn (May). Defoliation reduced flower spike number per shoot, seed number per flower spike and average seed mass by 9%, 22% and 13% and 30%, 33% and 17% on main and side shoots, respectively. In contrast, emergent leaf area per shoot in the defoliated plants exceeded that for the control plants by 89%. The ratio of total seed mass per plant/emergent leaf area per shoot was significantly lower in the defoliated compared with the control plants by 50%. Defoliation did not affect the timing or rate of seed germination. Defoliation of B. davidii resulted in a marked decrease in reproductive capacity, consistent with the priority allocation of resources to compensational leaf area growth.
Effect of burial depth and soil water regime on the fate of Lithospermum arvense seeds in relation to burial time
Authors: CHANTRE G R , SABBATINI M R , ORIOLI G A
Published: January 2009

Lithospermum arvense is an increasing annual weed in winter crops of the semiarid region of southern Argentina under low impact tillage systems, an agricultural practice that has become popular in recent years. Seed distribution in the soil profile under conventional tillage will change when reduced tillage is implemented, thus affecting the germination microenvironment. The effect of seed burial depth and soil water regime on field germination, enforced dormancy, innate dormancy and seed decay was studied in relation to burial time in a field experiment. In addition, the effect of burial depth on seed germination and seedling emergence was examined under laboratory controlled conditions. Field germination of buried seed ranged from 55% to 65% for shallow (2 cm) and from 5% to 30% for greater depths (20 cm). Enforced dormancy levels were significantly higher among deeper seeds. The amount of innate dormant seeds was reduced to <10% after a year of burial. Lithospermum arvense seedbanks can be classified as short‐term persistent. Germination in the laboratory was unaffected by burial depth, while seedling emergence reduction was adequately described by a sigmoidal model. Results indicate that agricultural practices that accumulate L. arvense seeds near the soil surface enhance seedling recruitment.
The response of ACCase‐resistant Phalaris paradoxa populations involves two different target site mutations
Authors: HOCHBERG O , SIBONY M , RUBIN B
Published: January 2009

Phalaris paradoxa (awned canary‐grass) is an aggressive annual winter weed in wheat and other arable crops that is controlled mainly by ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides: cyclohexanediones (DIMs), aryloxyphenoxypropionates (FOPs) and phenylpyrazolines (DENs, e.g. pinoxaden). The selection pressure imposed on the weed populations by repeated use of these herbicides has resulted in the evolution of increased numbers of ACCase‐resistant populations of P. paradoxa in Israel and other countries. Two populations, Revadim (RV) and Mishmar Ha’emek (MH) that were exposed to differing weed and crop management tactics were investigated. Both populations were highly resistant to all FOPs, pinoxaden and cycloxydim, but responded differently to some DIMs. RV plants exhibited much higher resistance to tralkoxydim than MH plants, while showing similar low levels of resistance to tepraloxydim and clethodim. Both populations were equally susceptible to graminicides with other modes of action. The mutations responsible for the observed resistance were identified using PCR‐RFLP and by sequencing the carboxyl transferase domain of the chloroplastic ACCase gene. RV plants possess a substitution of Asp2078 to Gly, whereas in MH population a mixture of Ile2041 to Asn or Asp2078 to Gly was found. Our study demonstrates that lack of herbicide and crop rotation may result in the evolution of diverse target site mutations and differential response of the whole plant to ACCase inhibitors.
Psychotherapy as monotherapy for the treatment of bipolar II depression: a proof of concept study
Authors: Swartz Holly A , Frank Ellen , Frankel Debra R , Novick Danielle , Houck Patricia
Published: January 2009

Objectives:  We conducted a proof of concept study to determine the feasibility of using an individual psychotherapy, Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), as monotherapy for the acute treatment of bipolar II depression.

Methods:  Unmedicated individuals (n = 17) meeting DSM‐IV criteria for bipolar II disorder and currently depressed received weekly psychotherapy (IPSRT) for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of acute treatment, individuals received an additional 8 weeks of follow‐up treatment consisting of continued weekly IPSRT with supplementary lamotrogine for IPSRT non‐responders.

Results:  By week 12, 41% (n = 7) of the sample responded to IPSRT monotherapy (defined as ≥50% reduction in depression scores without an increase in mania scores), 41% (n = 7) dropped out of or were removed from the study, and 18% (n = 3) did not respond to treatment. By week 20, 53% (n = 9) had achieved a response and 29% (n = 5) achieved a full remission of symptoms.

Conclusions:  Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy appears to be a promising intervention for a subset of individuals with bipolar II depression. A randomized controlled trial is needed to systematically evaluate the efficacy of IPSRT as an acute monotherapy for bipolar II depression.
Eyeblink conditioning anomalies in bipolar disorder suggest cerebellar dysfunction
Authors: Bolbecker Amanda R , Mehta Crystal , Johannesen Jason K , Edwards Chad R , O’Donnell Brian F , Shekhar Anantha , Nurnberger John I , Steinmetz Joseph E , Hetrick William P
Published: January 2009

Objectives:  Accumulating research implicates the cerebellum in non‐motor psychological processes and psychiatric diseases, including bipolar disorder (BD). Despite recent evidence that cerebellar lesions have been documented to trigger bipolar‐like symptoms, few studies have directly examined the functional integrity of the cerebellum in those afflicted with BD.

Methods:  Using a single‐cue delay eyeblink conditioning procedure, the functional integrity of the cerebellum was examined in 28 individuals with BD (9 manic, 8 mixed, and 11 euthymic) and 28 age‐matched healthy controls.

Results:  Analysis of the bipolar group as a whole indicated a conditioned response acquisition and timing deficit compared to controls. However, when the bipolar group was categorized according to mood state (mixed, manic, euthymic), individuals tested during mixed episodes were strikingly impaired, performing significantly worse than all other groups on both the acquisition and timing of conditioned responses.

Conclusions:  These findings extend prior research implicating cerebellar functional abnormalities in BD and suggest that cerebellar dysfunction may be associated with mood state and course of illness.
White matter abnormalities in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia detected using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Sussmann Jessika E , Lymer G Katherine S , McKirdy James , Moorhead T William J , Maniega Susana Muñoz , Job Dominic , Hall Jeremy , Bastin Mark E , Johnstone Eve C , Lawrie Stephen M , McIntosh Andrew M
Published: January 2009

Objectives:  Strong qualitative and quantitative evidence exists of white matter abnormalities in both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BD). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies suggest altered connectivity in both disorders. We aim to address the diagnostic specificity of white matter abnormalities in these disorders.

Methods:  DTI was used to assess white matter integrity in clinically stable patients with familial BD (n = 42) and familial schizophrenia (n = 28), and in controls (n = 38). Differences in fractional anisotropy (FA) were measured using voxel‐based morphometry and automated region of interest analysis.

Results:  Reduced FA was found in the anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC), anterior thalamic radiation (ATR), and in the region of the uncinate fasciculus in patients with BD and those with schizophrenia compared with controls. A direct comparison between patient groups found no significant differences in these regions. None of the findings were associated with psychotropic medication.

Conclusions:  Reduced integrity of the ALIC, uncinate fasciculus, and ATR regions is common to both schizophrenia and BD. These results imply an overlap in white matter pathology, possibly relating to risk factors common to both disorders.
Functional polymorphism of the glucocorticoid receptor gene associates with mania and hypomania in bipolar disorder
Authors: Spijker Anne T , Van Rossum Elisabeth F C , Hoencamp Erik , DeRijk Roel H , Haffmans Judith , Blom Marc , Manenschijn Laura , Koper Jan W , Lamberts Steven WJ , Zitman Frans G
Published: January 2009

Objectives:  In affective disorders, dysregulation of the hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis is a frequently observed phenomenon. Subtle changes in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) functioning caused by polymorphisms of the GR gene (NR3C1) may be at the base of the altered reaction of the HPA axis to stress and subsequently related to the development and course of affective disorders. The aim of our study is to evaluate associations between GR gene polymorphisms and bipolar disorder (BD).

Methods:  In this study, 245 patients with BD were interviewed to confirm diagnosis and BD subtype. Data on medication use and sociodemographic details were also collected. The control group consisted of 532 healthy blood donors, from which data on sex and age were collected. To perform genotyping, blood was collected from all patients and healthy controls.

Results:  A trend was found for a protective effect of the exon 9β polymorphism (p = 0.14) and the TthIIII polymorphism (p < 0.05) on the manifestation of the disease. These effects were significantly influenced by male gender for both polymorphisms. Patients with BD and the A/G variant in exon 9β had significantly fewer manic and hypomanic episodes than noncarriers (p < 0.05). No further associations were found with the other investigated GR gene polymorphisms and BD. These findings were not corrected for multiple comparisons.

Conclusions:  We conclude that the exon 9β polymorphism and the TthIIII polymorphism of the GR gene may be associated with a protective effect on the clinical manifestation and course in patients with BD. Furthermore, no associations were found between the other studied GR gene polymorphisms and this disease.
Emotional hyper‐reactivity in normothymic bipolar patients
Authors: M’Bailara Katia , Demotes‐Mainard Jacques , Swendsen Joël , Mathieu Flavie , Leboyer Marion , Henry Chantal
Published: January 2009

Background:  Normothymic states in bipolar disorders are generally considered to be devoid of severe symptoms. However, bipolar patients present subsyndromal symptoms for half of their lives, and often have comorbid psychiatric disorders. If we go beyond the concept of temperamental features, can we identify certain emotional characteristics distinguishing normothymic bipolar patients from normal controls? We previously showed, using self‐completed questionnaires, that normothymic bipolar patients display higher levels of emotional lability and intensity than controls.

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to assess the emotional reactivity of normothymic bipolar patients, comparing such patients with a normal control group during an experimental mood induction procedure.

Method:  We evaluated the subjective emotional reactivity of 145 subjects (90 control subjects and 55 normothymic bipolar patients), using an emotional induction method based on the viewing of a set of 18 pictures (6 positive, 6 negative, 6 neutral) extracted from the International Affective Picture System. Subjective valence and arousal were recorded with the Self‐Assessment Manikin. We also recorded startle reflexes, triggered by a tone occurring during the viewing of two‐thirds of the pictures. We controlled for confounding factors, such as concurrent treatments, in all analyses.

Results:  Normothymic bipolar patients and normal controls assessed valence and arousal similarly for positive and negative images. However, neutral images were considered more pleasant [F(1,143) = 8.4; p = 0.004] and induced a higher level of arousal [F(1,143) = 12.3; p = 0.001] in normothymic bipolar patients than in control subjects. Neutral pictures also triggered a stronger startle reflex in normothymic bipolar patients compared to controls [F(3,123) = 3.1; p = 0.03].

Conclusion:  Normothymic bipolar patients displayed emotional hyper‐reactivity, mostly evidenced in neutral situations. This feature may be linked to emotional dysregulation and is a potential endophenotype and/or a risk factor for bipolar disorders. This trait may be responsible for vulnerability to minor stressful events in everyday life. These findings have potential implications for the daily management of bipolar disorder between crises.
Diagnostic marker for E‐ and Z‐strains of Ostrinia nubilalis, expressing differentially in larval Δ11 desaturase transcript
Authors: Király L. , Szöcs G.
Published: January 2009

Relationships between host plant and pheromone strains of the European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn. (Lep., Pyraustidae), as well as genetic features of these strains have been intensively studied. We compared expression of a Δ11 desaturase and three Δ14 desaturase genes in larvae and adults of a Z‐ and an E‐strain of ECB, respectively, by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The Z‐strain originated from Kéty, southern Hungary, whereas the E‐strain was collected from Brezice, Slovenia. Cultures of both strains were maintained without diapause on semisynthetic diet, under identical conditions. Oligonucleotide primers were designed to amplify a 524‐bp Ostrinia nubilalisΔ11 desaturase (On11desat) cDNA fragment (GenBank accession AF441221) and three 297‐bp O. nubilalisΔ14 desaturase (On14desat) cDNA fragments (GenBank accessions AF441220, EF125926 and EF125927). We found that the expression of On11desat in the Z‐strain was on a similarly high level in adult females and males, but was weak or non‐detectable in larvae. In the E‐strain, On11desat was expressed in uniformly high levels in larvae as well as in male and female adults. On the other hand, the three Δ14 desaturases did not show significant differences in gene expression, when either larvae or adult females or males of either the Z‐ or E‐strains of O. nubilalis were compared. The possibility of determining pheromone strain identity at larval stages from feral‐collected, single individuals, by checking differential expression of On11desat is discussed.
MALIGNANT CHANGE IN A SOLITARY HAMARTOMA OF THE LUNG
Authors: Torikata Chikao , Ishiwata Kohichi , Fukai Shimao
Published: January 2009

A case report of a malignant hamartoma of the lung observed in a 36‐year‐old housewife was presented. The hamartoma was non‐chondromatous (fibromyomatous), located beneath the pleura of the left upper lobe. The malignant lesion corresponded to anaplastic carcinoma of the lung. A review of the literatures on the malignant hamartoma of the lung revealed rare incidences of the tumor, but hamartoma and hamartomatous lesions of the lung should be regarded as one of the histopathological backgrounds where pulmonary carcinoma may arise. ACTA PATH. JAP. 27: 541–546, 1977.
Do differences in food web structure between organic and conventional farms affect the ecosystem service of pest control?
Authors: Macfadyen Sarina , Gibson Rachel , Polaszek Andrew , Morris Rebecca J. , Craze Paul G. , Planqué Robert , Symondson William O.C. , Memmott Jane
Published: January 2009

While many studies have demonstrated that organic farms support greater levels of biodiversity, it is not known whether this translates into better provision of ecosystem services. Here we use a food‐web approach to analyse the community structure and function at the whole‐farm scale. Quantitative food webs from 10 replicate pairs of organic and conventional farms showed that organic farms have significantly more species at three trophic levels (plant, herbivore and parasitoid) and significantly different network structure. Herbivores on organic farms were attacked by more parasitoid species on organic farms than on conventional farms. However, differences in network structure did not translate into differences in robustness to simulated species loss and we found no difference in percentage parasitism (natural pest control) across a variety of host species. Furthermore, a manipulative field experiment demonstrated that the higher species richness of parasitoids on the organic farms did not increase mortality of a novel herbivore used to bioassay ecosystem service. The explanation for these differences is likely to include inherent differences in management strategies and landscape structure between the two farming systems.
ARE UK SHARE PRICES TOO HIGH? FUNDAMENTAL VALUE OR NEW ERA
Authors: McMillan David G.
Published: January 2009

Since the mid‐1990s the dividend yield reached and largely remained at a historically low level, even accounting for the stock market correction in the early 2000s. This appears to suggest that prices are overvalued. However, alternative valuation models based upon comparing bond and equity yields suggest that, if anything, prices are undervalued. This paper seeks to provide answers to this seeming paradox. Preliminary results suggest non‐stationarity of the dividend yield and bond yield–equity yield differential, although the yield ratio is possibly stationary, casting doubt on mean reversion. Evidence from structural breakpoint testing suggests that all measures have been subjected to several mean level shifts throughout the sample period, and notably within the last decade, such that each series now fluctuates around a mean level lower than that experienced previously. Thus, the lower dividend yield and lower bond–equity ratio do not necessarily imply equity mispricing but that concepts of pre‐existing normal levels no longer apply. In explaining why higher equity prices are supported, we note that the last decade has seen a period of historically low and stable inflation and interest rates. Further, there is a strong positive relationship between inflation and the dividend yield. This more stable economic environment has led to more accurate valuation of stocks and lower required rates of return, thus supporting higher prices.
Implementation of an Active Mass Driver Using Acceleration Feedback Control
Authors: Dyke S. J. , Spencer B. F. , Quast P. , Kaspari D. C. , Sain M. K.
Published: January 2009

Abstract:Most of the current research on active structural control for aseismic protection has focused on either full‐state feedback strategies or velocity‐feedback strategies. However, accurate measurement of the necessary displacements and velocities of the structure is difficult to achieve directly, particularly during seismic activity. Because accelerometers are inexpensive and can readily provide reliable measurement of the structural accelerations at strategic points on the structure, development of control methods based on acceleration feedback is an ideal solution to this problem. Recent studies of active bracing and active tendon systems have shown that H2/LQG frequency domain control methods employing acceleration feedback can be used effectively for aseismic protection of structures. This paper demonstrates experimentally the efficacy of acceleration‐feedback–based active mass driver (AMD) systems in reducing the response of seismically excited structures.
Seismic Performance Design by Separated Variables of Energy Spectrum
Authors: Ishimaru Shinji
Published: January 2009

Abstract: A typical objective for use of actively and/or passively controlled devices is to partly convert input energy to other energies such as temperature through damper systems including actuators and so on and thereby substantially reduce the magnitude of strain energies to be introduced into the structural members. Accordingly, it becomes very important to provide a common basis for assessing the energies of earthquake input, strain, and viscous and hysteretic damping of subject structures. For this reason, this paper presents a method that is able to evaluate the energies by means of separated variables; that is, an equivalent energy spectrum for a given ground motion is expressed in terms of the product of an elastic spectrum S(ω) and functions of viscous damping ratio h and ductility factor μ via statistical studies on energy response values of structures to be subjected to 150 real ground motions and then illustrates a procedure to apply established formulas to a performance‐oriented design practice.
Civil Rights and Political Human Rights: Contesting Human Rights Failures within the Minimally Democratic State
Authors: Allen Michael
Published: January 2009

Allen Buchanan argues that democracy ought to be added to the list of basic human rights, but he limits the conception of democracy to a minimum of electoral representation within the nation state, effectively collapsing human rights into civil rights. This, however, leaves him unable to address the problem of human rights failures occurring within established states that meet his standard of minimal democratic representation. In order to address this problem, I appeal to James Bohman's conception of the political human rights of all members of humanity, as opposed to the civil rights of the citizens of particular states. I argue that while this provides the basis on which to address the problem of human rights failures within minimally democratic states, Bohman's conception also entails the potential for deep tensions to arise between the different claims of civil and human rights.
Why do statistics journals have low impact factors?
Authors: Van Nierop Erjen
Published: January 2009

In this paper, we answer the question why statistics journals get lower impact factors than journals in other disciplines. We analyze diffusion patterns of papers in several journals in various academic fields. To obtain insights into the diffusion of the citation counts of the papers, the data are analysed with the Bass model, leading to values for the time‐to‐peak that can be used to compare the speeds of diffusion paper citations of the different disciplines. Estimation results show that for statistics journals, it takes significantly more years to reach their peak. To further investigate diffusion, we also compute the percentages of the total number of citations a paper has after 2 or 3 years. Again, it appears that statistics journals have slower citation diffusion than journals in other disciplines. We conclude with some suggestions to reduce this disparity.
Why is GDP typically revised upwards?
Authors: Franses Philip Hans
Published: January 2009

Quarterly and annual gross domestic output (GDP) data are usually revised, and this revision process may cover a few years. It is also usually found that GDP figures are revised upwards. In this note, I provide a simple explanation for why this happens. Implications for interpreting and forecasting GDP data are less simple.
Gender Mainstreaming versus Diversity Mainstreaming: Methodology as Emancipatory Politics
Authors: Eveline Joan , Bacchi Carol , Binns Jennifer
Published: January 2009

This article examines the question of whether and how the intersectional oppression of sexism and racism can be challenged by government policy. It draws on a case study of an Indigenous policy strategy in Australia to argue that, in contrast to concerns expressed by feminist policymakers, gender equality is not inevitably neglected when the target for remedial action is institutional racism. Our study suggests that successful action on Indigenous emancipation necessarily mobilizes a methodology for moving past one‐dimensional category distinctions. Therefore, focusing on the task of translating declared policy goals into action can provide a way out of the impasse over whether ‘diversity’ or ‘gender’ is the better vehicle for mainstreaming equity policy. To develop its case, the article draws conclusions about the politics of methodology from gender mainstreaming debates, intersectionality theory and institutional ethnography, then uses our conclusions to analyze the political and methodological effectiveness of the Indigenous policy strategy.
Men Discussing Women and Women Discussing Men: Reflexivity, Transformation and Gendered Practice in the Context of Nursing Care
Authors: Simpson Ruth
Published: January 2009

This article explores gender reflexivity through the accounts of men discussing women and of women discussing men as professional nurses. Drawing on data from an Australian‐based study, and with an orientation to gender as practice, it investigates the skills and aptitudes that each is seen to bring to the job, how men and women view the other's performance as caregivers and the experiences and challenges of working with the other group. Previous work has suggested there is a link between reflexivity and transformation as individuals self‐consciously shape identities and as they reflect critically on their social conditions. The results from this study question the nature and extent of these transformative powers and suggest different levels of reflexivity based on the extent to which individuals challenge gender norms. These levels are linked to experiences of dissonance as men and women work with each other in a ‘feminized’ context of nursing care.