bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Morphological Analysis of Titanium Carbide Nanopowder
Authors: Sarkar Debasish , Chu Mincheol , Cho Seong‐Jai , Kim Yong Il , Basu Bikramjit
Published: September 2009

One of the major challenges in the development of nanostructured/ultrafine nonoxide ceramics is the synthesis of nonagglomerated‐nanosized ceramic powders. Here, we investigate carbothermal reduction to obtain spherical titanium carbide (TiC) nanoparticles smaller than 100 nm in diameter. Using a combination of characterization techniques, it has been confirmed that optimum thermal reduction conditions include a temperature of 1350°C with 1 h holding in an argon atmosphere. A three‐parameter Weibull distribution function provides a satisfactory fit for the size distribution of the synthesized TiC nanoparticles. Varying the synthesis time at 1350°C revealed the particle coarsening exponent “n” to be 2.9 and that particle shapes change from spherical at 1 h to more faceted at longer holding times of 4 h.
Effect of Potassium Sodium Tartrate and Sodium Citrate on the Preparation of α‐Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate from Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum in a Concentrated Electrolyte Solution
Authors: Shen Zhuoxian , Guan Baohong , Fu Hailu , Yang Liuchun
Published: September 2009

Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum mainly composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (DH) was used as a raw material to obtain α‐calcium sulfate hemihydrate (α‐HH) through dehydration in a Ca–Mg–K–Cl‐solution medium at 95°C under atmospheric pressure. The effects of potassium sodium tartrate and sodium citrate on the preparation of α‐HH in the electrolyte solution were investigated. The results revealed that the addition of potassium sodium tartrate (1.0 × 10−2–2.5 × 10−2M) decreased the dehydration rate of FGD gypsum and increased the length/width (l/w) ratio of α‐HH crystals, which could yield unfavorable strength properties. Addition of sodium citrate (1.0 × 10−5– 2.0 × 10−5M) slightly increased the dehydration rate of FGD gypsum and decreased the l/w ratio of α‐HH crystals, which could be beneficial to increase strength. However, it also led to a partial formation of anhydrite (AH) crystals. AH was also the only dehydration product when the concentration of sodium citrate increased to 1.0 × 10−4M. Therefore, sodium citrate rather than potassium sodium tartrate could be used as an additive in Ca–Mg–K–Cl electrolyte solutions if α‐HH with a shorter l/w ratio is the desired product from FGD gypsum dehydration. The concentration of sodium citrate should be properly controlled to reduce the formation of AH.
Our Science is Better than Yours: Two Decades of Data on Patients Treated by a Kardecist‐Spiritist Healing Group in Rio Grande do Sul1
Authors: GREENFIELD SIDNEY M.
Published: September 2009

This article examines whether a group of Brazilian Kardecist‐Spiritists are using the symbols of medicine and science to gain respectability and to better promote their beliefs and ritual activities or whether they are using the view of the world proposed by their founder to forge a new paradigm to replace science, as we know it. Their therapeutic practices, which range from the performance of surgeries without anesthesia and antisepsis to “teleporting” the astral bodies of patients to the spirit world where they are treated for illnesses acquired during previous lifetimes are described and analyzed in terms of their worldview which postulates reincarnation. Data indicating positive results from a sample of patients treated for illnesses they claim to be caused by experiences in previous lives are presented.
Reversible change in embryonic diapause intensity by mild temperature in the Chinese rice grasshopper, Oxya chinensis
Authors: Zhu Dao‐Hong , Yang Yan‐Ping , Liu Zhiwei
Published: September 2009

The effects of temperature on maintenance and termination of embryonic diapause were investigated in Jining (35.4°N, 116.6°E) and Sihong (33.5°N, 118.2°E) strains of the Chinese rice grasshopper, Oxya chinensis Thunberg (Orthoptera: Catantopidae). Eggs of both strains entered diapause when incubated at 30, 25, or 20 °C. Chilling at 8 °C had an evident effect on diapause termination and almost all eggs chilled for 60 days ended diapause development. Chilling of eggs at 8 °C for only 20 days failed to result in any hatching at 20 °C, suggesting that such level of chilling was not enough to induce diapause termination. However, the treatment combining incubation of eggs at 30 °C for varying lengths of time with subsequent incubation to 20 °C had a distinct effect on the completion of diapause of the eggs. The results indicate that there were two temperature optima, that is, low temperature (chilling) and high temperature, for diapause development in this grasshopper species. Incubation of chilled eggs at 20 °C for 5–15 days followed by further incubation at 25 °C reduced termination of diapause significantly compared with the eggs only chilled at 8 °C. Exposure of eggs chilled at 8 °C to a pulse of 25 °C from 1 to 7 days, separated by a 20‐day interval at 8 °C, resulted in a decrease in the percentage of successfully hatched eggs as the length of the pulse of 25 °C increased. The results suggest that diapause intensity may be restored at moderately high temperatures. This reversible change in diapause intensity would play an important role in maintaining diapause before winter.
Response of the melon aphid, Aphis gossypii, to host‐plant resistance: evidence for high adaptive potential despite low genetic variability
Authors: Lombaert Eric , Carletto Jérôme , Piotte Christine , Fauvergue Xavier , Lecoq Hervé , Vanlerberghe‐Masutti Flavie , Lapchin Laurent
Published: September 2009

In agrosystems, pests are submitted to strong human‐imposed selective pressures to which they sometimes adapt rapidly, either through selection of genotypes resulting from mutation and/or recombination events, or through phenotypic plasticity. Understanding how insects respond to such selective pressures is of great importance for sustainable pest management strategies, such as the use of resistant plants. In this study, we investigated the genetic and phenotypic variability of anholocyclic Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) strains, in response to the resistance gene Vat that is present in melon crops. Forty‐nine aphid colonies were sampled on several melon crops in southern France, genotyped using 15 microsatellite loci, and tested in phenotypic experiments using Vat or non‐Vat melons. The level of genetic polymorphism between these colonies was low, as only seven multilocus genotypes were detected. In contrast, the phenotypic variability for life‐history and behavioral traits between colonies, including those sharing the same genotype, was unexpectedly high, with a continuum of response to the Vat gene from complete susceptibility to strong virulence. The low genetic polymorphism associated with a strong phenotypic variability highlights the high adaptive potential of A. gossypii and the major role of environmental cues in shaping phenotypic responses of this aphid to pest management strategies.
Life history of the bird cherry‐oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi, on transgenic and non‐transformed wheat challenged with Wheat streak mosaic virus
Authors: Jiménez‐Martínez Edgardo S. , Bosque‐Pérez Nilsa A.
Published: September 2009

The life history of the bird cherry‐oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), was studied via laboratory assays on Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV)‐infected and non‐infected transgenic and non‐transformed wheat [Triticum aestivum L. (Poaceae)]. Although R. padi is not a WSMV vector, it is known to colonize WSMV‐infected wheat plants. Two transgenic soft white winter wheat genotypes, 366‐D03 and 366‐D8, that express the WSMV coat protein gene, and the WSMV‐susceptible non‐transformed cultivar Daws were tested. All genotypes showed disease symptoms when infected with WSMV. Whereas plant height was significantly reduced on virus‐infected compared to non‐infected plants of all genotypes, virus‐infected transgenic plants exhibited lower virus titer and lower disease rating scores than Daws. No significant effects of WSMV infection or genotypes were observed on the length of R. padi nymphal development period, nor on their pre‐, and post‐reproductive periods. Rhopalosiphum padi reproductive period was significantly longer on Daws infected with WSMV than on non‐infected plants of this cultivar. In contrast, there were no significant differences in length of R. padi reproductive period between virus‐infected and non‐infected transgenic plants within a genotype. Rhopalosiphum padi daily fecundity was significantly lower and adult longevity significantly longer on virus‐infected than on non‐infected plants of all genotypes. Total aphid fecundity and intrinsic rate of increase were not significantly different among treatments. The percentage of winged aphids that developed was greater on WSMV‐infected compared to non‐infected plants within a genotype. Results indicate that both virus infection status of plants and wheat genotype influence the life history of R. padi.
Cold tolerance during larval development: effects on the thermal distribution limits ofLeptinotarsa decemlineata
Authors: Lyytinen A. , Boman S. , Grapputo A. , Lindström L. , Mappes J.
Published: September 2009

Insects' cold tolerance during their development is a surprisingly understudied subject in ecology, despite the fact that subzero temperatures during the growing season are common at high altitudes and latitudes. Subzero temperatures can have detrimental effects on organisms, restricting a species’ range. This study addresses the question whether night frosts during the growing season have an instant or delayed negative impact on larval mortality of the Colorado potato beetle,Leptinotarsa decemlineata(Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). We also tested whether populations from the centre (Poland) and margins (Russia) of the distribution range ofL. decemlineatadiffer in their responses to subzero exposure and a low rearing temperature. Larvae of three ages were subjected to a subzero temperature (−4 °C for 3 h simulating night frost) twice, after which they were reared on a fluctuating temperature regime of 10–15 °C. These rearing conditions imitated cool summer temperatures beyond the beetles’ current range, such as in Finland. Individuals of both populations were highly cold tolerant, as only 3.1% of larvae died immediately following the subzero treatment. Nonetheless, the low rearing temperature was harmful to beetles of both populations. It caused high larval (ca. 90%) and overwintering (ca. 80%) mortality. As beetle performance was affected solely by rearing temperature, low temperatures during the growing season rather than night frosts apparently retard the beetle’s northern expansion.
Treatment‐resistant bipolar depression: towards a new definition
Authors: Pacchiarotti I. , Mazzarini L. , Colom F. , Sanchez‐Moreno J. , Girardi P. , Kotzalidis G. D. , Vieta E.
Published: September 2009

Objective:  To summarize the conceptual and operational definitions of treatment‐resistant bipolar depression and to review the evidence‐based therapeutic options.

Method:  Structured searches of PubMed, Index Medicus, Excerpta Medica and Psyclit conducted in December 2008.

Results:  Criteria for treatment resistance in bipolar depression are commonly based on concepts stemming from treatment resistance as defined for unipolar depression, an approach that proved to be inadequate. In fact, the addition of an ad hoc criterion based on lithium and other mood stabilizer unresponsiveness after reaching adequate plasma levels appears to be a patch that attempts to take into account the uniqueness of bipolar depression but fails to become operational. Recent data from randomized clinical trials of new anticonvulsants and second‐generation antipsychotics should lead to the development of a modern definition of treatment‐resistant bipolar depression, and specific therapeutic algorithms.

Conclusion:  We suggest a redefinition of resistant bipolar I and II depression. We propose different degrees of severity within bipolar depression in a stepwise manner.
Sexual patterns of prebreeding energy reserves in the common frog Rana temporaria along a latitudinal gradient
Authors: Jönsson K. Ingemar , Herczeg Gábor , O'Hara Robert B. , Söderman Fredrik , Ter Schure Arnout F. H. , Larsson Per , Merilä Juha
Published: September 2009

The ability to store energy is an important life history trait for organisms facing long periods without energy income, and in particular for capital breeders such as temperate zone amphibians, which rely on stored energy during reproduction. However, large scale comparative studies of energy stores in populations with different environmental constraints on energy allocation are scarce. We investigated energy storage patterns in spring (after hibernation and before reproduction) in eight common frog Rana temporaria populations exposed to different environmental conditions along a 1600 km latitudinal gradient across Scandinavia (range of annual activity period is 3–7 months). Analyses of lean body weight (eviscerated body mass), weight of fat bodies, liver weight, and liver fat content, showed that 1) post‐hibernation/pre‐breeding energy stores increased with increasing latitude in both sexes, 2) males generally had larger energy reserves than females and 3) the difference in energy stores between sexes decreased towards the north. Larger energy reserves towards the north can serve as a buffer against less predictable and/or less benign weather conditions during the short activity period, and may also represent a risk‐averse tactic connected with a more pronounced iteroparous life history. In females, the continuous and overlapping vitellogenic activity in the north may also demand more reserves in early spring. The general sexual difference could be a consequence of the fact that, at the time of our sampling, females had already invested their energy into reproduction in the given year (i.e. their eggs were already ovulated), while the males' main reproductive activities (e.g. calling, mate searching, sexual competition) occurred later in the season.
Foreign body urethral obstruction in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Hammond E.E. , Bennett J. , Wolf T. , Cyril S. , Evans S.E.
Published: September 2009

Background  A 34‐year‐old, captive‐born, vasectomized male chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) presented with lethargy and scrotal swelling.

Methods  Urethral obstruction was diagnosed via urethroscopy.

Results  Removal of the grass stem foreign body resolved the obstruction. Scrotal and preputial ulceration developed from urine scald, which was managed with surgical debridement and antibiotics.

Conclusions  After 7 weeks, the animal was reintroduced to its troup and has been healthy for 11 months.
Spatial and Functional Relationship of GGAs and AP‐1 in Drosophila and HeLa Cells
Authors: Hirst Jennifer , Sahlender Daniela A. , Choma Maja , Sinka Rita , Harbour Michael E. , Parkinson Michael , Robinson Margaret S.
Published: September 2009

The GGAs [Golgi‐localised, γ‐ear containing, ARF (ADP ribosylation factor)‐binding proteins] and the AP‐1 (adaptor protein‐1) complex are both adaptors for clathrin‐mediated intracellular trafficking, but their relationship to each other is unclear. We have used two complementary systems, HeLa cells and Drosophila Dmel2 cells, to investigate GGA and AP‐1 function. Immunoelectron microscopy of endogenous AP‐1 and GGA in Dmel2 cells shows that they are predominantly associated with distinct clathrin‐coated structures. Depletion of either GGA or AP‐1 by RNAi does not affect the incorporation of the other adaptor into clathrin‐coated vesicles (CCVs), and the cargo protein GFP‐LERP (green fluorescent protein‐lysosomal enzyme receptor protein) is lost from CCVs only when both adaptors are depleted. Similar results were obtained using HeLa cells treated with siRNA to deplete all three GGAs simultaneously. AP‐1 was still incorporated into CCVs after GGA depletion and vice versa, and both needed to be depleted for a robust inhibition of receptor‐mediated sorting of lysosomal hydrolases. In contrast, downregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I by HIV‐1 Nef, which requires AP‐1, was not affected by a triple GGA knockdown. Thus, our results indicate that the two adaptors can function independently of each other.
Calcium ion diffusion levels from MTA and apexcal in simulated external root resorption at middle third of the root
Authors: George Gingu Koshy , Rajkumar Kothandaraman , Sanjeev Kavita , Mahalaxmi Sekar
Published: September 2009

Abstract –  The purpose of this study was to investigate diffusion of calcium ions through exposed dentinal tubules following intracanal application of MTA and ApexCal. Thirty extracted anterior teeth were divided into three groups (n = 10): Group I: root canal prepared teeth with unfilled canals served as control; Group II: root canal space filled with MTA; Group III: root canal space filled with ApexCal. The teeth were decoronated, and root canal prepared to its working length and irrigated with EDTA and NaOCl. To simulate external root resorption, defects were created on the external surface of the root at the middle thirds. MTA/ApexCal was introduced into the canal and entrance sealed with IRM. The teeth were then coated with varnish except at the defect. Each tooth was immersed in a vial containing deionized water after which the release of Ca2+from the defects into the deionized water was measured at 1, 7, 12, 14, and 28 days. Ca2+concentrations of the immersion media were measured using a spectrometer. The post hoc‐Bonferroni Alpha test (with mean difference significant at the 0.05 level) was done to statistically analyse the results using spss 11.5 software for Windows. The results showed greater calcium release by ApexCal than MTA with a significant increase with time. Within the experimental conditions of the present study APEX CAL may potentially be used in cases of root resorption.
Knowledge of teachers and students in physical education’s faculties regarding first‐aid measures for tooth avulsion and replantation
Authors: Jorge Kelly Oliva , Ramos‐Jorge Maria Letícia , De Toledo Flávia Fonseca , Alves Laila Caldeira , Paiva Saul Martins , Zarzar Patrícia Maria
Published: September 2009

Abstract –  The aim of the present cross‐sectional study was to investigate the knowledge of undergraduate students and teachers at all physical education courses in the city of Belo Horizonte (Brazil) regarding first‐aid measures to be taken following tooth avulsion as well as the need for the preventative use of mouth guards. The sample consisted of 442 individuals (Group 1: 53 teachers; Group 2: 389 undergraduate students). Data collection was carried out with the administration of a questionnaire with both objective and subjective questions addressing definitions, first‐aid measures in cases of avulsion and tooth replantation, together with an assessment of the use and indication of mouth guards. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and the chi‐square test. The results revealed that 45.1% of the participants in both groups knew what a tooth replantation was. However, 91.6% judged themselves incapable of performing an immediate replantation. Among the overall sample, 45.9% has no knowledge on first‐aid measures regarding tooth avulsion; sending the patient with an avulsed tooth to the dentist was the most often cited measure (42.3%). Immediate replantation was cited by 20.6% of the individuals in Group 1 and 5.9% of the individuals in Group 2 (P = 0.009). Regarding the storage medium, 17.1% of the individuals would keep the avulsed tooth in a dry medium. The majority of participants (58.3%) stated that the ideal extra‐alveolar time for replantation was more than 360 min. Although 74% of the overall sample stated having knowledge of mouth guards, few reported making use or indicating the use of this piece of equipment. The present study revealed that the majority of teachers and undergraduate students of physical education courses do not have adequate knowledge regarding first‐aid measures for tooth avulsion and do not use or indicate the use of mouth guards during sports activities.
Tree recruitment above the treeline and potential for climate‐driven treeline change
Authors: Hofgaard Annika , Dalen Linda , Hytteborn Håkan
Published: September 2009

Questions: How do population structure and recruitment characteristics of Betula saplings beyond the treeline vary among climatic regions, and what is the potential for development into tree‐sized individuals with interacting grazing pressure?

Location: Scandes Mountains.

Methods: Sapling characteristics of Betula pubescens subsp. tortuosa, their topographic position above the treeline, growth habitat and evidence of recent grazing was investigated in three areas with a long continuous grazing history, along a latitudinal gradient (62‐69°N).

Results: Saplings were common up to 100 m above the treeline in all areas. The northern areas were characterised by small (<30 cm) and young (mean 14 years old) saplings in exposed micro‐topographic locations unfavourable to long‐term survival. In the southern area, broad height (2‐183 cm) and age (4‐95 years; mean 32 years) distributions were found in sheltered locations. Age declined with altitude in all areas. Sapling growth rate varied within and between areas, and the age × height interaction was significant only in the southern area. Growth rates decreased from south to north and indicated a considerable time required to reach tree size under prevailing conditions.

Conclusions: Regional differences can be attributed to climatic differences, however, interacting biotic and abiotic factors such as micro‐topography, climate and herbivory, mutually affect the characteristics of birch saplings. In view of the long time needed to reach tree size, the generally expected evident and fast treeline advance in response to climate warming may not be a likely short‐term scenario. The sapling pool in the southern region possesses strongest potential for treeline advance.
Abortion, Family Planning, and Population Policy: Prospects for the Common‐Ground Approach
Authors: Hodgson Dennis
Published: September 2009

For the past several decades those engaged in shaping the Program of Action documents at international conferences on population have muted their voices when the topic of abortion has been raised. In a desire to side‐step entanglement in a bitter debate over the morality of abortion, great care has been taken to define “family planning” in ways that explicitly exclude abortion. The “common‐ground” approach to treating abortion can be summarized in two directives found in all contemporary international population documents: “in no case should abortion be promoted as a method of family planning”; and all governments should work “to reduce the recourse to abortion through expanded and improved family‐planning services.” This article has three goals: first, to examine the appropriateness of these directives with respect to what is currently known about the relationship between abortion, family planning, and population policy; second, to trace how this “contraception‐only” definition of family planning became de rigueur at international population conferences; and third, to discuss the prospects for the emergence of a more appropriate “common‐ground” approach to abortion and population policy.
China's Below‐Replacement Fertility: Recent Trends and Future Prospects
Authors: Morgan S. Philip , Zhigang Guo , Hayford Sarah R.
Published: September 2009

Between 1970 and 1990, China experiencoed a rapid and sharp fertility decline—from total fertility rates of approximately six births to two. The degree to which Chinese fertility has continued to fall after 1990 is controversial. We use survey data from the 1997 National Population and Reproductive Health Survey and from the 2001 Reproductive Health and Family Planning Survey to document recent trends in Chinese fertility. Our estimates provide further evidence that China's fertility is well below‐replacement level at the turn of the twenty‐first century—with TFR levels of approximately 1.5 children per woman. Trends in parity‐specific cohort fertility by age also suggest below replacement completed fertility for cohorts still in the childbearing years. In the article's second section, we identify key components of low period fertility in order to frame our discussion of two questions: 1) in what ways is Chinese low fertility different from/similar to that in other low‐fertility countries? And 2) what are the likely future trends in Chinese fertility?
A moss pentatricopeptide repeat protein binds to the 3′ end of plastid clpP pre‐mRNA and assists with mRNA maturation
Authors: Hattori Mitsuru , Sugita Mamoru
Published: September 2009

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins constitute a large family in land plants and are required for various post‐transcriptional steps associated with RNA in plant organelles. The moss Physcomitrella patens PPR protein, PpPPR_38, is a nuclear‐encoded chloroplast protein and was previously shown to be involved in the maturation step of chloroplast clpP pre‐mRNA. To understand precisely the molecular function of PpPPR_38, we prepared recombinant PpPPR_38 protein and characterized it in maturation steps of clpP pre‐mRNA. In vitro RNA‐binding assays showed that the recombinant protein strongly bound to the clpP‐5′‐rps12 intergenic region, which is highly AU‐rich and includes an inverted repeat sequence potentially forming a stem‐loop structure. Digestion of the bound RNA region by RNase V1 was significantly accelerated by the addition of the recombinant protein. This strongly suggests that the binding of PpPPR_38 facilitates the formation of a stable stem‐loop structure. An in vitro degradation assay using chloroplast lysates gave rise to the possibility that the stable stem‐loop structure formed by PpPPR_38 contributes the correct intergenic RNA cleavage and protection of mature clpP mRNA against 3′ to 5′ exoribonuclease. Because an RNA‐binding assay also showed weak binding to the clpP first exon–intron region, PpPPR_38 is likely to be related to the splicing of clpP pre‐mRNA. Taking together all of the above findings, we conclude that PpPPR_38 is necessary for several steps in the clpP mRNA maturation process.
Mutational analysis of the preferential binding of human topoisomerase I to supercoiled DNA
Authors: Yang Zheng , Carey James F. , Champoux James J.
Published: September 2009

Human topoisomerase I binds DNA in a topology‐dependent fashion with a strong preference for supercoiled DNAs of either sign over relaxed circular DNA. One hypothesis to account for this preference is that a second DNA‐binding site exists on the enzyme that mediates an association with the nodes present in supercoiled DNA. The failure of the enzyme to dimerize, even in the presence of DNA, appears to rule out the hypothesis that two binding sites are generated by dimerization of the protein. A series of mutant protein constructs was generated to test the hypotheses that the homeodomain‐like core subdomain II (residues 233–319) provides a second DNA‐binding site, or that the linker or basic residues in core subdomain III are involved in the preferential binding to supercoiled DNAs. When putative DNA contact points within core subdomain II were altered or the domain was removed altogether, there was no effect on the ability of the enzyme to recognize supercoiled DNA, as measured by both a gel shift assay and a competition binding assay. However, the preference for supercoils was noticeably reduced for a form of the enzyme lacking the coiled‐coil linker region or when pairs of lysines were changed to glutamic acids in core subdomain III. The results obtained implicate the linker and solvent‐exposed basic residues in core subdomain III in the preferential binding of human topoisomerase I to supercoiled DNA.
Epidermal growth factor receptor ligands as new extracellular targets for the metastasis‐promoting S100A4 protein
Authors: Klingelhöfer Jörg , Møller Henrik D. , Sumer Eren U. , Berg Christian H. , Poulsen Maria , Kiryushko Darya , Soroka Vladislav , Ambartsumian Noona , Grigorian Mariam , Lukanidin Eugene M.
Published: September 2009

The function of S100A4, a member of the calcium‐binding S100 protein family, has been associated with tumor invasion and metastasis. Although an essential pro‐metastatic role of extracellular S100A4 in tumor progression has been demonstrated, the identification of the precise underlying mechanisms and protein partners (receptors) has remained elusive. To identify putative targets for extracellular S100A4, we screened a phage display peptide library using S100A4 as bait. We identified three independent peptide motifs with varying affinities for the S100A4 protein. Sequence analyses indicated that the most abundant peptide mimicked the F/YCC motif present in the epidermal growth factor domain of ErbB receptor ligands. S100A4 selectively interacted with a number of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands, demonstrating highest affinity for amphiregulin. Importantly, we found that S100A4 stimulated EGFR/ErbB2 receptor signaling and enhanced the amphiregulin‐mediated proliferation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts. S100A4‐neutralizing antibodies, as well as EGFR‐ and ErbB2 receptor‐specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors, blocked these effects. The present results suggest that extracellular S100A4 regulates tumor progression by interacting with EGFR ligands, thereby enhancing EGFR/ErbB2 receptor signaling and cell proliferation.

Structured digital abstract

MINT‐7256556: EGF (uniprotkb:P01133) binds (MI:0407) to S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) by far western blotting (MI:0047)

MINT‐7256512: BC (uniprotkb:P35070) binds (MI:0407) to S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) by far western blotting (MI:0047)

MINT‐7256485, MINT‐7256618, MINT‐7256636: AR (uniprotkb:P15514) binds (MI:0407) to S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) by far western blotting (MI:0047)

MINT‐7256494: HB‐EGF (uniprotkb:Q99075) binds (MI:0407) to S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) by far western blotting (MI:0047)

MINT‐7256502: P53 (uniprotkb:P04637) binds (MI:0407) to S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) by far western blotting (MI:0047)

MINT‐7256654: S100A2 (uniprotkb:P29034) binds (MI:0407) to AR (uniprotkb:P15514) by far western blotting (MI:0047)

MINT‐7256693: S100A5 (uniprotkb:P33763) binds (MI:0407) to AR (uniprotkb:P15514) by far western blotting (MI:0047)

MINT‐7256593: S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) binds (MI:0407) to BC (uniprotkb:P35070) by pull down (MI:0096)

MINT‐7256567: S100A4 (uniprotkb:P26447) binds (MI:0407) to AR (uniprotkb:P15514) by pull down (MI:0096)
Analysis of the region for receptor binding and triggering of oligomerization on Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Aa toxin
Authors: Obata Fumiaki , Kitami Madoka , Inoue Yukino , Atsumi Shogo , Yoshizawa Yasutaka , Sato Ryoichi
Published: September 2009

The determination of the receptor‐binding region of Cry toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis is expected to facilitate an improvement in their insecticidal ability through protein engineering. We analyzed the region on Cry1Aa molecules involved in interactions with the cadherin‐like protein receptor BtR175 using cysteine‐substituted mutant toxins and several synthetic peptides corresponding to the loops in domain 2. In addition, the region necessary to trigger oligomerization was analyzed using these mutant toxins. The mutant toxins were modified by two types of molecule, i.e. digested fragments of the Cry1Aa precursor with an average molecular mass of 2 kDa and 5‐iodoacetamidofluorescein, which has a molecular mass of 515 kDa. We examined whether these modifications interfere with the toxin–BtR175 interaction as a result of steric hindrance. 5‐Iodoacetamidofluorescein modification of R311C, N376C and G442C revealed steric hindrance effects, indicating that R311 on loop 1, N376 on loop 2 and G442 on loop 3 are on the contact face of the toxin–BtR175 interface when Cry1Aa binds to BtR175. Loop 2 is thought to interact with BtR175 directly, as a peptide corresponding to the N‐terminal half of loop 2, (365)LYRRIILG(372), has the potential to bind to BtR175 fragments. Meanwhile, mutant toxins with cysteine substitutions in loops 1 and 2 were oligomerized by the binding of digested fragments in the activation process without receptor interaction, and the wild‐type toxin formed oligomers by interaction with BtR175 fragments. These observations suggest that loops 1 and 2 form both a binding region and a sensor region, which triggers toxin oligomer formation.

Structured digital abstract

MINT‐7259673, MINT‐7259722, MINT‐7259737, MINT‐7259757, MINT‐7259774, MINT‐7259791, MINT‐7259808, MINT‐7259685, MINT‐7259707, MINT‐7259830: btr175 (uniprotkb:Q9XY09) binds (MI:0407) to cry1Aa (uniprotkb:P0A366) by surface plasmon resonance (MI:0107)
Bridging the Gap: How Can Information Access and Exchange Between Conservation Biologists and Field Practitioners be Improved for Better Conservation Outcomes?
Authors: Sunderland Terry , Sunderland‐Groves Jacqueline , Shanley Patricia , Campbell Bruce
Published: September 2009

It is widely accepted that there is a considerable gap between the science of conservation biology and the design and execution of biodiversity conservation projects in the field and science is failing to inform the practice of conservation. There are many reasons why this implementation gap exists. A high proportion of papers published in scientific journals by conservation biologists are seldom read outside of the academic world and there are few incentives for academics to convert their science into practice. In turn, field practitioners rarely document their field experiences and experiments in a manner that can meaningfully inform conservation scientists. Issues related to access to scientific literature, scientific relevance in multidisciplinary environments, donor expectations and a lack of critical analysis at all levels of conservation theory and practice are factors that exacerbate the divide. The contexts in which conservation biologists and field practitioners operate are also often highly dissimilar, and each has differing professional responsibilities and expectations that compromise the ability to learn from each other's expertise. Building on recent debate in the literature, and using case studies to illustrate the issues that characterize the divide, this paper draws on the authors' experiences of project management as well as academic research. We identify five key issues related to information exchange: access to scientific literature, levels of scientific literacy, lack of interdisciplinarity, questions of relevance and lack of sharing of conservation‐related experiences and suggest new ways of working that could assist in bridging the gap between conservation scientists and field practitioners.
Partnering for Greater Success: Local Stakeholders and Research in Tropical Biology and Conservation
Authors: Kainer Karen A. , DiGiano Maria L. , Duchelle Amy E. , Wadt Lúcia H. O. , Bruna Emilio , Dain Jonathan L.
Published: September 2009

Local communities are important stakeholders in resource management and conservation efforts, particularly in the developing world. Although evidence is mixed in suggesting that these resident stakeholders are optimal forest stewards, it is highly unlikely that large tracts of tropical forests will be conserved without engaging local people who depend on them daily for their livelihoods. Stakeholders, who reside in biodiverse ecosystems like tropical forests, are the largest direct users and ultimate decision‐makers of forest fate, can be important investors in conservation, harbor local ecological knowledge that complements Western science and frequently have long‐term legitimate claims on lands where they reside. Research partnerships with local stakeholders can increase research relevance, enhance knowledge exchange and result in greater conservation success. Different phases of the research cycle present distinct opportunities for partnership, with flexibility in timing, approaches and strategies depending on researcher and local stakeholder needs and interests. Despite being the last step in the research process, dissemination of results can be the best starting point for researchers interested in experimenting with local stakeholder engagement. Still, tropical biologists might not choose to partner with local people because of lack of institutional rewards, insufficient training in stakeholder engagement, insecure research infrastructure in community settings, and time and funding limitations. Although not appropriate in all cases and despite significant challenges, some biological scientists and research institutions have successfully engaged local stakeholders in the research process, proving mutually beneficial for investigators and local people alike and resulting in important innovations in tropical biology and conservation.
Graduate Students and Knowledge Exchange with Local Stakeholders: Possibilities and Preparation
Authors: Duchelle Amy E. , Biedenweg Kelly , Lucas Christine , Virapongse Arika , Radachowsky Jeremy , Wojcik Deborah J. , Londres Marina , Bartels Wendy‐Lin , Alvira Diana , Kainer Karen A.
Published: September 2009

Tropical biologists are exploring ways to expand their role as researchers through knowledge exchange with local stakeholders. Graduate students are well positioned for this broader role, particularly when supported by graduate programs. We ask: (1) how can graduate students effectively engage in knowledge exchange during their research; and (2) how can university programs prepare young scientists to take on this partnership role? We present a conceptual framework with three levels at which graduate students can exchange knowledge with stakeholders (information sharing, skill building, and knowledge generation) and discuss limitations of each. Examples of these strategies included disseminating preliminary research results to southern African villages, building research skills of Brazilian undergraduate students through semester‐long internships, and jointly developing and implementing a forest ecology research and training program with one community in the Amazon estuary. Students chose strategies based on stakeholders' interests, research goals, and a realistic evaluation of student capacity and skill set. As strategies became more complex, time invested, skills mobilized, and strength of relationships between students and stakeholders increased. Graduate programs can prepare students for knowledge exchange with partners by developing specialized skills training, nurturing external networks, offering funding, maximizing strengths of universities in developed and developing regions through partnership, and evaluating knowledge exchange experiences. While balancing the needs of academia with those of stakeholders is challenging, the benefits of enhancing local scientific capacity and generating more locally relevant research for improved conservation may be worth the risks associated with implementing this type of graduate training model.
Ecological Goals and Wetland Preservation Choice
Authors: De Laporte Aaron , Weersink Alfons , Yang Wanhong
Published: September 2009

Canada's multilayered wetland policies promote the preservation of “significant” wetlands, but the criteria for identifying these wetlands are not clearly defined partially because wetlands are a source of multiple ecological outputs, such as abating sediment and providing wildlife habitat. This study adapts a GIS‐based, hydrologic, and economic model to examine the trade‐offs between agricultural interests and ecological benefits in the Eramosa Watershed, located in southwestern Ontario, Canada. While preserving a wetland enhances both water quality and wildlife habitat goals, and the costs of preservation increase at an increasing rate as expected, the ranking of wetlands, and so the choice of “significant” wetlands, varies considerably depending upon the wetland benefit chosen as the policy goal. The trade‐off between wetland benefits and drainage is diminished if there is an alternative means to abate sediment. Since conservation tillage is a lower cost means of improving water quality than wetland preservation, its inclusion can achieve comparable environmental benefits at decreased agricultural cost.

La politique canadienne multicouche sur les zones humides préconise la préservation des zones humides «d'importance», mais les critères d'identification de ces zones ne sont pas clairement définis, en partie parce que les zones humides offrent une foule d'avantages écologiques tels que la réduction des sédiments et la constitution d'habitats fauniques. Dans la présente étude, nous avons adapté un modèle économique et hydrologique fondé sur un système d'information géographique (SIG) pour analyser les compromis entre les intérêts agricoles et les avantages écologiques dans le bassin hydrographique de la rivière Eramosa, situé dans le sud‐ouest de la province d'Ontario, au Canada. Bien que la préservation des zones humides améliore la qualité de l'eau et les habitats fauniques, et que les coûts liés à la préservation ne cessent d'augmenter, le classement des zones humides et, par conséquent, le choix des zones humides «d'importance» varient considérablement en fonction de l'avantage retenu comme objectif politique. Le compromis entre les avantages des zones humides et le drainage est diminué s'il existe une solution de rechange pour réduire les sédiments. Étant donné que, pour améliorer la qualité de l'eau, le travail de conservation du sol est un moyen plus économique que la préservation des zones humides, il peut permettre d'obtenir des avantages environnementaux comparables à des coûts agricoles moins élevés.
Trade Bans, Imperfect Competition, and Welfare: BSE and the U.S. Beef Industry
Authors: Panagiotou Dimitrios , Azzam Azzeddine M.
Published: September 2009

Between May 2003 and July 2005, the U.S. beef industry faced a total ban on Canadian cattle imports following the discovery of BSE in Canada in May 2003 and restrictions on U.S. beef exports following the discovery of BSE in the United States in December 2003. When the United States reopened its border to Canadian cattle in July 2005, shipments were restricted to cattle less than 30 months of age. The total ban on Canadian cattle imports and restrictions on U.S. beef exports overlapped between January 2004 and July 2005. The restrictions on Canadian cattle imports and U.S. beef exports overlapped for some time after July 2005. This paper addresses theoretically and empirically how to disentangle the impact on the U.S. beef industry of the BSE‐related beef trade interruptions in the presence of overlaps and imperfect competition.

Entre mai 2003 et juillet 2005, l'industrie bovine américaine s'est vue imposer une interdiction d'importer des bovins canadiens à la suite de la découverte d'un cas d'ESB au Canada en mai 2003 ainsi que des restrictions quant aux exportations de bœuf américain à la suite de la découverte d'un cas d'ESB aux États‐Unis en décembre 2003. En juillet 2005, les États‐Unis ont rouvert leur frontière aux bovins canadiens vivants de moins de 30 mois uniquement. L'interdiction absolue d'importer des bovins canadiens et les restrictions sur les exportations de bœuf américain se sont chevauchées entre janvier 2004 et juillet 2005. Les restrictions sur les importations de bovins canadiens et les exportations de bœuf américain se sont chevauchées pendant quelque temps après juillet 2005. Le présent article s'est penché sur les façons, théoriques et empiriques, de démĉler les répercussions que les interruptions du commerce du bœuf attribuables à l'ESB ont eues sur l'industrie bovine américaine en présence de chevauchements et de concurrence imparfaite.
The initial core mass function due to ambipolar diffusion in molecular clouds
Authors: Kunz Matthew W. , Mouschovias Telemachos Ch.
Published: September 2009

We show that the ambipolar-diffusion–initiated fragmentation of molecular clouds leads simply and naturally to an initial core mass function (CMF) which is very similar to the initial stellar mass function (IMF) and is in excellent agreement with existing observations. This agreement is robust provided that the three (input) free parameters remain within their range of values suggested by observations. Other, observationally testable, predictions are made.
Mount Augustus Geology and Geomorphology
Authors: BOURMAN ROBERT P. , OLLIER CLIFF D. , BUCKMAN SOLOMON
Published: September 2009

Mount Augustus (Burringurrah) at 1105 m AHD, is a prominent elongate inselberg, underlain dominantly by resistant sandstone of Middle Proterozoic age (1.6 billion years old). It is located midway between Meekatharra and Carnarvon in semi‐arid Western Australia. The Mount Augustus Sandstone and overlying sediments were folded and tilted about 1 billion years ago, providing the template for the modern Mount Augustus. It is essentially a structural landform. Its shape broadly conforms to the underlying asymmetrical anticline, which has a steep northern limb and a gentler dipping southern limb. The anticline plunges at a shallow angle to the southeast. The mountain is the core of the original fold and it stands some 700 m above the surrounding Gascoyne planation surface. Other rock types present on Mount Augustus include metamorphic and igneous rocks, which preclude it from being termed a monolith. Weathering, fluvial erosion and sedimentation have modified the original bedrock structures. Fluted bedrock provides evidence of rapid runoff from bare bedrock surfaces. A joint system has influenced the orientation of a step‐like sequence of numerous scarplets on slopes. The weathered rock is red, but the coloured rock is only a centimetre deep on most surfaces. The surrounding alluvial, gibber and sand plains shallowly bury the eroded bedrock plains of the Gascoyne planation surface. Former alluvial fills have been ferricreted in the lower reaches of some channels and are currently being eroded. Mount Augustus has often been compared with Ayers Rock, and unwarranted claims have been made that it is the biggest rock in the world and the world's biggest monolith.
“Adversarial legalism” in the German system of industrial relations?
Authors: Rehder Britta
Published: September 2009

The US has a distinctive legal style, which Robert Kagan has called “adversarial legalism.” It is marked by a pattern of political decisionmaking and conflict resolution in which the courtrooms and the law are systematically exploited as political arenas for making and implementing political settlements and policy outlines. In this article it is argued that a “German way” of adversarial legalism is about to emerge in the German industrial relations system. Economic liberalization, the fragmentation and decentralization of lawmaking authority in the political sphere, and the common‐law‐like nature of German labor law have contributed to the appearance of a judicialized pattern of governance. Nonetheless, Germany is not converging on the “American way of law” and major differences are expected to persist in the years to come.