bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Aquarium Tide timer‐‐Theory and Operation
Authors: De Santo Robert S.
Published: May 2006

The theory, design, and construction of a timing circuit based on three commercially available 24—hr time switches is described. The circuit may be used to control a pumping system to simulate tidal cycles; periodicities up to 47 hr may be programed. The specific use of this device in the cyclical operation of a tide pump for 6 hr 12 min, in a cycle of 12 hr 24 min, is described and its reliability is outlined.
An Aphid Population Explosion Induced by Chronic Gamma Irradiation of a Forest
Authors: Woodwell G. M. , Brower J. H.
Published: May 2006

A population explosion of the aphid, Myzocallis discolor, occurred on white oaks (Quercus alba) damaged by chronic gamma irradiation. Oaks exposed to 9.5 R/day during 18 months supported maximum aphid populations of 25 winged adults per leaf (350,000/m2 of forest). The aphid was not found in the undamaged forest. The irruption was correlated with changes in predator populations and with small changes in the sugar, total N and lipid content of white oak leaves. The relative importance of these two sets of factors could not be determined.
The Role of Environmental Factors in Hibernation of Woodchucks (Marmota Monax)
Authors: Davis David E.
Published: May 2006

Laboratory experiments, based on knowledge of the natural environment, have been conducted to detemine the role of various factors in the entrance into and emergence from hibernation. Woodchucks, captured in the wild were kept in rooms at several temperatures or in coolers at 6C. They were fed or deprived according to the experimental program. Experiments showed that woodchucks deprived of food and kept at 6°C became torpid but woodchucks fed at 6°C did not. Some woodchucks deprived of food at 20°C became lethargic in winter. Minor disturbances in the laboratory do not arouse woodchucks. Woodchucks that eat when aroused do not become torpid again unless again deprived. Thin woodchucks become torpid as readily as fat ones. The latency of torpidity varies with season, being short (a week) in December and March and long (a month) in summer. The woodchuck has bouts of torpor that are short (4 to 5 days) at first but become longer (10 to 12 days). The arousal bouts last 2 to 3 days. Hibernation in nature lasts 3 to 4 months although presumably the woodchuck is toprid for only 2 months. In the laboratory woodchucks may remain in hibernation (alternating bouts of torpor and arousal) up to 8 months. The stimulus for final arousal was not determined. Energence from the burrow at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania occurred between January 29 and 8 February in 8 years. The date had no relation to local weather. Woodchucks exposed to very low temperatures (–20oC) aroused promptly.
The Effects of Insolation on the Diurnal Feeding Pattern of White‐Crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia Leucophrys Gambelii)
Authors: Morton Martin L.
Published: May 2006

Feeding activities of White—crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii) were observed in the field and recorded in captives held outdoors and indoors. To determine the importance of solar radiation in the daily energy budget the relationship of the diurnal feeding pattern to concurrent conditions of solar and artificially produced radiation were compared. A morning decrease in feeding activities of wild flocks begins before the air temperature starts to increase and coincides with sunrise. There is a more pronounced decrease in feeding on warm, clear days than on cold, cloudy days. The feeding pattern of captives held outdoors is modified during exposure to direct insolation. Food intake is inhibited while the birds are in sunshine. Birds held indoors and exposed to levels of short—wave infrared radiation that are submaximal in the field eat the same as control birds when air temperature is a constant 20°C. When the air temperature is held at 7°C, however, the irradiated birds eat significantly less than the control birds. These data are taken collectively to mean that sun—bathing has adaptive value because it alleviates the energy costs of thermoregulation when the birds are in cool conditions below their zone of thermal neutrality. The rapid adjustments of food intake during periods of insolation suggest that peripheral heat reception may be a source of information to the neural centers regulating appetite. The initiation of sunning hehavior is probably evoked by a variety of sensations.
Rodent Damage to Fertilized Pacific Silver Fir in Western Washington
Authors: Gessel Stanley P. , Orians Gordon H.
Published: May 2006

Terminal shoots and buds of Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis [Doug.] Forbes) which had responded to nitrogen fertilization were significantly damaged by rodents during the winter of 1960—61 in contrast to adjacent unfertilized trees. Small mammal trapping studies in the area the following summer showed no general rodent population increase. We believe that changes in the feeding behavior of samll rodents did occur as a result of the fertilizer treatment and a 20% increase in nitrogen and protein content of silver fir vegetative tissue. We also postulate that Clethrionomys was the rodent responsible for the selective use.
Population Energies of the Millipede, Narceus Americanus (Beauvois)
Authors: O'Neill Robert V.
Published: May 2006

Energy flow was investigated in 2 populations of Narceus americanus. A factorial experiment was used to determine rates of energy intake, excretory energy and assimilated energy over a range of temperature, humidity and food moisture conditions. The results of this experiment were applied to field data on environmental parameters and population biomass to predict the weekly energy flow during the active season. This prediction was evaluated by an experiment conducted in the field. The values for the 2 populations in kcal/m2/yr were 10.92 and 15.03 for energy intake, 9.20 and 12.82 for excretory energy and 1.63 and 2.20 for assimilated energy. The energy flow shows close correlations with life cycle events. Peaks of energy occurred during the early summer breeding season and in preparation for hibernation, and a low point during the August molt. These millipedes appear to be restricted in the microhabitat distribution by temperature and moisture conditions which make possible a positive energy balance.
Oxygen Consumption in the Lizard Uta Stansburiana
Authors: Roberts Lou Anne
Published: May 2006

Oxygen consumption of animals held in dark chambers was found to be minimal and stable over the night measuring the period (10 PM to 5 AM). Oxygen consumption stabilized by day 2 in the laboratory. There was no difference in mean weight specific metabolism at night of fasting animals in March measured on days 2 through 14. For three—day fasted animals (1 to 5 gms) measured at 30°C in March and April the exponent of weight (the value of b in the equation Qo2 = aWb) was 1.03. A lower value for b was obtained at other times of the year. Fasting lizards decreased their overall oxygen consumption in proportion to the weight lost. Two parallel lines formed boundaries enclosing all values obtained for minimum oxygen consumption. Values obtained during activity fell above the upper boundary. The increase in minimum oxygen consumption due to feeding averaged 160 mm3/hr or 32% of the previous minimum value. Multiple regression analysis of oxygen consumption measurements made at 3 temperatures (25, 30, 35°C) and 4 seasons (May, July, September, January) indicates that there is a clear seasonal difference, winter animals exhibiting higher rates of oxygen consumption. Juveniles showed high and variable rates of oxygen consumption when measured in July and August. By January juveniles are probably indistinguishable from adults. Lizards measured in the field in January had a lower mean body temperature and increased range of body temperatures as compared to September animals. There was little overlap in 2 ranges. Seasonal change in oxygen consumption may represent thermal acclimation accompanying the seasonal change in body temperatures. It is probably in part, however, due to the changing age composition of the population.
Succession on Abandoned Fields in the Shawnee Hills, Southern Illinois
Authors: Bazzaz Fakhri A.
Published: May 2006

Much land in the Shawnee Hills of Southern Illinois, originally covered by oak—hickory forests, was cleared for cultivation by the mid 1800's and later abandoned because of severe erosion and low crop production. Plant succession was studied on such abandoned fields of eight different ages ranging from 1 year to 40 years old. First—year fields were occupied principally by annuals. Perennial herbs were prominent in the following few years. Shrubs and trees formed the bulk of vegetation on 40—year fields or more. Seed germination of some of the early invaders was also investigated. The general trend in succession is discussed.
Rodent‐Influenced Establishment of Ponderosa Pine and Bitterbrush Seedlings in Central Oregon
Authors: West Neil E.
Published: May 2006

Unrecovered caches of Pinus ponderosa and Purshia tridentata seed made by small rodents frequently result in establishment of seedling clusters. Studies in montane forests of central Oregon indicate that about 90% of the Purshia seedlings that germinate develop in clusters. At least 15% of the pine seedlings result from rodent caches.
Nutrient and Plankton Ecology of the Columbia River Estuary
Authors: Haertel Lois , Osterberg Charles , Curl Herbert , Park P. Kilho
Published: May 2006

Monthly samples of nutrients, phytoplankton and zooplankton were taken in the Columbia River estuary over a period of 16 months in order to determine distribution with season and salinity, and interrelationships between plankton and nutrients. Nitrate and phosphate levels in the river water entering the estuary are high in the winter and show depletion during the summer. Silicate levels are high in the river water at all seasons. During the summer up—welling season nitrate and phosphate levels in the entering ocean water are high. Although nutrient levels in the estuary generally show a linear relationship with salinity, nutrients tend to be enriched in the bottom waters of the central part of the estuary. The estuarine phytoplankton is primarily composed of freshwater species, and probably represents a downstream extension of the river flora. Linear regression analysis indicates a strong correlation between phytoplankton abundance and solar radiation. The estuary zooplankton is composed of fresh water, oligohaline and polyhaline forms. Eurytemora affinis, an oligohaline form, is the major zooplankter, reaching population densities of 100,000/m3 or more. Regression analysis indicates a strong correlation between abundance of freshwater zooplankter and river temperature. Regression analysis indicates close correlation between phosphate levels and Eurytemora abundance. This indicates a strong potential for zooplankton regeneration of phosphate necessary for phytoplankton growth.
The Uptake of I^(131) by the Biota of Fern Lake, Washington, in a Laboratory and a Field Experiment
Authors: Short Zella F. , Palumbo R. F. , Olson P. R. , Donaldson J. R.
Published: May 2006

The distribution of I131 among the biota of Fern Lake, Washington, was compared in aquarium and field experiments. The samples for study in the laboratory were isolated in containers so that the water solution, and not food, was the major source of the radionuclide. The field experiment related the uptake of I131 by organisms isolated in containers to the accumulation by those with access to their usual sources of food. In the aquarium, the initial concentration of I131 was 8,000 times the average concentration calculated for the lake experiment. Maximum concentration factors ranged from 1.7 and 2.6 for the muscle of trout and crayfish, respectively, to 280 for the "thyroid" of trout, 380 for Nitella, and 600 for an amphipod. I131 was not detected in a number of samples collected from the lake, but accumulation factors were as high as 1,400 for Nitella clumps and 12,000 for the "thyroid" of trout. Young microcrustaceans, which are able to accumulate iodine directly from water, were an important source of I131 for trout.
Use of Chemical Composition of Freshwater Clamshells as Indicators of Paleohydrologic Conditions
Authors: Lee G. Fred , Wilson William
Published: May 2006

The feasibility of using the Ca, Mg, and Sr content of freshwater clamshells as indicators of paleohydrologic conditions has been investigated. The Sr/Ca ratio varies with the discharge of Mill Creek, Iowa. The Sr/Ca ratios of clamshells excavated from American Indian midden sites near the Big Sioux River in Plymouth County, Iowa (Kimball Site 13 PM 4), and the Phipps site (13 CK 21) located near Mill Creek in Cherokee County, Iowa, show significant changes that can be related to changes in climate in the period 900 to 1400 A. D. Based on the results of this investigation, the alkaline earth composition of freshwater clams probably can be used as an indicator of paleohydrologic conditions.
Sympatry of Desert Lizards (Ctenotus) in Western Australia
Authors: Pianka Eric R.
Published: May 2006

Seven species of congeneric lizards (Ctenotus) frequently occur in ecologic sympatry in the Australian desert. The ecologies of these and seven other species are described and compared, with particular reference to niche differences. Adult Ctenotus range from 45 to 118 mm in snout—vent length. Larger species take larger prey items than smaller ones. Six species do most of their foraging in the open spaces between plants, while six others forage mostly within the dense tussocks of porcupine grass (Triodea). The former have proportionately longer hindlegs than the latter. It is demonstrated that hindleg and head proportions are good morphological indicators of the place niche and the food niche, respectively, and that body temperature reflects the time niche in a useful way. Lizards with higher body temperatures are usually active later in the day than those with lower body temperatures. Whereas the species which forage in the open show a poor correlation between air temperature and body temperature, those that forage in shady places within vegetation have body temperatures closely correlated with ambient air temperatures. The former are dependent upon direct solar and/or substrate heat, while the latter appear not to substantially exploit these heat sources. After analyzing the ways in which the lizards subdivide habitat space and environmental resources, it is concluded that there are at least three dimensions to the Ctenotus niche: place, food, and time. An analysis is presented which demonstrates that Ctenotus are ecologically rather tightly "packed," and it is suggested that the overall differences between pairs may represent minimal ecologic distances.
Homing and Survival in the Manitoba Toad, Bufo Hemiophrys, in Minnesota
Authors: Kelleher Kevin E. , Tester John R.
Published: May 2006

Homing to overwintering sites, spring emergence, and structure and density of a population of the Manitoba toad, Bufo hemiophrys, were studied in northwestern Minnesota from 1960 to 1967. Data were obtained on 15,837 individuals as they emerged from their wintering sites. Toads generally returned to the same Mima—type mound each fall, although individuals from various mounds were mixed in the breeding choruses and at the pond margins during summer. The high percentages of toads which homed to the wintering site correctly, ranging from 88 to 95%, indicate remarkable orientation capabilities. Toads committing an error when homing are much more likely to select a mound near their "home" mound, rather than a more distant one. Error rates were 10.2% for toads released as year—old juveniles and 2.9% for adults. Emergence occurs during a 5—6 week period, generally starting during the last few days of April. In general adult males emerged before adult females with juveniles emerging last. Deep frost in the soil delays the period of emergence. Population structure and density were determined mainly from toads wintering in four mounds. Yearly trends in juvenile numbers have been unanimously reflected by all four mounds. The 1966 population size, estimated by the Lincoln index, was 510 males, 1,276 females and 2,415 juveniles. Adult sex ratios varied from 33 to 38% males. The best estimate of the age structure of the total population at the time of breeding varied from 1.47 to 14.06 juveniles per adult. Survival of all toads from year to year ranged from 23.9% in 1963 to 44.4% in 1965. Juveniles had lower survival rates than adults, with the greatest mortality occurring in 1963 as the result of light snow and subsequent deep frost.
Home Ranges and Body Size of Lizards
Authors: Turner Frederick B. , Jennrich Robert I. , Weintraub Joel D.
Published: May 2006

The relationship between home range, A (m2) and body weight, W (g) among adults of 13 species of terrestrial lizards was estimated as: A = 171.4W0.95. The slope of the logarithmic regression is steeper than that relating standard metabolic rate, M (cm3 O2/hr) at 30°C and body weight: M = 0.82W0.62. These functions are compared with similar regressions relating the home ranges and basal metabolic rates of birds and mammals to body size. Two major difficulties in the interpretation of such data are discussed.
Density and Dispersion in Laboratory Populations of Caddisfly Larvae (Cheumatopsyche, Hydropsychidae)
Authors: Glass Lynn W. , Bovbjerg Richard V.
Published: May 2006

In nature and the laboratory, caddisfly larvae of the genus Cheumatopsyche display aggressive behavior and spacing. It was proposed that their dispersal and subsequent patterns of dispersion would be directly related to density. In experiments at varying densities, in bowls with and without a central refuge of pebbles suitable for case construction, larvae dispersed uniformly in the absence of refuge. When numbers were high, aggressive encounters enforced spacing. In the presence of refuge, they aggregated in the clump of pebbles at all densities. When the refuge was filled to capacity, the excess larvae were forced into the periphery.
On the Relative Abundance of Species
Authors: Hairston Nelson G.
Published: May 2006

When data are collected so that they can be treated as coming from a variety of sample sizes, it is possible to use the same data to test the effect of altering sample size on the fit to any model. The method is applied to nonpredatory soil mites and their fit to the "broken—stick" model of MacArthur. It is found that by choosing a quadrat size of 4 in.2 (25.8 cm2), a good fit is obtained. Smaller and larger quadrats involving the same data do not permit the data to fit the model. It is concluded that the model lacks ecological meaning.
Reingestion of Feces and Excretion Rates of ZN^(65) in Popilius Disjunctus versus Cryptocercus Punctulatus
Authors: Burnett Alta M. , Mason W. H. , Rhodes S. T.
Published: May 2006

Oxygen consumption and Zn65 excretion were measured at temperatures of 17°C and 27°C for two similar—sized species of wood—feeding insects, Cryptocercus punctulatus and Popilius disjunctus. In each species, rate of oxygen consumption was approximately doubled, and ZN65 excretion was significantly accelerated at the higher temperature. In animals held at a given temperature, @m1 O2 consumed/g live body weight was similar. However, radiozinc excretion was much more rapid in P. disjunctus than in C. punctulatus at each temperature. The species differences in Zn65 excretion may reflect the extreme differences in feeding habits of these otherwise ecologically similar inhabitants of decaying logs. Excretion rate of the radionuclide Zn65 seems to be a good index of metabolic activity and may be of promise in the study of trophic relationships.
The Population Biology of Hawaiian Rodents: Demographic Parameters
Authors: Tamarin Robert H. , Malecha Spencer R.
Published: May 2006

This study reports the results of a 13—month live—trap study of two rat species, Rattus rattus, the roof rat, and R. exulans, the Polynesian rat, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Rats in Hawaii undergo yearly density and reproductive cycles. Reproductive activity reaches a peak in late summer when numbers are low. This is followed by high recruitment, increase in numbers, and then cessation of reproductive activity in middle to late winter. Peak density occurs later in the winter in R. exaluns than in R. rattus. Survival has an inverse relationship with density and movement data confirm a limited home range in both species. The data from our populations confirm a Hawaiian rodent cycle that is unique in the tropical and subtropical Pacific. The Hawaiian populations have relatively low productivity and survival. Comparative data seem to indicate that the relative densities of these populations are lower than others in the Pacific. Delayed maturation in females partially accounts for lower productivity in these species.
Altitudinal Zonation of Chipmunks (Eutamias): Energy Budgets
Authors: Heller H. Craig , Gates David M.
Published: May 2006

Eutamias alpinus, E. speciosus, E. amoenus, and E. minimus are contiguously allopatric and altitudinally zoned into habitats with different energy relationships. The total energy budgets of the species were constructed and compared to see if physiological adaptations could partially explain the observed habitat segregation. Radiating surface area and coefficients of convection were measured through the use of internally heated metal casts of the animals which were covered with pelts. Metabolic rates were measured as O_2 consumption. The climate space of an animal is described by all combinations of absorbed radiation, ambient temperature, and wind velocity which a species can tolerate and remain in neutral energy balance. The climate space for each species is constructed by putting realistic mutually compatible limiting values for body temperature, metabolic rate, evaporative water loss, and coefficient of convection into the energy budget equation. The equation is solved for the combinations of radiation absorbed, ambient temperature, and wind velocity which balance the equation. The upper limits of the climate space of E. speciosus are lower than the upper limits of the other three species' climate spaces. The sagebrush habitat is frequently outside of the climate spaces of all four species. E. minimus makes use of hyperthermia, retreats to its burrow, and probably uses transient excursions beyond is average steady—state limits so that its fundamental niche includes the sagebrush desert habitat whereas the fundamental niches of the other three species do not. The accuracy and predictive potential of the climate spaces are revealed by comparisons with field observations.
Warbler Ecology: Diversity, Similarity, and Seasonal Differences in Habitat Segregation
Authors: Power Dennis M.
Published: May 2006

Parnell (1969) gathered data on foliage type and habitat zone preferences of warbler species during spring migration and the immediate postmigratory period. Occurrences of species were recorded in four data sets: (i) foliage type, spring migration; (ii) foliage type, postmigration; (iii) habitat zone, spring migration; and (iv) habitat zone, postmigration. The present study is a re—analysis of Parnell's data by a number of statistical methods. The species that are most broadly distributed within the habitat have indices of ecological diversity (H) or niche breadth, of from 3 to 5 times greater than the most narrowly distributed forms. There is no correlation between H in foliage types and H in habitat zones within seasons, but there are significant correlations for H between spring migration and post—migration samples within vegetational subdivisions. Average H is not significantly different between seasons for either foliage type or habitat zone data. The dominant component of H is the number of vegetational subdivisions occupied, rather than the equitability of distribution within subdivisions. Ecological similarity (S = complements of average Euclidian distance in hyperspaces defined by vegetational subdivisions) among species is assessed by cluster analysis of each data set. S among species is not correlated between foliage type and habitat zone occurrences within seasons, but is correlated between spring migration and postmigration samples within vegetational subdivisions. Average ecological distance among species is greater in the reproductive season than during spring migration for both foliage type and habitat zone data. Increased segregation among species in the breeding season may be due to the reduction in the number of warbler species in the study area during that time, seasonal shifts in behavior as regards interaction of species, or simple population differences.
Estimate of Water Flow in Douglas‐Fir Seedlings
Authors: Hinckley Thomas M.
Published: May 2006

A study with Douglas—fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [mirb.] Franco) seedlings in a controlled—environment chamber demonstrated that measurements of sap flow by the sap—velocity meter provide an accurate estimate of transpiration (correlation coefficient r = .91). Thus the meter is a useful tool in both ecological and physiological work with seedlings. Xylem sap pressure, relative stomatal aperture, transpiration, and sap flow were determined in both the light and the dark under various conditions of air temperature, soil water content, and relative humidity. Sap flow was observed to lag behind transpiration from 15 to 45 min. Preconditioning a seedling in a controlled environment prior to experimental observations can alter its response.
Analytical, physiologic, and clinical validation of a radioimmunoassay for measurement of procollagen type III amino terminal propeptide in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained from dogs
Authors: Schuller Simone , Valentin Sophie , Remy Benoit , Jespers Pascale , Foulon Suzanne , Van Israël Nicole , Clercx Cécile , McEntee Kathleen
Published: May 2006

Objective—To validate a radioimmunoassay for measurement of procollagen type III amino terminal propeptide (PIIINP) concentrations in canine serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and investigate the effects of physiologic and pathologic conditions on PIIINP concentrations.

Sample Population—Sera from healthy adult (n = 70) and growing dogs (20) and dogs with chronic renal failure (CRF; 10), cardiomyopathy (CMP; 12), or degenerative valve disease (DVD; 26); and sera and BALF from dogs with chronic bronchopneumopathy (CBP; 15) and healthy control dogs (10 growing and 9 adult dogs).

Procedure—A radioimmunoassay was validated, and a reference range for serum PIIINP (S-PIIINP) concentration was established. Effects of growth, age, sex, weight, CRF, and heart failure on S-PIIINP concentration were analyzed. In CBP-affected dogs, S-PIIINP and BALF-PIIINP concentrations were evaluated.

Results—The radioimmunoassay had good sensitivity, linearity, precision, and reproducibility and reasonable accuracy for measurement of S-PIIINP and BALF-PIIINP concentrations. The S-PIIINP concentration reference range in adult dogs was 8.86 to 11.48 μg/L. Serum PIIINP concentration correlated with weight and age. Growing dogs had significantly higher S-PIIINP concentrations than adults, but concentrations in CRF-, CMP-, DVD-, or CBP-affected dogs were not significantly different from control values. Mean BALF-PIIINP concentration was significantly higher in CBP-affected dogs than in healthy adults.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In dogs, renal or cardiac disease or CBP did not significantly affect S-PIIINP concentration; dogs with CBP had high BALF-PIIINP concentrations. Data suggest that the use of PIIINP as a marker of pathologic fibrosis might be limited in growing dogs.
Effect of changes in ionized calcium concentration in arterial blood and metabolic acidosis on the arterial partial pressure of oxygen in dogs
Authors: Lopez Ignacio , Felsenfeld Arnold J. , Estepa Jose C. , Rodriguez Mariano , Aguilera-Tejero Escolastico
Published: May 2006

Objective—To evaluate the effects of metabolic acidosis and changes in ionized calcium (Ca2+) concentration on PaO2 in dogs.

Animals—33 anesthetized dogs receiving assisted ventilation.

Procedure—Normal acid-base status was maintained in 8 dogs (group I), and metabolic acidosis was induced in 25 dogs. For 60 minutes, normocalcemia was maintained in group I and 10 other dogs (group II), and 10 dogs were allowed to become hypercalcemic (group III); hypocalcemia was then induced in groups I and II. Groups II and IV (5 dogs) were treated identically except that, at 90 minutes, the latter underwent parathyroidectomy. At intervals, variables including PaO2, Ca2+ concentration, arterial blood pH (pHa), and systolic blood pressure were assessed.

Results—In group II, PaO2 increased from baseline value (96 ± 2 mm Hg) within 10 minutes (pHa, 7.33 ± 0.001); at 60 minutes (pHa, 7.21 ± 0.02), PaO2 was 108 ± 2 mm Hg. For the same pHa decrease, the PaO2 increase was less in group III. In group I, hypocalcemia caused PaO2 to progressively increase (from 95 ± 2 mm Hg to 104 ± 3 mm Hg), which correlated (r = −0.66) significantly with a decrease in systolic blood pressure (from 156 ± 9 mm Hg to 118 ± 10 mm Hg). Parathyroidectomy did not alter PaO2 values.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Induction of hypocalcemia and metabolic acidosis each increased PaO2 in anesthetized dogs, whereas acidosis-induced hypercalcemia attenuated that increase. In anesthetized dogs, development of metabolic acidosis or hypocalcemia is likely to affect ventilatory control.
De novo pure 12q22q24.33 duplication: First report of a case with mental retardation, ADHD, and Dandy‐Walker malformation
Authors: Cappellacci S. , Martinelli S. , Rinaldi R. , Martinelli E. , Parisi P. , Mancini B. , Pescosolido R. , Grammatico P.
Published: May 2006

We present a patient with a de novo 12q nonmosaic pure duplication characterized by multiple minor anomalies and Dandy–Walker malformation. A neurological and behavioral assessment revealed psychomotor retardation and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with neurobehavioral abnormalities (auto‐ and heteroaggressive behavior). Fluoxetine therapy in this case markedly improved the neurobehavioral profile, with a decreased level of aggression. To define the extension of the duplicated region, we performed FISH analyses by using YAC probes. The analyses revealed a tandem duplication of the 12q22q24.33 region, with the proximal breakpoint located between 96.5 and 97.6 cM and the distal one between 154 and 161 cM. This is the first case of pure de novo duplication involving the 12q22q24.33 region. To better define the clinical phenotype associated with 12q partial duplication, we compared our case with the four patients with similar pure duplications previously described. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intrachromosomal triplication 12p11.22–p12.3 and gonadal mosaicism of partial tetrasomy 12p,**
Authors: Eckel Heike , Wimmer Rainer , Volleth Marianne , Jakubiczka Sibylle , Muschke Petra , Wieacker Peter
Published: May 2006

Cases of tetrasomy 12p and trisomy 12p are known to be associated with specific phenotypic abnormalities well described in the literature. Here, we report on the unusual case of a partial tetrasomy 12p found in an affected patient and in a mosaic constellation in the patient's mother, who showed no phenotypic abnormality. The index patient was a 16‐year‐old boy with clinical features similar to the “trisomy 12p syndrome” including mental retardation, macrocephaly, a short nose with anteverted nostrils, and a broad protruding lower lip. G‐banding analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments using locus specific YAC DNA probes revealed a derivative chromosome 12 with a partial triplication of the short arm with an inverted copy, flanked by two direct copies. Chromosome analyses in parental lymphocytes showed a chromosomal mosaicism in the phenotypically normal mother, with 12% cells exhibiting the same partial tetrasomy 12p as detected in her son. The allelic pattern of short tandem repeats (STR) in the mother's blood DNA showed that a chimerism can be excluded with high probability. To our knowledge, this is the first report of intrachromosomal triplication on chromosome 12, as well as partial tetrasomy 12p mosaicism. Moreover, as a consequence of the chromosomal aberration in the son it can be concluded that a gonadal mosaicism is present in the mother. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pregnancy outcome of fetuses with trisomy 18 identified by prenatal sonography and chromosomal analysis in a perinatal center
Authors: Yamanaka Michiko , Setoyama Takuya , Igarashi Youko , Kurosawa Kenji , Itani Yasufumi , Hashimoto Sakae , Saitoh Keisuke , Takei Miki , Hirabuki Tomoo
Published: May 2006

To investigate the pregnancy outcome of fetuses affected with trisomy 18, we analyzed 63 cases diagnosed at our hospital from January 1993 to December 2004. Twenty‐nine were males and 34 were females. Fifty‐eight were prenatally diagnosed, and in 16 (27.6%) of them intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) occurred between 28 weeks and 41 weeks gestation (34.6 ± 3.9 weeks, Mean ± SD). Ten (17.2%) fetuses died during labor and their age ranged from 30 weeks to 40 weeks of gestation. The total number of cases ending in fetal demise was 26 (44.8%) and the mean gestational age at the time of fetal demise was 35.0 ± 3.6 weeks (Mean ± SD). All liveborn infants (n = 36) were born after 31 weeks gestation. In our study the preterm birth ratio for trisomy 18 is 34.8%, which is much higher than the ratio for the general population. Females are more likely than males to be long‐term survivors. These data are helpful in the counseling of parents faced with the difficult decision of whether or not to continue a pregnancy with a fetus affected with trisomy 18. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A population‐based case‐control study of isolated primary congenital glaucoma
Authors: Vogt Gábor , Horváth‐Puhó Erzsébet , Czeizel Andrew E.
Published: May 2006

We studied the possible etiological factors of isolated primary congenital glaucoma (IPCG) using data from the Hungarian Case‐Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities, 1980–2002. The study group consisted of 52 cases with IPCG compared to 52 matched control pairs without any defects, and 22,744 malformed controls with non‐ocular defects and 37,837 population controls with no defect. Exposure data and family history were collected (i) prospectively by prenatal logbook and other medical records, (ii) retrospectively through a structured questionnaire completed by mothers, and (iii) from supplementary information obtained by regional nurses visiting the homes of non‐respondent mothers. Autosomal recessive inheritance of IPCG was suspected on the basis of sib occurrence and parental consanguinity in 15% of cases. The shorter gestational age (with high proportion of preterm birth), higher birth order, large proportion of births among unmarried women, low socioeconomic status, and high rate of unemployment may be related to Gypsy origin of at least 54% of cases of IPCG. We conclude that the higher incidence of IPCG in the Hungarian Gypsy population is associated with their inbreeding and the possible founder effect of a gene mutation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Model averaging in linkage analysis
Authors: Matthysse Steven
Published: May 2006

Methods for genetic linkage analysis are traditionally divided into “model‐dependent” and “model‐independent,” but there may be a useful place for an intermediate class, in which a broad range of possible models is considered as a parametric family. It is possible to average over model space with an empirical Bayes prior that weights models according to their goodness of fit to epidemiologic data, such as the frequency of the disease in the population and in first‐degree relatives (and correlations with other traits in the pleiotropic case). For averaging over high‐dimensional spaces, Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) has great appeal, but it has a near‐fatal flaw: it is not possible, in most cases, to provide rigorous sufficient conditions to permit the user safely to conclude that the chain has converged. A way of overcoming the convergence problem, if not of solving it, rests on a simple application of the principle of detailed balance. If the starting point of the chain has the equilibrium distribution, so will every subsequent point. The first point is chosen according to the target distribution by rejection sampling, and subsequent points by an MCMC process that has the target distribution as its equilibrium distribution. Model averaging with an empirical Bayes prior requires rapid estimation of likelihoods at many points in parameter space. Symbolic polynomials are constructed before the random walk over parameter space begins, to make the actual likelihood computations at each step of the random walk very fast. Power analysis in an illustrative case is described. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
When is a “Positive” association truly a “Positive” in psychiatric genetics? A commentary based on issues debated at the World Congress of Psychiatric Genetics, Boston, October 12–18, 2005
Authors: DeLisi Lynn E. , Faraone Stephen V.
Published: May 2006

The accumulated literature on candidate gene findings in psychiatric genetics is extensive. There is concern that many of the published findings to data are false positives. At the October 2005 World Congress of Psychiatric Genetics this issue was discussed by a panel of experts. This manuscript describes the panel discussion, its implications for the reporting of association studies of psychiatric disorders and suggestions for when to decide that a positive finding is truly positive. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Number of pericryptal fibroblasts correlates with density of distinct mast cell phenotypes in the crypt lamina propria of human duodenum: Implications for the homeostasis of villous architecture
Authors: Crivellato Enrico , Finato Nicoletta , Isola Miriam , Pandolfi Maura , Ribatti Domenico , Beltrami Carlo Alberto
Published: May 2006

Pericryptal fibroblasts (PFs), a class of myofibroblasts, have strongly been implicated in the regulation of villous structure because of their location close to crypts and their ability to secrete cytokines affecting intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. Recently, mast cells (MCs) have also been involved in the homeostasis of villous architecture. As myofibroblasts arise in a wide variety of settings concurrently with a local increase in the number of tissue MCs, we calculated in this study the density of both PF and distinct pericryptal MC phenotypes in the mucosa of human duodenum showing normal, defective, or atrophic villous profiles. In addition, we evaluated the statistical association between PF‐MC densities and each pattern of villous architecture. Finally, we correlated the density of PF with the density of pericryptal MC phenotypes. For this purpose, samples taken by endoscopy from 30 patients complaining of inflammatory bowel disorders were studied by immunohistochemistry. The densities of α‐smooth muscle actin‐positive PFs as well as tryptase‐, chymase‐, and c‐kit‐positive MCs were determined in the crypt lamina propria. Villous architecture was found to be significantly associated with the number of PFs and tryptase‐, chymase‐, c‐kit‐positive MCs in the lamina propria (ANOVA group effect P < 0.001). High density of both PFs and MCs was found in intestinal samples with normal villous morphology while lower densities were associated with defective or atrophic villous profiles (Tukey's test for multiple comparison P < 0.001). In addition, a significant correlation was found between PF density and the density of each pericryptal MC phenotype (vs. tryptase‐positive MCs, r = 0.913; vs. chymase‐positive MC, r = 0.905; vs. c‐kit‐positive MC, r = 0.927; P < 0.001 in all cases). This study provides morphological support for an important cooperation between PFs and MCs in maintaining normal villous architecture. Anat Rec Part A 288A:593–600, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cortical, callosal, and thalamic connections from primary somatosensory cortex in the naked mole‐rat (Heterocephalus glaber), with special emphasis on the connectivity of the incisor representation
Authors: Henry Erin C. , Catania Kenneth C.
Published: May 2006

We investigated the distribution of cortical, callosal, and thalamic connections from the primary somatosensory area (S1) in naked mole‐rats, concentrating on lower incisor and forelimb representations. A neuronal tracer (WGA‐HRP) was injected into the center of each respective representation under guidance from microelectrode recordings of neuronal activity. The locations of cells and terminals were determined by aligning plots of labeled cells with flattened cortical sections reacted for cytochrome oxidase. The S1 lower incisor area was found to have locally confined intrahemispheric connections and longer connections to a small cluster of cells in the presumptive secondary somatosensory (S2) and parietal ventral (PV) incisor fields. The S1 incisor area also had sparse connections with anterior cortex, in presumptive primary motor cortex. Homotopic callosal projections were identified between the S1 lower incisor areas in each hemisphere. Thalamocortical connections related to the incisor were confined to ventromedial portions of the ventral posterior medial subnucleus (VPM) and posterior medial nucleus (Po). Injections into the S1 forelimb area revealed reciprocal intrahemispheric connections to S2 and PV, to two areas in frontal cortex, and to two areas posterior to S1 that appear homologous to posterior lateral area and posterior medial area in rats. The S1 forelimb representation also had callosal projections to the contralateral S1 limb area and to contralateral S2 and PV. Thalamic distribution of label from forelimb injections included ventral portions of the ventral posterior lateral subnucleus (VPL), dorsolateral Po, the ventral lateral nucleus, and the ventral medial nucleus and neighboring intralaminar nuclei. Anat Rec Part A 288A:626–645, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Solution scattering studies of conformation stability of xylanase XYNII from Trichoderma longibrachiatum
Authors: Kozak Maciej
Published: May 2006

Xylanase (endo‐1,4‐β‐xylanase; EC 3.2.1.8) is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis reaction of xylan. The structure of the xylanase II (XYNII) molecule from Trichoderma longibrachoatum (formerly Trichoderma reesei) in a solution and at different pH values has been studied by small‐ and wide‐angle scattering of synchrotron radiation (SAXS‐WAXS). Analysis of the radius of gyration that characterizes xylanase has confirmed the stability of the above enzyme structure (the radius of gyration varied from 1.65 to 1.74 nm). On the basis of the SAXS data, the low‐resolution structure of the xylanase molecule in solution has been reconstructed by using ab initio methods and programs DALAI_GA and DAMMIN. The full SAXS‐WAXS data set (0.15 > s > 9.5 nm−1) fed to the program GASBOR permitted us to construct a chain‐like spatial distribution of a dummy residues model of the xylanase molecule. The shape of the model molecules is similar to that of xylanase molecule in the crystal and shows the characteristic asymmetry that makes the molecule to resemble a right hand. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 83:95–102, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Catheterization in neonates with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum
Authors: Qureshi Shakeel A.
Published: May 2006

Cardiac catheterization is infrequently required in babies with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum. The main indications are to decide on the best form of treatment, the options being determined by the right ventricular as well as infundibular morphology and the presence of right‐ventricle dependent coronary circulation. In most cases, an interventional approach is appropriate. This can consist of radiofrequency or laser perforation of the atretic pulmonary valve, combined with balloon dilation. In some patients, additional stenting of the arterial duct may be needed.© 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Late complete atriovenous block after percutaneous closure of a perimembranous ventricular septal defect
Authors: Butera Gianfranco , Massimo Chessa , Mario Carminati
Published: May 2006

Percutaneous closure of a perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) is an alternative to surgical closure. Complications include arrhythmias and in particular early postoperative complete atrioventricular (AV) block. We report the cases of two patients, aged 2.5 and 4 years, treated with an eccentric VSD occluder device whom developed complete AV block 4 and 12 months after the procedure. The first patient experienced syncope, while the second one was completely asymptomatic. Both subjects underwent endocardial ventricular pacemaker implantation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hyperoxemic perfusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery after primary angioplasty in anterior ST‐elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Trabattoni Daniela , Bartorelli Antonio L. , Fabbiocchi Franco , Montorsi Piero , Ravagnani Paolo , Pepi Mauro , Celeste Fabrizio , Maltagliati Anna , Marenzi Giancarlo , O'Neill William W.
Published: May 2006

Objectives:

To assess left ventricle function recovery, ST‐segment changes, and enzyme kinetic in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with intracoronary hyperoxemic perfusion (IHP) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention and compare them with the results obtained in control patients.

Background:

IHP has been shown to attenuate microvascular reperfusion injury, which may result in poor LV function recovery despite successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods:

Twenty seven anterior ST‐elevation myocardial infarction patients treated ≤12 hr after symptom onset by primary percutaneous coronary intervention were subjected to selective IHP into the left anterior descending coronary artery for 90 min. They were compared with 24 anterior ST‐elevation myocardial infarction control patients matched in clinical and angiographic characteristics and treated with conventional primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Left ventricular function recovery was evaluated by serial 2D contrast echocardiography.

Results:

Left anterior descending coronary artery recanalization was successful in all patients. After IHP (100% successful, duration 90 ± 5.4 min), patients showed a 4.8 ± 2.2 hr shorter time‐to‐peak creatine kinase release (P = 0.001), a shorter creatine kinase half‐life period (23.4 ± 8.9 hr vs. 30.5 ± 5.8 hr, P = 0.006), and a higher rate of complete ST‐segment resolution (78% vs. 42%, P = 0.01). A significant improvement of mean left ventricular ejection fraction (from (44 ± 9)% to (55 ± 11)%, P < 0.001) and wall motion score index (from 1.77 ± 0.2 to 1.39 ± 0.4, P < 0.001) was observed at 3 months in IHP patients only.

Conclusion:

After successful primary coronary intervention, IHP is associated with significant left ventricular function recovery when compared to conventional treatment. Enzyme kinetic and ST‐segment changes suggest faster and more complete microvascular reperfusion and may explain the salutary effects of this new therapy on left ventricular function. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss., Inc.