bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling global computations with
Klaim
Authors: De Nicola Rocco , Loreti Michele
Published: July 2008

A new area of research, known as Global Computing, is by now well established. It aims at defining new models of computation based on code and data mobility over wide-area networks with highly dynamic topologies, and at providing infrastructures to support coordination and control of components originating from different, possibly untrusted, fault-prone, malicious or selfish sources. In this paper, we present our contribution to the field of Global Computing that is centred on
Kernel Language for Agents Interaction and Mobility
(
Klaim
).
Klaim
is an experimental language specifically designed to programme distributed systems consisting of several mobile components that interact through multiple distributed tuple spaces. We present some of the key notions of the language and discuss how its formal semantics can be exploited to reason about qualitative and quantitative aspects of the specified systems.
Metabolic Network Fluxes in Heterotrophic Arabidopsis Cells: Stability of the Flux Distribution under Different Oxygenation Conditions
Authors: Williams Thomas C.R. , Miguet Laurent , Masakapalli Shyam K. , Kruger Nicholas J. , Sweetlove Lee J. , Ratcliffe R. George
Published: July 2008

Steady-state labeling experiments with [1-13C]Glc were used to measure multiple metabolic fluxes through the pathways of central metabolism in a heterotrophic cell suspension culture of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). The protocol was based on in silico modeling to establish the optimal labeled precursor, validation of the isotopic and metabolic steady state, extensive nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of the redistribution of label into soluble metabolites, starch, and protein, and a comprehensive set of biomass measurements. Following a simple modification of the cell culture procedure, cells were grown at two oxygen concentrations, and flux maps of central metabolism were constructed on the basis of replicated experiments and rigorous statistical analysis. Increased growth rate at the higher O2 concentration was associated with an increase in fluxes throughout the network, and this was achieved without any significant change in relative fluxes despite differences in the metabolite profile of organic acids, amino acids, and carbohydrates. The balance between biosynthesis and respiration within the tricarboxylic acid cycle was unchanged, with 38% ± 5% of carbon entering used for biosynthesis under standard O2 conditions and 33% ± 2% under elevated O2. These results add to the emerging picture of the stability of the central metabolic network and its capacity to respond to physiological perturbations with the minimum of rearrangement. The lack of correlation between the change in metabolite profile, which implied significant disruption of the metabolic network following the alteration in the oxygen supply, and the unchanging flux distribution highlights a potential difficulty in the interpretation of metabolomic data.
The incidence of autoimmune thyroid disease: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: McGrogan Anita , Seaman Helen E. , Wright John W. , De Vries Corinne S.
Published: July 2008

Objective  To undertake a systematic review of literature published between 1980 and 2008 on the incidence of autoimmune thyroid disease.

Design  All relevant papers found through searches of Medline, EMBASE and ScienceDirect were critically appraised and an assessment was made of the reliability of the reported incidence data.

Results  The reported incidence of autoimmune hypothyroidism varied between 2·2/100 000/year (males) and 498·4/100 000/year (females) and for autoimmune hyperthyroidism, incidence ranged from 0·70/100 000/year (Black males) to 99/100 000/year (Caucasian females). Higher incidence rates were found in women compared to men for all types of autoimmune thyroid disease. The majority of studies included in the review investigated Caucasian populations mainly from Scandinavia, Spain, the UK and the USA. It is possible that nonautoimmune cases were included in the incidence rates reported here, which would give an overestimation in the incidence rates of autoimmune disease presented.

Conclusion  To our knowledge this is the most comprehensive systematic review of autoimmune thyroid disease conducted in the past two decades. Studies of incidence of autoimmune thyroid disease have only been conducted in a small number of mainly western countries. Our best estimates of the incidence of hypothyroidism is 350/100 000/year in women and 80/100 000/year in men; the incidence of hyperthyroidism is 80/100 000/year in women and 8/100 000/year in men.
Predictors of life satisfaction in individuals with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Miller S. M. , Chan F.
Published: July 2008

Background The purpose of this study was to examine factors that predict life satisfaction in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). Two groups of variables were studied: life skills (interpersonal, instrumental and leisure) and higher‐order predictors (social support, self‐determination and productivity).

Method Fifty‐six participants with ID were recruited from two community agencies in Wisconsin. Data were collected using both a self‐report inventory, which was administered to each individual in an interview format, and a behaviour rating scale, which was completed by a knowledgeable staff member. Hierarchical regression was used to analyse the data.

Results Both sets of variables were found to explain a significant amount of the variance in life satisfaction. Within the sets, social support and interpersonal skills were individually significantly associated with life satisfaction.

Conclusion It is hoped that the results of this study will help support providers organise services in such a way that maximises the life satisfaction of the consumers that they serve.
Rates of exocytosis and endocytosis in Arabidopsis root hairs and pollen tubes
Authors: KETELAAR T. , GALWAY M.E. , MULDER B.M. , EMONS A.M.C.
Published: July 2008

Exocytosis and endocytosis are pivotal in many biological processes, but remain difficult to quantify. Here we combine a new algorithm for estimating vesicle size with a detailed morphological analysis of tip‐growing cells, in which exocytosis is highly localized and therefore more readily quantified. Cell preservation was rendered as life‐like as possible by rapid freezing. This allowed us to produce the first estimates of exocytosis rates in the root hairs and pollen tubes of the model plant Arabidopsis. To quantify exocytosis and endocytosis rates during cell growth, we measured the diameter of vesicles located in the tips of Arabidopsis root hairs and pollen tubes and the widths of cell walls and the cell lumen in longitudinal thin transmission electron microscopic sections. In addition, we measured growth velocities of Arabidopsis root hairs and pollen tubes, using video microscopy. The number of exocytotic vesicles required for cell wall expansion, and the amount of excess membrane inserted into the plasma membrane to be internalized, were estimated from the values that were obtained. The amount of excess membrane that is inserted into the plasma membrane during cell growth was estimated as 86.7% in root hairs and 79% in pollen tubes. This membrane has to be recycled by endocytosis. From counting of the total number of vesicles that is present in thin EM sections through the pollen tube tip, we estimated the average number of vesicles that is present in the tip of pollen tubes. By calculating the total amount of membrane and cell wall material that is required for continued cell growth, assuming that all vesicles are exocytotic, we estimated that pollen tubes continue to grow for 33 s when delivery of vesicles to the tip is inhibited. We arrested vesicle delivery to the tip by application of cytochalasin D. After cytochalasin D application, pollen tubes continued to grow for 30–40 s, which is in the same range as the estimated value of 33 s and shows that in this time frame, the availability of exocytotic vesicles is not a limiting factor.
Stimulation of the grape berry expansion by ethylene and effects on related gene transcripts, over the ripening phase
Authors: Chervin Christian , Tira‐umphon Arak , Terrier Nancy , Zouine Mohamed , Severac Dany , Roustan Jean‐Paul
Published: July 2008

Grape is considered as a non‐climacteric fruit, the maturation of which is independent of ethylene. However, previous work had shown that ethylene is capable of affecting the physiological processes during maturation of grape berries. Experiments were designed to screen the gene pool affected by ethylene at the ripening inception in Cabernet Sauvignon berries. The results showed that only 73 of 14 562 genes of microarray slides were significantly modulated by a 24‐h ethylene treatment (4 μl l−1), performed 8 weeks after flowering. The study then focused on accumulation of several mRNAs affected by ethylene in relation to the berry size. Indeed, we observed that ethylene application at véraison led to a berry diameter increase. This increase is mainly because of sap intake and cell wall modifications, enabling cell elongation. This was related to changes in the expression pattern of many genes, classified in two groups: (1) ‘water exchange’ genes: various aquaporins (AQUA) and (2) ‘cell wall structure’ genes: polygalacturonases, xyloglucan endotransglucosylases (XTH), pectin methyl esterases, cellulose synthases and expansins. The expression patterns were followed either along berry development or in three berry tissues (peel, pulp and seeds). Ethylene stimulates the accumulation of most gene transcripts in 1 h, and in several parts of the berry, this stimulation may last for 24 h in some cases. One XTH and one AQUA seem to be good candidates to explain the ethylene‐induced berry expansion. This work brings more clues about the ethylene involvement in the development and ripening of grape berries.
Effect of Short‐Term Restricted Food Intake on Canine Pseudopregnancy
Authors: Hermo G , Gerez PG , Dragonetti AM , Gobello C
Published: July 2008

Contents

A non‐pharmaceutical, dietary option may be useful to manage clinical pseudopregnancy (PSP). To describe the effect of short‐term food restriction on canine PSP, 16 privately owned, overtly pseudopregnant bitches were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: Limit‐fed (increasing amounts of a restricted maintenance: 50%, 40%, 30% restriction for 2, 3 and 2 days respectively) during 7 days (n = 8) or Maintenance‐fed of the same food and period (n = 8). The bitches were physically examined and blood samples were taken for prolactin and progesterone determinations on days 2, 5 and 8. By day 8, none of the bitches had completely regressed the condition although all (8/8) the animals of the Limit‐fed and two (25%) of the Maintenance‐fed group improved in condition decreasing mammary size and secretion (p < 0.05). No day or group effects were observed for serum prolactin and progesterone concentrations (>0.05). It is concluded that although an 8‐day food restriction did not cure PSP, it seemed to hasten PSP signs involution in these bitches. No endocrine change was related to these clinical findings.
HISTAMINE‐INDUCED PROGRESSION FROM HETEROLOGOUS TO HOMOLOGOUS DESENSITIZATION OF CONTRACTION IN SMOOTH MUSCLE OF GUINEA‐PIG TAENIA CAECI
Authors: Hishinuma Shigeru , Saito Masaki
Published: July 2008

We have reported previously that, in the smooth muscle of guinea‐pig taenia caeci, the development of carbachol‐induced desensitization to carbachol and histamine has a similar time‐course whereas desensitization to high K+is interrupted by sustained resensitization.

In the present study, we evaluated the development of histamine‐induced desensitization to histamine, carbachol and high K+with respect to their regulation by resensitization, and compared it with carbachol‐induced desensitization.

Desensitization to histamine developed following pretreatment with 10−5 mol/L histamine for 30 min with a tendency of transient interruption by resensitization at 1 min. In contrast, histamine‐induced desensitization to carbachol and high K+was transient, peaking at around 15 s and 2 min, respectively, followed by sustained resensitization up to complete restoration within 2 and 10 min, respectively.

Thus, in contrast with carbachol, histamine initially induces heterologous desensitization, followed by sustained resensitization to carbachol and high K+, resulting in selective and sustained homologous desensitization to histamine.

Thus, differences in the development of histamine‐ and carbachol‐induced heterologous desensitization/resensitization contribute to the selective regulation of receptor‐mediated signal transduction pathways.
SPINAL µ‐OPIOID RECEPTOR EXPRESSION AND HYPERALGESIA WITH DEXAMETHASONE IN CHRONIC ADJUVANT‐INDUCED ARTHRITIS IN RATS
Authors: Zaringhalam Jalal , Manaheji Homa , Mghsoodi Nader , Farokhi Babak , Mirzaiee Vahideh
Published: July 2008

It is known that inflammation influences peripheral and central µ‐opioid receptor expression. Previous studies have indicated that glucocorticoids may influence the density of µ‐opioid receptors. In the present study, we investigated the fluctuations of spinal µ‐opioid receptor expression and hyperalgesia induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) under long‐term administration of dexamethasone.

Adjuvant arthritis (AA) was induced by subcutaneous injection of CFA in the right hindpaw of male Wistar rats. Spinal µ‐opioid receptor expression was detected by semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction on Days 6 and 21 following AA induction. Dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally for 21 days. Variations in thermal hyperalgesia were checked by radiant heat on the same days as µ‐opioid receptor expression was determined.

The results indicated a significant increase in spinal µ‐opioid receptor expression on Days 6 and 21 after AA induction compared with the control group. Spinal µ‐opioid receptor expression decreased significantly only on Day 21 in the AA + dexamethasone group compared with the AA alone group. Thermal hyperalgesia on Day 6 after AA induction showed a significant increase compared with the control group. Hyperalgesia decreased significantly on Day 21 after AA compared with Day 6. The AA + dexamethasone group showed a significant decrease in hyperalgesia on Day 6 compared with the AA group, but hyperalgesia increased significantly on Day 21 in the AA + dexamethasone group compared with the AA group.

The effects of long‐term dexamethasone on both spinal µ‐opioid receptor expression and hyperalgesia during persistent AA inflammation are time dependent. In addition, the effect of long‐term dexamethasone administration on hyperalgesia during persistent arthritis inflammation needs to be investigated further.
LARGE‐SCALE SIMULATION OF THE HUMAN ARTERIAL TREE
Authors: Grinberg L , Anor T , Madsen JR , Yakhot A , Karniadakis GE
Published: July 2008

Full‐scale simulations of the virtual physiological human (VPH) will require significant advances in modelling, multiscale mathematics, scientific computing and further advances in medical imaging. Herein, we review some of the main issues that need to be resolved in order to make three‐dimensional (3D) simulations of blood flow in the human arterial tree feasible in the near future.

A straightforward approach is computationally prohibitive even on the emerging petaflop supercomputers, so a three‐level hierarchical approach based on vessel size is required, consisting of: (i) a macrovascular network (MaN); (ii) a mesovascular network (MeN); and (iii) a microvascular network (MiN). We present recent simulations of MaN obtained by solving the 3D Navier–Stokes equations on arterial networks with tens of arteries and bifurcations and accounting for the neglected dynamics through proper boundary conditions.

A multiscale simulation coupling MaN–MeN–MiN and running on hundreds of thousands of processors on petaflop computers will require no more than a few CPU hours per cardiac cycle within the next 5 years. The rapidly growing capacity of supercomputing centres opens up the possibility of simulation studies of cardiovascular diseases, drug delivery, perfusion in the brain and other pathologies.
ANTINOCICEPTION VERSUS SERUM CONCENTRATION RELATIONSHIPS FOLLOWING ACUTE ADMINISTRATION OF INTRAVENOUS MORPHINE IN MALE AND FEMALE SPRAGUE‐DAWLEY RATS: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TAIL FLICK AND HOT PLATE NOCICEPTIVE TESTS
Authors: South Samantha M , Edwards Stephen R , Smith Maree T
Published: July 2008

Antinociception versus serum morphine concentration relationships were defined in male and female Sprague‐Dawley rats administered single intravenous (i.v.) bolus doses of morphine, using the hot plate (2.1–14 mg/kg) and tail flick tests (1–8 mg/kg).

Serum concentrations of morphine and morphine‐3‐glucuronide (M3G), its major metabolite in the rat, were assayed using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection.

Significantly higher (P < 0.05) values of peak antinociception (approximately 1.7‐fold), as well as the extent and duration of antinociception (approximately fourfold), were observed in male compared with female rats administered 10 mg/kg morphine in the hot plate test. Although there were no significant sex‐related differences in the area under the serum morphine concentration versus time curve (AUC) at this dose, systemic exposure to M3G (M3G AUC) was significantly higher (approximately twofold;P < 0.05) in female than male rats.

In contrast with most previous studies investigating sex differences in morphine antinociception in rats, the antinociceptive effects of single i.v. doses of morphine (1–8 mg/kg) in the tail flick test did not differ significantly between male and female rats.

Morphine ED50and EC50values (95% confidence intervals) for antinociception in the hot plate test were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in male rats (ED508.4 mg/kg (7.6–9.2); EC501.8 nmol/L (1.5–2.1)) compared with female rats (ED5010.6 mg/kg (9.1–12.0); EC503.7 nmol/L (3.4–4.1)). However, in the tail flick test, there was no significant difference between male and female rats in ED50(1.8 (0.4–3.3) and 1.4 mg/kg (0.4–2.5), respectively) or EC50(0.5 (0.3–0.6) and 0.4 nmol/L (0.2–0.5), respectively) values.

Supraspinal attenuation of morphine antinociception by M3G may account for these differences.
Single dose 1 g ceftriaxone for urogenital and pharyngeal infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Muratani Tetsuro , Inatomi Hisato , Ando Yukiko , Kawai Shuichi , Akasaka Soichiro , Matsumoto Tetsuro
Published: July 2008

Objectives:  To evaluate the efficacy of 1 g ceftriaxone in the treatment of urethritis, cervicitis and pharyngeal infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) including the oral cephem‐resistant strain with chimera penicillin‐binding protein 2 (PBP‐2) (cefozopran‐resistant N. gonorrhoeae, CZRNG).

Methods:  From September 2004 to November 2006, 67 patients (27 male and 40 female) who had genital infection and/or pharyngeal infection caused by N. gonorrhoeae were enrolled in this study at five participating centers in Japan. To detect the chimera PBP‐2 gene, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using established primers against the altered penA of CZRNG isolates. All patients received a single 1 g dose of ceftriaxone. Efficacy was evaluated only in those who returned for examination and culture for N. gonorrhoeae between 3 and 14 days after the treatment.

Results:  CZRNG isolates detected by PCR accounted for 41.7% (20/48) of urogenital infections and 60.0% (15/25) of pharyngeal infections in the treatment efficacy evaluable cases. 37 of 39 CZRNG isolates (94.9%) were multi‐drug resistant isolates that had simultaneous resistance to penicillin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin. Nineteen patients had N. gonorrhoeae isolates in the urogenital area and pharynx simultaneously. Ceftriaxone treatment eradicated all N. gonorrhoeae isolates from 48 patients with genitourinary infection and 25 patients with pharyngeal infection.

Conclusions:  We report for the first time that ceftriaxone is effective in patients with gonococcal urethritis, cervicitis, and pharyngeal infection caused by CZRNG that has chimera PBP‐2.
Introducing an abundance index for assessing weed flora in survey studies
Authors: MOEINI MEHDI M. , BAGHESTANI MOHAMMAD A. , MASHHADI HAMID R.
Published: July 2008

This study was carried out to propose a simple abundance index (AI) of weed species, to describe the ranking of weeds in weed communities, and to evaluate weed flora. Based on a 4 year weed survey program conducted in Tehran province, the Thomas methodology for determining the relative abundance (RA) in weed communities was applied and a new, improved method (called the AI method) was introduced. Sixty‐one irrigated wheat fields were selected using a stratified sampling procedure. The boundaries of each county in the province formed the strata. For the Thomas method, the data were summarized for each county using five quantitative measures for determining the RA of each species. For the AI method, three quantitative measures were used, including frequency, uniformity, and mean field density. In the Thomas method, the mean field density had a significant role in determining the RA of a species, while the frequency and uniformity had a less significant role. However, for determining the AI, the frequency and uniformity had a higher value than the mean field density. Higher values for these two parameters for a particular species indicates that this species was more compatible with the soil and climate conditions in which it was growing, while higher values for the mean field density for a particular species indicates that the species had a higher competitive or reproductive ability than other species. In the Thomas method, the weed species with a low mean density were less abundant and not a serious weed for agroecosysytems but, in the AI method, an invasive weed could be detected before the colonization stage.
Control of weed barley species in winter wheat with sulfosulfuron at different rates and times of application
Authors: BAGHESTANI MOHAMMAD A. , ZAND ESKANDAR , MESGARAN MOHSEN B. , VEYSSI MOZHGAN , POURAZR REZA , MOHAMMADIPOUR MOHAMMAD
Published: July 2008

Field experiments were conducted at five locations in the major wheat production regions of Iran to evaluate the efficacy of sulfosulfuron in controlling weed barley species (including Hordeum spontaneum, Hordeum murinum, Hordeum distichon, and Hordeum vulgare) in the 2004–2005 and 2005–2006 growing seasons. Sulfosulfuron was applied either postemergence (POST) or preplant‐incorporated (PPI) at 0, 20.25, 30.75, 40.5, 51.0, 60.75 or 71.25 g ai ha−1 to plots arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Sulfosulfuron at the recommended rate (20.25 g ai ha−1) failed to provide acceptable control of the weed barley species. However, the level of control increased with the application rate, particularly at rates >51.0 g ai ha−1. Generally, PPI‐applied sulfosulfuron resulted in markedly greater control levels than those of a POST application and complete control of H. murinum and H. vulgare was achieved with PPI‐applied sulfosulfuron at all rates >20.25 and 30.75 g ai ha−1, respectively. In most cases, the wheat yield increased with the application rate without any crop injury. The highest yield increase (186%) was obtained with a PPI application of 71.25 g ai ha−1.
Quantitative evaluation of wheat against volunteer rye in Iran
Authors: ATRI ALIREZA , BAGHESTANI MOHAMMAD A. , PARTOVI MAHBOOBEH
Published: July 2008

Rye infestations have increased in frequency and severity in the wheat fields of Iran and have caused yield reductions in wheat production. In order to study the competition effects of wheat against rye, an experiment was conducted at the research centers of Karaj and Varamin, Iran, during 2001 and 2002. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 24 treatments and four replications. The treatments included pure stands of wheat at densities of 350, 450, 550, and 650 plants m−2 and volunteer rye densities of 10, 30, 50, and 70 plants m−2, and mixed stands of wheat and rye at complete factorial densities. The results indicated that rye was a superior competitor compared to wheat. The biological and economic yields of wheat were mainly affected by interspecific competition in the Karaj region. This was also true during the first year in the Varamin region but, in the second year, the biological and economic yields of wheat were equally affected by interspecific and intraspecific competition because of increasing precipitation. The evaluation of competitive ability, using regression coefficients, showed that in Karaj, the effect of one rye plant on wheat was approximately equivalent to three and two plants of wheat in reducing the grain yield of wheat in the first and second years, respectively, while in Varamin, it was equivalent to three and 1.2 plants of wheat, respectively. In other words, each 0.36 and 0.51 rye plant in Karaj and each 0.36 and 0.84 rye plant in Varamin had the same impact on the reciprocal wheat grain yield as did one wheat plant in the first and second years, respectively.
Does the dorsal hippocampus process navigational routes or behavioral context? A single‐unit analysis
Authors: Oler Jonathan A. , Penley Stephanie C. , Sava Simona , Markus Etan J.
Published: July 2008

In humans the hippocampus plays a role in both episodic memory and spatial navigation. Similar findings have been shown in other animals including monkeys and rats. The relationship between the processing of episodic and spatial related inputs within the hippocampus remains a puzzle. One approach to understanding how the hippocampus processes information is to examine how hippocampal cell activity corresponds to environmental experience. Hippocampal pyramidal cells can alter their spatial tuning (re‐map) in response to changes in task demands. The degree to which this re‐mapping is related to contextual/episodic information or to changes in spatial navigation/trajectories is unclear. The current study was designed to examine cell activity under two conditions that differed in contextual information without alterations in the goal‐directed trajectories taken by the animals. Adult and aged rats were trained to do an alternation task on a fixed pathway [J. A. Oleret al.(2005)Neuroscience,131, 1–12]. The animals ran this pathway during either ‘safe’ or ‘unsafe’ (a tone indicating a shock region) trials, with hesitation during ‘unsafe’ trials providing a clear behavioral measure of discrimination between these two conditions. Relatively few place cells displayed re‐mapping between the two conditions. We propose that the principle source of re‐mapping in the dorsal hippocampus is changes in the animal’s trajectories rather than behavioral context. Possible reasons why so few cells responded to the change in context are discussed.
Oxytocin induces penile erection when injected into the ventral tegmental area of male rats: role of nitric oxide and cyclic GMP
Authors: Succu Salvatora , Sanna Fabrizio , Cocco Cristina , Melis Tiziana , Boi Antonio , Ferri Gian‐Luca , Argiolas Antonio , Melis Maria Rosaria
Published: July 2008

Oxytocin (80 ng) injected into the caudal mesencephalic ventral tegmental area (VTA) of male rats induces penile erection. Such an effect occurs together with an increase in nitric oxide (NO) production, as measured by the augmented concentration of NO2−and NO3−found in the dialysate obtained from this brain area by means of intracerebral microdialysis. Both effects are abolished by d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)2‐Orn8‐vasotocin (1 μg), an oxytocin receptor antagonist, by S‐methyl‐l‐thiocitrulline acetate (20 μg), a neuronal NO synthase inhibitor, or by ω‐conotoxin GVIA (50 ng), a N‐type Ca2+channel blocker, all injected into the VTA 15 min before oxytocin. In contrast, 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazole[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (40 μg), a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, given into the VTA 15 min before oxytocin, abolishes penile erection, but not the increase in NO production, while haemoglobin (40 μg), a NO scavenger, injected immediately before oxytocin reduces the increase in NO production, but not penile erection. 8‐Bromo‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate (0.5–10 μg) microinjected into the VTA induces penile erection with an inverted U‐shaped dose–response curve; the maximal effective dose being 3 μg. Immunohistochemistry reveals that in the caudal VTA oxytocin‐containing axons/fibres (originating from the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus) contact cell bodies of mesolimbic dopaminergic (tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive) neurons containing both NO synthase and guanylate cyclase. These results suggest that oxytocin injected into the VTA induces penile erection by activating NO synthase in the cell bodies of mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons. NO in turn activates guanylate cyclase present in these neurons, thereby increasing cyclic GMP concentration.
Recognition of iconicity doesn't come for free
Authors: Namy Laura L.
Published: July 2008

Iconicity – resemblance between a symbol and its referent – has long been presumed to facilitate symbolic insight and symbol use in infancy. These two experiments test children's ability to recognize iconic gestures at ages 14 through 26 months. The results indicate a clear ability to recognize how a gesture resembles its referent by 26 months, but little evidence of recognition of iconicity at the onset of symbolic development. These findings imply that iconicity is not available as an aid at the onset of symbolic development but rather that the ability to apprehend the relation between a symbol and its referent develops over the course of the second year.
Anthropology and ethics in America's declining imperial age
Authors: Fluehr‐Lobban Carolyn
Published: July 2008

The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have made US imperialism more evident to a global mass audience. Military and political failures in these wars have led to a recruitment of anthropologists who again found to be of value in wartime engagement. Debates have occurred in the pages of this journal, and elsewhere, and professional concern is manifest in the creation in 2006 of the AAA Commission on Engagement of Anthropology with the US Security and Intelligence Communities whose work has been extended until 2010. The Commission released its Final Report in November 2007. It neither opposed nor encouraged engagement, but laid out an initial framework of the issues for discussion, debate and decision‐making. This article describes some of the ethical dilemmas for anthropologists, and unresolved issues. The present era calls for basic education ‐ both in ethical principles and in their ambiguities, vigorous debate, and sustained review of the statements and codes by professional associations.
Decolonizing Britain in the 21st Century?: Chagos Islanders challenge the Crown, House of Lords, 30 June‐3 July 2008
Authors: Vine David
Published: July 2008

This article discusses the anthropological, legal, and political significance of a recent lawsuit before the House of Lords involving the people of the UK‐controlled Chagos Archipelago, exiled during creation of the US military base on Diego Garcia. Building on a growing body of anthropological and historical literature about the people and the base, the article reviews the history leading up to the June hearing and describes its proceedings as part of the islander's four‐decades‐old movement to win a return to their homeland. On the one hand, it represents the closest the Chagossians have come to a return in nearly 40 years. On the other, the case holds implications for the right of return of other displaced peoples, the rights of indigenous peoples more broadly, the limits of government authority, the balance of power in British parliamentary democracy, and the deepening of democracy worldwide. The suit holds significance for anthropologists studying indigenous peoples, displacement and migration, human rights, the law, government officials, and foreign policy.
AN OBTRUSIVE REMARK ON CAPITAL AND COMPARATIVE STATICS
Authors: Bloise Gaetano , Reichlin Pietro
Published: July 2008

We present a simple comparative statics analysis of steady‐state equilibria in overlapping generations economies with capital accumulation. We regard comparative statics as paradoxical whenever an exogenous increase in saving propensity induces a decrease (an increase) in consumption at the steady state when interest rate is positive (negative). It is shown that there is an exact relation between paradoxical comparative statics and a perverse intersection of properly identified curves of demand for and supply of capital in value. The demand curve for capital in value coincides with that of neo‐Ricardian analysis. We relate our conclusions to some old and recent issues in capital theory.
Neurturin, a member of the glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor family, affects the development of acetylcholinesterase‐positive cells in a three‐dimensional model system of retinogenesis
Authors: Wolf Christina , Rothermel Andrée , Robitzki Andrea A.
Published: July 2008

The glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family consists of the four ligands GDNF, neurturin (NRTN), artemin and persephin, which bind to the four co‐receptors GDNF family receptor alpha1–4 and control through the activation of the receptor tyrosin kinase Ret several developmental processes. The purpose of this study was to analyse the expression and the influence of NRTN in the developing retina. We used retinospheres, a three‐dimensional model system of the developing chicken retina. The expression of NRTN and the GDNF family receptor alpha 2 increased during development. Furthermore, expression was comparable in retinae and retinospheres. Analysis of signalling pathways influenced by NRTN in retinospheres showed activation of phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). Activation of MAPK could be localised in cells of the innermost rows of the inner nuclear layer which were predominantly acetylcholinesterase‐positive cells. Exogenous application of NRTN increased the amount of acetylcholinesterase‐positive cells within the retinospheres at late culture stages. Additionally, we could show that Müller glia cells did not express the GFRalpha2 receptor and were probably not involved in NRTN signalling. Therefore, we conclude that NRTN directly participates in regulatory processes concerning the differentiation of acetylcholinesterase‐positive cells in the chicken retina.
Some highlights of research on aging with invertebrates, 2008
Authors: Partridge Linda
Published: July 2008

This annual review focuses on invertebrate model organisms, which shed light on new mechanisms in aging and provide excellent systems for in‐depth analysis. This year, the first quantitative estimate of evolutionary conservation of genetic effects on lifespan has pointed to the key importance of genes involved in protein synthesis, a finding confirmed and extended by experimental work. Work in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila has highlighted the importance of phase 2 detoxification in extension of lifespan by reduced insulin/Igf‐like signalling. Thorough characterization of systems for dietary restriction in C. elegans is starting to show differences in the mechanisms by which these interventions extend lifespan and has revealed a requirement for autophagy. The response to heat shock in C. elegans turns out to be systemic, and mediated by sensory neurons, with potentially interesting implications for the response of lifespan to temperature. Work in Escherichia coli and yeast has revealed a role for retention of aggregated proteins in the parent in the rejuvenation of offspring while, as in C. elegans, removal of the germ line in Drosophila turns out to extend lifespan. Aging research has suffered the loss of a great scientific leader, Seymour Benzer, and his trail‐blazing work on aging and neurodegeneration is highlighted.
Assessing Treatment Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroids on Medical Expenses and Exacerbations among COPD Patients: Longitudinal Analysis of Managed Care Claims
Authors: Akazawa Manabu , Stearns Sally C. , Biddle Andrea K.
Published: July 2008

Objective.To assess costs, effectiveness, and cost‐effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) augmenting bronchodilator treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Data Sources.Claims between 1997 and 2005 from a large managed care database.

Study Design.Individual‐level, fixed‐effects regression models estimated the effects of initiating ICS on medical expenses and likelihood of severe exacerbation. Bootstrapping provided estimates of the incremental cost per severe exacerbation avoided.

Data Extraction Methods.COPD patients aged 40 or older with ≥15 months of continuous eligibility were identified. Monthly observations for 1 year before and up to 2 years following initiation of bronchodilators were constructed.

Principal Findings.ICS treatment reduced monthly risk of severe exacerbation by 25 percent. Total costs with ICS increased for 16 months, but declined thereafter. ICS use was cost saving 46 percent of the time, with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of $2,973 per exacerbation avoided; for patients ≥50 years old, ICS was cost saving 57 percent of time.

Conclusions.ICS treatment reduces exacerbations, with an increase in total costs initially for the full sample. Compared with younger patients with COPD, patients aged 50 or older have reduced costs and improved outcomes. The estimated cost per severe exacerbation avoided, however, may be high for either group because of uncertainty as reflected by the large standard errors of the parameter estimates.
A Behaviorally Explicit Demographic Model Integrating Habitat Selection and Population Dynamics in California Sea Lions
Authors: GONZÁLEZ‐SUÁREZ MANUELA , GERBER LEAH R.
Published: July 2008

Abstract: Although there has been a call for the integration of behavioral ecology and conservation biology, there are few tools currently available to achieve this integration. Explicitly including information about behavioral strategies in population viability analyses may enhance the ability of conservation biologists to understand and estimate patterns of extinction risk. Nevertheless, most behavioral‐based PVA approaches require detailed individual‐based data that are rarely available for imperiled species. We present a mechanistic approach that incorporates spatial and demographic consequences of behavioral strategies into population models used for conservation. We developed a stage‐structured matrix model that includes the costs and benefits of movement associated with 2 habitat‐selection strategies (philopatry and direct assessment). Using a life table for California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), we explored the sensitivity of model predictions to the inclusion of these behavioral parameters. Including behavioral information dramatically changed predicted population sizes, model dynamics, and the expected distribution of individuals among sites. Estimated population sizes projected in 100 years diverged up to 1 order of magnitude among scenarios that assumed different movement behavior. Scenarios also exhibited different model dynamics that ranged from stable equilibria to cycles or extinction. These results suggest that inclusion of behavioral data in viability models may improve estimates of extinction risk for imperiled species. Our approach provides a simple method for incorporating spatial and demographic consequences of behavioral strategies into population models and may be easily extended to other species and behaviors to understand the mechanisms of population dynamics for imperiled populations.
MORPHOLOGY AND MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY OF AUREOPHYCUS ALEUTICUS GEN. ET SP. NOV. (LAMINARIALES, PHAEOPHYCEAE) FROM THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS1
Authors: Kawai Hiroshi , Hanyuda Takeaki , Lindeberg Mandy , Lindstrom Sandra C.
Published: July 2008

A previously unknown species of kelp was collected on Kagamil Island, Aleutian Islands. The species can be easily distinguished from any known laminarialean alga: the erect sporophytic thallus is composed of a thin lanceolate blade attaining ∼2 m in height and ∼0.50 m in width, without midrib, and the edge of the blade at the transition zone is thickened to form a V‐shape; the stipe is solid and flattened, slightly translucent, attaining ∼1 m in length; the holdfast is semidiscoidal and up to 0.15 m in diameter. Anatomically, the blade has the typical trumpet‐shaped hyphae characteristic of the Chordaceae and derived foliose laminarialean species (i.e., Alariaceae/Laminariaceae/Lessoniaceae). No hair pits or mucilaginous structures were observed on the blade or stipe. No fertile sporophytes were collected, but abundant juvenile sporophytes were observed in the field. In the molecular phylogenetic analyses using chloroplast rbcL gene, nuclear ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 rDNA, and mitochondria nad6 DNA sequences, the new species (Aureophycus aleuticus gen. et sp. nov.) showed a closer relationship with Alariaceae of conventional taxonomy, or the “Group 1” clade of Lane et al. (2006) including Alaria and related taxa than with other groups, although the species was not clearly included in the group. Aureophycus may be a key species in elucidating the evolution of the Alariaceae within the Laminariales. Because of the lack of information on reproductive organs and insufficient resolution of the molecular analyses, we refrain from assigning the new species to a family, but we place the new species in a new genus in the Laminariales.
PHYLOGENETIC PATTERNS AMONG NOSTOC CYANOBIONTS WITHIN BI‐ AND TRIPARTITE LICHENS OF THE GENUS PANNARIA1
Authors: Elvebakk Arve , Papaefthimiou Dimitra , Robertsen Eli Helene , Liaimer Anton
Published: July 2008

Phylogenetic relationships between Nostoc cyanobionts in the lichen genus Pannaria were studied to evaluate their correlation to geography, habitat ecology, and other patterns previously reported. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of a total of 37 samples of 21 Pannaria species from seven countries from the Northern and Southern hemispheres were analyzed and compared with 69 free‐living and symbiotic cyanobacterial strains. The sequences from Pannaria were distributed throughout a branch of Nostoc sequences previously called “the Nephroma guild,” and within two subgroups from another branch, referred to as the “Peltigera guild,” although there was a gradual transition between the two major groups. There is a more diverse pattern of relationships between Nostoc sequences from bipartite versus tripartite lichen species in Pannaria, compared with other well‐studied genera, such as Nephroma and Peltigera. Cyanobionts from several tripartite Pannaria species from the Southern Hemisphere and corticolous bipartite species from both hemispheres were grouped together. Four sequences of Pannaria and Pseudocyphellaria cyanobionts from rocks in the Chilean Juan Fernández Islands were nested within corticolous cyanobionts, whereas the terricolous “Pannaria sphinctrina clade” was placed with other terricolous strains. The cluster patterns derived from phylogenetic analysis were partly reflecting lichen taxonomy, in two groups of lichen species, possibly indicating coevolution. The phylogram partly also reflected lichen ecology. Three Pannaria species have very different cyanobiont strains when they grow in different habitats.
Clinical Use of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenic Protein‐2 in a Whooping Crane (Grus americana)
Authors: SAMPLE SUSANNAH , COLE GRETCHEN , PAUL‐MURPHY JOANNE , HARTUP BARRY K. , CLYDE VICTORIA , SEEHERMAN HOWARD J. , SCHAEFER SUSAN
Published: July 2008

Objective— To report use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) as adjunctive therapy for treatment of a comminuted, open, proximal humeral fracture in an avian species.

Study Design— Clinical report.

Animals— A 3.5‐month‐old male whooping crane (Grus americana).

Methods— An open, severely comminuted humeral facture was stabilized with an intramuscular (IM) pin/type IA external skeletal fixator with tie‐in configuration. rhBMP‐2 was applied in a calcium phosphate matrix (CPM) paste directly to the fracture site as a bone graft substitute. Radiographic evidence of bone healing was monitored for 14 weeks.

Results— Substantial bony callus was evident at 4 weeks and at 8 weeks there was bridging callus with obvious bony remodeling. The fixation was destabilized at 9 weeks by IM pin removal, bone healing progressed and the fixator was removed at 11 weeks. By 14 weeks both cortices had been re‐established with continued callus remodeling evident.

Conclusion— rhBMP‐2, applied in a CPM paste, was used as a bone graft substitute in the treatment of a comminuted, open humeral fracture in a whooping crane.

Clinical Relevance— Use of rhBMP‐2/CPM should be considered in treatment of avian fractures.
Analysis of Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose Administration and Related Factors Associated with Postoperative Colic and Survival in Horses with Small Intestinal Disease
Authors: FOGLE CALLIE A. , GERARD MATHEW P. , ELCE YVONNE A. , LITTLE DIANNE , MORTON ALISON J. , CORREA MARIA T. , BLIKSLAGER ANTHONY T.
Published: July 2008

Objective—To analyze the effect of the intraoperative use of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CBMC) and related perioperative factors on postoperative colic and survival in horses that had abdominal surgery for colic.

Study Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—Horses (n=203) that had surgery for small intestinal disease; 33 horses had intraoperative administration of CBMC.

Methods—Information was obtained from medical records for 170 horses that had surgery for colic before use of CBMC and 33 horses that had intraoperative CBMC. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to estimate median survival time and a Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratio for the effect of CBMC and other perioperative variables on survival.

Results—Seventy‐five percent of horses administered CBMC survived to 180 days, whereas 75% of untreated horses survived 8 days (median survival time=18 days). Horses not administered CBMC were twice as likely to die compared with horses administered CBMC. Horses that had postoperative ileus (POI) were 1.4 times more likely to die than horses without ileus. Similarly, horses with signs of colic after surgery were 1.3 times more likely to die than horses without postoperative signs of colic.

Conclusions—CBMC administration is seemingly protective against death and prolongs survival when used intraoperatively in horses with small intestine disease, particularly horses with postoperative colic or POI. Both POI and colic increased risk of death after surgery.

Clinical Relevance—Intraoperative administration of CBMC in horses that have surgery for small intestinal disease may improve survival, possibly by reducing early adhesion formation.
The Vanity of the Economist: A Comment on Peart and Levy's The “Vanity of the Philosopher”*
Authors: Hoover Kevin D.
Published: July 2008

Abstract.  In the Vanity of the Philosopher, Sandra Peart and David Levy reconsider “postclassical” economics from the vantage point of Adam Smith's “analytical” egalitarianism. Analytical egalitarianism is assumed, not proved; and Peart and Levy's criticisms of many 19th‐ and early 20th‐century economists, as well as eugenics in general, depend on equivocating between analytical and substantive egalitarianism. They fail to provide a non–question‐begging critique of eugenics.
Guarding the Town Walls: Mechanisms and Motives for Restricting Multifamily Housing in Massachusetts
Authors: Schuetz Jenny
Published: July 2008

Local governments frequently restrict multifamily housing through a variety of zoning tools, which may reduce the ability of low‐income households to afford housing in desirable locations. In this article, I use a new and unusually rich data set on zoning in Massachusetts to test several hypotheses about why municipalities restrict multifamily housing. Under regulations adopted in the 1940s and 1950s, communities with more existing multifamily housing or governed by a city council zoned more leniently for multifamily housing. Beginning in the 1970s, the use of special permits increased and smaller, more affluent communities were more restrictive.