bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spindle Representation Relative to Distribution of Muscle Fiber Types in the Cat Capsularis Muscle
Authors: Eldred E. , Yung L. , Roy R.R.
Published: July 2008

The spatial representation of muscle spindles (Sps) in the small (-0.2 g), simply structured capsularis muscle that crosses anterior to the cat’s hip joint was compared with the distribution of the slow oxidative (SO) and few ( < 10%) fast oxidative-glycolytic (FOG) fibers of which it is composed to see if their distributions were consistent with a hypothesis that sensory input from Sps influences the incidence of extrafusal fiber types. In frozen sections from 4 muscles, FOG fibers were enumerated along 1-mm strips across the muscle’s maximum width, and between the ‘superficial’ surface and the ‘deep’ one that contacts the joint. The locations of Sps in complete serial sections of 2 paraffin-embedded muscles, one perfused with the hip joint flexed and the other with it extended, were plotted on an outline of each muscle at its midlength, and their numbers and density in horizonal and sagittal ‘strata’ determined. In general, the incidence of Sps increased down the superficial-to-deep axis, while FOG fibers became fewer, as is consistent with support of SO status by Sp input. Along the craniocaudal axis, i.e. width, the numbers of FOG fibers rose toward the hip joint, but this was not associated with a monomodal gradient of Sps. In the extended muscle, however, the lengths of the axial bundle and capsular space of Sps in the half of the muscle next to the joint exceeded those in the longer, cranial half, implying that under stretch the input from Sps became higher toward the joint. In the non-extended muscle these lengths did not differ, although the lengths of extrafusal fibers isolated from 2 macerated muscles and normalized according to sarcomere length decreased linearily by -50% along the craniocaudal axis. It is explained that if elastic resistance of a Sp’s sensory region exceeded that of an equivalent length of septal tissue in-series, the progressive shift in the ratio of compliances across this trapezoidally-shaped muscle should result in relatively greater lengthening of Sps at the shorter border as the muscle was extended. Levels of discharge conducive to transition of some motor units to the FOG type might be attained. Thus, gradients in the discharge of Sps (but not necessarily incidence) along both transverse and superficial-to-deep axes may be consistent with Sp sensory input influencing the distribution of at least these types of motor units.
Architectural and Histochemical Properties of Cat Hip ‘Cuff’ Muscles
Authors: Roy R.R. , Kim J.A. , Monti R.J. , Zhong H. , Edgerton V.R.
Published: July 2008

The architectural properties and fiber-type composition of the cat hip ‘cuff’ muscles, i.e. the deep layer of muscles encircling the hip joint, were determined. The muscles studied included the gluteus minimus, obturator internus and externus, gemellus superior and inferior, pyriformis, quadratus femoris and capsularis. In addition, the fiber-type composition was determined for the iliacus muscle. Compared to other lower limb muscles, the cuff muscles were small (–0.2 to 2.7 g) and short (–15 to 40 mm long) and had short mean fiber lengths (–7 to 12 mm long), small angles of fiber pinnation (< 12°), and small physiological cross-sectional areas (–0.2 to 2.8 cm2). The percentage of the cross-sectional area comprised of slow fibers ranged from 24 to 95% with this value being over 50% in 5/9 muscles studied. The small angle of pinnation and short fiber lengths optimize force production and the relatively high percentage of slow fibers suggest a high level of activation. Both of these properties are consistent with a hip stabilization role for these muscles. In addition, the high percentage of slow fibers suggests a high spindle density and a possible role of these muscles in providing proprioceptive feedback to the central nervous system for the control of posture and locomotion.
Modification of Endometrial Arteries during Invasion by Cytotrophoblast Cells in the Pregnant Macaque
Authors: Enders A.C. , Blankenship T.N.
Published: July 2008

Fetal trophoblast cells invade endometrial blood vessels and gain access to maternal blood within two days after the onset of blastocyst implantation in macaques. Soon thereafter, cytotrophoblast cells migrate well into the lumina of arteries and subsequently invade arterial walls. Using electron microscopy and light microscopy we investigated the interactions between invasive cytotrophoblast cells and the cellular and extracellular components in the walls of endometrial arteries. The placentas and adjacent endometrium of 22 macaques (GD 17 to term) were examined. Spiral arteries containing migratory cytokeratin-labeled cytotrophoblast cells were identified at all stages examined. Early modification of each artery showed that a plug of intraluminal cytotrophoblast cells temporarily filled the arterial lumen in the vicinity of the trophoblastic shell. Distal to this plug the group of cells tapered as a continuous mass, filling only a portion of the lumen. Endothelial cells were displaced from their basal lamina by closely apposed cytotrophoblast cell processes. Soon thereafter these processes penetrated the basal lamina and achieved contact with smooth muscle cells of the tunica media. As cytotrophoblast cells infiltrated the arterial wall they hypertrophied and secreted extracellular matrix, thereby differentiating into intramural cytotrophoblast. The patent lumen of the artery was reestablished concomitant with the migration of intraluminal cytotrophoblast cells through the arterial tunica intima and into the tunica media. The presence of clusters of cytotrophoblast cells in the arterial wall results in discontinuity of the tunica media and dispersion of the smooth muscle. The combined changes result in expanded circumferences of invaded arteries as well as diminished ability to contract. In portions of arteries adjacent to the trophoblastic shell cytotrophoblast usually occupied the entire perimeter and thickness of the artery wall, while in areas distal only a portion of the wall was invaded. Despite extensive arterial modification, evidence of cell death among the fetal and maternal tissues involved was rare. By later gestation only a few intraluminal cytotrophoblast cells were seen. Intramural cells were surrounded by a thick layer of matrix, but maintained contact with adjacent cells through cytoplasmic processes, some of which formed gap junctions. Maternal cellular and connective tissue elements were excluded from the cytotrophoblast-matrix pads and the cytotrophoblast cells retained attributes of glycoprotein producing cells to term. Spiral arteries were modified well into the spongiosum layer of the endometrium, and some were modified into the myo-metrium.
Anatomical Partitioning and Nerve Branching Patterns in the Adult Rabbit Masseter
Authors: Widmer C.G. , Klugman D. , English A.W.
Published: July 2008

The masseter muscle is functionally heterogeneous with a complex architecture consisting of multiple tendons and a multipennate arrangement of muscle fibers. In this study, the anatomical partitioning of the rabbit masseter is described on the basis of the tendons of origin and insertion, general partition orientation relative to the zygomatic arch, motor endplate descriptions, and primary nerve branches that innervate these partitions. This work refines previous descriptions of the rabbit masseter and describes 13 anatomical partitions, each with a unique tendinous attachment. In addition, 14 naturally occurring primary nerve branches were identified and found to innervate different regions of the muscle. After correlating the anatomical partitions and the associated neural innervation pattern, it was determined that simple branch order will not adequately define all the neuromuscular compartments in the rabbit masseter.
Morphology of Holes in Aponeuroses as Caused by Perforating Nerves or Vessels at the Medial Epicondyle of the Elbow
Authors: Leijnse J.N.A.L.
Published: July 2008

In the present paper the morphology of holes in aponeuroses of origin of muscles is generally modelled. These holes result from perforations of the aponeuroses by nerves or vessels, or from joints which are crossed by the line of origin of the aponeurosis. The concept of aponeurotic holes as morphological entities comprehensively explains frequent small-scale anatomic variations in muscles, such as muscles with multiple separate origins in parallel. It also contributes to a better understanding of nerve compressions and their surgical treatment. The model is illustrated by dissection results of the aponeuroses at the medial epicondyle of the elbow, which are typically perforated by the n. medianus, the a. brachialis, and the n. ulnaris.
Progressive Disassembly of the Mitotic Spindle into Two Halves at Anaphase and Assembly of an Astral Neo-Spindle during Cleavage Mitosis in the Newt Embryo
Authors: Sentein P.
Published: July 2008

In the second cleavage mitosis of newt embryos at anaphase, disassembly of mitotic spindle fibres, mediated by the ‘plus’ ends of their microtubules, results in equatorial division into two half-spindles. Yolk-filled cytoplasm invades the area free of fibres and is itself penetrated by antiparallel fibres from asters, which have become nucleated at opposite poles. These fibres immediately supplant the mitotic spindle; they participate in the lengthening of the interpolar distance and in the positioning of the newly formed daughter nuclei. The mechanisms of these successive phenomena must be considered in order to understand the complexities of the cell cycle in early mitosis.
Applications and Perspectives in Anatomical 3-Dimensional Modelling of the Visible Human with VOXEL-MAN
Authors: Schubert R. , Schiemann T. , Tiede U. , Höhne K.H.
Published: July 2008

Up to now computerized interactive 3-dimensional (3D) atlases of human anatomy have been based on radiological data or artificial geometric models as spatial descriptions of morphological structures. Besides the obvious advantages of this data (e.g. already in digital format, geometrical correctness) the lack of high resolution anatomical slices of larger regions of the human body has prevented the use of more realistic anatomical data so far. Now, the Visible Human Project offers high quality anatomical slices of complete cadavers. Therefore, on the one hand, new opportunities for realistic virtual 3D models of anatomy are open. On the other hand, just the major advantages of the visible human data (e.g. realistic colors and textures, high resolution) result in new demands on the image processing and visualization techniques. This paper describes experience, solutions and results with a volume-based approach for building realistic anatomical 3D models.
Persistence of the Hepatic Segment of the Left Inferior Vena cava in Man and Its Relation to the Ductus venosus Development
Authors: Yoshinaga K. , Kodama K.
Published: July 2008

An anomalous vein indicating the persistence of the hepatic segment of the infeior vena cava (left vena revehens) was found in a 60-year-old male cadaver. This vein emerging from the left lobe of the liver passed through the diaphragm at 3 cm leftward of the vena cava foramen and entered the coronary sinus at its termination, which in turn opened into the right atrium. A more detailed dissection of the liver showed that the ligamentum venosum originating from the left portal vein connected directly to the anomalous vein. No persistent left superior and inferior venae cavae were present. These results suggest that this persistency is not associated simply with the existence of the left venous system as stated previously, but is closely related to the formation of the ductus venosus.
Distribution and Neuropeptide Content of Nitric Oxide Synthase-Containing Nerve Fibers in Arteries and Conduction System of the Rat Heart
Authors: Sawada K. , Kondo T. , Chang J. , Inokuchi T. , Aoyagi S.
Published: July 2008

The rat heart receives its blood supply not only from the coronary arteries but also from the accessory coronary arteries that supply mainly the atria. The distribution and chemical nature of nitric oxide synthase-containing nerve fibers in the conduction system as well as the coronary and accessory coronary arteries were investigated using immunohistochemistry and NADPH diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry. A few NADPH-d-positive nerve fibers were observed mainly around the main trunk of the coronary arteries, while NADPH-d-positive fibers were found along the entire course of the accessory coronary arteries from their main branches to the arteriolar level. A double-staining method demonstrated that NADPH-d-positive fibers innervating both the coronary and accessory coronary arteries contained vasoactive intestinal polypeptide or neuropeptide Y. NADPH-d-positive fibers were relatively abundant in the sinus node and penetrating bundle but were very sparse in the atrioventricular node and right bundle branch. No NADPH-d-positive fibers were detected in the left bundle branch. Some of the NADPH-d-positive fibers innervating the penetrating bundle exhibited distinct immunoreactivity to calcitonin gene-related peptide. These results suggest that nitric oxide may play a role as a neurotransmitter and/or neuromodulator in the neural control of the cardiac blood flow and impulse conduction.
Momentum and Energy Transport by Gravity Waves in Stochastically Driven Stratified Flows. Part II: Radiation of Gravity Waves from a Gaussian Jet
Authors: Bakas Nikolaos A. , Farrell Brian F.
Published: July 2008

Interaction between the midlatitude jet and gravity waves is examined, focusing on the nonnormality of the underlying linear dynamics, which plays an essential role in processing the wave activity and selecting structures that dominate wave momentum and energy transport. When the interior of a typical midlatitude jet is stochastically forced, waves with short horizontal wavelength are trapped inside the jet and deposit momentum and energy at jet interior critical levels. Longer waves transport momentum and energy away from the jet, and the resulting momentum flux divergence produces a significant deceleration of the tropospheric and lower-stratospheric jet. This induced drag is found to depend on the shape of the jet and on the horizontal wavelength of the excited waves, reaching a maximum at wavelength λx = 20 km and leading to a deceleration O(1) m s−1 day−1 for a stochastic forcing rate of 0.1 W m−2 distributed over the height of the jet. This deceleration is robust to changes in static stability but is reduced when the stochastic forcing is correlated over too long a time.

Implications of gravity wave absorption for middle-atmosphere circulation are discussed, focusing on differences implied for acceleration of the winter and summer midlatitude upper-stratospheric jets. The tropospheric flow is found not only to passively filter transiting waves, but also to amplify portions of the wave spectrum in conjunction with the distributed forcing, leading to enhanced gravity wave momentum and energy fluxes in agreement with observations linking middle-atmosphere enhanced variance with regions of high jet velocities.
Morphology of Tropical Upwelling in the Lower Stratosphere
Authors: Geller Marvin A. , Zhou Tiehan , Hamilton Kevin
Published: July 2008

Sensitivity tests of a mechanistic model of the mean meridional circulation driven by specified eddy forcing are conducted to investigate how the morphology of tropical upwelling in the lower stratosphere is related to the structure of the forcing expected to be associated with the stratospheric surf zone. The basic morphology of tropical upwelling is found to be similar among the mechanistic model forced with reasonable eddy fluxes, the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) SKYHI GCM, U.K. Met Office (UKMO) analyses, and other climate models, indicating the robustness of the upwelling features. Atmospheric data are analyzed to characterize the interannual variability of wave drag. The influence of such variations on the interannual variability of tropical upwelling in the lower stratosphere is explored, which may help explain the observed interannual variability of stratospheric water vapor.
Analytical Solutions to the Stochastic Kinetic Equation for Liquid and Ice Particle Size Spectra. Part I: Small-Size Fraction
Authors: Khvorostyanov Vitaly I. , Curry Judith A.
Published: July 2008

The kinetic equation of stochastic condensation for cloud drop size spectra is extended to account for crystalline clouds and also to include the accretion–aggregation process. The size spectra are separated into small and large size fractions that correspond to cloud drops (ice) and rain (snow). In Part I of this two-part paper, analytical solutions are derived for the small-size fractions of the spectra that correspond to cloud drops and cloud ice particles that can be identified with cloud liquid water or cloud ice water content, and used in bulk microphysical schemes employed in cloud and climate models. Solutions for the small-size fraction have the form of generalized gamma distributions. Simple analytical expressions are found for parameters of the gamma distributions that are functions of quantities that are available in cloud and climate models: liquid or ice water content and its vertical gradient, mean particle radius or concentration, and supersaturation or vertical velocities. Equations for the gamma distribution parameters provide an explanation of the dependence of the observed spectra on atmospheric dynamics, cloud temperature, and cloud liquid water or ice water content. The results are illustrated with example calculations for a crystalline cloud. The analytical solutions and expressions for the parameters presented here can be used for parameterization of the small-size fraction size spectra in liquid and crystalline clouds and related quantities (e.g., optical properties, lidar, and radar reflectivities).
Analytical Solutions to the Stochastic Kinetic Equation for Liquid and Ice Particle Size Spectra. Part II: Large-Size Fraction in Precipitating Clouds
Authors: Khvorostyanov Vitaly I. , Curry Judith A.
Published: July 2008

The stochastic kinetic equation is solved analytically for precipitating particles that can be identified as rain, snow, and graupel. The general solution for the size spectra of the large-size particles is represented by the product of an exponential term and a term that is an algebraic function of radius. The slope of the exponent consists of the Marshall–Palmer slope and an additional integral that is a function of the radius. Both the integral and algebraic terms depend on the condensation and accretion rates, vertical velocity, turbulence coefficient, terminal velocity of the particles, and the vertical gradient of the liquid (ice) water content. At sufficiently large radii, the radius dependence of the algebraic term is a power law, and the spectra have the form of gamma distributions. Simple analytical expressions are derived for the slopes and indices of the size distributions. These solutions provide explanations of the observed dependencies of the cloud particle spectra in different phases and size regimes on temperature, height, turbulence, vertical velocities, liquid or ice water content, and other cloud properties. These analytical solutions and expressions for the slopes and shape parameters can be used for parameterization of the spectra of precipitating particles and related quantities (e.g., optical properties, radar reflectivities) in bulk cloud microphysical parameterizations and in remote sensing techniques.
On the Climate Impact of Surface Roughness Anomalies
Authors: Kirk-Davidoff Daniel B. , Keith David W.
Published: July 2008

Large-scale deployment of wind power may alter climate through alteration of surface roughness. Previous research using GCMs has shown large-scale impacts of surface roughness perturbations but failed to elucidate the dynamic mechanisms that drove the observed responses in surface temperature. Using the NCAR Community Atmosphere Model in both its standard and aquaplanet forms, the authors have explored the impact of isolated surface roughness anomalies on the model climate. A consistent Rossby wave response in the mean winds to roughness anomalies across a range of model implementations is found. This response generates appreciable wind, temperature, and cloudiness anomalies. The interrelationship of these responses is discussed, and it is shown that the magnitude of the responses scales with the horizontal length scale of the roughened region, as well as with the magnitude of the roughness anomaly. These results are further elucidated through comparison with results of a series of shallow-water model experiments.
A Modified Dynamic Framework for the Atmospheric Spectral Model and Its Application
Authors: Wu Tongwen , Yu Rucong , Zhang Fang
Published: July 2008

This paper describes a dynamic framework for an atmospheric general circulation spectral model in which a reference stratified atmospheric temperature and a reference surface pressure are introduced into the governing equations so as to improve the calculation of the pressure gradient force and gradients of surface pressure and temperature. The vertical profile of the reference atmospheric temperature approximately corresponds to that of the U.S. midlatitude standard atmosphere within the troposphere and stratosphere, and the reference surface pressure is a function of surface terrain geopotential and is close to the observed mean surface pressure. Prognostic variables for the temperature and surface pressure are replaced by their perturbations from the prescribed references. The numerical algorithms of the explicit time difference scheme for vorticity and the semi-implicit time difference scheme for divergence, perturbation temperature, and perturbation surface pressure equation are given in detail. The modified numerical framework is implemented in the Community Atmosphere Model version 3 (CAM3) developed at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) to test its validation and impact on simulated climate. Both the original and the modified models are run with the same spectral resolution (T42), the same physical parameterizations, and the same boundary conditions corresponding to the observed monthly mean sea surface temperature and sea ice concentration from 1971 to 2000. This permits one to evaluate the performance of the new dynamic framework compared to the commonly used one. Results show that there is a general improvement for the simulated climate at regional and global scales, especially for temperature and wind.
Intertropical Convergence Zones during the Active Season in Daily Data
Authors: Magnusdottir Gudrun , Wang Chia-Chi
Published: July 2008

Synoptic-scale variability of vorticity structures in the lower troposphere of the tropics is analyzed in 23 yr of daily averaged high-resolution reanalysis data. The vorticity structures can be divided into zonally elongated vorticity strips, classified as intertropical convergence zones (ITCZs), and more localized maxima, termed westward-propagating disturbances. A composite of such variability is presented for the east to central Pacific and for the east Atlantic/Africa region, both in summer. The composite in the east Pacific is zonally elongated and ITCZ-like, propagating westward over a number of days before dissipating. The spatial structure of the vorticity strip shows the characteristic cyclonic tilt into the latitudinal direction with time that is also seen in modeling experiments. The composite over the Atlantic/Africa region shows two active regions that are correlated on synoptic time scales. The disturbances in the southern region are better developed and longer lasting, even though the time and space scales are smaller than over the east Pacific. Overall, variability over the Atlantic is consistent with variability due to African easterly waves. The double ITCZ in spring in the east Pacific is different from the few earlier studies available. It is stronger south of the equator and located at 10°S, which is farther poleward than earlier studies have indicated. The northern branch that is weak in comparison is located at 5°N. The two branches of the double ITCZ tend to appear in tandem on the 2-week time scale.
Implementing the Delta-Four-Stream Approximation for Solar Radiation Computations in an Atmosphere General Circulation Model
Authors: Ayash Tarek , Gong Sunling , Jia Charles Q.
Published: July 2008

Proper quantification of the solar radiation budget and its transfer within the atmosphere is of utmost importance in climate modeling. The delta-four-stream (DFS) approximation has been demonstrated to offer a more accurate computational method of quantifying the budget than the simple two-stream approximations widely used in general circulation models (GCMs) for radiative-transfer computations. Based on this method, the relative improvement in the accuracy of solar flux computations is investigated in the simulations of the third-generation Canadian Climate Center atmosphere GCM. Relative to the computations of the DFS-modified radiation scheme, the GCM original-scheme whole-sky fluxes at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) show the largest underestimations at high latitudes of a winter hemisphere on the order of 4%–6% (monthly means), while the largest overestimations of the same order are found over equatorial regions. At the surface, even higher overestimations are found, exceeding 20% at subpolar regions of a winter hemisphere. Flux differences between original and DFS schemes are largest in the tropics and at high latitudes, where the monthly zonal means and their dispersions are within 5 W m−2 at the TOA and 10 W m−2 at the surface in whole sky, but differences may be as large as 20 and −40 W m−2. In clear sky, monthly zonal means and their dispersions remain within 2 W m−2, but may be as large as 25 and −12 W m−2. Such differences are found to be mostly determined by variations in cloud optical depth and solar zenith angle, and by aerosol loading in a clear sky.
On the Instability of the African Easterly Jet and the Generation of African Waves: Reversals of the Potential Vorticity Gradient
Authors: Hsieh Jen-Shan , Cook Kerry H.
Published: July 2008

The relationship between the generation of African easterly waves and instability growing in regions with reversed potential vorticity gradients is studied using a regional climate model. Results indicate that the convective generation of potential vorticity (PV) due to the meridional and vertical gradients of diabatic heating in the upper and lower troposphere causes a vertically elongated PV anomaly on the southern flank of the African easterly jet. This PV maximum at 9°N in the midtroposphere, together with a PV minimum near 15°N at lower levels because of dry convection over the Sahara, reverses the meridional PV gradient between 9° and 15°N, which suggests that the zonal flow may be unstable in this region. Analysis of the seasonal mean Eliassen–Palm flux for African waves indicates that wave energy generated convectively through baroclinic overturning in the upper troposphere propagates downward and triggers barotropic conversions south of the jet and baroclinic conversions below and north of the jet.

The barotropic conversion of the jet initiates primarily outside of the region of strengthened reversed potential vorticity (q) gradients, suggesting that this barotropic conversion is a result of convectively induced eddies extracting energy from the zonal flow rather than the release of zonal kinetic energy to the waves in the unstable region. In contrast, the residual barotropic conversion occurs inside the region of reversed q gradients during the waves’ decaying stage when ITCZ convection weakens. The baroclinic instability in the unstable region becomes distinguishable from that due to surface temperature gradients when the surface heat flux is weak, a condition under which the African easterly jet better acts as an internal jet. Thus, this analysis indicates that the shear instability of the jet occurs to sustain the waves at the decaying stage rather than to initiate the waves, since it does not appear strong enough to reenergize the waves.
Simultaneous probability statements for Bayesian P-splines
Authors: Brezger Andreas , Lang Stefan
Published: July 2008

P-splines are a popular approach for fitting nonlinear effects of continuous covariates in semiparametric regression models. Recently, a Bayesian version for P-splines has been developed on the basis of Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation techniques for inference. In this work, we adopt and generalize the concept of Bayesian contour probabilities to additive models with Gaussian or multicategorical responses. More specifically, we aim at computing the maximum credible level (sometimes called Bayesian p-value) for which a particular parameter vector of interest lies within the corresponding highest posterior density (HPD) region. We are particularly interested in parameter vectors that correspond to a constant, linear or, more generally, a polynomial fit. As an alternative to HPD regions, simultaneous credible intervals could be used to define pseudo contour probabilities. Efficient algorithms for computing contour and pseudo contour probabilities are developed. The performance of the approach is assessed through simulation studies. Two applications on the determinants of undernutrition in developing countries and the health status of trees show how contour probabilities may be used in practice to assist the analyst in the model building process.
Effects of erosion and macroalgae on intertidal eelgrass (Zostera marina) in a northeastern Pacific estuary (USA)
Authors: Boese Bruce L. , Robbins Bradley D.
Published: July 2008

Eelgrass (Zostera marina) in open-coast northeastern Pacific estuaries is primarily intertidal, yet little research has been done on the natural factors controlling its upper intertidal growth limits. This two-year study in the Yaquina Estuary (Newport, Oregon, USA) evaluated the effects of two factors (erosion and macroalgal accumulations) on populations of eelgrass. Six study sites were located on steep (n=3) and shallow (n=3) intertidal slopes. At each site, triplicate plots (9 m2) were placed at five tidal elevations. In the plots, we counted shoots monthly into three categories: vegetative, reproductive, or seedling. Canopy height, blade width, blades per shoot, macroalgal biomass, and an index of erosion were also measured. Yaquina Estuary eelgrass behaves as a perennial in the lower intertidal zone and as an annual in the upper intertidal zone. In the transition between the low and high intertidal zones, there are both perennial (in patches) and annual forms. We suggest that aerial desiccation, macroalgae, and erosion play a role in controlling intertidal eelgrass and that these factors operate in an acute rather than a chronic manner.
Toxicity, morphology and distribution of Pseudo-nitzschia calliantha, P. multistriata and P. multiseries (Bacillariophyta) from the northwestern Sea of Japan
Authors: Orlova Tatiana Yu. , Stonik Inna V. , Aizdaicher Nina A. , Bates Stephen S. , Léger Claude , Fehling Johanna
Published: July 2008

Toxicity, morphology and distribution patterns of three bloom-forming species of the diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia (potential producers of the neurotoxin domoic acid and causative organisms of amnesic shellfish poisoning) from Peter the Great Bay in the northwestern Sea of Japan are presented. Pseudo-nitzschia
calliantha, P. multistriata and P.
multiseries bloomed in Peter the Great Bay in the fall, with abundances exceeding 106 cells l-1. This is the first report of toxicity in P. multiseries from Russian waters. Domoic acid was found in stationary-phase (days 20–35) cultures of P. multiseries isolated from Peter the Great Bay at concentrations varying between 180 and 5390 ng ml-1 or 2 to 21 pg cell-1, which is in the range reported for other isolates of P. multiseries. The Russian isolate had an increasing ability to produce domoic acid over time in culture rather than the usual trend of decreasing toxicity. No domoic acid was detected (<2 ng ml-1) in cultures of P. calliantha and P. multistriata from the same locality. The Russian isolate of P. multiseries produced gametes when mated with the Canadian strains of the opposite mating type, but they never developed into zygotes, auxospores or large initial cells. This suggests that there might be “cryptic” species within P. multiseries. However, a comparison of molecular and morphometric data between the Russian and Canadian strains showed that they indeed belong to the same species.
A reassessment of Halophila species (Hydrocharitaceae) diversity with special reference to Japanese representatives
Authors: Uchimura Masayuki , Jean Faye Etienne , Shimada Satoshi , Inoue Tetsunori , Nakamura Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2008

In a recent review of the seagrass genus Halophila in Japan, eight taxa including four new species were listed: (i) H. decipiens, (ii) H. minor, (iii) H. major, (iv) H. ovalis, (v) H. mikii, (vi) H. nipponica, (vii) H. okinawensis, and (viii) H. gaudichaudii. In this study, the specific concept of Halophila in Japan as well as some other geographic areas was re-assessed by a combination of nuclear ribosomal ITS1, 5.8S rDNA, and ITS2 sequence analyses and morphological examinations of both recently collected materials and available type collections. The results confirm the distinctness of the Australian endemic species H. australis and the putative pan-tropical taxon H. decipiens; but also demonstrate conspecificity of: (i) H. minor and H. ovalis; (ii) H. major and H. mikii; and (iii) H. nipponica, H. okinawensis and H. gaudichaudii. As an outcome of this study, we recommend restricting the list of Halophila representatives in Japan to the following four species: (i) H. decipiens, (ii) H. major, (iii) H. ovalis, and (iv) H. nipponica. In addition, we predict the possibility of H. major occurring further south than currently recorded.
Temperature response in a shallow-water Mediterranean population ofCaulerpa racemosavar.cylindracea(Caulerpales, Chlorophyta), and a possible strategy of season anticipation
Authors: Flagella Maria Monia , Lorenti Maurizio , Buia Maria Cristina
Published: July 2008

We studied growth and photosynthetic response of a shallow-water population of the invasive algaCaulerpa racemosavar.cylindraceaoff the Island of Ischia (Gulf of Naples, Italy). The effects of temperature on relative growth rate (RGR), light-saturated photosynthetic rate (Pmax), dark respiration rate (Rd) and optimal quantum yield (Fv/Fm) were assessed for thalli collected in two seasons (early winter and early summer). While temperatures higher than 22°C stressed early winter thalli, as reflected in the decrease in growth rates and optimal quantum yields, both increased with temperature in early summer plants. A difference between the two seasonal samples also occurred in the high-temperature sensitivity of respiration rates, which was enhanced in early winter plants. As changes in a number of the traits considered occur in advance of seasonal minima and maxima,C. racemosavar.cylindraceamay behave as a season anticipator. The contribution of observed patterns to the colonization success of the alga is discussed.
Application of spin label electron paramagnetic resonance in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer and sepsis
Authors: Gurachevsky Andrey , Kazmierczak Steven C. , Jörres Achim , Muravsky Vladimir
Published: July 2008

Diagnostic medicine has seen significant changes during the past decade. The emergence of proteomics and genomics has significantly increased our understanding of disease. These fields have also revealed the vast array of proteins that are expressed in various disease processes, such as cancer. Measurement of these unique proteins expressed in certain diseases may offer diagnostic clues or allow patient prognosis to be assessed. Another approach is to measure the effects that these ligands have on the structure and function of albumin. Albumin is known to play an important role in modulating the serum concentrations of various proteins produced by tumor cells. In this review, we introduce the reader to the technique of spin labeling followed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. This method is a powerful tool for evaluating the structural and functional changes that can occur to albumin following the binding of various ligands. We describe the utility of this technique for the diagnosis of cancer and sepsis, as well as some other novel potential applications.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46:1203–10.
Supplemented Access Point Sampling Designs: A Cost-Effective Way of Improving the Accuracy and Precision of Fishing Effort and Harvest Estimates Derived from Recreational Fishing Surveys
Authors: Steffe Aldo S. , Murphy Jeffrey J. , Reid Dennis D.
Published: July 2008

We describe a cost-effective method for improving the accuracy and precision of fishing effort and harvest estimates derived from recreational fishing surveys that include an access point method for effort estimation (e.g., traditional access point surveys and bus route designs). Validated auxiliary data that quantify recreational fishing effort at access points within the fishery are used to supplement an existing access point design. This supplemented access point survey (SAPS) method is a form of double sampling and should be viewed as an extension of an access point design. Case study data from a boat-based estuarine fishery in Australia have been used to demonstrate changes in the relative accuracy and precision between a traditional access point design and the supplemented design. We found that the traditional design provided annual effort and harvest estimates for dusky flathead Platycephalus fuscus that were about 7% and 5% lower, respectively, than those obtained with the supplemented design. Importantly, the SAPS method provided improvements in relative precision for annual estimates of effort and harvest of about 76% and 37%, respectively. The SAPS design outperforms other access point designs in terms of relative accuracy and precision because the auxiliary data provide better coverage of the temporal sampling frame for fishing effort. Improvements in relative accuracy and precision are also reflected in harvest estimates because the SAPS design calculates harvest as the product of effort and a harvest rate. The SAPS method can easily be extended to cover multiple sites and offers a cost-effective way to improve estimation procedures for any recreational fishing survey that uses an access point method for effort estimation.
Weight Regain Prevention
Authors: Garcia Ulen Christina , Huizinga Mary Margaret , Beech Bettina , Elasy Tom A.
Published: July 2008

IN BRIEF

Long-term maintenance of weight loss is an important, but often elusive,goal. Diet and pharmacological treatments for obesity are generally effective at inducing 8-10% weight reductions by 6 months. Thereafter, weight regain is a common phenomenon. Maintenance-phase medication and individual and group follow-up slow weight regain such that weight reductions at program completion average 2-6, 2-7, and 2-7% greater, respectively, than those in control groups receiving no maintenance contact. Consistent and structured eating, frequent self-weighing, and high levels of physical activity acquired through short bouts of brisk walking are pragmatic recommendations to support weight regain prevention.
Removal and recovery of compressed CO2 from flue gas by a novel thermal swing chemisorption process
Authors: Lee K. B. , Sircar S.
Published: July 2008

A synopsis of the published literature on removal of CO2 from a flue gas is given. A novel thermal swing chemisorption (TSC) process concept is proposed for removal and recovery of compressed CO2 from a flue gas without precompression, predrying, or precooling. The process uses Na2O promoted alumina as a reversible CO2 selective chemisorbent in conjunction with the principles of rapid thermal swing adsorption for direct production of compressed CO2 from a flue gas. Several complementary process steps are used in the design to compress the product CO2 and to achieve high CO2 recovery and sorbent capacity utilization. Judicious steam purge steps are used for highly efficient sorbent regeneration and to minimize the steam requirement. The CO2 chemisorption characteristics of the sorbent are reviewed and a model simulation of the TSC process performance is reported. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Association of the PIK4CA schizophrenia‐susceptibility gene in adults with the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Vorstman Jacob A.S. , Chow Eva W. , Ophoff Roel A. , van Engeland Herman , Beemer Frits A. , Kahn René S. , Sinke Richard J. , Bassett Anne S.
Published: July 2008

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is associated with an increased prevalence (20–30%) of schizophrenia. Therefore, it is likely that one or more genes within the 22q11.2 region are causally related to schizophrenia. Recently, a significant association with schizophrenia in the general population was reported for three SNPs in phosphatidyl‐inositol‐4‐kinase‐catalytic‐α (PIK4CA), a gene located in the 22q11.2 region. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that the same PIK4CA risk‐alleles would be associated with schizophrenia in individuals with 22q11DS. Our analysis of the PIK4CA genotypes in a sample of 79 adults with typical 22q11.2 deletions, comparing those with schizophrenia to those without, revealed a significant association. Our findings represent an independent replication of the previously reported PIK4CA association with schizophrenia in the general population. Second, the results of this study indicate that variation at PIK4CA may be a relevant factor influencing the risk of schizophrenia in individuals with 22q11DS. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interspecies genetics of eating disorder traits
Authors: Kas Martien J.H. , Kaye Walter H. , Foulds Mathes Wendy , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: July 2008

Family and twin studies have indicated that genetic factors play a role in the development of eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa, but novel views and tools may enhance the identification of neurobiological mechanisms underlying these conditions. Here we propose an integrative genetic approach to reveal novel biological substrates of eating disorder traits analogous in mouse and human. For example, comparable to behavioral hyperactivity that is observed in 40–80% of anorexia nervosa patients, inbred strains of mice with different genetic backgrounds are differentially susceptible to develop behavioral hyperactivity when food restricted. In addition, a list of characteristics that are relevant to eating disorders and approaches to their measurement in humans together with potential analogous rodent models has been generated. Interspecies genetics of neurobehavioral characteristics of eating disorders has the potential to open new roads to identify and functionally test genetic pathways that influence neurocircuits relevant for these heterogeneous psychiatric disorders. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A man with multiple disabilities using a head‐turning response to reduce the effects of his drooling
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , Singh Nirbhay N. , O'Reilly Mark F. , Sigafoos Jeff , Oliva Doretta , Campodonico Francesca , Groeneweg Jop
Published: July 2008

A man with multiple disabilities was taught to perform a head‐turning response to activate optic sensors embedded in a small spongy structure at his shoulder and produce preferred stimuli. By touching the spongy structure with chin and mouth (i.e., to activate the sensors), the man would clean these areas thus curbing the effects of his drooling. Data showed that the man increased the frequency of his head‐turning responses and reduced drooling effects (chin wetness) through the intervention and a 3‐month follow‐up. Forty university students, who were involved in a social validation assessment, indicated that the intervention was suitable and enjoyable to the man, had a social/educational function, and represented an approach that they supported. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing preference in elders with dementia using multimedia and verbal pleasant events schedules
Authors: LeBlanc Linda A. , Raetz Paige B. , Baker Jonathan C. , Strobel Margaret J. , Feeney Brian J.
Published: July 2008

The current study compared an abbreviated oral interview version of the Pleasant Events Schedule – Alzheimer's Disease (PES‐AD) to a multimedia‐supplemented version. Both measures identified multiple preferred items and their scores were moderately correlated (r = .481). Direct observations were conducted to determine whether either of the two measures predicted subsequent engagement. For all nine individuals with dementia, items endorsed as preferred by both versions of the PES‐AD resulted in high levels of engagement and items endorsed as non‐preferred items on both measures resulted in low to moderate levels of engagement. Individuals with MMSE scores of 10 or higher had more stable and differentiated patterns of engagement than individuals with scores below 10. For individuals with higher MMSE scores, items endorsed only by the multimedia version resulted in high engagement levels (i.e., true positive) while items endorsed only on the verbal presentation resulted in low levels (i.e., false positive). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of glutathione disulfide levels in biological samples using thiol–disulfide exchanging agent, dithiothreitol
Authors: Ates Burhan , Ercal Baris Can , Manda Kalyan , Abraham Linu , Ercal Nuran
Published: July 2008

A reverse‐phase HPLC method incorporating dithiothreitol (DTT) reduction for quantitative determination of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in biological samples is described here. This method is based on our previous enzymatic reduction technique that uses N‐1‐(pyrenyl) maleimide (NPM) as a derivatizing agent. In our earlier method, glutathione disulfide (GSSG) was measured by first reducing it to GSH with glutathione reductase (GR) in the presence of NADPH. However, this is a very costly and time‐consuming technique. The method described here employs a common and inexpensive thiol–disulfide exchanging agent, DTT, for reduction of GSSG to GSH, followed by derivatization with NPM. The calibration curves are linear over a concentration range of 25–1250 nm (r2 > 0.995). The coefficients of variations for intra‐run precision and inter‐run precision range from 0.49 to 5.10% with an accuracy range of 1.78–6.15%. The percentage of relative recovery ranges from 97.3 to 103.2%. This new method provides a simple, efficient, and cost‐effective way of determining glutathione disulfide levels with a 2.5 nm limit of detection per 5 µL injection volume. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.