bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomarker‐Guided Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Xue Yang , Chan Jeffrey , Sakariya Sonal , Maisel Alan
Published: July 2010

As more patients are diagnosed with heart failure each year, heart failure management has become a growing public health issue. The development of new therapies and effective implementation of existing therapies for heart failure remain a challenge. Biomarkers, such as natriuretic peptides, offer consistent and cost‐effective means of monitoring response to therapy. There is growing interest in using biomarkers to guide heart failure therapy due to their objectivity, reproducibility, and accessibility. There have been several trials to date, including the New Zealand Natriuretic Peptide‐Guided Heart Failure Therapy study, the Trial of Intensified vs Standard Medical Therapy in Elderly Patients With Congestive Heart Failure Studies, the NT‐proBNP–Assisted Treatment to Lessen Serial Cardiac Readmissions and Death trial, and the Plasma Brain Natriuretic Peptide–Guided Therapy to Improve Outcome in Heart Failure trial, that examined the effectiveness of biomarker‐guided heart failure therapy with very promising results. When compared with intensive medical management, natriuretic peptide‐guided heart failure therapy was shown to be noninferior in general and slightly superior in certain patient populations. Although larger trials are required to validate their results, these studies have provided evidence for the effectiveness of biomarker‐guided heart failure therapy and paved the way for the integration of biomarkers into routine evaluation and management of patients with heart failure. Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16(4)(suppl 1):S62–S67. ©2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monitoring Fluid Status at the Outpatient Level: The Need for More Precision
Authors: McDonald Ken
Published: July 2010

Accurate determination of fluid status in patients with heart failure is a critical aspect of care of this population. Early detection of emerging fluid overload would allow for prompt intervention, potentially aborting clinical deterioration and avoiding hospitalization. While many strategies are available to determine fluid status of patients, all areas are compromised by less‐than‐optimal sensitivity and specificity. Recent work on the role of bioimpedance as a means of assessing a patient's fluid status indicates that this parameter may have a role in monitoring patients with heart failure. This article reviews present techniques available for assessment of fluid status and focuses on the additional information provided by bioimpedance assessment. Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16(4)(suppl 1):S52–S55. ©2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Volume Overload and Cardiorenal Syndromes
Authors: Ronco Claudio , Maisel Alan
Published: July 2010

To include the vast array of interrelated derangements and to stress the bidirectional nature of the heart‐kidney interactions, the classification of the cardiorenal syndrome today includes 5 subtypes whose terminology reflects their primary and secondary pathology, time frame, and the presence of concomitant cardiac and renal dysfunction. Cardiorenal syndromes (CRSs) are pathophysiologic disorders of the heart and kidneys whereby acute or chronic dysfunction of one organ may induce acute or chronic dysfunction of the other. Type 1 CRS reflects an abrupt worsening of cardiac function leading to acute kidney injury. Type 2 CRS describes chronic abnormalities in cardiac function causing progressive chronic kidney disease. Type 3 CRS consists in an abrupt worsening of renal function causing acute cardiac disorder. Type 4 CRS describes a state of chronic kidney disease contributing to decreased cardiac function, cardiac hypertrophy, and/or increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Type 5 CRS reflects a systemic condition (eg, sepsis) simultaneously causing both cardiac and renal dysfunction. Biomarkers can help characterize the subtypes of CRS as well as suggest the timing of treatment initiation and its likely effectiveness. The identification of patients and the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying each syndrome subtype, including fluid overload or, in general, altered conditions of fluid status, can help physicians understand clinical derangements, provide the rationale for management strategies, and allow the design of future clinical trials with more accurate selection and stratification of the population under investigation. Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16(4)(suppl 1):Si–Siv. ©2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Copeptin: A Biomarker of Cardiovascular and Renal Function
Authors: Morgenthaler Nils G.
Published: July 2010

Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16(4)(suppl 1):S37–S44.©2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Arginine vasopressin (AVP or antidiuretic hormone) is one of the key hormones in the human body responsible for a variety of cardiovascular and renal functions. It has so far escaped introduction into the routine clinical laboratory due to technical difficulties and preanalytical errors. Copeptin, the C‐terminal part of the AVP precursor peptide, was found to be a stable and sensitive surrogate marker for AVP release. Copeptin behaves in a similar manner to mature AVP in the circulation, with respect to osmotic stimuli and hypotension. During the past years, copeptin measurement has been shown to be of interest in a variety of clinical indications, including cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke. This review summarizes the recent progress on the diagnostic use of copeptin in cardiovascular and renal diseases and discusses the potential use of copeptin measurement in the context of therapeutic interventions with vasopressin receptor antagonists.
Autochthonous primary and metastatic melanomas in Hgf‐Cdk4R24C mice evade T‐cell‐mediated immune surveillance
Authors: Landsberg Jennifer , Gaffal Evelyn , Cron Mira , Kohlmeyer Judith , Renn Marcel , Tüting Thomas
Published: July 2010

Genetically engineered mouse models offer new opportunities to investigate the role of cell‐mediated immunity in the natural progression of melanoma in an immunocompetent host. Here we report that Hgf‐Cdk4R24C mice spontaneously develop a spectrum of primary melanomas with high penetrance during their first year of life. Malignant transformation proceeds in a stepwise manner from multiple melanocytic nevi to single nodular melanomas and disseminated metastases in most mice. Migrating melanoma cells invade the draining lymph nodes without activating the immune system. Autochthonous primary tumors are destroyed following experimental introduction of immune surveillance using an adoptive lymphocyte transfer approach. However, some tumor cells are able to survive, evade immune cell control, and recur both locally and systemically. Immune tolerance in recurring tumors may be supported by immunosuppressive Gr1+ myeloid cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that primary and metastatic melanomas developing spontaneously in Hgf‐Cdk4R24C mice effectively evade cellular immune surveillance.
Stenius' approach to disjunctive permission
Authors: MAKINSON DAVID
Published: July 2010

THIS PAPER has two main purposes. First, to give an exposition of Stenius' approach to the logic of statements of disjunctive permission in such a way as to make manifest its differences with other main lines of attack in the literature. Second, to draw attention to some linguistic phenomena extending beyond the confines of deon‐tic discourse, that appear to reveal the inappropriateness of the other lines described, and to provide some confirmation of an approach, which we shall call the “checklist conception”, that can be seen as a development of that of Stenius. This “checklist conception” also throws light on the behaviour of counterfactual conditionals with disjunctive antecedents.
The Badness of Unjust Inequality
Authors: PERSSON INGMAR
Published: July 2010

Abstract This paper argues, first, that an egalitarianism worth its salt must affirm that many states of inequality are unjust, and hence bad in themselves, because those who are worse off do not deserve to be worse off, nor are entitled only to less, nor have voluntarily chosen to be worse off. Secondly, it contends that the intrinsic goodness of a state of just equality does not consist in there being anything positively good about it, but merely in the absence of the bad feature of injustice. Finally, it claims that a state of unjust inequality is worse than another in respect of inequality (i) the greater the number of those worse off than the average and/or (ii) the more each of them can claim, or needs to have, from the better‐off in order for them to be on the average level.
Occupational Prestige in Canada*
Authors: Pineo Peter O. , Porter John
Published: July 2010

L'article fournit les premiers résultats d'une tentative faite pour répéter au Canada une étude américaine sur le prestige professionnel. On y discute d'abord de la méthodologie utilisée et des moyens disponibles pour la poursuite d'enquêtes sociales au Canada. On y présente ensuite les valeurs attributes, quant au prestige ciiacun à 204 emplois dans l'ensemble de l'echantillon eanadien et, séparément, les résultats à partir des interviews obtenues en anglais et en français. On obtient un coefficient de corrélation très élevé entre les résuitats de cette recherche et, d'une part, l'étude récente faite aux U.S.A., puis, d'autre part, des recherches antérieures au pays. Les Canadiens attribuent un prestige plus élevé que les Américains à la plupart des emplois. Les évaluations des francophones diffèrent quelque peu cependant, ceci étant sans doute dú en partie à la traduction des vocables professionnels. Les fiancophones contribuent moins que les anglophones, par ailleurs, aux évaluations extrêmes. Les données recueillies permettent de se demander si le recensement canadien fait une classification des emplois qui soit adéquate pour être utilisée comme indice de statut socio‐économique. II appert qu'une classification des occupations qui proviendrait de recherches sociologiques serait plus adequate dans ce but.
Socio‐economic Background, Ability, and the Allocation of Students
Authors: Pavalko Ronald M.
Published: July 2010

Postulant que l'école secon‐daire effectue l'allocation de divers rôles sociaux, l'auteur met en rapport, au sein d'un groupe d'étudiants de 12e année, leurs antécédents socio‐économiques et l'éventualité de leur persévérance scolaire ou de leur abandon de l'école lors du passage à la 13e année. Le quotient intellectuel de l'etudiant sert de variable‐contrôle et l'analyse est faite séparément pour les garçons et les jeunes filles. Compte tenu du quotient intellectuel et du genre, plus les élèves sont de milieu soeio‐éeonomique élevé, plus élevée est la probabilité qu'ils poursuivent leurs études en 13e. Plus l'élève est d'un milieu moins f avorisé, par ailleurs, moins élevée est la probabilité qu'il fréquente une école quelconque l'année suivante. Malgré l'existence en milieu éducatif d'une idéologie égalitaire s'appuyant sur le mérite personnel, les antécédents socio‐économiques affectent de façon importante les chances d'aceès a l'éducation supérieure.
NATIONALITY AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY CORRELATES AMONG SOCIAL SCIENTISTS: DATA BEARING ON CONVENTIONAL WISDOMS*
Authors: LAMBERT RONALD D. , CURTIS JAMES
Published: July 2010

L'analyse de données provenant d'une enquête récente de la SCSA sur les sociologues et anthropologics canadiens sert d'arrière plan pour examiner les affirmations qui surgissent à l'occasion de discussions sur la nature de l'américanisation du corps professoral dans les universités canadiennes. On étudie les similaritcs et les differences entre les sociologues américains et les sociologues canadiens d'expression anglaise dans le but d'établir l'éventail des formations professionnelles et les caractéristiques de l'activité professionnelle. Le concept de «nationalité» est opérationalisé en utilisant les dimensions de lieu de naissance, citoyenneté, et milieux scolaires où le baccalauréat et le grade le plus élevé ont été obtenus. On dresse plusieurs comparaisons entre ceux qui peuvent être définis comme étant « purs » américains à partir de trois ou quatre critères reliès à la nationalité.

Analysis of data from a recent CSAA survey of sociologists and anthropologists is offered to provide perspective on propositions raised in current debates on the nature of Americanization of academe in this country. Similarities and differences between American and English‐Canadian sociologists are explored for a range of professional background and professional activity characteristics. Nationality is operationalized in terms of birthplace, citizenship, and places of BA and highest degrees. Comparisons are also made for “pure” Canadians and “pure” Americans defined in terms of three and four criteria of nationality and for Canadian‐ and American‐born sociologists controlling for highest degree.
The cultural division of labour in the Canadian North: a statistical study of the Inuit
Authors: Prattis J. Ian , Chartrand Jean‐Philippe
Published: July 2010

Les développements sur l'identité ethnique des Inuit et sur les origines historiques de la dépendance dans le Nord canadien ne fournissent pas de théorie capable de rendre compte des différences dans l'intégration des Inuit au Labrador, dans la partie artique du Québec. Nous y sommes parvenus à la suite de notre analyse, en évaluant la validité d'un type de colonialisme interne pour le Nord canadien, qui poserait a priori l'existence d'une division ethnique du travail. Cette théorie s'appuie sur des données fournies surtout par le recensement. Celles‐ci se regroupent autour des modes de participation de la population active Inuit, le maintien de l'identité et la survie de la langue.

Discussions of Inuit ethnic identity and of the historical origins of dependency in the Canadian North often fall short of an adequate theory capable of explaining the varying patterns of Inuit integration in Labrador, Arctic Quebec, and the eastern and western Northwest Territories. Our analysis does this by evaluating the validity of an internal colonialism model for the Canadian North, which posits the existence of a cultural division of labour. Data to support this contention are drawn largely from census material. The data focus is on patterns of Inuit labour force participation, identity maintenance and language retention.
The impact of biomass crop cultivation on temperate biodiversity
Authors: DAUBER JENS , JONES MICHAEL B. , STOUT JANE C.
Published: July 2010

The urgency for mitigation actions in response to climate change has stimulated policy makers to encourage the rapid expansion of bioenergy, resulting in major land‐use changes over short timescales. Despite the potential impacts on biodiversity and the environment, scientific concerns about large‐scale bioenergy production have only recently been given adequate attention. Environmental standards or legislative provisions in the majority of countries are still lagging behind the rapid development of energy crops. Ranging from the field to the regional scale, this review (i) summarizes the current knowledge about the impact of biomass crops on biodiversity in temperate regions, (ii) identifies knowledge gaps and (iii) drafts guidelines for a sustainable biomass crop production with respect to biodiversity conservation. The majority of studies report positive effects on biodiversity at the field scale but impacts strongly depend on the management, age, size and heterogeneity of the biomass plantations. At the regional scale, significant uncertainties exist and there is a major concern that extensive commercial production could have negative effects on biodiversity, in particular in areas of high nature‐conservation value. However, integration of biomass crops into agricultural landscapes could stimulate rural economy, thus counteracting negative impacts of farm abandonment or supporting restoration of degraded land, resulting in improved biodiversity values. Given the extent of landconversion necessary to reach the bioenergy targets, the spatial layout and distribution of biomass plantations will determine impacts. To ensure sustainable biomass crop production, biodiversity would therefore have to become an essential part of risk assessment measures in all those countries which have not yet committed to making it an obligatory part of strategic landscape planning. Integrated environmental and economic research is necessary to formulate standards that help support long‐term economic and ecological sustainability of biomass production and avoid costly mistakes in our attempts to mitigate climate change.
Quantitative analysis of miRNA expression in several developmental stages of human livers
Authors: Liu Dong , Fan Jing , Zeng Wanjiang , Zhou Yiwu , Ingvarsson Sigurdur , Chen Huiping
Published: July 2010

Aim:  miRNAs have been found to regulate gene expression at a posttranscriptional level in cells. Studies have shown that expression of miRNAs is tissue‐specific and developmental stage‐specific. The mechanism behind this could be explained by miRNA pathways.

Methods:  We introduce the identification of miRNAs from two human fetal liver cDNA libraries by a cloning protocol. The miRNAs detected were then analyzed in a chorionic villus tissue and four liver tissues using real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  After sequencing and database searching, a total of 42 miRNAs in two fetal livers were detected. Quantitative analysis showed that they have higher general expression in the livers of the fetal period than the adult period, and furthermore the expression levels of the miRNAs during the fetal period were dynamically changed.

Conclusion:  Our results indicate that a special group of miRNAs may play an important role in human fetal liver development, while their roles in the adult livers are limited.
Mechanism of increase in charge-pumping current of metal-nitride-oxide-silicon-field effect transistors during thick dielectric film etching using fluorocarbon gas plasma
Authors: Ichihashi Yoshinari , Ishikawa Yasushi , Shimizu Ryu , Samukawa Seiji
Published: July 2010

Plasma irradiation damage to metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) devices can cause serious problems, such as an increase in the charge-pumping current and interface state density between SiO2 and Si during the dielectric film etching process using perfluorocarbon gas. The increase in a charge-pumping current was observed as a result of increasing the substrate rf bias for accelerating ions during plasma etching for thick dielectric film. The authors found that the current increase was caused by combination of E′ centers and Pb centers. That is, the generated electrons (E′ center) in the dielectric film surface by ion bombardment are trapped at the Si dangling bonds of the SiO2/Si interface (Pb centers). These Pb centers are generated by the penetration of UV photons. Control of both UV photons and ion bombardment is therefore crucial to eliminate damage at the SiO2/Si interface in MIS devices.
Decrease in the CO
2
Uptake Capacity in an Ice-Free Arctic Ocean Basin
Authors: Cai Wei-Jun , Chen Liqi , Chen Baoshan , Gao Zhongyong , Lee Sang H. , Chen Jianfang , Pierrot Denis , Sullivan Kevin , Wang Yongchen , Hu Xinping , Huang Wei-Jen , Zhang Yuanhui , Xu Suqing , Murata Akihiko , Grebmeier Jacqueline M. , Jones E. Peter , Zhang Haisheng
Published: July 2010

Sinking in Slowly

As the Arctic warms and its sea ice continues to melt, more of the ocean surface will be exposed, creating the potential for greater uptake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Cai
et al.

(p.
556
, published online 22 July) present results from a series of Arctic Ocean transects that show that the amount of CO
2
in the surface waters has increased greatly recently. This will act as a barrier to future CO
2
uptake and suggests that the Arctic Ocean will not become the large CO
2
sink that some have predicted.
Detection of C
60
and C
70
in a Young Planetary Nebula
Authors: Cami Jan , Bernard-Salas Jeronimo , Peeters Els , Malek Sarah Elizabeth
Published: July 2010

Cosmic Fullerenes

Since the discovery of the buckminsterfullerene C
60
in laboratory experiments, it has been speculated that fullerenes could form abundantly in carbon-rich evolved stars and, because of their stability, survive the harsh radiation field in the interstellar medium as a gas-phase species.

Cami
et al.

(p.
1180
; published online 22 July; see the Perspective by

Ehrenfreund and Foing

) have detected large amounts of fullerenes in a peculiar planetary nebula with an extremely hydrogen-poor dust formation zone. Contrary to expectations, the fullerenes are not gaseous; they are cool, are in a neutral charge state, and represent about 1.5% of the available carbon.
The
Legionella
Effector Protein DrrA AMPylates the Membrane Traffic Regulator Rab1b
Authors: Müller Matthias P. , Peters Heide , Blümer Julia , Blankenfeldt Wulf , Goody Roger S. , Itzen Aymelt
Published: July 2010

Legionella
Hijacks Rab

Legionella pneumophila
can infect eukaryotic cells and takes up residence within intracellular vacuoles, where it multiplies. In order to produce and maintain this intracellular niche, the pathogen must manipulate membrane trafficking within the host cell. Now,

Müller
et al.

(p.
946
, published online 22 July) describe the ability of
Legionella pneumophila
to manipulate vesicular trafficking by the covalent modification of the small guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) Rab1, which normally regulates the transport of endoplasmic reticulum–derived vesicles in eukaryotic cells. The
Legionella
protein DrrA is released into the cytosol of infected cells, where it specifically AMPylates a tyrosine residue of one of the regulating regions of Rab1. The modification renders the Rab protein inaccessible to GTPase-activating proteins and thus locks it in its active guanosine triphosphate–bound state.
Phylogenetic relationships inDermocybeand relatedCortinariustaxa based on nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers
Authors: Liu Y. J. , Rogers S. O. , Liu Y. J. , Ammirati J. F.
Published: July 2010

The genus Cortinarius Fr. (Cortinariaceae, Agaricales) is divided into four or more subgenera. Dermocybe (Fr.) Sacc. has been recognized as either a subgenus of Cortinarius or a separate genus, distinguished in part by the presence of various anthraquinonic pigments. Nucleotide sequences of ribosomal DNA 5.8S and internal transcribed spacers were used to investigate the phylogenetic relationships among species of Dermocybe and selected taxa from subgenera of Cortinarius. Sequence data from 47 herbarium specimens representing 31 taxa (28 species plus 3 varieties) of Dermocybe and Cortinarius were analyzed using parsimony, maximum likelihood, and neighbor joining. In general, molecular data support the morphological groupings of the taxa, although they more closely correspond to biochemical (anthraquinone and other) analyses. Phylogenetic trees showed that, while the sections Dermocybe and Malicoriae are monophyletic, and the concolorous or almost concolorous red species (section Sanguineae, such as D. sanguinea and relatives) together formed a coherent clade, the subgenus Dermocybe sensu lato itself is polyphyletic. Cortinarius californicus clusters with taxa in Cortinarius, subgenus Telamonia, section Armillati. Dermocybe olivaceopicta is more closely related to other subgenera of Cortinarius than to Dermocybe. Within the genus Cortinarius, certain of the subgenera may actually represent coherent genera. Of the subgenera examined, Telamonia, Phlegmacium, and possibly Sericeocybe appear to represent well defined taxonomic groupings. However, current assignments of taxa within Leprocybe and Myxacium were inconsistent with the molecular data. Reorganization of some taxa and taxonomic groups is suggested. Key words: Dermocybe, Cortinarius, molecular phylogeny, rDNA, ITS1, ITS2.
Responses of vegetative and reproductive traits to elevated CO2and nitrogen inRaphanusvarieties
Authors: Jablonski Leanne M.
Published: July 2010

The relationships between the responses to elevated CO2of the vegetative and reproductive phase were investigated in radish, used as a test system. The hypothesis that an increase in nonfoliar vegetative storage capacity promotes reproductive output was tested. Three cultivars of Raphanus sativus and the wild, Raphanus raphanistrum, differing in root to shoot ratios, were grown under two levels of CO2and two levels of nitrogen fertilization. Varieties possessed different strategies of carbon storage and showed distinct responses to CO2at each vegetative harvest time. Vegetative sinks of hypocotyls, petioles, and young blades were enhanced by CO2. Nitrogen promoted vegetative shoot growth, but did not enhance the reproductive response to CO2. By the end of the reproductive phase, varieties did not differ in total biomass. Reproductive response to CO2may have been limited by the lack of an effect on the timing of flowering. Correlations in CO2enhancement ratios were examined in 12 traits of each phase. Only vegetative total leaf area correlated with reproductive mass. Foliar starch correlated with decreased abortion. Enhancements in vegetative biomass did not correlate with any reproductive response. Detailed studies of the reproductive phase are needed to understand the whole-plant response to elevated CO2. Key words: elevated CO2, plant reproduction, nitrogen, starch, carbon allocation, source–sink.
Stomatal conductance and transpiration in shoots of Scots pine after 4-year exposure to elevated CO2and temperature
Authors: Wang Kai-Yun , Kellomäki Seppo
Published: July 2010

Single Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees were subjected to elevated temperature (year-round elevation), elevated CO2(elevation from April 15 to September 15), and a combination of elevated temperature and CO2, for 4 years in open-topped chambers. Measurements and modelling were performed to determine if long-term growth at elevated CO2concentration and temperature altered water use efficiency (WE) and the responses of stomatal conductance (gs) to photon flux density (Qp), the leaf-to-air vapour pressure difference (Dv), leaf temperature (Tl), and intercellular concentration of CO2(Ci). Long-term elevation of CO2led to a significant decline in the absolute value of gsat almost all levels of Qp, Dv, Ci, and Tl. Elevated temperature treatment increased the absolute value of gsonly at higher Dvand Tl. The effect of the combination of elevated CO2and temperature did not appear as a mean of the effects of the two single factors, while there was an interaction between the two factors. The modifications in the sensitivity of stomata, resulting from different treatments, did not have the same pattern as the change in gs, but depended on levels of Qp, Dv, and Tl. Compared with the control treatment, elevated concentration of CO2or a combination of elevated CO2and temperature led, on average, to 50 and 30% increases in WE, respectively, which can be attributed mainly to an increase in the rate of net assimilation. In contrast, elevated temperature alone did not significantly change WE, although transpiration rate was increased. Key words: long-term CO2and temperature elevation, stomatal conductance, transpiration, water use efficiency, Pinus sylvestris.
Morphological aspects of the shedding of surface layers from peanut roots
Authors: Uheda Eiji , Akasaka Yoko , Daimon Hiroyuki
Published: July 2010

Epidermal cells and cells originating in the outer cortex form the surface layers of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) roots, the outermost of which separate and shed from the periphery. Shedding takes place continuously and over the whole surface of the root. Light and electron microscopic studies revealed that the shedding of surface layers involves modification of cell walls and separation of intact cells. Wall breakdown, as well as the expansion of cells resulting from wall breakdown, might facilitate the separation of intact cells. Examination of enzymes revealed that cellulase showed much higher activity in the shedding layers than in the remaining tissues. The results suggest that the cell separation process in peanut roots involves a wall-degrading enzyme-mediated mechanism. Key words: Arachis hypogaea, morphology, root, shedding, surface layers, wall breakdown.
The conidial surface ofBotrytis cinereaand several otherBotrytisspecies
Authors: Doss Robert P. , Christian James K. , Potter Sandra W. , Soeldner Alfred H. , Chastagner Gary A.
Published: July 2010

Surfaces of conidia of Botrytis cinerea Pers: Fr. and several other Botrytis species were studied using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy with carbon–platinum replicas. The surface of dry conidia of B. cinerea was rough with numerous short (200–250 nm) protuberances. Upon hydration and redrying these protuberances disappeared. The surfaces of conidia of other Botrytis species were similar to the surface of B. cinerea. The basket-weave pattern of hydrophobin rodlets present on the surfaces of spores of many fungal species was not observed on conidia of any of the Botrytis species. Rodlets were seen when the methods employed in this study were used to examine conidia of Aspergillus nidulans (Eidam) Winter, Neurospora crassa Shear et Dodge, or Penicillium camembertii Thom:, fungal species known to possess rodlets. Key words: hydrophobicity, conidial surface, Botryotinia, electron microscopy.
Evaluation of fungal isolates for the inhibition of vegetative growth of Venturis inaequalis
Authors: Ouimet A. , Carisse O. , Neumann P.
Published: July 2010

As a part of a broader study on biological control of apple scab, caused by Venturia inaequalis, a collection of 183 microorganisms originating from apple leaf litter was evaluated for their inhibitory effects on the vegetative growth of V. inaequalis. In a first screening, based on dual culture, 31 isolates (17%) showed inhibition. From these isolates, 11 fungi were selected for quantitative evaluation based on the presence of a distinct zone of inhibition. The selected fungi were evaluated again, in a more precise test, which indicated that isolates P164A (Ophiostoma sp.), P66A (Chaetophoma sp.), P26A (Aureobasidium sp.), P59A (Phoma sp.), and P28A (unidentified) inhibited 95.3, 88.9, 85.8, 80.7, and 80.1% of mycelial growth, respectively. Inhibition by the most effective fungus (Ophiostoma sp.) lasted for more than 58 days. A test using culture filtrates, incubated over time, was carried out to determine whether the living fungus was a prerequisite for inhibition. The inhibitory effect of metabolites secreted by the selected fungi was less than 5%. This study revealed the potential of at least five fungi that could be considered in the development of a biological control agent against V. inaequalis. Key words: antifungal inhibition, apple scab, biological control.
Effects of reproduction and artificial herbivory on vegetative growth and resource levels in deciduous and evergreen dwarf shrubs
Authors: Tolvanen Anne , Laine Kari
Published: July 2010

Effects of reproduction (production of flowers and berries) and artificial herbivory of different phenological stages on deciduous bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and evergreen lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) were investigated to determine differences in allocation patterns and recovery ability between these species. Vegetative growth and concentration of sugars, starch, and nitrogen were measured in ramets at the end of the growing season. Statistical comparisons were made between the treatments and damage times, but not between the species, as these were manipulated at different sites within the same forest. Reproduction reduced the vegetative growth significantly in lingonberry, whereas the fertile bilberry ramets grew even more than the sterile ones. The bilberry produced new shoots as a response to simulated herbivory, which significantly decreased carbohydrate levels in tissues. The evergreen lingonberry produced less shoots, and carbohydrate levels increased significantly. Nitrogen concentration either remained unchanged or increased in both species. For both species, time of damage affected the carbon and nitrogen levels as well as the ability to regrow. The species have developed different strategies to overcome the costs of sexual reproduction and herbivory damage, apparently as a result of the different resource allocation patterns and different architectural constraints for shoot development. The evergreen lingonberry grows slowly and conserves resources, whereas the deciduous bilberry allocates resources to increase the photosynthesizing biomass, which increases the potential of future survival, growth, and reproduction. Key words: carbohydrate, clipping, deblossoming, defoliation, nitrogen, Vaccinium.
Incidence of fungi onVacciniatesta and their potential effect on seed germination
Authors: Kloet S. P. Vander , Nickerson N. L.
Published: July 2010

Seeds extracted from fresh, stratified, and rotting fruit, belonging to seven taxa of Vaccinium as well as from robin scats, were incubated individually on soil agar and potato dextrose agar so that the extent of penetration of fruit rotting agents onto the testa and the effect these rotting agents had on germination could be determined. Micro-organisms grew from the testa in 61% of the 919 vials examined. The maximum of micro-organism species per vial was four, invariably found on seeds from rotting berries and from scats. Few micro-organisms were isolated from fresh fruit. Yeasts were isolated from vials from most treatments, but most frequently from Vaccinium uliginosum. Among the filamentous fungi, Allantophomopsis cytisporea and Botryosphaeria vaccinii were isolated only from cranberries. These fungi were most often associated with decreased germination. Key words: Vaccinium, seed, fruit, fungi, bacteria.
A multipathogen selective enrichment broth for simultaneous growth ofSalmonella entericaserovar Enteritidis,Staphylococcus aureus, andListeria monocytogenes
Authors: Yu Yi-Gang , Wu Hui , Liu Yuan-Yuan , Li Su-Long , Yang Xiao-Quan , Xiao Xing-Long
Published: July 2010

A selective enrichment broth (SSL) was formulated to allow concurrent growth of 3 prominent food-borne pathogens: Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus , and Listeria monocytogenes . Nalidixic acid, lithium chloride, and potassium tellurite were added as the selective agents, while sodium pyruvate and mannitol were employed as the supplemented elements. In the individual growth trial, the target pathogens were capable of growing in SSL to as high as 7–8 log10colony-forming units (CFU)/mL after 24 h incubation at 37 °C when being inoculated at 50–100 CFU/mL. In the simultaneous growth trial, the 3 combined target pathogens showed similar growth rates. The results show that SSL could support the successful simultaneous enrichment of 3 pathogens; however, SSL inhibited the growth of nontarget bacteria. In the artificial contaminated raw beef and ready-to-eat chicken, a high recovery of these 3 target pathogens was obtained in SSL. Finally, Salmonella Enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and L. monocytogenes were detected from 710 suspicious food samples by SSL with real-time PCR, and no false-positive or -negative results were reported. In summary, SSL has been shown to be a suitable broth for the simultaneous detection of the 3 prominent food-borne pathogens by multipathogen detection on a single-assay platform.
Inactivation of human adenovirus by sequential disinfection with an alternative ultraviolet technology and monochloramine
Authors: Shin Gwy-Am , Lee Jung-Keun
Published: July 2010

In an effort to reduce human exposure to adenoviruses through drinking water, we determined the effectiveness of sequential disinfection with an alternative ultraviolet (UV) technology (medium-pressure (MP) UV) and monochloramine. The results of this study showed that MP UV was much more effective than traditional UV technology (low-pressure (LP) UV) against human adenovirus 2 (Ad2). Specifically, an inactivation of ~3 log10 was achieved by a dose of 40 mJ/cm2 of MP UV compared to ~1 log10 by the same dose of LP UV. However, because of the ineffective inactivation of Ad2 by monochloramine, a very high dose (40 mJ/cm2) of MP UV and a very large Ct99 value (~1200 mg/L·min) was still needed to achieve a significant inactivation (e.g., 4 log10) of Ad2. Also, it appears that the inactivation of Ad2 by monochloramine is not enhanced by prior exposure to MP UV. Overall, the results of this study indicated that, in spite of the enhanced effectiveness of alternative UV technologies on human adenoviruses, sequential disinfection with an alternative UV technology (MP UV) and monochloramine still may not provide adequate inactivation of human adenoviruses — especially at high pH and low temperature — in drinking water treatment processes.
Leptin-induced cardioprotection involves JAK/STAT signaling that may be linked to the mitochondrial permeability transition pore
Authors: Smith Christopher C. T. , Dixon Richard A. , Wynne Abigail M. , Theodorou Louise , Ong Sang-Ging , Subrayan Sapna , Davidson Sean M. , Hausenloy Derek J. , Yellon Derek M.
Published: July 2010

Leptin-induced protection against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury involves the activation of the reperfusion injury salvage kinase pathway, incorporating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt/protein kinase B and p44/42 MAPK, and the inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP). Recently published data indicate that the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, which mediates the metabolic actions of leptin, also plays a pivotal role in cardioprotection. Consequently, in the present study we considered the possibility that JAK/STAT signaling linked to the MPTP may be involved in modulating the cardioprotective actions of leptin. Employing rat in vitro models (Langendorff-perfused hearts and cardiomyocytes) of I/R injury, we investigated the actions of leptin (10 nM), administered at reperfusion, in the presence or absence of the JAK2 inhibitor, AG-490 (5 μM). Leptin reduced infarct size significantly (control, 60.05 ± 7.41% vs. leptin treated, 29.9 ± 3.24%, P < 0.05), protection being abolished by AG-490. Time course studies revealed that leptin caused a 171% ( P < 0.001) increase in STAT3/tyrosine-705 phosphorylation at 2.5 min reperfusion; however, increases were not seen at 5, 10, 15, or 30 min reperfusion. Contrasting with STAT3, Akt/serine-473 phosphorylation was not significantly increased until 15 min into the reperfusion phase (140%, P < 0.05). AG-490 blocked the leptin-induced rise in STAT3 phosphorylation seen at 2.5 min reperfusion but did not influence Akt/serine-473 phosphorylation at 15 min. Leptin reduced the MPTP opening ( P < 0.001), which was blocked by AG-490. This is the first study to yield evidence that JAK/STAT signaling linked to the MPTP plays a role in leptin-induced cardioprotection. Under the experimental conditions employed, STAT3 phosphorylation appears to have occurred earlier during reperfusion than that of Akt. Further research into the interactions between these two signaling pathways in the setting of I/R injury is, however, required.
Kinetics of cardiac muscle contraction and relaxation are linked and determined by properties of the cardiac sarcomere
Authors: Janssen Paul M. L.
Published: July 2010

The regulation of myocardial contraction and relaxation kinetics is currently incompletely understood. When the amplitude of contraction is increased via the Frank-Starling mechanism, the kinetics of the contraction slow down, but when the amplitude of contraction is increased with either an increase in heart rate or via β-adrenergic stimulation, the kinetics speed up. It is also unknown how physiological mechanisms affect the kinetics of contraction versus those of relaxation. We investigated contraction-relaxation coupling in isolated trabeculae from the mouse and rat and stimulated them to contract at various temperatures, frequencies, preloads, and in the absence and presence of β-adrenergic stimulation. In each muscle at least 16 different conditions were assessed, and the correlation coefficient of the speed of contraction and relaxation was very close (generally >0.98). Moreover, in all but one of the analyzed murine strains, the ratio of the minimum rate of the derivative of force development (dF/d t) over maximum dF/d t was not significantly different. Only in trabeculae isolated from myosin-binding protein-C mutant mice was this ratio significantly lower (0.61 ± 0.07 vs. 0.84 ± 0.02 in 11 other strains of mice). Within each strain, this ratio was unaffected by modulation of length, frequency, or β-adrenergic stimulation. Rat trabeculae showed identical results; the balance between kinetics of contraction and relaxation was generally constant (0.85 ± 0.04). Because of the great variety in underlying excitation-contraction coupling in the assessed strains, we concluded that contraction-relation coupling is a property residing in the cardiac sarcomere.
Airway distensibility and volume recruitment with lung inflation in COPD
Authors: Baldi Simonetta , Dellacà Raffaele , Govoni Leonardo , Torchio Roberto , Aliverti Andrea , Pompilio Pasquale , Corda Luciano , Tantucci Claudio , Gulotta Carlo , Brusasco Vito , Pellegrino Riccardo
Published: July 2010

The effects of full lung inflation on respiratory conductance (Grs) and reactance (Xrs) were measured in 15 subjects with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 11 matched healthy control subjects. Airway distensibility was estimated from the ratio of the difference of Grs between functional residual capacity and total lung capacity to the relevant changes in lung volume (ΔGrs/ΔVl) or transpulmonary pressure (ΔGrs/ΔPtp). Similar analysis was applied to Xrs to estimate lung volume recruitment (ΔXrs/ΔVl or ΔXrs/ΔPtp). The extent of emphysema in COPD subjects was estimated from the percentage of low attenuation area (LAA) at high-resolution computed tomography. At baseline, ΔGrs/ΔVl and ΔXrs/ΔVl were significantly less in COPD than control subjects, indicating less distensibility and volume recruitment in the former. In COPD, ΔGrs/ΔPtp and ΔXrs/ΔPtp were uncorrelated with LAA but correlated with 1-s forced expiratory volume and with each other. After albuterol, both ΔGrs/ΔPtp and ΔGrs/ΔVl became significantly and negatively correlated with LAA, while ΔXrs/ΔPtp and ΔXrs/ΔVl decreased significantly independently of LAA. Moreover, ΔGrs/ΔPtp and ΔXrs/ΔPtp with lung inflation were no longer correlated with each other, suggesting that airway distensibility and volume recruitment were affected differently by airway smooth muscle tone. Assuming that Grs mainly reflects airway caliber and Xrs the number of ventilated lung units, we conclude that airway smooth muscle contributes to airway stiffness and ventilation inhomogeneities in COPD subjects with prevailing bronchitis but only to the latter in those with more emphysema. We suggest that changes of airway distensibility and volume recruitment with a bronchodilator may be useful for disease phenotyping.
Depression of cough reflex by microinjections of antitussive agents into caudal ventral respiratory group of the rabbit
Authors: Mutolo Donatella , Bongianni Fulvia , Cinelli Elenia , Pantaleo Tito
Published: July 2010

We have previously shown that the caudal nucleus tractus solitarii is a site of action of some antitussive drugs and that the caudal ventral respiratory group (cVRG) region has a crucial role in determining both the expiratory and inspiratory components of the cough motor pattern. These findings led us to suggest that the cVRG region, and possibly other neural substrates involved in cough regulation, may be sites of action of antitussive drugs. To address this issue, we investigated changes in baseline respiratory activity and cough responses to tracheobronchial mechanical stimulation following microinjections (30–50 nl) of some antitussive drugs into the cVRG of pentobarbital-anesthetized, spontaneously breathing rabbits. [d-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4,Gly5-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) and baclofen at the lower concentrations (0.5 mM and 0.1 mM, respectively) decreased cough number, peak abdominal activity, and peak tracheal pressure and increased cough-related total cycle duration (Tt). At the higher concentrations (5 mM and 1 mM, respectively), both drugs abolished the cough reflex. DAMGO and baclofen also affected baseline respiratory activity. Both drugs reduced peak abdominal activity, while only DAMGO increased Tt, owing to increases in expiratory time. The neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist CP-99,994 (10 mM) decreased cough number, peak abdominal activity, and peak tracheal pressure, without affecting baseline respiration. The NK2receptor antagonist MEN 10376 (5 mM) had no effect. The results indicate that the cVRG is a site of action of some antitussive agents and support the hypothesis that several neural substrates involved in cough regulation may share this characteristic.
Activity level, apoptosis, and development of cachexia in ApcMin/+ mice
Authors: Baltgalvis Kristen A. , Berger Franklin G. , Peña Maria Marjorette O. , Mark Davis J. , White James P. , Carson James A.
Published: July 2010

Criteria for diagnosing cachexia in adults include unintentional loss in body weight, decreased strength, fatigue, anorexia, and low muscle mass. Cachexia is also associated with systemic inflammation, altered metabolism, and anemia. The Apc Min/+ mouse is a model of cachexia directly related to intestinal tumor burden and subsequent chronic inflammation. These mice also demonstrate muscle weakness, fatigue, decreased volitional activity, and elevated circulating IL-6 levels. The purpose of this study was to determine the time course of changes in physical activity and their relationship to anemia, muscle apoptosis, and muscle mass and body mass loss during cachexia. A subset of male Apc Min/+ mice were given access to voluntary activity wheels from 5 to 26 wk of age, while sedentary male Apc Min/+ mice were housed in cages lacking wheels. At the study's end mice were stratified by cachectic symptoms. Severely cachectic mice had decreased wheel running performance at 15 wk of age, while anemia and body weight loss were not present until 18 wk of age. Severely cachectic mice had lower hemoglobin levels compared with mildly cachectic mice at 13, 18, and 22 wk of age. Severely cachectic mice also demonstrated threefold more BCL2-associated X protein (BAX) protein in the gastrocnemius muscle at 26 wk of age compared with mildly cachectic mice. In sedentary Apc Min/+ mice at 26 wk of age anemia was present, and markers of apoptosis were induced in severely cachectic muscle. Proapoptotic protein expression was induced in both red and white portions of gastrocnemius muscle as well as in soleus muscle of severely cachectic mice compared with mildly cachectic mice. These data demonstrate that decrements in wheel running performance precede loss of body mass and that inherent muscle oxidative capacity is not protective against muscle apoptosis.