bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal effects of aspirin are clearly dose‐dependent and are of clinical importance from a dose of 160 mg
Authors: Juhlin Tord , Jönsson Bo A.G. , Höglund Peter
Published: September 2008

Background:

High doses of aspirin counteract the beneficial effects of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It is not known how low‐dose aspirin, with concomitant ACE‐inhibitor treatment, affects renal function.

Aim:

To study renal effects of different doses of aspirin in elderly healthy volunteers who had an activated renin—angiotensin system.

Methods:

Sixteen subjects each received two different doses of aspirin (0 and160 mg or 80 and 320 mg) after pre‐treatment with bendroflumethiazide and enalapril, in a randomised double‐blind, cross‐over fashion.

Results:

Least square means of the observations 30 to 180 min after dosing, showed that urine flow, GFR, excretion rates of sodium, osmolality clearance and free water clearance were significantly decreased in a dose‐dependent manner. Urine flow, sodium excretion rate and free water clearance were significantly lower with 320 mg aspirin vs. 0 mg and 80 mg, and GFR was significantly lower with 320 mg vs. 80 mg. Urine flow, sodium excretion rate, free water and osmolality clearance was significantly lower with aspirin 160 mg vs. 0 mg.

Conclusion:

The dose‐dependent renal effects of aspirin are of clinical importance from a dose of 160 mg. The adverse influence of aspirin doses higher than 80 mg should be taken into consideration in patients with heart failure.
Postoperative analgesia and early rehabilitation after total knee replacement: A comparison of continuous low‐dose intravenous ketamine versus nefopam
Authors: Aveline Christophe , Gautier Jean François , Vautier Pierre , Cognet Fabrice , Hetet Hubert Le , Attali Jean Yves , Leconte Vincent , Leborgne Philippe , Bonnet Francis
Published: September 2008

The effects of nefopam and ketamine on pain control and rehabilitation after total knee replacement were compared in a prospective, double blinded study.

Seventy‐five patients were randomly assigned to receive a 0.2mgkg−1 bolus of nefopam or ketamine, followed by a 120μgkg−1h−1 continuous infusion until the end of surgery, and 60μgkg−1h−1 until the second postoperative day, or an equal volume of saline considered as placebo. Pain scores measured on a visual analog scale at rest and on mobilization, and patient‐controlled intravenous morphine consumption, were assessed during 48h. We measured the maximal knee flexion on the third postoperative day, and the delay to obtain a 90° flexion.

Ketamine and nefopam reduced morphine consumption (p<0.0001). Pain scores, were lower at rest and on mobilization in the ketamine group compared to the two other groups at all times of measurement. Pain score were lower in patients receiving nefopam compared to placebo, on arrival in the recovery room and at 2h. Ketamine improved knee flexion on post operative day 3 (59° [33–63] vs. 50° [47–55] and 50° [44–55] in ketamine, placebo and nefopam groups, respectively, p<0.0002) and decreased the delay to flex the knee at 90° (9.1±4.2 vs. 12.3±4.0 days, in ketamine and placebo groups, respectively, p=0.01).

Ketamine produces opioid‐sparing, decreases pain intensity, and improves mobilization after total knee replacement. Nefopam achieves less significant results in that circumstances.
Detrital zircon ages from the islands of Inousses and Psara, Aegean Sea, Greece: constraints on depositional age and provenance
Authors: MEINHOLD GUIDO , FREI DIRK
Published: September 2008

U–Pb LA–SF–ICP–MS analyses of detrital zircons from a metalitharenite on Inousses Island, Greece, gave major age groups of 310–350, 450–500, 550–700, 900–1050 and 1880–2040 Ma and minor peaks between 2600 and 2800 Ma. The youngest concordant zircon grains of 310–330 Ma indicate the maximum age of deposition to be Late Carboniferous, rather than Ordovician, as had been earlier assumed. The lack of zircon ages between 1.1 and 1.8 Ga, coupled with the occurrence ofc.2-Ga-old zircons, imply a northern Gondwana-derived source. Detrital zircons from a garnet–mica schist on Psara Island yielded a major age group ofc.295–325 Ma and only minor Early Palaeozoic and Late Neoproterozoic ages. The youngest grains around 270 Ma indicate the maximum age of deposition to be Late Permian. The Early Palaeozoic ages support a source from terranes at the southern margin of Laurussia during the Late Palaeozoic and hence clarify the palaeotectonic position of units from the eastern Aegean Sea within the Palaeotethyan realm.
Emergence of dog rabies in the Northern region of Israel
Authors: DAVID D. , DVERES N. , YAKOBSON B. A. , DAVIDSON I.
Published: September 2008

Between 1979 and 2000, foxes constituted the main reservoir of rabies in the Northern regions of Israel. Following the implementation of the fox-targeted oral vaccination programme (ORV) in 1998, rabies was eradicated from this area. Subsequently during 2004–2007, the biological and molecular characterization of the rabies isolates showed that stray dogs emerged as the main animal reservoir in Northern Israel while lower numbers of cases were reported in domestic animals. The virus isolates from foxes and dogs differed, in their molecular characterization, suggesting two distinct separate lineages. The transition from fox-mediated rabies to dog-mediated rabies is of great concern to public health because of the close contact between dogs and the human population.
Diagnoses of, and deaths from, severe liver disease due to hepatitis C in England between 2000 and 2005 estimated using multiple data sources
Authors: MANN A. G. , RAMSAY M. E. , BRANT L. J. , BALOGUN M. A. , COSTELLA A. , HARRIS H. E.
Published: September 2008

Matching individuals reported to a sentinel surveillance scheme for hepatitis C between 2000 and 2005 to individuals with a hospital episode for hepatitis C-related liver disease in the same hospitals, we estimated that the number of cases of hepatitis C-related end-stage liver disease in these English hospitals was 42% (597/419) higher than Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) would indicate. Further, matching records of hepatitis C-related deaths in HES to death certificates, we estimated that, between 2000 and 2005, the true number of deaths from hepatitis C-related end-stage liver disease was between 185% (353/124) and 257% (378/106) higher than the number recorded in routine mortality statistics. We provide estimates of under-recording that can be used to modify existing models of disease burden due to hepatitis C and provide a simple approach to improve the monitoring of trends in severe hepatitis C-related morbidity over time.
Check-list of the pycnogonids from Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters: zoogeographic implications
Authors: Munilla Tomás , Soler Membrives Anna
Published: September 2008

This study contains the current list of the austral pycnogonids together with details of their depth range and distribution. To date 264 species have been recorded, accounting for 19.6% of the 1344 species recorded worldwide. One hundred and eight species are endemic to Antarctic waters, 62 to the sub-Antarctic, 63 are common in both regions, and 55 are circumpolar. The richest genus isNymphon, with 67 species and the richest area is the Scotia Sea. Comparing species lists between the years 2000 and 2007 shows that increased expeditions with more sampling has increased the circumpolarity of species and decreased zonal endemicity. The benthic insular refuge hypothesis is proposed as an explanation for the southern distribution of the present pycnogonid fauna, with an origin in the Scotia Arc.
Short Note: Life history of the Antarctic sea star Labidiaster annulatus (Asteroidea: Labidiasteridae) revealed by DNA barcoding
Authors: Janosik Alexis M. , Mahon Andrew R. , Scheltema Rudolf S. , Halanych Kenneth M.
Published: September 2008

Labidiaster annulatus, Sladen (1889) is a multi-rayed (9–50) voracious Antarctic sea star with numerous large, conspicuous crossed pedicellariae. An active and opportunistic predator, it commonly preys upon euphausiids, amphipods, and small fish in the water column (Dearborn et al. 1991). Labidiaster annulatus is distributed around the Antarctic, Kerguelen, South Orkney, South Sandwich Islands, South Georgia, and Shag Rocks, at recorded depths of 30–440 m (Fisher 1940, unpublished data).
The Dioceses, Pastoral and Mission Measure 2007
Authors: Slaughter Ingrid
Published: September 2008

The Dioceses, Pastoral and Mission Measure 2007 is the longest and widest-ranging piece of legislation to come before the General Synod since the early 1980s. Like the recommendations of the Review Group under Professor Peter Toyne, to which it gives effect, the Measure focuses on the twin themes of mission and ministry. The Review Group's remit was ‘to ensure flexible and cost effective procedures which fully meet changing pastoral and mission needs’, and the Measure extends to areas of the life and legislation of the Church of England as diverse as the Church's provincial and diocesan structure, the delegation of episcopal functions, diocesan administration, and the processes for making changes to local church organisation and closing churches for regular public worship. The Measure also establishes a single central Church source of information and advice on church buildings. Finally, it provides a very practical example of the concept of a ‘mixed-economy church’ by laying down the legal framework for the new bishops' mission orders, which are intended to provide endorsement, supervision and support for a wide and growing variety of new mission initiatives, but without undermining the traditional parochial structures. The article sets out to provide an overview of the legislation, and to highlight the provisions that are likely to be of particular importance in practice or of particular interest for the study of ecclesiastical law.
Peroxiredoxin antioxidants in seed physiology
Authors: Aalen R. B.
Published: September 2008

Peroxiredoxins are thiol–requiring antioxidants found in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans. They can be divided into two subgroups with either one or two conserved cysteine residues. In plants, 1–Cys peroxiredoxins have been identified in a number of grasses and cereals, and in the dicotyledonous speciesArabidopsis thaliana. In contrast to other antioxidants, the 1–Cys peroxiredoxin genes are expressed solely in seeds, and only in the parts of the seeds surviving desiccation, i.e. the embryo and the aleurone layer. The expression pattern is characteristic of late embryogenesis–abundant genes. The PER1 protein of barley is present in high concentrations in the nucleus at the onset of desiccation. 1–Cys genes are expressed in a dormancy–related manner in mature seeds, in that transcript levels are high in imbibed dormant seeds, but disappear upon germination of their non–dormant counterparts. 1–Cys transcript levels can be up–regulated by ABA and osmotic stresses and suppressed by gibberellic acid. Two hypotheses have been put forward on the function of 1–Cys peroxiredoxins in seed physiology. First, these proteins might protect macromolecules of embryo and aleurone cells against damaging reactive oxygen species during seed desiccation and early imbibition. And second, seed peroxiredoxins might play a role in the maintenance of dormancy. These hypotheses are discussed, taking into account present knowledge of the biochemistry and molecular biology of peroxiredoxins.
Water sorption properties inCoffeaspp. seeds and embryos
Authors: Eira Mirian T.S. , Walters Christina , Caldas Linda S.
Published: September 2008

The relationships among water content, relative humidity and temperature were documented in both seeds and excised embryos ofCoffeaspp. using water sorption isotherms. Isotherms were constructed at 5, 15 and 25°C and calculated for lower temperatures. There were no apparent differences in sorption characteristics among whole seeds of several cultivars ofC. arabicaand among different species ofCoffea. Excised embryos of genetically diverseCoffeagermplasm also exhibited similar sorption characteristics, though there were substantial differences observed between embryos and whole seeds. The shape of isotherms of coffee seed tissues was intermediate to the reverse sigmoidal shape observed for orthodox seeds and the monotonic shape observed for desiccation intolerant plant tissues. The heats of sorption calculated for RH ≤ 25% for whole seeds ofCoffeaspp. were similar to orthodox seeds. In contrast, the heats of sorption calculated in the same RH range for excised embryos were intermediate between those of orthodox and recalcitrant embryos. Our observations are consistent with earlier observations that desiccation sensitivity or poor longevity is linked with low levels of water sorption at relative humidities less than 25%. An explanation for this remains elusive.
The effect of environmental factors on field and laboratory germination in a population of Zostera marina L. from southern England
Authors: Probert Robin J. , Brenchley Jennie L.
Published: September 2008

The effects of temperature, oxygen availability and salinity on seed germination in a population ofZostera marinaL. from the Fleet, a tidal lagoon in southern England, were investigated in the laboratory. The fate of seeds under natural conditions was also monitored throughout the year from core samples and from seed samples buried in the sediment layer in nylon sachets. Supported with temperature, salinity and oxygen level measurements at the study site, field data confirmed that following seed dispersal in September/October, the majority of seeds germinated in the Fleet during the winter and early spring. In the laboratory, seeds germinated more rapidly and to a higher final percentage under anaerobic conditions compared to aerobic conditions. Under anaerobic conditions, rapid, near complete germination was possible at full salinity (30 g l-1) or when the salinity was reduced by 50%(15 g l-1). Under aerobic conditions, seeds germinated more rapidly at lower salinity. The effects of temperature were strongly dependent on the presence or absence of oxygen. Under anaerobic conditions, there was a pronounced optimum constant temperature for germination around 6°C, corresponding closely to the average water temperature recorded during the period mid-October to the end of March. On the other hand, under aerobic conditions, very low levels of germination were recorded at low temperatures. These findings support previously published evidence that seeds ofZ. marinaare well adapted to germinate in anaerobic sediments and that water temperature is the key environmental variable that determines the timing of germination under natural conditions. Previous misuse of dormancy terms to describe seed populations ofZ. marinais discussed.
The Seven C's of CBT: A Consideration of the Future Challenges for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Authors: Mansell Warren
Published: September 2008

CBT is now considered to be a “family” of related therapies. Seven future challenges for CBT are defined and their relationships with one another considered. They are: clarity (shared definitions of CBT and its terminology), coherence (shared therapeutic principles and theory), cohesion (integration of individuals and subgroups using CBT), competence (assessing standards during training and personal development), convenience (accessibility and public awareness), comprehensiveness (applicability to a wide range of problems) and connectivity (links to other disciplines). Key issues concerning the fragmentation of the discipline and difficulties in judging competence are discussed. It is proposed that through improving the clarity, coherence and cohesion of CBT, there would be improvements in the remaining four domains, which would enhance its overarching efficacy and influence on improving public health.
High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy Study of Nanostructured Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Biggemann Daniel , da Silva Marcelo H. Prado , Rossi Alexandre M. , Ramirez Antonio J.
Published: September 2008

Crystalline properties of synthetic nanostructured hydroxyapatite (n-HA) were studied using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The focal-series-restoration technique, obtaining exit-plane wavefunction and spherical aberration-corrected images, was successfully applied for the first time in this electron-beam-susceptible material. Multislice simulations and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were also employed to determine unequivocally that n-HA particles of different size preserve stoichiometric HA-like crystal structure. n-HA particles with sizes of twice the HA lattice parameter were found. These results can be used to optimize n-HA sinterization parameters to improve bioactivity.
Interface Stoichiometry and Structure in Anodic Niobium Pentoxide
Authors: Olszta Matthew J. , Dickey Elizabeth C.
Published: September 2008

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) were performed on electrochemically anodized niobium and niobium oxide. Sintered anodes of Nb and NbO powders were anodized in 0.1 wt% H3PO4at 10, 20, and 65 V to form surface Nb2O5layers with an average anodization constant of 3.6 ± 0.2 nm/V. The anode/dielectric interfaces were continuous and the dielectric layers were amorphous except for occurrences of plate-like, orthorhombic pentoxide crystallites in both anodes formed at 65 V. Using EELS stoichiometry quantification and relative chemical shifts of the Nb M4,5ionization edge, a suboxide transition layer at the amorphous pentoxide interface on the order of 5 nm was detected in the Nb anodes, whereas no interfacial suboxide layers were detected in the NbO anodes.
Structural, Mineralogical, and Biochemical Diversity in the Lower Part of the Pearl Layer of Cultivated Seawater Pearls from Polynesia
Authors: Cuif Jean-Pierre , Ball Alexander D. , Dauphin Yannicke , Farre Bastien , Nouet Julius , Perez-Huerta Alberto , Salomé Murielle , Williams C. Terry
Published: September 2008

A series of Polynesian pearls has been investigated with particular attention to the structural and compositional patterns of the early developmental stages of the pearl layer. These initial steps in pearl formation bear witness of the metabolic changes that have occurred during the pearl-sac formation. The resulting structurally and biochemically complex structures have been investigated using a variety of techniques that provide us with information concerning both mineral phases and the organic components. Results are discussed with respect to our understanding of the biomineralization mechanisms, as well as for the grafting process.
Botanical Characterization of Guiera senegalensis Leaves
Authors: Silva Olga , Serrano Rita , Gomes Elsa Teixeira
Published: September 2008

Guiera senegalensis J. F. Gmel. (Combretaceae) is one of the most important West African medicinal plants, often used to treat a variety of microbial infections. The most frequently used plant part is the leaf, its medicinal use being corroborated by several in vitro antimicrobial activity studies. However, quality criteria for pharmaceutical use, including botanical identification, are not yet determined. Aiming the establishment of such criteria, the present work deepens today's knowledge on G. senegalensis leaf morphology and anatomy, the anatomical characters of both leaf transversal section and powdered leaves being hereby presented for the first time. The most useful characters for identification purposes are leaf isobilateral organization, with similar upper and lower surfaces and a palisade parenchyma on both surfaces; trichome insertion points on both epidermis, surrounded by polar arrangements of cells; tomentose indumentum on the upper epidermis consisting of compartmented and uniseriated trichomes with long, curved, or straight terminal cells; brown scales, isolated or inserted into the epidermis, formed by radially arranged cells surrounding a central cell, with a more or less circular form and a conspicuous base; calcium oxalate cluster crystals, isolated or inserted into the palisade parenchyma and absent in lateral veins.
Summer relative humidity in northern Japan inferred from δ18O values of the tree ring in (1776–2002 A.D.): Influence of the paleoclimate indices of atmospheric circulation
Authors: Tsuji Hiroyuki , Nakatsuka Takeshi , Yamazaki Koji , Takagi Kentaro
Published: September 2008

The summer relative humidity (RH) changes in Hokkaido, northern Japan, since 1776 were reconstructed using the oxygen isotope ratios of the tree ring cellulose of two living oak trees. We investigated the direct relationships between the decadal‐centennial variations in the summer RH in northern Japan and the climate indices of atmospheric circulation to understand the factors affecting the changes in the hydrological climate in northern Japan. The variations in the summer RH are negatively correlated with those in the annual PDO indices since 1781. This is probably because the humid southerly wind from the western Pacific Ocean blows toward northern Japan with the intensified Pacific high when the PDO index is lower. Further, the fluctuations in the summer RH are positively correlated with those in the summer AO index during 1781–1930, but they are negatively correlated with those in the summer AO during 1940–1997. During the 1930s, the AO index changed from the negative to positive on the average. The drastic shift in its correlation is explained by the difference between atmospheric circulations in the low‐AO period (1899–1930) and the high‐AO period (1970–2000). The summer RH in northern Japan was regulated by the summer AO during 1781–1930 (the cold period) and the annual PDO during 1940–1997 (the warm period). As a consequence of global warming, the midlatitude forcing such as PDO might become stronger than the high‐latitude forcing such as AO on the hydrological climate in northern Japan.
Atmosphere/vegetation feedbacks: A mechanism for abrupt climate change over northern Africa
Authors: Patricola C. M. , Cook K. H.
Published: September 2008

Modeling studies and paleoclimate data of the mid‐Holocene provide strong evidence of abrupt climate change over northern Africa. Regional climate model simulations are used to isolate and diagnose the role of interactions between vegetation and the dynamics of the West African summer monsoon in generating abrupt climate change. Simulations with both fixed and interactive vegetation distributions are included. The modeled climate is largely insensitive to the latitude of the desert border when the border is located south of 17.9°N. But when the desert border is located only 180 km north of 17.9°N, the climate is quite sensitive, with summer precipitation rates a factor of 5 greater over the Sahara desert and an African easterly jet that is 50% weaker. Prescribing vegetation north of the threshold latitude places moist soil beneath the thermal low, increasing the low‐level moist static energy and convective instability. The atmospheric model is asynchronously coupled with a simple vegetation model that allows the vegetation to respond to and influence climate. When the model is initialized with the desert border at 10.0°N, the resulting equilibrium vegetation distribution is similar to that of the present day. In contrast, when the model is initialized with the desert border at 20.9°N, a new equilibrium vegetation distribution results in which the central Sahara is vegetated. The existence of these two stable climate and vegetation states and the threshold latitude indicates that interactions between vegetation (specifically through soil moisture) and the atmosphere (through the African easterly jet) can produce abrupt climate change.
Buoy observations from the windiest location in the world ocean, Cape Farewell, Greenland
Authors: Moore G. W. K. , Pickart R. S. , Renfrew I. A.
Published: September 2008

Cape Farewell, Greenland's southernmost point, is a region of significant interest in the meteorological and oceanographic communities in that atmospheric flow distortion associated with the high topography of the region leads to a number of high wind speed jets. The resulting large air‐sea fluxes of momentum and buoyancy have a dramatic impact on the region's weather and ocean circulation. Here the first in‐situ observations of the surface meteorology in the region, collected from an instrumented buoy, are presented. The buoy wind speeds are compared to 10 m wind speeds from the QuikSCAT satellite and the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR). We show that the QuikSCAT retrievals have a high wind speed bias that is absent from the NARR winds. The spatial characteristics of the high wind speed events are also presented.
Ionospheric plasma density irregularities measured by stimulated electromagnetic emission
Authors: Norin L. , Grach S. M. , Leyser T. B. , Thidé B. , Sergeev E. N. , Berlin M.
Published: September 2008

It is well known that ionospheric plasma turbulence can be conveniently generated by controlled injection of powerful high‐frequency radio beams from the ground. Irradiation of the ionosphere with such radio waves leads to the formation of plasma density structures, striations, and the generation of secondary electromagnetic radiation, a phenomenon known as stimulated electromagnetic emission (SEE). In this paper we present experimental results of the dependence of SEE on decreasing excitation levels of the striations. In the experiments the frequency of the injected radio beam was varied near the fifth harmonic of the local ionospheric electron gyro frequency. We use the SEE measurements to obtain transverse length scales of the striations involved in the generation of the SEE. Our results show that different spectral features of the SEE display different temporal dynamics, suggesting that they are related to striations with different transverse length scales (1 ≲ l⊥ ≲ 25 m).
Regulation of haeme oxygenase‐1 for treatment of neuroinflammation and brain disorders
Authors: Syapin P J
Published: September 2008

Injury to the CNS elicits a host defense reaction that utilizes astrocytes, microglia, neurons and oligodendrocytes. Neuroinflammation is a major host defense mechanism designed to restore normal structure and function after CNS insult, but like other forms of inflammation, chronic neuroinflammation may contribute to pathogenesis. The inducible haeme oxygenase isoform, haeme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), is a phase 2 enzyme upregulated in response to electrophilic xenobiotics, oxidative stress, cellular injury and disease. There is emerging evidence that HO‐1 expression helps mediate the resolution of inflammation, including neuroinflammation. Whether this is solely because of the catabolism of haeme or includes additional mechanisms is unclear. This review provides a brief background on the molecular biology and biochemistry of haeme oxygenases and the actions of haeme, bilirubin, iron and carbon monoxide in the CNS. It then presents our current state of knowledge regarding HO‐1 expression in the CNS, regulation of HO‐1 induction in neural cells and discusses the prospect of pharmacological manipulation of HO‐1 as therapy for CNS disorders. Because of recognized species and cellular differences in HO‐1 regulation, a major objective of this review is to draw attention to areas where gaps exist in the experimental record regarding regulation of HO‐1 in neural cells. The results indicate the HO‐1 system to be an important therapeutic target in CNS disorders, but our understanding of HO‐1 expression in human neural cells is severely lacking.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)155, 623–640; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.342; published online 15 September 2008
Genetic co‐transfer of CCR7 ligands enhances immunity and prolongs survival against virulent challenge of pseudorabies virus
Authors: Han Young Woo , Aleyas Abi G , George Junu A , Kim Seon Ju , Kim Hye Kyung , Yoo Dong Jin , Kang Seong Ho , Eo Seong Kug
Published: September 2008

The CC chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) and cognate CCR7 ligands, CCL19 and CCL21, help establish microenvironments in lymphoid tissue that can facilitate encounters between naive T cells and mature dendritic cells (DCs). This study was conducted to determine if CCR7 ligands can augment the immunogenicity of a DNA vaccine that expresses glycoprotein B (gB) of the pseudorabies virus (PrV). The genetic co‐transfer of CCR7 ligands along with a PrV DNA vaccine increased the levels of serum PrV‐specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G by 2‐ to 2.5‐fold. In addition, the level of PrV‐specific IgG2a isotype was significantly enhanced by co‐injection of CCR7 ligand DNA, which indicates that CCR7 ligand biases the humoral immunity toward the Th1‐type pattern. The co‐injection of CCR7 ligand DNA consistently enhanced the level of Th1‐type cytokines (IL‐2 and IFN‐γ) produced by stimulated immune cells when compared with a group that was vaccinated with the PrV DNA vaccine. Also, the genetic co‐transfer of CCR7 ligand DNAs with PrV DNA vaccine provided prolonged survival against a virulent challenge by PrV. Moreover, the co‐administration of CCR7 ligand DNA increased the number of mature DCs into the secondary lymphoid tissues, which appeared to enhance the proliferation of PrV‐immune CD4+ T cells. Taken together, these findings indicate that CCR7 ligands are an attractive adjuvant for a PrV DNA vaccine that can offer protective immunity against the PrV.
Climbing strategies determine light availability for both vines and associated structural hosts
Authors: Llorens Anna-Maria , Leishman Michelle R.
Published: September 2008

This study investigated biomass allocation traits and shading impact of vines (ground-rooted climbing plants) on their hosts in a tall open forest understorey community (Blue Gum High Forest) in Sydney, Australia. Eighty-six vine individuals from 11 species (7 natives and 4 exotics) were recorded and sampled on 26 individuals from 5 host species. All host species sampled were <3 m in height. Each recorded climber was assigned to one of the five established climbing strategies: tendril climber, petiole climber, stem twiner, scrambler or root climber. No root climbers were recorded. Each species was also recorded as native or exotic. We measured shading effects of the different climbing strategies by removing vines from their hosts and measuring the change in canopy openness (diffuse non-interceptance, DIFN) above the host. Vines had significantly greater specific leaf area than their hosts. The most abundant climbing strategy was stem twining, followed by scrambling, petiole twining and tendril climbing. Leaf mass fraction (leaf mass per total aboveground biomass) did not differ among climbing strategies or between natives and exotics. Vines reached taller heights on taller hosts and the percentage of host’s shoot height reached differed significantly among climbing strategies: petiole twiners and scramblers reached the largest percentage host shoot height (97% and 92%, respectively) whereas stem twiners and tendril climbers reached 68% and 61%, respectively. Total relative shading of the host increased significantly with increasing vine biomass. There were significant differences between climbing strategies in the shading imposed on hosts. In the context of average canopy openness above the understorey for this site (24%), scramblers reduced light availability to their hosts by nearly 25%, compared with petiole-tendril twiners (14%) and stem twiners (8%). Thus, climbing strategies differentially shape the light environment available to their structural hosts.
Assessing the effect of inbreeding and long-distance gene flow on the invasive potential of Senecio pterophorus (Asteraceae)
Authors: Caño Lidia , Escarré Josep , Blanco-Moreno José M. , Sans F. Xavier
Published: September 2008

Alien invasive species undergo genetic bottlenecks during the colonisation of new areas that can lead to a loss of genetic variation within populations and to subsequent reproductive constraints. We analysed the self-compatibility and the effects of inbreeding and inter-population gene flow in the fitness of one native and one introduced population of the invasive Senecio pterophorus D.C. Plants were self-pollinated and outcrossed within families, within populations, between local populations and between populations located in the native and introduced range. Self-pollinated individuals from both populations produced almost no seeds, thus revealing self-incompatibility. High family-level variation was observed in the effect of pollination treatment on seed set and total fitness. Overall, in the Spanish population, related crosses produced fewer seeds and lower germination rates than unrelated crosses. In the South African population, inbreeding depression affected the probability of flowering. Heterosis was found to affect seed set in both populations and growth and mean pre-reproductive time in the Spanish population. We discuss the effects of the incompatibility system, inbreeding depression and long-distance gene flow within the introduced population with respect to the invasive potential of S. pterophorus in north-eastern Spain.
The effect of in situ seed burial on dormancy break in three woody-fruited species (Ericaceae and Proteaceae) endemic to Western Australia
Authors: Norman Melanie A. , Koch John M.
Published: September 2008

The woody-fruited species Leucopogon propinquus R.Br., Styphelia tenuiflora Lindl. (Ericaceae) and Persoonia longifolia R.Br. (Proteaceae) need to be returned to restored mines in Western Australia. All species have physiological seed dormancy, however germination has been observed following the application of smoke to native habitats. We recorded seed viability, permeability to water, endocarp strength, morphology and germination ± gibberellic acid (GA3) every 3 months for 24 months of in-situ burial in the jarrah forest to determine the time of dormancy release and corresponding seed changes. The term ‘seed’ refers to the woody endocarp, plus the true seed. Persoonia longifolia reached 37% germination after burial in soil for 21 months, followed by chipping the endocarp and GA3 application. A minimum of 15 months soil burial was necessary for unchipped seeds to germinate; 22% germination was achieved after 18 months burial in soil followed by GA3 application. Viability of fresh seeds of all three species was 96–100% and remained unchanged for P. longifolia, but declined to 5 and 0% following 24 months of soil burial for L. propinquus and S. tenuiflora, respectively. Germination of the two Ericaceae species was negligible, despite the presence of viable seeds (30–63%, depending on the species) after 12 months of soil burial and substantial deterioration of the endocarp. To germinate large quantities of P. longifolia, for use in land restoration, drupes should be buried in-situ in forest soil for 18 months immediately following seed fall (early spring) and GA3 treated, following exhumation.
Evidence for the natural occurrence of treeless grasslands in the Riverina region of south-eastern Australia
Authors: McDougall Keith L.
Published: September 2008

Grasslands in the Riverina region of south-eastern Australia have long been thought to be derived from woodland dominated by Acacia pendula A.Cunn. ex G.Don and Atriplex nummularia Lindl. following over-grazing and clearing in the 19th Century. Despite the broad acceptance of this view, there is little evidence for such a universal change having occurred. Phytosociological and historical evidence is presented here, which suggests that, although many of the existing grassland remnants are floristically similar to remnants of A. pendula woodland and are probably derived from woodland, natural treeless grassland also probably occurs in the Riverina. Such grassland is floristically distinct from remnant woodland and generally spatially separate, being prevalent in the southern Riverina. Although the delineation of natural and derived grassland boundaries may now be difficult, grassland vegetation in general is of immense biodiversity significance, containing a large number of highly localised rare or threatened species. A decrease in rainfall during the winter and spring growing season, as predicted by climate-change models, may be detrimental to natural grassland, which is restricted to the higher rainfall portion of the Riverina.
Regulation of functional and regressing stages of corpus luteum development in mice. Role of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Sander Valeria A. , Piehl Lidia , Facorro Graciela B. , Rubín de Celis Emilio , Motta Alicia B.
Published: September 2008

The endocrine and immune systems modulate ovarian function. The aim of the present work was to compare the status of various modulating factors in two well-defined stages of corpus luteum (CL) development (the functional stage and the regressing stage) by means of a gonadotropin-synchronised mouse model. At the regressing stage of CL development, we found that ovarian tissue showed increased prostaglandin (PG) F2α and diminished PGE levels concomitantly with enhanced protein abundance of ovarian cyclooxygenase 2, the inducible isoform of the limiting enzyme of PG synthesis. We also found both enhanced lipid peroxidation and enhanced total superoxide dismutase activity, as well as inhibited catalase activity and inhibited total hydroxyl radical scavenger capacity, when compared with ovaries at the functional stage. In addition, at the regressing stage we observed an increased percentage of CD8+ (cytotoxic/suppressor) T-cells and a decreased percentage of CD4+ (helper) T-cells from ovarian-draining lymph nodes. Also, the serum interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4 and IL-10 were diminished as compared with the functional stage. We conclude that a pro-oxidant status together with a pro-inflammatory response is responsible for the loss of luteal function.
Prostate expression of endothelins and their receptors in rat growth
Authors: Wada Yoshihiro , Takahashi Wataru , Latifpour Jamshid , Weiss Robert M. , Matsumoto Koichiro , Matsui Kunihiko , Yamada Gen , Imamura Takahisa
Published: September 2008

Endothelins (ETs) have been shown to have mitogenic effects on prostate cells in vitro. To study a relationship between ETs and prostate growth, we investigated expression of ET-1 and ET-3 and their receptors ETA and ETB in the dorsolateral (DLP) and ventral (VP) prostate lobes of rats aged 3 weeks, 3 months, and 22 months. The weight ratio of each lobe to the body was not different at 3 weeks but increased more in the DLP than in the VP at 3 months; the ratio did not change at 22 months. The density of the major receptor ETA, measured by radio-labelled ET-1 binding to prostate membrane particulates, was highest at 3 weeks in both prostate lobes and decreased thereafter. mRNA expression levels of ETA, ETB, ET-1, and ET-3 in the DLP and ETA in the VP, as assessed by relative multiplex reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, were highest at 3 weeks, and no significant change was seen in mRNA expression of ET-converting enzyme-1. The highest expression of ETA and the ligands at 3 weeks, followed by dramatic growth at 3 months in the DLP, suggests a role of ETA-mediated signal transduction in prostate growth of rats and possibly of humans.
Age-related changes in midbrain dopaminergic regulation of the human reward system
Authors: Dreher Jean-Claude , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Kohn Philip , Berman Karen Faith
Published: September 2008

The dopamine system, which plays a crucial role in reward processing, is particularly vulnerable to aging. Significant losses over a normal lifespan have been reported for dopamine receptors and transporters, but very little is known about the neurofunctional consequences of this age-related dopaminergic decline. In animals, a substantial body of data indicates that dopamine activity in the midbrain is tightly associated with reward processing. In humans, although indirect evidence from pharmacological and clinical studies also supports such an association, there has been no direct demonstration of a link between midbrain dopamine and reward-related neural response. Moreover, there are no
in vivo
data for alterations in this relationship in older humans. Here, by using 6-[
18
F]FluoroDOPA (FDOPA) positron emission tomography (PET) and event-related 3T functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in the same subjects, we directly demonstrate a link between midbrain dopamine synthesis and reward-related prefrontal activity in humans, show that healthy aging induces functional alterations in the reward system, and identify an age-related change in the direction of the relationship (from a positive to a negative correlation) between midbrain dopamine synthesis and prefrontal activity. These results indicate an age-dependent dopaminergic tuning mechanism for cortical reward processing and provide system-level information about alteration of a key neural circuit in healthy aging. Taken together, our findings provide an important characterization of the interactions between midbrain dopamine function and the reward system in healthy young humans and older subjects, and identify the changes in this regulatory circuit that accompany aging.
Material-based deployment enhances efficacy of endothelial progenitor cells
Authors: Silva Eduardo A. , Kim Eun-Suk , Kong Hyun Joon , Mooney David J.
Published: September 2008

Cell-based therapies are attractive for revascularizing and regenerating tissues and organs, but clinical trials of endothelial progenitor cell transplantation have not resulted in consistent benefit. We propose a different approach in which a material delivery system is used to create a depot of vascular progenitor cells
in vivo
that exit over time to repopulate the damaged tissue and participate in regeneration of a vascular network. Microenvironmental conditions sufficient to maintain the viability and outward migration of outgrowth endothelial cells (OECs) have been delineated, and a material incorporating these signals improved engraftment of transplanted cells in ischemic murine hindlimb musculature, and increased blood vessel densities from 260 to 670 vessels per mm
2
, compared with direct cell injection. Further, material deployment dramatically improved the efficacy of these cells in salvaging ischemic murine limbs, whereas bolus OEC delivery was ineffective in preventing toe necrosis and foot loss. Finally, material deployment of a combination of OECs with another cell population commonly isolated from peripheral or cord blood, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) returned perfusion to normal levels in 40 days, and prevented toe and foot necrosis. Direct injection of an EPC/OEC combination was minimally effective in improving limb perfusion, and untreated limbs underwent autoamputation in 3 days. These results demonstrate that vascular progenitor cell utility is highly dependent on the mode of delivery, and suggest that one can create new vascular beds for a variety of applications with this material-controlled deployment of cells.
A mechanism for neuronal coincidence revealed in the crayfish antennule
Authors: Mellon DeForest , Christison-Lagay Kate
Published: September 2008

Startle reflexes employ specialized neuronal circuits and synaptic features for rapid transmission of information from sense organs to responding muscles. Successful excitation of these pathways requires the coincidence of sensory input at central synaptic contacts with giant fiber targets. Here we describe a pathway feature in the crayfish tailflip reflex: A position-dependent linear gradation in sensory axonal conduction velocities that can ensure the coincident arrival of impulses from near-field hydrodynamic sensilla along the crayfish antennules at their synaptic contacts with central nervous elements that drive startle behavior. This provides a previously unexplored mechanism to ensure optimum responses to sudden threatening stimuli. Preliminary findings indicate that axons supplying distally located sensilla increase their diameters at least ten-fold along the antennular flagella and raise the possibility that more modest, graduated, diameter changes in axons originating from progressively more proximal sensilla along the antennule underlie the observed modifications in axonal conduction velocity.
Timely interaction between prostaglandin and chemokine signaling is a prerequisite for successful fertilization
Authors: Tamba Shigero , Yodoi Rieko , Segi-Nishida Eri , Ichikawa Atsushi , Narumiya Shuh , Sugimoto Yukihiko
Published: September 2008

Timely interaction between the egg and sperm is required for successful fertilization; however, little is known about the signaling therein. Prostaglandin (PG) E receptor EP2-deficient (Ptger2−/−) female mice exhibit a severe fertilization defect. We investigated the molecular events leading to this failure. We found increased gene expression for chemokines, such asCcl2,Ccl7, andCcl9, inPtger2−/−cumulus cells (the somatic cells surrounding the egg) compared with wild-type cells. Furthermore, under physiological conditions, cumulus-derived chemokine signaling was found to have a dual action; CCL7 facilitates sperm migration to the cumulus–egg complex and integrin-mediated cumulus extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly to protect eggs. However, in the absence of PGE2-EP2 signaling, chronic CCL7 signaling results in excessive integrin engagement to the ECM, making the cumulus ECM resistant to sperm hyaluronidase, thereby preventing sperm penetration. Our findings indicate that PGE2-EP2 signaling negatively regulates the autocrine action of chemokines and prevents excessive cumulus ECM assembly. This interaction between PG and chemokine signaling is required for successful fertilization.
Organization of the prolamin gene family provides insight into the evolution of the maize genome and gene duplications in grass species
Authors: Xu Jian-Hong , Messing Joachim
Published: September 2008

Zea mays
, commonly known as corn, is perhaps the most greatly produced crop in terms of tonnage and a major food, feed, and biofuel resource. Here we analyzed its prolamin gene family, encoding the major seed storage proteins, as a model for gene evolution by syntenic alignments with sorghum and rice, two genomes that have been sequenced recently. Because a high-density gene map has been constructed for maize inbred B73, all prolamin gene copies can be identified in their chromosomal context. Alignment of respective chromosomal regions of these species via conserved genes allow us to identify the pedigree of prolamin gene copies in space and time. Its youngest and largest gene family, the alpha prolamins, arose about 22–26 million years ago (Mya) after the split of the
Panicoideae
(including maize, sorghum, and millet) from the
Pooideae
(including wheat, barley, and oats) and
Oryzoideae
(rice). The first dispersal of alpha prolamin gene copies occurred before the split of the progenitors of maize and sorghum about 11.9 Mya. One of the two progenitors of maize gained a new alpha zein locus, absent in the other lineage, to form a nonduplicated locus in maize after allotetraplodization about 4.8 Mya. But dispersed copies gave rise to tandem duplications through uneven expansion and gene silencing of this gene family in maize and sorghum, possibly because of maize's greater recombination and mutation rates resulting from its diploidization process. Interestingly, new gene loci in maize represent junctions of ancestral chromosome fragments and sites of new centromeres in sorghum and rice.