bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mercury's Exosphere: Observations During MESSENGER's First Mercury Flyby
Authors: McClintock William E. , Bradley E. Todd , Vervack Ronald J. , Killen Rosemary M. , Sprague Ann L. , Izenberg Noam R. , Solomon Sean C.
Published: July 2008

During MESSENGER's first Mercury flyby, the Mercury Atmospheric and Surface Composition Spectrometer measured Mercury's exospheric emissions, including those from the antisunward sodium tail, calcium and sodium close to the planet, and hydrogen at high altitudes on the dayside. Spatial variations indicate that multiple source and loss processes generate and maintain the exosphere. Energetic processes connected to the solar wind and magnetospheric interaction with the planet likely played an important role in determining the distributions of exospheric species during the flyby.
Return to Mercury: A Global Perspective on MESSENGER's First Mercury Flyby
Authors: Solomon Sean C. , McNutt Ralph L. , Watters Thomas R. , Lawrence David J. , Feldman William C. , Head James W. , Krimigis Stamatios M. , Murchie Scott L. , Phillips Roger J. , Slavin James A. , Zuber Maria T.
Published: July 2008

In January 2008, the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft became the first probe to fly past the planet Mercury in 33 years. The encounter revealed that Mercury is a dynamic system; its liquid iron-rich outer core is coupled through a dominantly dipolar magnetic field to the surface, exosphere, and magnetosphere, all of which interact with the solar wind. MESSENGER images confirm that lobate scarps are the dominant tectonic landform and record global contraction associated with cooling of the planet. The history of contraction can be related to the history of volcanism and cratering, and the total contractional strain is at least one-third greater than inferred from Mariner 10 images. On the basis of measurements of thermal neutrons made during the flyby, the average abundance of iron in Mercury's surface material is less than 6% by weight.
Spectroscopic Observations of Mercury's Surface Reflectance During MESSENGER's First Mercury Flyby
Authors: McClintock William E. , Izenberg Noam R. , Holsclaw Gregory M. , Blewett David T. , Domingue Deborah L. , Head James W. , Helbert Jörn , McCoy Timothy J. , Murchie Scott L. , Robinson Mark S. , Solomon Sean C. , Sprague Ann L. , Vilas Faith
Published: July 2008

During MESSENGER's first flyby of Mercury, the Mercury Atmospheric and Surface Composition Spectrometer made simultaneous mid-ultraviolet to near-infrared (wavelengths of 200 to 1300 nanometers) reflectance observations of the surface. An ultraviolet absorption (<280 nanometers) suggests that the ferrous oxide (Fe
2+
) content of silicates in average surface material is low (less than 2 to 3 weight percent). This result is supported by the lack of a detectable 1-micrometer Fe
2+
absorption band in high-spatial-resolution spectra of mature surface materials as well as immature crater ejecta, which suggests that the ferrous iron content may be low both on the surface and at depth. Differences in absorption features and slope among the spectra are evidence for variations in composition and regolith maturation of Mercury's surface.
Reflectance and Color Variations on Mercury: Regolith Processes and Compositional Heterogeneity
Authors: Robinson Mark S. , Murchie Scott L. , Blewett David T. , Domingue Deborah L. , Hawkins S. Edward , Head James W. , Holsclaw Gregory M. , McClintock William E. , McCoy Timothy J. , McNutt Ralph L. , Prockter Louise M. , Solomon Sean C. , Watters Thomas R.
Published: July 2008

Multispectral images of Mercury obtained by the MESSENGER spacecraft reveal that its surface has an overall relatively low reflectance with three large-scale units identified on the basis of reflectance and slope (0.4 to 1.0 micrometer). A higher-reflectance, relatively red material occurs as a distinct class of smooth plains that were likely emplaced volcanically; a lower-reflectance material with a lesser spectral slope may represent a distinct crustal component enriched in opaque minerals, possibly more common at depth. A spectrally intermediate terrain probably forms most of the upper crust. Three other spectrally distinct but spatially restricted units include fresh crater ejecta less affected by space weathering than other surface materials; high-reflectance deposits seen in some crater floors; and moderately high-reflectance, relatively reddish material associated with rimless depressions.
First Adventures in Science
Authors: Jasny Barbara
Published: July 2008

Falling for Science
. Objects in Mind.
Sherry Turkle, Ed.
. MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 2008. 330 pp. $24.95, £16.95. ISBN 9780262201728.

In these essays, MIT students (former and current) and mentors describe the crucial roles particular objects played in sparking their choice of science as a vocation.
Purification, Characterization, and Gene Cloning ofCeriporiopsissp. Strain MD-1 Peroxidases That Decolorize Human Hair Melanin
Authors: Nagasaki Kenji , Kumazawa Masaro , Murakami Shuichiro , Takenaka Shinji , Koike Kenzo , Aoki Kenji
Published: June 2008

Ceriporiopsissp. strain MD-1, isolated from forest soil, produced several extracellular enzymes that decolorized human hair melanin. Among them, three enzymes (E1, E2-1, and E2-2) were purified to homogeneity and characterized. The enzymes required hydrogen peroxide in their enzyme reactions and, typical of other fungal peroxidases, oxidized various phenol compounds such as guaiacol, but not 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol. The spectra of the three enzymes showed an absorption maximum at 406 nm, indicating that they were heme proteins. However, theA406/A280values of the enzymes were below 0.4, which was lower than those of other peroxidases. E2-1 and E2-2 were similar to each other in their molecular and catalytic properties, and they possibly represent products of posttranslational modifications and/or allelic variants of the same gene,mdcA. The corresponding cDNA was cloned and sequenced; the deduced amino acid sequence showed high identities to the manganese peroxidases from other microorganisms. The specific activities andKmvalues of E2-1 and E2-2 for synthetic and human hair melanins were much higher than those ofPhanerochaete chrysosporiummanganese peroxidase and lignin peroxidase.
Identification and Characterization of
Bacillus anthracis
Spores by Multiparameter Flow Cytometry
Authors: Schumacher William C. , Storozuk Craig A. , Dutta Prabir K. , Phipps Andrew J.
Published: June 2008

In response to the need for methods that can rapidly detect potentially virulent
Bacillus anthracis
spores, we developed a two-color flow cytometric assay capable of simultaneously identifying
B. anthracis
spores and the presence of spore-associated protective antigen, a virulence marker for strains harboring the pXO1 plasmid.
Quantitative Microbial Community Analysis of Three Different Sulfidic Mine Tailing Dumps Generating Acid Mine Drainage
Authors: Kock Dagmar , Schippers Axel
Published: June 2008

The microbial communities of three different sulfidic and acidic mine waste tailing dumps located in Botswana, Germany, and Sweden were quantitatively analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (Q-PCR), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), catalyzed reporter deposition-FISH (CARD-FISH), Sybr green II direct counting, and the most probable number (MPN) cultivation technique. Depth profiles of cell numbers showed that the compositions of the microbial communities are greatly different at the three sites and also strongly varied between zones of oxidized and unoxidized tailings. Maximum cell numbers of up to 10
9
cells g
−1
dry weight were determined in the pyrite or pyrrhotite oxidation zones, whereas cell numbers in unoxidized tailings were significantly lower.
Bacteria
dominated over
Archaea
and
Eukarya
at all tailing sites. The acidophilic Fe(II)- and/or sulfur-oxidizing
Acidithiobacillus
spp. dominated over the acidophilic Fe(II)-oxidizing
Leptospirillum
spp. among the
Bacteria
at two sites. The two genera were equally abundant at the third site. The acidophilic Fe(II)- and sulfur-oxidizing
Sulfobacillus
spp. were generally less abundant. The acidophilic Fe(III)-reducing
Acidiphilium
spp. could be found at only one site. The neutrophilic Fe(III)-reducing
Geobacteraceae
as well as the
dsrA
gene of sulfate reducers were quantifiable at all three sites. FISH analysis provided reliable data only for tailing zones with high microbial activity, whereas CARD-FISH, Q-PCR, Sybr green II staining, and MPN were suitable methods for a quantitative microbial community analysis of tailings in general.
Molecular Epidemiology of
Campylobacter jejuni
Populations in Dairy Cattle, Wildlife, and the Environment in a Farmland Area
Authors: Kwan Patrick S. L. , Barrigas Mishele , Bolton Frederick J. , French Nigel P. , Gowland Peter , Kemp Richard , Leatherbarrow Howard , Upton Mathew , Fox Andrew J.
Published: June 2008

We describe a cross-sectional study of the molecular epidemiology of
Campylobacter jejuni
in a dairy farmland environment, with the aim of elucidating the dynamics of horizontal transmission of
C. jejuni
genotypes among sources in the area. A collection of 327
C. jejuni
isolates from cattle, wildlife, and environmental sources in a 100-km
2
area of farmland in northwest England was characterized by multilocus sequence typing. A total of 91 sequence types and 18 clonal complexes were identified. Clonal complexes ST-21, ST-45, and ST-61, which have been frequently associated with human disease, were the most commonly recovered genotypes in this study. In addition, widely distributed genotypes as well as potentially host-associated genotypes have been identified, which suggests that both restricted and interconnecting pathways of transmission may be operating in the dairy farmland environment. In particular, the ST-61 complex and the ST-21 complex were significantly associated with cattle. In contrast, complex strains ST-45, ST-952, and ST-677 were isolated predominantly from wild birds, wild rabbits, and environmental water. A considerable number of novel sequence types have also been identified, which were unassigned to existing clonal complexes and were frequently isolated from wildlife and environmental sources. The segregated distribution of genotypes among samples from different sources suggests that their transmission to humans is perhaps via independent routes. Insight into the dynamics and interactions of
C. jejuni
populations between important animal reservoirs and their surrounding environment would improve the identification of sources of
Campylobacter
infection and the design of control strategies.
A Thioredoxin Family Protein of the Apicoplast Periphery Identifies Abundant Candidate Transport Vesicles in
Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: DeRocher Amy E. , Coppens Isabelle , Karnataki Anuradha , Gilbert Luke A. , Rome Michael E. , Feagin Jean E. , Bradley Peter J. , Parsons Marilyn
Published: June 2008

Toxoplasma gondii
, which causes toxoplasmic encephalitis and birth defects, contains an essential chloroplast-related organelle to which proteins are trafficked via the secretory system. This organelle, the apicoplast, is bounded by multiple membranes. In this report we identify a novel apicoplast-associated thioredoxin family protein, ATrx1, which is predominantly soluble or peripherally associated with membranes, and which localizes primarily to the outer compartments of the organelle. As such, it represents the first protein to be identified as residing in the apicoplast intermembrane spaces. ATrx1 lacks the apicoplast targeting sequences typical of luminal proteins. However, sequences near the N terminus are required for proper targeting of ATrx1, which is proteolytically processed from a larger precursor to multiple smaller forms. This protein reveals a population of vesicles, hitherto unrecognized as being highly abundant in the cell, which may serve to transport proteins to the apicoplast.
Septins Stabilize Mitochondria in
Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Włoga D. , Strzyżewska-Jówko I. , Gaertig J. , Jerka-Dziadosz M.
Published: June 2008

We describe phylogenetic and functional studies of three septins in the free-living ciliate
Tetrahymena thermophila
. Both deletion and overproduction of septins led to vacuolization of mitochondria, destabilization of the nuclear envelope, and increased autophagy. All three green fluorescent protein-tagged septins localized to mitochondria. Specific septins localized to the outer mitochondrial membrane, to septa formed during mitochondrial scission, or to the mitochondrion-associated endoplasmic reticulum. The only other septins known to localize to mitochondria are human ARTS and murine M-septin, both alternatively spliced forms of Sep4 (S. Larisch, Cell Cycle 3:1021-1023, 2004; S. Takahashi, R. Inatome, H. Yamamura, and S. Yanagi, Genes Cells 8:81-93, 2003). It therefore appears that septins have been recruited to mitochondrial functions independently in at least two eukaryotic lineages and in both cases are involved in apoptotic events.
Bias between the Left and Right Inverted Repeats during IS911Targeted Insertion
Authors: Rousseau P. , Loot C. , Turlan C. , Nolivos S. , Chandler M.
Published: June 2008

IS911is a bacterial insertion sequence composed of two consecutive overlapping open reading frames (ORFs [orfAandorfB]) encoding the transposase (OrfAB) as well as a regulatory protein (OrfA). These ORFs are bordered by terminal left and right inverted repeats (IRL and IRR, respectively) with several differences in nucleotide sequence. IS911transposition is asymmetric: each end is cleaved on one strand to generate a free 3′-OH, which is then used as the nucleophile in attacking the opposite insertion sequence (IS) end to generate a free IS circle. This will be inserted into a new target site. We show here that the ends exhibit functional differences which, in vivo, may favor the use of one compared to the other during transposition. Electromobility shift assays showed that a truncated form of the transposase [OrfAB(1-149)] exhibits higher affinity for IRR than for IRL. While there was no detectable difference in IR activities during the early steps of transposition, IRR was more efficient during the final insertion steps. We show here that the differential activities between the two IRs correlate with the different affinities of OrfAB(1-149) for the IRs during assembly of the nucleoprotein complexes leading to transposition. We conclude that the two inverted repeats are not equivalent during IS911transposition and that this asymmetry may intervene to determine the ordered assembly of the different protein-DNA complexes involved in the reaction.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
NCCP11945
Authors: Chung Gyung Tae , Yoo Jeong Sik , Oh Hee Bok , Lee Yeong Seon , Cha Sun Ho , Kim Sang Jun , Yoo Cheon Kwon
Published: June 2008

Neisseria gonorrhoeae
is an obligate human pathogen that is the etiological agent of gonorrhea. We explored variations in the genes of a multidrug-resistant
N. gonorrhoeae
isolate from a Korean patient in an effort to understand the prevalence, antibiotic resistance, and importance of horizontal gene transfer within this important, naturally competent organism. Here, we report the complete annotated genome sequence of
N. gonorrhoeae
strain NCCP11945.
Effects on Translation Pausing of Alterations in Protein and RNA Components of the Ribosome Exit Tunnel
Authors: Lawrence Marlon G. , Lindahl Lasse , Zengel Janice M.
Published: June 2008

Amino acids are polymerized into peptides in the peptidyl transferase center of the ribosome. The nascent peptides then pass through the exit tunnel before they reach the extraribosomal environment. A number of nascent peptides interact with the exit tunnel and stall elongation at specific sites within their peptide chain. Several mutational changes in RNA and protein components of the ribosome have previously been shown to interfere with pausing. These changes are localized in the narrowest region of the tunnel, near a constriction formed by ribosomal proteins L4 and L22. To expand our knowledge about peptide-induced pausing, we performed a comparative study of pausing induced by two peptides, SecM and a short peptide, Crb
CmlA
, that requires chloramphenicol as a coinducer of pausing. We analyzed the effects of 15 mutational changes in L4 and L22, as well as the effects of methylating nucleotide A2058 of 23S rRNA, a nucleotide previously implicated in pausing and located close to the L4-L22 constriction. Our results show that methylation of A2058 and most mutational changes in L4 and L22 have differential effects on pausing in response to Crb
CmlA
and SecM. Only one change, a 6-amino-acid insertion after amino acid 72 in L4, affects pausing in both peptides. We conclude that the two peptides interact with different regions of the exit tunnel. Our results suggest that either the two peptides use different mechanisms of pausing or they interact differently but induce similar inhibitory conformational changes in functionally important regions of the ribosome.
Subtyping of Avian Influenza Viruses H1 to H15 on the Basis of Hemagglutinin Genes by PCR Assay and Molecular Determination of Pathogenic Potential
Authors: Tsukamoto Kenji , Ashizawa Hisayoshi , Nakanishi Koji , Kaji Noriyuki , Suzuki Kotaro , Okamatsu Masatoshi , Yamaguchi Shigeo , Mase Masaji
Published: July 2008

Serious concern about the worldwide transmission of the Asian H5N1 highly pathogenic (HP) avian influenza (AI) virus by migratory birds surrounds the importance of the AI global surveillance in wild aquatic birds and underscores the requirement for a reliable subtyping method of AI viruses. PCR is advantageous due to its simplicity, lower cross-reactivity, and unlimited reagent supply. Currently, the only available hemagglutinin (HA) subtyping primer set that can subtype H1 through H15 is not fully evaluated and, since it only targets HA1, is unavailable for molecular pathotyping of AI viruses. Our preliminary experiments found that these primer sets were cross-reactive and missed some recent AI viruses. In this study, we developed new primer sets against HA cleavage sites for subtyping H1 to H15 genes and for molecular pathotyping. Our primer sets were subtype specific and detected 99% of previously identified HA genes (115/116, 1949 to March 2006), and the correct amplifications of HA genes were confirmed by sequence analyses of all 115 PCR products. The primer sets successfully subtyped most of the recent AI viruses isolated in Japan (96% [101/105], October 2006 to March 2007). Taken together, our primer sets could efficiently detect HA genes (98% [216/221]) of both previously and recently identified HA genes or of both American (29/29) and Eurasian (187/192) lineages. All 38 H5 and 13 H7 viruses were molecularly pathotyped by sequencing analyses of the HA cleavage site. In contrast, despite efficient detection of previously identified strains (98% [114/116]), the published primer sets exhibited lower specificity and lower detection efficiency against recent AI viruses (80% [84 of 105]). These results indicate that our primers are useful not only for HA subtyping but also for molecular pathotyping of both previous and recent AI viruses. These advancements will enable general diagnostic laboratories to subtype AI viruses for the surveillance in wild aquatic birds.
Mapping of the CXCR4 Binding Site within Variable Region 3 of the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Surface Glycoprotein
Authors: Sundstrom Magnus , White Rebecca L. , de Parseval Aymeric , Sastry K. Jagannadha , Morris Garrett , Grant Chris K. , Elder John H.
Published: July 2008

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) shares with T-cell tropic strains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) the use of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 for cellular entry. In order to map the interaction of the FIV envelope surface unit (SU) with CXCR4, full-length FIV SU-Fc as well as constructs with deletions of extended loop L2, V3, V4, or V5 were produced in stable CHO cell lines. Binding studies were performed using these proteins on 3201 cells (CXCR4
hi
CD134
−
), with or without the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100. The findings established that SU binding to CXCR4 specifically requires the V3 region of SU. Synthetic peptides spanning the V3 region as well as a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to SU were used to further map the site of CXCR4 interaction. Both the SU V3-specific antibodies and the full-length V3 peptide potently blocked binding of SU to CXCR4 and virus entry. By using a set of nested peptides overlapping a region of SU specifically recognized by CD134-dependent neutralizing V3 MAbs, we showed that the neutralizing epitope and the region required for CXCR4 binding are within the same contiguous nine-amino-acid sequence of V3. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to reveal that serine 393 and tryptophan 394 at the predicted tip of V3 are required to facilitate entry into the target cell via CXCR4. Although the amino acid sequences are not identical between FIV and HIV, the ability of FIV to bind and utilize both feline and human CXCR4 makes the feline model an attractive venue for development of broad-based entry antagonists.
Low-pH-Induced Membrane Fusion Mediated by Human Metapneumovirus F Protein Is a Rare, Strain-Dependent Phenomenon
Authors: Herfst Sander , Mas Vicente , Ver Lorena S. , Wierda Rutger J. , Osterhaus Albert D. M. E. , Fouchier Ron A. M. , Melero José A.
Published: July 2008

Membrane fusion promoted by human metapneumovirus (HMPV) fusion (F) protein was suggested to require low pH (R. M. Schowalter, S. E. Smith, and R. E. Dutch, J. Virol. 80:10931-10941, 2006). Using prototype F proteins representing the four HMPV genetic lineages, we detected low-pH-dependent fusion only with some lineage A proteins and not with lineage B proteins. A glycine at position 294 was found responsible for the low-pH requirement in lineage A proteins. Only 6% of all HMPV lineage A F sequences have 294G, and none of the lineage B sequences have 294G. Thus, acidic pH is not a general trigger of HMPV F proteins for activity.
Central estrogen inhibition of angiotensin II-induced hypertension in male mice and the role of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Xue Baojian , Zhao Yuanzi , Johnson Alan Kim , Hay Meredith
Published: July 2008

It has been shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to the central effect of ANG II on blood pressure (BP). Recent studies have implicated an antihypertensive action of estrogen in ANG II-infused female mice. The present study used in vivo telemetry recording and in vitro living mouse brain slices to test the hypothesis that the central activation of estrogen receptors in male mice inhibits ANG II-induced hypertension via the modulation of the central ROS production. In male wild-type mice, the systemic infusion of ANG II induced a significant increase in BP (Δ30.1 ± 2.5 mmHg). Either central infusion of Tempol or 17β-estradiol (E2) attenuated the pressor effect of ANG II (Δ10.9 ± 2.3 and Δ4.5 ± 1.4 mmHg), and the protective effect of E2 was prevented by the coadministration of an estrogen receptor, antagonist ICI-182780 (Δ23.6 ± 3.1 mmHg). Moreover, the ganglionic blockade on day 7 after the start of ANG II infusions resulted in a smaller reduction of BP in central Tempol- and in central E2-treated males, suggesting that estrogen inhibits the central ANG II-induced increases in sympathetic outflow. In subfornical organ slices, the application of ANG II resulted in a 21.5 ± 2.5% increase in ROS production. The coadministration of irbesartan, an ANG II type 1 receptor antagonist, or the preincubation of brain slices with Tempol blocked ANG II-induced increases in ROS production (−1.8 ± 1.6% and −1.0 ± 1.8%). The ROS response to ANG II was also blocked by E2 (−3.2 ± 2.4%). The results suggest that the central actions of E2 are involved in the protection from ANG II-induced hypertension and that estrogen modulation of the ANG II-induced effects may involve interactions with ROS production.
Airway smooth muscle cell tone amplifies contractile function in the presence of chronic cyclic strain
Authors: Fairbank Nigel J. , Connolly Sarah C. , MacKinnon James D. , Wehry Kathrin , Deng Linhong , Maksym Geoffrey N.
Published: June 2008

Chronic contractile activation, or tone, in asthma coupled with continuous stretching due to breathing may be involved in altering the contractile function of airway smooth muscle (ASM). Previously, we ( 11 ) showed that cytoskeletal remodeling and stiffening responses to acute (2 h) localized stresses were modulated by the level of contractile activation of ASM. Here, we investigated if altered contractility in response to chronic mechanical strain was dependent on repeated modulation of contractile tone. Cultured human ASM cells received 5% cyclic (0.3 Hz), predominantly uniaxial strain for 5 days, with once-daily dosing of either sham, forskolin, carbachol, or histamine to alter tone. Stiffness, contractility (KCl), and “relaxability” (forskolin) were then measured as was cell alignment, myosin light-chain phosphorylation (pMLC), and myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) content. Cells became aligned and baseline stiffness increased with strain, but repeated lowering of tone inhibited both effects ( P < 0.05). Strain also reversed a negative tone-modulation dependence of MLCK, observed in static conditions in agreement with previous reports, with strain and tone together increasing both MLCK and pMLC. Furthermore, contractility increased 176% (SE 59) with repeated tone elevation. These findings indicate that with strain, and not without, repeated tone elevation promoted contractile function through changes in cytoskeletal organization and increased contractile protein. The ability of repeated contractile activation to increase contractility, but only with mechanical stretching, suggests a novel mechanism for increased ASM contractility in asthma and for the role of continuous bronchodilator and corticosteroid therapy in reversing airway hyperresponsiveness.
Central A1-receptor activation associated with onset of torpor protects the heart against low temperature in the Syrian hamster
Authors: Miyazawa Seiji , Shimizu Yasutake , Shiina Takahiko , Hirayama Haruko , Morita Hironobu , Takewaki Tadashi
Published: July 2008

Body temperature drops dramatically during hibernation, but the heart retains the ability to contract and is resistant to induction of arrhythmia. Although adaptive changes in the heart prior to hibernation may be involved in the cold-resistant property, it remains unclear whether these changes are sufficient for maintaining cardiac pulsatility under an extreme hypothermic condition. We forcibly induced hypothermia in Syrian hamsters by pentobarbital anesthesia combined with cooling of the animals. This allows reproduction of a hypothermic condition in the absence of possible hibernation-specific reactions. Unlike hypothermia in natural hibernation, the forced induction of hypothermia caused atrioventricular block. Furthermore, J-waves, which are typically observed during hypothermia in nonhibernators, were recorded on an ECG. The origin of the J-wave seemed to be related to irreversible injury of the myocardium, because J-waves remained after recovery of body temperature. An abnormal ECG was also found when hypothermia was induced in hamsters that were well adapted to a cold and darkened environment or hamsters that had already experienced hibernation. These results suggest that acclimatization prior to hibernation does not have a crucial effect at least on acquisition of cardiac resistance to low temperature. In contrast, an abnormal ECG was not observed in the case of hypothermia induced by central administration of an adenosine A1-receptor agonist and subsequent cooling, confirming the importance of the adenosine system for inducing hibernation. Our results suggest that some specific mechanisms, which may be driven by a central adenosine system, operate for maintaining the proper cardiac pulsatility under extreme hypothermia.
Primary Atrophic Solitary Morphea Profunda
Authors: Khelifa Elhem , Masouyé Isabelle , Chavaz Pierre , Hauser Herman , Grillet Jean-Pierre , Borradori Luca
Published: July 2008

Solitary morphea profunda (SMP) is a distinct form of localized scleroderma, a cutaneous disorder of unknown origin. Here, we describe a patient presenting with noninflammatory cupuliform depressed plaques, without any significant skin induration, pigmentation or texture change, that appeared on the left shoulder at a site of previous intramuscular vaccination. Light microscopy studies revealed excessive dermal collagen deposition with thickened hyalinized collagen bundles. Magnetic resonance imaging studies demonstrated tissue fibrosis with thinning of the subcutaneous fat tissue and involvement of the adjacent deltoid muscle, which was confirmed by electromyographic tests. Borrelia serology was negative. Our observation of SMP differed from previously described cases, since it mimicked localized lipoatrophy. Our observation highlights the wide spectrum of clinical presentations of localized scleroderma. The latter should be considered in the presence of lipoatrophy-like lesions for proper workup and therapy.
Effect of Subcutaneous Injection and Oral Voluntary Ingestion of Buprenorphine on Post-Operative Serum Corticosterone Levels in Male Rats
Authors: Goldkuhl R. , Carlsson H.-E. , Hau J. , Abelson K.S.P.
Published: July 2008

Background: Adequate peri-operative analgesia may reduce post-operative stress response and improve recovery in laboratory animals. We have established a method involving repeated automated blood sampling, allowing quantification of serum corticosterone levels in rats for stress assessment without stress-inducing handling or restraint. In the present study, the effects of the commonly used route of buprenorphine administration (0.05 mg/kg injected subcutaneously) were compared with oral administration (0.4 mg/kg mixed with Nutella® and orally administered by voluntary ingestion) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods: A catheter was placed in the jugular vein and attached to an Accusampler® for automated blood sampling. During 96 h after surgery, blood was collected at specified time points. Pre- and post-operative body weights and water consumption were registered. Results: Buprenorphine significantly suppressed levels of circulating corticosterone after the oral but not after the subcutaneous treatment. Both buprenorphine treatments had a positive impact on maintenance of body weight and water consumption, compared to the control group that received no buprenorphine. Conclusion: The present investigation suggests that oral voluntary ingestion ad libitum is an efficacious, convenient and non-invasive way of administering peri-operative buprenorphine to rats, as judged by corticosteroid response and effects on body weight and water consumption.
A Careful Management: The Borghese Family and their Fiefs in Early Modern Lazio
Authors: Forclaz Bertrand
Published: July 2008

This article investigates economic management of fiefs as well as social relationships between lords and vassals in 17th- and 18th-century central Italy. Up to recent years, historians of early modern Italy as well as other European countries have stressed the “archaic” features of noble management, which would have prevented the emergence of a “modern” market-oriented agrarian economy, or have portrayed noblemen as market-oriented landowners neglecting their seigneurial rights. I argue here that both dimensions were present in noble management, as lords did not choose between them, but rather leaned upon one or the other according to circumstances. I base my argument on the case of the Borghese, one of the wealthiest papal families of the 17th century. Finally, this study shows that modern elements could be brought into a model characterized by strong seigneurial rights.
The Conservation of Nature Under the T'Ang Dynasty
Authors: Schafer Edward H.
Published: July 2008

The study of the history of man's knowledge of plants and animals is all the more necessary in that it has been neglected in favor of the study of the development of tools. For instance, as Lewis Mumford has pointed out 1), knowledge of the modes of reproduction and growth of plants was more necessary to the development of agriculture in Neolithic times than was the invention of such tools as the spade, the hoe, and the plow, around which most conventional notions of "technological history" revolve. In presenting a paper, then, on attitudes towards the preservation of living things and their habitat in medieval China, I hope to redress the balance of interest, if only slightly, in favor of man's direct involvement with the natural world, and away from study of artifacts preserved in museums. It is, of course, necessary to do this through the study of documents. This paper is divided into two parts. In the first I will discuss some cultural factors which seem to have influenced policy relating to the conservation of nature, and in the second I will discuss some of the particular measures undertaken to make policy effective.
Notice sur Jean Thenaud
Authors: Engels J.
Published: June 2008

Dans la Notice bibliographique sur Pierre BersuireI, j'ai signalé2 que le frère mineur Jean Thenaud avait consacré à cet auteur un passage de sa Margarite de France, mais le temps m'avait manqué pour le retracer. Puis, Thenaud s'étant lui aussi occupé de mythologie, la question se posait tout naturellement de savoir dans quelle mesure il a été tributaire de l'Ovidius moralizatus de Bersuire. Je livre ici le résultat de recherches assez complexes, car la bibliographie de Thenaud s'est révélée des plus embrouillées.
Social Dominance and Territoriality in the Bicolor Damselfish, e uPomacentr Us Par Ti t uS (Poey) (Pisces : Pomacentridae)
Authors: Myrberg Arthur A.
Published: June 2008

The social organization of two comparable colonies of bicolor damselfish, Eupomacentrus partius (Poey), is described at various times of the year. A small laboratory colony (8 adults) was observed during two different social phases. The first included the initial establishment of dominant-subordinate relationships among its members, as well as the establishment of the general spatial distribution of fish within the aquarium. The second phase was characterized hy a high level of territoriality and reproductive activity. A field colony of similar size (9 adults, 4 juveniles) was observed by SCUBA and underwater television also during the reproductive phase. This colony was located 1.5 km off the west coast of North Bimini, Bahamas and at a depth of 20 m. The social structure of both colonies was characterized by a straight-line, nip-dominant hierarchy which was stable and largely size-dependent. Aggressiveness and maleness also appeared to play important roles in the dominance relationships. Differences in the distribution of chases and challenges recorded from the laboratory colony during the two differing social phases indicated that dynamic processes were underlying the basic social structure of both colonies. Little or no diurnal fluctuation in aggressiveness was apparent during the two phases studied in the laboratory. The level of chasing activity throughout the day, however, was well correlated with hierarchical rank during the initial phase of observations, but such was not the case during the later phase. The initial phase was also characterized by closely ranked individuals directing most "attention" at one another, while during the later reproductive phase, much of this "attention" was directed at the Omega fish. It appeared as if the Omega was playing the role of a "scapegoat" for the directed aggression of higher ranking members and thereby relieving aggressive tension among those members of the colony. A similar phenomenon, operating in the field colony, was also indicated by limited data. The important role of prior residence within a colony and within a specific area is illustrated by examples from the field. Finally, evidence is brought forth to suggest that interspecific aggression. although seldom studied, is a most important factor in the lives and habits of animals living within the reef community.
Reproductive Behaviour of Sepsis Cynipsea (L.) (Diptera: Sepsidae) Ii. the Significance of the Precopulatory Passive Phase and Emigration
Authors: Parker G.A.
Published: June 2008

The passive phase of Sepsis cynipsea (L.) differs from that of Scatophaga stercoraria L. in that it is pre-, not postcopulatory, though both appear to have evolved through intra-male competition. Male S. cynipsea which 'established a claim' to females for a possible eventual copulation would have had a high selective advantage over males which waited until females had finished oviposition before mounting. The most advantageous male strategy would, however, be a postcopulatory passive phase of the Scatophaga type. Unlike Scatophaga, the female rejection reactions in S. cynipsea are highly effective in preventing copulation; though they frequently fail to prevent mounting. For this reason, and because the precopulatory passive phase is advantageous to the female in avoiding rejection delay during oviposition, the nett result of intrasexual selection should stabilize at a precopulatory passive phase. This is providing that at least some of the females guarded during oviposition will afterwards mate. Emigration from the dung to the surrounding grass after oviposition is effected by the female. This behaviour reduces the rates of attack and 'take-over' (where the original male is displaced by another male), but because copula duration is related to temperature and the dung is hotter than the surrounding grass, there would be a nett time gain in staying on the dropping. The adaptive significance of emigration may be to reduce exposure to predation, the chances of which appear to be much higher on the dung than in the grass.
Experience and Selection Behavior in the Food Habits of Peromyscus: Use of Olfaction
Authors: Drickamer Lee C.
Published: June 2008

Feeding behavior in young and adult Peromyscus maniculalus and P. lcucopus was studied by examining the extent to which food habit could be modified by prior experience and by decribing the pattern of feeding behavior used by the mice in a three-choice situation. Modifiability of food preferences was investigated by providing mice with specific food-cue experience and testing their subsequent preferences. The food preferences of young and adult P. leucopus and young P. m. baiudi were significantly affected by the food-cue conditioning and the effect persisted for at least 30 days. Adult P. m. bairdi food preferences were not affected by the prior experience. Automatic monitoring devices were used to describe the patterning of feeding behavior with three choices present. Analyses showed that; (1) young mice were less flexible initially than adult mice; (2) adult P. leucopus switched feeding sites more frequently than any other group; and (3) young P. m. bairdi avoided a novel food-cue stimulus whereas the other test groups ate readily from this source. The principal conclusion was that P. leucopus exhibited more flexibility in feeding behavior than P. m. bairdi. Food habits and flexibility of feeding behavior were discussed in relation to the habitat distributions of these two species of mice.
The Influence of the Quantity of Reward On the Learning Performance in Honeybees
Authors: Menzel Randolf , Erber Joachim
Published: June 2008

(i) In a first series of experiments dark-adapted honeybees (Apis mellifera carnica) were trained to spectral colours (444 nm, 590 nm) in an Y-maze. The learning curves for different quantities of the reward (50 μl, 25 μl, I0 μl, 5 μl sucrose solution) were registered. The learning process is independent of the quantity of the reward. (2) In a second series of experiments freely flying bees were trained on horizontal ground-glass discs under daylight conditions. Broad-banded spectral light was projected onto the discs from below. The duration of the reward was kept constant (30 sec). By varying the influx velocity of the sucrose solution (25 μl/30 sec, 9 μl/30 sec, 2.5 μl/30 sec) the bees were offered different quantities of the reward. It can be shown that learning progress is better with the smallest quantity than with the greater ones. (3) In the discussion the learning system is described as being independent of a mechanism controlling the motivation. The experiments enable us more exactly to characterize the bee's learning system with its short-term and long-term retention.
Roles and Activities of Male Geladas (Theropithecus Gelada)
Authors: Fedigan Linda M.
Published: June 2008

Theropithecus gclada males may live in all-male groups, one-male groups, or in isolation. They play different roles in these different groups. Two recording techniques were developed to quantify the activities and interactions of the male geladas. There was found to be a significant relationship between a male's activities and interactions and the role he plays. There were found to be patterns of activities and interactions which correspond to male roles. These are described.
Observations On the Transmission of Queen Substances in the Honey Bee Colony By the Attendants of the Queen
Authors: Velthuis H.H.W.
Published: June 2008

The material produced in the mandibular glands of queen honey bees can be transported by her attendants and causes an inhibition of oogenesis in the workers who cannot make a direct contact with the queen. It seems that the only substance involved in this procedure is 9-oxo-decenoic acid from the queen's mandibular glands. A worker bee from a queenless group of workers shows a variety of behaviour types when it encounters a queen. This consists of avoidance and aggression, offering food, feeding and retinue behaviour and finally negligence. Although most changes of one behaviour type into another occur randomly, the overall pattern can be divided into an initial phase in which avoidance and aggression are frequently observed, a second phase characterized by feeding and retinue behaviour and a final phase in which negligence of the queen dominates. When back in her group of workers this bee functions as substitute queen by attracting the attention of the others, which show principally the same behaviour types to her. This attractiveness of the substitute queen is due to mandibular gland substances from the queen, adhering to the bee's body. Food exchange between the substitute queen and her attendants is mainly directed to the substitute queen. Feeding by the substitute queen is almost always related to the occurrence of aggression towards her. This is opposite to what might be expected when food exchange would be the mechanism by which information about the presence of the queen is distributed among the colony members. When a queen is deprived of her mandibular glands she evokes the same behaviour types in an encountered bee, but the frequency of negligence is higher, whereas feeding and retinue occur less frequently. When back in her group of workers this bee hardly functions as substitute queen, since she is almost treated as an arbitrary bee. Both the attractiveness of the returned worker and the direction of food exchange indicate that sensory perception by means of the antennae of 9-oxo-decenoic acid on the body of the queen or the substitute queen plays a major part in the "queenright" behaviour of the bees.
Stereotypy of Agonistic Movements in the Spider Crab Microphrys Bicornutus
Authors: Hazlett Brian A.
Published: June 2008

Cine films of the movements of the spider crab Microphrys bicurnulus during walking, feeding, and agonistic interactions were analyzed. 1. The variability in final position of ambulatory leg movements (displays) executed during agonistic interactions was significantly less (F = 2.29, p < 0.05) than the variability in final leg position during walking. 2. The variability in final position of cheliped movements (displays) executed during agonistic interactions was significantly less (F = 2.21, p < 0.05) than the variability in final cheliped position during feeding. 3. There was no significant decrease in temporal variability between non-display and display movements.
Simple Versus Elaborate Behavior in Grasshoppers an Analysis of Communication in the Genus Syrbula
Authors: Otte Daniel
Published: June 2008

The species in the genus Syvbula possess more elaborate courtship behavior than other Orthoptera. This fact is difficult to explain because other species living in similar situations possess very simple behavior. Pair formation is achieved through the attraction of females to stridulating males, or through reciprocal stridulating and approaching between males and females. Occasionally females attract males by singing spontaneously. The two Syrbula species live together in parts of Texas. Reproductive isolation is ensured and needless sexual interactions are prevented by call differences; i.e., females respond only to the songs of their own species. Elaborate courtship is omitted when pairs are formed through an exchange of calling signals. However, in the presence of sexually unreceptive females, males perform elaborate courtship behavior. The movements of appendages are mostly synchronous suggesting they are controlled by a single command from the brain; however, some asymmetry of movements exists (the appendages on the two sides of the body assume different positions and may be out of phase with one another) indicating a more complicated control system than exists in the European species, GomPhocerus rufus. Males assume a position nearly parallel to the female during courtship and the near appendages perform one set of movements and the far appendages a different set. Each side of the body can perform both sets of movements. Intermale rivalry takes several forms: stealing of females by non-calling or non-courting males, the production of male-identifying or male-spacing signals and, possibly, chorusing. The causes for the evolution of elaborate behavior are unknown. It may have evolved due to sexual selection or due to the fact that females of Syrbula require some special sort of priming before each mating. Selection for reproductive isolation does not usually seem to result in elaboration of courtship in grasshoppers. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced and its importance may lie in sexual or species recognition.
Influence De La Lumiere Et De L'Obscurite Sur L'Induction Au Vol Et Sa Cessation Chez Le Criquet Pelerin Schistocerca Gregaria (Forskål) Eleve En Isolement Ou En Groupes Denses
Authors: Michel Raoul
Published: June 2008

Des Schistocerca gregaria mâles élevés en groupes denses ou isolément depuis un nombre variable de générations sont testés sur des manèges individuels animés par leurs seuls battements d'ailes et isolés dans enceintes. Les criquets sont soumis à des séquences alternativement lumineuses ou obscures (lumière naturelle ou artificielle). Les passages d'une séquence à l'autre sont progressifs (3 minutes environ) et dans ces conditions, si le criquet est arrêté lors de l'exposition progressive à la lumière, celle-ci peut induire une brève activité de vol. Si au contraire, le criquet vole, il s'arrête d'autant plus tôt et plus longuement que sa tendance au vol est faible et que l'intensité lumineuse est forte. Fondamentalement, la lumière tend à inhiber le vol de Schistocerca gregaria. Inversement, l'activité de vol que peut présenter Schistocerca gregaria à l'obscurité apparaît d'autant plus tard que la lumière à laquelle il a été soumis auparavant était plus forte et que sa tendance à voler est faible. La lumière exerce une inhibition rémanente. La durée de l'activité de vol à l'obscurité dépend de la tendance au vol. Tout changement d'éclairement peut être suivi d'une activité de vol. Pour une tendance au vol donnée, cette activité se développe librement à l'obscurité mais d'autant moins à la lumière que celle-ci est intense. L'effet de la lumière sur l'activité de vol des criquets dépend pour une intensité lumineuse donnée de leur seule tendance au vol qu'ils soient élevés en groupes denses ou isolément.