bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When dispersal fails: unexpected genetic separation in Gibraltar macaques (Macaca sylvanus)
Authors: MODOLO LARA , MARTIN ROBERT D. , VAN SCHAIK CAREL P. , VAN NOORDWIJK MARIA A. , KRÜTZEN MICHAEL
Published: August 2008

Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus), now restricted in the wild to a few isolated forested areas of Morocco and Algeria, are present in a free‐ranging colony on Gibraltar. For many decades, the Gibraltar colony was exposed to multiple bottlenecks due to highly nonrandom removal of animals, followed by repeated introductions of animals from North Africa. Moreover, because of complete isolation, Gibraltar's several social groups of macaques provide an ideal system to study the genetic consequences of dispersal in cercopithecines in situ. Predictions of genetic consequences due to male‐biased dispersal in cercopithecines will be different for autosomal and maternally inherited genetic markers, such as the control region of the mitochondrial DNA. We used a panel of 14 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci and part of the hypervariable region I of the mitochondrial control region to estimate genetic structure between five social groups in Gibraltar. Surprisingly, for autosomal markers, both classical summary statistics and an individual‐based method using a Bayesian framework detected significant genetic structure between social groups in Gibraltar, despite much closer proximity than wild Algerian and Moroccan populations. Mitochondrial data support this finding, as a very substantial portion of the total genetic variation (70.2%) was found between social groups. Using two Bayesian approaches, we likewise identified not only a small number of male first‐generation immigrants (albeit less than expected for cercopithecines) but also unexpectedly a few females. We hypothesize that the culling of males that are more likely to disperse might slow down genetic homogenization among neighbouring groups, but may also and more perversely produce selection on certain behavioural traits. This may have important repercussions for conservation, as it could lead to evolutionary changes that are not due to inbreeding or genetic drift.
Cross‐talk suppression between the CpxA–CpxR and EnvZ–OmpR two‐component systems in E. coli
Authors: Siryaporn Albert , Goulian Mark
Published: August 2008

Many bacteria possess large numbers of two‐component signalling systems, which are composed of histidine kinase‐response regulator pairs. The high level of sequence similarity between some systems raises the possibility of undesired cross‐talk between a histidine kinase and a non‐cognate response regulator. Although molecular specificity ensures that phospho‐transfer occurs primarily between correct partners, even a low level of inappropriate cross‐talk could lead to unacceptable levels of noise or interference in signal transduction. To explore mechanisms that provide insulation against such interference, we have examined cross‐talk between the histidine kinase CpxA and non‐cognate response regulator OmpR in Escherichia coli. Our results show that there are two mechanisms that suppress cross‐talk between these two proteins, which depend on the corresponding cognate partners CpxR and EnvZ and on the bifunctional nature of the histidine kinases CpxA and EnvZ. When cross‐talk is detectable, we find it is independent of CpxA stimulus. We also show that cross‐talk suppression leads to mutational robustness, i.e. it masks the effects of mutations that would otherwise lead to increased cross‐talk. The mechanisms that provide insulation against interference described here may be applicable to many other two‐component systems.
Restoration of flagellar biosynthesis by varied mutational events in Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Hendrixson David R.
Published: August 2008

Both a complex regulatory cascade involving the FlgSR two‐component system and phase variation control expression of σ54‐dependent flagellar genes in Campylobacter jejuni. In this study, mutational mechanisms influencing production of the FlgS histidine kinase were discovered. Random non‐motile, non‐flagellated flgS variants were impaired for growth in the chick intestinal tract. Spontaneous revertants restored for flagellar biosynthesis, gene expression, and motility identified by in vivo and in vitro studies had undergone diverse intragenic and extragenic mutational events relative to flgS. Restorative intragenic events included true phase variation, second‐site intragenic reversion, and insertion and deletion of short DNA segments within flgS. In vivo‐isolated motile revertants possessed an identical, single extragenic mutation to create a partially constitutively active FlgR protein in the absence of FlgS. Considering that FlgR production is also influenced by phase variation, these new findings suggest that the FlgSR two‐component system is unique in that each protein is controlled by phase variation and phosphorylation. In addition, this study highlights the mutational activities of C. jejuni and suggests that the bacterium may possess a repertoire of mutational mechanisms to overcome genetic lesions that impair production of virulence and colonization determinants while lacking a normal mismatch repair system.
Ghrelin regulates gastric phase III‐like contractions in freely moving conscious mice
Authors: Zheng J. , Ariga H. , Taniguchi H. , Ludwig K. , Takahashi T.
Published: August 2008

Abstract  In humans and dogs, motilin regulates phase III contractions of migrating motor complex (MMC) in the interdigestive state, while ghrelin regulates MMC in rats. It still remains unclear whether ghrelin regulates phase III contractions of the mouse stomach. A miniature strain gauge transducer was sutured on the antrum to detect circular muscle contractions and gastric contractions of the interdigestive state were evaluated. Effects of ghrelin, a ghrelin receptor antagonist, and atropine on spontaneous gastric contractions were studied in freely moving conscious mice. Similar to the rat stomach, phase III‐like contractions were observed in the interdigestive state, which disappeared immediately after the feeding. Ghrelin augmented spontaneous phase III‐like contractions, while growth‐hormone secretagogue receptor antagonists and atropine abolished the occurrence of spontaneous phase III‐like contractions. The spontaneous phase III‐like contractions were no more observed in vagotomized mice. These results suggest that ghrelin regulates phase III‐like contractions in mice stomach via its own receptors. Ghrelin‐induced gastric phase III‐like contractions are mediated via vagal cholinergic pathways in mice. Our recording system of mice gastric motility may be useful to study the functional changes in gene knockout mice, in the future.
Circadian variation of rectal sensitivity and gastrointestinal peptides in healthy volunteers
Authors: Enck P. , Kaiser C. , Felber M. , Riepl R. L. , Klauser A. , Klosterhalfen S. , Otto B.
Published: August 2008

Abstract  The aim of our study was to identify diurnal variation of perception of rectal distension and the release of gastroenteropancreatic hormones. In 12 healthy male volunteers (25 years, range 22–32), a rectal balloon distension was performed. Rectal perception thresholds (minimal, urge and pain) and rectal compliance were double‐measured with a computer‐controlled barostat at seven standardized time points during the day (from 16.00 to 14.00 hours the following day). Blood samples were taken 30 min before and after each rectal distension procedure to determine plasma levels of cholecystokinin (CCK), pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and motilin. Sensory thresholds for urge and pain varied significantly with the time of day, with higher threshold levels in the evening than in the morning hours. Bowel wall compliance showed as well‐significant variance at pain threshold and was higher during daytime than in the evening or at night. In contrast to motilin, release of CCK and PP also showed a significant variation depending on daytime. Perception of rectal distension stimuli as well as compliance was independent of intake of food and peptide hormone levels, but CCK and PP levels increased with food, and PP levels decreased with rectal distension. Significant differences in the perception of rectal distension stimuli for urge and pain depending on daytime were found, but the release of gastrointestinal peptides seemed not to be involved. This circadian variation needs to be taken into account in patients and volunteer studies.
Presence of the water lily, Trapa natans L., increases fitness of the water strider, Gerris nepalensis
Authors: HARADA TETSUO , YAMASHITA JUN , MIYASHITA TOMOKAZU
Published: August 2008

Abstract Exposure of the waterstrider, Gerris nepalensis, to leaves of the water lily, Trapa natans, during either the larval or adult stage increases the proportion of reproductive females (60.0%) and increases the number of eggs laid by G. nepalensis (25.1 ± 8.1) compared with leaves of another floating plant, Hydrocharis dubia (20.2%, 6.7 ± 17.8), and mimic leaves made of polystyrene (24.2%, 20.0 ± 16.9). The larval period at 25 °C is significantly shorter when larvae are reared together with water lily leaves than when reared with mimic leaves made of thin styrene. A significantly higher percentage (76.4 ± 39.9) of eggs laid by females that are reared with lily leaves in larval and adult stages develop successfully to the first instar compared with those reared with ‘mimic‐leaves’ (% hatched‐out successfully: 53.9 ± 39.3). The effect of T. natans on G. nepalensis demonstrated in the present study is to increase the number of G. nepalensis in the habitat and likely increase foraging pressure on the lily leaf beetle, Galerucella nipponensis. Possible mechanisms of this relationship between T. natans and G. nepalensis are discussed.
Egg composition and reproductive investment in aphidophagous ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae: Coccinellini): egg development and interspecific variation
Authors: SLOGGETT JOHN J. , LORENZ MATTHIAS W.
Published: August 2008

Abstract Most studies of insect reproductive allocation concentrate on propagule size and number and very few consider egg composition, which is likely to be equally important. In the present study, data are provided on changes in egg lipid, glycogen, free carbohydrate and protein during embryonic development of the aphidophagous ladybird Adalia bipunctata (L.) and the compositions of A. bipunctata, Adalia decempunctata and Anisosticta novemdecimpunctata eggs are compared. In A. bipunctata, egg mass, lipid and glycogen decline strongly during development and egg protein declines more weakly. Free carbohydrate declines early in egg development and increases at egg hatching. Lipid is energetically the most important developmental fuel, although approximately half of the initial egg lipid remains in the neonate larva. Across the three species, energy per unit egg mass is lowest in the least specialized species, A. bipunctata, which also has the largest eggs, and is highest in the most specialized, An. novemdecimpunctata, which has the smallest eggs. Two possible explanations for the observed pattern are discussed: (i) species laying smaller eggs may incur higher developmental costs per unit mass than species laying larger eggs and (ii) more specialized species, which reproduce at lower aphid densities, may provision neonate larvae better to facilitate location and capture of aphids.
7‐methylheptacosane is a major component of the contact sex pheromone of the cerambycid beetle Neoclytus acuminatus acuminatus
Authors: LACEY EMERSON S. , GINZEL MATTHEW D. , MILLAR JOCELYN G. , HANKS LAWRENCE M.
Published: August 2008

Abstract Male Neoclytus acuminatus acuminatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) attempt to mate with females only after touching them with their antennae, suggesting that mate recognition is mediated by contact pheromones in the cuticular wax layer of females. Consistent with that hypothesis, males exhibit similar responses to dead females in laboratory bioassays, but not to solvent‐washed dead females with their cuticular hydrocarbons removed. The mating response of males is restored when solvent extracts are reapplied to carcasses of solvent‐washed females, indicating that the contact pheromone is present in solvent extracts. Solvent extracts of the female cuticle contain six methylalkanes that are not present in extracts of males, three of which (7Me‐C25, 7Me‐C27 and 9Me‐C27) constitute almost 40% of the total hydrocarbons. The bioactivity of these three compounds is tested by applying synthetic standards to solvent‐washed carcasses of females and presenting them to males. Standards are tested singly, pairwise and as the complete blend; freeze‐killed females serve as controls. Males attempt to couple with solvent‐washed female carcasses treated with 7Me‐C27 alone and in combination with 9Me‐C27 but only the complete blend elicits the same number of mounting and coupling attempts as does the control. These findings suggest that 7Me‐C27 (7‐methylheptacosane) is the major component of the contact sex pheromone of N. a. acuminatus and that 7Me‐C25 and 9Me‐C27 act as synergists.
A Survey of Phytophthora Species on Hainan Island of South China
Authors: Zeng Hui‐cai , Ho Hon‐hing , Zheng Fuy‐Cong
Published: August 2008

During the period 1997–2007, a comprehensive study of the occurrence and distribution of Phytophthora species was conducted on Hainan Island of South China. To date, 14 species of Phytophthora have been recovered and their distribution determined. Phytophthora nicotianae (=P. parasitica) is the most important species attacking a wide variety of crops, followed by Phytophthora capsici and Phytophthora citrophthora. In contrast to Phytophthora colocasiae attacking taro leaves throughout the entire island, Phytophthora cyperi was found only once on Digitaria ciliaris in Danzhou. It is of interest to note that Phytophthora heveae, Phytophthora katsurae and Phytophthora insolita are commonly found in forest soil/water of protected mountains without causing any plant diseases. Although Phytophthora species are usually terrestrial or found in fresh water, one isolate of Phytophthora resembling closely the asexual isolates of P. insolita in Hainan was obtained from decaying Rhizophora leaves submerged in seawater. An unidentified Phytophthora species producing non‐papillate; internally proliferating sporangia was isolated from the soil in which Ceriops tagel and Bruguiera serangula were growing in a salt water shrimp farm.
Acibenzolar‐S‐methyl‐Induced Systemic Resistance against Anthracnose and Powdery Mildew Diseases on Cucumber Plants without Accumulation of Phytoalexins
Authors: Lin Tsung‐Chun , Ishizaka Masumi , Ishii Hideo
Published: August 2008

In a study to elucidate the possible involvement of phytoalexins in acibenzolar‐S‐methyl (ASM)‐induced systemic resistance in cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.), the phenolic compounds were extracted from ASM‐treated and inoculated plants and compared with those from Milsana®‐treated plants previously reported to accumulate phytoalexins in cucumber. The glycoside‐linked phenolic compounds from cucumber leaves were tested for their antifungal activity to the growth of pathogens which were most effective against the cucumber anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum orbiculare, followed by the scab fungus Cladosporium cucumerinum but ineffective against the Corynespora leaf spot fungus Corynespora cassiicola. Nevertheless, the accumulations of active compounds appeared to increase with the growth stages of cucumber plants irrespective of ASM treatment. In ASM‐pretreated cucumber plants either inoculated with anthracnose or the powdery mildew fungus, there was no increase in phytoalexin‐like phenolics.
Morphological, Biochemical and Molecular Characterization of Trichoderma harzianum Isolates for their Efficacy as Biocontrol Agents
Authors: Sharma Kamal , Mishra Ajay Kumar , Misra Raj Shekhar
Published: August 2008

The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) procedure was used to examine the genetic variability among 8 isolates of Trichoderma harzianum, and their ability to antagonize Sclerotium rolfsii using a dual culture assay was correlated with RAPD profiles. Eight oligodeoxynucleotide primers were selected for the RAPD assays, which resulted in 86 bands for 8 isolates of T. harzianum. The data were entered into a binary matrix and a similarity matrix was constructed using the DICE similarity (SD) index. An unweighted pair grouping mathematical averaging (UPGMA) cluster based on SD values was generated using the NTSYS computer program. A mean coefficient of similarity obtained for pairwise comparisons was c. 30% and it showed that the variability among the isolates of T. harzianum was very high. Using the dual culture method in antagonism experiments, the T. harzianum isolates were classified in to antagonism classes. Further, T. harzianum isolates were screened for chitinase and β‐1,3‐glucanase activity. RAPD was efficient in demonstrating the high intraspecific genetic variation among isolates. The dendrogram did not show the grouping of isolates by their level of antagonism. Relationship among polymorphism existent, the aggressiveness and the origin of isolates were not found.
CREATINE KINASE INHIBITOR IODOACETAMIDE ANTAGONIZES CALCIUM‐STIMULATED INOTROPY IN CARDIOMYOCYTES
Authors: Ren Jun , Davidoff Amy J , Ingwall Joanne S
Published: August 2008

Inhibition of creatine kinase is known to suppress cardiac contractile reserve in intact hearts, although the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated.

The present study was designed to examine whether cardiac depression induced by creatine kinase inhibition was due to action at the level of the essential contractile element, namely cardiomyocytes. Adult rat cardiomyocytes were perfused with the creatine kinase inhibitor iodoacetamide (90 µmol/L) for 90 min. Mechanical and intracellular Ca2+ properties were evaluated using edge‐detection and fluorescence microscopy, respectively. Myocytes were superfused with normal (1.3 mmol/L) or high (3.3 mmol/L) extracellular Ca2+ contractile buffer. Mechanical function was examined, including peak shortening (PS), maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening (±dL/dt), time to 90% PS (TPS90), time to 90% relengthening (TR90) and integration of shortening/relengthening (normalized to PS). Intracellular Ca2+ transients were evaluated using the following indices: resting and rise of fura‐2 fluorescence intensity (ΔFFI) and intracellular Ca2+ decay time constant.

The results indicate that elevated extracellular Ca2+ stimulated cardiomyocyte positive inotrope, manifested as increased PS, ±dL/dt, area of shortening, resting FFI and ΔFFI associated with a shortened TR90 and intracellular Ca2+ decay time constant. High extracellular Ca2+ did not affect TPS90 and area of relengthening. Iodoacetamide ablated high Ca2+‐induced increases in PS, ±dL/dt, area of shortening, resting FFI, ΔFFI and shortened TR90 and intracellular Ca2+ decay time constant. Iodoacetamide itself significantly enhanced the area of relengthening and TR90 without affecting other indices.

Collectively, these data demonstrate that inhibition of creatine kinase blunts high extracellular Ca2+‐induced increases in cardiomyocyte contractile response (i.e. cardiac contractile reserve).
Immune responses in hepatitis C virus infection and mechanisms of hepatitis C virus persistence
Authors: Hiroishi Kazumasa , Ito Takayoshi , Imawari Michio
Published: August 2008

Immune responses against hepatitis C virus (HCV) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C. HCV infection often persists and leads to chronic hepatitis and eventually cirrhosis. Accumulated data suggest that HCV proteins suppress host immune responses through the suppression of functions of immune cells, such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells. They also suppress the type 1 interferon signaling system. The resulting insufficient immune responses against HCV lead to the sustained infection. The appropriate control of immune responses would contribute to the eradication of HCV and the improvement of hepatitis, but there are still many issues to be clarified. This review describes the scientific evidence to support these emerging concepts, and will touch on the implications for improving antiviral therapy.
Giant cystic intracranial chondroma of the falx with review of literature
Authors: Patel Amita , Munthali Lamios , Bodi Istvan
Published: August 2008

Rare cases of intracranial chondromas have been documented in the literature, often after complete surgical excision. We describe a case of giant intracranial tumor at post‐mortem examination of a man who had survived 48 years after a partial debulking. Histological examination revealed a chondroid tumor with no significant pleomorphism and central cystic degeneration. Our case illustrates the benignity of the intracranial chondroma and to our knowledge, is one of the longest surviving and largest cases found after incomplete removal.
Prenatal diagnosis of type 1 tracheal agenesis without tracheoesophageal fistula
Authors: Zhou Qi‐Chang , Shi Wei‐Yuan , Zhang Tong , Tian Lei‐Qi , Zeng Shi
Published: August 2008

Tracheal agenesis is a rare and uniformly lethal congenital malformation. We recently had the opportunity to diagnose prenatally a case of type I tracheal agenesis without fistula in a 22‐week‐old fetus, in which the hyperechogenicity of the enlarged lungs was associated with ascites, and tracheal dilatation in the lower half. We report the ultrasonographic and autopsy findings and review the literature on this rare condition to contribute to the understanding of type 1 tracheal agenesis without tracheoesophageal fistula.
Prevalence and predictors of deficient dietary calcium intake during the third trimester of pregnancy: The experience of a developing country
Authors: Darwish Atef M. , Mohamad Sahar N. , Gamal Al‐Din Heba R. , Elsayed Yousria A. , Ahmad Safaa I.
Published: August 2008

Aim:  To assess the prevalence and predictors of dietary calcium deficiency in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Methods:  Using an analytic cross‐sectional research design we assessed antenatal out‐patient clinics with a total of 503 pregnant women in the third trimester with parity less than 5, aged from 18–45 years, whether primi‐ or multigravida, and free from medical and gynecological diseases. Patients were screened for dietary calcium deficiency using an interview questionnaire, a food survey questionnaire and a record form for lab tests and investigations to determine the average amount of dietary calcium intake supported by normal levels of total serum calcium.

Results:  About two thirds of the women assessed (66.0%) were deficient in dietary calcium. The mean daily dietary intake of calcium was 879.1 mg/day. Fifty‐seven point seven percent of the women had total serum calcium levels less than 9 mg/dL, while 76.8% had levels less than 10 mg/dL. Mean total serum calcium was 8.9 mg/dL. Women with deficient dietary calcium had a lower level of education, larger family size and were more likely to be rural (P < 0.001). More underweight women were seen in the deficiency group (2.4%), and more obese women in the sufficient group (19.9%). As regards the association between dietary and total serum calcium, the regression analysis showed no correlation among the values.

Conclusions:  Calcium intake in the sample studied was low. Independent predictors of dietary calcium were age (negative predictor), urban residence (positive indicator) and body mass index (BMI; positive predictor). As for the level of total serum calcium, dietary calcium and gravidity were the only statistically significant independent predictors, with gravidity being a negative predictor.
Introduction of a new incentive and target‐based contract for family physicians in the UK: good for older patients with diabetes but less good for women?
Authors: McGovern M. P. , Williams D. J. , Hannaford P. C. , Taylor M. W. , Lefevre K. E. , Boroujerdi M. A. , Simpson C. R.
Published: August 2008

Aims  To determine whether the recording of diabetes‐related health indicators has increased and differences diminished between age, gender and deprivation groups, following the introduction of the new General Medical Services contract (nGMS), an incentive‐ and target‐based contract for UK family physicians.

Methods  A serial cross‐sectional study set in 310 primary care practices in Scotland serving a population of 1.5 million registered patients, focussing on diabetic patients. Data were taken immediately before the introduction of the nGMS and after it had been in place for 1 year.

Results  One year after the introduction of the nGMS contract, there was a 54.2% relative increase in the number of patients electronically recorded as having diabetes. In addition, measurement of the quality indicators glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure, serum creatinine and cholesterol significantly increased (P < 0.05). Women were less likely than men to have HbA1c[odds ratio (OR) 0.85, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.80–0.91], serum creatinine (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84–0.96) and cholesterol recorded (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.77–0.90) or achieve HbA1c (≤ 10.0%; OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.82–0.91) and cholesterol targets (≤ 5.0 mmol/l; OR 0.83, 95%CI 0.77–0.90).

Conclusion  The introduction of the nGMS contract was associated with a rise in the recording of patients with diabetes and the recording of diabetes‐related quality indicators. However, women have not benefited equally from the nGMS contract. Strategies are needed to further improve the ascertainment of quality measures and care for women with diabetes, to lessen the potential burden of morbidity amongst female patients in the community.
Glycation of paraoxonase‐1 inhibits its activity and impairs the ability of high‐density lipoprotein to metabolize membrane lipid hydroperoxides
Authors: Mastorikou M. , Mackness B. , Liu Y. , Mackness M.
Published: August 2008

Aims  High‐density lipoprotein (HDL) protects against atherosclerosis development. Defective functioning of HDL in Type 2 diabetes may be one cause of increased cardiovascular disease associated with Type 2 diabetes. HDL modulates low‐density lipoprotein and cell membrane oxidation through the action of paraoxonase‐1 (PON1), which is one of the major mechanisms by which HDL is anti‐atherogenic.

Methods  We have compared the ability of HDL from Type 2 diabetic patients without coronary heart disease (CHD) (n = 36) to metabolize membrane lipid hydroperoxides with HDL from healthy control subjects (n = 19) and people with CHD but no diabetes (n = 37).

Results  HDL from subjects with Type 2 diabetes and CHD metabolized 20% less membrane hydroperoxides than HDL from control subjects (P < 0.05). The PON1‐192RR was least efficient in all the study groups. PON1 was glycated in vivo: (7.5% control, 12% CHD, 17% Type 2 diabetes P < 0.01) with QQ isoforms most glycated. In vitro glycation of PON1 reduced its ability to metabolize membrane hydroperoxides by 50% (P < 0.001); however, glyoxidation reduced it by 80% (P < 0.001). In the control group only there was a significant negative correlation between PON1 activity and the ability of HDL to metabolize membrane hydroperoxides (r = −0.911, P < 0.001).

Conclusions  HDL from Type 2 diabetic patients without CHD has decreased ability to metabolize membrane lipid hydroperoxides, which could lead to increased susceptibility to cardiovascular disease.
INTRODUCTION—RE‐THINKING DIONYSIUS THE AREOPAGITE
Authors: COAKLEY SARAH
Published: August 2008

In this Introduction to “Re‐thinking Dionsyius the Areopagite” it is first explained that the volume sets out to illuminate the contemporary interest in “apophaticism” by close comparison with the original project of the CD. However, given the elusiveness and generativity of the Dionysian tradition, this can only be done adequately by also providing a road‐map of the many historic interpretations of the Dionysian corpus, both East and West. Three constellating themes in the volume are then outlined: 1. The (admittedly divisive) importance of Dionysius for the regeneration of both Roman Catholic and Orthodox contemporary theology, in latter‐day riposte to Kantianism; 2. The significance of Dionysius for suggesting a fluid, post‐modern vision of the self; and 3. The importance of a possible re‐reading of Dionysius's impact on both Lutheran and Tridentine spirituality in the era of early modernity.
DIONYSIUS, PAUL AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PSEUDONYM
Authors: STANG CHARLES M.
Published: August 2008

This essay interprets the CD through the lens of the pseudonym, Dionysius the Areopagite, and the corresponding influence of Paul. First, this essay argues that the author of the CD writes under the name of Dionysius the Areopagite in order to suggest that, following Paul, he will effect a new rapprochement between the wisdom of pagan Athens and the revelation of God in Christ. Second, this essay demonstrates how crucial Paul is for Dionysius' own “apophatic anthropology,” that is, his view of how the human self that would solicit union with the “unknown God” must also become somehow “unknown.” Finally, this essay hazards a final hypothesis regarding the significance of the pseudonym: that the practice of pseudonymous writing is itself an ecstatic devotional practice in the service of “unknowing” both God and self.
THE EARLIEST SYRIAC RECEPTION OF DIONYSIUS1
Authors: PERCZEL ISTVÁN
Published: August 2008

This essay examines the earliest Syriac reception of the Corpus Dionysiacum in the first decades of the sixth century. This reception is earlier than the standard Greek reception and moves us closer, I hypothesize, to the original text and context of the CD than do the subsequent Greek edition and commentaries of John of Scythopolis. The principal texts associated with the earliest Syriac reception all betray the influence of “Origenism,” which, I argue, reflects the original milieu of the author of the CD. I conclude this essay with some thoughts on how an acknowledgement of the Origenism of the CD complicates our understanding of “orthodoxy” and “heresy” during this period.
THE MEDIEVAL AFFECTIVE DIONYSIAN TRADITION
Authors: COOLMAN BOYD TAYLOR
Published: August 2008

Thomas Gallus is often credited with introducing an affective innovation in medieval reception of Dionysius. While desire is not absent from the CD, no form of human affectivity plays an explicit role in Moses’ ascent to union with God in the darkness of unknowing, as described in the MT. With Gallus, however, after all knowledge fails, union occurs through love. This innovation was influential, shaping subsequent interpretations of the CD, such as The Cloud of Unknowing. Yet, the subtle interplay of love and knowledge and the complex conception of love's own cognition of God in Gallus’ theology were not generally retained by those whom he influenced.
CUSANUS ON DIONYSIUS: THE TURN TO SPECULATIVE THEOLOGY1
Authors: CASARELLA PETER
Published: August 2008

Nicholas of Cusa owed a substantial debt to Dionysius the Areopagite. The debt is present in On Learned Ignorance (1440) and intensifies in the later works. This essay explores the nature of the debt, focusing on the way in which Cusanus re‐writes the vision he receives from the Areopagite. One discovers in his reading a certain anticipation of the Hegelian dialectic (with which it is ultimately not identical) and a deep continuity with patristic and medieval authorities in areas such as christology and pneumatology. All in all, Cusanus reads the work of Dionysius as the ideal form of speculative theology.
LUTHER AND DIONYSIUS: BEYOND MERE NEGATIONS
Authors: MALYSZ PIOTR J.
Published: August 2008

This article argues that common ground may be found between Dionysius and Luther if one goes beyond the customary “mystical” framework for analyzing Dionysius’ work and views Luther (despite his dismissal of Dionysius as an impostor) as standing in a long line of interpreters who had sought to give Dionysian ideas a more explicitly Christological focus. Specifically, I argue, the similarities lie in Luther's conceptualization of God's hidden presence and the reformer's strongly ontological doctrine of justification. The latter has a procession‐return structure within which the status of the justified person, qua justified, is expressed in terms reminiscent of the Dionysian analogia.
THE RECEPTION OF DIONYSIUS IN TWENTIETH‐CENTURY EASTERN ORTHODOXY
Authors: GAVRILYUK PAUL L.
Published: August 2008

This essay surveys diverse interpretations of the CD by twentieth‐century Eastern Orthodox theologians. This essay argues that the evaluation of Dionysius' contribution crucially depends upon the master narrative within which the CD is considered. For example, for Vladimir Lossky, Dionysius' apophaticism was the “dogmatic ground” of Byzantine mystical theology, whereas according to John Meyendorff, Dionysius' theology was in need of a “Christological corrective” later provided in the theologies of Maximus the Confessor and Gregory Palamas. The points of contact and contrast between Dionysian mystical theology and Russian sophiology are also discussed. Finally, this essay argues that modern Orthodox readings of the CD are characterized by a profound irony: while they are in various degrees indebted to the Western intellectual tradition (as, for example, Christos Yannaras is to Heidegger), Orthodox theologians often use Dionysius to forge an anti‐Western Orthodox theological identity.
The ACR Model: A Multivariate Dynamic Mixture Autoregression*
Authors: Bec Frédérique , Rahbek Anders , Shephard Neil
Published: August 2008

This paper proposes and analyses the autoregressive conditional root (ACR) time‐series model. This multivariate dynamic mixture autoregression allows for non‐stationary epochs. It proves to be an appealing alternative to existing nonlinear models, e.g. the threshold autoregressive or Markov switching class of models, which are commonly used to describe nonlinear dynamics as implied by arbitrage in presence of transaction costs. Simple conditions on the parameters of the ACR process and its innovations are shown to imply geometric ergodicity, stationarity and existence of moments. Furthermore, consistency and asymptotic normality of the maximum likelihood estimators are established. An application to real exchange rate data illustrates the analysis.
Use of the microdialysis technique to assess lipolytic responsiveness of femoral adipose tissue after 12 sessions of mechanical massage technique
Authors: Monteux C , Lafontan M
Published: August 2008

Background  Adipocytes in femoral areas are known to be metabolically ‘silent’. Changes related to fat cell hypertrophy may be involved in the formation of cellulite. A mechanical massage technique, with circulatory and dermotrophic properties, has been shown to have an impact on clinical evaluations (i.e. changes in morphometric measurements) in cellulite areas. Whether this technique affected lipolytic responsiveness in subcutaneous adipose tissue of cellulite areas was not known.

Objective  Using a microdialysis technique in subcutaneous adipose tissue, a study was carried out to test the in situ incidence of a mechanical massage technique in terms of adipose tissue responsiveness to a lipolytic challenge.

Materials and methods  Nine healthy women volunteers with cellulite (grade ≥ 2) were included and treated with 12 sessions of mechanical massage technique (Endermologie®). Microdialysis has been carried out in the femoral adipose tissue in order to assess lipolytic responsiveness via glycerol determination following perfusion of a lipolytic agent (0.1, 1 and 10 µm isoproterenol). Clinical evaluations (measurements of waist, thighs and skin fold) were carried out in parallel. All evaluations were performed before and after treatment.

Results  The studied intervention lowered resting dialysate glycerol levels in femoral adipose tissue. The lipid‐mobilizing effect of isoproterenol was enhanced after 1 month of treatment. In addition, a clear decrease of morphometric measurements (mean decrease on thighs perimeter: 3.1 to 3.3 cm, P < 0.01) was observed.

Conclusion  These results suggest an increase in the lipolytic responsiveness of femoral adipose tissue in women with cellulite having undergone 12 sessions of mechanical massage.
Some brief considerations on the relationship between theory and practice
Authors: Connolly Angela
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  The present crisis in models of training and in psychoanalytical education in general can be linked to the gulf that has come to be created between analytical theory and clinical practice. The paper1 examines the historical facts that have led to this split and suggests the need to return to the models of Freud and Jung. Both these fathers of depth psychology stressed the dangers inherent in the dogmatic use of theory and both insisted that theory must always spring from and be able to account for clinical practice rather than vice versa, as is so often the case today. The paper also looks at how theory should be taught in our analytical institutes in order to ensure that what we transmit to our candidates is not knowledge in the form of dogma but rather a way of proceeding that will enable them to think creatively about their clinical practice and thus produce new knowledge, essential if depth psychology is to remain relevant to our post‐modern culture.
The impact of trauma on the psyche of the individual using the film Belleville Rendez‐vous as an illustrative vehicle
Authors: Waldron Sharn
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  Using the film Belleville Rendez‐vous as a vehicle for discussion, this paper argues that whilst a traumatic complex may bring about dissociation of the psyche, this is not the only possibility, nor is dissociation necessarily to be seen solely as a difficulty to be overcome. If trauma is experienced within the context of support and validation, the experience of trauma may generate integration not only of the trauma but also of the growth potential that the trauma has previously inhibited.
Winnicott's dream: some reflections on D. W. Winnicott and C. G. Jung
Authors: Sedgwick David
Published: August 2008

Abstract: The author discussesD. W. Winnicott's 1964review of C. G. Jung's autobiography,Memories, Dreams, Reflections, emphasizing the psychological effect the reviewing process had on Winnicott himself. Writing the review constellated Winnicott's unconscious, and he reported having a healing dream ‘for Jung and for some of my patients, as well as for myself’. Winnicott's ‘countertransference’ to Jung helped him personally, and the review was Winnicott's first written formulation of his theory on ‘The use of an object’.
Linkage and Association Study of Late‐Onset Alzheimer Disease Families Linked to 9p21.3
Authors: Züchner S. , Gilbert J. R. , Martin E. R. , Leon‐Guerrero C. R. , Xu P.‐T. , Browning C. , Bronson P. G. , Whitehead P. , Schmechel D. E. , Haines J. L. , Pericak‐Vance M. A.
Published: August 2008

A chromosomal locus for late‐onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD) has previously been mapped to 9p21.3. The most significant results were reported in a sample of autopsy‐confirmed families. Linkage to this locus has been independently confirmed in AD families from a consanguineous Israeli‐Arab community. In the present study we analyzed an expanded clinical sample of 674 late‐onset AD families, independently ascertained by three different consortia. Sample subsets were stratified by site and autopsy‐confirmation. Linkage analysis of a dense array of SNPs across the chromosomal locus revealed the most significant results in the 166 autopsy‐confirmed families of the NIMH sample. Peak HLOD scores of 4.95 at D9S741 and 2.81 at the nearby SNP rs2772677 were obtained in a dominant model. The linked region included the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A gene (CDKN2A), which has been suggested as an AD candidate gene. By re‐sequencing all exons in the vicinity of CDKN2A in 48 AD cases, we identified and genotyped four novel SNPs, including a non‐synonymous, a synonymous, and two variations located in untranslated RNA sequences. Family‐based allelic and genotypic association analysis yielded significant results in CDKN2A (rs11515: PDT p = 0.003, genotype‐PDT p = 0.014). We conclude that CDKN2A is a promising new candidate gene potentially contributing to AD susceptibility on chromosome 9p.
Understory Colonization of Eucalyptus Plantations in Hawaii in Relation to Light and Nutrient Levels
Authors: Ostertag Rebecca , Giardina Christian P. , Cordell Susan
Published: August 2008

Exotic tree plantations may serve as catalysts for native forest regeneration in agriculturally degraded landscapes. In 2001, we evaluated plant species regeneration in the understory of a 7‐year‐old experimental Eucalyptus saligna forest in Hawaii approximately 1 year after the cessation of 5 years of herbicide. These forests were organized in a 2 × 2–factorial design of planting density (1 × 1– or 3 × 3–m spacing) and fertilization (unfertilized control and regular fertilization), which resulted in varying resource availabilities. We found that understory biomass was highest under high light conditions, regardless of fertilization treatment, whereas species richness was lowest under fertilized 1 × 1–m plots. The understory was dominated by species exotic to Hawaii. The most common tree species, the noxious weed Citharexylum caudatum, was particularly successful because high light–saturated photosynthesis rates and a low light compensation point allowed for high growth and survival under both light conditions. To assess longer‐term recruitment patterns, we resurveyed a portion of this site in 2006 and also surveyed five Eucalyptus plantations in this region of Hawaii that differed in age (5–23 years), species (E. saligna, E. grandis, E. cloeziana, E. microcorys), and management (experimental, industrial, nonindustrial stewardship); all were established on previous agricultural sites within approximately 3 km of native‐dominated forest. Again, very few native species were present in any of the stands, indicating that within certain landscapes and for native species with certain life history traits, exotic plantations may be ineffective nursery ecosystems for the regeneration of native species.
Spatial Analysis of Effects of Mowing and Burning on Colony Expansion in Reintroduced Black‐Tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus)
Authors: Northcott Jason , Andersen Mark C. , Roemer Gary W. , Fredrickson Ed L. , DeMers Michael , Truett Joe , Ford Paulette L.
Published: August 2008

Factors governing the rate and direction of prairie dog (Cynomys spp.) colony expansion remain poorly understood. However, increased knowledge and ability to control these factors may lead to more effective reintroductions of prairie dogs and restoration of grassland habitats. We present density and directional analyses of the establishment of new burrows on three reintroduced colonies of Black‐tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) in southern New Mexico; the study colonies had been subjected to mow and burn treatments in the second year of the study. Our hypotheses were that prairie dogs will preferentially dig new burrows in the treatment plots versus control plots and that the colonies will expand in the direction of the treatment plots. The results support these hypotheses; analysis of burrow counts by site and treatment shows that prairie dogs preferentially colonized both mow and burn treatments compared to untreated areas at the periphery of the colonies. Directional analysis showed a significant posttreatment orientation of new burrows toward the treatment plots for all colonies. Our results show that the direction of expansion of prairie dog colonies can be manipulated. Effective control of the expansion of prairie dog colonies may lead to more successful reintroductions.
Waste Not, Want Not: The Need to Utilize Existing Artificial Structures for Habitat Improvement Along Urban Rivers
Authors: Francis Robert A. , Hoggart Simon P. G.
Published: August 2008

Urban rivers have often experienced substantial engineering modification and consequently are highly degraded aquatic ecosystems with minimal riparian habitat. Habitat restoration and improvement efforts are needed within urban rivers to support ecological communities and increase ecosystem integrity. Most river restoration techniques are not feasible within large urban rivers, and so there is a need to develop novel methodologies. Artificial structures such as river walls can function as habitat for plant and invertebrate species in urban rivers, and in some cases can be more diverse than remnant habitat. Along the River Thames through central London, plant species richness was found to be significantly higher on river walls than intertidal foreshore, which represents the only remnant habitat for riparian species. Both this survey and other studies have suggested that the physical and environmental characteristics of river walls are likely to influence their capacity to function as ecological habitat, for example, walls composed of more complex construction materials (brick and boulders) being more diverse than simpler structures (concrete and sheet piling). The opportunity exists to use river walls and other artificial structures (e.g., jetties) to improve habitat along urban rivers by installing walls which are designed to be more complex, or by adding modifications to existing walls. Some trial modifications, such as the addition of wall ledges and timber fenders to sheet piling, have been installed at Deptford Creek along the River Thames, and have so far greatly supported the colonization and development of plant communities. The restoration possibilities of such modifications should be considered, and further development and rigorous testing of installations is required in urban rivers to make sound restoration recommendations.
An ‘eruptive’ variant of juvenile xanthogranuloma associated with langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Tran Don T. , Wolgamot Gregory M. , Olerud John , Hurst Stan , Argenyi Zsolt
Published: August 2008

The development of juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) as a sequel to langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) treated with chemotherapy is rare and the hypothesis is intriguing. This is a case of a 19‐year‐old woman who presented with progressive development of tan‐red papules on the axilla and eyelids over a 1.5‐year time span. A biopsy of an axillary lesion showed a prominent dermal infiltrate of foamy histiocytoid cells with occasional Touton‐type multinucleate giant cells, consistent with JXG. Three years later, the patient presented with additional similar papules on the axilla and vulva as well as a painful mass in the pelvic bone and diabetes insipidus with an associated pituitary mass. An iliac crest bone biopsy showed an eosinophil‐rich infiltrate admixed with histiocytoid cells with reniform nuclei, which expressed S100 and CD1a, consistent with a diagnosis of LCH. Nonetheless, an additional axillary papule was once again consistent with JXG, with negative reaction for S100 and CD1a with no Birbeck granules by electron microscopy. This case is unique by the co‐existing presentation of multiple cutaneous JXG lesions and internally confined LCH lesions without an apparently associated chemotherapy, corroborating the concept that JXG and LCH may share a common histogenesis.
Organizational Knowledge Creation in the Chinese Context
Authors: Walsh Ian J. , Bhatt Mamta , Bartunek Jean M.
Published: August 2008

This paper elaborates theories of organizational knowledge creation by exploring the implications of institutional change for organizational knowledge creation in Chinese organizations of different ownership forms. Using a dynamic institutional perspective, we discuss prominent characteristics of the Chinese context and develop propositions about knowledge creation patterns in different organizational forms. We also theorize about the effects of increasing institutionalization on patterns of organizational knowledge creation in China and the consequent implications for innovation. We conclude with a discussion of the theoretical implications of this model and suggestions for further research.