bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of post‐teneral nutrition and ginger root oil exposure on longevity and mortality in bait treatments of sterile male Ceratitis capitata
Authors: Andrés Victoria San , Pérez‐Panadés Jordi , Carbonell Emilio A. , Castañera Pedro , Urbaneja Alberto
Published: August 2009

Area‐wide Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) programmes against medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), are being increasingly implemented worldwide. A key issue for SIT is to release sterile males that are sufficiently competitive with males from the wild population. Post‐teneral nutrition and ginger root oil (GRO) exposure of sterile males prior to release have been shown to improve male competitiveness or performance. However, few studies are available on the effect of post‐teneral nutrition and ginger oil exposure on longevity and mortality in bait treatments by sterile male C. capitata. In this study, we found that longevity was increased by the addition of protein to the standard pre‐release sugar diet, whereas exposure to GRO did not influence the longevity of sterile males. Mortality in spinosad baits was influenced both by diet and GRO exposure. Sterile males on a protein‐deprived diet suffered greater mortality than sterile males fed with both sugar and protein. When sterile males were fed on the protein‐deprived diet, GRO exposure increased their mortality. However, no significant differences were found in adults on the sugar‐protein diet, whether or not they had been exposed to GRO. These results show, for the first time, a negative effect of GRO exposure in terms of increasing mortality in proteinaceous bait treatments, a common practice in areas where SIT is implemented. Nevertheless, this effect could be reduced by the addition of protein to the standard pre‐release diet. The implications of these results for SIT programmes against C. capitata are discussed.
Periodontal status of teeth with crown–root fractures: results two years after adhesive fragment reattachment
Authors: Eichelsbacher Florian , Denner Walter , Klaiber Bernd , Schlagenhauf Ulrich
Published: August 2009

Aim: This series of case reports evaluated the impact of adhesive crown–root fragment reattachment in periodontally healthy teeth suffering from crown–root fractures on various parameters of periodontal health over a time course of 2 years.

Material and Methods: A total of 20 teeth with crown–root fractures in 18 periodontally healthy subjects were evaluated. After open‐flap access, crown–root fragments were adhesively reattached to the root stub. In all cases, the vertical difference between the alveolar bone crest and the fracture line was 1 mm, i.e. violating the biological width. Subsequently, clinical attachment level (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BoP) and gingival index (GI) scores were recorded at 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively for the restored teeth as well as plaque index (PlI) and periodontal screening index (PSI) values for the whole dentition.

Results: Two years after therapy, recorded CAL, PPD, BoP, GI, PlI and PSI scores revealed healthy periodontal conditions in 18 out of 20 treated teeth. Two teeth had suffered again from fragment fracture due to new traumata.

Conclusions: Adhesive fragment reattachment in periodontally healthy teeth affected by crown–root fractures had no detrimental impact on periodontal health over a time course of 2 years.
The Moral Philosophy of Raimond Gaita and Some Questions of Method in the Philosophy of Religion
Authors: Wynn Mark
Published: August 2009

Raimond Gaita's moral philosophy is distinguished by, among other things, its attention to the role of embodied, enacted witness in disclosing certain moral values, and its understanding of the emotions as forms of thought. In this paper, I consider how Gaita's insights on these matters may be applied to certain questions in the philosophy of religion, paying particular attention to the nature of religious experience and ‘the problem of evil’. I suggest that Gaita's discussion of how we come to recognise moral values or ‘meanings’ can be extended to the question of how we might recognise religious meanings. On this view, religious experience may take the form of an appreciation of the meaning borne by a material context (rather than, for example, some supra-sensory encounter with a supernatural agent), and our sense of the goodness or otherwise of the world may be answerable to the authoritative example of particular lives.
Increased bacterial load in shrimp hemolymph in the absence of prophenoloxidase
Authors: Fagutao Fernand F. , Koyama Takashi , Kaizu Akihiro , Saito‐Taki Tatsuo , Kondo Hidehiro , Aoki Takashi , Hirono Ikuo
Published: August 2009

Invertebrates rely on their innate immune responses to protect themselves from pathogens, one of which is melanization of bacteria mediated by the activation of phenoloxidase (PO). Furthermore, invertebrate hemolymph, even that of healthy individuals, has been shown to contain bacterial species. The mechanisms that prevent these bacteria from proliferating and becoming deleterious to the host are, however, poorly understood. Here, we show that knocking down the activity of the inactive precursor of PO [prophenoloxidase (proPO)] by RNA interference resulted in a significant increase in the bacterial load of kuruma shrimp, Marsupenaeus japonicus, even in the absence of a bacterial or viral challenge. Silencing of proPO also led to a sharp increase in shrimp mortality. In addition, the hemolymph of proPO‐depleted shrimp had significantly lower hemocyte counts and PO activity than control samples. Microarray analysis after proPO silencing also showed a decrease in the expression of a few antimicrobial peptides, but no effect on the expression of the genes involved in the clotting system. Treatment with antibiotics prior to and after proPO dsRNA injection, to counteract the loss of proPO, resulted in a significant increase in shrimp survival. Our results therefore show that the absence of proPO renders the shrimp incapable of controlling bacteria present in the hemolymph, and that proPO is therefore essential for its survival.
The yeast ubiquitin ligase Rsp5 downregulates the alpha subunit of nascent polypeptide‐associated complex Egd2 under stress conditions
Authors: Hiraishi Hiroyuki , Shimada Takashi , Ohtsu Iwao , Sato Taka‐Aki , Takagi Hiroshi
Published: August 2009

The ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of stress‐induced abnormal proteins are indispensable to cell survival. We previously showed that a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) mutant carrying a single amino acid change, Ala401Glu, in RSP5, which encodes an essential E3 ubiquitin ligase, is hypersensitive to various stresses. To identify the protein substrates of Rsp5, we performed a comparative proteome analysis of the wild‐type and rsp5 mutant strains under stress conditions. The results we obtained indicate that several proteins, including the α‐subunit of nascent polypeptide‐associated complex (αNAC, Egd2) accumulated in the rsp5 mutant. To investigate whether or not Rsp5 ubiquitinates these proteins in a stress‐dependent manner, cell extracts were analyzed by immunoprecipitation followed by western blotting after exposure to temperature upshift. Interestingly, Egd2 was ubiquitinated in the wild‐type cells but not in the rsp5 mutant cells under these stress conditions. We also detected in vitro ubiquitination of Egd2 by Rsp5 at elevated temperature. Moreover, Egd2 was ubiquitinated in the egd1 and not4 deletion mutants lacking βNAC and the RING‐type ubiquitin ligase Not4, respectively, indicating that ubiquitination of Egd2 is independent of Egd1 and Not4. We also showed that, under stress conditions, Egd2 was mainly degraded via the proteasome pathway. These results strongly suggest that Rsp5 is involved in selective ubiquitination and degradation of stress‐induced unstable proteins, such as Egd2.

Structured digital abstract

MINT‐7228949: EGD2 (uniprotkb:P38879) physically interacts (MI:0915) with ubiquitin (uniprotkb:P61864) by anti‐tag co‐immunoprecipitation (MI:0007)
TEST OF A MULTISTAGE MODEL OF DISTAL AND PROXIMAL ANTECEDENTS OF LEADER PERFORMANCE
Authors: VAN IDDEKINGE CHAD H. , FERRIS GERALD R. , HEFFNER TONIA S.
Published: August 2009

The authors developed and tested a multistage model of distal and proximal predictors of leader performance in an effort to shed greater light on the intermediate linkages between broad leader traits and performance. Predictor and criterion data were obtained from 471 noncommissioned officers in the U.S. Army. A model with cognitive ability and 3 of the Big 5 personality factors as distal antecedents, leadership experiences and motivation to lead as semidistal antecedents, and the knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) to lead as proximal antecedents of leader performance provided a good fit to the data. More specifically, the effects of the distal and semidistal antecedents on leader performance were partially mediated by more proximal variables, whereas leader KSAs demonstrated a relatively strong, direct influence on performance. The 1 exception was that Conscientiousness—a hypothesized distal antecedent—had a notable direct effect on leader performance. The implications of these findings for leadership research and practice are discussed.
CONTINGENCIES IN THE EFFECTS OF PAY RANGE ON ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
Authors: KEPES SVEN , DELERY JOHN , GUPTA NINA
Published: August 2009

The degree of pay spread can influence many organizational level outcomes (e.g., workforce productivity and organizational performance), but empirical studies are inconsistent about the directionality of the effect. We argue that it is not simply the width of the pay range but also the factors responsible for the width that explain the effects of the pay range on employee and organizational outcomes. We expect that when wider pay ranges are attributable to the use of performance‐based pay, the effects of the pay range on performance are positive, but narrower pay ranges attributable to performance‐based pay reduce this effect substantially. By contrast, wider pay ranges attributable to politically based pay should have negative effects on performance, and this effect should be weakened when the pay ranges are narrower. Data from a sample of motor carriers generally support our predictions. Although wider pay ranges have positive effects, the results reveal a complex pattern of relationships among the basis of pay allocations and pay range width on the one hand and workforce productivity and organizational performance on the other. Implications for future compensation and strategic human resource management research are discussed.
EFFECTS OF CONSCIENTIOUSNESS AND EXTRAVERSION ON NEW LABOR MARKET ENTRANTS' JOB SEARCH: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF METACOGNITIVE ACTIVITIES AND POSITIVE EMOTIONS
Authors: TURBAN DANIEL B. , STEVENS CYNTHIA K. , LEE FELISSA K.
Published: August 2009

Job seekers' Conscientiousness and Extraversion show consistent relationships with their job search activities and success, although the explanatory mechanisms for these relationships are unclear (Kanfer, Wanberg, & Kantrowitz, 2001). To explore these mechanisms, we developed and tested a model in which both Conscientiousness and Extraversion influenced metacognitive activities whereas Extraversion alone influenced positive emotions; these mediating variables in turn were predicted to influence resumé submissions, first interviews, second interviews, and job offers. Using longitudinal data collected from 232 job applicants, we found support for these predictions. Interestingly, meta‐cognitive activities appeared to be more important in predicting resumé submissions and first interviews, whereas positive emotions predicted success in obtaining second interviews and job offers. We discuss the implications of our results and suggest future directions for research.
The origin of extended disc galaxies at z = 2
Authors: Sales Laura V. , Navarro Julio F. , Schaye Joop , Dalla Vecchia Claudio , Springel Volker , Haas Marcel R. , Helmi Amina
Published: August 2009

Galaxy formation models typically assume that the size and rotation speed of galaxy discs are largely dictated by the mass, concentration and spin of their surrounding dark matter haloes. Equally important, however, is the fraction of baryons in the halo that collect into the central galaxy, as well as the net angular momentum that they are able to retain during its assembly process. We explore the latter using a set of four large cosmological N-body/gasdynamical simulations drawn from the OverWhelmingly Large Simulations project. These runs differ only in their implementation of feedback from supernovae (SNe). We find that, when expressed as fractions of their virial values, galaxy mass and net angular momentum are tightly correlated. Galaxy mass fractions, md=Mgal/Mvir, depend strongly on feedback but only weakly on halo mass, or spin over the halo mass range explored here (Mvir > 1011h−1 M⊙). The angular momentum of a galaxy, expressed in units of that of its surrounding halo, jd=Jgal/Jvir, correlates with md in a manner that is insensitive to feedback and that deviates strongly from the simple jd=md assumption often adopted in semi-analytic models of galaxy formation. The md–jd correlation implies that, in a given halo, galaxy disc size is maximal when the central galaxy makes up a substantial fraction (∼20–30 per cent) of all baryons within the virial radius (i.e. md∼ 0.03–0.05). At z= 2, such systems may host gaseous discs with radial scalelengths as large as those reported for star-forming discs by the SINS survey, even in moderately massive haloes of average spin. Extended discs at z= 2 may thus signal the presence of systems where galaxy formation has been particularly efficient, rather than the existence of haloes with unusually high spin parameter.
The absorption-dominated model for the X-ray spectra of type I active galaxies: MCG–6-30-15
Authors: Miller L. , Turner T. J. , Reeves J. N.
Published: August 2009

MCG–6-30-15 is the archetypal example of a type I active galaxy showing broad ‘red-wing’ emission in its X-ray spectrum at energies below the 6.4 keV Fe Kα emission line and a continuum excess above 20 keV. Miller et al. showed that these spectral features could be caused by clumpy absorbing material, but Reynolds et al. have argued that the observed Fe Kα line luminosity is inconsistent with this explanation unless the global covering factor of the absorber(s) is very low. However, the Reynolds et al. calculation effectively considers the only source of opacity to be the Fe K bound–free transition and neglects the opacity at the line energy: correction to realistic opacity decreases the predicted line flux by a large factor. We also discuss the interpretation of the covering factor and the possible effect of occultation by the accretion disc. Finally, we consider a model for MCG–6-30-15 dominated by clumpy absorption, which is consistent with a global covering factor of 0.45, although models that include the effects of Compton scattering are required to reach a full understanding. Variations in covering fraction may dominate the observed X-ray spectral variability.
Training response of mitochondrial transcription factors in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Norrbom J. , Wallman S. E. , Gustafsson T. , Rundqvist H. , Jansson E. , Sundberg C. J.
Published: August 2009

Aim:  Mitochondrial function is essential for physical performance and health. Aerobic fitness is positively associated with mitochondrial (mt) biogenesis in muscle cells through partly unknown regulatory mechanisms. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of exercise and training status on key mt transcription factors in relation to oxidative capacity in human skeletal muscle.

Methods:  The basal mRNA and protein levels of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), mitochondrial transcription factors B1 (TFB1M) or B2 (TFB2M), and mRNA levels of mitochondrial transcription termination factor (mTERF), were measured in a cross‐sectional study with elite athletes (EA) and moderately active (MA) and the basal mRNA levels of these factors were measured during a 10‐day endurance training programme with (R‐leg) and without (NR‐leg) restricted blood flow to the working leg.

Results:  TFAM protein expression was significantly higher in the EA than in the MA, while protein levels of TFB1M and TFB2M were not different between the groups. There was no difference between EA and MA, or any effect with training on TFAM mRNA levels. However, the mRNA levels of TFB1M, TFB2M and mTERF were higher in EA compared with MA. For TFB1M and TFB2M, the mRNA expression was increased in the R‐leg after 10 days of training, but not in the NR‐leg. mTERF mRNA levels were higher in EA compared with MA.

Conclusion:  This study further establishes that TFAM protein levels are higher in conditions with enhanced oxidative capacity. The mRNA levels of TFB1M and TFB2M are influenced by endurance training, possibly suggesting a role for these factors in the regulation of exercise‐induced mitochondrial biogenesis.
Dystrophia Smolandiensis: a novel morphological picture of recurrent corneal erosions
Authors: Hammar Björn , Lagali Neil , Ek Stefan , Seregard Stefan , Dellby Anette , Fagerholm Per
Published: August 2009

Purpose:  The aim of this study was to describe morphological changes in Dystrophia Smolandiensis, a corneal disease that is characterized by recurrent corneal erosive episodes and the formation of central corneal keloid‐like opacities in approximately half of those affected.

Methods:  The corneas of seven affected individuals were examined using in‐vivo confocal microscopy. Specimens of one primary corneal graft, one regraft and one biopsied keloid‐like region – all obtained from members of a large family with the disease – were re‐examined with a light microscope. Sections were stained with Congo red and analysed immunohistochemically for fibronectin and S100A4.

Results:  Light microscopic examination revealed epithelial hyperplasia, absence of Bowman’s layer and subepithelial fibrosis. Fibronectin was expressed in the area of subepithelial fibrosis, and the keratocytes in this area generally expressed S100A4. The biopsy specimen stained positive for Congo red, suggesting an amyloid deposit. In‐vivo confocal microscopy confirmed epithelial abnormalities, loss of Bowman’s layer and significant alterations of the subbasal nerve plexus in affected individuals.

Conclusion:  The morphological picture in Dystrophia Smolandiensis is novel for a condition dominated by recurrent corneal erosions at the clinical level. Although no single morphological feature unique to the disease could be found, the general morphological pattern of pathology (true keloid formation, absence of Bowman’s layer, subepithelial fibrosis and abnormal subbasal nerves) probably reflects a novel phenotypic expression of the healing response to recurrent erosion of the corneal epithelium. However, the pathogenesis of Dystrophia Smolandiensis remains to be elucidated fully.
Reduction in Recidivism in a Juvenile Mental Health Court: A Pre‐ and Post‐Treatment Outcome Study
Authors: Behnken Monic P. , Arredondo David E. , Packman Wendy L.
Published: August 2009

A review of an evaluation of the Court for the Individualized Treatment of Adolescents (a prototype Juvenile Mental Health Court in Santa Clara, California) is presented along with admission criteria. Participant demographics are described. McNemar Test and Paired T Test results show that study participants committed violent, aggressive, and property crimes in significantly lower numbers in the 23 months following court admission than in the 18 months preceding court admission, despite escalating patterns of antisocial behavior prior to court involvement. The importance of developing multidisciplinary models to address moderately severe offenders with serious mental illness is discussed.
Clinical trials and public trust: the geographical shift to the Asia‐Pacific region
Authors: TORRALBA Karina D. , KHAN Nasim A. , QUISMORIO Francisco P.
Published: August 2009

Multiple issues surrounding the publication of clinical trials and the conduct of clinical trials, especially those that are industry‐sponsored, have raised doubts regarding the integrity of their results, and of the integrity of the medical profession. An appreciation of the historical and economic changes in the relationship between physicians and industry is crucial to the understanding of these issues. Increasingly, as healthcare professionals and centers in the Asia‐Pacific region become involved in corporate‐funded multi‐center drug trials, these ethical issues similarly come into play. It is imperative for medical leaders to take actions ensuring rights of subjects participating in these clinical trials, and to ensure the integrity of physicians and authors of clinical trials from this region of the world.
The manifestations of vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis and its evidence‐based therapy
Authors: STRANGE Geoff , NASH Peter
Published: August 2009

Fibrosis, inflammation and vascular dysfunction are major features of systemic sclerosis and the multiple organ‐specific complications that characterize this disease. Several manifestations of systemic sclerosis, including Raynaud’s phenomenon, digital ulceration, scleroderma renal crisis and pulmonary arterial hypertension, contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality and are understood to share similarities in their underlying vasculopathy. In recent years, a number of treatment options have become available that ease the burden of these manifestations, including calcium channel blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, prostanoids and prostacyclin analogs, endothelin receptor antagonists, and phosphodiesterase type‐5 inhibitors. Several of these treatments have demonstrated beneficial effects against more than one complication, as a result of the similarities in the pathology underlying these manifestations. However, physicians involved in the management of patients with systemic sclerosis are faced with differing levels of evidence supporting these treatments, and historically little international consensus on the treatment of some manifestations, such as digital ulcers. The aim of this article is to evaluate the level of evidence supporting each intervention in systemic sclerosis, thereby facilitating decision‐making in the clinic.
The effectiveness of exercise therapy for ankylosing spondylitis: a review
Authors: WANG Ching‐Yi , CHIANG Pin‐Yen , LEE Hong‐Shen , WEI James Cheng‐Chung
Published: August 2009

Exercise therapy is an important component of current standard therapy for patients with ankylosing spondylitis. The purpose of this review is to provide important guidelines when prescribing exercises by reviewing articles evaluating the effectives and usefulness of exercise therapy in patients with ankylosing spondylosis.
Impact of bone marker feedback on adherence to once monthly ibandronate for osteoporosis among Asian postmenopausal women
Authors: THE BonAdASIA STUDY GROUP
Published: August 2009

Aim:  This study assesses the impact of serum carboxy‐terminal collagen crosslinks (CTX) bone marker feedback (BMF) on adherence to ibandronate treatment in Asian postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Methods:  This was a 12‐month (6‐monthly phased), randomized, prospective, open‐label, multi‐center study conducted in 596 (of 628 enrolled) postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (≤ 85 years old) who were naïve, lapsed, or current bisphosphonate users. Patients were randomized into two arms: serum CTX BMF at 3 months versus no‐BMF. Once‐monthly 150 mg ibandronate tablet was administered for 12 months and adherence to therapy was assessed at 6 and 12 months. In addition, patient satisfaction and safety of ibandronate treatment were also assessed.

Results:  Serum CTX BMF at 3 months showed no impact on adherence. The proportions of adherent patients were comparable in the BMF versus no‐BMF arms (92.6%vs. 96.0%, P = 0.16); overall, serum CTX levels were similar for adherent and non‐adherent patients. However, BMF patients felt more informed about their osteoporosis (P < 0.001) and more satisfied (P < 0.01) than no‐BMF patients.

Conclusions:  The Asian postmenopausal osteoporosis patients in this study had a high adherence rate to once‐monthly ibandronate therapy. Use of serum CTX BMF had no further impact on increasing adherence, but increased treatment satisfaction.
Central nervous system infections in Filipino patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: VARGAS Pauline Jea , KING Gentry , NAVARRA Sandra V.
Published: August 2009

Background and purpose:  Infections including those of the central nervous system (CNS) are a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This case series describes the etiology, contributing factors and outcomes of CNS infections in a group of Filipino patients with SLE.

Design:  Retrospective case series.

Methods:  We reviewed the medical records of SLE patients diagnosed and confined for a CNS infection at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital in Manila, Philippines, from 1997 to 2007.

Results:  A total of 23 SLE patients (22 females) diagnosed with CNS infection were included in this study. The mean age was 25.8 years (range 12–51) at SLE diagnosis, and 30.9 years (range 14–58) at CNS infection, with a mean disease duration of 55 months (range 7–125). Nineteen cases (82.6%) were meningitis, and four (17.4%) were diagnoses of brain abscess. The etiologic agents were identified as Cryptococcus neoformans in seven (30.4%), Mycobacterium tuberculosis in seven (30.4%), Streptococcus pneumoniae in two (8.7%), Salmonella sp. in one (4.4%), Corynebacterium bovis with Actinomyces sp. in one (4.4%), and no isolate in five (21.7%). The average daily prednisone dose was 28.9 mg (range 0–60 mg); 10 patients had recently received pulse cyclophosphamide, and two were on mycophenolate mofetil at the time of infection. Most cases had active SLE; the lone patient in disease remission had S. pneumoniae meningitis post‐splenectomy. The most common presentation was headache (100%) and fever (87%). The infection resolved completely in nine patients (39.1%), and resolved with sequelae in two patients (8.7%); 12 patients (52.2%) died.

Conclusion:  We described the etiology and outcomes of CNS infections in a group of Filipino patients with SLE. Risk factors included active SLE in the majority of cases requiring moderate‐ to high‐dose steroids and other immunosuppressants like cyclophosphamide. Although C. neoformans and M. tuberculosis were the most common etiologic agents, it is just as important to search for less common organisms which can produce disease in highly susceptible hosts. A high index of suspicion and early appropriate management are crucial to favorable outcome among these patients.
Myocarditis in adult onset stills disease
Authors: JADHAV Praveen , NANAYAKKARA Nihal
Published: August 2009

Adult onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by daily spiking high fevers, arthritis and an evanescent rash. It is a rare disease of unknown aetiology and can have serious systemic and musculoskeletal sequelae. Literature on the association of myocarditis with AOSD is very sparse. Here, we present a case of AOSD associated with myocarditis, in which the patient responded well to systemic steroids.
Seeing the hand while reaching speeds up on‐line responses to a sudden change in target position
Authors: Reichenbach Alexandra , Thielscher Axel , Peer Angelika , Bülthoff Heinrich H. , Bresciani Jean‐Pierre
Published: August 2009

Goal‐directed movements are executed under the permanent supervision of the central nervous system, which continuously processes sensory afferents and triggers on‐line corrections if movement accuracy seems to be compromised. For arm reaching movements, visual information about the hand plays an important role in this supervision, notably improving reaching accuracy. Here, we tested whether visual feedback of the hand affects the latency of on‐line responses to an external perturbation when reaching for a visual target. Two types of perturbation were used: visual perturbation consisted in changing the spatial location of the target and kinesthetic perturbation in applying a force step to the reaching arm. For both types of perturbation, the hand trajectory and the electromyographic (EMG) activity of shoulder muscles were analysed to assess whether visual feedback of the hand speeds up on‐line corrections. Without visual feedback of the hand, on‐line responses to visual perturbation exhibited the longest latency. This latency was reduced by about 10% when visual feedback of the hand was provided. On the other hand, the latency of on‐line responses to kinesthetic perturbation was independent of the availability of visual feedback of the hand. In a control experiment, we tested the effect of visual feedback of the hand on visual and kinesthetic two‐choice reaction times – for which coordinate transformation is not critical. Two‐choice reaction times were never facilitated by visual feedback of the hand. Taken together, our results suggest that visual feedback of the hand speeds up on‐line corrections when the position of the visual target with respect to the body must be re‐computed during movement execution. This facilitation probably results from the possibility to map hand‐ and target‐related information in a common visual reference frame.
Kif5b is an essential forward trafficking motor for the Kv1.5 cardiac potassium channel
Authors: Zadeh Alireza Dehghani , Cheng Yvonne , Xu Hongjian , Wong Nathan , Wang Zhuren , Goonasekara Charitha , Steele David F. , Fedida David
Published: August 2009

We have investigated the role of the kinesin I isoform Kif5b in the trafficking of a cardiac voltage‐gated potassium channel, Kv1.5. In Kv1.5‐expressing HEK293 cells and H9c2 cardiomyoblasts, current densities were increased from control levels of 389 ± 50.0 and 317 ± 50.3 pA pF−1, respectively, to 614 ± 74.3 and 580 ± 90.9 pA pF−1 in cells overexpressing the Kif5b motor. Overexpression of the Kif5b motor increased Kv1.5 expression additively with several manipulations that reduce channel internalization, suggesting that it is involved in the delivery of the channel to the cell surface. In contrast, expression of a Kif5b dominant negative (Kif5bDN) construct increased Kv1.5 expression non‐additively with these manipulations. Thus, the dominant negative acts by indirectly inhibiting endocytosis. The increase in Kv1.5 currents induced by wild‐type Kif5b was dependent on Golgi function; a 6 h treatment with Brefeldin A reduced Kv1.5 currents to control levels in Kif5b‐overexpressing cells but had little effect on the increase associated with Kif5bDN expression. Finally, expression of the Kif5bDN prior to induction of Kv1.5 in a tetracycline inducible system blocked surface expression of the channel in both HEK293 cells and H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. Thus, Kif5b is essential to anterograde trafficking of a cardiac voltage‐gated potassium channel.
High-Detectivity Polymer Photodetectors with Spectral Response from 300 nm to 1450 nm
Authors: Gong Xiong , Tong Minghong , Xia Yangjun , Cai Wanzhu , Moon Ji Sun , Cao Yong , Yu Gang , Shieh Chan-Long , Nilsson Boo , Heeger Alan J.
Published: August 2009

Polymer Photodetectors

Optical sensing is used in a wide range of applications, such as low-light detection systems in cars and cameras. Most photodetectors have a limited spectral range and can only detect a narrow range of wavelengths.

Gong
et al.

(p.
1665
, published online 13 August) developed polymer photodetectors with extremely broad spectral response and exceptionally high sensitivity that can exceed the response of an inorganic semiconductor detector at liquid helium temperature. A key aspect in the device design is the inclusion of blocking layers to reduce significantly the dark current or noise in the devices.
Humanizing Conservation
Conservation Psychology
Understanding and Promoting Human Care for Nature

by Susan Clayton and Gene Myers

Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford, 2009. 261 pp. $140, £70, €84. ISBN 9781405194099. Paper, $59.95, £29.99, €36. ISBN 9781405176781.
Authors: Verbeek Peter
Published: August 2009

Clayton and Meyers explore connections between the study of human behavior and the achievement of conservation goals.
How Much Sleep Do We Need?
Authors: Hor Hyun , Tafti Mehdi
Published: August 2009

Mutations that affect sleep duration are a starting point for understanding sleep regulation and function.
Running at Half-Energy Keeps LHC in Race for Discoveries
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: August 2009

The world's largest atom smasher will finally start blasting particles together this winter, but at only half of its maximum energy, officials at the European particle physics laboratory, CERN, decided last week.
Making Use of Excess Heat
Authors: Charles Dan
Published: August 2009

The single biggest opportunity to increase the "energy productivity" of American industry is to make use of heat that would otherwise be thrown away. One way to do that is via cogeneration, or "combined heat and power," a technique that is more than a century old but newly fashionable.
Highly Efficient Antiviral CD8+T-Cell Induction by Peptides Coupled to the Surfaces of Liposomes
Authors: Takagi Akira , Matsui Masanori , Ohno Satoshi , Duan Hongying , Moriya Osamu , Kobayashi Nobuharu , Oda Hiroshi , Mori Masahito , Kobayashi Akiharu , Taneichi Maiko , Uchida Tetsuya , Akatsuka Toshitaka
Published: August 2009

In previous studies, we have demonstrated that liposomes with differential lipid components display differential adjuvant effects when antigens (Ags) are chemically coupled to their surfaces. When ovalbumin was coupled to liposomes made by using unsaturated fatty acids, it was found to be presented not only to CD4+T cells but also to CD8+T cells and induced cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) which effectively eradicated the tumor from mice. In this study, we coupled liposomes to immunodominant CTL epitope peptides derived from lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and evaluated its potency as an antiviral vaccine. The intramuscular immunization of mice with the peptide-liposome conjugates along with CpG resulted in the efficient induction of antiviral CD8+T-cell responses which conferred complete protection against not only LCMV Armstrong but also a highly virulent mutant strain, clone 13, that establishes persistent infections in immunocompetent mice. The intranasal vaccination induced mucosal immunity effective enough to protect mice from the virus challenge via the same route. Complete protection was achieved in mice even when the Ag dose was reduced to as low as 280 ng of liposomal peptide. This form of vaccination with a single CTL epitope induced Ag-specific memory CD8+T cells in the absence of CD4+T-cell help, which could be shown by the complete protection of CD4-knockout mice in 10 weeks as well as by the analysis of recall responses. Thus, surface-linked liposomal peptide might have a potential advantage for the induction of antiviral immunity.
Kinetic Patterns of
Candida albicans
Germ Tube Antibody in Critically Ill Patients: Influence on Mortality
Authors: Zaragoza Rafael , Pemán Javier , Quindós Guillermo , Iruretagoyena Jose R. , Cuétara María S. , Ramírez Paula , Gómez Maria D. , Camarena Juan J. , Viudes Angel , Pontón José
Published: August 2009

The influence of kinetic patterns of
Candida albicans
germ tube antibodies (CAGTA) on mortality was analyzed in six intensive care units. Statistically significant lower mortality rates were found in patients with patterns of increasing CAGTA titers who had been treated with antifungal agents. Thus, antifungal treatment should be considered when CAGTA titers are increasing in critically ill patients.
Disease Presentation in Relation to Infection Foci for Non-Pregnancy-Associated Human Listeriosis in England and Wales, 2001 to 2007
Authors: Gillespie Iain A. , McLauchlin Jim , Little Christine L. , Penman Celia , Mook Piers , Grant Kathie , O'Brien Sarah J.
Published: August 2009

Listeriosis is a rare but severe food-borne disease, affecting unborn or newly delivered infants, the elderly, and the immunocompromised. The epidemiology of listeriosis in England and Wales changed between 2001 and 2007, with more patients ≥60 years old presenting with bacteremia (but without central nervous system [CNS] involvement). In order to explain this increase and understand the altered disease presentation, clinical, microbiological, and seasonal data on bacteremic cases of
Listeria monocytogenes
infection identified through national surveillance were compared with those for patients with CNS infections. Logistic regression analysis was applied while controlling for age. Bacteremic patients, who presented more frequently with gastrointestinal symptoms, were more likely to have underlying medical conditions than CNS patients. This was most marked in patients with malignancies, particularly digestive organ malignancies. Treatment to reduce stomach acid secretion modified the effect of nonmalignant underlying conditions on outcome, i.e., patients with an underlying condition who were not taking acid-suppressing medication were equally likely to have a bacteremic or a CNS infection. However, this type of therapy did not modify the effect of malignancies on the likelihood of having a bacteremic or a CNS infection. The increase in the incidence of human listeriosis among patients ≥60 years old in England and Wales between 2001 and 2007 appears to have occurred in those with cancer or other conditions whose treatment included acid-suppressing medication. Therefore, this vulnerable patient group needs specific dietary advice on avoiding risk factors for listeriosis.
Gender and locality differences in tobacco prevalence among adult Bangladeshis
Authors: Flora M S , Mascie-Taylor C G N , Rahman M
Published: August 2009

Objectives:

To determine the extent of all forms of tobacco usage in adult Bangladeshis in relation to gender and locality.

Methods:

Three annual urban and rural cross-sectional surveys were carried out between 2001 and 2003 involving a total of 35 446 adults, of whom 54.3% were female and 51.0% were rural dwellers. Data were collected through interview using a structured questionnaire.

Results:

The overall prevalences of smoking, chewing tobacco and gul usage were 20.5%, 20.6% and 1.8%, respectively. Current smoking and gul usage were significantly higher in males (42.2% and 2.2%, respectively) than females (2.3% and 1.5%, respectively) while chewing tobacco was more common in females (21.6%) than males (19.4%). No significant urban-rural difference was observed in smoking rate after adjusting for sociodemographic variables, while chewing tobacco was 1.5 times more likely to occur in rural residents and gul usage was 3.6 times more likely to occur in urban residents. On average a smoker consumed 9.3 sticks a day with males and rural residents smoking more.

Conclusions:

Nearly a third of the population in Bangladesh use some form of tobacco. There are marked urban-rural and male-female differences. This difference is mainly accounted for by the higher prevalence of chewing tobacco in rural areas, rural female tobacco usage is close to double than the urban rate. Smoking rates were low in Bangladeshi females, more so in urban than rural areas. The tobacco awareness programme in Bangladesh might require putting emphasis on smokeless tobacco as well as smoking.
Support for smoke-free policies among smokers and non-smokers in six cities in China: ITC China Survey
Authors: Li Q , Hyland A , O'Connor R , Zhao G , Du L , Li X , Fong G T
Published: August 2009

Objective

To examine levels of support for comprehensive smoke-free policies in six large Chinese cities.

Methods

Data from Wave 1 of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) China Survey (April–August 2006) were analysed. The ITC China Survey employed a multistage sampling design in Beijing, Shenyang, Shanghai, Changsha, Guangzhou and Yinchuan (none of which has comprehensive smoke-free policies in place). Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 4815 smokers and 1270 non-smokers. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with support for comprehensive smoke-free policies.

Results

About one in two Chinese urban smokers and four in five non-smokers believed that secondhand smoke (SHS) causes lung cancer. The majority of respondents supported comprehensive smoke-free policies in hospitals, schools and public transport vehicles while support for smoke-free workplaces, restaurants and bars was lower. Levels of support were generally comparable between smokers and non-smokers. Support for comprehensive smoke-free policies was positively associated with knowledge about the harm of SHS. Respondents who worked in a smoke-free worksite or who frequented smoke-free indoor entertainment places were more likely to support comprehensive smoking restriction in bars and restaurants.

Conclusion

Considerable support for smoke-free policies exists in these six large cities in China. Greater public education about the dangers of SHS may further increase support. Experiencing the benefits of smoke-free indoor entertainment places and/or workplaces increases support for these policies and suggests that some initial smoke-free policy implementation may hasten the diffusion of these public health policies.
New approaches to the role of sulfhydryl groups in silver stainability of protein in grasshopper chromosomes
Authors: Torre J. de la , Bella J. L. , López-Fernandez C. , Gosálvez J.
Published: August 2009

Silver staining in somatic and germ line cells of the grasshopper Arcyptera fusca has been analyzed after a standard silver staining technique was used with pretreatments that included dithiothreitol and β-mercaptoethanol as reagents to maintain —SH groups in the reduced state. The results show that in some tissues, these pretreatments improve not only the silver staining of nucleolar masses but also the recognition of other silver spots associated with the chromatin. These observations are similar to those previously described for the effect of double-strength standard saline citrate on silver staining. The possible chemical nature of the protein groups responsible for the differential silver stainability and the role of saline citrate in the modification of argyrophylic proteins suggested previously are briefly discussed.Key words: Orthoptera, silver staining, sulfhydryl groups.
Further data on the genomic relationships among wild perennial species (2n = 40) of the genus Glycine Willd.
Authors: Singh R. J. , Kollipara K. P. , Hymowitz T.
Published: August 2009

The present study furnishes information about the current status of knowledge concerning the genomic relationships among 9 of the 12 wild perennial species (2n = 40) of the subgenus Glycine. Crossability rate, hybrid inviability, and meiotic pairing in intra- and inter-specific F1 hybrids revealed that genomically similar species, though morphologically distinct, crossed readily to produce hybrid progeny that were vigorous, fertile, and normal in meiotic pairing (20 bivalents at metaphase I). However, a chromatin bridge and acentric fragment were recorded in certain hybrid combinations, suggesting that the evolutionary divergence in genomically similar species occurred because of paracentric inversions. In contrast, crosses between genomically dissimilar species set pods that often aborted, showed hybrid weakness, seedling and vegetative lethality, seed inviability, and complete sterility. The sterility was attributed to disturbed meiotic pairing. It is obvious from this study that A-genome species such as G. canescens (AA) G. clandestina (intermediate pod, A1A1, and long pod, A2A2), and G. argyrea (A3A3), and B-genome species such as G. microphylla (BB), G. latifolia (B1B1), and G. tabacina (B2B2) predominate in the subgenus Glycine. Glycine cyrtoloba (CC) showed stronger genome homology to B-genome species than to A-genome species. Likewise, G. tomentella (DD) appeared to be more closely associated with A-genome species than to B-genome species. Although tomentellas with 38 and 40 chromosomes were indistinguishable morphologically, they differed genomically. Therefore, genome symbol EE was assigned to the 38-chromosome G. tomentella. Glycine falcata (FF) was found to be the most unusual species because it showed negligible chromosome homology with A- and B-genome species and did not set pods when cross-pollinated by C-, D-, and E-genome species.Key words: Glycine spp., genome, hybridization.
Chromosome doubling and aneuploidy in anther-derived plants from two winter wheat lines
Authors: Metz S. G. , Sharma H. C. , Armstrong T. A. , Mascia P. N.
Published: August 2009

Anther-derived, doubled haploid populations were obtained from two hard red winter wheats, 'Centurk' and NB88. Spontaneous doubling frequency, efficiency of colchicine treatment, and vernalization requirement were evaluated within each population. In cytological evaluation among the regenerates, haploids, diploids, haploid aneuploids, and diploid aneuploids were observed. Most regenerates were either haploid or diploid. The frequency of anthers producing at least one haploid, diploid, or aneuploid was the same for both genotypes. The regenerates from the same anther had the same ploidy level 83 % of the time, suggesting the callus was usually derived from one microspore. Over 60% of the anthers produced at least one diploid plant. The high frequency of spontaneous doubling suggests that chromosome doubling by colchicine treatment could be eliminated. Ninety-eight percent of the colchicine-treated 'Centurk' plants produced seed, while only 43% of the NB88 colchicine-treated plants produced seed. Anther culture did not replace the vernalization requirement. Vernalization was required for uniform flowering. Results indicate that it is feasible to use 'Centurk', NB88, and other genotypes with high callus induction, plantlet regeneration, and colchicine response to efficiently produce doubled haploids.Key words: wheat, Triticum aestivum L., anther culture, doubled haploid, chromosome doubling, aneuploidy, vernalization.
Cloning of mtr, an amino acid transport gene of Neurospora crassa
Authors: Stuart W. Dorsey , Koo Kenneth , Vollmer Steven J.
Published: August 2009

Translocation of neutral aliphatic and aromatic amino acids across the plasma membrane of the ascomycete Neurospora crassa requires a functional gene product of the mtr locus. Mutations at this locus are defective in transport of those amino acids. We have cloned the mtr+ gene of Neurospora crassa from an ordered cosmid library of genomic DNA and produced a preliminary restriction map of 2.9 kilobases of genomic DNA that encompasses the mtr coding region. We have confirmed that the cloned DNA regions contain the mtr gene sequence by restriction fragment length polymorphism mapping and have determined that the cloned sequence codes for a messenger RNA transcript of approximately 1200 nucleotides in length.Key words: transformation, methyltryptophane resistance, Neurospora.
Evaluation of the effect of alien chromosomes on quantitative traits in common wheat
Authors: Levy A. A. , Braun D. , Feldman M.
Published: August 2009

Several quantitative traits were studied in Aegilops longissima addition lines and in tetrasomic lines of the common wheat cultivar Chinese Spring. The effects of gene dosage on these traits, which were highly significant and specific for each of the seven homoeologous groups, were more numerous and caused greater differences than the alien genetic effects. It is therefore suggested that in using alien addition lines for evaluating the effect of alien chromosomes on quantitative traits, the homoeologous tetrasomic lines should be used as a control. In comparison to the suggested approach, the use of substitution lines, which are much more difficult to obtain than addition lines, proved, in some cases, less accurate because of the inability of the alien chromosome to fully compensate for the missing homoeologous chromosome.Key words: addition lines, substitution lines, tetrasomes, Triticum aestivum, Aegilops longissima.