bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adipose and Height Growth Through Childhood and Blood Pressure Status in a Large Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Jones Alexander , Charakida Marietta , Falaschetti Emanuela , Hingorani Aroon D. , Finer Nicholas , Masi Stefano , Donald Ann E. , Lawlor Debbie A. , Davey Smith George , Deanfield John E.
Published: April 2012

Raised blood pressure (BP) is the world's leading mortality risk factor. Childhood BP substantially predicts adult levels, and although both prenatal and postnatal growth influence it, their relative importance is debated. In a longitudinal study (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children) of 12 962 healthy children, we aimed to assess the relative contribution of different growth periods and of standardized measures of height versus weight-for-height (an adiposity marker) to BP at age 10 years. Conditional growth modeling was used in the 3230 boys and 3346 girls with BP measurements. Systolic BP was inversely associated with birth weight and weight-for-height but not length (−0.33, −0.27, and −0.12 mm Hg · SD
−1
;
P
=0.003, 0.035, and 0.35, respectively). In infancy, weight, weight-for-height, and height gains were all positively associated with systolic BP (0.90, 0.41, and 0.82 mm Hg · SD
−1
, respectively; all
P
<0.001). After infancy, all of the growth modalities were positively associated with systolic BP (weight, 1.91; weight-for-height, 1.56; height, 1.20 mm Hg · SD
−1
; all
P
<0.001). Similar but weaker associations were found with diastolic BP. Although BP at 10 years was associated with both prenatal and early postnatal growth, their influence was small compared with that of later growth. Because BP ranking relative to the population is substantially determined in the first decade of life, a focus on strategies to reduce the development of adiposity from infancy onward, rather than an emphasis on the nutrition and weight of mothers and infants, should bring greater reductions in population BP.
Central Actions of the Chemokine Stromal Cell-Derived Factor 1 Contribute to Neurohumoral Excitation in Heart Failure Rats
Authors: Wei Shun-Guang , Zhang Zhi-Hua , Yu Yang , Weiss Robert M. , Felder Robert B.
Published: April 2012

The ample expression of chemokines and their receptors by neurons in the brain suggests that they play a functional role beyond the coordination of inflammatory and immune responses. Growing evidence implicates brain chemokines in the regulation of neuronal activity and neurohormonal release. This study examined the potential role of brain chemokines in regulating hemodynamic, sympathetic, and neuroendocrine mechanisms in rats with ischemia-induced heart failure (HF). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the chemokine stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1)/CXCL12 was highly expressed in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and subfornical organ and that SDF-1 expression was significantly increased in HF rats compared with sham-operated (SHAM) control rats. ICV injection of SDF-1 induced substantial and long-lasting increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and renal sympathetic nerve activity in both SHAM and HF rats, but responses were exaggerated in HF rats. Bilateral microinjection of SDF-1 into the paraventricular nucleus also elicited exaggerated increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and renal sympathetic nerve activity in the HF rats. A 4-hour ICV infusion of SDF-1 increased plasma levels of arginine vasopressin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and norepinephrine in normal rats, responses that were prevented by pretreatment with ICV SDF-1 short-hairpin RNA (shRNA). ICV administration of SDF-1 shRNA also reduced plasma arginine vasopressin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and norepinephrine levels in HF rats. These data suggest that the chemokine SDF-1, acting within the brain, plays an important role in regulating sympathetic drive, neuroendocrine release, and hemodynamic function in normal and pathophysiological conditions and so may contribute to the neural and humoral activation in HF.
A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial Comparing the Effects of Amiloride and Hydrochlorothiazide on Glucose Tolerance in Patients With Essential Hypertension
Authors: Stears Anna J. , Woods Sarah H. , Watts Michaela M. , Burton Timothy J. , Graggaber Johann , Mir Fraz A. , Brown Morris J.
Published: April 2012

Hypertension guidelines advise limiting the dose of thiazide diuretics and avoiding combination with β-blockade, because of increased risk of diabetes mellitus. We tested whether changes in the 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test could be detected after 4 weeks of treatment with a thiazide and could be avoided by switching to amiloride. Two double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover studies were performed. In study 1 (41 patients), we found that changes in glucose during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test could be detected after 4 weeks of treatment with bendroflumethiazide. In study 2, 37 patients with essential hypertension received, in random order, 4 weeks of once-daily treatment with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 25 to 50 mg, nebivolol 5 to 10 mg, combination (HCTZ 25–50 mg+nebivolol 5–10 mg), amiloride (10–20 mg), and placebo. Each drug was force titrated at 2 weeks and separated by a 4-week placebo washout. At each visit, we recorded blood pressure and performed a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Primary outcome was the difference in glucose (over the 2 hours of the oral glucose tolerance test) between 0 and 4 weeks, when HCTZ and amiloride were compared by repeated-measures analysis. For similar blood pressure reductions, there were opposite changes in glucose between the 2 diuretics (
P
<0.0001). Nebivolol did not impair glucose tolerance, either alone or in combination. There was a negative correlation between Δpotassium and Δ2-hour glucose (
r
=−0.28;
P
<0.0001). In 2 crossover studies, 4 weeks of treatment with a thiazide diuretic impaired glucose tolerance. No impairment was seen with K
+
-sparing diuretic or β
1
-selective blockade. Substitution or addition of amiloride may be the solution to preventing thiazide-induced diabetes mellitus.
Influence of High Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load Diets on Blood Pressure During Adolescence
Authors: Gopinath Bamini , Flood Victoria M. , Rochtchina Elena , Baur Louise A. , Smith Wayne , Mitchell Paul
Published: April 2012

We aimed to prospectively examine the association between the glycemic index and glycemic load of foods consumed and the dietary intakes of carbohydrates, sugars, fiber, and principal carbohydrate-containing food groups (eg, breads, cereals, and sugary drinks) with changes in blood pressure during adolescence. A total of 858 students aged 12 years at baseline (422 girls and 436 boys) were examined from 2004–2005 to 2009–2011. Dietary data were assessed from validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires. Blood pressure was measured using a standard protocol. In girls, after adjusting for age, ethnicity, parental education, parental history of hypertension, baseline height, baseline blood pressure, change in body mass index, and time spent in physical and sedentary activities, each 1-SD (1-SD=7.10 g/d) increase in baseline dietary intake of total fiber was associated with a 0.96-, 0.62-, and 0.75-mmHg decrease in mean systolic (
P
=0.02), diastolic (
P
=0.01), and arterial blood pressures (
P
=0.002), respectively, 5 years later. In girls, each 1-SD increase in dietary glycemic index, glycemic load, carbohydrate, and fructose was concurrently related to increases of 1.81 (
P
=0.001), 4.02 (
P
=0.01), 4.74 (
P
=0.01), and 1.80 mm Hg (
P
=0.03) in systolic blood pressure, respectively, >5 years. Significant associations between carbohydrate nutrition variables and blood pressure were not observed among boys. Excessive dietary intake of carbohydrates, specifically from high glycemic index/glycemic load foods, could adversely influence blood pressure, particularly in girls, whereas fiber-rich diets may be protective against elevated blood pressure during adolescence.
Does Decapitation Work? Assessing the Effectiveness of Leadership Targeting in Counterinsurgency Campaigns
Authors: Johnston Patrick B.
Published: April 2012

Is killing or capturing insurgent leaders an effective tactic? Previous research on interstate war and counterterrorism has suggested that targeting enemy leaders does not work. Most studies of the efficacy of leadership decapitation, however, have relied on unsystematic evidence and poor research design. An analysis based on fresh evidence and a new research design indicates the opposite relationship and yields four key findings. First, campaigns are more likely to end quickly when counterinsurgents successfully target enemy leaders. Second, counterinsurgents who capture or kill insurgent leaders are significantly more likely to defeat insurgencies than those who fail to capture or kill such leaders. Third, the intensity of a conflict is likelier to decrease following the successful removal of an enemy leader than it is after a failed attempt. Fourth, insurgent attacks are more likely to decrease after successful leadership decapitations than after failed attempts. Additional analysis suggests that these findings are attributable to successful leadership decapitation, and that the relationship between decapitation and campaign success holds across different types of insurgencies.
Re-reading Propertius’ Arethusa
Authors: James S.L.
Published: April 2012

Abstract

This article argues that in poem 4.3, Propertius depicts Arethusa not as a citizen wife, but as a concubine or an elegiac courtesan under exclusive contract to Lycotas. The Roman lexicon of marriage was frequently used to describe relationships other thaniustum coniugium, especially in love elegy. That is the situation presented in Propertius 4.3. Arethusa’s anxieties are primarily sexual, and thus identify her as something new in elegy: not a wife but a faithfulpuella. This poem gives us the poetic voice of a loving, loyal, contracted courtesan.
Sirens at the Symposium (Louvre E667)
Authors: Pavlou Maria
Published: April 2012

Abstract

The two wreath-bearing sirens featuring in the sympotic scene on a black-figure Laconian cylix in the Louvre (E667) have been the subject of much discussion and have been interpreted as symbolising either the souls of the symposiasts, or the festivity / erotic ambience of the convivial gathering. As I argue, the function of the sirens in this scene could be elucidated if seen in conjunction with the sirens’ role in Homer.
Priam’s Spear and Pyrrhus’ Shield (Verg. A. 2.544-6)
Authors: Secci Davide Antonio
Published: April 2012

Abstract

The inconsistency at Verg.A. 2.544-6 is usually regarded as either a slip on Vergil’s part, or as the result of an unrealistic conceptualization of Pyrrhus’ shield. This paper argues that the passage draws upon a similar inconsistency present atIl. 3.347 which, together with the allusions to the dynamics of the first clash between Hector and Achilles inIliad20, underlines Priam’s distance from the Iliadic epic models. The concept is reinforced by an anti-antiquarian reference to the behaviour of the Romanpilum, which further emphasizes Priam’s inadequacy as a warrior, and rules out any possible epic connotations of his spear-cast.
Molecular and morphological characterisation of Paralongidorus iranicus n. sp. and P. bikanerensis (Lal & Mathur, 1987) Siddiqi, Baujard & Mounport, 1993 (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from Iran
Authors: Pedram Majid , Pourjam Ebrahim , Namjou Somayeh , Atighi Mohammad Reza , Cantalapiedra-Navarrete Carolina , Liébanas Gracia , Palomares-Rius Juan E. , Castillo Pablo
Published: April 2012

Paralongidorus iranicus n. sp., a new bisexual species of the genus, is described and illustrated by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and molecular studies from specimens collected in the rhizosphere of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) from the Caspian (Khazar) seashore, Nour, northern Iran. Paralongidorus iranicus n. sp. is characterised by the large body size (7.8-11.4 mm), a rounded lip region, clearly set off by a collar-like constriction at level of, or slightly posterior to, the amphidial aperture, and bearing a very large, stirrup-shaped, amphidial fovea, with conspicuous slit-like aperture, a very long and flexible odontostyle ca 170 μm long, guiding ring located at 34 μm from anterior end and males with spicules ca 80 μm long. In addition, data from an Iranian population of P. bikanerensis recovered from the rhizosphere of palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Bam, Kerman province, south-eastern Iran, agree very well and are very close to the original description of the species from India. The D2 and D3 expansion regions of 28S rRNA gene, ITS1, and 18S rRNA sequences were obtained for P. iranicus n. sp. and P. bikanerensis. Phylogenetic analyses of P. iranicus n. sp. and P. bikanerensis rRNA gene sequences and of Longidorus spp. sequences published in GenBank were done using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian inference. Paralongidorus species (including P. iranicus n. sp.) clustered together; however, P. bikanerensis clustered within Longidorus spp. and was clearly separated from all other Paralongidorus spp. in trees generated from the D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S and partial 18S data set, respectively.
Morphological and molecular characterisation of Xiphinema zagrosense sp. n. (Dorylaimida: Longidoridae) from the Zagros Mountains, Iran
Authors: Ghaemi Razieh , Pourjam Ebrahim , Pedram Majid , Robbins Robert T. , Ye Weimin , Decraemer Wilfrida
Published: April 2012

Xiphinema zagrosense sp. n. is described based on morphological and molecular characters. The new species belongs to morphospecies group 6 characterised by having two equally developed female genital branches with spines in uterus and a short, rounded tail. The new species is characterised by having spines in the tubular part of the uterus, body length 3.8-5.0 mm, odontostyle length 151-169 μm, odontophore 94-105 μm, conical, dorsally convex tail, four juvenile stages and absence of males. The new species appears closely related to the members of X. pyrenaicum group characterised by a rounded tail with or without an inconspicuous digitate end and a uterus devoid of Z-differentiation but showing spiniform structures. It is compared with X. aceri, X. adenohystherum, X. iranicum, X. mazandaranense, X. nuragicum, X. pyrenaicum, X. robbinsi, X. sphaerocephalum and X. vuittenezi. In addition to morphological and morphometric data, molecular analyses of the near-full-length small subunit rDNA gene (SSU) and large subunit rDNA gene (LSU) D2/D3 placed the new species in close relation with some species belonging to Xiphinema group 6 but differs from other species in the X. pyrenaicum complex.
New fossil nematodes in Dominican and Baltic amber
Authors: Poinar Jr George O.
Published: April 2012

Four new species of fossil mermithids (Nematoda: Mermithidae) are described from amber: Heydenius arachnius n. sp. from a spider (Arachnida: Araneae) in Dominican amber, H. phasmatophilus n. sp., from a walking stick (Phasmatodea: Phasmatidae) in Baltic amber, H. podenasae n. sp. from a moth (Lepidoptera) in Baltic amber and H. trichorosus n. sp. from a caddis fly (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae) in Baltic amber. With previous descriptions of fossil mermithids from Diptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Hemiptera, there are now representatives of seven insect orders as hosts of fossil mermithids. With these additional four fossils, the total number of described nematode fossils is now 95, with 70 occurring in amber.
Two new species of Theristus Bastian, 1865 (Nematoda: Xyalidae) from the interstitial zone of Lake Baikal, Siberia, Russia
Authors: Gagarin Vladimir G. , Naumova Tatyana V.
Published: April 2012

Theristus tsalolikhini sp. n. and T. psammophilus sp. n. from the interstitial zone of Lake Baikal, Russia, are described from numerous females and males. Theristus tsalolikhini sp. n. is similar to T. ruffoi, but differs from it by the presence of elongate spermatheca, narrower labial region, shorter outer labial setae, larger amphidial fovea, more anterior position of amphidial fovea and shorter spicules and gubernaculum. Theristus psammophilus sp. n. is similar to T. athesinus, but differs from it by the presence of an elongate spermatheca, shorter outer labial setae, more anterior position of the amphidial fovea and longer spicules and gubernaculum. A pictorial key is provided for males of freshwater and groundwater species of Theristus.
Nine-month persistence of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in living Abies sachalinensis and Picea jezoensis seedlings and nematode reproduction in stem sections
Authors: Kasuga Hayami , Togashi Katsumi
Published: April 2012

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus causes pine wilt disease in susceptible pine species. To determine whether B. xylophilus persists in forests containing Abies sachalinensis and Picea jezoensis, we performed inoculation experiments using ten or 15 seedlings of A. sachalinensis, P. jezoensis, Pinus densiflora and P. thunbergii. Inoculation of 15 000 B. xylophilus caused 20 and 7% mortality in A. sachalinensis and P. jezoensis seedlings, respectively, in the nursery, indicating low susceptibility of A. sachalinensis and a lack of susceptibility of P. jezoensis. By contrast, B. xylophilus caused 40 and 70% mortality in P. densiflora and P. thunbergii, respectively. Bursaphelenchus xylophilus was recovered at extremely low densities from stems of externally asymptomatic seedlings of the first two tree species 9.5 months after inoculation. Inoculation of B. xylophilus on excised stem sections of A. sachalinensis and P. jezoensis seedlings showed a greater increase in population density in the bark than xylem after 3 weeks, whereas that on P. densiflora stem sections showed no difference in nematode density between the two tissues. The results suggest that B. xylophilus may persist in forests containing A. sachalinensis and P. jezoensis, when there are insect vectors with affinity for the nematode.
Entomopathogenic nematode foraging strategies – is Steinernema carpocapsae really an ambush forager?
Authors: Wilson Michael J. , Ehlers Ralf-Udo , Glazer Itamar
Published: April 2012

For many years, entomopathogenic nematodes have been classified as either ‘ambush’, ‘cruise’ or ‘intermediate’ foragers. Here, we critically examine the evidence that Steinernema carpocapsae, the most studied ‘ambush’ forager, does actually use an ambush foraging strategy in nature. We propose an alternative hypothesis for the characteristic behaviours of S. carpocapsae (and other supposed ‘ambush’ foragers) based on adaptation to habitats other than mineral soils in which S. carpocapsae can ‘cruise’. Several papers are reviewed in which S. carpocapsae was used successfully to control sedentary or cryptic pests in organic habitats, thus supporting our hypothesis. If this hypothesis is correct, it does not preclude S. carpocapsae (or any entomopathogenic nematode species) using an ambushing strategy under certain circumstances, but we believe on current evidence that the classification of S. carpocapsae as an ambush forager cannot be sustained.
Behaviour of Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyne incognita infective juveniles exposed to nematode FMRFamide-like peptides in vitro
Authors: Masler Edward P. , Nagarkar Asmita , Edwards Lanelle , Hooks Cerruti R.R.
Published: April 2012

The effects of 1 mM solutions of FMRFamide-like peptides (FLPs) on the behaviours of Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyne incognita infective juveniles (J2) were examined in vitro. Seven FLPs, representing products of five flp genes and comprising a variety of amino acid sequences, were tested for their effects on J2 head movement frequency. Distinct differences in species responses were observed. KHEYLRFa and KSAYMRFa caused increased head movement frequencies in each species. In H. glycines KHEYLRFa was 2.9-fold more potent than KSAYMRFa. In M. incognita the potencies were equal. KHEYLRFa and KSAYMRFa each stimulated H. glycines J2 more effectively than M. incognita J2. However, two additional FLPs, AQTFVRFa and SAPYDPNFLRFa, were stimulatory in M. incognita but not in H. glycines. KPNFIRFa, KPNFLRFa and RNSSPLGTMRFa had no effect on either species. Substitution of d-amino acids at any position in KHEYLRFa resulted in decreased stimulation of head movement relative to the native peptide in each species, but all of the d-amino acid KHEYLRFa analogues were stimulatory relative to untreated controls. d-amino acid substitutions in KSAYMRFa eliminated stimulatory activity in M. incognita by all analogues except dKSAYMRFa. In H. glycines, only KSdAYMRFa and KSAYMdRFa were not stimulatory, and KSAYdMRFa stimulated equal to the native peptide. The remaining four analogues each stimulated relative to controls but below the native peptide level. Analysis of the head movement behaviour of large numbers of J2 of each species demonstrated that behaviours are quite stable and responses to FLP treatment are highly predictable.
Tripylina gorganensis n. sp. (Triplonchida: Tripylidae) from northern Iran
Authors: Asghari Ramazan , Pourjam Ebrahim , Heydari Ramin , Zhao Zeng Q. , Ramaji Farzad A.
Published: April 2012

Tripylina gorganensis n. sp. is described and illustrated from the Caspian region of Iran. The new species is characterised by females with a body length of 1754-1860 μm, and ratios: a = 51.6-54.7, b = 5.9-6.2, c = 29.1-35.8, c′ = 2.0-2.6 and V = 78.4-81.2, three ventromedian seta and two pairs lateral cervical setae in cervical region, one pair of subdorsal caudal setae, and five to six papillate ventromedian supplements near the cloacal aperture in males. Tripylina gorganensis n. sp. is distinguished from all other Tripylina species by the presence of three ventromedian seta in the cervical region and five to six papillate ventromedian male supplements. Tripylina gorganensis n. sp. differs in the sequence of LSU rRNA from Tripylina species described from New Zealand.
Steinernema ethiopiense sp. n. (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), a new entomopathogenic nematode from Ethiopia
Authors: Tamiru Tewodros , Tamiru Tewodros , Waeyenberge Lieven , Tamiru Tewodros , Waeyenberge Lieven , Hailu Tesfaye , Tamiru Tewodros , Waeyenberge Lieven , Hailu Tesfaye , Ehlers Ralf-Udo , Tamiru Tewodros , Waeyenberge Lieven , Hailu Tesfaye , Ehlers Ralf-Udo , Půža Vladimír , Tamiru Tewodros , Waeyenberge Lieven , Hailu Tesfaye , Ehlers Ralf-Udo , Půža Vladimír , Mráček Zdeněk
Published: April 2012

Three isolates (Dero-1, Dero-8 and Mosisa-1) of a new entomopathogenic nematode, S. ethiopiense sp. n., were isolated by baiting soil samples from the Mendi area, Western Wollega, Ethiopia, with last instar wax moth larvae Galleria mellonella. Infective juveniles of S. ethiopiense sp. n. have a body length of 898 (768-1010) μm, a maximum of eight identical ridges (i.e., nine lines) in the lateral field, excretory pore located at mid-pharynx, hyaline layer occupying approximately half of the tail and c′ = 3.2. First generation males lack a caudal mucron, whereas second generation males possess a short spine-like mucron. The spicules are slightly arcuate, golden-brown in colour and have an ellipsoid or oblong manubrium. First generation females lack a postanal swelling and have a minute protuberance on the tail tip whereas second generation females have a postanal swelling and protruding vulva. Based on the morphology, morphometrics and DNA analysis, the new species belongs to the glaseri group. The closest relative species is the afro-tropical S. karii recorded from Kenya. The BLAST analysis of the ITS region of the rDNA revealed a similarity of 93% with S. karii, supporting the validity of S. ethiopiense sp. n. as a new species. In the phylogenetic trees the new species groups together only with S. karii (bootstrap value of 100%), but is also separated from S. karii by a bootstrap value of 100% or 70%.
Evaluation of the activity of dhurrin and sorghum towards Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Curto Giovanna , Curto Giovanna , Dallavalle Elisabetta , Curto Giovanna , Dallavalle Elisabetta , De Nicola Gina Rosalinda , Curto Giovanna , Dallavalle Elisabetta , De Nicola Gina Rosalinda , Lazzeri Luca
Published: April 2012

The epidermal cells of leaf and roots of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), sudangrass (S. sudanensis) and sorghum-sudangrass hybrids (S. bicolor × S. sudanensis) contain the cyanogenic glucoside dhurrin, which can degrade into hydrogen cyanide (HCN), well known for its toxicity to many organisms, including nematodes. In vitro bioassays were carried out with the aim of evaluating the nematicidal and the nematistatic effects of dhurrin concentrations on second-stage juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne incognita, and the effectiveness of dhurrin in decreasing or preventing hatching of M. incognita. Furthermore, Sorghum hybrid cv. Super Dolce 10, selected for its dhurrin content, and Eruca sativa sel. Nemat were used in two glasshouse experiments to study the host-nematode relationship and the development of M. incognita life cycle in the roots. In the in vitro bioassays, Sorghum hybrid cv. Super Dolce 10 showed an inhibitory effect on hatching, a slow nematicidal effect on J2 and no nematistatic activity. In the glasshouse experiments, both Sorghum hybrid cv. Super Dolce 10 and E. sativa sel. Nemat proved to be a poor to non-host of M. incognita, with reproduction factor (R) always <1, compared with Solanum lycopersicum cv. UC82, an excellent host (R = 43). In both bioactive accessions two generations were completed in 15 weeks (four cycles in S. lycopersicum), but with the production of very few egg masses, while root infestation was also always very low, with gall index (G.I.) < 1, compared with S. lycopersicum (G.I. = 4). In this study, the effectiveness of E. sativa sel. Nemat in controlling M. incognita confirmed data from previous work.
Bursaphelenchus paraluxuriosae sp. n. (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchidae) in packaging wood from Indonesia
Authors: Gu Jianfeng , Wang Jiangling , Braasch Helen , Burgermeister Wolfgang , Schröder Thomas
Published: April 2012

Bursaphelenchus paraluxuriosae sp. n., isolated in Ningbo, China, from packaging wood made from Alphitonia sp. (Rhamnaceae) imported from Indonesia is described. It is characterised by a slim body (a = 29-39), lateral field with four lines, excretory pore located at level of median bulb or slightly posterior, vulva at 75% of total body length, presence of a distinct vulval flap in lateral view, post-uterine branch ca two-thirds of the vulva-anus distance, female tail conical and slightly ventrally bent with irregular or roughened terminus (c′ = 4.4), spicules large and arcuate, with pointed rostrum and a cucullus, which is typical for the xylophilus group, but is reduced to a small blunt extension, and three pairs of ventro-sublateral papillae (one pair precloacal, two pairs postcloacal just anterior to the bursal flap and adjacent to each other) and a small single precloacal papilla present. The new species belongs to the xylophilus group and is most similar to B. luxuriosae. It is distinguished from other Bursaphelenchus species by morphology, ITS-RFLP patterns and sequencing results.
Description of a new species, Myxobilatus anteronippus sp. n., and synopsis of Indian species of the genus Myxobilatus Davis, 1944 (Myxozoa: Myxosporea: Bivalvulida)
Authors: Basu Saugata , Modak Biplob Kumar , Haldar Durga P.
Published: April 2012

A new histozoic species of the genus Myxobilatus Davis, 1944 (Myxozoa: Myxosporea: Bivalvulida), Myxobilatus anteronippus sp. n., is described from pectoral, dorsal and tail fins and operculum of an estuarine fish Taenioides cirratus (Blyth). The present species is unique in having polar capsules with unequal dimensions with a nipple or knob like structure present at the anterior extremity of each polar capsule, the shell valves are devoid of any striations. A synopsis of Indian species of the genus Myxobilatus Davis, 1944 including a total of six species is also provided.
Population genetic structure of golden pheasant Chrysolophus pictus in the Qinling Mountains, China
Authors: Huang Zuhao , Yu Xiaoping , Liang Wei
Published: April 2012

The golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) is an endemic pheasant of central China and is protected under national legislation. The Qinling Mountains form a natural barrier between northern and southern China. We investigated the population genetic structure using 1123 nucleotides of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control-region from 55 individuals sampled from five populations of gold pheasant in the Qinling Mountains. We found sixteen haplotypes defined by fourteen polymorphic sites. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the haplotypes sampled from the five putative populations did not cluster into separate geographic branches. There was an insignificant genetic differentiation among the putative populations (except GSTS population), probably due to high levels of gene flow. Results from the mismatch distribution and neutrality test analyses indicated the populations did not experience a range expansion over the course of their histories. They also suggested there was no geographical isolation shaped by the Qingling Mountains forChrysolophus pictus.
Activity patterns of the Brown Vine snake Oxybelis aeneus (Wagler, 1824) (Serpentes, Colubridae) in the Brazilian semiarid
Authors: Mesquita Paulo C.M.D. , Borges-Nojosa Diva M. , Passos Daniel C. , Bezerra Castiele H.
Published: April 2012

The Brown Vine snake, Oxybelis aeneus (Wagler, 1824), is widely distributed from the United States to Argentina. 113 specimens encountered in the field and 39 individuals from scientific collections were analyzed and we determined patterns of diet, habitat use, and daily and seasonal activity. Oxybelis aeneus can be found to be active year round, especially during the dry and warmer months. Daily temperature poorly describes its activity as it seems to be more active around 31 to 35°C. During the hours of inactivity the species tends to chose higher branches than when active. The snakes choose spiny trees as retreat sites and spineless trees as foraging sites. We suggest that the high abundance of O. aeneus makes it an appropriate model organism for studies on activity patterns of snakes in semi-arid environments.
Marine Protected Areas beyond National Jurisdiction: Some Practical Perspectives for Moving Ahead
Authors: Gjerde Kristina M. , Rulska-Domino Anna
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Despite strong legal duties and political commitments for marine conservation and ecosystem-based management, biodiversity in the high seas and the Area (jointly referred to as areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ)) is under increasing threat. One important tool for enhancing conservation and multi-sectoral cooperation is the establishment and maintenance of representative networks of marine protected areas (MPAs). This commentary reviews potential avenues for accelerating progress towards representative MPA networks as part of a larger-scale effort towards improving the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. It builds on the report by Petra Drankier, Marine Protected Areas in Areas beyond National Jurisdiction, Report on Research Question 2 of the Study on ‘Biological Diversity and Governance of the High Seas’ (2011), which describes the applicable global and regional conventions by discussing the strengths and weaknesses of proposed avenues for progress, including a possible multilateral agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC). The commentary concludes with some observations for a pragmatic path ahead.
Moving the Marine Genetic Resources Debate Forward: Some Reflections
Authors: Leary David
Published: April 2012

Abstract

This paper offers some brief reflections on issues surrounding the ongoing debate in relation to the legal status of marine genetic resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction. It considers one possible solution to the ideological divide over the relevance of the common heritage of mankind to marine genetic resources, modelled on Article IV of the Antarctic Treaty. The suitability of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture as a possible model is also considered. The fact that this later model is now being canvassed by some States marks a major step forward in international discussions on the issue. Other possible models that have been canvassed in the academic literature are also considered. The fact that these alternatives have not been canvassed at length in diplomatic discussions to date highlights the fact that a detailed examination of the wide range of possible options is urgently needed.
Environmental Impact Assessment in Areas beyond National Jurisdiction
Authors: Oude Elferink Alex G.
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) has become widely accepted as an indispensable instrument to manage and control negative impacts of human activities on the environment. The present report analyzes the general legal framework for EIA in maritime areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) and also considers the regime for assessments in respect of specific activities in ABNJ. The report concludes that these existing frameworks will have to be taken into account if it were to be decided to develop a global instrument on EIA for all activities in ABNJ. The report provides a number of suggestions to move the current international debate on EIA in ABNJ forward.
The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal tribunals: The Beginning of the end for the ICTY and ICTR
Authors: Landale Brigitte Benoit , Llewellyn Huw
Published: April 2012

This article identifies the significant steps that led to the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1966 (2010) establishing a Residual Mechanism for the ICTY and ICTR, and summarises the principal features of the Mechanism. It looks more closely at some of the Resolution's most important aspects, including the continuity of the Tribunals' jurisdiction, the way in which it seeks to avoid impunity for the fugitive indictees, and the commencement, transitional and duration provisions. Based on the current trials and appeals schedules of the ICTY and ICTR, the article sets out which case(s) will fall to the Residual Mechanism to conduct rather than to the Tribunals. It identifies some of the key underlying considerations taken into account in the Security Council Informal Working Group on International Tribunals (IWGIT), which negotiated Resolution 1966 (2010) over a four year period.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: The Responsibility of Member states of an International Organization
Authors: Murray Odette
Published: April 2012

This paper applies two manifestations of the principle of good faith – pacta sunt servanda and the doctrine of abuse of rights – to the complex relationship between member states and international organizations. The paper argues that these existing doctrines operate as a legal limit on the conduct of states when creating, controlling and functioning within international organizations. The paper begins by exploring an innovative provision in the International Law Commission's recently finalised Draft Articles on the Responsibility of International Organisations – Draft Article 61 – according to which a member state will bear international responsibility for the act of an international organization where the member state uses the organization to circumvent its own international obligations. Examining the development of Draft Article 61 and the jurisprudence upon which it is based, this paper argues that the principle which the Commission in fact seeks to articulate in Draft Article 61 is that of good faith in the performance of treaties. As such, being based on a primary rule of international law, this paper queries whether Draft Article 61 belongs in a set of secondary rules.

The paper then considers the role of states in the decision-making organs of international organizations and argues that the widely held presumption against member state responsibility for participation in decision-making organs can and should be displaced in certain cases, in recognition of the various voting mechanisms in international organizations and the varied power which certain states may wield. The paper argues that the doctrine of abuse of rights operates as a fundamental legal limit on the exercise of a member state's voting discretion, and thereby forms a complementary primary obligation placed on states in the context of their participation in international organizations.
Doing it differently: The Bible in Fundamentalism and in African Christianity
Authors: James Rob
Published: April 2012

Abstract

This paper explores and attempts to debunk the idea that much African usage of the Bible is Fundamentalist. It describes the Fundamentalist position on the Bible and then looks at two particular instances of African usage of the Bible. Although occasionally the usage can be described as “Fundamentalist,” even though similar language is used, the vast majority of the time such a label misses the point. African theology usually carries out its interpretation of the Bible in an entirely different way from the Fundamentalists and this term is usually inappropriate.
“The satan” in Light of the Creation Theology of Job
Authors: Moses Robert
Published: April 2012

Abstract

The figure who instigates God to afflict Job, “the satan,” vanishes entirely after the prologue of the book of Job. But his role in the prologue is mirrored by Job’s friends in the poetry section of the book. We argue that the presentation of “the satan” in the prologue is entirely consistent with the theology of creation proffered in the poetry section of the book of Job. The possible implication of this finding for the fate of Satan is spelled out.
The Influence of Ground Contact and Visible Horizon on Perception of Distance and Size under Severely Degraded Vision
Authors: Rand Kristina M. , Tarampi Margaret R. , Creem-Regehr Sarah H. , Thompson William B.
Published: April 2012

For low vision navigation, misperceiving the locations of hazards can have serious consequences. Potential sources of such misperceptions are hazards that are not visually associated with the ground plane, thus, depriving the viewer of important perspective cues for egocentric distance. In Experiment 1, we assessed absolute distance and size judgments to targets on stands under degraded vision conditions. Normally sighted observers wore blur goggles that severely reduced acuity and contrast, and viewed targets placed on either detectable or undetectable stands. Participants in the detectable stand condition demonstrated accurate distance judgments, whereas participants in the undetectable stand condition overestimated target distances. Similarly, the perceived size of targets in the undetectable stand condition was judged to be significantly larger than in the detectable stand condition, suggesting a perceptual coupling of size and distance in conditions of degraded vision. In Experiment 2, we investigated size and implied distance perception of targets elevated above a visible horizon for individuals in an induced state of degraded vision. When participants’ size judgments are inserted into the size–distance invariance hypothesis (SDIH) formula, distance to above-horizon objects increased compared to those below the horizon. Together, our results emphasize the importance of salient visible ground-contact information for accurate distance perception. The absence of this ground-contact information could be the source of perceptual errors leading to potential hazards for low vision individuals with severely degraded acuity and contrast sensitivity.
The Dogmatists and Wright on Moore’s “Proof”
Authors: McBride Mark
Published: April 2012

Suppose one has a visual experience as of having hands, and then reasons as follows: (MOORE) (1) I have hands, (2) If I have hands an external world exists; (3) An external world exists. Suppose one’s visual experience gives one defeasible perceptual warrant, or justification, to believe (1) – that is, one’s experience makes it epistemically appropriate to believe (1). And suppose one comes to believe (1) on the basis of this visual experience. The conditional premise (2) is knowable a priori. And (3) can be established by modus ponens inference. If one reasons thus, say one’s engaged in (MOORE)-reasoning. What, if anything, is wrong with (MOORE)-reasoning? I consider two prominent responses to this question – the dogmatists’ and Crispin Wright’s. Each finds fault in (MOORE)-reasoning, but on different grounds. I argue Wright’s response faces a problem which is standardly only taken to be faced by dogmatists.
Recent Work on Moore’s Proof
Authors: Carter J.Adam
Published: April 2012

Recently, much work has been done on G.E. Moore’s proof of an external world with the aim of diagnosing just where the Proof ‘goes wrong’. In the mainstream literature, the most widely discussed debate on this score stands between those who defend competing accounts of perceptual warrant known as dogmatism (i.e. Pryor and Davies) and conservativism (i.e. Wright). Each account implies a different verdict on Moore’s Proof, though both share a commitment to supposing that an examination of premise-conclusion dependence relations will sufficiently reveal what’s wrong with the Proof. Parallel to this debate on Moore stands perhaps an equally interesting (though less discussed) debate within which the Proof is critiqued as it stands in the context of the skeptical debate. On this score, Michael Fara and Ernest Sosa have weighed in with a markedly different take on Moore’s anti-skeptical ambitions and on the nature of skeptical challenges more generally. The aim of this paper will be to critically evaluate these two very distinct strands of recent work on Moore’s Proof. Part I of the paper will focus on the mainstream debate, and in Part II of the paper, I’ll focus on the parallel debate about skepticism. My critical discussion will be aimed throughout at showing how the various proposals I’ve taken as representative of these two parallel debates surrounding Moore’s Proof ultimately fall short—each for different reasons—of what a satisfactory diagnosis of the Proof would require.
Pyrrhonian Skepticism Meets Speech-Act Theory
Authors: Turri John
Published: April 2012

This paper applies speech-act theory to craft a new response to Pyrrhonian skepticism and diagnose its appeal. Carefully distinguishing between different levels of language-use and noting their interrelations can help us identify a subtle mistake in a key Pyrrhonian argument.
Prospects for Dynamical Prediction of Meteorological Drought
Authors: Quan Xiao-Wei , Hoerling Martin P. , Lyon Bradfield , Kumar Arun , Bell Michael A. , Tippett Michael K. , Wang Hui
Published: April 2012

The prospects for U.S. seasonal drought prediction are assessed by diagnosing simulation and hindcast skill of drought indicators during 1982–2008. The 6-month standardized precipitation index is used as the primary drought indicator. The skill of unconditioned, persistence forecasts serves as the baseline against which the performance of dynamical methods is evaluated. Predictions conditioned on the state of global sea surface temperatures (SST) are assessed using atmospheric climate simulations conducted in which observed SSTs are specified. Predictions conditioned on the initial states of atmosphere, land surfaces, and oceans are next analyzed using coupled climate-model experiments. The persistence of the drought indicator yields considerable seasonal skill, with a region’s annual cycle of precipitation driving a strong seasonality in baseline skill. The unconditioned forecast skill for drought is greatest during a region’s climatological dry season and is least during a wet season. Dynamical models forced by observed global SSTs yield increased skill relative to this baseline, with improvements realized during the cold season over regions where precipitation is sensitive to El Niño–Southern Oscillation. Fully coupled initialized model hindcasts yield little additional skill relative to the uninitialized SST-forced simulations. In particular, neither of these dynamical seasonal forecasts materially increases summer skill for the drought indicator over the Great Plains, a consequence of small SST sensitivity of that region’s summer rainfall and the small impact of antecedent soil moisture conditions, on average, upon the summer rainfall. The fully initialized predictions for monthly forecasts appreciably improve on the seasonal skill, however, especially during winter and spring over the northern Great Plains.
Serum γ-Glutamyltransferase Activity in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Tekin Gulacan , Tekin Yusuf Kenan , Senarslan Dılsad Amanvermez , Gocmen Ayse Yesım , Senarslan Omer , Erbay Alı Rıza
Published: April 2012

Procoagulant and prothrombotic states in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) are higher than those in patients with normal sinus rhythm. We assessed and compared serum γ-glutamyltranferase (GGT) activity in elderly patients with nonvalvular AF and control participants with normal sinus rhythm. Consecutive patients (n = 81) with nonvalvular chronic AF and 210 age- and gender-matched control participants with normal sinus rhythm were retrospectively included in the study from the outpatient cardiology clinic. Presence of coronary artery disease, hypertension, gender, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking status, glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and ejection fraction were comparable between the 2 groups ( P > .05 for all). However, serum γ-GGT activity was significantly higher ( P = .003) in patients with AF compared with those without AF. We have shown that serum γ-GGT activity is independently associated with chronic nonvalvular AF.
Prevalence of Noncalcified Coronary Plaque in Patients With Calcium Score of 0
Authors: Koulaouzidis George , Charisopoulou Dafni , Jenkins Paul J. , Koulaouzidis Anastasios , McArthur Tony
Published: April 2012

Noncalcified coronary artery plaques (NCAPs) are susceptible to rupture, resulting in coronary artery thrombosis. Using computer tomography coronary angiography (CTCA), we evaluated the prevalence and degree of stenosis caused by NCAP in patients without coronary artery calcification (CAC). A retrospective analysis of 447 symptomatic patients with 0 CAC score revealed negative CTCA in 400 (89.5%). Noncalcified coronary artery plaques were demonstrated in 47 (10.5%), with 4 presenting stenosis >50%. Patients with positive CTCA, compared to those with normal CTCA, had significantly higher mean age (56.2 years vs 50.6 years, P < .004) and higher pretest coronary artery disease (CAD) probability (26% vs 34%, P < .0001). Noncalcified coronary artery plaque was predominantly developed in the proximal segment of the left anterior descending artery. Noncalcified coronary artery plaque is present in up to 10% of patients with a CAC score of 0. Computer tomography coronary angiography could be of diagnostic value in symptomatic patients with multiple risk factors for CAD, even in the absence of CAC.