bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The INSIG1 gene, not the INSIG2 gene, associated with coronary heart disease: tagSNPs and haplotype-based association study
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Li Yun , Wang Laiyuan , Zhao Qi , Lu Xiangfeng , Huang Jianfeng , Fan Zhongjie , Gu Dongfeng
Published: October 2008

Dyslipidemia, especially hypercholesterolemia, is a major risk factor of coronary heart disease (CHD). The insulin induced gene 1 (INSIG1) and insulin induced gene 2 (INSIG2) encode two proteins which mediate feedback control of cholesterol synthesis. We conducted a case-control study to investigate whether the common variants in INSIG genes were associated with CHD in Chinese Han population. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the INSIG1 gene and four SNPs of the INSIG2 gene were chosen as haplotype-tagging SNPs (htSNPs) and genotyped in 853 patients with CHD and 948 unrelated control subjects. Haplotype analysis showed that the haplotype Hap4 (TTA) of the INSIG1 gene significantly increased the risk of CHD (adjusted odds ratio [OR]1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22–2.06,p=0.0006),while the haplotype Hap3 (TGA) significantly decreased the risk of CHD (adjusted OR 0.74, 95%CI 0.60–0.92, p=0.006) compared with the reference haplotype Hap1 (GGA). No significant associations were found between polymorphisms of INSIG2 gene and CHD. In addition, the single polymorphism analysis showed that rs9769826 of the INSIG1 gene was associated with glucose in controls. The G-allele (minor allele) carriers had higher glucose level (5.74 ± 2.03 mM) than AA genotype carriers (5.45 ± 1.37 mM,p=0.015).The present study indicated that the INSIG1 gene, but not the INSIG2 gene, was associated with CHD in the Chinese population.
Overexpression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-B in Mouse Heart Alters Cardiac Lipid Metabolism and Induces Myocardial Hypertrophy
Authors: Karpanen Terhi , Bry Maija , Ollila Hanna M. , Seppänen-Laakso Tuulikki , Liimatta Erkki , Leskinen Hanna , Kivelä Riikka , Helkamaa Teemu , Merentie Mari , Jeltsch Michael , Paavonen Karri , Andersson Leif C. , Mervaala Eero , Hassinen Ilmo E. , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo , Orešič Matej , Alitalo Kari
Published: October 2008

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-B is poorly angiogenic but prominently expressed in metabolically highly active tissues, including the heart. We produced mice expressing a cardiac-specific VEGF-B transgene via the α-myosin heavy chain promoter. Surprisingly, the hearts of the VEGF-B transgenic mice showed concentric cardiac hypertrophy without significant changes in heart function. The cardiac hypertrophy was attributable to an increased size of the cardiomyocytes. Blood capillary size was increased, whereas the number of blood vessels per cell nucleus remained unchanged. Despite the cardiac hypertrophy, the transgenic mice had lower heart rate and blood pressure than their littermates, and they responded similarly to angiotensin II–induced hypertension, confirming that the hypertrophy does not compromise heart function. Interestingly, the isolated transgenic hearts had less cardiomyocyte damage after ischemia. Significantly increased ceramide and decreased triglyceride levels were found in the transgenic hearts. This was associated with structural changes and eventual lysis of mitochondria, resulting in accumulation of intracellular vacuoles in cardiomyocytes and increased death of the transgenic mice, apparently because of mitochondrial lipotoxicity in the heart. These results suggest that VEGF-B regulates lipid metabolism, an unexpected function for an angiogenic growth factor.
Toward MicroRNA–Based Therapeutics for Heart Disease
Authors: van Rooij Eva , Marshall William S. , Olson Eric N.
Published: October 2008

MicroRNAs act as negative regulators of gene expression by inhibiting the translation or promoting the degradation of target mRNAs. Because individual microRNAs often regulate the expression of multiple target genes with related functions, modulating the expression of a single microRNA can, in principle, influence an entire gene network and thereby modify complex disease phenotypes. Recent studies have identified signature expression patterns of microRNAs associated with pathological cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and myocardial infarction in humans and mouse models of heart disease. Gain- and loss-of-function studies in mice have revealed profound and unexpected functions for these microRNAs in numerous facets of cardiac biology, including the control of myocyte growth, contractility, fibrosis, and angiogenesis, providing glimpses of new regulatory mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for heart disease. Especially intriguing is the discovery of a network of muscle-specific microRNAs embedded within myosin heavy chain genes, which control myosin expression and the response of the heart to stress and thyroid hormone signaling. Disease-inducing cardiac microRNAs can be persistently silenced in vivo through systemic delivery of antimiRs, allowing for the direct therapeutic modulation of disease mechanisms. Here, we summarize current knowledge of the roles of miRNAs in heart disease and consider the advantages and potential challenges of microRNA–based approaches compared to conventional drug-based therapies.
Brothers and Sisters
Authors: Aitsebaomo Julius , Portbury Andrea L. , Schisler Jonathan C. , Patterson Cam
Published: October 2008

The molecular differences between arteries and veins are genetically predetermined and are evident even before the first embryonic heart beat. Although ephrinB2 and EphB4 are expressed in cells that will ultimately differentiate into arteries and veins, respectively, many other genes have been shown to play a significant role in cell fate determination. The expression patterns of ephrinB2 and EphB4 are restricted to arterial–venous boundaries, and Eph/ephrin signaling provides repulsive cues at arterial–venous boundaries that are thought to prevent intermixing of arterial- and venous-fated cells. However, the maintenance of arterial–venous fate is susceptible to some degree of plasticity. Thus, in response to signals from the ambient microenvironment and shear stress, there is flow-mediated intercalation of the arteries and veins that ultimately leads to the formation of a functional, closed-loop circulation. In addition, cells in the blood vessels of each organ undergo epigenetic, morphological, and functional adaptive changes that are specific to the proximate function of their cognate organ(s). These adaptive changes result in an interorgan and intraorgan vessel heterogeneity that manifest clinically in a disparate response of different organs to identical risk factors and injury in the same animal. In this review, we focus on the molecular and physiological factors influencing arterial–venous heterogeneity between and within different organ(s). We explore arterial–venous differences in selected organs, as well as their respective endothelial cell architectural organization that results in their inter- and intraorgan heterogeneity.
Clinical Usefulness of a Biomarker-Based Diagnostic Test for Acute Stroke
Authors: Laskowitz Daniel T. , Kasner Scott E. , Saver Jeffrey , Remmel Kerri S. , Jauch Edward C. ,   BRAIN Study Group
Published: October 2008

Background and Purpose—

One of the significant limitations in the evaluation and management of patients with suspected acute cerebral ischemia is the absence of a widely available, rapid, and sensitive diagnostic test. The objective of the current study was to assess whether a test using a panel of biomarkers might provide useful diagnostic information in the early evaluation of stroke by differentiating patients with cerebral ischemia from other causes of acute neurological deficit.

Methods—

A total of 1146 patients presenting with neurological symptoms consistent with possible stroke were prospectively enrolled at 17 different sites. Timed blood samples were assayed for matrix metalloproteinase 9, brain natriuretic factor,
d
-dimer, and protein S100β. A separate cohort of 343 patients was independently enrolled to validate the multiple biomarker model approach.

Results—

A diagnostic tool incorporating the values of matrix metalloproteinase 9, brain natriuretic factor,
d
-dimer, and S-100β into a composite score was sensitive for acute cerebral ischemia. The multivariate model demonstrated modest discriminative capabilities with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.76 for hemorrhagic stroke and 0.69 for all stroke (likelihood test
P
<0.001). When the threshold for the logistic model was set at the first quartile, this resulted in a sensitivity of 86% for detecting all stroke and a sensitivity of 94% for detecting hemorrhagic stroke. Moreover, results were reproducible in a separate cohort tested on a point-of-care platform.

Conclusions—

These results suggest that a biomarker panel may add valuable and time-sensitive diagnostic information in the early evaluation of stroke. Such an approach is feasible on a point-of-care platform. The rapid identification of patients with suspected stroke would expand the availability of time-limited treatment strategies. Although the diagnostic accuracy of the current panel is clearly imperfect, this study demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating a biomarker based point-of-care algorithm with readily available clinical data to aid in the early evaluation and management of patients at high risk for cerebral ischemia.
Stroke Unit Care in a Real-Life Setting
Authors: Gattellari Melina , Worthington John , Jalaludin Bin , Mohsin Mohammed
Published: October 2008

Background and Purpose—

In randomized trials, acute stroke units are associated with improved patient outcomes. However, it is unclear whether this evidence can be successfully translated into routine clinical practice. We aimed to determine the effect of a coordinated rollout of funding for 22 stroke units on patient outcomes in Australia.

Methods—

A multicenter observational study was undertaken using health administrative data recording admissions for a primary diagnosis of ischemic stroke from July 2000 to June 2006. Analyses were stratified by hospital type (major principal referral, smaller nonprincipal referral hospitals).

Results—

We analyzed 17 659 admissions for ischemic stroke. Among major principal referral hospitals with acute stroke units, the proportion of admissions resulting in death or discharge to home was unchanged after stroke unit rollout (10.7% vs 10.6% and 44.1% vs 45.0%, respectively;
P
=0.37). In contrast, significant differences in discharge destination were noted across time among smaller nonprincipal referral hospitals (
P
<0.001). Before the rollout of stroke units, 13.8% of admissions to smaller hospitals resulted in a death, decreasing to 10.5% after stroke units were implemented. Discharges to home increased from 38.8% to 44.5%. Discharges to nursing homes decreased from 6.3% to 4.9%. Differences across time remained significant when controlling for patient demographics, comorbidities, indicators of poor prognosis, and clustering of outcomes at hospital level. Improved outcomes were observed across all ages and among patients with indicators for a poor prognosis.

Conclusions—

This multicenter analysis of a large Australian population of hospital stroke admissions demonstrates short-term benefits from implementing stroke units in nonprincipal referral hospitals.
An Unstoppable Arms Trade?
Authors: Hartung William D.
Published: October 2008

At first glance, the international arms trade seems to be one of those problems that will always be with us, like death and taxes. But just as life can be prolonged and tax rates can be reduced, the traffic in weapons can be reined in, given the political will to do so, as I first suggested in two contributions to World Policy Journal—the first, “Curbing the Arms Trade: From Rhetoric to Restraint” in the spring of 1992, and “Why Sell Arms?” a year later.
Afghanistan: Partners in Time
Authors: Cogan Charles G.
Published: October 2008

In 1993, I wrote an article for World Policy Journal entitled “Partners in Time: the CIA and Afghanistan since 1979.” The title was intended to convey the idea that this was a temporary arrangement; that once the external threat had been removed (i.e., the Soviet occupation), then the Central Intelligence Agency (i.e., the American government) and Afghanistan would go back to a normal, less embracing relationship.
Watching McNamara in Tehran
Authors: Blight James G.
Published: October 2008

In the spring of 2001, Robert McNamara and I wrote in these pages that it was time to bring Russia and China, the (then) big losers at the end of the Cold War, “in from the cold.” At the dawn of the twenty-first century, Russia was feeling betrayed by U.S. advocacy of NATO enlargement, and China was deeply upset by the U.S. refusal to oppose Taiwanese independence.
Back to Crackpot Moralism
Authors: Wolfe Alan
Published: October 2008

My first contribution to World Policy Journal, “Crackpot Moralism, Neo-Realism, and U.S. Foreign Policy,” was published in spring 1986, and explored a seeming paradox in American political life. Figures whose disposition toward the world could only be described as conservative, such as George F. Kennan and Hans Morganthau, had then become critics of American foreign policy, in some cases even identifying with the Left.
Iranian Imbroglios Revisited
Authors: Keddie Nikki R.
Published: October 2008

Ironically, the title of my 1987 World Policy Journal article, “Iranian Imbroglios: Who's Irrational?” could serve as well today, 21 years later, for another essay on U.S. policy in Iran. My original effort noted the folly of U.S. government hubris—believing it could maneuver the Iranian revolutionary leadership to act in American interests in the Cold War against the Soviets. Seeing all international issues in terms of the Cold War contributed to our trying to find ruling “moderates” in the Iran-Contra scandal, and also to our subsequent backing of Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq War.
Israel's Not-So-Future Perfect
Authors: Hadar Leon
Published: October 2008

Back 17 years ago, in the winter of 1991–92, when I was contemplating Israel's future in World Policy Journal, it was supposed to be the dawn of a new age—and I was there. We were about to enter the roaring globalization years of the 1990s and to be downloaded into a borderless world in which the archaic nation-state would vanish.
Effect of rotation crops on hatch, viability and development of Heterodera glycines
Authors: Chen Senyu , Johnson Gregg , Warnke Senia , Wyse Donald , Porter Paul
Published: October 2008

Rotation with non-host crops can be an effective method for reducing soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) populations in soybean cropping systems. Sunn hemp, Illinois bundleflower, oilseed rape, perennial ryegrass, red clover, corn and H. glycines-susceptible soybean were compared for their effects on H. glycines hatch, viability and development in laboratory and glasshouse experiments. In the laboratory experiments, root exudates in soil leachates, extracts from fresh plant tissues, and extracts from residues of sunn hemp, red clover and soybean stimulated hatch of second-stage juveniles (J2) of H. glycines. All crops appeared to contain hatch inhibitors as well. There was no apparent effect of the root exudates and extracts from any of the crops on egg viability in vitro. When the H. glycines J2 were exposed to root exudates and extracts for 72 h, only the extracts of fresh plants and plant residue from sunn hemp, red clover and soybean, and the extract of plant residue from oilseed rape reduced viability of J2. In glasshouse experiments, residues of all crops, except Illinois bundleflower, reduced egg population density, with sunn hemp providing the greatest reduction. Residues of sunn hemp, red clover, and perennial ryegrass added to soil reduced the reproduction factor, suggesting the residues not only reduced egg population density but also reduced nematode infectivity. While all crops allowed penetration by J2, minimal development (to third- or fourth-stage juveniles only) occurred only in sunn hemp, red clover, oilseed rape and Illinois bundleflower, and full development occurred only in soybean. The results suggest that sunn hemp and red clover were the most effective rotation crops for managing H. glycines, and that stimulating hatch of H. glycines J2 was the main mechanism involved in reducing the H. glycines population density.
Diplogastrellus metamasius n. sp. (Rhabditida: Diplogastridae) isolated from Metamasius hemipterus (L.) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) in southern Florida and Costa Rica
Authors: Ye Weimin , Center Barbara , Giblin-Davis Robin , Kanzaki Natsumi , Zeng Yongsan
Published: October 2008

Diplogastrellus metamasius n. sp. (Rhabditidae) was cultured from dauer juveniles recovered during dissections of the West Indian sugarcane weevil, Metamasius hemipterus (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), from southern Florida and Costa Rica. Morphological studies of these two isolates with light microscopy and SEM revealed many typological differences between it and the closest putative relative. Based upon molecular and mating studies, the two isolates are conspecific and are described herein as Diplogastrellus metamasius n. sp. Diplogastrellus metamasius n. sp. is characterised by stomatal structure, i.e., cheilostom with thin adradial cuticular flaps, anterior region of gymnostom ring strongly cuticularised and refractile, stegostom forming a structure resembling a 'glottoid' apparatus and possessing a movable, flap-like, dorsal tooth with small ventral ridges, oblong (elongated) median bulb in both sexes, single gonad with short (less than one vulva body diam.) postuterine sac, well developed ovary reflexed posteriorly beyond the vulva, tapered to filiform tail in both sexes, relatively large gubernaculum in males (with arcuate anterior part and pointed distal part in lateral view) and arrangement of the nine pairs of male genital papillae, especially the position of first two pairs which are located far anterior to the cloacal slit. Because of the many possibilities for homoplasy in the morphological characters possessed by the new species and described species in the 'sister' genera of Butlerius, i.e., the arrangement of male caudal papillae, and Paroigolaimella, i.e., the arrangement of cheilostomatal flaps, molecular analysis of more members of these putative clades is necessary before unambiguous generic placement of this new species is possible.
Diversity of Meloidogyne exigua (Tylenchida: Meloidogynidae) populations from coffee and rubber tree
Authors: Muniz Maria de Fátima , Carneiro Regina , Almeida Maria Ritta , Campos Vicente Paulo , Castagnone-Sereno Philippe , e Castro José Mauro da Cunha
Published: October 2008

Isozymes (esterase and malate dehydrogenase), SCAR and RAPD-PCR were studied in 15 populations of three races of Meloidogyne exigua collected in coffee-producing areas in Brazil, Bolivia and Costa Rica and one population from rubber tree plantations in Brazil. This study revealed four esterase phenotypes (E1, E2, E2a, E3) and three malate dehydrogenase phenotypes (N1, N1a, N2) for M. exigua populations. The most common multi-enzyme phenotype was E2N1. The enzymatic phenotypes do not separate M. exigua races. Sixteen populations of M. exigua were tested in Multiplex PCR using SCAR primers ex-D15F/R that allowed the identification of all M. exigua populations. Phylogenetic analyses showed high intraspecific polymorphism (25.9-59.6%) for all M. exigua studied. However, all populations clustered together with 100% bootstrap support, thereby demonstrating the consistency of species identification. In general, no correlation was found between enzymatic profile, race and genetic polymorphism of the studied populations.
Interaction between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and the nematicide aldicarb on hatch and development of the potato cyst nematode, Globodera pallida, and yield of potatoes
Authors: Deliopoulos Thomas , Haydock Patrick P.J. , Jones Peter W.
Published: October 2008

The effects of inoculation of roots of the potato (Solanum tuberosum) cv.
Golden Wonder with the mixed-isolate arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF)
inoculum Vaminoc, or with three single-isolates AMF inocula (Glomus
intraradices, G. mosseae and G. dussii; components of Vaminoc), on the
potato cyst nematode (PCN) Globodera pallida were assessed in a pot
experiment in the presence or absence of the nematicide aldicarb (Temik
10G). Mycorrhization of potato roots stimulated an 11% overall mean increase
in the hatch of G. pallida within the first 2-4 weeks from planting. In the
presence of aldicarb, AMF-inoculated plants exhibited only 57% of the PCN
population size (viable eggs (g soil)−1) of the non-inoculated plants; in
the absence of aldicarb the respective value was 42%. Root length
colonisation by AMF was unaffected by the application of aldicarb. Roots of
PCN-infested plants exhibited reduced levels of mycorrhizal colonisation
(41%) compared to non-PCN-infested plants (45%). The AMF isolates used
differed in their ability to produce a plant growth response (expressed as
root dry weight, shoot dry weight or total dry biomass) and to affect tuber
yield. In this regard, the single Glomus isolates enhanced plant growth (36%
increase in total dry biomass) and improved fresh tuber yield by 22% on
average, while Vaminoc had, in most cases, no effect. It was concluded that
AMF have potential to reduce G. pallida multiplication via a dual mechanism
involving stimulation of nematode hatch and inhibition of root invasion.
Field experimentation will be required to take this research forward and
assess the feasibility of including AMF in G. pallida integrated management
strategies.
Responses of Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyne incognita to exogenously applied biogenic amines
Authors: Masler Edward
Published: October 2008

Hatching and head movement behaviours of second-stage juvenile (J2) of two agriculturally important plant-parasitic nematodes were affected by the in vitro application of biogenic amines. The behavioural responses of Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyne incognita to treatments of serotonin, octopamine and dopamine were qualitatively similar, but significant quantitative differences between the species were revealed. The frequency of J2 head movement was decreased by as little as 250 μM serotonin in H. glycines and 500 μM serotonin in M. incognita, with effective doses (ED50) of 0.73 mM for H. glycines and 1.72 mM for M. incognita. Octopamine had the opposite effect of serotonin, increasing J2 head movement frequency at thresholds of 2 mM in H. glycines and 1 mM in M. incognita. Octopamine ED50 values were 32.35 mM and 1.91 mM, respectively. Dopamine had no effect on head movement in either species up to concentrations of 20 mM. Serotonin inhibited hatch in both species but was more potent against H. glycines (90% inhibition at 1 mM) than M. incognita (40% inhibition at 5 mM). Octopamine reduced hatch equally in both species with over 95% inhibition at 80 mM. Dopamine had no effect on hatch in M. incognita but did inhibit H. glycines hatch over 60% at 40 mM. The value of detailed quantitative analyses of plant-parasitic nematode responses to biogenic amines for studies on nematode control is discussed.
Development of an entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae, in cultured insect cells under axenic conditions
Authors: Nagata Masao , Kiuchi Takashi , Kikuta Shingo , Aoki Fugaku
Published: October 2008

A new method for culturing an entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae, in cultured insect cells under axenic conditions was devised. When Steinernema eggs were put into the established cell line Sf9, they grew, moulted, developed to adults and produced eggs. Their life cycle took about 6 days and successive subcultures were possible. Their developmental state was comparable to that of culture in insects, and an individual nematode and each developmental event could be observed easily through the transparent culture vial under a microscope. Living insect cells were food for nematodes because juveniles grew slowly and did not develop to adults in the culture medium only or in medium containing dead cells. Infective juveniles (IJ) were not observed during the first generation in culture but they appeared and increased in number during 30 days of culture with cell deterioration. The propagation of nematodes and the occurrence of IJ varied with culture conditions such as medium volume. When IJ obtained from insects were transferred to cultured cells, they shed their cuticle and recovered from the dauer state. Culturing Steinernema with cultured insect cells is a useful tool to investigate its life cycle.
Nematicidal activity of malabaricones isolated from Myristica malabarica fruit rinds against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Choi Nam Hee , Kwon Hyeok Ran , Son Seung Wan , Choi Gyung Ja , Choi Yong Ho , Choi Jae Eul , Jang Kyoung Soo , Lee Sun Og , Ngoc Luu Hoang , Kim Jin-Cheol
Published: October 2008

Plant extracts from 50 plant species were tested for their nematicidal activities against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the causative agent of pine wilt disease. Out of 50 extracts, the methanol extract of Myristica malabarica fruit rinds showed the most potent nematicidal activity with mortality of 100% at a concentration of 1000 μg ml–1 against B. xylophilus. Three nematicidal substances were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation and then identified as malabaricones A, B and C by mass and NMR spectral data. Both malabaricones B and C showed higher activity than malabaricone A. There was a significant synergistic interaction between the three compounds on the pine wood nematode. When the combination of three compounds at a ratio of 1 : 1 : 1 was applied, its EC50 value was 11.8 μg ml–1. These results indicate that the extract of M. malabarica containing the three resorcinols could be useful as a natural nematicide for the control of pine wilt disease.
The structure of the female reproductive system of nematodes from the genus Steinernema (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae)
Authors: Borgonie Gaetan , Bert Wim , Zograf Julia
Published: October 2008

Females of six species of nematodes from the genus Steinernema (S. affine, S. arenarium, S. bicornutum, S. carpocapsae, S. feltiae and S. glaseri) were studied using light microscopy. Investigation of the gonoduct morphology was completed with ultrastructural data for S. carpocapsae and S. feltiae. Except for S. bicornutum, all species studied show an overall similarity in reproductive system architecture, i.e., a swollen proximal region of the ovaries, an oviduct consisting of irregular rows with two to four cells in cross-section and a uterus divided into two morphologically distinguishable parts (except S. carpocapsae). Such a gonoduct structure is distinctive from any other known nematode gonoduct, especially the particular arrangement of the oviduct cells in mostly long irregular rows with two to four cells in cross-section (except S. bicornutum), which is, according to current knowledge, unique within the Rhabditida. These results indicate the coherence of the genus Steinernema as shown from other morphological and molecular studies. The distal swelling of the uterus is considered to be a spermatheca-uterus complex that possibly functions to store and activate sperm and as a fertilisation chamber. The diversity of the cellular architecture of the Steinernema gonoduct provides valuable information for the delineation of species within a morphologically conserved genus. Furthermore, limited results point to a congruence between the gonoduct characters and current molecular phylogenetic hypothesis within Steinernema. Future studies in this direction must ultimately lead to a better understanding of evolutionary processes within the genus.
Description of Mononchus sandur n. sp. (Nematoda: Mononchidae) and remarks on M. truncatus Bastian, 1865 and M. aquaticus Coetzee, 1968 from a glacial floodplain reach (Großglockner region, Hohe Tauern, Austria)
Authors: Eisendle Ursula
Published: October 2008

Females and males of a new species of the genus Mononchus were found in an alpine, glacial floodplain reach (2073 m a.s.l.) in the Großglockner region (Hohe Tauern National Park; Austria). Females of Mononchus sandur n. sp. are medium sized (1.5-1.8 mm) with body diam. of 45-65 μm. The buccal cavity is 28-35 × 13-15 μm in size with the dorsal tooth located 65-77% from the buccal cavity base. The distinct amphid openings (4 μm) are located 11 μm posterior to the head and anterior to the dorsal tooth apex. The general appearance of the female is characterised by the shape of the tail with its combination of length and slenderness (224-306 μm; c′ = 7.2-10.8). Males of M. sandur n. sp. are very similar to females with the exception of a shorter tail (147-159 μm). Males have 16 and 18 preanal supplements, 57-68 μm long spicula and 11-14 μm long gubernaculum. Morphometric measurements and ratios were determined for 20 females of M. sandur n. sp., M. truncatus and M. aquaticus, all co-occurring in the floodplain reach. One-way analysis of variance revealed that M. aquaticus, M. truncatus and M. sandur n. sp. differ significantly in 18 out of 20 morphometric traits. A cluster analysis of ten morphometric traits was done to allocate and separate the measurements of the 60 females. Three distinctly separate clusters arose. By calculating the Kappa coefficient (K), it could be shown that the partitioning of individuals in these three clusters was in complete accordance with the species determination (K = 1; P < 0.0001).
Nematodes from the Gulf of California. Part 2. Ceramonema nasobema sp. n. (Nematoda: Ceramonematidae)
Authors: Holovachov Oleksandr , Mundo-Ocampo Manuel , De Ley Irma Tandingan , De Ley Paul
Published: October 2008

An unusual new ceramonematid, Ceramonema nasobema sp. n., is described using light and scanning electron microscopy. It is particularly characterised by the presence of a perioral tube projecting 5.5-7.0 μm anterior to the lips, moderately long body (0.86-1.09 mm), relatively small number of body annules (121-134), weakly developed zygapophyses, absence of intracuticular vacuoles, pronounced sexual dimorphism in amphid shape with the male ventral amphidial branch extending as far posterior as the 55-80th annule (no extension in females), barrel-shaped stoma, sigmoid and anteriorly inclined vagina without sclerotisations, gubernaculum with dorsal apophyses and relatively uniform cloacal annules. The new species differs from all other known species of Ceramonema especially by the shape of the amphid in males, the strongly projecting perioral tube and the inclined, sigmoid, vagina. Additional data on morphology of Ceramonema algoensis (from Natal Bay, South Africa) are also provided as this species has the most prominent perioral tube among previously described members of the genus.
Bursaphelenchus rufipennis n. sp. (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchinae) and redescription of Ektaphelenchus obtusus (Nematoda: Ektaphelenchinae), associates from nematangia on the hind wings of Dendroctonus rufipennis (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)
Authors: Kanzaki Natsumi , Giblin-Davis Robin M. , Cardoza Yasmin J. , Ye Weimin , Raffa Kenneth F. , Center Barbara J.
Published: October 2008

Two species of aphelench, Bursaphelenchus rufipennis n. sp. and
Ektaphelenchus obtusus, were isolated from the 'nematangia', cocoon-like
structures found at the base of the hind wings of Dendroctonus rufipennis.
The nematangia contained adult females of E. obtusus and the dauer juveniles
of B. rufipennis n. sp. Only B. rufipennis n. sp. could be cultured on
Monilinia fructicola on LGPDA (lactic acid-treated, glycerol-supplemented,
potato dextrose agar). The new species of Bursaphelenchus is described and
figured and some additional morphological characters are ascribed to E.
obtusus, E. josephi, E. sandiaensis, E. smaelus (= E. prolobos) and E.
terebranus after examination of type and/or voucher specimens.
Bursaphelenchus rufipennis n. sp. has an adult body length of ca 500-1000
μm, medium a ratios (ca 25-38 for females and ca 30-40 for males), b ratios
of ca 8-13 (female) and 7-11 (male), c ratios of ca 15-22 (female and male),
c′ ratios of ca 3-4 (female) and ca 2-3 (male), and is characterised by
three incisures in the lateral field, mitten-shaped spicules and a conical
female tail that curves ventrally and possesses a variable tail tip. The new
species is morphologically closest to B. corneolus, B. curvicaudatus, B.
gerberae, B. paracorneolus and B. talonus. Morphological examination of type
and/or voucher specimens of five Ektaphelenchus species revealed coarse
transverse body annulation and three pairs of male caudal papillae (except
for the two species where males are not described). Clear typological
differences were observed among these five Ektaphelenchus species in the
structure of the lip region, presence/absence of stylet knobs and male
spicule morphology. Although these characters have not been consistently
documented in the past, they may be diagnostic for species in the genus.
Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on SSU and D2/D3 LSU sequences
revealed that B. rufipennis n. sp. was closest to B. paracorneolus and that
E. obtusus was closest to species of Ektaphelenchoides and a
Cryptaphelenchus sp.
Diversity of Meloidogyne arenaria using morphological, cytological and molecular approaches
Authors: Almeida Maria Ritta , Carneiro Regina , dos Santos Marcilene , Tigano Myrian , Gomes Ana Cristina , Mota Fabiane Castro
Published: October 2008

Thirteen Meloidogyne arenaria isolates representing two cytological types (3n = 51-56, 2n = 42-48) and four enzymatic phenotypes (esterase and malate dehydrogenase: A3N1, A2N1, A1N1, A2N3) were studied using different approaches. The analysis of molecular markers showed a high level of polymorphism among the isolates. The trees obtained with RAPD or ISSR polymorphisms showed concordant results and agree with morphological studies. By considering morphometrical and morphological features, it was possible to conclude that the isolate with enzymatic phenotype A2N3 race 1 was the M. arenaria described in 1949 by Chitwood and appearing clearly separated in the trees, as well as in the outgroups. The seven isolates with phenotype A2N1 from different localities and isolate A1N1 can be considered morphometrically typical of M. arenaria race 2 and they were apparently clustered by geographical origin. Morphologically, they differed from isolate A2N3 race 1. The two isolates with phenotype A3N1 appeared to be closely related to the isolate of M. morocciensis and, considering all of the features described for this species, were identified as such. The two isolates A2N3 race 2 were identified either as an atypical M. arenaria or an unidentified species (females and males having atypical stylets), and clustered together and separated from other M. arenaria isolates with high bootstrap support. The same M. arenaria isolates were tested with the species-specific molecular marker, type SCAR. A fragment of 420 bp was obtained for ten isolates of M. arenaria, including the atypical A2N3 race 2 and M. morocciensis. This fragment was not amplified for three typical A2N1 isolates of M. arenaria.
Distribution, population density, race and type determination of soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, in Iran
Authors: Salati Mansour , Riggs Robert , Maafi Zahra Tanha
Published: October 2008

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines, found in most soybean growing regions in the world, is considered the most economically damaging pathogen of soybean worldwide. A survey conducted in the northern provinces of Mazandaran and Golestan, the main soybean-producing areas in Iran, revealed SCN was widespread in different localities of these regions. Of the 55 and 88 soil samples collected from soybean fields in Mazandaran and Golestan provinces, respectively, ten (18.8%) and 23 (26%) samples were infested with H. glycines; the population densities of second-stage juveniles (J2) and eggs ranged from 500 to 60 000 and 500 to ≥100 000 per 250 cm3 soil, respectively. These population densities of H. glycines are indicative of reductions in soybean yield. HG Type tests were conducted on 16 field populations. HG Type 0 (race 3) was the most common with 94% frequency, whereas HG Type 7 (race 6) was found in 6% of tested populations. Most populations of H. glycines parasitised PI88788 and PI548316. Eight of the most commonly used soybean cultivars were tested against H. glycines HG Type 0; seven of them, Sepideh, Sahar (Pershing), Gorgan 3, Williams 82, JK (Sari), BP (Telar) and Hill, had high female indices and were considered susceptible to HG Type 0. Only the cultivar DPX showed low female indices and was resistant to race 3. The initial observations showed that the first life cycle of SCN required 30-34 days in early-planted fields (late May and early June), whereas in late-planted fields (early July), white females were visible 20 days after planting. Several generations could be expected in a single growing season under field conditions in northern Iran.
Reducing Drag and Oscillation of Spheres Used for Buoyancy in Oceanographic Moorings
Authors: Hurley Jane , de Young Brad , Williams Christopher D.
Published: October 2008

Numerical and laboratory results of the drag characteristics are presented for different configurations of an underwater buoyancy package. It is shown that the drag and oscillation of an underwater sphere can be reduced substantially with the addition of a shaped cowling. The influence of several different cowling shapes on the drag and lift are determined. The results from a numerical fluid dynamical calculation are compared and laboratory measurements are scaled. Both the dynamic and static components of drag and lift are presented. The drag force for an underwater sphere can be reduced by more than 80% for a full teardrop-shaped cowling. A truncated teardrop, more practical for real applications, will still reduce the drag by 60%–70%. In addition to the drag, the amplitude of oscillations driven by eddy shedding is similarly reduced.
Influence of Cloud-Top Height and Geometric Thickness on a MODIS Infrared-Based Ice Cloud Retrieval
Authors: Garrett Kevin J. , Yang Ping , Nasiri Shaima L. , Yost Christopher R. , Baum Bryan A.
Published: October 2008

The retrieval of ice cloud microphysical and optical properties from satellite-based infrared observation remains a challenging research topic, partly because of the sensitivity of observed infrared radiances to many surface and atmospheric parameters that vary on fine spatial and temporal scales. In this study, the sensitivity of an infrared-based ice cloud retrieval to effective cloud temperature is investigated, with a focus on the effects of cloud-top height and geometric thickness. To illustrate the sensitivity, the authors first simulate brightness temperatures at 8.5 and 11.0 μm using the discrete ordinates radiative transfer (DISORT) model for five cloud-top heights ranging from 8 to 16 km and for varying cloud geometric thicknesses of 1, 2, 3, and 5 km. The simulations are performed across a range of visible optical thicknesses from 0.1 to 10 and ice cloud effective diameters from 30 to 100 μm. Furthermore, the effective particle size and optical thickness of ice clouds are retrieved from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) measurements on the basis of a lookup-table approach. Specifically, the infrared brightness temperatures are simulated from the collocated Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) level-2 product at 28 atmospheric levels and prescribed ice cloud parameters. Variations of the retrieved effective particle size and optical thickness versus cloud-top height and geometric thickness are investigated. Results show that retrievals based on the 8.5- and 11.0-μm bispectral approach are most valid for cloud-top temperatures of less than 224 K with visible optical thickness values between 2 and 5. The present retrievals are also compared with the collection-5 MODIS level-2 ice cloud product.
Observations of Gap Flow in the Wipp Valley on 20 October 1999: Evidence of Subsidence
Authors: Marić Tomislav , Durran Dale R.
Published: October 2008

Using extensive observations collected from various platforms around the Brenner Pass in the Austrian Alps during the Mesoscale Alpine Programme, a detailed description of the kinematic and thermodynamic structure of the shallow-foehn event that occurred on 20 October 1999 in the Wipp Valley is constructed. Downstream of the gap the flow develops a well-mixed surface layer capped by a relatively strong temperature inversion of 5–6 K. Such inversions are often assumed to be kinematically similar to the free surface at the top of a liquid; however, the data suggest the presence of strong subsidence through the mean position of the inversion layer capping the flow. Such subsidence is supported by in situ aircraft observations and Doppler lidar measurements but is not consistent with the observed turbulent heat fluxes, which are too small to account for the diabatic heating required by the isentrope-relative downward velocities. The 1-Hz time resolution of the P3 data may, however, be too coarse to correctly capture the full turbulent heat flux.
Lee-Wave Resonances over Double Bell-Shaped Obstacles
Authors: Grubišić Vanda , Stiperski Ivana
Published: October 2008

Lee-wave resonance over double bell-shaped obstacles is investigated through a series of idealized high-resolution numerical simulations with the nonhydrostatic Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) model using a free-slip lower boundary condition. The profiles of wind speed and stability as well as terrain derive from observations of lee-wave events over the Sierra Nevada and Inyo Mountains from the recently completed Terrain-Induced Rotor Experiment (T-REX).

Numerical experiments show that double bell-shaped obstacles promote trapped lee waves that are in general shorter than those excited by an isolated ridge. While the permissible trapped lee-wave modes are determined by the upstream atmospheric structure, primarily vertical wind shear, the selected lee-wave wavelengths for two obstacles that are close or equal in height are dictated by the discrete terrain spectrum and correspond to higher harmonics of the primary orographic wavelength, which is equal to the ridge separation distance. The exception is the smallest ridge separation distance examined, one that corresponds to the Owens Valley width and is closest to the wavelength determined by the given upstream atmospheric structure, for which the primary lee-wave and orographic wavelengths were found to nearly coincide.

The influence two mountains exert on the overall lee-wave field is found to persist at very large ridge separation distances. For the nonlinear nonhydrostatic waves examined, the ridge separation distance is found to exert a much stronger control over the lee-wave wavelengths than the mountain half-width. Positive and negative interferences of lee waves, which can be detected through their imprint on wave drag and wave amplitudes, were found to produce appreciable differences in the flow structure mainly over the downstream peak, with negative interference characterized by a highly symmetric flow pattern leading to a low drag state.
ENSO and Extreme Rainfall Events in South America
Authors: Grimm Alice M. , Tedeschi Renata G.
Published: October 2008

The influence of the opposite phases of ENSO on the frequency of extreme rainfall events over South America is analyzed for each month of the ENSO cycle on the basis of a large set of daily station rainfall data and compared with the influence of ENSO on the monthly total rainfall. The analysis is carried out with station data and their gridded version and the results are consistent. Extreme events are defined as 3-day mean precipitation above the 90th percentile. The mean frequencies of extreme events are determined for each month and for each category of year (El Niño, La Niña, and neutral), and the differences between El Niño and neutral years and La Niña and neutral years are computed. Changes in the mean intensity of extreme events are also investigated. Significant ENSO signals in the frequency of extreme events are found over extensive regions of South America during different periods of the ENSO cycle. Although ENSO-related changes in intensity show less significance and spatial coherence, there are some robust changes in several regions, especially in southeastern South America.

The ENSO-related changes in the frequency of extreme rainfall events are generally coherent with changes in total monthly rainfall quantities. However, significant changes in extremes are much more extensive than the corresponding changes in monthly rainfall because the highest sensitivity to ENSO seems to be in the extreme range of daily precipitation. This is important, since the most dramatic consequences of climate variability result from changes in extreme events.

The pattern of frequency changes produced by El Niño and La Niña episodes with respect to neutral years is roughly symmetric, but there are several examples of nonlinearity in the ENSO regional teleconnections.
Revisiting Climate Region Definitions via Clustering
Authors: Lund Robert , Li Bo
Published: October 2008

This paper introduces a new distance metric that enables the clustering of general climatic time series. Clustering methods have been frequently used to partition a domain of interest into distinct climatic zones. However, previous techniques have neglected the time series (autocorrelation) component and have also handled seasonal features in a suboptimal way. The distance proposed here incorporates the seasonal mean and autocorrelation structures of the series in a natural way; moreover, trends and covariate effects can be considered. As an important by-product, the methods can be used to statistically assess whether two stations can serve as reference stations for one another. The methods are illustrated by partitioning 292 weather stations within the state of Colorado into six different zones.
The Effect of Rain–No Rain Intermittency on the Estimation of the Universal Multifractals Model Parameters
Authors: de Montera L. , Barthès L. , Mallet C. , Golé P.
Published: October 2008

The multifractal properties of rain are investigated within the framework of universal multifractals. The database used in this study includes measurements performed over several months in different locations by means of a disdrometer, the dual-beam spectropluviometer (DBS). An assessment of the effect of the rain–no rain intermittency shows that the analysis of rain-rate time series may lead to a spurious break in the scaling and to erroneous parameters. The estimation of rain multifractal parameters is, therefore, performed on an event-by-event basis, and they are found to be significantly different from those proposed in scientific literature. In particular, the parameter H, which has often been estimated to be 0, is more likely to be 0.53, thus meaning that rain is a fractionally integrated flux (FIF). Finally, a new model is proposed that simulates high-resolution rain-rate time series based on these new parameters and on a simple threshold.