bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new specimen of Suzhousaurus megatherioides (Dinosauria: Therizinosauroidea) from the Early Cretaceous of northwestern China
Authors: Li Da-qing , You Hai-lu , Zhang Jian-ping
Published: August 2008

A new specimen of a therizinosauroid dinosaur recovered from the Lower Cretaceous Xinminpu Group in the Yujingzi Basin of the Jiuquan area, Gansu Province, northwestern China, consists of a partial postcranial skeleton, including a well-preserved left half of the pelvic girdle. It is referred to Suzhousaurus megatherioides Li et al., 2007 based on the autapomorphic anterior concavity of its pubic shaft and is the second known specimen of this taxon. Comparisons of the structure of therizinosauroid pelvic girdles show that the pelvis of Suzhousaurus possesses several unique features, including a laterally deflected, thin, and flat preacetabular process of the ilium, a smoothly curved anterodorsal margin of the preacetabular process of the ilium, and a concave anterior margin of the pubic shaft. Cladistic analysis confirms that Suzhousaurus is more derived than the Early Cretaceous therizinosauroids Falcarius and Beipiaosaurus , less derived than Late Cretaceous forms, and likely closely related to Alxasaurus from the Early Cretaceous of Inner Mongolia, China.
Late Pleistocene northward-dispersing Bison antiquus from the Bighill Creek Formation, Gallelli Gravel Pit, Alberta, Canada, and the fate of Bison occidentalis
Authors: Wilson Michael C. , Hills Leonard V. , Shapiro Beth
Published: August 2008

Late Pleistocene bison skeletal remains from the Gallelli Gravel Pit in the Bighill Creek Formation at Calgary, Alberta, document at least two individuals, including the largest postglacial bison reported from North America south of Beringia. Two partial crania, dated to 11 290 and 10 10014C years BP, are referred to the southern species Bison antiquus Leidy, indicating northward movement from the midcontinent as ice retreat opened a corridor between Laurentide and Cordilleran ice. Their large size suggests a dispersal phenotype exploiting newly available territory. DNA evidence links the 11 290-year-old bison to Clade 1, which includes modern B. bison . This supports in situ evolution of B. bison from B. antiquus through the intermediate usually called B.“occidentalis” . Bison of B. “occidentalis” character appeared in Alberta about 10 ka BP, and the DNA evidence counters the suggestion of a migratory wave from Beringia. The B. occidentalis type specimen is from Alaska, so this name may be inappropriate for southern populations. Radiocarbon dates suggest that the Bighill Creek Formation paleofauna comprises two faunules separated in time by the Younger Dryas climatic episode.
Lack of Effect of Arsenic on Phytoplankton Communities in Different Nutrient Conditions
Authors: Planas Dolores , Lamarche Alain
Published: August 2008

One-metre diameter plastic cylinders open to bottom sediments were used to investigate the effect of 30–40 μmol∙L−1 concentrations of arsenic on phytoplankton communities of the Canadian Shield. Dissolved nutrient-rich organic matter (trypticase soy broth) and inorganic nutrients [Formula: see text] were also added in the presence or absence of arsenic. Arsenic caused little change in phytoplankton biomass, measured as chlorophyll a or as biovolumes, in any of the cylinders during the 1st week of the experiment. Thereafter the biomass increased in cylinders enriched with organic matter and nutrients (with and without arsenic).Key words: arsenic, chlorophyll a, biomass, nutrients
On Density of Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) Eggs in Shallow Matrix Substrate Incubators
Authors: Kapuscinski Anne R. D. , Lannan James E.
Published: August 2008

Eyed chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) eggs were loaded at seven equidistant densities ranging from 10 760 to 75 350 eggs/m2 of gravel into Netarts-type shallow matrix substrate incubators. Egg density did not affect fry survival but altered emergence timing which influenced fry quality. Fry emergence was most premature in the 32 290 and 43 060 eggs/m2 treatments. Early migrants had higher development index values, more variable lipid contents, and lower water contents than peak and late migrants. Results are discussed in relation to economic and biological optimization of hatchery incubation.Key words: Oncorhynchus keta, egg density, gravel incubators, fry survival, fry quality
Relationships Among Shelf Temperatures, Coastal Sea Level, and the Coastal Upwelling Index Off Newport, Oregon
Authors: Kruse Gordon H. , Huyer Adriana
Published: August 2008

Monthly means of deep temperature at a moored current meter (Poinsettia), sea level at Newport, Oregon, and the coastal upwelling index at 45°N, 125°W were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated over 1972–74. Significant correlations were also found between both directly observed values and calculated anomalies of deep temperatures at two repeated hydrographic stations (NH-5 and NH-15), and monthly mean sea level at Neah Bay, Washington, and the upwelling index at 45°N, 125°W during 1959–69. As the relationships between temperature and sea level were slightly stronger than those between temperature and the upwelling index, sea level is a more reliable deep temperature indicator. The geometric mean estimate of the functional regression (or standard major axis) best describes each linear relationship between variable pairs. The regression equations between temperature and sea level (or the upwelling index) can be useful to reveal bottom temperature dynamics during periods of sparse observations.Key words: Oregon, bottom temperature, coastal sea level, upwelling index, independent observations, correlation, functional regression
Simulation and Application of Stock Composition Estimators
Authors: Cook Rodney C.
Published: August 2008

Stock composition estimates for mixed populations may be obtained with a classification scheme and the results of classifying individuals from this mixed population and from the component subpopulations. Several estimators have been proposed. Simulation studies were conducted over a wide range of practical possibilities. These studies showed that the simplest estimator, together with a constraint, was more than adequate for practical application. Implementation of the constraint provides for a dramatic reduction in effort for scientists involved in stock identification work. Statistically valid, conservative confidence intervals were obtained with existing variance formulae.
Acute Effects of Toxaphene and Its Sediment-Degraded Products on Estuarine Fish
Authors: Harder Howard W. , Carter Taryn V. , Bidleman Terry F.
Published: August 2008

The acute effect of toxaphene and the dechlorinated products that are formed in reducing sediments were determined for two estuarine fish, spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) and white mullet (Mugil curema). The reductively dechlorinated mixture was prepared by incubating toxaphene with anoxic salt marsh sediment for 3 wk and isolating the products, which were analyzed by packed and glass capillary gas chromatography. The 96-h LC50 (flow through) for toxaphene was 0.92 and 2.88 μg/L for spot and mullet, respectively, agreeing well with reported toxicities for the two species. Sediment-degraded toxaphene was almost as toxic to spot (LC50 = 1.10 μg/L) as the parent pesticide, while mullet were about three times more susceptible to the degraded form (LC50 = 1.02 μg/L). Bioaccumulation was similar for both forms of toxaphene, with factors of 2000–6000 over the 96-h exposure period.
Sexual Maturity, Fecundity, Spawning, and Early Life History of Sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) off the Pacific Coast of Canada
Authors: Mason J. C. , Beamish R. J. , McFarlane G. A.
Published: August 2008

Analysis of ichthyoplankton surveys and maturity states showed that sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) spawn along the entire Pacific coast of Canada from January through April with peak spawning occurring in February. Spawning took place at depths greater than 300 m all along the continental slope and did not entail a noticeable spawning migration. Fifty percent of females and males spawned for the first time at an age of approximately 5 yr. Length at 50% maturity was approximately 58 cm for females and 52 cm for males. The adult male to female ratio during the spawning seasons of 1980 and 1981 was approximately 1:3 and was 1:1.5 during all other sampling periods. The sex ratio of juveniles was 1:1. Fecundity estimates are described by the equation F = 1.11987FL2.8244. After hatching in March and April, postlarvae moved into the surface waters and were found > 180 km offshore in late March. Juveniles were found in inside waters in July and August, attaining a length of 9 cm by early August. Juveniles may remain in inside waters until maturity when they return to the spawning areas.
Estimation of Disease Incidence in Fish Populations
Authors: Worlund Donald D. , Taylor Gib
Published: August 2008

A method is described to estimate the disease incidence in large populations of fish where the material analyzed is composed of a number of pooled individuals. A procedure for calculating a confidence interval estimate is presented, and the bias of the estimate discussed. The methods were developed for estimating disease incidence in hatchery populations of juvenile Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), but are applicable to any situation in which the sampling plan can be assumed to follow the binomial distribution.
Minimum Size Regulations and the Implications for Yield and Value in the Canadian Atlantic Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) Fishery
Authors: Neilson John D. , Bowering W. R.
Published: August 2008

The effect of a minimum size regulation on yield and value per recruit in the Canadian Atlantic halibut fishery was examined. The model indicated that under most scenarios, the size limit would not result in increased yield per recruit. In general, yield per recruit was more sensitive to fishing mortality than age of first entry to the fishery. While reduced yields were usually associated with the minimum size limit, the value per recruit increased with increasing age at entry to the fishery until age 7. The changes in value per recruit reflected the size composition of landings following the imposition of the size limit and the different values associated with various size categories. Both yield and value per recruit were sensitive to the choice of the natural mortality rate.
Biomass, Size Structure, and Composition of Phototrophic and Heterotrophic Nanoflagellate Communities in Lakes Huron and Michigan
Authors: Carrick Hunter J. , Fahnenstiel Gary L.
Published: August 2008

The abundance and biomass of surface (5 m) and deep (20–45 m) nanoflagellate communities in Lakes Huron and Michigan were determined during 1987. Abundances (102–103 cells∙mL−1) were comparable between lakes and similar to those reported from other oligotrophic environments. Community composition was skewed towards the small end of the size spectrum due to the prevalence of small chrysomonads. In general, heterotrophic flagellates (Hnano) were more abundant that phototrophic flagellates (Pnano), while standing stocks of Pnano carbon (average 24.7 μg C∙L−1) were greater than Hnano carbon (9.6 μg C∙L−1) on nearly all sample dates. The abundance of nanoflagellates in both Lakes Huron and Michigan peaked in July, perhaps indicating increased growth at higher temperatures and/or a response to higher abundance of prey. Nanoflagellate communities in deep waters during thermal stratification were more abundant (50–70% higher carbon) than surface communities and were dominated by Pnano. High carbon standing stocks of deep communities did not correspond with high prey abundances. Thus, deep communities seem to be influenced by factors (e.g., light and nutrients) that maintain deep phytoplankton communities in the upper Great Lakes. While Hnano are quantitatively important in Lakes Huron and Michigan, representing nearly 20% of phytoplanton biomass, their trophic role is largely unknown.
Behavioral decisions made under the risk of predation: a review and prospectus
Authors: Lima Steven L. , Dill Lawrence M.
Published: August 2008

Predation has long been implicated as a major selective force in the evolution of several morphological and behavioral characteristics of animals. The importance of predation during evolutionary time is clear, but growing evidence suggests that animals also have the ability to assess and behaviorally influence their risk of being preyed upon in ecological time (i.e., during their lifetime). We develop an abstraction of the predation process in which several components of predation risk are identified. A review of the literature indicates that an animal's ability to assess and behaviorally control one or more of these components strongly influences decision making in feeding animals, as well as in animals deciding when and how to escape predators, when and how to be social, or even, for fishes, when and how to breathe air. This review also reveals that such decision making reflects apparent trade-offs between the risk of predation and the benefits to be gained from engaging in a given activity. Despite this body of evidence, several areas in the study of animal behavior have received little or no attention from a predation perspective. We identify several such areas, the most important of which is that dealing with animal reproduction. Much work also remains regarding the precise nature of the risk of predation and how it is actually perceived by animals, and the extent to which they can behaviorally control their risk of predation. Mathematical models will likely play a major role in future work, and we suggest that modelers strive to consider the potential complexity in behavioral responses to predation risk. Overall, since virtually every animal is potential prey for others, research that seriously considers the influence of predation risk will provide significant insight into the nature of animal behavior.
The role of environmental conditions in the seasonal synthesis and utilisation of biochemical energy reserves in the giant scallop, Placopecten magellanicus
Authors: Thompson R. J. , MacDonald B. A.
Published: August 2008

Throughout most of the year, carbohydrate and lipid levels in the somatic tissue of scallops from 31 m depth at Sunnyside, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, were lower than corresponding levels in scallops from 10 m depth at the same location, resulting in a higher energy content per unit weight in the latter group. In the gonad, however, there was no difference between the groups in the concentrations of carbohydrate and lipid. The absolute quantities of these biochemical constituents in both gonad and somatic tissue were greater in scallops from shallow water, owing to their higher body weight. Thus, in the poorer conditions associated with deeper water at this site, scallops maintained carbohydrate and lipid pools in the gonad but did not accumulate somatic energy reserves to the same extent as did scallops from shallow water where conditions were more favourable. Individuals from 31 m were therefore less well buffered against environmental stress than those from 10 m. Biochemical energy reserves were deposited during and after the spring bloom, but not in the period after spawning. The loss of somatic carbohydrate during overwintering was greater in scallops from 31 m, and only in this group was there any utilisation of carbohydrate and lipid in winter.
Oxygen extraction and jet propulsion in cephalopods
Authors: Wells M. J.
Published: August 2008

The ventilatory system of cephalopods has evolved so that the animals minimise the energetic cost of either oxygen extraction or jet propulsion. Optimal design for jet propulsion requires a large stroke volume moving water through the system with minimal acceleration, so the oxygen-carrying capacity of the ventilatory stream is always greatly in excess of requirements. Oxygen uptake in a jet-propelled animal must be independent of the volume of the jet to avoid locking locomotion to oxygen uptake. Any such link is incompatible with the repayment of an oxygen debt after exercise, with added oxygen demand during digestion, and with regulation of uptake under hypoxic conditions. Cephalopods evolved for efficient jet propulsion must be able to alter the rate of oxygen extraction from the ventilatory stream. Squids and Nautilus do this; oxygen extraction is normally low, in the range 5–10% during jet-propelled cruising at subcritical speeds, but can rise to as much as 25% in acute hypoxia or at rest after exhausting exercise. Other cephalopods, such as Octopus, minimise the cost of oxygen extraction by propelling a minimal volume of water through the gills, extracting 35–50% (exceptionally 75%) of the available oxygen. This leaves little scope for a further increase in extraction, and any added demand is met by increasing the ventilation stroke volume. A consequence is that jet propulsion becomes extravagant; octopuses show much greater jet pressures than squid when they choose to swim. The two alternative specialisations are linked to life-style and cut across systematic boundaries.
Mechanisms of Endothelial Dysfunction, Injury, and Death
Authors: Pober Jordan S. , Min Wang , Bradley John R.
Published: August 2008

Vascular endothelial cells normally perform several key homeostatic functions such as keeping blood fluid, regulating blood flow, regulating macromolecule and fluid exchange with the tissues, preventing leukocyte activation, and aiding in immune surveillance for pathogens. Injury or cell death impairs or prevents conduct of these activities, resulting in dysfunction. Most endothelial cell death is apoptotic, involving activation of caspases, but nonapoptotic death responses also have been described. Stimuli that can cause endothelial injury or death include environmental stresses such as oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, metabolic stress, and genotoxic stress, as well as pathways of injury mediated by the innate and adaptive immune systems. Pathways of immune-mediated death include those activated by death receptors as well as those activated by cytolytic granules and reactive oxygen species. The biochemical pathways activated by these injurious stimuli are described herein and will serve as a basis for future development of endothelial protective therapies.
Enhanced water and salt intake in transgenic mice with brain-restricted overexpression of angiotensin (AT1) receptors
Authors: Lazartigues Eric , Sinnayah Puspha , Augoyard Ginette , Gharib Claude , Johnson Alan Kim , Davisson Robin L.
Published: August 2008

To address the relative contribution of central and peripheral angiotensin II (ANG II) type 1A receptors (AT1A) to blood pressure and volume homeostasis, we generated a transgenic mouse model [neuron-specific enolase (NSE)-AT1A] with brain-restricted overexpression of AT1Areceptors. These mice are normotensive at baseline but have dramatically enhanced pressor and bradycardic responses to intracerebroventricular ANG II or activation of endogenous ANG II production. Here our goal was to examine the water and sodium intake in this model under basal conditions and in response to increased ANG II levels. Baseline water and NaCl (0.3 M) intakes were significantly elevated in NSE-AT1Acompared with nontransgenic littermates, and bolus intracerebroventricular injections of ANG II (200 ng in 200 nl) caused further enhanced water intake in NSE-AT1A. Activation of endogenous ANG II production by sodium depletion (10 days low-sodium diet followed by furosemide, 1 mg sc) enhanced NaCl intake in NSE-AT1Amice compared with wild types. Fos immunohistochemistry, used to assess neuronal activation, demonstrated sodium depletion-enhanced activity in the anteroventral third ventricle region of the brain in NSE-AT1Amice compared with control animals. The results show that brain-selective overexpression of AT1Areceptors results in enhanced salt appetite and altered water intake. This model provides a new tool for studying the mechanisms of brain AT1A-dependent water and salt consumption.
C2 spinal cord stimulation induces dynorphin release from rat T4 spinal cord: potential modulation of myocardial ischemia-sensitive neurons
Authors: Ding XiaoHui , Hua Fang , Sutherly Kristopher , Ardell Jeffrey L. , Williams Carole A.
Published: August 2008

During myocardial ischemia, the cranial cervical spinal cord (C1–C2) modulates the central processing of the cardiac nociceptive signal. This study was done to determine 1) whether C2 SCS-induced release of an analgesic neuropeptide in the dorsal horn of the thoracic (T4) spinal cord; 2) if one of the sources of this analgesic peptide was cervical propriospinal neurons, and 3) if chemical inactivation of C2 neurons altered local T4 substance P (SP) release during concurrent C2 SCS and cardiac ischemia. Ischemia was induced by intermittent occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (CoAO) in urethane-anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats. Release of dynorphin A (1-13), (DYN) and SP was determined using antibody-coated microprobes inserted into T4. SCS alone induced DYN release from laminae I–V in T4, and this release was maintained during CoAO. C2 injection of the excitotoxin, ibotenic acid, prior to SCS, inhibited T4 DYN release during SCS and ischemia; it also reversed the inhibition of SP release from T4 dorsal laminae during C2 SCS and CoAO. Injection of the κ-opioid antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine, into T4 also allowed an increased SP release during SCS and CoAO. CoAO increased the number of Fos-positive neurons in T4 dorsal horns but not in the intermediolateral columns (IML), while SCS (either alone or during CoAO) minimized this dorsal horn response to CoAO alone, while inducing T4 IML neuronal recruitment. These results suggest that activation of cervical propriospinal pathways induces DYN release in the thoracic spinal cord, thereby modulating nociceptive signals from the ischemic heart.
Estradiol replacement enhances sleep deprivation-induced c-Fos immunoreactivity in forebrain arousal regions of ovariectomized rats
Authors: Deurveilher S. , Cumyn E. M. , Peers T. , Rusak B. , Semba K.
Published: August 2008

To understand how female sex hormones influence homeostatic mechanisms of sleep, we studied the effects of estradiol (E2) replacement on c-Fos immunoreactivity in sleep/wake-regulatory brain areas after sleep deprivation (SD) in ovariectomized rats. Adult rats were ovariectomized and implanted subcutaneously with capsules containing 17β-E2(10.5 μg; to mimic diestrous E2levels) or oil. After 2 wk, animals with E2capsules received a single subcutaneous injection of 17β-E2(10 μg/kg; to achieve proestrous E2levels) or oil; control animals with oil capsules received an oil injection. Twenty-four hours later, animals were either left undisturbed or sleep deprived by “gentle handling” for 6 h during the early light phase, and killed. E2treatment increased serum E2levels and uterus weights dose dependently, while attenuating body weight gain. Regardless of hormonal conditions, SD increased c-Fos immunoreactivity in all four arousal-promoting areas and four limbic and neuroendocrine nuclei studied, whereas it decreased c-Fos labeling in the sleep-promoting ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO). Low and high E2treatments enhanced the SD-induced c-Fos immunoreactivity in the laterodorsal subnucleus of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis and the tuberomammillary nucleus, and in orexin-containing hypothalamic neurons, with no effect on the basal forebrain and locus coeruleus. The high E2treatment decreased c-Fos labeling in the VLPO under nondeprived conditions. These results indicate that E2replacement modulates SD-induced or spontaneous c-Fos expression in sleep/wake-regulatory and limbic forebrain nuclei. These modulatory effects of E2replacement on neuronal activity may be, in part, responsible for E2's influence on sleep/wake behavior.
Phasic Voluntary Movements Reverse the Aftereffects of Subsequent Theta-Burst Stimulation in Humans
Authors: Iezzi Ennio , Conte Antonella , Suppa Antonio , Agostino Rocco , Dinapoli Loredana , Scontrini Alessandra , Berardelli Alfredo
Published: August 2008

Theta-burst stimulation (TBS) is a technique that elicits long-lasting changes in the excitability of human primary motor cortex (M1). Tonic contraction of the target muscle modifies the aftereffects of TBS, whereas interactions between phasic muscle contraction and the aftereffects of TBS are unknown. In this paper, we investigated whether phasic voluntary movements influence TBS-induced changes in M1 excitability. We examined whether a brief sequence of phasic finger movements performed by healthy humans before both intermittent TBS (iTBS) and continuous TBS (cTBS) influences TBS-induced aftereffects. Ten healthy subjects underwent iTBS and cTBS. To evaluate the TBS-induced aftereffects on M1 excitability, single TMS pulses were given over the FDI motor area before (T0) and 5 (T1), 15 (T2), and 30 min (T3) after TBS. To find out whether finger movements influenced the TBS-induced aftereffects, we tested motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) size by single TMS pulses at T0, immediately after movements, and at T1–T3. We also measured the kinematic variables mean amplitude and mean peak velocity of the movements. When no phasic voluntary movements preceded TBS, iTBS elicited facilitatory and cTBS elicited inhibitory aftereffects on MEP size. Conversely, movements performed before TBS elicited significant changes in the direction of the TBS-induced aftereffects. iTBS produced inhibitory instead of facilitatory aftereffects and cTBS produced facilitatory instead of inhibitory aftereffects. Finger movements alone had no effects on MEPs size tested with single-pulse TMS. Peripheral electrical stimulation had no effect on iTBS-induced aftereffects. Repeated phasic finger movements interfere with TBS-induced aftereffects probably by modulating mechanisms of brain metaplasticity.
GATA4 and GATA5 are essential for heart and liver development in Xenopusembryos
Authors: Haworth Kim E , Kotecha Surendra , Mohun Timothy J , Latinkic Branko V
Published: August 2008

Background

GATA factors 4/5/6 have been implicated in the development of the heart and endodermal derivatives in vertebrates. Work in zebrafish has indicated that GATA5 is required for normal development earlier than GATA4/6. However, the GATA5 knockout mouse has no apparent embryonic phenotype, thereby questioning the importance of the gene for vertebrate development.

Results

In this study we show that in Xenopus embryos GATA5 is essential for early development of heart and liver precursors. In addition, we have found that in Xenopus embryos GATA4 is important for development of heart and liver primordia following their specification, and that in this role it might interact with GATA6.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that GATA5 acts earlier than GATA4 to regulate development of heart and liver precursors, and indicate that one early direct target of GATA5 is homeobox gene Hex.
Comparative analysis of function and interaction of transcription factors in nematodes: Extensive conservation of orthology coupled to rapid sequence evolution
Authors: Haerty Wilfried , Artieri Carlo , Khezri Navid , Singh Rama S , Gupta Bhagwati P
Published: August 2008

Background

Much of the morphological diversity in eukaryotes results from differential regulation of gene expression in which transcription factors (TFs) play a central role. The nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansis an established model organism for the study of the roles of TFs in controlling the spatiotemporal pattern of gene expression. Using the fully sequenced genomes of threeCaenorhabditidnematode species as well as genome information from additional more distantly related organisms (fruit fly, mouse, and human) we sought to identify orthologous TFs and characterized their patterns of evolution.

Results

We identified 988 TF genes inC. elegans, and inferred corresponding sets inC. briggsaeandC. remanei, containing 995 and 1093 TF genes, respectively. Analysis of the three gene sets revealed 652 3-way reciprocal 'best hit' orthologs (nematode TF set), approximately half of which are zinc finger (ZF-C2H2 and ZF-C4/NHR types) and HOX family members. Examination of the TF genes inC. elegansandC. briggsaeidentified the presence of significant tandem clustering on chromosome V, the majority of which belong to ZF-C4/NHR family. We also found evidence for lineage-specific duplications and rapid evolution of many of the TF genes in the two species. A search of the TFs conserved among nematodes inDrosophila melanogaster,Mus musculusandHomo sapiensrevealed 150 reciprocal orthologs, many of which are associated with important biological processes and human diseases. Finally, a comparison of the sequence, gene interactions and function indicates that nematode TFs conserved across phyla exhibit significantly more interactions and are enriched in genes with annotated mutant phenotypes compared to those that lack orthologs in other species.

Conclusion

Our study represents the first comprehensive genome-wide analysis of TFs across three nematode species and other organisms. The findings indicate substantial conservation of transcription factors even across distant evolutionary lineages and form the basis for future experiments to examine TF gene function in nematodes and other divergent phyla.
Multiple insecticide resistance mechanisms involving metabolic changes and insensitive target sites selected in anopheline vectors of malaria in Sri Lanka
Authors: Perera M Devika B , Hemingway Janet , Karunaratne SHP Parakrama
Published: August 2008

Background

The current status of insecticide resistance and the underlying resistance mechanisms were studied in the major vector of malaria, Anopheles culicifacies, and the secondary vector, Anopheles subpictus in five districts (Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, Moneragala, Puttalam and Trincomalee) of Sri Lanka. Eight other anophelines, Anopheles annularis, Anopheles barbirostris, Anopheles jamesii, Anopheles nigerrimus, Anopheles peditaeniatus, Anopheles tessellatus, Anopheles vagus and Anopheles varuna from Anuradhapura district were also tested.

Methods

Adult females were exposed to the WHO discriminating dosages of DDT, malathion, fenitrothion, propoxur, λ-cyhalothrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, permethrin and etofenprox. The presence of metabolic resistance by esterase, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and monooxygenase-based mechanisms, and the sensitivity of the acetylcholinesterase target site were assessed using synergists, and biochemical, and metabolic techniques.

Results

All the anopheline species had high DDT resistance. All An. culicifacies and An. subpictus populations were resistant to malathion, except An. culicifacies from Kurunegala, where there was no malathion carboxylesterase activity. Kurunegala and Puttalam populations of An. culicifacies were susceptible to fenitrothion. All the An. culicifacies populations were susceptible to carbamates. Both species were susceptible to the discriminating dosages of cypermethrin and cyfluthrin, but had different levels of resistance to other pyrethroids. Of the 8 other anophelines, only An. nigerrimus and An. peditaeniatus were resistant to all the insecticides tested, probably due to their high exposure to the insecticides used in agriculture. An. vagus showed some resistance to permethrin.

Esterases, GSTs and monooxygenases were elevated in both An. culicifacies and An. subpictus. AChE was most sensitive to insecticides in Kurunegala and Trincomalee An. culicifacies populations and highly insensitive in the Trincomalee An. subpictus population.

Conclusion

The complexity of the resistance segregating in these field populations underlines the need for new molecular tools to identify the genomic diversity, differential upregulation and different binding specificities of resistance conferring genes, and the presence of different subspecies with different vectorial capacities.
Novel function of STAT1β in B cells: induction of cell death by a mechanism different from that of STAT1α
Authors: Najjar Imen , Schischmanoff Pierre Olivier , Baran-Marszak Fanny , Deglesne Pierre-Antoine , Youlyouz-Marfak Ibtissam , Pampin Mathieu , Feuillard Jean , Bornkamm Georg W , Chelbi-Alix Mounira K , Fagard Remi
Published: August 2008

Alternate splicing of STAT1 produces two isoforms: α, known as the active form, and β, previously shown to act as a dominant-negative factor. Most studies have dealt with STAT1α, showing its involvement in cell growth control and cell death. To examine the specific function of either isoform in cell death, a naturally STAT1-deficient human B cell line was transfected to express STAT1α or STAT1β. STAT1α, expressed alone, enhanced cell death, potentiated the fludarabine-induced apoptosis, and enhanced the nuclear location, the phosphorylation, and the transcriptional activity of p53. Unexpectedly, STAT1β, expressed alone, induced cell death through a mechanism that was independent of the nuclear function of p53. Indeed, in STAT1β-expressing B cells, p53 was stricktly cytoplasmic where it formed clusters, and there was no induction of the transcriptional activity of p53. These data reveal a novel role of STAT1β in programmed cell death, which is independent of p53.
Investigation into the effect of nucleation parameters on grain formation during solidification using a cellular automaton-finite control volume method
Authors: Yao X. , Dargusch M.S. , Dahle A.K. , Davidson C.J. , StJohn D.H.
Published: August 2008

A cellular automation (CA) model has successfully been used to model the development of microstructure of an aluminum alloy during solidification to produce detailed structure maps for the solidified alloys. More recently, the application of CA models to practical castings/solidification conditions has attracted increasing research interest. However, the determination of the calculation parameters of any model associated with nucleation is difficult. Accordingly, this work investigates the detailed effect of the six parameters of nucleation on microstructure formation and morphology as well as the grain size by cellular automaton-finite control volume method (CAFVM). The nucleation parameters can be determined or estimated by comparing the calculated and experimental results, which enables a more practical prediction of the microstructure (morphology and grain size).
Comparative efficacy of five different rep-PCR methods to discriminate Escherichia coli populations in aquatic environments
Authors: Mohapatra B. R. , Mazumder A.
Published: August 2008

Development of efficient techniques to discriminate the sources of E. coli in aquatic environments is essential to improve the surveillance of fecal pollution indicators, to develop strategies to identify the sources of fecal contamination, and to implement appropriate management practices to minimize gastrointestinal disease transmission. In this study the robustness of five different rep-PCR methods, such as REP-PCR, ERIC-PCR, ERIC2-PCR, BOX-PCR and (GTG)5-PCR were evaluated to discriminate 271 E. coli strains isolated from two watersheds (Lakelse Lake and Okanagan Lake) located in British Columbia, Canada. Cluster analysis of (GTG)5-PCR, BOX-PCR, REP-PCR, ERIC-PCR and ERIC2-PCR profiles of 271 E. coli revealed 43 clusters, 35 clusters, 28 clusters, 23 clusters and 14 clusters, respectively. The discriminant analysis of rep-PCR genomic fingerprints of 271 E. coli isolates yielded an average rate of correct classification (watershed-specific) of 86.8%, 82.3%, 78.4%, 72.6% and 55.8% for (GTG)5-PCR, BOX-PCR, REP-PCR, ERIC-PCR and ERIC2-PCR, respectively. Based on the results of cluster analysis and discriminant function analysis, (GTG)5-PCR was found to be the most robust molecular tool for differentiation of E. coli populations in aquatic environments.
Detection and source identification of faecal pollution in non-sewered catchment by means of host-specific molecular markers
Authors: Ahmed W. , Powell D. , Goonetilleke A. , Gardner T.
Published: August 2008

Multiple host-specific molecular markers were used to detect the sources of faecal pollution in a mixed land use non-sewered catchment in Southeast Queensland, Australia. These markers included human-specific Bacteroides (HF183 and HF134), cattle-specific Bacteroides (CF128), dog-specific Bacteroides (BacCan) and human-specific enterococci surface protein (esp) markers. The sensitivity and specificity of these markers were determined by testing 197 faecal samples from 13 host groups. The overall sensitivity and specificity of these markers was high (sensitivity≥85% and specificity≥93%) indicating their suitability for detecting the sources of faecal pollution. Of the 16 samples collected from the study area, 14 (87%) were positive for at least one of the molecular marker tested. Amongst all the markers, cattle-specific CF128 was more prevalent than others, followed by human-specific HF183 which was consistently detected in samples collected from sites within close proximity to urban development. Significant correlations were found between E. coli and enterococci concentrations with the positive/negative results of human-specific Bacteroides HF183 (p<0.001, p<0.0001) and HF134 (p<0.001, p<0.004) markers. No correlations were found between faecal indicators (E. coli or enterococci) with the CF128 or BacCan markers. A significant correlation was also found between enterococci concentrations and the presence/absence of the esp marker (p<0.02). Based on the results, it appears that the host-specific markers such as HF183 and esp are a sensitive measure of sources of human faecal pollution in surface waters in Southeast Queensland, Australia.
Trophic structure of stream macroinvertebrate communities revealed by stable isotope analysis
Authors: Watanabe Kozo , Omura Tatsuo
Published: August 2008

The trophic structure of a macroinvertebrate community was investigated using carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes analysis (δ13C and δ15N) at three longitudinal sites along the main channel of the Hirose River, Japan, and at an outlet site of the tributary reservoir. Along the main channel, primal food supply gradually changed from allochthonous to autochthonous source. The percentage of autochthonous origin of the macroinvertebrate community calculated by a carbon-mixing model (=38–83%) increased with that of suspended fine particulate organic matter (FPOM = 21–67%), a main resource for filtering-collectors that dominated the communities. The lowest percentage of autochthonous in the lake outlet community (=21%) was a result of the notably low percentage autochthonous of FPOM due to the decomposition of allochthonous coarse particulate organic matter (e.g., leaf) strained in the reservoir. Predators had higher mean δ15N than non-predators in three sites. The average enrichments of δ15N signature per trophic level for all sites were 3.82‰ from producers to first consumers and 1.24‰ from first to second consumers. Our data suggest the strong potential for stable isotope analysis to enhance our understanding of the trophic structure of stream macroinvertebrate community.
Optimisation of aeration for activated sludge treatment with simultaneous nitrification denitrification
Authors: Thauré David , Lemoine Cyrille , Daniel Olivier , Moatamri Nader , Chabrol Julien
Published: August 2008

Following a promising study at pilot scale a new aeration control law has been implemented at a full scale wastewater treatment plant displaying a conventional activated sludge process. The new control law is based on the direct measurements of ammonium and nitrate concentration in the biological tank by ion selective electrodes. This control law features a cascade of two Predictive Function Controls and calculates an optimal air flow rate to be provided to the biomass through fine bubble diffusers. The results obtained at the full scale plant confirmed the high performance of this control strategy allowing to substantially reduce the amount of diffused air while providing an easy means to manage the effluent quality to the plant operator.
Zero Liquid Discharge approach in plating industry: treatment of degreasing effluents by electrocoagulation and anodic oxidation
Authors: Hermon S. , Grange D. , Pellet Y. , Lloret G. , Oyonarte S. , Bosch F. , Coste M.
Published: August 2008

Degreasing waste effluents issued from a surface treatment plant were treated by electrochemical techniques in an attempt to reduce COD so that clean water can be returned to the rinse bath. Electrocoagulation, both with iron and aluminium anodes, and anodic oxidation with boron doped diamond (BDD) anodes were tested. In the electrocoagulation tests, the nature of the anodes did not impact significantly the reduction of COD. Electrocoagulation showed good COD removal rates, superior to 80%, but it was not able to reduce COD down to low levels. Anodic oxidation was able to reduce COD down to discharge limits; the oxidation efficiency was superior to 50%. Economical calculations show that anodic oxidation is best used as a polishing step after electrocoagulation. The bulk of the COD would be reduced by electrocoagulation and, then, anodic oxidation would reduce COD below discharge limits. The maximum treatable flow is somewhat hindered by the small sizes of current BDD installation but it would reach 600 m3/year if anodic oxidation is coupled with electrocoagulation, the operational cost being 2.90 €/m3.
Kasza: design of a closed water system for the greenhouse horticulture
Authors: van der Velde Raphaël T. , Voogt Wim , Pickhardt Pieter W.
Published: August 2008

The need for a closed and sustainable water system in greenhouse areas is stimulated by the implementation in the Netherlands of the European Framework Directive. The Dutch national project Kasza: Design of a Closed Water System for the Greenhouse Horticulture will provide information how the water system in a greenhouse horticulture area can be closed. In this paper the conceptual design of two systems to close the water cycle in a greenhouse area is described. The first system with reverse osmosis system can be used in areas where desalination is required in order to be able to use the recycle water for irrigation of all crops. The second system with advanced oxidation using UV and peroxide can be applied in areas with more salt tolerant crops and good (low sodium) water sources for irrigation. Both systems are financially feasible in new greenhouse areas with substantial available recycle water.
A framework for planning of sustainable water and sanitation systems in peri-urban areas
Authors: Törnqvist R. , Norström A. , Kärrman E. , Malmqvist P.-A.
Published: August 2008

There are billions of people around the world that lack access to safe water supply and basic sanitation, a situation which puts the affected in severe health conditions as well as economical and social despair. Many of those lacking adequate water supply and sanitation systems can be found at the fringe of the cities in so called peri-urban areas, especially in the developing world. Planning in these areas is highly complex due to challenging environmental and physical conditions, high population density and unclear institutional boundaries. This article presents a framework aiming to support the planning process for sustainable water and sanitation systems in peri-urban areas. The suggested framework is based on different available planning approaches from a review of literature and websites of organisations and companies. It consists of a recommendation of important steps in the planning process as well as supporting tools. Further, it incorporates a set of sustainability criteria important for the peri-urban context and allows for the development of site specific systems. The framework has the aim to be flexible for different planning situations, and for suiting planners with different perspectives and amount of resources.
Sunflower-based Feedstocks in Nonfood Applications: Perspectives from Olefin Metathesis
Authors: Marvey Bassie B.
Published: August 2008

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) oil remains under-utilised albeit one of the major seed oils produced world-wide. Moreover, the high oleic sunflower varieties make the oil attractive for applications requiring high temperature processes and those targeting the C=C double bond functionality. Herein an overview of the recent developments in olefin metathesis of sunflower-based feedstocks is presented. The improved performance of olefin metathesis catalysts leading to high turnover numbers, high selectivity and catalyst recyclability, opens new opportunities for tailoring sunflower-based feedstocks into products required for possible new niche market applications. Promising results in biofuel, biopolymers, fragrances and fine chemicals applications have been reported.
Coordinate cis-[Cr(C2O4)(pm)(OH2)2]+ Cation as Molecular Biosensor of Pyruvate’s Protective Activity Against Hydrogen Peroxide Mediated Cytotoxity
Authors: Jacewicz Dagmara , Szkatuła Michał , Chylewska Agnieszka , Dąbrowska Aleksandra , Woźniak Michał , Chmurzyński Lech
Published: August 2008

In this paper instrumental methods of carbon dioxide (CO2) detection in biological material were compared. Using cis-[Cr(C2O4)(pm)(OH2)2]+ cation as a specific molecular biosensor and the stopped-flow technique the concentrations of CO2 released from the cell culture medium as one of final products of pyruvate decomposition caused by hydrogen peroxide were determined. To prove the usefulness of our method of CO2 assessment in the case of biological samples we investigated protective properties of exogenous pyruvate in cultured osteosarcoma 143B cells exposed to 1 mM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) added directly to culture medium. Pyruvic acid is well known scavenger of H2O2 and, moreover, a molecule which is recognized as one of the major mediator of oxidative stress detected in many diseases and pathological situations like ischemiareperfusion states. The pyruvate's antioxidant activity is described as its rapid reaction with H2O2,which causes nonenzymatic decarboxylation of pyruvate and releases of CO2, water and acetate as final products. In this work for the first time we have correlated the concentration of CO2 dissolved in culture medium with pyruvate's oxidant-scavenging abilities. Moreover, the kinetics of the reaction between aqueous solution of CO2 and coordinate ion, cis-[Cr(C2O4)(pm)(OH2)2]+ was analysed. The results obtained enabled determination of the number of steps of the reaction studied. Based on the kinetic equations, rate constants were determined for each step.