bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust S1, S2, and thalamic activations in individual subjects with vibrotactile stimulation at 1.5 and 3.0 T
Authors: Chakravarty M. Mallar , Rosa‐Neto Pedro , Broadbent Scott , Evans Alan C. , Collins D. Louis
Published: June 2008

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is often used to enhance visualization and provide target localization during the planning phase of neurosurgical procedures. Although parametric maps have been used to identify areas of eloquent cortex such as the primary (S1) and secondary (S2) somatosensory areas for tumor surgery, to date, few fMRI methods exist to localize subcortical targets for surgical interventions used to treat movement disorders. The scanning time required to obtain statistically significant functional signals must be balanced against the possibility of movement artifacts and patient discomfort. We propose a vibrotactile stimulation technique to activate the somatosensory pathway for neurosurgical planning and perform a sensitivity analysis to determine the amount of time required to achieve significant activations of S1, S2, and sensory thalamus in individual subjects. Bilateral stimulation experiments were carried out on two MRI scanners (n = 13 at 1.5 T; n = 5 at 3.0 T). The analysis demonstrates that statistically significant functional activations can be achieved in clinically acceptable times: 16 min at 1.5 T (26/26 experiments) and 6 min at 3.0 T (10/10) for S1 activations; 24 min at 1.5 T (22/26) and 18 min at 3.0 T for S2 activations (9/10); and 32 min at 1.5 T (15/26) and 18 min at 3.0 T (10/10) for activation of thalamic nuclei. These results demonstrate that S1 and S2 activations are robust at 1.5 and 3.0 T, and that robust thalamic activations in individual subjects are possible at 3.0 T. These techniques demonstrate that this technique can be used for preoperative planning for surgical candidates. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multivariate Granger causality analysis of fMRI data
Authors: Deshpande Gopikrishna , LaConte Stephan , James George Andrew , Peltier Scott , Hu Xiaoping
Published: June 2008

This article describes the combination of multivariate Granger causality analysis, temporal down‐sampling of fMRI time series, and graph theoretic concepts for investigating causal brain networks and their dynamics. As a demonstration, this approach was applied to analyze epoch‐to‐epoch changes in a hand‐gripping, muscle fatigue experiment. Causal influences between the activated regions were analyzed by applying the directed transfer function (DTF) analysis of multivariate Granger causality with the integrated epoch response as the input, allowing us to account for the effects of several relevant regions simultaneously. Integrated responses were used in lieu of originally sampled time points to remove the effect of the spatially varying hemodynamic response as a confounding factor; using integrated responses did not affect our ability to capture its slowly varying affects of fatigue. We separately modeled the early, middle, and late periods in the fatigue. We adopted graph theoretic concepts of clustering and eccentricity to facilitate the interpretation of the resultant complex networks. Our results reveal the temporal evolution of the network and demonstrate that motor fatigue leads to a disconnection in the related neural network. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
My third arm: Shifts in topography of the somatosensory homunculus predict feeling of an artificial supernumerary arm
Authors: Schaefer Michael , Heinze Hans‐Jochen , Rotte Michael
Published: June 2008

The classic understanding of the role of the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) is to be a first major unimodal area processing somatosensory input and reflecting the physical location of peripheral stimulation in the form of the famous homunculus. Whereas in the past this functional topography was believed to be fixed, recent studies challenge this view. For example, in upper extremity amputees the cortical representation of the mouth was found to invade the region that formerly represented the amputated limb. Moreover, several studies demonstrated dynamic modulations of the body map in SI by tactile illusions. The present study aims to further explore the role of SI by creating an illusion of feeling a supernumerary artificial limb. Using an artificial hand and arm that were connected to their body, subjects were given the visual impression that they had a supernumerary third arm. The topography in SI was examined with neuromagnetic source localization. Results revealed that the participants not only viewed the artificial arm but felt to have three arms. Thus, a simple visuo‐tactile illusion evoked feelings of ownership of a supernumerary body part. Furthermore, during the illusion the cortical representation of the thumb shifted to a more medial and superior position. Because this modulation in SI could predict the strength of the feeling that the third arm was belonging to the own body, the results suggest that the somatosensory homunculus is reflecting the perceived shape of the body rather than physical aspects of peripheral stimulation even when feeling an artificial third arm. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of unilateral and bilateral complex finger tapping‐related activation in premotor and primary motor cortex
Authors: Horenstein Craig , Lowe Mark J. , Koenig Katherine A. , Phillips Micheal D.
Published: June 2008

Sixteen healthy right‐handed subjects performed a complex finger‐tapping task that broadly activates the motor and premotor regions, including primary motor (M1), ventral premotor (PMv), and dorsal premotor (PMd) cortex. This task was performed with the right hand only, left hand only and both hands simultaneously. Behavioral performance and the possibility of mirror movements were controlled through the use of MRI‐compatible gloves to monitor finger movements. Using spatially normalized ROIs from the Human Motor Area Template (HMAT), comparisons were made of the spatial extent and location of activation in the left and right motor regions between all three tasks. During unilateral right and left hand tapping, ipsilateral precentral gyrus activation occurred in all subjects, mainly in the PMv and PMd. Ipsilateral M1 activation was less consistent and shifted anteriorly within M1, towards the border of M1 and premotor cortex. Regions of ipsilateral activation were also activated during contralateral and bilateral tasks. Overall, 83%/70%/58% of the ipsilaterally activated voxels in M1/PMd/PMv were also activated during contralateral and bilateral tapping. The mean percent signal change of spatially overlapping activated voxels was similar in PMv and PMd between all three tasks. However, the mean percent signal change of spatially overlapping M1 activation was significantly less during ipsilateral tapping compared with contra‐ or bilateral tapping. Results suggest that the ipsilateral fMRI activation in unilateral motor tasks may not be inhibitory in nature, but rather may reflect part of a bilateral network involved in the planning and/or execution of tapping in the ipsilateral hand. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 stimulates vasculogenesis and enhances Ewing's sarcoma tumor growth in the absence of vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: Reddy Krishna , Zhou Zhichao , Jia Shu‐Fang , Lee Tim H. , Morales‐Arias Jaime , Cao Ying , Kleinerman Eugenie S.
Published: June 2008

Stromal cell‐derived Factor‐1α (SDF‐1α) stimulates the migration of bone marrow (BM) cells, similar to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We previously demonstrated that inhibition of VEGF165 by small interfering RNA inhibited Ewing's sarcoma tumor growth, tumor vessel formation and recruitment of BM cells to the tumor. To determine the importance of BM cells in tumor vessel development, we investigated the effects of SDF‐1α on VEGF‐inhibited TC/siVEGF7‐1 Ewing's tumor neovasculature formation and growth. The effect of SDF‐1α on CD34+ progenitor cell chemotaxis was determined in vivo. Using a BM transplantation model with GFP+ transgenic mice as BM donors and nude mice as recipients, we evaluated the effect of SDF‐1α on the recruitment of BM‐derived cells to VEGF165‐inhibited TC/siVEGF7‐1 tumors, as well as its effect on neovasculature development, vessel morphology and tumor growth. SDF‐1α stimulated the migration of CD34+ progenitor cells to Matrigel plugs in vivo and promoted the retainment of BM‐derived pericytes in close association with perfused, functional tumor vessels. Intratumor inoculation of Ad‐SDF‐1α into TC/siVEGF7‐1 tumors resulted in increased SDF‐1 and PDGF‐BB expression, augmented tumor growth, an increase in the number of large, lumen‐bearing vascular structures, and enhanced vessel pericyte coverage, with no change in VEGF165. SDF‐1α stimulates BM cell chemotaxis and the association of these cells with functional tumor vessels. Furthermore, SDF‐1α enhances tumor neovascularization and growth with no alteration in VEGF165. Our work suggests that SDF‐1‐mediated vasculogenesis may represent an alternate pathway that could potentially be utilized by tumors to sustain growth and neovasculature expansion after anti‐VEGF therapy. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Breast cancer and microbial cancer incidence in female populations around the world: A surprising hyperbolic association
Authors: Savu Anamaria , Potter John , Li Suwen , Yasui Yutaka
Published: June 2008

Current literature on cancer epidemiology typically discusses etiology of cancer by cancer type. Risks of different cancer types are, however, correlated at population level and may provide etiological clues. We showed previously an unexpected very high positive correlation between breast cancer (BC) and young‐adult Hodgkin disease incidence rates. In a population‐based case–control study of BC, older ages at the first Epstein–Barr virus exposure, indicated by older ages at onset of infectious mononucleosis, were associated with elevated BC risk. Here we examine BC risk in association with microbial cancer (MC) risk in female populations across the world. MC cancers are cervical, liver and stomach cancers with established causal associations with human papillomaviruses, hepatitis viruses, and helicobacter pylori, respectively. We examined age‐adjusted BC and MC incidence rates in 74 female populations around the world with cancer registries. Our analysis suggests that BC and MC rates are inversely associated in a special mathematical form such that the product of BC rate and MC rate is approximately constant across world female populations. A differential equation model with solutions consistent to the observed inverse association was derived. BC and MC rates were modeled as functions of an exposure level to unspecified common factors that influence the 2 rates. In conjunction with previously reported evidence, we submit a hypothesis that BC etiology may have an appreciable link with microbial exposures (and/or immunological responses to them), the lack of which, especially in early life, may elevate BC risk. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Irrigation in the Texas High Plains: a brief history and potential reductions in demand
Authors: Colaizzi P. D. , Gowda P. H. , Marek T. H. , Porter D. O.
Published: June 2008

Irrigation for crop production in the semi‐arid Texas High Plains is dependent on groundwater withdrawals from the Ogallala Aquifer, which is declining because withdrawals exceed natural recharge. Irrigation development in the region accelerated during the 1950s. Both irrigated area and volume pumped peaked in 1974 and steadily declined during 1974–1989. By 2004, however, irrigated area was nearly the same as it was in 1958, and volume pumped had increased slightly. Several strategies to reduce groundwater withdrawals were reviewed without any reductions in irrigated land area or crop productivity. The most promising evaluated were: (1) increasing weather‐based irrigation scheduling using the Texas High Plains Evapotranspiration Network (TXHPET); (2) converting gravity‐irrigated land (27% of total) to centre pivot irrigation; and (3) replacing high‐water to lower‐water demand crops (i.e., corn to cotton). If the land area using the TXHPET network was doubled, and if gravity‐irrigated lands were reduced to 10%, groundwater withdrawals could be reduced by 14%. An additional reduction of 8% may be possible by converting half of the irrigated corn area to cotton. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of arterial ischemia and venous congestion on the lumbar nerve root in dogs
Authors: Kobayashi Shigeru , Takeno Kenichi , Miyazaki Tsuyoshi , Kubota Masafumi , Shimada Seichior , Yayama Takafumi , Uchida Kenzo , Normura Eiki , Mwaka Erisa , Baba Hisatoshi
Published: June 2008

The development of radiculopathy in patients with lumbar canal stenosis is thought to be closely related to intraradicular edema resulting from compression. However, there is little agreement as to question which is more essential for intermittent claudication: ischemia or congestion. The aim of the present experimental investigation was to examine the effect of ischemia and congestion on the nerve root using dogs. The aorta was clamped as an ischemia model of the nerve root and the inferior vena cava was clamped as a congestion model at the sixth costal level for 30 min using forceps transpleurally. Measurements of blood flow, partial oxygen pressure, and conduction velocity in the nerve root were repeated over a period of 1 h after release of clamping. Finally, we examined the status of intraradicular blood–nerve barrier under fluorescence and transmission electron microscope. Immediately after clamping of the inferior vena cava, the central venous pressure increased by about four times and marked extravasation of protein tracers was induced in the lumbar nerve root. Blood flow, partial oxygen pressure, and conduction velocity of the nerve root were more severely affected by aorta clamp, but this ischemia model did not show any intraradicular edema. The blood–nerve barrier in the nerve root was more easily broken by venous congestion than by arterial ishemia. In conclusion, venous congestion may be an essential factor precipitating circulatory disturbance in compressed nerve roots and inducing neurogenic intermittent claudication. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1533–1540, 2008
Radical neck dissection: Preserving the distal spinal accessory nerve based on its cervical plexus contribution
Authors: Aravind R. , Kathiresan N.
Published: June 2008

In an effort to overcome shoulder morbidity from the classical radical neck dissection, modifications preserving the entire spinal accessory nerve, were described. When there are metastatic upper jugular nodes with potential extracapsular spread, modifications that preserve the entire XI nerve may be oncologically unsafe. We describe a technique wherein the XI nerve is preserved based on the contribution from the cervical plexus, while allowing resection of the proximal part of the nerve en bloc with the specimen. This modification may preserve useful trapezius function without compromising oncological safety. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:200–201. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlations of the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor B and its isoforms in hepatocellular carcinoma with clinico‐pathological parameters
Authors: Kanda Mitsuro , Nomoto Shuji , Nishikawa Yoko , Sugimoto Hiroaki , Kanazumi Naohito , Takeda Shin , Nakao Akimasa
Published: June 2008

Background

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is involved in the growth of cancer cells through angiogenesis. At present the role of VEGF‐B has not been clarified completely. We investigated correlations of the expression of VEGF‐B and its isoforms, VEGF‐B167 and VEGF‐B186, by alternative splicing in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with the pathological findings and prognosis.

Methods

Forty‐eight patients with HCC were investigated. We examined the mRNA expression of total VEGF‐B, VEGF‐B167 and VEGF‐B186 in primary HCC and non‐cancerous tissues using quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis.

Results

In 16 (33.3%) of 48 HCCs, the expression of total VEGF‐B increased compared with the corresponding non‐cancerous liver tissues. Regarding the isoforms, the expression of VEGF‐B167 and VEGF‐B186 was increased in 17 (35.4%) of 48 and 33 (68.75%) of 48 HCCs, respectively. Cases with high expression level of total VEGF‐B in HCC significantly correlated with the advanced pathological stage (P < 0.018), tumor multiplicity (P < 0.033), vascular invasion (P < 0.045) and lack of capsule formation (P < 0.027). The result in VEGF‐B167 was similar to total VEGF‐B.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that the expression of VEGF‐B is correlated with tumor growth and invasiveness in HCC. VEGF‐B167 seemed to be the clinically dominant isoform. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:190–196. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenases and cytidine‐deaminase gene polymorphisms as outcome predictors in resected gastric cancer patients treated with fluoropyrimidine adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Grau Juan J. , Caballero Miguel , Monzó Mariano , Muñoz‐García Carmen , Domingo‐Domenech Jose , Navarro Alfons , Conill Carlos , Campayo Marc , Bombí Jose A.
Published: June 2008

Background and Objectives

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenases gene (DPYD) induces dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase enzyme (DPD) deficiency resulting in increased activity of 5‐fluorouracil derivatives. Cytidine‐deaminase gene (CDA) polymorphisms have been involved in prognosis in experimental tumours.

Methods

Analysis of 50 consecutive resected gastric cancer patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy with Tegafur for polymorphisms of genes DPYD1 (A/G; Ile543Val), DPYD2 (C/T; Arg29Cys) and CDA (A/C; Lys27Gin). The status of alleles (wild‐type or at least one polymorphism) was correlated with outcome and toxicity.

Results

Polymorphisms frequencies wild‐type/non‐wild‐type were 36/14 in DPYD1 (A/G; Ile543Val); 26/24 in DPYD2 (C/T; Arg29Cys); and 17/23 in CDA (A/C; Lys27Gin) or between homozygous/heterozygous were 39/11 in DPYD1; 33/17 in DPYD2 and 26/24 in CDA respectively. After 77 months of median follow‐up (SD = 26.3), 18 patients died of tumour relapse. Better survival was observed in DPYD1 patients only, for non‐wild‐type over wild‐type (P = 0.0214); and in patients with one or more heterozygous polymorphisms in any of the three genes tested (P = 0.0017). In 10 pts (20%) total dose was reduced by toxicity, only 3 of them were homozygous.

Conclusions

Gene polymorphisms of DPYD and CDA predict survival of gastric cancer patients treated with 5‐fluorouracil‐based adjuvant chemotherapy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:130–134. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Micro‐ and nanooptics – an overview
Authors: Jahns J. , Cao Q. , Sinzinger S.
Published: June 2008

Since the 1960s the minimum feature size of lithographic fabrication has shrunk from tens of micrometers to now a few nanometers, i.e. by one order of magnitude per decade. With the adaptation of lithographic techniques to the fabrication of optical elements, first micro‐ and more recently nanostructured optics was shown to be both feasible and useful. However, the incredibly shrinking feature size down to the scale of the optical wavelength and below does not only represent a quantitative measure, but it stands for qualitatively different optical phenomena that occur in the subwavelength regime. In that regard, micro‐ and nanooptics are two different worlds. Their common feature, however, is the succession of steps: computer‐based design, modeling and simulation, fabrication and technology, characterization and application. We review recent progress in micro‐ and nanooptics by describing the state‐of‐the art and by emphasizing specific areas of interest.
Total antioxidant capacity and content of flavonoids and other phenolic compounds in canihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule): An Andean pseudocereal
Authors: Peñarrieta J. Mauricio , Alvarado J. Antonio , Åkesson Björn , Bergenståhl Björn
Published: June 2008

Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenolic compounds (TPH), total flavonoids (TF) and individual phenolic compounds were determined in canihua collected at approx. 3850 m altitude. The TAC values varied among samples from 2.7 to 44.7 by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method and from 1.8 to 41 by the 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS) method expressed as μmol of Trolox equivalents/g dw. The content of TPH was 12.4–71.2 μmol gallic acid equivalents/g dw and that of the TF ranged between 2.2 and 11.4 μmol of catechin equivalents/g dw. The data obtained by the four methods showed several significant correlations. Prior to analysis by HPLC, the samples were subjected to acid hydrolysis and in the water‐soluble extracts this led to an up to 20‐fold increase in the TAC values in comparison with the values of the nonhydrolysed samples. HPLC analysis showed the presence of eight major compounds identified as catechin gallate, catechin, vanillic acid, kaempferol, ferulic acid, quercetin, resorcinol and 4‐methylresorcinol. Their estimated contribution to the TAC value (FRAP method) indicated that resorcinols contributed most of the antioxidant capacity of the water‐soluble extract. The results show that canihua is a potential source of natural antioxidant compounds and other bioactive compounds which can be important for human health.
Lycopene inhibits growth of human colon cancer cells via suppression of the Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Tang Feng‐Yao , Shih Chung‐Jin , Cheng Li‐Hao , Ho Hsin‐Jung , Chen Hung‐Jiun
Published: June 2008

The aberrant regulation of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt survival signaling pathway in cancer has prompted significant interest in suppression of this pathway to treat cancer. Previous studies identified an important role for phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt in colon cancer progression. Lycopene, a major component in tomato, exhibited potential anti‐carcinogenic activity. Consumption of tomato has been associated with reduced risk of several types of human cancer. However, the inhibitory mechanisms of lycopene on the proliferation of human colon cancer have not been studied well yet. Thus we investigated the inhibitory effects of lycopene on the Akt signaling pathway in human colon cancer HT‐29 cells. Lycopene inhibited cell proliferation in human colon cancer HT‐29 cells with a IC50 value of 10 μM. Lycopene treatment suppressed Akt activation and non‐phosphorylated β‐catenin protein level in human colon cancer cells. Immunocytochemical results indicated that lycopene increased the phosphorylated form of β‐catenin proteins. These effects were also associated with reduced promoter activity and protein expression of cyclin D1. Furthermore, lycopene significantly increased nuclear cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p27kip abundance and inhibited phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein in human colon cancer cells. In conclusion, lycopene inhibited cell proliferation of human colon cancer cells via suppression of the Akt signaling pathway and downstream targeted molecules.
Partial outlet obstruction of the rabbit urinary bladder induces selective protein oxidation
Authors: Siflinger‐Birnboim Alma , Levin Robert M. , Hass Martha A.
Published: June 2008

Aims

Oxidation of proteins is presumed to contribute to contractile dysfunction associated with partial outlet obstruction (PBOO) of the urinary bladder. The objective of this study was to determine the acute and chronic effects of PBOO on protein oxidation in urinary bladder detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) and mucosa, and to correlate these findings with in vitro contractile function.

Methods

Urinary bladders of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were obstructed for 1, 3, 7 and 14 days. Proteins were extracted from the bladder tissues and protein carbonyl formation was assessed using immunoblot assays. In vitro contractile response to field stimulation (32 Hz) and carbachol was evaluated in whole bladder strips at the same time points.

Results

Significant elevations in oxidation of DSM proteins were observed in the MW range of 29–65 kDa after 3 days and 14 days of obstruction. No changes in the oxidative status of mucosal proteins were detected as a result of short or long term obstruction. The intermediate filament protein, desmin (53–55 kDa) was detected in obstructed DSM samples in the same MW range as oxidized proteins. A significant decrease in contractile response to field stimulation and carbachol was observed after 1 day and 3‐days respectively, and continued to deteriorate through 14 days.

Conclusion

The increase in protein oxidation at 14‐days of obstruction correlates with impaired bladder contractility, suggesting that oxidatively modified proteins may contribute to the contractile and biochemical dysfunction associated with PBOO. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:532–539, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dissociation behaviors of carboxyl and amine groups on carboxymethyl‐chitosan in aqueous system
Authors: Wang Ling Chong , Chen Xi Guang , Liu Cheng Sheng , Li Pi Wu , Zhou Ying Min
Published: June 2008

Several carboxymethyl‐chitosan (CMCS) samples with different deacetylation degree and/or substituted degree were prepared from the carboxymethylation reaction of chitosan under soft conditions. The products were dissolved in standard HCl aqueous solution to carry out potentiometric titration by using NaOH as titrating solution at different ionic strengths. Then the dissociation behaviors of protonated carboxyl and amine groups were investigated under their degree of dissociation (α) and protonation constant (pKα) had been calculated. Moreover, influences of the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters on the dissociation behavior of CMCS were also considered in this article. As a result, dissociations of carboxyl and amine on CMCS exhibited unusual behaviors in comparison with carboxyl of carboxymethyl‐cellulose and amine groups of chitosan, respectively. The pKα values of carboxyl declined slightly at early dissociation stage but subsequently maintained constant. In contrast, the pKα of ammonium increased with its dissociation degree despite that there was an inflexed change on its dissociation curve. The potentiometric behavior of carboxyl was hardly affected by variation of deacetylation degree or substituted degree. However, these intrinsic parameters played more important role on dissociations of ammonium on CMCS. The ionic strength of media could bring screening effect on dissociaciation of both sorts of ionizable groups of CMCS. By increasing the ionic strength of media, screening effect on dissociations increased significantly. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1419–1429, 2008
Rate, placement and timing of aldicarb applications to control Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), in oranges
Authors: Qureshi Jawwad A , Stansly Philip A
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND: The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is a cosmopolitan insect pest of citrus and vectors the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, a suspected causal organism of citrus greening or ‘huanglongbing’ disease. Aldicarb 150 g kg−1 GR (Temik® 15 G) was evaluated at three rates, two placements and three timings for ACP control in orange trees.

RESULTS: Application of aldicarb at 5.6, 2.8 and 1.4 kg AI ha−1 in March 2006 reduced adults by 58–66%, 45–46% and 25–37% respectively compared with untreated controls in two separate trials. No difference was observed in placement (one versus two sides of the tree) or tree size (8 years old versus 12 years old). Application at 5.6 kg ha−1 in January 2007 reduced adults by 86% and shoot infestation by 77% in spring, and was generally better than the November and especially February applications. Even more striking results were evident on adults caged on treated plants for 25 days in March. Spiders and ladybeetles were equally abundant in treated and untreated trees.

CONCLUSION: Aldicarb application at 5.6 kg ha−1 to the bed side of mature citrus trees 2–3 months before spring growth can suppress ACP through spring without a direct effect on principal psyllid natural enemies. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of insecticide treatments on Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and their influence on the mycotoxin contamination of maize kernels
Authors: Saladini Matteo A , Blandino Massimo , Reyneri Amedeo , Alma Alberto
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND: European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), is the main maize pest in Central and Southern Europe and promotes the infection of maize with Fusarium spp., which produce mycotoxins. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of insecticide treatments on ECB damage, Fusarium infection and mycotoxin contamination. The field experiments were performed from 2000 to 2006 in three locations in north‐western Italy. At harvest, ears were rated for the incidence and severity of ECB damage and Fusarium ear rot symptoms, and the harvested kernels were analysed for fumonisins and zearalenone.

RESULTS: In all the years except 2003, the chemical treatment had a significant effect on ECB incidence and severity. The ear damage was reduced, on average, by 44.1%. Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin contamination were affected by ECB control. The occurrence of the mycotoxin was significantly reduced, on average by 68%. The differences between the treatments were less clear in the year with highest ECB pressure. No significant difference was observed between the different insecticide classes. No relations were detected between the ECB activity and the occurrence of zearalenone.

CONCLUSION: This research indicates that the production of kernels with low fumonisin content may be enhanced by an insecticide treatment against the second ECB generation. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Collision‐induced dissociation of three groups of hydroxamate siderophores: ferrioxamines, ferrichromes and coprogens/fusigens
Authors: Mawji Edward , Gledhill Martha , Worsfold Paul J. , Achterberg Eric P.
Published: June 2008

The behaviour of a series of hydroxamate siderophores – microbially produced iron complexes – was investigated using electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). Three groups of iron hydroxamate siderophores, namely the ferrioxamines, ferrichromes and coprogens/fusigens, were separated by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) prior to ESI and MS2 fragmentation. For the majority of the siderophores, both protonated molecules and sodium adducts were observed. The most abundant ion was selected for collision‐induced fragmentation. Potential fragmentation mechanisms are postulated and discussed. Fragmentation patterns differed between siderophore groups; however, common fragmentation patterns were observed for siderophore ions within the groups examined. Cleavage frequently occurred at carbon–nitrogen or carbon–oxygen bonds. Fragmentation of the ions also involved cleavage of iron–oxygen bonds and transfer of the charge to iron. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using selective, short‐term memory to improve resilience against DDoS exhaustion attacks
Authors: Liao Qi , Cieslak David A. , Striegel Aaron D. , Chawla Nitesh V.
Published: June 2008

Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks originating from botnets can quickly bring normally effective web services to a screeching halt. This paper presents SESRAA (selective short‐term randomized acceptance algorithms), an adaptive scheme for maintaining web service despite the presence of multifaceted attacks in a noisy environment. In contrast to existing solutions that rely upon ‘clean’ training data, we presume that a live web service environment makes finding such training data difficult if not impossible. SESRAA functions much like a battlefield surgeon's triage: focusing on quickly and efficiently salvaging good connections with the realization that the chaotic nature of the live environment implicitly limits the accuracy of such detections. SESRAA employs an adaptivek‐means clustering approach using short‐term extraction and limited centroid evolution to defend the legitimate connections in a mixed attack environment. We present the SESRAA approach and evaluate its performance through experimental studies in a diverse attack environment. The results show significant improvements against a wide variety of DDoS configurations and input traffic patterns. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Omentum‐Preserving Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ha Tae Kyung , An Ji Yeong , Youn Ho Geun , Noh Jae Hyung , Sohn Tae Sung , Kim Sung
Published: June 2008

Background

The omentum has variable functions in surgical procedures. Nevertheless, there is very little information about the effect of omentum on abdominal complications after gastrectomy. The purpose of the present study was to determine the outcome of omentum‐preserving gastrectomy for early gastric cancer.

Methods

We evaluated 1,116 patients who had a gastrectomy for early gastric cancer between the years 2004 and 2006; 992 patients underwent conventional gastrectomy (CG), and 124 patients had an omentum‐preserving gastrectomy (OPG). These cases were analyzed retrospectively. The early and late abdominal complications were compared between the CG and OPG groups.

Results

The results of the study show no significant differences between the early abdominal complications in the CG and OPG groups. However, the late abdominal complication rate in the OPG was significantly lower than the CG (p = 0.026). The most common risk factor associated with early abdominal complications was type of operation. The combination of CG and early abdominal complication represented a statistically significant risk for late abdominal complications (p = 0.026, 0.031 respectively).

Conclusion

The findings of this study demonstrate that the omentum‐preserving gastrectomy in the treatment of early gastric cancer showed a lower rate of abdominal complications compared to the conventional gastrectomy.
Adductor release and chemodenervation in children with cerebral palsy: A pilot study in 16 children
Authors: Khot Abhay , Sloan Samuel , Desai Sameer , Harvey Adrienne , Wolfe Rory , Graham H Kerr
Published: June 2008

Purpose

A pilot study with short-term outcomes of a combined surgical and medical intervention for management of generalized lower limb spasticity, hip displacement and contractures of adductors in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of 16 children (9 boys and 7 girls) aged 2–6 years with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy was performed. At entry, 5 were classified as level III and 11 as level IV, according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). The intervention consisted of surgical lengthening of adductor longus and gracilis combined with the phenolization of the anterior branch of the obturator nerve, using 1 ml of 6% phenol, applied under direct vision at the time of lengthening of adductor longus. The hamstring and calf muscles were each injected with Botulinum neurotoxin A at a dose of 4 U/kg/muscle. Serial clinical (hip, knee, ankle joint range of motion), radiographic (migration percentage) and functional data—taken from a functional mobility scale (FMS) or GMFCS—were collected at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post-operatively.

Results

There was a significant increase in hip abduction, knee extension (popliteal angle) and ankle dorsiflexion, maintained for 24 months; mean hip migration percentage decreased from 29 to 21% ( P < 0.001). Using a validated mobility scale, significant improvements were noted in gross motor function. There were no complications related to the intervention.

Conclusions

The combined surgical–medical intervention resulted in a reduction of spastic hip subluxation and improvements in gross motor function, as determined by the FMS. The combined intervention is, thus, useful as a temporizing measure, before definitive decisions are made considering such interventions as dorsal rhizotomy, intrathecal baclofen and single-event, multilevel surgery.
MafG controls the hypoxic response of cells by accumulating HIF‐1α in the nuclei
Authors: Ueda Koji , Xu Jing , Morimoto Haruka , Kawabe Atsumi , Imaoka Susumu
Published: June 2008

MINT‐6550898:

HIF1A (uniprotkb:Q16665) physically interacts (MI:0218) with MAFG (uniprotkb:Q9BRP3) by two hybrid (MI:0018)

MINT‐6550966:

HIF1A (uniprotkb:Q16665) physically interacts (MI:0218) with HSP90 alpha (uniprotkb:P07900) by surface plasmon resonance (MI:0107)

MINT‐6550948:

HIF1A (uniprotkb:Q16665) physically interacts (MI:0218) with MAFK (uniprotkb:A5PLQ5) by surface plasmon resonance (MI:0107)

MINT‐6550925:

HIF1A (uniprotkb:Q16665) physically interacts (MI:0218) with MAFG (uniprotkb:Q9BRP3) by surface plasmon resonance (MI:0107)

MINT‐6550912:

MAFG (uniprotkb:Q9BRP3) and HIF1A (uniprotkb:Q16665) physically interact (MI:0218) by fluorescence microscopy (MI:0416)

MINT‐6550980:

HIF1A (uniprotkb:Q16665) physically interacts (MI:0218) with HSP90 beta (uniprotkb:P08238) by surface plasmon resonance (MI:0107)
Separable Functors and Formal Smoothness
Authors: Ardizzoni Alessandro
Published: June 2008

The natural problem we approach in the present paper is to show how the notion of formally smooth (co)algebra inside monoidal categories can substitute that of (co)separable (co)algebra in the study of splitting bialgebra homomorphisms. This is performed investigating the relation between formal smoothness and separability of certain functors and led to other results related to Hopf algebra theory. Between them we prove that the existence ofad-(co)invariant integrals for a Hopf algebraHis equivalent to the separability of some forgetful functors. In the finite dimensional case, this is also equivalent to the separability of the Drinfeld DoubleD(H)overH. Hopf algebras which are formally smooth as (co)algebras are characterized. We prove that if π :E→His a bialgebra surjection with nilpotent kernel such thatHis a Hopf algebra which is formally smooth as aK-algebra, then π has a section which is a rightH-colinear algebra homomorphism. Moreover, ifHis also endowed with anad-invariant integral, then this section can be chosen to beH-bicolinear. We also deal with the dual case.
‘… dass sie meine Herrlichkeit schauen’ (Joh 17.24) Zu Hintergrund, Sinn und Funktion der johanneischen Rede von der δοξα Jesu
Authors: FREY JÖRG
Published: June 2008

The idea of δοξα is a crucial theme of the Fourth Gospel and a test case for scholarly approaches. Starting from two recent monographs, the article develops the central issues to be discussed. In debate with the approaches of Bultmann, Käsemann, and Bornkamm, it is shown that the Johannine narrative is focussed on the act of ‘glorification’ in Jesus' hour, which the author considers foretold in Isaiah and in which the universal salvation is rooted. The Johannine image of Christ as revealing his glory during his earthly ministry is, therefore, a retrojection from the post-Easter perspective. Even more is the notion of his preexistent glory a final consequence rooted in the view of the glorification of the crucified one in his ‘hour’.
Augustine's Adoption of the Vulgate Gospels
Authors: HOUGHTON H. A. G.
Published: June 2008

This paper examines Augustine's text of the Gospel according to John to trace the process by which he adopted Jerome's revision of the Gospels. An important feature is the distinction between ‘primary citations’ taken from a codex and ‘secondary citations’ likely to have been made from memory, which change affiliation at different rates. Augustine's progress from Old Latin to Vulgate text-types is illustrated by the comparison of selected passages with surviving manuscripts. Textual variants in these citations suggest that Augustine's biblical text has been transmitted accurately.
Causes of rapid mixing at a junction of two large rivers: Río Paraná and Río Paraguay, Argentina
Authors: Lane S. N. , Parsons D. R. , Best J. L. , Orfeo O. , Kostaschuk R. A. , Hardy R. J.
Published: June 2008

Airborne and satellite observations show that when large rivers join they can take hundreds of kilometers to mix completely but, on occasion, may mix very rapidly. Application of established semitheoretical analyses shows that long mixing lengths should be expected. The first measurements of mixing processes at a large river junction (Río Paraná and Río Paraguay, Argentina, combined width ∼2.8 km) are presented at two occasions: first when they mix in >400 km, and second when mixing is complete in only 8 km downstream of the junction. For the case of slower mixing, at‐a‐point surveys showed that mixing driven by turbulent shear associated with a near‐vertical shear layer was restricted to close to the junction (to 0.272 multiples of the postconfluence width downstream). Transect surveys showed penetration of more turbid water from the Río Paraguay underneath the Río Paraná, but this was insufficient to promote more rapid mixing. There was no clear channel‐scale circulation present and slow mixing was compounded by reverse topographic forcing on the mainstream Río Paraná side of the river. This kept more turbid water on the Río Paraguay side of the river, close to the bed. In the case of rapid mixing, we found clear channel‐scale circulation. The momentum ratio between the combining flows reinforced the effects of the discordance in bed height between the tributaries at the confluence and allowed penetration of more turbid Río Paraguay water further across the channel width deeper within the flow. The importance of the interaction between momentum ratio and bed morphology at channel junctions makes mixing rates at the confluence dependent upon basin‐scale hydrological response, which is more likely to differ between large confluent rivers than small rivers, as a result of the different climatic/topographic zones that they may capture.
Role of clay minerals in the physicomechanical deterioration of sandstone
Authors: Jiménez‐González Inmaculada , Rodríguez‐Navarro Carlos , Scherer George W.
Published: June 2008

Extensive weathering suffered by sandstone in natural outcrops as well as in historical buildings could be attributed among other mechanisms to the action of wetting and drying cycles. We have recently shown how to quantify the stresses generated during such cycles to determine whether damage can take place. This procedure is further developed in this paper and applied to the Tarifa sandstone, a sandstone with a 7 wt % content of clay minerals and used in the main façade of the church of San Mateo in Tarifa (Cádiz, Spain) for which the relevant material properties are measured. It is shown that tensile stresses during drying can cause cracking of thin elements and that shear forces can cause buckling of wetted surfaces more generally, eventually resulting in scaling and/or contour scaling. These predictions are supported by visual observations on the monument showing degradation patterns characteristic of those types of damage. Similar weathering forms have been observed in natural sandstone landscapes. Application of swelling inhibitors (e.g., cationic surfactants) that selectively adsorb on the clay basal planes, results in a substantial swelling reduction. This confirms that the swelling clays typically present in sandstone are pivotal for its weathering and indicates that swelling inhibitors are a potentially valuable treatment to prevent or minimize damage to stone. The circumstances that would lead to weathering are discussed in relation to sandstone material properties in the wet and dry state. Clay‐bearing stones are shown to exhibit softening during wetting, as well as viscoelastic stress relaxation, which is expected to limit the extent of damage. These results may aid in the better understanding of sandstone weathering both in nature and in urban environment and may help develop conservation methods to mitigate wetting/drying damage in ornamental sandstone or to prevent pore plugging in reservoir sandstones.
Postwildfire hydrological response in an El Niño–Southern Oscillation–dominated environment
Authors: Tomkins K. M. , Humphreys G. S. , Gero A. F. , Shakesby R. A. , Doerr S. H. , Wallbrink P. J. , Blake W. H.
Published: June 2008

The rainfall‐runoff events following five fires that occurred within a 40‐year period in eucalypt forests of the Nattai catchment, southeastern Australia, were investigated to quantify the postwildfire hydrological response and to provide context for lower than expected erosion and sediment transport rates measured after wildfires in 2001. Daily rainfall and hourly instantaneous discharge records were used to examine rainfall‐runoff events in two gauged subcatchments (>100 km2) for up to 3 years after fire and compared with nonfire periods. Radar imagery, available from 2001, was used to determine the intensity and duration of rainfall events. Wildfires in the study catchment appear to have no detectable impact on surface runoff at the large catchment scale, regardless of fire severity, extent or time after fire. Instead, the magnitude of postfire runoff is related to the characteristics of rainfall after fire. Rainfall is highly variable in terms of annual totals and the number, size, and type of events. Rainfall events that cause substantial surface runoff are characterized by moderate‐high intensity falls lasting one or more days (≥1 year average recurrence interval). These are triggered by synoptic‐scale weather patterns, which do not reliably occur in the postfire window and are independent of broad‐scale climate dominated by the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This study highlights the importance of considering the characteristics of rainfall, as well as local factors, in interpreting the postfire hydrological response.
Changes in ice front position on Greenland's outlet glaciers from 1992 to 2007
Authors: Moon Twila , Joughin Ian
Published: June 2008

Previous studies in Greenland show that retreat of tidewater glaciers may be linked to recent increases in ice loss, raising Greenland's contribution to sea level rise. We examined ice front changes of 203 tidewater glaciers, land‐terminating glaciers, and glaciers terminating with ice shelves to understand Greenland glacier behavior over three periods: 1992–2000, 2000–2006, and 2006–2007. We observed synchronous, ice sheet–wide increases in tidewater retreat during 2000–2006 relative to 1992–2000, coinciding with a 1.1°C increase in mean summer temperature at coastal weather stations. Rates of retreat for the southeast and east slowed during 2006–2007 when temperatures were slightly cooler than the 2000–2006 average. Our work suggests that regional Greenland tidewater retreat responds strongly to climate change, with higher temperatures corresponding to increasing retreat, and helps confirm a link between ice thickness, velocity, and ice front position.