bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF CONSCIOUSNESS AS MEANING MAKER IN SCIENCE, CULTURE, AND RELIGION
Authors: Heelan Patrick A.
Published: May 2009

Two hundred years ago, Friedrich Schleiermacher took critical issue with Immanuel Kant's intellectual notion of intuition as applied to human nature (Wellmon 2006). He found it necessary to modify—“hermeneutically,” as he said—Kant's notion of anthropology by enabling it to include as human the new and strange human tribes Captain Cook found in the Pacific South Seas. A similar hermeneutic move is necessary if physics is to include the local contextual empirical syntheses of relativity and quantum physics. In this hermeneutical revision the synthesis is formed around the notion of a Hilbert Vector Space as the universal grammar of physics, adding to it the dynamic of the Schrödinger equation, and representing empirical “observables” by projection operators that map the subspaces of definite measurable values. Among the set of observable projection operators, some pairs share the same subspace, commute with one another, and share a common laboratory setting. Other pairs do not share this property and are described as being mutually complementary. Complementary symmetries introduce into the discursive language of physics the commonsense notion of contextuality. The new synthesis, proposed by Eugene Wigner, John von Neumann, and (in his own way) Paul Dirac, brought physics into the community of common language and established it as a work of general human achievement.1
On the Efficiency of Job Search with Social Networks
Authors: CAHUC PIERRE , FONTAINE FRANÇOIS
Published: May 2009

This paper provides a simple matching model in which unemployed workers and employers can be matched together through social networks and through more efficient, and also more costly, methods. In this framework, decentralized decisions to utilize social networks in the job search process can be inefficient and give rise to multiple equilibria. More precisely, in a decentralized equilibrium, social networks can be overutilized, with respect to an efficient allocation, in some circumstances and underutilized in others. Moreover, the existence of different job search methods can give rise to a higher job search intensity than the efficient one. This is in sharp contrast with the standard result, derived in matching models, according to which search intensity is always too low if not efficient. Finally, in the presence of different job search methods, conditional unemployment benefits hikes, which can be used as a coordination device to improve welfare when individuals.
ALCHIAN AND DEMSETZ'S CRITIQUE OF THE COOPERATIVE FIRM THIRTY‐SEVEN YEARS AFTER
Authors: Jossa Bruno
Published: May 2009

The author discusses the critique of cooperatives implied in Alchian and Demsetz's argument that efficiency is maximized when the central agent managing the firm and watching the labour force at work is the residual claimant. Entering upon a number of criticisms that Alchian and Demsetz's approach attracted over the years, he concludes that their critique does not hold, and his basic argument is that cooperative firms vesting the monitoring function in elected managers will not be less efficient than capitalistic firms in the same situation.
Test‐retest reliability of voluntary emotion regulation
Authors: Lee Hyejeen , Shackman Alexander J. , Jackson Daren C. , Davidson Richard J.
Published: May 2009

Despite growing interest in emotion regulation, the degree to which psychophysiological measures of emotion regulation are stable over time remains unknown. We examined four‐week test‐retest reliability of corrugator electromyographic and eyeblink startle measures of negative emotion and its regulation. Both measures demonstrated similar sensitivity to the emotion manipulation, but only individual differences in corrugator modulation and regulation showed adequate reliability. Startle demonstrated diminished sensitivity to the regulation instructions across assessments and poor reliability. This suggests that corrugator represents a trait‐like measure of voluntary emotion regulation, whereas startle should be used with caution for assessing individual differences. The data also suggest that corrugator and startle might index partially dissociable constructs and underscore the need to collect multiple measures of emotion.
A critical review of primary health care reform in Bulgaria: impact on consumers
Authors: Popova Stoyanka Tz. , Kerekovska Albena G.
Published: May 2009

The Health Care System in Bulgaria is in a period of transition and is undergoing profound changes in financing, organization and ownership. A priority of this reform is to shift the focus of healthcare to the primary sector and to emphasize general practice. New legislation in support of this health care reform has been passed over the last few years. However, this legislation, although consistent with the global aims to be achieved, has proven to be contradictory in terms of its practical implementation. This has had a negative impact on health care consumers’ interests and rights. This paper evaluates the effects of primary health care reform in Bulgaria from the perspective of patient satisfaction. For this purpose, a major task to be fulfilled is to identify the contradictions emerging between the legislation outlining the reforms and the realities of practical implementation with respect to its impact on consumers. The methods applied include: a review of the legislation, a review of the practical progression of the reform process, and an assessment of the new developments in health care consumers’ interests and rights. Considerable contradictions have been found between the legal framework of health care reform in primary care and existing experiences, traditions and expectations. The legislation is inconsistent with the existing realities of healthcare provision. This is leading to turmoil in the health care system during its present transformation and is infringing upon consumers’ rights. Problems emerging in the process of reform need to be identified, and solutions need to be found and worked out as the reforms progress. An assessment system has to be developed to monitor the overall reform process and to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the changes introduced. The impact on consumer and patient satisfaction should be an area of prime concern during these assessments.
Aβ43 is more frequent than Aβ40 in amyloid plaque cores from Alzheimer disease brains
Authors: Welander Hedvig , Frånberg Jenny , Graff Caroline , Sundström Erik , Winblad Bengt , Tjernberg Lars O.
Published: May 2009

One hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD) is the extracellular deposition of the amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) in senile plaques. Two major forms of Aβ are produced, 40 (Aβ40) and 42 (Aβ42) residues long. The most abundant form of Aβ is Aβ40, while Aβ42 is more hydrophobic and more prone to form toxic oligomers and the species of particular importance in early plaque formation. Thus, the length of the hydrophobic C‐terminal seems to be very important for the oligomerization and neurotoxicity of the Aβ peptide. Here we investigated which Aβ species are deposited in AD brain. We analyzed plaque cores, prepared from occipital and frontal cortex, from sporadic and familial AD cases and performed a quantitative study using Aβ standard peptides. Cyanogen bromide was used to generate C‐terminal Aβ fragments, which were analyzed by HPLC coupled to an electrospray ionisation ion trap mass spectrometer. We found a longer peptide, Aβ43, to be more frequent than Aβ40. No variants longer than Aβ43 could be observed in any of the brains. Immunohistochemistry was performed and was found to be in line with our findings. Aβ1‐43 polymerizes rapidly and we suggest that this variant may be of importance for AD.
A technique for central venous pressure measurement in normal horses
Authors: Wilsterman Sonya , Hackett Eileen S. , Rao Sangeeta , Hackett Timothy B.
Published: May 2009

Objective
–
To investigate a technique of central venous pressure (CVP) measurement using a newly developed catheter in healthy adult horses.

Design
–
Prospective experimental study.

Setting
–
University research facility.

Animals
–
Twenty healthy adult horses.

Interventions
–
An equine central venous catheter was inserted into the jugular vein to a length of approximately 80 cm from the mid‐cervical region in an attempt to catheterize the pulmonary artery. Pulmonary arterial catheterization was confirmed by echocardiography. Insertion distance and pressure were measured at this location with a disposable manometer. The catheter was then withdrawn until presence in the right atrium was confirmed by echocardiography. Insertion distance and pressure were also measured at this location. The catheter was then withdrawn in 5 cm increments until exiting the jugular insertion site with pressure measured at each location. All pressure measurements were taken with the manometer zero position at the point of the shoulder.

Measurements and Main Results
–
Pulmonary artery catheterization was successful in 16 of 20 horses. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure was 23.8 cm H2O (17.5 mm Hg) (95% confidence interval [CI] 20.9–26.7 cm H2O [15.4–19.6 mm Hg]). Mean right atrial pressure was 8.3 cm H2O (6.1 mm Hg) (95% CI 7.1–9.4 cm H2O [5.2–6.9 mm Hg]). Right atrial pressure was compared with pressures recorded at sequential insertion distances and resulted in a recommendation for catheter insertion of at least 40 cm for CVP measurement in adult horses. Jugular venous pressure measurement was statistically different from CVP measurement.

Conclusions
–
This catheter measurement technique is well tolerated in normal horses. Routine clinical use of this equine central venous catheter may improve our ability to monitor patients and improve patient care and outcomes of ill horses in hospital.
Prevalence of the Crayfish Plague Pathogen Aphanomyces astaci in Invasive American Crayfishes in the Czech Republic
Authors: KOZUBÍKOVÁ EVA , FILIPOVÁ L. , KOZÁK P. , ĎURIŠ Z. , MARTÍN M.P. , DIÉGUEZ‐URIBEONDO J. , OIDTMANN B. , PETRUSEK A.
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  In Central Europe invasive North American crayfishes are carriers of the oomycete Aphanomyces astaci, which causes crayfish plague. This lethal disease currently represents one of the major threats to native European crayfishes. We used molecular methods—species‐specific amplification and sequencing of the pathogen DNA—to investigate the prevalence of individuals latently infected with A. astaci in 28 populations of two invasive American crayfish species (6 of the signal crayfish [Pacifastacus leniusculus] and 22 of the spiny‐cheek crayfish [Orconectes limosus]) in the Czech Republic. The pathogen occurred in 17 investigated populations. We recorded a high variation in positive reactions, ranging from 0% to 100%, in populations of O. limosus. In P. leniusculus, however, only one individual out of 124 tested positive for the pathogen. There was a clear relationship between the water body type and pathogen prevalence in O. limosus. Infection ratios in isolated standing waters were usually low, whereas in running waters, pathogen prevalence often exceeded 50%. Other evaluated characteristics of potential plague pathogen carriers (size, sex, and the presence of melanized spots in the cuticle) seemed to be unrelated to infection. Our data suggest that in contrast to other European countries, O. limosus seems to be the primary reservoir of crayfish plague in the Czech Republic. Although all populations of alien American crayfishes may be potential sources of infections and should be managed as such, knowledge on the prevalence of the plague pathogen at various localities may allow managers to focus conservation efforts on the most directly endangered populations of native crayfishes.
Heterogeneous Expression of Potassium Currents and Pacemaker Currents Potentially Regulates Arrhythmogenesis of Pulmonary Vein Cardiomyocytes
Authors: CHEN YAO‐CHANG , PAN NAN‐HUNG , CHENG CHEN‐CHUAN , HIGA SATOSHI , CHEN YI‐JEN , CHEN SHIH‐ANN
Published: May 2009

Introduction:
The relationship between the determining factors and beating rates of pulmonary vein (PV) pacemaker cardiomyocytes has not been fully elucidated. The purposes of this study were to compare the electrophysiological characteristics between PV fast and slow pacemaker cardiomyocytes.

Methods:
Whole‐cell patch clamp was used to investigate the action potentials, transient outward currents (Ito), sustained outward potassium currents (IKsus), rapid delayed rectifier potassium currents (IKr), inward rectifier potassium current (IK1), pacemaker currents (If), and transient inward currents in isolated rabbit PV single fast (≥2.5 Hz) and slow (<2.5 Hz) pacemaker cardiomyocytes.

Results:
The fast PV pacemaker cardiomyocytes (n = 66) had lesser negative maximum diastolic potential (−53 ± 1 mV vs −59 ± 1 mV, P < 0.001) and larger slope of diastolic depolarization (0.31 ± 0.02 V/sec vs 0.09 ± 0.01 V/sec, P < 0.001) than slow PV pacemaker cardiomyocytes (n = 65). Moreover, the PV beating rates correlated well with the slope of diastolic depolarization and maximum diastolic potential with a linear regression. As compared to those in slow PV pacemaker cardiomyocytes, the fast PV pacemaker cardiomyocytes had smaller Ito and IK1, and larger If but with similar IKsus,IKr, and transient inward currents. However, only few fast (2/34) and slow (1/23) PV pacemaker cardiomyocytes contained barium‐sensitive hyperpolarization‐activated time‐dependent current (IKH).

Conclusions and Implications:
The fast and slow PV pacemaker had different electrophysiological characteristics. Ito, IK1, and If may regulate the beating rates of PV pacemaker cardiomyocytes.
Presenting Rhythm in Sudden Deaths Temporally Proximate to Discharge of TASER Conducted Electrical Weapons
Authors: Swerdlow Charles D. , Fishbein Michael C. , Chaman Linda , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya R. , Tchou Patrick
Published: May 2009

Objectives:  Sudden deaths proximate to use of conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) have been attributed to cardiac electrical stimulation. The rhythm in death caused by rapid, cardiac electrical stimulation usually is ventricular fibrillation (VF); electrical stimulation has not been reported to cause asystole or pulseless electrical activity (PEA). The authors studied the presenting rhythms in sudden deaths temporally proximate to use of TASER CEWs to estimate the likelihood that these deaths could be caused by cardiac electrical stimulation.

Methods:  This was a retrospective review of CEW‐associated, nontraumatic sudden deaths from 2001 to 2008. Emergency medical services (EMS), autopsy, and law enforcement reports were requested and analyzed. Subjects were included if they collapsed within 15 minutes of CEW discharge and the first cardiac arrest rhythm was reported.

Results:  Records for 200 cases were received. The presenting rhythm was reported for 56 of 118 subjects who collapsed within 15 minutes (47%). The rhythm was VF in four subjects (7%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3% to 17%) and bradycardia‐asystole or PEA in 52 subjects (93%; 95% CI = 83% to 97%). None of the eight subjects who collapsed during electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring had VF. Only one subject (2%) collapsed immediately after CEW discharge. This was the only death typical of electrically induced VF (2%, 95% CI = 0% to 9%). An additional 4 subjects (7%) collapsed within 1 minute, and the remaining 51 subjects (91%) collapsed more than 1 minute later. The time from collapse to first recorded rhythm was 3 minutes or less in 35 subjects (62%) and 5 minutes or less in 43 subjects (77%).

Conclusions:  In sudden deaths proximate to CEW discharge, immediate collapse is unusual, and VF is an uncommon VF presenting rhythm. Within study limitations, including selection bias and the possibility that VF terminated before the presenting rhythm was recorded, these data do not support electrically induced VF as a common mechanism of these sudden deaths.
Cartilage repair: past and future – lessons for regenerative medicine
Authors: Van Osch Gerjo J. V. M. , Brittberg Mats , Dennis James E. , Bastiaansen‐Jenniskens Yvonne M. , Erben Reinhold G. , Konttinen Yrjö T. , Luyten Frank P.
Published: May 2009

Introduction: the impaired repair capacity of cartilage and the beginning of cell therapy

Choice of cell types

Regulating cellular activities

Interference of inflammation with cartilage repair

Tracking of transplanted cells in vivo

Conclusion and future directions

Since the first cell therapeutic study to repair articular cartilage defects in the knee in 1994, several clinical studies have been reported. An overview of the results of clinical studies did not conclusively show improvement over conventional methods, mainly because few studies reach level I of evidence for effects on middle or long term. However, these explorative trials have provided valuable information about study design, mechanisms of repair and clinical outcome and have revealed that much is still unknown and further improvements are required. Furthermore, cellular and molecular studies using new technologies such as cell tracking, gene arrays and proteomics have provided more insight in the cell biology and mechanisms of joint surface regeneration. Besides articular cartilage, cartilage of other anatomical locations as well as progenitor cells are now considered as alternative cell sources. Growth Factor research has revealed some information on optimal conditions to support cartilage repair. Thus, there is hope for improvement. In order to obtain more robust and reproducible results, more detailed information is needed on many aspects including the fate of the cells, choice of cell type and culture parameters. As for the clinical aspects, it becomes clear that careful selection of patient groups is an important input parameter that should be optimized for each application. In addition, the study outcome parameters should be improved. Although reduced pain and improved function are, from the patient's perspective, the most important outcomes, there is a need for more structure/tissue‐related outcome measures. Ideally, criteria and/or markers to identify patients at risk and responders to treatment are the ultimate goal for these more sophisticated regenerative approaches in joint surface repair in particular, and regenerative medicine in general.
Traumatic dental injuries in individuals with cerebral palsy
Authors: Botti Rodrigues dos Santos Maria Teresa , Souza Caroline Bitencourt Cardoso
Published: May 2009

Abstract –  Background:  Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most frequent conditions encountered in the daily practice of dentists who treat special‐needs individuals and it seems that traumatic dental injuries are often present in these cases. The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the prevalence related to traumatic dental injury (TDI) in individuals with CP attending rehabilitation treatment at the Lar Escola Sao Francisco Rehabilitation Center in São Paulo, Brazil

Material and Methods:  The sample included 100 individuals with a medical diagnosis of CP (SG) aged 1–15 years (mean 7 years 2 months ±SD 3 years 4 months) and 100 non‐disabled individuals (CG), aged 1–15 years (mean 7 years 5 months ± SD 4 years 0 month), presenting the same socioeconomic level as SG. Data were collected through clinical examinations according to Andreasen criteria and interviews.

Results:  According to the Gross Motor Function Classification, the SG presented 34.0% of individuals that walked with or without assistive mobility devices and 66.0% required a wheelchair for mobility. The TDI prevalence observed for CG was 32.0% (n = 32), with 20.0% (n = 20) for SG, showing no statistically significant difference (P = 0.053). For both groups, the teeth most affected were the maxillary central incisors. Crown fracture without pulp exposure was the most frequent type of injury (31.2%) in CG and enamel fracture (30.0%), in SG. The groups differed significantly regarding dental treatment received after TDI (P = 0.012), with CG presenting higher percentages of treated individuals

Conclusions:  The data suggest that the TDI prevalence in individuals presenting CP and attending rehabilitation treatment was similar compared with non‐disabled individuals, but they received less treatment.
Evaluating the knowledge of sports participants regarding dental emergency procedures
Authors: Mori Graziela Garrido , De Mendonça Janjácomo Daniela Maria , Castilho Lithiene Ribeiro , Poi Wilson Roberto
Published: May 2009

Abstract –  Dental trauma is a common consequence of sports practice to which emergency treatment is critical. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of sports participants about dental trauma procedures, particularly tooth avulsion. A specific questionnaire concerning concepts, experiences and behaviors after dental trauma and the use of mouthguard was standardized and validated with 80 people. The validated questionnaire was then distributed to 310 sports participants. The results showed that 28.4% had experienced a kind of dental trauma; 42.6% would look for a dentist for treatment; 51.7% reimplanted or would reimplant the avulsed tooth; 6.5% would maintain the avulsed tooth in milk. Although 47.4% of the participants were aware of the possibility of accidents during sports practice, only 13.9% reported to use a mouthguard. This study showed an overall lack of knowledge of sportsmen and sportswomen with regards to tooth avulsion, thus reinforcing the need for educational campaigns to improve the immediate emergency treatment of tooth avulsion.
Reactivation of Human Brain Homogenate Cholinesterases Inhibited by Tabun using Newly Developed Oximes K117 and K127
Authors: Kuca Kamil , Cabal Jiri , Jung Yung Sik , Musilek Kamil , Soukup Ondrej , Jun Daniel , Pohanka Miroslav , Musilova Lucie , Karasová Jana , Novotný Ladislav , Hrabinova Martina
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  Newly developed acetylcholinesterase reactivators K117 [1,5‐bis(4‐hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)‐3‐oxapentane dichloride] and K127 [(1‐(4‐hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)‐5‐(4‐carbamoylpyridinium)‐3‐oxapentane dibromide)] were tested for their potency to reactivate tabun‐inhibited human brain cholinesterases. Pralidoxime and trimedoxime were chosen as standard reference reactivators. Human tissue was used, as that was closer on the real treatment of human beings. As a result, oxime K127 was found as the best tested reactivator according to the constant kr, characterizing the overall reactivation process. On the contrary, the maximal reactivation ability expressed as percentage of reactivation was the best for trimedoxime. This differences were caused as a result of using the enzyme from different species. Due to this, experiments on human tissue should be conducted after in vitro and in vivo tests on animals to eliminate such important failures of promising oximes.
Transboundary River Floods and Institutional Capacity1
Authors: Bakker Marloes H.N.
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  While transboundary flood events have become more frequent on a global scale the past two decades, they appear to be overlooked in the international river basin (IRB) cooperation and management arena. The present study therefore combined geopolitical measures with biophysical and socioeconomic variables in an attempt to identify the IRBs with adequate institutional capacity for management of transboundary floods. It also classified basins that would possibly benefit from enlarging the institutional capacity related to transboundary floods. Of the 279 known IRBs, only 78 were represented by a transboundary rivers institution. A mere eight of the 153 identified institutions had transboundary flooding listed as an issue in their mandate. Overall, 43 basins, where transboundary floods were frequent during the period 1985‐2005, had no institutional capacity for IRBs. The average death and displacement tolls were found to be lower in the 37 basins with institutional capacity, even though these basins experienced twice as much transboundary floods with significant higher magnitudes than those in basins without institutional capacity. Overall, the results suggested that institutional capacity plays a role in the reduction of flood‐related casualties and affected individuals. River basins such as the Juba‐Shibeli, Han, Kura‐Araks, Ma, Maritsa, Po, Coco/Segovia, Grijalva, Artibonite, Changuinola, Coatan Achute, and Orinoco experienced more than one transboundary river flood, but have not yet set up any institutions for such events, or signed any appropriate treaties focused on floods. These basins were therefore recommended to consider focusing attention on this apparent lack of institutional capacity when it comes to managing transboundary flood events.
GIS‐Based Predictive Models of Hillslope Runoff Generation Processes1
Authors: Leh Mansour D. , Chaubey Indrajeet
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  Successful nonpoint source pollution control using best management practice placement is a complex process that requires in‐depth knowledge of the locations of runoff source areas in a watershed. Currently, very few simulation tools are capable of identifying critical runoff source areas on hillslopes and those available are not directly applicable under all runoff conditions. In this paper, a comparison of two geographic information system (GIS)‐based approaches: a topographic index model and a likelihood indicator model is presented, in predicting likely locations of saturation excess and infiltration excess runoff source areas in a hillslope of the Savoy Experimental Watershed located in northwest Arkansas. Based on intensive data collected from a two‐year field study, the spatial distributions of hydrologic variables were processed using GIS software to develop the models. The likelihood indicator model was used to produce probability surfaces that indicated the likelihood of location of both saturation and infiltration excess runoff mechanisms on the hillslope. Overall accuracies of the likelihood indicator model predictions varied between 81 and 87% for the infiltration excess and saturation excess runoff locations respectively. On the basis of accuracy of prediction, the likelihood indicator models were found to be superior (accuracy 81‐87%) to the predications made by the topographic index model (accuracy 69.5%). By combining statistics with GIS, runoff source areas on a hillslope can be identified by incorporating easily determined hydrologic measurements (such as bulk density, porosity, slope, depth to bed rock, depth to water table) and could serve as a watershed management tool for identifying critical runoff source areas in locations where the topographic index or other similar methods do not provide reliable results.
Designing Impact Assessments for Evaluating Ecological Effects of Agricultural Conservation Practices on Streams1
Authors: Smiley Jr. Peter C. , Shields Jr. F. Douglas , Knight Scott S.
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  Conservation practices are regularly implemented within agricultural watersheds throughout the United States without evaluating their ecological impacts. Impact assessments documenting how habitat and aquatic biota within streams respond to these practices are needed for evaluating the effects of conservation practices. Numerous sampling protocols have been developed for monitoring streams. However, protocols designed for monitoring studies are not appropriate for impact assessments. We developed guiding principles for designing impact assessments of ecological responses to conservation practices. The guiding principles are as follows: (1) develop the hypothesis first, (2) use replicated experimental designs having controls and treatments, (3) assess the habitat and biological characteristics with quantitative and repeatable sampling methods, (4) use multiple sampling techniques for collecting aquatic organisms, and (5) standardize sampling efforts for aquatic organisms. The guiding principles were applied in designing a study intended to evaluate the influence of herbaceous riparian buffers on channelized headwater streams in central Ohio. Our example highlights that the application of our recommendations will result in impact assessments that are hypothesis‐driven and incorporate quantitative methods for the measurement of abiotic and biotic attributes.
Effects of shading and mulch depth on the colonisation of habitat patches by arthropods of rainforest soil and litter
Authors: NAKAMURA AKIHIRO , CATTERALL CARLA P. , BURWELL CHRIS J. , KITCHING ROGER L. , HOUSE ALAN P. N.
Published: May 2009

Abstract.  1. Development of foliage cover and a layer of leaf litter are two factors considered important for the successful recolonisation of soil and litter arthropods during the early stages of rainforest restoration; however, this needs to be tested explicitly.

2. We employed a manipulative field experiment to assess the effects of shading and litter depth on colonisation patterns of soil and litter arthropods in created habitat patches at five replicated sites within pasture adjacent to rainforest remnants on the Maleny plateau of subtropical eastern Australia.

3. Habitat patches were created by adding sterilised mulch at two depths (shallow 3–5 cm, deep 10–15 cm) under three levels of shading (none, 50%, 90%). Responses of arthropods to treatments were analysed at two levels of taxonomic resolution: ‘ordinal‐sorted arthropods’ (all arthropods sorted to order/class) and ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

4. Shading, at both 50% and 90%, encouraged colonisation by arthropods characteristic of rainforest. Colonisation by pasture‐associated arthropods declined progressively with increased shading. Effects of mulch depth were significant only for rainforest‐associated ant species, which responded positively to shallow mulch within shaded plots.

5. The results confirm that canopy cover is indeed one of the primary attributes influencing colonisation patterns of arthropods in restored vegetation. More widely spaced plantings may facilitate some colonisation by rainforest arthropods. However, in order to suppress invasion by pasture‐associated arthropods, it may be necessary to establish a fully closed canopy.
Diversity and Complexity in DNA Recognition by Transcription Factors
Authors: Badis Gwenael , Berger Michael F. , Philippakis Anthony A. , Talukder Shaheynoor , Gehrke Andrew R. , Jaeger Savina A. , Chan Esther T. , Metzler Genita , Vedenko Anastasia , Chen Xiaoyu , Kuznetsov Hanna , Wang Chi-Fong , Coburn David , Newburger Daniel E. , Morris Quaid , Hughes Timothy R. , Bulyk Martha L.
Published: May 2009

Transcriptional Regulation Gets More Complicated

Sequence preferences of DNA binding proteins are a primary mechanism by which cells interpret the genome. A central goal in genome biology is to identify regulatory sequences in the genome; however, few proteins' DNA binding specificities have been characterized comprehensively.Badiset al.(p.1720, published online 14 May) studied 104 known and predicted transcription factors (TFs), spanning 22 structural classes, in the mouse genome. While traditional models of TF binding sites are based on a single collection of highly similar DNA sequences, binding profiles were represented better by multiple motifs. Roughly half of the TFs recognized distinct primary and secondary motifs that are different from each other. At least some of these interaction modes appeared to be attributable to biophysically distinct protein conformations, adding to the complexity of transcriptional regulation.
Determining the Dynamics of Entanglement
Authors: Jiménez Farías O. , Lombard Latune C. , Walborn S. P. , Davidovich L. , Souto Ribeiro P. H.
Published: May 2009

Evolving Entanglement

Quantum mechanical entanglement is a powerful but fragile resource for quantum information processing. It lends itself to increased computational power over classical computers. However, when quantum systems interact with their environment, which they must do if you want to follow what they are doing, then the entanglement can be lost.

Jiménez Farías
et al.

(p.
1414
, published online 14 May) present an experimental and theoretical study on entangled photon pairs, showing that they can determine and understand how the entanglement evolves as the system interacts with its surroundings.
A Vital Role for Interleukin-21 in the Control of a Chronic Viral Infection
Authors: Yi John S. , Du Ming , Zajac Allan J.
Published: May 2009

Controlling Chronic Viral Infections

Chronic viral infections such as HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses are major public health concerns. T cell—mediated immune responses are critical for controlling viral infections. In contrast to acute infections, chronic viral infections are characterized by “exhausted” cytotoxic CD8
+
T cells, cells which exhibit reduced proliferative capacity, cytokine secretion, and cytotoxicity. Treatments that reverse exhaustion result in increased viral control. Despite their exhaustion, these CD8
+
T cells eventually help to control chronic infections by killing virally infected cells, and require CD4
+
T cell help to do so. How do CD4
+
T cells provide help to CD8
+
T cells during chronic infection (see the Perspective by

Johnson and Jameson

)?

Elsaesser
et al.

(p.
1569
, published online 7 May),

Yi
et al.

(p.
1572
, published online 14 May), and

Fröhlich
et al.

(p.
1576
, published online 28 May) now show that the cytokine, interleukin-21 (IL-21), known to be critical for the differentiation of certain CD4
+
T cell effector subsets, is an essential factor produced by CD4
+
T cells that helps CD8
+
T cells to control chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection in mice. Acute and chronic infections resulted in differing amounts of IL-21 production by virus-specific CD4
+
T cells. CD8
+
T cells required IL-21 directly, and when CD8
+
T cells were unable to signal through IL-21 or IL-21 was not available, they were reduced in number, exhibited a more exhausted phenotype, and were not able to control the virus. In contrast, the absence of IL-21–dependent signaling did not affect primary CD8
+
T cell responses to acute infection or responses to a viral rechallenge, suggesting that differentiation of memory CD8
+
T cells is independent of IL-21.
Comparative AFLP reveals paternal sex ratio chromosome specific DNA sequences in the parasitoid waspTrichogramma kaykai
Authors: van Vugt Joke J.F.A. , van der Hulst Ron G.M. , Pruijssers Andrea J.P. , Verbaarschot Patrick , Stouthamer Richard , de Jong Hans
Published: May 2009

The parasitoid wasp Trichogramma kaykai with a haplo-diploid sex determination has a B chromosome called the paternal sex ratio (PSR) chromosome that confers paternal genome loss during early embryogenesis, resulting in male offspring. So far, it is not well known whether the PSR chromosome has unique DNA sequence characteristics. By comparative AFLP fingerprinting of genomic DNA from wasps with and without the PSR chromosome, we isolated DNA from PSR-specific bands. Fourteen of such DNA fragments were analysed to confirm their PSR specificity. Seven were sequenced and two (PT-AFLP 1 and PT-AFLP1 3) were identified as parts of retrotransposon genes based on BLAST searches. Internal primers designed from a third AFLP fragment allowed PCR amplification of a PSR chromosome specific marker, which can be used to screen for the PSR trait in male wasps. Southern analysis revealed a dispersed repetitive nature of this third sequence in the T. kaykai genome, suggesting that it is part of a transposon. A fourth AFLP fragment (PT-AFLP 5) appears to be a large repetitive sequence on the PSR chromosome. This sequence is also found in the genome of both T. kaykai and the closely related species Trichogramma deion , but its distribution on the PSR chromosome strongly resembles that of T. deion rather than that of T. kaykai. Our results provide further insight into the repetitive nature of sequences comprising B chromosomes and their similarities with their host and closely related species.
PGC-1α-induced improvements in skeletal muscle metabolism and insulin sensitivityThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 14th International Biochemistry of Exercise Conference – Muscles as Molecular and Metabolic Machines, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Bonen Arend
Published: May 2009

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), a nuclear encoded transcriptional coactivator, increases the expression of many genes in skeletal muscle, including those involved with fatty acid oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation. Exercise increases the expression of PGC-1α, and the exercise-induced upregulation of many genes is attributable, in part, to the preceding activation and upregulation of PGC-1α. Indeed, PGC-1α overexpression, like exercise training, increases exercise performance. PGC-1α reductions in humans have been observed in type 2 diabetes, while, in cell lines, PGC-1α mimics the exercise-induced improvement in insulin sensitivity. However, unexpectedly, in mammalian muscle, PGC-1α overexpression contributed to the development of diet-induced insulin resistance. This may have been related to the massive overexpression of PGC-1α, which induced the upregulation of the fatty acid transporter FAT/CD36 and led to an increase in intramuscular lipids, which interfere with insulin signalling. In contrast, when PGC-1α was overexpressed modestly, within physiological limits, mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation was increased, GLUT4 expression was upregulated, and insulin-stimulated glucose transport was increased. More recently, similar PGC-1α-induced improvements in the insulin-resistant skeletal muscle of obese Zucker rats have been observed. These studies suggest that massive PGC-1α overexpression, but not physiologic PGC-1α overexpression, induces deleterious metabolic effects, and that exercise-induced improvements in insulin sensitivity are induced, in part, by the exercise-induced upregulation of PGC-1α.
Mitochondrial function and dysfunction in exercise and insulin resistanceThis paper article is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 14th International Biochemistry of Exercise Conference – Muscles as Molecular and Metabolic Machines, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Holloway Graham P.
Published: May 2009

Fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) represents a novel flexible regulatory system, influencing rates of mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism in both human and rodent skeletal muscle. During exercise, the subcellular redistribution of FAT/CD36 provides a mechanism to increase not only plasma membrane fatty acid transport, but also mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. This FAT/CD36-mediated coordination of long chain fatty acid (LCFA) transport and oxidation is an intriguing model in the context of insulin resistance. It was believed for almost a decade that reductions in fatty acid oxidation increased intramuscular lipids, thereby contributing to insulin resistance. A reduction in mitochondrial content may reduce the capacity of skeletal muscle LCFA oxidation; however, work from my laboratory has shown that, in some insulin-resistant muscles, mitochondrial content and fatty acid oxidation are both increased, yet these muscles accumulate lipids because of a considerably greater increase in fatty acid transport. Therefore, an alternative model is being considered, in which the balance between LCFA uptake and oxidation is a determining factor in the development of insulin resistance. A permanent redistribution of the LCFA transport protein FAT/CD36 to the sarcolemmal has been consistently found, which results in an increased rate of LCFA transport. This work suggests that the accumulation of skeletal muscle lipids, regardless of changes in mitochondria, is attributable to an increased rate of LCFA transport that exceeds the capacity for oxidation.
Adipokines as regulators of muscle metabolism and insulin sensitivityThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 14th International Biochemistry of Exercise Conference – Muscles as Molecular and Metabolic Machines, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Dyck David J.
Published: May 2009

Skeletal muscle is the largest tissue responsible for the insulin-stimulated disposal of glucose. However, identifying the link between excess body fat and impaired insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle has been difficult. Several adipose-derived cytokines (adipokines) have been implicated in the impairment of insulin sensitivity, while adipokines such as leptin and adiponectin exert an insulin-sensitizing effect. Leptin and adiponectin have each been shown to increase fatty acid (FA) oxidation and decrease triglyceride storage in muscle, which may explain, in part, the insulin-sensitizing effect of these cytokines. Recent evidence strongly implicates an increased localization of the FA transporters to the plasma membrane (PM) as an important factor in the accumulation of intramuscular lipids with high-fat diets and obesity. Perhaps suprisingly, relatively little attention has been paid to the ability of insulin-sensitizing compounds, such as leptin and adiponectin, to decrease the abundance of FA transporters in the PM, thereby decreasing lipid accumulation. In the case of both adipokines, there is also evidence that a resistance to their ability to stimulate FA oxidation in skeletal muscle develops during obesity. One of our recent studies indicates that this development can be very rapid (i.e., within days), and precedes the increase in lipid uptake and accumulation that leads to insulin resistance. It is noteworthy that leptin resistance can be modulated by both diet and training in rodents. Further studies examing the underlying mechanisms of the development of leptin and adiponectin resistance are warranted.
Mechanisms of exercise-induced mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscleThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 14th International Biochemistry of Exercise Conference – Muscles as Molecular and Metabolic Machines, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Hood David A.
Published: May 2009

Acute exercise initiates rapid cellular signals, leading to the subsequent activation of proteins that increase gene transcription. The result is a higher level of mRNA expression, often observed during the recovery period following exercise. These molecules are translated into precursor proteins for import into preexisting mitochondria. Once inside the organelle, the protein is processed to its mature form and either activates mitochondrial DNA gene expression, serves as a single subunit enzyme, or is incorporated into multi-subunit complexes of the respiratory chain devoted to electron transport and substrate oxidation. The result of this exercise-induced sequence of events is the expansion of the mitochondrial network within muscle cells and the capacity for aerobic ATP provision. An understanding of the molecular processes involved in this complex pathway of organelle synthesis is important for therapeutic purposes, and is a primary research undertaking in laboratories involved in the study of mitochondrial biogenesis. This pathway in muscle becomes impaired with chronic inactivity and aging, which leads to a reduced muscle aerobic capacity and an increased tendency for mitochondrially mediated apoptosis, a situation that can contribute to muscle atrophy. The resumption, or adoption, of an active lifestyle can ameliorate this metabolic dysfunction, improve endurance, and help maintain muscle mass.
Investigation of residues Lys112, Glu136, His138, Gly247, Tyr248, and Asp249 in the active site of yeast cystathionine β-synthase
Authors: Lodha Pratik H. , Shadnia Hooman , Woodhouse Colleen M. , Wright James S. , Aitken Susan M.
Published: May 2009

Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), the first enzyme of the reverse transsulfuration pathway, catalyzes the pyridoxal 5′-phosphate–dependent condensation of l-serine and l-homocysteine to form l-cystathionine (l-Cth). A model of the l-Cth complex of the truncated form of yeast CBS (ytCBS), comprising the catalytic core, was constructed to identify residues involved in the binding of l-homocysteine and the distal portion of l-Cth. Residue K112 was selected for site-directed mutagenesis based on the results of the in silico docking of l-Cth to the modeled structure of ytCBS. Residues E136, H138, Y248, and D249 of ytCBS were also targeted as they correspond to identical polar residues lining the mouth of the active site in the structure of human CBS. A series of 8 site-directed mutants was constructed, and their order of impact on the ability of ytCBS to catalyze the β-replacement reaction is G247S ≈ K112Q > K112L ≈ K112R >> Y248F > D249A ≈ H138F > E136A. The β-replacement activity of G247S, which corresponds to the homocystinuria-associated G307S mutant of human CBS, is undetectable. The Kml-Ser of the K112L and K112R mutants is increased by 50- and 90-fold, respectively, while Kml-Hcys increases by only 2- and 4-fold, respectively. The Kml-Hcys of H138F and Y248F is increased by 8- and 18-fold, respectively. These results indicate that, while the targeted residues are not direct determinants of l-Hcys binding, G307, Y248, and K112 play essential roles in the maintenance of appropriate active-site conformation.
Establishment and characterization of a fibroblast cell line derived from Texel sheep
Authors: Li Linfeng F. , Guan Weijun J. , Li Han , Zhou Xueyan Z. , Bai Xiujuan J. , Ma Yuehui H.
Published: May 2009

A Texel sheep ear marginal tissue fibroblast cell line (named TSF19) was successfully established by using a primary explant technique and cell cryoconservation technology. TSF19 cells were adherent, with a population doubling time of 24.9 h. Chromosome analysis showed that >90% of cells were diploid prior to cell passage 4. Isoenzyme analyses of lactate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase showed that the TSF19 cells had no cross-contamination with other species. Tests for cell line contamination with bacteria, fungi, or mycoplasmas were also negative. Plasmids encoding the fluorescent proteins pEGFP-N3, pECFP-N1, pDsRed1-N1, and pEYFP-N1 were transfected into cells to study exogenous gene expression in the cells. The plasmid transfection efficiency was between 21.8% and 46.5%. This newly established cell line will not only preserve the genetic resources of the important Texel sheep at the cell level but will also provide a valuable resource for genomic, postgenomic, somatic cloning research.
Involvement of respiratory chain in the regulatory volume decrease process in turbot hepatocytes
Authors: Fouchs Audrey , Ollivier Hélène , Theron Michael , Roy Stella , Calvès Patrick , Pichavant-Rafini Karine
Published: May 2009

Regulatory volume decrease (RVD) constitutes a fundamental process that turbot ( Scophthalmus maximus ) hepatocytes are able to perform when exposed to hypo-osmotic stress. RVD is an integrative mechanism that involves various elements of the cellular machinery. Among others, ATP is an essential protagonist: released following hypo-osmotic shock, it acts as an auto/paracrine factor to trigger other signalling events. The origin of this ATP remains unclear and, to the best of our knowledge, no information exists about the role of mitochondrial respiration in RVD. Therefore, we propose to analyse the potential link between RVD and the respiratory chain, with a focus on ATP release and exocytosis. Using inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration, RVD was shown to be dependent on respiratory chain activity. However, we demonstrated an indirect role of mitochondrial respiration: ATP could be synthesized and then stored in intracellular vesicles until the moment cells release it to face hypo-osmotic swelling. However, the involvement of exocytosis in this process needs to be further investigated.