bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Individual Growth Rates on Expected Behavior of the Northern California Dungeness Crab (Cancer magister) Fishery
Authors: Botsford Louis W.
Published: September 2008

Cycles in the northern California Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) fishery may be caused by density-dependent recruitment or a cyclic environmental variable. Investigation of these potential causes requires knowledge of the age(s) at which crabs enter the fishery. Behavior of this fishery has previously been analyzed using mathematical models that include density-dependent recruitment and describe changes in age structure with time. From data available on the northern California crab population and a review of previous studies elsewhere it appears that a single year-class of crabs enters this fishery over several years rather than in one year as described by models with only age structure. The realism of models of this fishery can therefore be increased by including size structure. Behavior of size-specific models is in general different from that of age-specific models. However, it is shown here that an effective survival rate can be derived from a size-specific model that enables interpretation as an age-specific model. This is used to demonstrate that inclusion of size dispersion in a population model increases stability, but if the mean age of the population is not changed, it will not substantially change the period of cycles. Because the growth pattern developed here changes the mean age of entry into the fishery it results in cycles with a longer period than determined in previous analyses. With regard to environmental causes, this growth pattern implies time lags of 4 and 5 yr between an environmental factor affecting recruitment and its effect on the catch record.
Influence of Water Level Drawdown on the Fish Populations of Cross Lake, Manitoba
Authors: Gaboury M. N. , Patalas J. W.
Published: September 2008

Regulated discharges into Cross Lake, Manitoba, resulted in average summer water volumes in 1980 and 1981 that were 49% lower than preregulated volumes. Water level drawdown in the summer reduces the amount of available habitat. Consequently, the standing crops of lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum), northern pike (Esox lucius), and Cisco (Coregonus artedii) are lower now than in preregulation and early postregulation years. Unusually early and rapid drawdown in March 1981 resulted in a severe winterkill, causing a substantial decrease in catches per unit of effort (CPUE) for most species from 1980 to 1981. The most affected species were whitefish and cisco, which showed a 50% reduction in CPUE from 1980 to 1981. The amount of fall to late spring drawdown and the year-class strengths of coregonid fishes were inversely related. A marked overwinter drawdown reduces whitefish and cisco hatching success apparently by dewatering their spawning areas and desiccating the eggs. Low water levels in spring prevented pike and walleye access to spawning areas.
Nucleic Acid, Protein Content, and Growth of Larval Fish Sublethally Exposed to Various Toxicants
Authors: Barron Mace G. , Adelman Ira R.
Published: September 2008

Larval fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were exposed for 96 h to several concentrations of benzophenone, ethyl acetate, hexavalent chromium, hydrogen cyanide, or p-cresol. The range of "safe" concentrations determined from 96-h macromolecular content (RNA, DNA, and protein) and growth was within or very near the range of "safe" concentrations determined by concomitant longer term exposure (28- to 32-d early life stage toxicity test). RNA, DNA, and protein content per larva and RNA/DNA ratio were sensitive to toxicant stress and followed a log-linear dose response. Larval RNA content appeared to be the 96-h measurement most responsive to toxicant exposure. A disruption of nucleic acid and protein metabolism apparently occurred within 96 h of sublethal toxicant exposure and resulted in (1) decreased rates of mitosis, (2) reduced protein synthesis, and (3) reduced growth. Measurement of growth and macromolecular content after a 96-h larval exposure provided a physiologically relevant measurement of toxicity that was predictive of longer term sublethal toxicity.
Body and Fin Form and Strike Tactics of Four Teleost Predators Attacking Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas) Prey
Authors: Webb P. W.
Published: September 2008

Experiments with teleosts attacking fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) prey showed that piscivore locomotor tactics vary with body/fin morphology. Predators were tiger musky (Esox sp.), rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui), and rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris) representing several morphological series from more flexible to more rigid bodies, elongate to gibbose bodies, soft-rayed to acanthopterygian median/paired fin patterns, and more to less myotomal muscle. Two predicted optimal tactics were common to the four predators: (1) strike at the prey center of mass and (2) strike prey from the side. Other tactics varied among the predators. Tiger musky always used S-start fast-starts, rainbow trout used steady swimming with body/caudal fin movements, and smallmouth and rock bass used steady swimming with body/caudal fin movements for closer prey and started attacks on distant prey with pectoral propulsion. Tiger musky overshot prey, this being prevented by the use of paired fins as brakes in the two centrarchids. Rainbow trout regularly chased prey, but effective braking coupled with suction feeding appeared to make chases less necessary for smallmouth and rock bass. Speeds in strikes increased according to rock bass < smallmouth bass < rainbow trout < tiger musky consistent with expectations based on morphology. Each species used attack speeds likely to minimize closure times, which is the general optimal strategy for interceptors. Tiger musky attacked at maximum speeds but rainbow trout and smallmouth and rock bass attacked at speeds very much lower than their maximum potential. The prey has a low response threshold for these three species compared with tiger musky when high speeds and associated large prey reaction distances would increase closure times.
Orthophosphate Uptake Rate Constants are Mediated by the 103–104Molecular Weight Fraction in Shield Lake Waters
Authors: Brassard P. , Auclair J. C.
Published: September 2008

Although midsummer chlorophyll concentrations can be predicted from total phosphorus, attempts to identify all bioavailable phosphorus compounds has proven difficult. Inconsistencies in determining colloidal phosphorus utilization and the discovery that orthophosphate concentration and flux are poor predictors of lake trophic status has led us to postulate that other forms of phosphorus compounds, which may not be necessarily labeled over the radioisotopic uptake assay (32P) period, are assimilated by natural phytoplankton assemblages. Using ultrafiltration methodology we test the hypothesis that the orthophosphate uptake rate constant can be physiologically varied upon changing the external concentration of selected molecular weight fractions in Shield lake waters. We determined that the fraction between molecular weight 103and 104significantly increased the orthophosphate uptake rate constant when exposed to the natural seston. Our discovery suggests that the orthophosphate uptake rate constant is subject to fluctuations depending on the availability of low molecular weight phosphorus metabolites in the external solution. The physiological basis of our observations may be a metabolic coupling between the activity of plasmalemma-bound phosphatases and the transport of PO43−across the cell membrane.
Associations among Chironomidae and Sandy Substrates in Nearshore Lake Michigan
Authors: Winnell Michael H. , Jude David J.
Published: September 2008

Chironomids and sediments were collected at 3- to 15-m depths along the shoreline of eastern Lake Michigan from 1978 to 1980. Chironomids were the most frequently occurring (92% of samples), most diverse (41 taxa), and the second-most numerous (1634∙m−2) group in this depth regime. The generalized sediment type was moderately sorted, fine sand. Sediments were grouped into three categories roughly corresponding to coarse [Formula: see text], fine [Formula: see text], and very fine [Formula: see text] sands. Nonparametric tests and a comparison of frequency distributions and densities distinguished chironomid–substrate associations. Two species were strongly associated with coarse sand, 5 species with coarse–fine sands and fine–very fine sands, and 11 species with very fine sand. We postulate that observed chironomid–substrate associations were related in part to morphological differences among taxa. Species most strongly associated with coarse sediments were small, slender, and fast-moving forms with tough outer Body integuments, morphological characteristics that are necessary for survival in the ephemeral, physically controlled environment. In the more stable, predictable environment where fine and very fine sands were most evident, species exhibited a wider variety of morphological characteristics, which included soft-bodied, tubicolous forms.
Female Size and Nest Depth in Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)
Authors: Berghe Eric P. van den , Gross Mart R.
Published: September 2008

Nest depth was strongly correlated with female size in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Since nests of different-sized females are at different depths, they are differentially vulnerable to destruction by floods and to other females competing for the same nest sites.
Uncertainty Analysis of Calculated Nutrient Regeneration Rates in Lake Michigan
Authors: McCormick Michael J. , Tarapchak Stephen J.
Published: September 2008

First-order uncertainty analysis of the following error sources was used to estimate errors in a mass balance calculation of regeneration rates for phosphorus, silica, and nitrogen at an offshore station in Lake Michigan: (1) precision of nutrient measurement, (2) vertical eddy diffusivity, (3) atmospheric loading, (4) primary production, (5) nutrient to carbon ratio, and (6) onshore–offshore nutrient transport. Approximately 80% of the variance for phosphorus regeneration was due to uncertainty in the phosphorus to carbon ratio, and more than 90% of the variance for silica and nitrogen regeneration was due to the onshore–offshore transport term. Calculated nutrient regeneration rates can be meaningful only if uncertainty due to advection and cellular stoichiometry are minimized.
The Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of Two Canadian Biological Stations
Authors: Needler A. W. H.
Published: September 2008

The evolution of the Biological Stations established by the Government of Canada at St. Andrews, N.B., and Nanaimo, B.C., in the summer of 1908 is outlined from small operations with limited facilities ashore and afloat manned seasonally by volunteer university scientists to modern well-equipped laboratories used by year-round scientific and technical staffs. The excellence of the work of the two stations depended on the independence and scientific integrity of the Biological Board (1912–37) and the Fisheries Research Board (1937–73) with memberships combining representatives of government and industry with a majority of university scientists. Under the Board the stations maintained a high level of efficiency and a good balance between short-and long-term and between fundamental and applied research. Programs were responsive to the needs of government and industry and made important contributions to fisheries management and development both domestic and international in both the Atlantic and the Pacific. It is hoped that the new regime may be modified to enable the stations to continue the level of excellence achieved under the Board.
Physiological and Taxonomic Separation of Two Dreissenid Mussels in the Laurentian Great Lakes
Authors: Domm S. , McCauley R.W. , Kott E. , Ackerman J. D.
Published: September 2008

Physiological techniques were used to separate two related Dreissena species initially established by electrophoretic and morphological characteristics (May and Marsden. 1992. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 49: 1501–1506). Samples of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and "quagga" mussels (provisionally either Dreissena polymorpha andrusovi or Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) of the same size growing side by side were collected in Lake Erie, thereby ensuring that they had identical thermal histories. Upper lethal temperatures of zebra mussels were significantly higher than those of quagga mussels. The critical thermal maxima of zebra mussels acclimatized at 20 °C were half a degree higher than those of quagga mussels. The average survival times of zebra mussels held at a constant lethal temperature were also significantly longer. These results indicate that in addition to differences in allozyme loci and shell morphology, these two dreissenids may be distinguished by important physiological differences in their thermal resistance; moreover, there may be important ecological differences associated with the different species of dreissenids in North America.
Invasion of Lake Erie Offshore Sediments by Dreissena, and Its Ecological Implications
Authors: Dermott R. , Munawar M.
Published: September 2008

Large populations of the exotic rounded (noncarinate) shelled mussel of the genus Dreissena were found to exist on soft sediments collected throughout the central and eastern basins of Lake Erie during July and August 1992. Two different phenotypes were present on fine sediments (<150 μm) in the eastern basin. An elongated white morph was common on the profundal sediments beyond 40 m depth, while the "quagga" mussel was common on sand and sandy silt at depths between 10 and 30 m. Together with the carinated zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha, which is very abundant on hard substrates in the sublittoral region, at least 80% of Lake Erie's bottom sediments have been invaded by Dreissena. Only that region of the central basin (near Cleveland) which undergoes periodic summer anoxia was not inhabited by this genus.
Colonization, Ecology, and Population Structure of the "Quagga'' Mussel (Bivalvia: Dreissenidae) in the Lower Great Lakes
Authors: Mills Edward L. , Dermott Ron M. , Roseman Edward F. , Dustin Donna , Mellina Eric , Conn David Bruce , Spidle Adrian P.
Published: September 2008

An invasive dreissenid mussel given the working name of "quagga" has a present (spring 1993) distribution in the Laurentian Great Lakes from the western basin of Lake Erie to Quebec City. In Lake Erie, quaggas were collected as early as 1989 and now are most common in the eastern basin. In Lakes Erie and Ontario, proportions of quaggas increased with depth and decreasing water temperature. In the eastern basin of Lake Erie, quaggas outnumbered zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) by 14 to 1 in deeper waters (>20 m). In Lake Ontario, quaggas were observed at depths as great as 130 m, and both quagga and zebra mussel were found to survive at depths (>50 m) where temperatures rarely exceed 5 °C. Quaggas were sparse or absent along inland waterways and lakes of New York State. Mean shell size of quagga mussel was larger than that of zebra mussel at sites in the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River. The largest quaggas (38 mm) were observed in the St. Lawrence River at Cape Vincent.
Effect of Changes in Recruitment Levels on Multispecies Long-term Predictions
Authors: Gislason Henrik
Published: September 2008

A multispecies model (MSFOR) is used to predict the relative change in equilibrium yield and spawning stock biomass (SSB) of commercially important fish stocks in the North Sea resulting from a reduction in the fishing mortality generated by the roundfish fishery. Because predation mortality is a function of the abundance of prey and predators the results will depend on recruitment. Assuming recruitment to be independent of stock sizes the effect of changes in recruitment is studied by repeating the predictions at all possible combinations of ±50% changes in predator and prey recruitment levels. All of the predictions result in a relative increase in the SSB of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and saithe (Pollachius virens) and in a relative decrease in the SSB of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) and Norway pout (Trisopterus esmarkii). In these cases the sign of the relative change is robust to recruitment changes. However, for haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), sprat (Sprattus sprattus), and sandeel (Ammodytes marinus) the relative change in SSB is found to be either positive or negative depending on the level of recruitment. The predictions for haddock are highly sensitive to changes in the level of saithe recruitment.
Predicting Microdistributions of Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Parr from Depth and Velocity Preference Criteria: Test of an Assumption of the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology
Authors: Beecher Hal A. , Johnson Thom H. , Carleton John P.
Published: September 2008

We tested an assumption of the Physical Habitat Simulation of the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (IFIM) that fish select microhabitats based on the quality of one or several hydraulic conditions. We developed preference curves for juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Morse Creek, Washington, USA, that accounted for availability of depths and velocities and their utilization by steelhead parr. To allow comparison of intervals among preference curves from different studies, we developed preference indices. We then evaluated the relationship between steelhead parr density and preference or preference indices for depth, velocity, and depth and velocity combined using an independent data set from a different year and an adjacent location in Morse Creek; these indices reflected observed densities of steelhead parr. There was a significant rank correlation between steelhead parr density and preferences or preference indices of steelhead parr for velocity alone and for depth and velocity combined, but not for depth alone. Steelhead parr strongly avoided habitat in which depth preference was 0.0, but velocity preference appeared to influence use of habitat where depth preference was not 0.0. Steelhead parr avoided cells with low preference indices and preferred cells with high preference indices. These relationships support an assumption of the IFIM.
Population Field Theory with Applications to Tag Analysis and Fishery Modeling: the Empirical Green Function
Authors: Salvadó Carlos A. M.
Published: September 2008

A theoretical framework is proposed for analyzing fish movement and modeling the associated dynamics using tagging data. When tagged fish are released in an area small compared with the domain of the fish population and over a period short compared with the time they take to disperse throughout their domain, the pattern of movement approximates a point-source solution of the underlying population dynamics. A method of point sources (Green functions) is invoked for representing the solution of the tagged and untagged fish field equations (partial differential equations) in terms of integral equations. As an approximate representation of a tagging experiment, the Green function is interpreted as the probability density of survival and movement from point to point in space–time. The Green functions are constructed empirically using one parameter, catchability, as the ratio of population density of tagged fish divided by the number of tagged fish released. The number of tagging experiments necessary to characterize the population is dictated by the dependence of catchability on space–time. The moments of the Green function are used to calculate model parameters and lead to the identification of a closed form expression for the transition probability densities of the model assumed.
Microalgal Pigment Assessments Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: A Synopsis of Organismal and Ecological Applications
Authors: Millie David F. , Paerl Hans W. , Hurley James P.
Published: September 2008

Past and current efforts at identifying microalgal phylogenetic groups rely largely on microscopic evaluation, which requires a high level of taxonomic skill, may take considerable time, can be variable among personnel, and does not allow characterization of the physiological status of the taxa. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has proven effective in rapidly separating and distinguishing chlorophylls, chlorophyll-degradation products, and carotenoids within monotypic and mixed algal samples. When coupled with absorbance and/or fluorescence spectroscopy, HPLC can accurately characterize phylogenetic groups and changes in community composition and yield information concerning microalgal physiological status, production, trophic interaction, and paleolimnology/paleooceanography. The recent widespread occurrence of toxic and noxious phytoplankton blooms has necessitated the use of remote imagery of pigment and reflectance "signatures" for monitoring and predicting bloom distribution. Because HPLC allows the processing of large numbers of samples from numerous locations relatively quickly, it is ideally suited for large-scale "ground truthing" of remotely sensed imagery. Coupled with rapidly evolving computer-based remote sensing technologies, HPLC-based pigment analyses may provide accurate assessments of aquatic biogeochemical flux, primary production, trophic state, water quality, and changes therein on local, regional, and global scales.
Time‐Resolved 2PPE and Time‐Resolved PEEM as a Probe of LSP′s in Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Bayer D. , Wiemann C. , Gaier O. , Bauer M. , Aeschlimann M.
Published: September 2008

The time‐resolved two‐photon photoemission technique (TR‐2PPE) has been applied to study static and dynamic properties of localized surface plasmons (LSP) in silver nanoparticles. Laterally, integrated measurements show the difference between LSP excitation and nonresonant single electron‐hole pair creation. Studies below the optical diffraction limit were performed with the detection method of time‐resolved photoemission electron microscopy (TR‐PEEM). This microscopy technique with a resolution down to 40 nm enables a systematic study of retardation effects across single nanoparticles. In addition, as will be shown in this paper, it is a highly sensitive sensor for coupling effects between nanoparticles.
Aspirin Has Antitumor Effects via Expression of Calpain Gene in Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Lee Sang Koo , Park Min Seon , Nam Myeong Jin
Published: September 2008

Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs show efficacy in the prevention of cancers. It is known that they can inhibit cyclooxygenases, and some studies have shown that they can induce apoptosis. Our objective in this study was to investigate the mechanism by which aspirin exerts its apoptosis effects in human cervical cancer HeLa cells. The effect of aspirin on the gene expression was studied by differential mRNA display RT-PCR. Among the isolated genes, mu-type calpain gene was upregulated by aspirin treatment. To examine whether calpain mediates the antitumor effects, HeLa cells were stably transfected with the mammalian expression vector pCR3.1 containing mu-type calpain cDNA (pCRCAL/HeLa), and tumor formations were measured in nude mice. When tumor burden was measured by day 49, HeLa cells and pCR/HeLa cells (vector control) produced tumors of 2126 mm3and 1638 mm3, respectively, while pCRCAL/HeLa cells produced markedly smaller tumor of 434 mm3in volume. The caspase-3 activity was markedly elevated in pCRCAL/HeLa cells. The increased activity levels of caspase-3 in pCRCAL/HeLa cells, in parallel with the decreased tumor formation, suggest a correlation between caspase-3 activity and calpain protein. Therefore, we conclude that aspirin-induced calpain mediates an antitumor effect via caspase-3 in cervical cancer cells.
Tool Wear Detection Based on Duffing‐Holmes Oscillator
Authors: Song Wanqing , Deng Shen , Yang Jianguo , Cheng Qiang
Published: September 2008

The cutting sound in the audible range includes plenty of tool wear information. The sound is sampled by the acoustic emission (AE) sensor as a short‐time sequence, then worn wear can be detected by the Duffing‐Holmes oscillator. A novel engineering method is proposed for determining the chaotic threshold of the Duffing‐Holmes oscillator. First, a rough threshold value is calculated by local Lyapunov exponents with a step size 0.1. Second, the exact threshold value is calculated by the Duffing‐Holmes system in terms of the law of the golden section. The advantage of the method is low computation cost. The feasibility for tool condition detection is demonstrated by the 27 kinds of cutting conditions with sharp tool and worn tool in turning experiments. The 54 group data sampled as noisy are embedded into the Duffing‐Holmes oscillator, respectively. Finally, one chaotic threshold is determined conveniently which can distinguish between worn tool or sharp tool.
Explicit Solution of the Inverse Eigenvalue Problem of Real Symmetric Matrices and Its Application to Electrical Network Synthesis
Authors: Kandić D. B. , Reljin B. D.
Published: September 2008

A novel procedure for explicit construction of the entries of real symmetric matrices with assigned spectrum and the entries of the corresponding orthogonal modal matrices is presented. The inverse eigenvalue problem of symmetric matrices with some specific sign patterns (including hyperdominant one) is explicitly solved too. It has been shown to arise thereof a possibility of straightforward solving the inverse eigenvalue problem of symmetric hyperdominant matrices with assigned nonnegative spectrum. The results obtained are applied thereafter in synthesis of driving‐point immittance functions of transformerless, common‐ground, two‐element‐kind RLC networks and in generation of their equivalent realizations.
Idiopathic Low-Flow Priapism in Prepuberty: A Case Report and a Review of Literature
Authors: Hekal Ihab A. , Meuleman Eric J. H.
Published: September 2008

Introduction. The incidence of priapism in adults is higher than in children. Although approximately 50% of all episodes of priapism are thought to be idiopathic, there are a number of known specific causes of this disorder. In adults intracavernous therapy with papaverine, phentolamine, alprostadil or combinations of these agents is the most common cause of ischemic priapism. In children the most common etiology is sickle cell anemia for low-flow priapism or post-traumatic high-flow priapism. We present a 13-year-old boy, not sexually active presented to our outpatient clinic suffering from long standing (3.5 hours) sustained painful erection. To the best of our knowledge the idiopathic low-flow priapism in pre-pubertal boy was not reported before in literature. Our case is the first case to be reported in pre-pubertal age.Conclusion. In pre-pubertal boys idiopathic recurrent priapism is a rare condition. In the literature, several empirical therapies are described. Recently, it is postulated that a low dose of a PDE5 inhibitor. The early conservative management is the best treatment option to safe the corporeal smooth muscles from irreversible damage.
A Review of the Effect of Injected Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid Copolymer Volume on Reflux Correction Following Endoscopic Injection
Authors: Dave Sumit , Bägli Darius J.
Published: September 2008

The current literature suggests that multiple variables affect vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) resolution rates following dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Dx/HA) injection. This article reviews the evidence pertaining to the effect of injected Dx/HA volume on success rates following endoscopic correction. Lack of prospective studies which use injected volume as a continuous variable coupled with a nonstandardized injection technique and endpoint hinders the ability to reach a definite conclusion.
On Multiple Twisted p‐adic q‐Euler ζ‐Functions and l‐Functions
Authors: Kim Min-Soo , Kim Taekyun , Son Jin-Woo
Published: September 2008

We give the existence of multiple twisted p‐adic q‐Euler ζ‐functions
and l‐functions, which are generalization of the twisted p‐adic (h, q)‐zeta functions
and twisted p‐adic (h, q)‐Euler l‐functions in the work of Ozden and Simsek (2008).
CD36 Is Significantly Correlated with Adipophilin in Human Carotid Lesions and Inversely Correlated with Plasma ApoAI
Authors: Collot-Teixeira Sophie , Barbatis Calypso , Bultelle Florence , Koutouzis Michael , Pasterkamp Gerard , Fraser Paul , Kyriakides Zenon S. , Poston Robin N. , Ristagno Angelique , McGregor Lilian , Boulanger Chantal M. , Leseche Guy , McGregor John L.
Published: September 2008

OxLDL uptake and cholesterol efflux inhibition in macrophages play a key role in atherosclerotic plaque formation, rupture, and thrombotic ischemia. This study investigates genes implicated in OxLDL uptake (CD36, SRA), cholesterol efflux inhibition (adipophilin, ADFP), and inflammatory recruitments of leukocytes (IL‐8) in plaque lesion areas (PLAs) compared to nonplaque lesion areas (NPLAs) in human carotid endarterectomy specimens. Gene and protein expressions were assayed using quantitative PCR and quantitative immunohistochemistry. Pearson tests were used to investigate potential correlation between (a) different gene expressions and (b) gene expression and patient′s plasma constituents. CD36, SRA, ADFP, and IL‐8 were shown to be significantly more expressed in PLA compared to NPLA. In PLA, a significant correlation was observed between CD36, SRA, ADFP, and IL‐8 mRNA levels. Moreover, CD36 expression level was significantly inversely correlated to plasma marker ApoAI. The above investigated genes/proteins may play a key role in the maturation of atherosclerotic lesions.
SystemC Transaction-Level Modeling of an MPSoC Platform Based on an Open Source ISS by Using Interprocess Communication
Authors: Boukhechem Sami , Bourennane El-Bay
Published: September 2008

Transaction-level modeling (TLM) is a promising technique to deal with the increasing complexity of modern embedded systems. This model allows a system designer to model a complete application, composed of hardware and software parts, at several levels of abstraction. For this purpose, we use systemC, which is proposed as a standardized modeling language. This paper presents a transaction-level modeling cosimulation methodology for modeling, validating, and verifying our embedded open architecture platform. The proposed platform is an open source multiprocessor system-on-chip (MPSoC) platform, integrated under the synthesis tool for adaptive and reconfigurable system-on-chip (STARSoC) environment. It relies on the integration between an open source instruction set simulators (ISSs), OR1Ksim platform, and the systemC simulation environment which contains other components (wishbone bus, memories, , etc.). The aim of this work is to provide designers with the possibility of faster and efficient architecture exploration at a higher level of abstractions, starting from an algorithmic description to implementation details.
Triumph over Your Rivals in Dynamic Oligopoly
Authors: Huang Weihong
Published: September 2008

Challenging the conventional belief that sophistication in strategy is always better, it was found in W.
Huang (2002a) that a price‐taker who adopts the Cobweb strategy yields higher profits than those who adopt
more sophisticated strategies. This study explores the possibility of improving further the relative profit
advantage that the price‐taker has over its counterparts through incorporating the growth‐rate adjustment
strategy. A linear heterogenous oligopoly model is used to illustrate the merits of such strategy in the case of
disequilibrium. It is shown in theory and supported with numerical simulations that the adoption of growth‐rate
adjustment strategy together with price‐taking strategy confers on the price‐taker the stabilization power
in a dynamically unstable market in addition to better relative performance in terms of major performance
measures.
An Interesting Case of Mistaken Identity
Authors: Umar S.B. , Efron J.E. , Heigh R.I.
Published: September 2008

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is an uncommon disorder which can present in patients being evaluated for defecatory disorders or which can present as a primary process often involving hematochezia, rectal pain and tenesmus. Unfortunately the diagnosis of this disorder is often delayed due to misdiagnosis and/or physician unfamiliarity with the condition. We present a 24-year-old female who presented with 6 months of bloody diarrhea and weight loss. She had been receiving treatment for a presumed diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to an endoscopic picture of rectal thickening, edema and ulceration and had been on prednisone for 2 months prior to presentation without relief of her symptoms. After further testing including repeat endoscopy with biopsies, defecography and anorectal manometry, the diagnosis of SRUS was made and treatment was changed. Medical management was unsuccessful and she ultimately required surgical intervention. This case highlights the difficulty in diagnosing SRUS due to its resemblance to other gastrointestinal diseases and should serve as a reminder that if a patient is not responding to IBD therapy, another etiology should be considered.
Primary Colonic Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma Presenting Carcinocythemia: An Autopsy Case
Authors: Misawa Ryosuke , Kobayashi Motohiro , Ito Makoto , Kato Mai , Uchikawa Yuji , Takagi Satoshi
Published: September 2008

Primary colorectal signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is a rare but distinctive type of mucin-producing adenocarcinoma of the large intestine with still controversial clinicopathological features and prognosis. We encountered primary colonic SRCC in a 51-year-old Japanese man with extensive bone metastasis ultimately leading to carcinocythemia before the initiation of chemotherapy and surgical intervention. Three days before death, besides progressive disseminated intravascular coagulation that had been present on admission, hematological examination showed sudden leukocytosis with nonhematopoietic cells that subsequently turned out to be signet ring cells (SRCs). Carcinocythemia, the presence of circulating cancer cells in peripheral blood, is considered to be a rare but an ominous phenomenon occurring in the advanced stage of certain types of cancers, particularly mammary lobular carcinoma. It can be assumed that carcinoma cells lacking intercellular cohesiveness and polarized cell membrane organization, including SRCs as well as lobular carcinoma cells, can readily get access to the peripheral circulation; however, to our knowledge, this is the first report of primary colorectal SRCC that presented carcinocythemia. Extensive bone metastatic sites, in the present case, may have functioned as a reservoir of circulating SRCs.
Transgastric Diversion of Transnasal Long Tube Placement Using a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Site in a Patient with Bowel Obstruction and Massive Ascites due to Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Horiuchi Akira , Nakayama Yoshiko , Tanaka Naoki
Published: September 2008

The course of patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma is often complicated by bowel obstruction and/or massive ascites. A transnasal long tube may be placed to relieve bowel obstruction, but produces nasal discomfort and pain. Recently, the effectiveness of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement for malignant bowel obstruction due to ovarian carcinoma has been reported, but not all patients received effective decompression. Diversion of a transnasal long tube to the PEG site in this case provided a useful method of long-term decompression while providing improved quality of life.
Cardioprotective Role of Sodium Thiosulfate on Chronic Heart Failure by Modulating Endogenous H2S Generation
Authors: Sen Utpal , Vacek Thomas P. , Hughes William M. , Kumar Munish , Moshal Karni S. , Tyagi Neetu , Metreveli Naira , Hayden Melvin R. , Tyagi Suresh C.
Published: September 2008

Background/Aims: Sodium thiosulfate (STS) has been shown to be an antioxidant and calcium solubilizer, but the possible role of STS in dysfunctional ventricles remains unknown. Here, we assessed the effects of STS in the failing heart. Methods: Heart failure was created by an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Mice were divided into 4 groups: sham, AVF, sham + STS, and AVF + STS. STS (3 mg/ml) was supplemented with drinking water for 6 weeks in the appropriate surgery groups after surgery. Results: M-mode echocardiograms showed ventricular contractile dysfunction with reduced aortic blood flow in AVF mice, whereas STS treatment prevented the decline in cardiac function. Ventricular collagen, MMP-2 and -9, and TIMP-1 were robustly increased with a decreasing trend in adenylate cyclase VI expression; however, STS supplementation reversed these effects in AVF mice. Among 2 enzymes that produce endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S), cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) expression was attenuated in AVF mice with no changes in cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) expression. In addition, reduced production of H2S in AVF ventricular tissue was normalized with STS supplementation. Moreover, cardiac tissues were more responsive to H2S when AVF mice were supplemented with STS compared to AVF alone. Conclusions: These results suggested that STS modulated cardiac dysfunction and the extracellular matrix, in part, by increasing ventricular H2S generation.
Analysis of Cerebrospinal Fluid of Alzheimer Patients
Authors: Marksteiner Josef , Pirchl Michael , Ullrich Celine , Oberbauer Harald , Blasko Imrich , Lederer Wolfgang , Hinterhuber Hartmann , Humpel Christian
Published: September 2008

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a severe, progressive and chronic disorder with strong cognitive deficits. Diagnosis of probable AD can be performed by measuring biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The aim of the present study was to measure CSF levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), the anti-NGF auto-antibody, andthe cholinesterases AChE and BChE, and to correlate them with β-amyloid, tau and phospho-tau-181. We could show that NGF-like immunoreactivity, but not anti-NGF auto-antibody, was significantly enhanced in AD patients compared to healthy subjects, while both cholinesterases were not changed. β-Amyloid(1–42) was decreased, while tau and phospho-tau-181 were increased. The commercial Promega NGF ELISA detected mature NGF but not wild-type-human-pro-NGF. Using a bioassay of brain slices, we showed that recombinant mature NGF enhanced survival of cholinergic neurons, while wild-type human pro-NGF displayed a less pronounced effect. The addition of CSF to brain slices exhibited strong toxic effects on the survival of cholinergic neurons. We conclude that in CSF of AD patients (at least partly) mature NGF-like immunoreactivity is enhanced, and is masked in a bioassay by the toxic properties of CSF.
Impact of MDR1 Haplotypes Derived from C1236T, G2677T/A and C3435T on the Pharmacokinetics of Single-Dose Oral Digoxin in Healthy Chinese Volunteers
Authors: Xu Ping , Jiang Zhi-Ping , Zhang Bi-Kui , Tu Ji-Ying , Li Huan-De
Published: September 2008

Objective: To investigate the effect of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the haplotypes of MDR1 on the pharmacokinetics of single-dose digoxin in healthy Chinese volunteers. Methods: After the genotypes of the MDR1 alleles of interest (G1199A, C1236T, G2677T/A and C3435T) had been determined, 20 subjects with the predominant haplotypes (TTT, CGC, TGC and CAC, in the order of position 1236-2677-3435) were selected and administered with 0.25 mg of digoxin. Venous blood samples were taken from 0 to 4 h after dosing, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using the Drug and Statistics software. Results: No mutation allele of G1199A was found in this study, the frequencies of the C1236T, G2677T/A and C3435T genetic variants were 65.2, 41.2, 17.3 and 39.7%, respectively. The 4 haplotypes TTT, TGC, CGC and CAC were present in more than 90% of Chinese Han subjects, and an incomplete linkage between C3435T in exon 26, G2677T in exon 21 and C1236T in exon 12 was found. The peak concentration in plasma, the time to reach the peak concentration and the area under the plasma concentration/time curve between 0 and 4 h were used as indices of digoxin absorption. They were significantly different between subjects with the haplotypes TGC-CGC and those with TTT-TTT (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found when volunteers were grouped according to the haplotypes derived from G2677T and C3435T or disparate SNPs. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that the MDR1 haplotype derived from C1236T, G2677T/A and C3435T is superior to predict the pharmacokinetics of digoxin. Digoxin pharmacokinetics are significantly different between individuals with the TTT-TTT haplotype and those with TGC-CGC.
Kidney Transplantation Improves Sleep-Related Breathing in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Jurado-Gámez Bernabé , Martin-Malo Alejandro , Rodriguez-Benot Alberto , Muñoz-Cabrera Luis , Cosano Povedano Andrés , Aljama Pedro
Published: September 2008

Aims: To assess whether kidney transplantation improves sleep-related breathing disorders associated with hemodialysis. Methods: A prospective study was carried out using full-night polysomnography. Nine hemodialysis patients (7 men and 2 women, aged 42 ± 16.2 years, BMI 26 ± 3.7) who later received a successful kidney transplantation were evaluated. Main sleep quality and respiratory variables were recorded: number of dips in oxygen saturation (SaO2) ≥3% per hour of sleep; percentage of sleep time with SaO2 <90%; percentage of sleep time in apnea and hypopnea, and sleep apnea/hypopnea index (AHI). Results: After kidney transplantation, the AHI improved in 8 of the 9 patients (10 ± 10.7 vs. 4.9 ± 6.1, p = 0.029). A decrease in the percentage of sleep time in apnea/hypopnea (5 ± 6.8 vs. 0.7 ± 1.1%, p = 0.008) and a reduction in the number of desaturations (25 ± 26 vs. 12 ± 11.2%, p = 0.010) were observed. Conclusions: Kidney transplantation improved respiratory events and nocturnal SaO2 in hemodialysis patients.
Histangic Patterns in Seborrheic Alopecia
Authors: Mian E.U.
Published: September 2008

In 19 cases of early seborrheic trichomadesis (alopecia seborrhoides praematura) and in 15 cases of trichophalakrosis (calvities seborrhoides inveterate) the basal cutaneous flow of the scalp – as ascertained by dermal 131Jodine clearance rate, skin temperature, and thermopill flowmetric recording – is evaluated in comparison with 10 normal controls. High flow values, with uniform and symmetrical distribution, with average rates not significantly different from the normal controls, were generally obtained. In a relatively small percentage of the inveterate cases, a slightly lower flow regimen with a delayed reheating time test, were encountered. Critical and short-time hyperemic responses were elicited by perspiratory (thermal, emotional) or psychical (mental reckoning) stimuli, in subjects with peculiar lability of microcirculatory adjustment of the affected areas. A close correlation between basal flow rate and metabolic intensity of the corresponding scalp fragments confirmed the strict linkage between both histangic factors. Rubbing and hyperemising topical procedures were followed by a small increase of the mean blood flow of the scalp. Following conclusions were drawn: 1. There exists a stabilizing mechanism of the scalp blood flow, with thermoregulatory properties, that undergoes some perturbations only in wide and inveterate stages of hair denudation. 2. Seborrheic alopecic skin areas are often characterized by unbalanced perfusion control against perspiratory and emotional impact situations, but not by a significant reduction of the basic skin flow, that even in severe follicular impairment seems to be largely exceeding the metabolic needs of the tissue. 3. There is a satisfactory linearity between oxydative metabolism and flow of the affected areas. Circulatory changes seem therefore to be secondary to the parenchymatous changes of the hair, in histangic connection therewith. 4. A sound circulatory foundation for the flow-increasing treatment of the scalp (as is today largely used in the therapeutic trial of seborrheic alopecias) does not exist.
Eine Vierkräftewaage zur simultanen Bilanzierung der auf die Blutkapillare wirkenden Füllungs-, Kompressions-, Filtrations-und Reabsorptionskräfte
Authors: Kuhnke Eberhard
Published: September 2008

An instrument with which the four relevant forces for filtration and reabsorption of the blood capillary can be balanced, is described as a demonstration model.
Hyperlipoproteinämien bei arteriosklerotischen Verschlusskrankheiten der unteren Extremitäten
Authors: Müller G.
Published: September 2008

210 healthy individuals and 250 patients suffering from chronic arteriosclerotic vascular diseases with occlusions of the lower extremities were examined for occurrence of hyperlipemia. A log-normal distribution was found for the serum total lipids, triglyceride, cholesterol and β-lipoproteins. The mean lipid levels of patients were significantly higher than normal. Correlations between serum lipid fractions were recorded. 97 patients (39%) had hyper-lipidemia. Type IIa was present in 60, type lib in 25 and type IV in 12 of these hyper-lipidemic patients. It was significant that patients having a peripheral occlusion were more frequently affected by hyperlipidemia than patients with occlusions of the arteria femoralis or arteria iliaca. In 31% of all patients we found a hypertension, in 23% an adipositas and in 12% a manifest diabetes.
Development of Collateral Circulation in the Hind Limb of Rats after Acute Occlusion of the Contralateral Femoral Artery
Authors: Brkić S. , Laszt L.
Published: September 2008

On the basis of the described assays on rats after occlusion of the femoral artery (work performance and related changes in blood pressure), it is presumed that the primary factor leading to the development of collateral vessels is of metabolic origin.
Weitere Untersuchungen zum Nachweis der Bedeutung von Metaboliten des Muskels bei der Entwicklung des Kollateralkreislaufes
Authors: Brkić S. , Laszt L.
Published: September 2008

It has been shown that during work performance metabolites are liberated from the muscle into the blood vessels and thus act on the entire vascular system. From these, and earlier studies, we conclude that the primary factor responsible for the development of collateral circulation is metabolic and that the metabolites produce secondary hemodynamic changes.
Unaltered Distribution of Cardiac Output in the Conscious Young Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat: Evidence for Uniform Elevation of Regional Vascular Resistances
Authors: Tobia Alfonso J. , Walsh Gerald M. , Tadepalli Anjaneyulu S. , Lee Jang Y.
Published: September 2008

Radioactive microspheres (50 µmdiameter) were injected into the left ventricle of conscious rats fasted for 12 h, and the percent distribution of cardiac output to major organs was determined in young female (8–9 weeks of age) spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and in age- and sex-matched Wistar Kyoto (WKY) normotensive controls. Systolic arterial blood pressure was elevated (p < 0.001) in the unanesthetized SHR (140 ± 4) compared to the WKY (112 ± 3). There was no significant difference in the percent distribution of cardiac output to the kidneys, heart, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, lungs, adrenals and limbs between the SHR and WKY. The data suggest that early in the development of high blood pressure, a uniform rise in vascular resistance exists throughout the peripheral circulation of the young SHR.