bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular cloning and function analysis of the stay green gene in rice
Authors: Jiang Huawu , Li Meiru , Liang Naiting , Yan Hongbo , Wei Yubo , Xu Xinlan , Liu Jian , Xu Zhifang , Chen Fan , Wu Guojiang
Published: August 2007

Chloroplasts undergo drastic morphological and physiological changes during senescence with a visible symptom of chlorophyll (Chl) degradation. A stay green mutant was identified and then isolated from the japonica rice (Oryza sativa) cv. Huazhiwu by γ‐ray irradiation. The stay green mutant was characterized by Chl retention, stable Chl–protein complexes, and stable thylakoid membrane structures, but lost its photosynthetic competence during senescence. The gene, designated Stay Green Rice (SGR), was cloned by a positional cloning strategy encoding an ancient protein containing a putative chloroplast transit peptide. SGR protein was found in both soluble and thylakoid membranes in rice. SGR, like the gene for pheophorbide a oxygenase (PaO), was constitutively expressed, but was upregulated by dark‐induced senescence in rice leaves. Senescence‐induced expression of SGR and PaO was enhanced by ABA, but inhibited by cytokinin. Overexpression of SGR reduced the number of lamellae in the grana thylakoids and reduced the Chl content of normally growing leaves. This indicates that upregulation of SGR increases Chl breakdown during senescence in rice. A small quantity of chlorophyllide a accumulated in sgr leaves, but this also accumulated in wild‐type rice leaves during senescence. Some pheophorbide a was detected in sgr leaves in the dark. According to these observations, we propose that SGR may be involved in regulating or taking part in the activity of PaO, and then may influence Chl breakdown and degradation of pigment‐protein complex.
Arabidopsis GCP2 and GCP3 are part of a soluble γ‐tubulin complex and have nuclear envelope targeting domains
Authors: Seltzer Virginie , Janski Natacha , Canaday Jean , Herzog Etienne , Erhardt Mathieu , Evrard Jean‐Luc , Schmit Anne‐Catherine
Published: August 2007

In higher plants, microtubules (MTs) are assembled in distinctive arrays in the absence of a defined organizing center. Three MT nucleation sites have been described: the nuclear surface, the cell cortex and cortical MT branch points. The Arabidopsis thaliana (At) genome contains putative orthologues encoding all the components of characterized mammalian nucleation complexes: γ‐tubulin and γ‐tubulin complex proteins GCP2 to GCP6. We have cloned the cDNA encoding AtGCP2, and show that γ‐tubulin, AtGCP2 and AtGCP3 are part of the same tandem affinity‐purified complex and are present in a large membrane‐associated complex. In addition, small soluble γ‐tubulin complexes of the size expected for a γ‐tubulin core complex are recruited to isolated nuclei. Using immunogold labelling, AtGCP3 is localized to both the nuclear envelope (NE) and the plasma membrane. To identify domains that could play a role in targeting complexes to these nucleation sites, truncated AtGCP2‐ and AtGCP3‐green fluorescent protein fusion proteins were expressed in BY‐2 cells. Several domains from AtGCP2 and AtGCP3 are capable of targeting fusions to the NE. We propose that regulated recruitment of soluble γ‐tubulin‐containing complexes is responsible for nucleation at dispersed sites in plant cells and contributes to the formation and organization of the various MT arrays.
A novel antagonist of CRTH2 blocks eosinophil release from bone marrow, chemotaxis and respiratory burst
Authors: Royer J. F. , Schratl P. , Lorenz S. , Kostenis E. , Ulven T. , Schuligoi R. , Peskar B. A. , Heinemann A.
Published: August 2007

Background:  Chemoattractant receptor‐homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2) has been revealed to be a novel receptor for prostaglandin (PG) D2, which is a major mast cell product released during the allergic response. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a newly developed small molecule antagonist of CRTH2, Cay10471, on eosinophil function with respect to recruitment, respiratory burst and degranulation.

Methods:  Chemotaxis of guinea pig bone marrow eosinophils and human peripheral blood eosinophils were determined using microBoyden chambers. Eosinophil release from bone marrow was investigated in the in situ perfused guinea pig hind limb preparation. Respiratory burst and degranulation were measured by flow cytometry.

Results:  Cay10471 bound with high affinity to recombinant human and guinea pig CRTH2, but not DP, receptors. The antagonist prevented the PGD2‐induced release of eosinophils from guinea pig bone marrow, and inhibited the chemotaxis of guinea pig bone marrow eosinophils and human peripheral blood eosinophils. Pretreatment with PGD2 primed eosinophils for chemotaxis towards eotaxin, and this effect was prevented by Cay10471. In contrast, PGD2 inhibited the C5a‐induced up‐regulation of CD63, a cellular marker of degranulation, in a Cay10471‐sensitive manner. Finally, Cay10471 abolished the respiratory burst of eosinophils upon stimulation by PGD2.

Conclusion:  These data further emphasize the importance of CRTH2 in eosinophil function and show that Cay10471 is a highly potent and selective antagonist of PGD2‐induced eosinophil responses. Cay10471 might hence be a useful compound for the treatment of allergic diseases.
Effect of grass pollen immunotherapy with Alutard SQ® on quality of life in seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors: Powell R. J. , Frew A. J. , Corrigan C. J. , Durham S. R.
Published: August 2007

Background:  Treatment of allergic rhinitis with subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy is effective in terms of reductions in symptoms and seasonal use of reliever medication. Its effect on quality of life (QoL), reflecting the impact of symptoms on work/school performance and leisure activities is, however, important and often overlooked.

Aims of the study:  To assess effect on QoL of specific immunotherapy with two doses of Alutard SQ®Phleum pratense in patients with moderately to severe seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis inadequately controlled by standard drug therapy.

Methods:  Double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study of 410 patients with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Participants were randomized (2 : 1 : 1) to receive Alutard SQ®P. pratense (ALK‐Abelló) at maintenance doses of 100 000 SQ‐U (203 subjects), 10 000 SQ‐U (104 subjects) or placebo (103 subjects) given by subcutaneous injections. The groups were well matched for demographics and baseline symptoms. Quality of life was assessed using the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire which covers seven domains of health before and in the peak of the pollen season.

Results:  While all domain scores were significantly improved when comparing 100 000 SQ‐U with placebo, two domain scores were significantly improved when comparing 10 000 SQ‐U with placebo. When comparing 100 000 SQ‐U with 10 000 SQ‐U, four domain scores were significantly improved.

Conclusion:  Treatment with Alutard SQ® significantly improved the seasonal QoL of patients suffering from allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. The improvement was more pronounced and wider ranging in patients who received the higher 100 000 SQ‐U maintenance dose.
No consumption of IgE antibody in serum during allergic drug anaphylaxis
Authors: Guttormsen A. B. , Johansson S. G. O. , Öman H. , Wilhelmsen V. , Nopp A.
Published: August 2007

Background:  The general understanding is that a blood sample for analysis of immunoglobulin (Ig) E antibodies to an allergen suspected to cause an anaphylaxis cannot be drawn until several weeks after the reaction. As this is most unpractical, the changes in IgE antibody levels during anaphylaxis were studied to evaluate the possibility of using samples drawn at the time of the reaction.

Methods:  Immunoglobulin E antibodies to suxamethonium were quantitated with ImmunoCAP before, during and after an anaphylactic reaction occurring during anaesthesia using neuromuscular blocking agents.

Results:  Serum IgE antibody concentrations against suxamethonium in blood samples collected up to 6 h after the reaction were not different from those in samples drawn before or days and weeks after the anaphylaxis.

Conclusions:  A serum sample intended to trace the drug involved in an IgE‐mediated anaphylactic reaction can be drawn in direct relation to the reaction.
The successful use of recombinant factor VIIa in a patient with vascular‐type Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
Authors: Faber P. , Craig W. L. , Duncan J. L. , Holliday K.
Published: August 2007

Vascular‐type Ehlers–Danlos syndrome is an inherited connective tissue disorder resulting in an increased risk of serious peri‐operative bleeding during surgery for spontaneous organ or vessel rupture. The excessive bleeding may result in coagulopathy, and thus compound the difficulty in securing surgical haemostasis. With the advent of recombinant factor VIIa, a new therapy has become available for the management of intractable surgical bleeding.
Limitations of arterial pulse pressure variation and left ventricular stroke volume variation in estimating cardiac pre‐load during open heart surgery*
Authors: Rex S. , Schälte G , Schroth S. , De Waal E. E. C. , Metzelder S. , Overbeck Y. , Rossaint R. , Buhre W.
Published: August 2007

Background:  In addition to their well‐known ability to predict fluid responsiveness, functional pre‐load parameters, such as the left ventricular stroke volume variation (SVV) and pulse pressure variation (PPV), have been proposed to allow real‐time monitoring of cardiac pre‐load. SVV and PPV result from complex heart–lung interactions during mechanical ventilation. It was hypothesized that, under open‐chest conditions, when cyclic changes in pleural pressures during positive‐pressure ventilation are less pronounced, functional pre‐load indicators may be deceptive in the estimation of ventricular pre‐load.

Methods:  Forty‐five patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting participated in this prospective, observational study. PPV and SVV were assessed by pulse contour analysis. The thermodilution technique was used to measure the stroke volume index and global and right ventricular end‐diastolic volume index. Trans‐oesophageal echocardiography was used to determine the left ventricular end‐diastolic area index. All parameters were assessed before and after sternotomy, and, in addition, after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass before and after chest closure (pericardium left open). Patients were ventilated with constant tidal volumes (8 ± 2 ml/kg) throughout the study period using pressure control.

Results:  SVV and PPV decreased after sternotomy and increased after chest closure. However, these changes could not be related to concomitant changes in the ventricular pre‐load. The stroke volume index was correlated with SVV and PPV in closed‐chest conditions only, whereas volumetric indices reflected cardiac pre‐load in both closed‐ and open‐chest conditions. SVV and PPV were correlated with left and right ventricular pre‐load in closed‐chest–closed‐pericardium conditions only (with the best correlation found for the right ventricular end‐diastolic volume index).

Conclusions:  SVV and PPV may be misleading when estimating cardiac pre‐load during open heart surgery.
Bowel function after bowel surgery: morphine with ketamine or placebo; a randomized controlled trial pilot study
Authors: McKay W. P. , Donais P.
Published: August 2007

Background:  Morphine decreases gut peristalsis, and ketamine decreases morphine use after surgery, and does not slow peristalsis. Thus, the combination should result in faster return of bowel function after surgery than morphine alone.

Method:  A double‐blind randomized controlled trial of saline vs. ketamine with intravenous patient‐controlled‐analgesia morphine for post‐operative pain control was conducted on 42 patients having bowel resection. Bowel function was assessed by auscultation, time to passage of flatus and stool, and time to first retained oral intake; pain by visual analog scale. Time to return of all four measures of bowel function was the primary outcome.

Results:  Despite a ketamine dose that in other studies had decreased morphine use without side‐effects, there was no difference in bowel function, pain control, or morphine use between the two groups. Ketamine resulted in hallucinations in six out of 19 patients, with none in the placebo group (P =0.018).

Conclusion:  Low‐dose ketamine was not efficacious for hastening return of bowel function, or for decreasing post‐operative pain after surgery for bowel resection. It resulted in hallucinations in some patients. Those reporting hallucinations all wished to remain in the study.
Pathogen fitness components and genotypes differ in their sensitivity to nutrient and temperature variation in a wild plant–pathogen association
Authors: LAINE A.‐L.
Published: August 2007

Understanding processes maintaining variation in pathogen life‐history stages affecting infectivity and reproduction is a key challenge in evolutionary ecology. Models of host–parasite coevolution are based on the assumption that genetic variation for host–parasite interactions is a significant cause of variation in infection, and that variation in environmental conditions does not overwhelm the genetic basis. However, surprisingly little is known about the stability of genotype–genotype interactions under variable environmental conditions. Here, using a naturally occurring plant–pathogen interaction, I tested whether the two distinct aspects of the infection process – infectivity and transmission potential – vary over realistic nutrient and temperature gradients. I show that the initial pathogen infectivity and host resistance responses are robust over the environmental gradients. However, for compatible responses there were striking differences in how different pathogen life‐history stages and host and pathogen genotypes responded to environmental variation. For some pathogen genotypes even slight changes in temperature arrested spore production, rendering the developing infection ineffectual. The response of pathogen genotypes to environmental gradients varied in magnitude and even direction, so that their rankings changed across the abiotic gradients. Hence, the variable environment of spatially structured host–parasite interactions may strongly influence the maintenance of polymorphism in pathogen life‐history stages governing transmission, whereas evolutionary trajectories of infectivity may be unaffected by the surrounding environment.
Hybridization and introgression in a mixed population of the intertidal seaweedsFucus evanescensandF. serratus
Authors: COYER J. A. , HOARAU G. , STAM W. T. , OLSEN J. L.
Published: August 2007

The introducedFucus evanescens(hermaphroditic) and the nativeF. serratus(dioecious) have been in secondary contact along the Danish coast of the Kattegat Sea for 60–100 years and dioecious hybrids have been observed at Blushøj for several years. Hybridization inFucusis unusual because it appears to always involve a hermaphroditic and a dioecious parental pair. We determined the degree and spatial patterns of introgression for 286 individuals using 10 microsatellite loci and cpDNA. Hybrids accounted for nearly 13% of the population, yet parental species were well differentiated (FST = 0.633). The presence ofF. evanescenschloroplasts in 100% of F1hybrids revealed asymmetrical hybridization.Fucus evanescenscpDNA was observed in 50% of introgressed and 5.4% of pureF. serratus, but noF. serratuscpDNA was found inF. evanescens. In contrast, nuclear DNA introgression was symmetrical with an equal amount (≈1.5%) of genes introgressed into each parental species. Survivorship and viability data suggest selection against hybrids in the hybrid zone.
Maternal and paternal condition effects on offspring phenotype inTelostylinus angusticollis(Diptera: Neriidae)
Authors: BONDURIANSKY R. , HEAD M.
Published: August 2007

It is widely recognized that maternal phenotype can have important effects on offspring, but paternal phenotype is generally assumed to have no influence in animals lacking paternal care. Nonetheless, selection may favour the transfer of environmentally acquired condition to offspring from both parents. Using a split‐brood, cross‐generational laboratory design, we manipulated a key environmental determinant of condition – larval diet quality – of parents and their offspring in the flyTelostylinus angusticollis, in which there is no evidence of paternal provisioning. Parental diet did not affect offspring survival, but high‐condition mothers produced larger eggs, and their offspring developed more rapidly when on a poor larval diet. Maternal condition had no effect on adult body size of offspring. By contrast, large, high‐condition fathers produced larger offspring, and follow‐up assays showed that this paternal effect can be sufficient to increase mating success of male offspring and fecundity of female offspring. Our findings suggest that both mothers and fathers transfer their condition to offspring, but with effects on different offspring traits. Moreover, our results suggest that paternal effects can be important even in species lacking conventional forms of paternal care. In such species, the transfer of paternal condition to offspring could contribute to indirect selection on female mate preferences.
Diphtheroid Necrotic Laryngitis in Three Calves – Diagnostic Procedure, Therapy and Post‐operative Development
Authors: Heppelmann M. , Rehage J. , Starke A.
Published: August 2007

Diphtheroid necrotic inflammation of the larynx in calves in its advanced stage mostly requires surgical therapy. Diagnostic procedure, surgery and post‐operative care were described for three calves (aged 3–8 weeks). The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by laryngoscopy. In all three cases, a laryngotomy with resection of necrotic tissue was performed. After surgery two calves showed complications (tracheal stricture, mucosal hyperplasia). Both were cured in further surgery. In cases of post‐operative complications, further surgical intervention can be very promising.
Valvular Cardiac Myxoma in a Dog
Authors: Akkoc A. , Ozyigit M. O. , Cangul I. T.
Published: August 2007

Primary and secondary cardiac tumours are extremely rare in humans and domestic animals. This case describes the gross, light microscopical and immunohistochemical examination of a cardiac myxoma arising from the tricuspid valve in a 13‐year‐old female terrier dog. Clinically, long‐term respiratory distress, progressive ascites, fatigue and exercise intolerance were observed in the animal. At necropsy, the right ventricular chamber was mildly dilated and a soft, whitish mass, 0.7 × 1.5 × 2.1 cm in size was observed arising from the ventricular surface of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve of the heart. Histologically, the mass was composed of a faintly eosinophilic myxoid matrix and spindle shaped fibroblast‐like cells with elongated nuclei and stellate cells. The extracellular matrix was stained with periodic acid Schiff and alcian blue and the tumour cells were reactive with anti‐vimentin and anti‐alpha‐sarcomeric actin antibodies. The authors believe that this is the first detailed description of a myxoma in this breed.
Interleukin‐6 and Tumour Necrosis Factor in Synovial Fluid from Horses with Carpal Joint Pathology
Authors: Ley C. , Ekman S. , Elmén A. , Nilsson G. , Eloranta M.‐L.
Published: August 2007

The carpal joints are common sites of traumatic arthritis and osteoarthritis (OA) in athletic horses. The pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) may be of great importance in the development of intra‐articular lesions. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible associations between synovial fluid levels of bioactive IL‐6 and TNF and different types of joint lesions seen in traumatic arthritis and OA. Synovial fluid was collected from horses with carpal lameness immediately before arthroscopic surgery. Articular cartilage, synovial membranes and intra‐articular ligaments were assessed macroscopically at arthroscopy. Synovial fluid levels of IL‐6 and TNF were determined by bioassays, and the cytokine levels between different grades of morphologic changes in each type of assessed tissue were compared. The highest levels of IL‐6 were detected in joints with chip fractures. All joints with chip fractures also showed some degree of synovitis. Tumour necrosis factor bioactivity was low and not associated with any joint lesion. Hence, TNF is not useful as a biomarker indicating a specific joint lesion in equine traumatic arthritis or OA. We conclude that a dramatic increase of IL‐6 in synovial fluid indicates the presence of osteochondral fragmentation, although low or undetectable levels of IL‐6 do not exclude chip fractures. The role of IL‐6 in the disease process of osteochondral fragmentation needs further investigation.
Beneficial effect of neutrophil elastase inhibitor on anti‐Thy1.1 nephritis in rats
Authors: KUMASAKA RYUICHIRO , NAKAMURA NORIO , FUJITA TAKESHI , MURAKAMI REIICHI , SHIMADA MICHIKO , OSAWA HIROSHI , YAMABE HIDEAKI , OKUMURA KEN
Published: August 2007

Background:  Neutrophil elastase, one of the proteinases released by neutrophils, plays an important role at the sites of inflammation and was reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis. Sivelestat is a selective neutrophil elastase inhibitor used for acute lung injury associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome. There have been few reports on the effects of sivelestat on renal disease.

Methods:  In male Wistar rats, anti‐Thy1.1 nephritis was induced by the injection of anti‐Thy1.1 antibody. The rats were divided into four groups: nephritic rats treated with low‐ (group A) and high‐dose sivelestat (group B), those not treated with sivelestat (group C) and control rats (group D). Urine samples were obtained every day during the experiment. The rats were killed on day 6 in order to obtain the blood plasma and kidneys. Measurement of urine protein levels, blood biochemical values and histological examination of the kidneys were carried out.

Results:  Increased levels of proteinuria were observed in the nephritic rats (groups A, B and C) compared with group D. The proteinuria level was significantly suppressed by sivelestat in groups A and B in a dose‐dependent fashion compared with group C. The light microscopy revealed an increased glomerular cell count in group C, which was significantly suppressed in group B. In the electron microscopic study, sivelestat suppressed the fusion of epithelial foot process, especially in group B.

Conclusion:  Neutrophil elastase is suggested to be involved in the development of anti‐Thy1.1 nephritis, and the neutrophil elastase inhibitor sivelestat reduces the tissue injury of anti‐Thy1.1 nephritis in rats.
Pedagogy, power and practice ethics: clinical teaching in psychiatric/mental health settings
Authors: Ewashen Carol , Lane Annette
Published: August 2007

Pedagogy, power and practice ethics: clinical teaching in psychiatric/mental health settings

Often, baccalaureate nursing students initially approach a psychiatric mental health practicum with uncertainty, and even fear. They may feel unprepared for the myriad complex practice situations encountered. In addition, memories of personal painful life events may be vicariously evoked through learning about and listening to the experiences of those diagnosed with mental disorders. When faced with such challenging situations, nursing students often seek counsel from the clinical and/or classroom faculty. Pedagogic boundaries may begin to blur in the face of student distress. For the nurse educator, several questions arise: Should a nurse educator provide counseling to students? How does one best negotiate the boundaries between ‘counselor’, and ‘caring educator’? What are the limits of a caring and professional pedagogic relation? What different knowledges provide guidance and to what differential consequences for ethical pedagogic relationships? This paper offers a comparative analysis of three philosophical stances to examine differences in key assumptions, pedagogic positioning, relationships of power/knowledge, and consequences for professional ethical pedagogic practices. While definitive answers are difficult, the authors pose several questions for consideration in discerning how best to proceed and under what particular conditions.
Experience of retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in 195 patients with primary aldosteronism
Authors: Lin Yi , Li Liming , Zhu Jun , Qiang Wanming , Makiyama Kazuhide , Kubota Yoshinobu
Published: August 2007

Objectives:  Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become an effective option for aldosteronoma. We evaluated the retroperitoneal approach with regard to safety, efficacy, invasiveness and cost‐benefit ratio in patients with primary aldosteronism.

Methods:  Between July 1999 and June 2005, we carried out a total of 195 retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomies (RA) in one hospital, including 108 on the left and 87 on the right, in 78 men and 113 women aged 20–78 years (mean age 48.2 years) with aldosteronoma. Average adrenal tumor size was 16 mm (range 10–32 mm). The 195 operations were divided into 10 groups of 20 operations each, and the mean duration and estimated blood loss for each group were compared.

Results:  The mean operating time and intraoperative blood loss in RA were 93.2 ± 37.4 (45–210) min and 68.5 ± 53.2 (5–210) mL, respectively. Compared to group 1 (cases 1–20), a statistically significant decrease in operative time and estimated blood loss were seen in and after group 4 (≥ case 61, 94.5 ± 30.3 vs 139.2 ± 44.7 min, P < 0.01), and in and after group 5 (≥ case 81, 67.5 ± 50.5 vs 120.5 ± 60.9 mL, P < 0.01), respectively. No differences were found in duration of surgery and estimated blood loss between left and right sided tumors (P > 0.05). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.5 ± 1.2 days. Postoperative complications, including hematoma and wound infection, occurred in 4.1% of patients.

Conclusions:  Retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy for aldosteronoma is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive approach with an advantageous cost‐benefit ratio. With accumulated experience, it can expedite the learning curve for RA.
Germination, persistence, and emergence of flaxleaf fleabane (Conyza bonariensis [L.] Cronquist)
Authors: WU HANWEN , WALKER STEVE , ROLLIN MICHAEL JONATHAN , TAN DANIEL KEAN YUEN , ROBINSON GEOFF , WERTH JEFF
Published: August 2007

Flaxleaf fleabane (Conyza bonariensis[L.] Cronquist) is a difficult‐to‐control weed in dryland minimum tillage farming systems in the northern grains region of Australia. Experiments under field and controlled environments were conducted to study the seed germination, emergence, and persistence of C. bonariensis. The base, optimum, and maximum temperatures for seedling germination were estimated at 4.2, 20, and 35°C, respectively, with light stimulating germination. The soil types and burial depths had significant effects on seed persistence and emergence. The persistence pattern showed an initial rapid drop, followed by a slow but steady decline over time. After 3 years of burial, there were ≈ 7.5%, 9.7%, and 1.3% viable seeds at 10, 5, and 0–2 cm soil depths, respectively. Conyza bonariensis predominantly emerged from the soil surface or from the burial depth of 0.5 cm. Very few seeds emerged from a depth of 1 cm and none emerged from ≥ 2 cm. The emergence was greater in lighter soils. On‐farm monitoring of the field emergence over time in a light sandy loam soil showed that 99% emergence occurred in late autumn, early and late winter, and a small fraction of 1% emerged in mid‐spring. The predominant emergence from the soil surface suggests that the fleabane problem is a result of weed species shift toward the minimum tillage systems that provide moist conditions for better emergence compared to conventional tillage systems. The seed longevity of at least 3 years in the soil and the prolonged emergence patterns between autumn and spring have posed great difficulties for the long‐term management of C. bonariensis.
Recovery of two independent sweet taste systems during regeneration of the mouse chorda tympani nerve after nerve crush
Authors: Yasumatsu Keiko , Kusuhara Yoko , Shigemura Noriatsu , Ninomiya Yuzo
Published: August 2007

In rodents, section of the taste nerve results in degeneration of the taste buds. Following regeneration of the cut taste nerve, however, the taste buds reappear. This phenomenon can be used to study the functional reformation of the peripheral neural system responsible for sweet taste. In this study we examined the recovery of sweet responses by the chorda tympani (CT) nerve after nerve crush as well as inhibition of these responses by gurmarin (Gur), a sweet response inhibitor. After about 2 weeks of CT nerve regeneration, no significant response to any taste stimuli could be observed. At 3 weeks, responses to sweet stimuli reappeared but were not significantly inhibited by Gur. At 4 weeks, Gur inhibition of sweet responses reached statistically significant levels. Thus, the Gur‐sensitive (GS) component of the sweet response reappeared about 1 week later than the Gur‐insensitive (GI) component. Moreover, single CT fibers responsive to sucrose could be classified into distinct GS and GI groups at 4 weeks. After 5 weeks or more, responses to sweet compounds before and after treatment with Gur became indistinguishable from responses in the intact group. During regeneration, the GS and GI components of the sucrose response could be distinguished based on their concentration‐dependent responses to sucrose. These results suggest that mice have two different sweet‐reception systems, distinguishable by their sensitivity to Gur (the GS and GI systems). These two sweet‐reception systems may be reconstituted independently during regeneration of the mouse CT nerve.
4‐Chloro‐m‐cresol, an activator of ryanodine receptors, inhibits voltage‐gated K+ channels at the rat calyx of Held
Authors: Suzuki Daisuke , Hori Tetsuya , Saitoh Naoto , Takahashi Tomoyuki
Published: August 2007

4‐Chloro‐m‐cresol (4‐CmC) is thought to be a specific activator of ryanodine receptors (RyRs). Using this compound, we examined whether the RyR‐mediated Ca2+ release is involved in transmitter release at the rat calyx of Held synapse in brainstem slices. Bath application of 4‐CmC caused a dramatic increase in the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic currents (TIFCs) with the half‐maximal effective concentration of 0.12 mm. By making direct patch‐clamp whole‐cell recordings from presynaptic terminals, we investigated the mechanism by which 4‐CmC facilitates transmitter release. 4‐CmC markedly prolonged the duration of action potentials, with little effect on their rise time kinetics. In voltage‐clamp recordings, 4‐CmC inhibited voltage‐gated presynaptic K+ currents (IpK) by 53% (at +20 mV) but had no effect on voltage‐gated presynaptic Ca2+ currents (IpCa). In simultaneous pre‐ and postsynaptic recordings, 4‐CmC had no effect on the TIFC evoked by IpCa. Although immunocytochemical study of the calyceal terminals showed immunoreactivity to type 3 RyRs, ryanodine (0.02 mm) had no effect on the 4‐CmC‐induced TIFC potentiation. We conclude that the facilitatory effect of 4‐CmC on nerve‐evoked transmitter release is mediated by its inhibitory effect on IpK.
Nitric oxide regulates growth cone filopodial dynamics via ryanodine receptor‐mediated calcium release
Authors: Welshhans Kristy , Rehder Vincent
Published: August 2007

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous intercellular messenger involved in numerous processes during development, including wiring of the nervous system. Neuronal growth cones are responsible for establishing the correct connectivity in the nervous system, but how NO might affect neuronal pathfinding is not fully understood. We have demonstrated in a previous study that local application of a NO donor, NOC‐7, via micropipette onto individual growth cones from Helisoma trivolvis B5 neurons results in an increase in filopodial length, a decrease in filopodial number and an increase in the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). Moreover, these NO‐induced effects were demonstrated to be mediated via an intracellular cascade involving soluble guanylyl cyclase, protein kinase G (PKG) and cyclic adenosine diphosphate ribose (cADPR). We now demonstrate that the increase in the [Ca2+]i that results from local NO application is mediated via release from ryanodine receptor (RyR)‐sensitive intracellular stores. We also show that PKG and RyRs are localized within growth cones and microinjection of cADPR mimics the effects of NO, providing further support that the NO‐induced effects are mediated via cADPR. Lastly, we provide evidence that calcium influx across the plasma membrane is a necessary component of the NO‐induced calcium increase; however, this calcium influx is secondary to the RyR‐induced calcium release from intracellular stores. This study details a signalling pathway by which NO can cause changes in growth cone morphology and thus provides a mechanism by which NO could affect neuronal wiring by acting locally on individual growth cones during the pathfinding process.
Effect of integrated pest management practices on tomato production and conservation of natural enemies
Authors: Picanço M. C. , Bacci L. , Crespo A. L. B. , Miranda M. M. M. , Martins Júlio C.
Published: August 2007

1 The present study used a crop life table to determine the critical components of production and the key factors of loss in tomato, and three treatments to identify the integrated pest management (IPM) benefits on the reduction of yield losses and the conservation of natural enemies.

2 The relative IPM benefits were compared using calendar‐based pesticide applications, IPM and control (no pesticide). A total of 1248 tomato plants were allotted to treatments with four replicates of 104 plants, each in a random block design. The densities of vectors, leaf miners, fruit borers, predators and parasitoids were compared.

3 Fruit was the critical component of production, experiencing the greatest losses, followed by flower and plant in the vegetative phase. The key causes of loss of production were tospoviruses, Erwinia carotovora, Alternaria solani, Phytophthora infestans, Neoleucinodes elegantalis and blossom‐end rot.

4 No significant differences in yield were detected between the calendar‐based and IPM systems. In the control, the yield was lower than the yield in treatments with pesticides due to losses from fungal diseases and viruses. IPM more efficiently controlled pests than the calendar‐system, reducing the number of parathion‐methyl and abamectin applications by 3.8‐ and 2.9‐fold, respectively. IPM treatment significantly reduced the impact of pesticides on natural enemies.

5 Tomato yield was more affected by biotic and abiotic factors during the reproductive stage. Because fruit was the production component most susceptible to loss, cultivation and IPM programmess should prioritize practices to reduce loss of this component.
Anaerobic degradation of benzene by a marine sulfate‐reducing enrichment culture, and cell hybridization of the dominant phylotype
Authors: Musat Florin , Widdel Friedrich
Published: August 2007

The anaerobic biodegradation of benzene, a common constituent of petroleum and one of the least reactive aromatic hydrocarbons, is insufficiently understood with respect to the involved microorganisms and their metabolism. To study these aspects, sulfate‐reducing bacteria were enriched with benzene as sole organic substrate using marine sediment as inoculum. Repeated subcultivation yielded a sediment‐free enrichment culture constituted of mostly oval‐shaped cells and showing benzene‐dependent sulfate reduction and growth under strictly anoxic conditions. Amplification and sequencing of 16S rRNA genes from progressively diluted culture samples revealed an abundant phylotype; this was closely related to a clade of Deltaproteobacteria that includes sulfate‐reducing bacteria able to degrade naphthalene or other aromatic hydrocarbons. Cell hybridization with two specifically designed 16S rRNA‐targeted fluorescent oligonucleotide probes showed that the retrieved phylotype accounted for more than 85% of the cells detectable via DAPI staining (general cell staining) in the enrichment culture. The result suggests that the detected dominant phylotype is the ‘candidate species’ responsible for the anaerobic degradation of benzene. Quantitative growth experiments revealed complete oxidation of benzene with stoichiometric coupling to the reduction of sulfate to sulfide. Suspensions of benzene‐grown cells did not show metabolic activity towards phenol or toluene. This observation suggests that benzene degradation by the enriched sulfate‐reducing bacteria does not proceed via anaerobic hydroxylation (mediated through dehydrogenation) to free phenol or methylation to toluene, respectively, which are formerly proposed alternative mechanisms for benzene activation.
Laparoscopic emergency and elective surgery for ulcerative colitis
Authors: Fowkes L. , Krishna K. , Menon A. , Greenslade G. L. , Dixon A. R.
Published: August 2007

Objective  To analyse surgical outcomes of fulminate and medically resistant ulcerative colitis (UC) carried out laparoscopically.

Method  A prospective database identified 69 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for UC under the senior author over a 5‐year period to April 2006.

Results  Thirty‐two patients (18 male patients), median BMI 26, underwent laparoscopic subtotal colectomy (LSTC): 22 acute emergencies, 10 refractory to medical therapy and unfit for restorative proctocolectomy. All were receiving iv steroids; azathioprine (7), cyclosporin (5). The median operation time was 135 min (65–280). There was one conversion. Twenty‐nine patients have subsequently undergone completion proctectomy and W‐pouch formation [24 patients were performed laparoscopically – laparoscopic completion proctectomy (LCP)]; widespread adhesions precluded in five patients. Twenty‐six patients underwent restorative laparoscopic proctocolectomy (LRP) – one conversion. Twenty patients underwent W‐pouch reconstruction via a Pfannenstiel incision. Six J‐pouches were constructed and returned via the ileostomy site. Three underwent a laparoscopic pan‐proctocolectomy (LPPC); one conversion. Eight patients underwent open STC. The median time to normal diet was 48 h (1–7 days) for LSTC/LCP and 36 h (1–5 days) for LRP. There were two major complications following LRP, two following LSTC, one following LCP, one following LPPC and five following open surgery. Median hospital stay was 8 days (6–72) for LSTC, 7 days (6–9) for LCP and 5 days (3–45) for LRP. There were six 30‐day readmissions following laparoscopic surgery (DVT, reactive depression, ileostomy hold up (2), abdominal pain and high output ileostomy).

Conclusion  Laparoscopic subtotal and restorative proctocolectomies in fulminate and medically resistant UC are feasible, safe and largely predictable operations that allow for early hospital discharge. Laparoscopic colectomy facilitates subsequent proctectomy and pouch construction.
A review of the job satisfaction and current practice of consultant diabetologists in England—barriers and successes
Authors: MacLeod K. , Carter M. , Asprey A. , Britten N. , Dean J. , Hillson R. , Mackie A. , Morrish N.
Published: August 2007

Aims  The project aimed to describe the perceptions of consultant diabetologists about their work, explore models of care, identify problem areas, consider potential solutions, and outline strategic issues for retention and recruitment.

Methods  The study was based on semistructured qualitative interviews with 92 consultant diabetologists, recruited via a purposive sample. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and anonymized, and analysed by the project team, assisted by QSR Nvivo software.

Results  The consultant diabetologist role encompasses a diversity of skills/expertise, with differing emphases between individuals. Integration with general medicine is seen by some as crucial to maintaining proficiency in diabetes, and by others as hindering fulfilment of other roles. Successful team working across organizational boundaries is recognized as essential to effective services, but often impeded by the continuous reorganization and competitive culture of the National Health Service. Significant differences between consultant diabetologist perspectives of primary care colleagues and of primary care trusts emerged. Some consultants have adopted innovative working approaches, adapting national guidance to local environments, but there is general resistance to adopting centrally imposed solutions. Training programmes are not sufficiently explicit about the core skills/attributes required of consultant diabetologists.

Conclusions  The skills of specialist teams are not fully exploited. Competing calls on time could be addressed by encouraging multifaceted consultant teams, allowing individuals to concentrate in specific areas. Clear definition of core skills required by consultant diabetologists underpins training programme development. Collaboration in cross‐boundary services reflecting local needs is impeded by competition between sectors. Protected time is necessary for cultivating multidisciplinary teams, cross‐boundary partnerships and effective, relevant education programmes. Specialist training must reflect the changing role of consultant diabetologists, and include role‐specific programmes.
Interspecific differences in population trends of Spanish birds are related to habitat and climatic preferences
Authors: Seoane Javier , Carrascal Luis M.
Published: August 2007

Aim  Animal monitoring programmes have allowed analyses of population trends, most of which now comment on the possible effect of global climate change. However, the relationship between the interspecific variation in population trends and species traits, such as habitat preferences, niche breadth or distribution patterns, has received little attention, in spite of its usefulness in the construction of ecological generalizations. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine whether there are characteristics shared among species with upwards or downwards trends, and (2) to assess whether population changes agree with what could be expected under global warming (a decrease in species typical of cooler environments).

Location  The Spanish part of the Iberian Peninsula (c. 500,000 km2) in the south‐western part of the Mediterranean Basin.

Methods  We modelled recent breeding population changes (1996–2004), in areas without apparent land use changes, for 57 common passerine birds with species‐specific ecological and distributional patterns as explanatory variables.

Results  One‐half of these species have shown a generalized pattern towards the increase of their populations, while only one‐tenth showed a significant decrease. One half (54%) of the interspecific variability in yearly population trends is explained considering species‐specific traits. Species showing more marked increases preferred wooded habitats, were habitat generalists and occupied warmer and wetter areas, while moderate decreases were found for open country habitats in drier areas.

Main conclusions  The coherent pattern in population trends we found disagrees with the proposed detrimental effect of global warming on bird populations of western Europe, which is expected to be more intense in bird species inhabiting cooler areas and habitats. Such a pattern suggests that factors other than the increase in temperature may be brought to discussions on global change as relevant components to explain recent changes in biodiversity.
5. Calibrating Measures of Family Activities between Large- and Small-Scale Data Sets
Authors: Broege Nora , Owens Ann , Graesch Anthony P. , Arnold Jeanne E. , Schneider Barbara
Published: August 2007

Two studies of working families are combined to demonstrate a strategy for producing reliable estimates from the combination of self-reported (large N) and observational (small N) data. Both studies examine where and how dual-career families spend time at home. The 500 Family Study is sociological and uses self-reported time diary data from a national sample; the CELF study is anthropological and uses observational scan sampling data from a regional sample of 32 families. The data are combined as if they constitute one sample, and an analytic solution for establishing the reliability of the resulting composite estimates of time use is provided. Merging the data sets provides validation for each study, neither of which is without potential methodological weaknesses. The advantages of combining data from the independent data collection methods are discussed, and selected substantive findings on families' activities are highlighted, illustrating similarities and differences between findings in the independent and combined data sets. Results show that working families spend significant time in a small spectrum of home spaces, particularly kitchens and living rooms, with leisure activities prevailing, but mothers, fathers, and children differ in where and how they spend their time. Overall, a template for merging data from different disciplines and methods is provided.
NEIGHBORHOOD DYNAMICS AND PRICE EFFECTS OF SUPERFUND SITE CLEAN‐UP*
Authors: Noonan Douglas S. , Krupka Douglas J. , Baden Brett M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Numerous hedonic price analyses estimate price effects associated with hazardous waste site remediation or other environmental variation. This paper estimates a neighborhood transition model to capture the direct price effect from Superfund site clean‐up and the indirect price effects arising from residential sorting and changes in investment in the housing stock following clean‐up. First‐difference models of neighborhood change and a national sample are used. This approach fails to find consistent positive direct price effects. Positive indirect effects, however, may arise through residential sorting and neighborhood investment spurred by remediation. The findings can be sensitive to policy endogeneity and model specification.
TAXATION AND INTERNAL MIGRATION—EVIDENCE FROM THE SWISS CENSUS USING COMMUNITY‐LEVEL VARIATION IN INCOME TAX RATES*
Authors: Liebig Thomas , Puhani Patrick A. , Sousa‐Poza Alfonso
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT We investigate the relationship between income tax rate variation and internal migration for the unique case of Switzerland, whose system of determining tax rates primarily at the community level results in enough variation to permit analysis of their influence on migration. Specifically, using Swiss census data, we analyze migratory responses to tax rate variations for various groups defined by age, education, and nationality/residence permit. The results suggest that young Swiss college graduates are most sensitive to tax rate differences, but the estimated effects are not large enough to offset the revenue‐increasing effect of a rise in tax rate. The migratory responses of foreigners and other age‐education groups are even smaller, and reverse causation seems negligible.
Designs for Two-Colour Microarray Experiments
Authors: Bailey R. A.
Published: August 2007

Designs for two-colour microarray experiments can be viewed as block designs with two treatments per block. Explicit formulae for the A- and D-criteria are given for the case that the number of blocks is equal to the number of treatments. These show that the A- and D-optimality criteria conflict badly if there are 10 or more treatments. A similar analysis shows that designs with one or two extra blocks perform very much better, but again there is a conflict between the two optimality criteria for moderately large numbers of treatments. It is shown that this problem can be avoided by slightly increasing the number of blocks. The two colours that are used in each block effectively turn the block design into a row–column design. There is no need to use a design in which every treatment has each colour equally often: rather, an efficient row–column design should be used. For odd replication, it is recommended that the row–column design should be based on a bipartite graph, and it is proved that the optimal such design corresponds to an optimal block design for half the number of treatments. Efficient row–column designs are given for replications 3–6. It is shown how to adapt them for experiments in which some treatments have replication only 2.