bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative proteome analyses of phosphorus responses in maize (Zea mays L.) roots of wild‐type and a low‐P‐tolerant mutant reveal root characteristics associated with phosphorus efficiency
Authors: Li Kunpeng , Xu Changzheng , Li Zhaoxia , Zhang Kewei , Yang Aifang , Zhang Juren
Published: May 2008

Low phosphorus (P) availability is a major limitation for plant growth. To better understand the molecular mechanism of P efficiency in maize, comparative proteome analyses were performed on the roots of the low‐P‐tolerant mutant 99038 and wild‐type Qi‐319 grown under P‐sufficient (+P) or P‐deficient (−P) conditions. Over 10% of proteins detected on two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) gels showed expression that was altered twofold or more between the genotypes under +P or −P conditions. We identified 73 (+P) and 95 (−P) differentially expressed proteins in response to phosphate (Pi) starvation. These proteins were involved in a large number of cellular and metabolic processes, with an obvious functional skew toward carbon metabolism and regulation of cell proliferation. Further analysis of proteome data, physiological measurements and cell morphological observations showed that, compared to the wild‐type, the low‐P‐tolerant mutant could accumulate and secrete more citrate under Pi starvation, which facilitates solubilization of soil Pi and enhances Pi absorption. The proportion of sucrose in the total soluble sugars of the low‐P‐tolerant mutant was significantly higher, and cell proliferation in root meristem was accelerated. This resulted in better developed roots and more advantageous root morphology for Pi uptake. These results indicate that differences in citrate secretion, sugar metabolism and root‐cell proliferation are the main reasons for higher tolerance to low‐P conditions in the mutant compared to the wild‐type. Thus, the mutant displayed specialized P‐efficient root systems with a higher capacity for mobilization of external Pi and increased cell division in the root meristem under Pi starvation.
Monosaccharide inhibition of adherence by Pseudomonas aeruginosa to canine corneocytes
Authors: McEwan Neil A. , Rème Christophe A. , Gatto Hugo , Nuttall Timothy J.
Published: May 2008

The effect of d‐galactose, d‐mannose, l‐rhamnose and dextrose on the adhesion to canine corneocytes by three strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was studied in six healthy dogs. Canine corneocytes were collected from the inner aspect of the pinna using adhesive discs (D‐Squame®). Half millimetre of bacterial suspension in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) with or without the addition of a monosaccharide was placed over the corneocyte layer and incubated in moist chambers. Image analysis was used to quantify bacterial adherence to corneocytes. The three strains of Pseudomonas adhered well to canine corneocytes. All monosaccharides tested inhibited the adherence of Pseudomonas to canine corneocytes. The mean reduction in adhesion for individual sugars at a concentration of 0.1% was 40.2% (dextrose), 30.8% (l‐rhamnose), 25.6% (d‐galactose) and 19.4% (d‐mannose). When d‐galactose, d‐mannose and l‐rhamnose were used in combination at 0.1% concentration, the mean reduction in adherence was 52.9%. The monosaccharides studied may have a potential role in the management of Pseudomonas infections in dogs.
Rotational and continuous grazing of sheep in the Inner Mongolian steppe of China
Authors: Wang C. J. , Tas B. M. , Glindemann T. , Mueller K. , Schiborra A. , Schoenbach P. , Gierus M. , Taube F. , Susenbeth A.
Published: May 2008

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of rotational and continuous grazing on herbage mass (HM), organic matter digestibility (dOM) and intake (OMI) and live weight gain (LWG) of sheep grazing on the inner Mongolian steppe, China at a stocking rate of 4.5 sheep/ha during the growing season. In the years 2005 and 2006, four 2‐ha plots were used of which two were divided into four 0.5 ha paddocks each for rotational grazing, where sheep were moved each 10 days to the next paddock. The dOM was estimated from faecal crude protein concentration and OMI by oral administration of titanium dioxide. Herbage mass was similar in both grazing systems and dOM and OMI were higher (p < 0.05) at continuous grazing than at rotational grazing, but LWG did not differ probably because of extra energy expenditure for grazing and walking in a larger area. The dOM and OMI decreased (p < 0.05) with progress of the growing season and differed between years. Since precipitation during the growing season in both years was lower than the 30 years average which was probably the reason that positive effects of non‐grazing periods on herbage regrowth and quality at rotational grazing could not occur, further studies are required in years with average precipitations before a final evaluation of these grazing systems can be made. Moreover, it seems necessary to quantify energy expenditure for physical activity of animals in grazing studies.
Effects of β‐glucanase and xylanase supplementation on gastrointestinal digestive enzyme activities of weaned piglets fed a barley‐based diet
Authors: Fan C. L. , Han X. Y. , Xu Z. R. , Wang L. J. , Shi L. R.
Published: May 2008

The effects of supplementing a barley‐based diet for weaned piglets with exogenous β‐glucanase and xylanase on gastrointestinal digestive enzyme activities were investigated. Thirty‐six cross‐bred weaned piglets were randomly assigned to two groups with three pens based on sex and mass. Each group was fed on the diet based on barley with or without added β‐glucanase and xylanase (0.15%) for a 4‐week period. The results showed that enzyme supplementation improved growth performance of piglets significantly (p < 0.05), but had no effect (p = 0.091) on average daily feed intake. The results also showed that supplementation of β‐glucanase and xylanase had no effect on pepsin activity in gastric contents but slightly decreased (p = 0.092) the pepsin activity in gastric mucosa. Meanwhile, no effect of enzyme supplementation on trypsin activity in duodenal contents was observed. However, the activities of amylase and lipase in duodenal contents were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased, whereas the activities of maltase, sucrase and γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (γ‐GT) in jejunal and ileal mucosa were enhanced significantly (p < 0.05). The improvement of disaccharidase and γ‐GT activity may be attributed to the positive impacts of exogenous enzymes on digestion and absorption of the nutrients. In conclusion, the current results indicated that supplementation with enzymes in barley‐based diets could improve the growth performance of piglets, decrease the activities of amylase and lipase in duodenal contents and increase the activities of disaccharidase and γ‐GT in jejunal and ileal mucosa.
Comparison of promoters in transgenic rice
Authors: Furtado Agnelo , Henry Robert J. , Takaiwa Fumio
Published: May 2008

Reports of the use of rice storage protein gene promoters to express transgenes in rice grain have demonstrated that rice grain can be used as a production platform for end‐use quality or seed‐based edible vaccines. The generation of transgenic rice with multitraits (gene stacking), which requires the use of multiple transgenes under the control of different promoters, necessitates the use of promoters from rice and other cereals, as this is highly advantageous in reducing homology‐based transcriptional gene silencing. Using the green fluorescent protein gene (gfp) as a reporter gene and a transgenic rice platform, promoters of storage protein and non‐storage protein genes from barley, wheat and rice were compared with regard to their spatial and temporal control of expression. Storage protein promoters from barley (549‐bp B‐hordein and 433‐bp D‐hordein) and wheat (425‐bp high‐molecular‐weight glutenin) directed the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in endosperm but not embryo; however, expression was leaky, as it was also observed in seed maternal tissues, leaf and root tissues. As expected, the rice promoters (1350‐bp glutelin B‐1 and 1007‐bp α‐globulin) directed the endosperm‐specific expression of GFP in transgenic rice. Our results indicate that seed‐specific promoters from barley and wheat, although containing endosperm and GCN4 motifs, which are important for endosperm‐specific expression in rice, may not be spatially regulated in the same manner as they are in their native species. The analysis of GFP expression under the control of various promoters in rice grain indicates that promoters from other cereals can drive high levels of endosperm‐specific expression in rice, but their utility for seed‐specific expression may depend on their tissue specificity.
Capacity building as a tool for assessing training and development activity: an Indian case study
Authors: Krishnaveni R. , Sripirabaa B.
Published: May 2008

In recognition of its increasing importance, many organizations make periodic assessments of their training and development activity. The objective of the present study was to extend the concept of capacity building to the assessment of training and development activity in an automobile component manufacturing organization, using a developed and validated instrument. The study subjects were 36 middle‐level managers selected on a stratified basis. The research described here provides a new methodology for the evaluation of training and development activity. Perception‐based, consensus‐oriented assessment is proposed as a valuable tool for evaluating and improving training and development activity. Brainstorming sessions led to suggestions for enhancing capacity in identified lag areas. In addition, this assessment serves as a platform for subsequent evaluation of the effectiveness of training and development activity.
Does self‐directed and web‐based support for parents enhance the effects of viewing a reality television series based on the Triple P – Positive Parenting Programme?
Authors: Sanders Matthew , Calam Rachel , Durand Marianne , Liversidge Tom , Carmont Sue Ann
Published: May 2008

Background:  This study investigated whether providing self‐directed and web‐based support for parents enhanced the effects of viewing a reality television series based on the Triple P – Positive Parenting Programme.

Method:  Parents with a child aged 2 to 9 (N = 454) were randomly assigned to either a standard or enhanced intervention condition. In the standard television alone viewing condition, parents watched the six‐episode weekly television series, ‘Driving Mum and Dad Mad’. Parents in the enhanced television viewing condition received a self‐help workbook, extra web support involving downloadable parenting tip sheets, audio and video streaming of positive parenting messages and email support, in addition to viewing the television series.

Results:  Parents in both conditions reported significant improvements in their child’s disruptive behaviour and improvements in dysfunctional parenting practices. Effects were greater for the enhanced condition as seen on the ECBI, two of the three parenting indicators and overall programme satisfaction. However, no significant differences were seen on other measures, including parent affect indicators. The level of improvement was related to number of episodes watched, with greatest changes occurring in families who watched each episode. Improvements achieved at post‐intervention by parents in both groups were maintained at six‐month follow‐up. Online tip sheets were frequently accessed; uptake of web‐based resources was highest early in the series.

Conclusions:  The value of combining self‐help approaches, technology and media as part of a comprehensive public health approach to providing parenting support is discussed.
Involvement of the low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein in the transcytosis of the brain delivery vector Angiopep‐2
Authors: Demeule Michel , Currie Jean‐Christophe , Bertrand Yanick , Ché Christian , Nguyen Tran , Régina Anthony , Gabathuler Reinhard , Castaigne Jean‐Paul , Béliveau Richard
Published: May 2008

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) restricts the entry of proteins as well as potential drugs to cerebral tissues. We previously reported that a family of Kunitz domain‐derived peptides called Angiopeps can be used as a drug delivery system for the brain. Here, we further characterize the transcytosis ability of these peptides using an in vitro model of the BBB and in situ brain perfusion. These peptides, and in particular Angiopep‐2, exhibited higher transcytosis capacity and parenchymal accumulation than do transferrin, lactoferrin, and avidin. Angiopep‐2 transport and accumulation in brain endothelial cells were unaffected by the P‐glycoprotein inhibitor, cyclosporin A, indicating that this peptide is not a substrate for the efflux pump P‐glycoprotein. However, competition studies show that activated α2‐macroglobulin, a specific ligand for the low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein‐1 (LRP1) and Angiopep‐2 can share the same receptor. In addition, LRP1 was detected in glioblastomas and brain metastases from lung and skin cancers. Fluorescent microscopy also revealed that Alexa488‐Angiopep‐2 co‐localized with LRP1 in brain endothelial cell monolayers. Overall, these results suggest that Angiopep‐2 transport across the BBB is, in part, mediated by LRP1.
Assessment of left ventricular diastolic function from mitral annulus motion, a comparison with pulsed Doppler measurements in patients with heart failure
Authors: Blomstrand P. , Kongstad O. , Broqvist M. , Dahlström U. , Wranne B.
Published: May 2008

Summary. Mitral and pulmonary venous flow velocity recordings are often used for the assessment of left ventricular diastolic function. These curves are, however, also influenced by other factors. To investigate whether mitral annulus motion carries additional information in this context, mitral annulus motion was compared to Doppler registrations of mitral and pulmonary flow velocities in 38 patients with heart failure (NYHA II—III) after myocardial infarction.

Patients with an increased atrial contribution to mitral annulus motion (> 57%, n= 12) had a higher mitral late‐to‐early flow velocity ratio (A/E) and pulmonary systolic to diastolic filling ratio (<0–01). Patients with atrial displacement above average for the group (? 5.1 mm, n= 19) had a higher mitral AVE ratio and pulmonary systolic to diastolic filling ratio than patients with a lower than average atrial component (P < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between a/T ratio and A/E ratio (r= 0.61, P < 0.001) and between pulmonary flow and transmitral flow (= 0.76, P < 0.001).

We conclude that an increased atrial displacement of the mitral annulus is a frequent finding in patients with signs of left ventricular relaxation abnormality. There is a significant correlation between a/T ratio and A/E ratio but the information contained in the two indices are not identical.
Scientific publications from departments of clinical physiology and nuclear medicine in Denmark. A bibliometric analysis of ‘impact’ in the years 1989–1994
Authors: Hansen H. B. , Brinch K. , Henriksen J. H.
Published: May 2008

Summary. This study reports a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications emanating from departments of clinical physiology and nuclear medicine, Denmark, during the years 1989–1994. The total number of publications during this period was 860 (763 scientific journal papers, 71 book/book chapters and 26 theses). Whereas the number of publications per year (188–113) decreased significantly with time (r= ‐0.94, P < 0.02), the number of authors (mean 4·41) was almost constant over time. University/university‐related departments accounted for 96% of the papers. Only 8% of the papers resulted from a collaboration between two or more departments of clinical physiology and nuclear medicine, but the collaboration with other medical specialities and institutions was much greater (85%). The 763 papers were published in 239 different scientific journals, 80% in journals with an official ‘impact factor,’ a bibliometric measure of quality (the average number of times a paper is cited in a journal in the publishing year and the subsequent year). Twenty per cent (20%) and 8.4% were printed in journals with an impact factor, respectively, of above 2.1 (the 500 journals most cited) and 3.7 (the 200 most cited), which is significantly above the national average (16.6% and 6.0%, P < 0.001). The ‘cumulated impact’ (i.e. the impact of all papers) showed a borderline significant decrease over time (r= ‐0.77, P= 0.1), whereas the average impact per paper (1.53) remained almost constant and was significantly above the national average (1.10, P < 0.001). A close relationship was found between the number of papers from a department and its cumulated impact (r= ‐0.97, P < 0–001).

It is concluded that the total number of scientific papers from Danish departments of clinical physiology and nuclear medicine fell in the period, whereas the volume of quality, as assessed on the cumulated impact, only fell with borderline significance, and the impact per paper was almost constant from 1989 to 1994, and was above the national average.
The Performance of Three‐Dimensional Strain Rosettes Evaluated when Embedded into a Sphere
Authors: Trench P. , Little E. G. , Tocher D. , Donnell P. O’ , Lawlor V.
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  Two spheres were manufactured, each containing planes of embedded strain gauges that were arranged so that individual gauge readings could be combined in a variety of ways to calculate the least squares strain tensor. Each sphere was tested by loading along its axis of symmetry. It was found that the particular pattern of rosette chosen produced satisfactory predictions of the orthogonal strains but minor off‐axis gauge misalignments combined with the matrix operations in the least squares strain tensor led to misleading forecasts of the shearing strains. The method of manufacture used to embed the gauges was largely responsible for these errors. The investigation confirmed that three‐dimensional strain rosettes should be made from square plugs and the direction cosines measured on the plug prior to embedment in the model.
Effect of Stiffening Configurations on Fracture of Aluminium Structures
Authors: Galanis K. P. , Papazoglou V. J.
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  Traditionally, marine structures have been designed to resist yielding, buckling and fatigue, but not fracture. This is because existing data regarding fracture on large‐scale models are limited. Consequently, adequate methods and procedures to design vessels to resist fracture have not been developed, although the shipbuilding industry is seeking to achieve advanced and more efficient concepts and designs for vessels with improved safety and performance using optimised structural design. The rapidly increasing application of lightweight materials and thin‐walled structures in several industries requires fundamental understanding of mechanisms and mechanics of fracture that govern stiffened panels. Therefore, a comprehensive tool consisting of application of advanced fracture models, material calibration, and validation through component testing is provided that will increase the survivability envelope of new vessels. This paper presents the effect of stiffening configurations on fracture of aluminium structures by studying the structural response of various stiffened plates which are compared with unstiffened plates represented by small‐scale compact tension (CT) specimens. It is shown that mapping of crack patterns in stiffened plates is feasible and can enable ship designers to evaluate critical areas within a structure with respect to crack initiation, propagation and optimum material usage.
Race, social relationships, and mental health
Authors: KIECOLT K. JILL , HUGHES MICHAEL , KEITH VERNA M.
Published: May 2008

Researchers often assume that the extent, quality, and effectiveness of personal relationships explain why African Americans have relatively good mental health despite experiencing high levels of stress. This study tests this assumption using data from the 1990–1992 National Comorbidity Survey. Few racial differences emerge in patterns of social relationships, and the nature and quality of social relationships do not explain African Americans’ resiliency on mental health. Several aspects of social relationships benefit African Americans’ mental health more than Whites’, but these moderating effects are insubstantial. Hence, the data do not support the assumption. If social relationships help explain the lack of racial differences in mental health, their nature and effects must be more adequately conceptualized.
Perceptions of Quality‐of‐Life Effects of Treatments for Diabetes Mellitus in Vulnerable and Nonvulnerable Older Patients
Authors: Brown Sydney E. S. , Meltzer David O. , Chin Marshall H. , Huang Elbert S.
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether patient perceptions of treatments for diabetes mellitus differ according to clinical criteria such as limited life expectancy and functional decline (i.e., vulnerability).

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional survey.

SETTING: Clinics affiliated with two Chicago‐area hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged 65 and older living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (N=332).

MEASUREMENTS: Utilities (quantitative measures of preference on a scale from 0 to 1, with 0 representing a state equivalent to death and 1 representing life in perfect health) were assessed for nine hypothetical treatment states using time trade‐off questions, and patients were queried about specific concerns regarding medications. Vulnerability was defined according to the Vulnerable Elders Scale.

RESULTS: Thirty‐six percent of patients were vulnerable. Vulnerable patients were older (77 vs 73) and had diabetes mellitus longer (13 vs 10 years; P<.05). Vulnerable patients reported lower utilities than nonvulnerable patients for most individual treatment states (e.g., intensive glucose control, mean 0.61 vs 0.72, P<.01), but within group variation was large for both groups (e.g., standard deviations >0.25). Although mean individual state utilities differed across groups, no significant differences were found in how vulnerable and nonvulnerable patients compared intensive and conventional treatment states (e.g., intensive vs conventional glucose control). In multivariable analyses, the association between vulnerability and individual treatment state utilities became nonsignificant except for the cholesterol pill.

CONCLUSION: Older patients' preferences for intensity of treatment for diabetes mellitus vary widely and are not closely associated with vulnerability. This observation underscores the importance of involving older patients in decisions about treatment for diabetes mellitus, irrespective of clinical status.
More than Two Decades of Changing Ethnic Attitudes in the Netherlands
Authors: Coenders Marcel , Lubbers Marcel , Scheepers Peer , Verkuyten Maykel
Published: May 2008

This article uses data from three studies to examine changing reactions toward ethnic minority groups in the Netherlands (1979–2002). Using realistic conflict theory, Study 1 focuses on support for discrimination of immigrant groups in general. The findings indicate that this support is more widespread in times of high levels of immigration, when the unemployment level has recently risen strongly, and among cohorts that grew to maturity in times of large immigration waves or high unemployment rates. Studies 2 and 3 focus on changing feelings toward different ethnic out‐groups in an ideological context (2001–2004) marked by a shift from multiculturalism toward assimilation. Study 2 showed that the shift toward assimilation negatively affected Dutch participants' feelings toward Islamic outgroups, but not to other minority groups. Study 3 used an experimental design, and the results showed that ethnic attitudes are more negative in an assimilation compared to a multicultural context. It is concluded that the structural and ideological social context is important for understanding people's changing reactions.
Viewing Intergroup Relations in Europe through Allport's Lens Model of Prejudice
Authors: Stephan Walter G
Published: May 2008

This article employs Allport's (1954) lens model of the causes of prejudice to analyze the articles in this issue of the
Journal of Social Issues. The lens model specifies that historical, socio cultural, personality, and situational factors contribute to prejudice. The articles in this issue examine a number of variables at each of these levels of analysis, and many employ multilevel designs in which variables at more than one level are examined within the same study. Suggestions for future research on intergroup relations in Europe are offered including conducting more comparative and multilevel studies and creating comprehensive theories that integrate different levels of analysis. Some implications of the findings of these studies for intergroup relations programs are also discussed.
Settling for Less? Organizational Determinants of Discrimination-Charge Outcomes
Authors: Hirsh C. Elizabeth
Published: May 2008

Although more than 60,000 workers formally charge their employers with unlawful sex or race employment discrimination annually, fewer than one in five charges results in outcomes favorable to the complainant. Building on sociolegal and organizational theory, this study examines how employing organizations avoid unfavorable discrimination-charge outcomes. Using EEO-1 establishment reports matched to discrimination charge data provided by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, I assess the effect of employers' legal experience, resources, and indicators of legal compliance on the likelihood that complainants receive favorable charge outcomes, benefits, monetary settlements, and policy change mandates. In general, I find that legal experience, establishment size, and indicators of legal compliance insulate employers from unfavorable charge outcomes. However, in situations where employers are willing to settle claims, legally experienced establishments are more likely to pay monetary damages and receive mandates to change their workplace policies.
Recall, Similarity Judgment, and Identification of Trees: A Comparison of Experts and Novices
Authors: Srinivasan Shipman Asha C. , Boster James Shilts
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe compare experts and novices in their recall, similarity judgment, and identification of trees. These tasks assess different aspects of informants' knowledge of trees. Experts agree substantially on all three tasks. However, they judge similarity of pictures of trees relying more on morphological and taxonomic features while judging similarity of names of trees relying more on utilitarian features. Novices recall few trees and accurately identify almost none of them, but substantially agree with each other in their similarity judgments of trees. Thus, we find that the natural world can be understood by experts and novices alike, but that training sharpens observations and informs about properties of species not obvious by direct observation. Moreover, the kinds of features used by experts in similarity judgments are influenced by how species are represented. These results confirm and extend findings in prior research of James S. Boster and Jeffrey C. Johnson and Douglas L. Medin and colleagues. They also demonstrate how the domain knowledge of experts arises out of the many different ways in which they engage the trees and out of the diversity of activities and purposes in their community of practice. [categorization, ethnobiology, expert–novice differences, function and morphology, stimulus effects]
Trichopodiella faurei n. sp. (Ciliophora, Phyllopharyngea, Cyrtophoria): Morphological Description and Phylogenetic Analyses Based on SSU rRNA and Group I Intron Sequences
Authors: GONG JUN , GAO SHAN , ROBERTS DAVID McL. , AL‐RASHEID KHALED A.S. , SONG WEIBO
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT. A new marine cyrtophorian ciliate Trichopodiella faurei n. sp., which belongs to the order Dysteriida, family Hartmannulidae, was investigated at the morphological and molecular levels. A combination of morphological features of the organism including the oval body shape, 2–3 contractile vacuoles, 22–28 nematodesmal rods in the cytopharyngeal basket, and 31–39 somatic kineties, distinguishes it from all other known congeners. In reconstructed small subunit (SSU) rRNA phylogenies, T. faurei groups with Isochona, a representative genus of the subclass Chonotrichia. The similarity of the infraciliature between hartmannulids and several chonotrichian examples also suggests that these taxa should be closely related. A new S943 intron belonging to group IC1 was identified in the SSU rRNA gene of this species. This intron is phylogenetically related to the S891 introns previously found in the suctorians Acineta sp. and Tokophrya lemnarum, and their internal guide sequences share four nucleotides, indicating that these introns were vertically inherited from a common phyllopharyngean ancestor and that reverse splicing might have been involved in the transposition.
Reconsideration of the Phylogenetic Positions of Five Peritrich Genera, Vorticella, Pseudovorticella, Zoothamnopsis, Zoothamnium, and Epicarchesium (Ciliophora, Peritrichia, Sessilida), Based on Small Subunit rRNA Gene Sequences
Authors: LI LIFANG , SONG WEIBO , WARREN ALAN , SHIN MANN KYOON , CHEN ZIGUI , JI DAODE , SUN PING
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT. In order to re‐evaluate the systematics of sessilid peritrich ciliates, small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequences were determined for 12 species belonging to five genera: Vorticella, Pseudovorticella, Epicarchesium, Zoothamnium, and Zoothamnopsis. Phylogenetic trees were deduced using Bayesian inference, maximum parsimony, and maximum likelihood methods. The phylogenetic analyses suggest that (1) sessilids which have stalks with continuous myonemes that contract in a zig‐zag fashion form a separate clade from those which have stalks that contract independently and in a spiral fashion, supporting the separation of the family Zoothamniidae from the family Vorticellidae and (2) Epicarchesium and Pseudovorticella, both of which have reticulate silverline systems, are more closely related to each other than to other vorticellids, suggesting that differences in the silverline system (i.e. transverse vs. reticulate) may be the result of genuine evolutionary divergence among sessilid peritrichs. However, the newly sequenced Zoothamnopsis sinica, which has a reticulate silverline pattern, nests within the unresolved Zoothamnium species that have transverse silverline patterns. Thus, there were at least two evolutions of the reticulate silverline pattern character state from a plesiomorphic transverse state in the peritrichid ciliates. The molecular work demonstrates the genus Zoothamnium to be paraphyletic in relation to morphological studies, and suggests that Astylozoon, Opisthonecta, and Vorticella microstoma possibly share a SSU rRNA secondary structure in the helix E10‐1 region.
Effects of Additives on the Pressure‐Assisted Densification and Properties of Silicon Carbide
Authors: Ray Darin A. , Kaur Sarbjit , Cutler Raymond A. , Shetty Dinesh K.
Published: May 2008

The densification of silicon carbide (SiC) was studied using a variety of additives (Al, AlN, Al2O3, B4C, C, Si3N4, and Y2O3). The onset of densification of SiC with small amounts of additives occurred at temperatures between 1500° and 1900°C with 28 MPa applied pressure. Al, B4C, and C promoted densification, while N (added as AlN or Si3N4) retarded sintering. A 96.75 wt% SiC–2 wt% Al–1 wt% C–0.25 wt% B4C starting composition yielded the same percent of theoretical density (in the range of 70%–90% theoretical density) 400°C lower than a 95 wt% SiC–5 wt% AlN material. Yttria additions promoted intergranular fracture, which increased the single‐edged precracked beam fracture toughness. The appropriate selection and amount of additives allowed for the tailoring of grain size and intergranular fracture, thus controlling the mechanical properties. While oxygen was present in all materials containing aluminum, the incorporation of additional oxygen as alumina resulted in reduced sintering activity compared with Al metal. Corrosion resistance decreased in both HF and NaOH solutions at 80°C for materials containing a grain boundary phase.
Controlled Crystallization of GeSe2–Ga2Se3–CsI Chalcohalide Glasses During Molding
Authors: Yang Zhiyong , Chen Wei , Ma Hongli , Zhang Xianghua
Published: May 2008

This is an attempt to produce molded 8–14 μm transmitting glass–ceramics by a one‐step molding technique. Controlled crystallization is expected to be carried out during application of an appropriate molding process to pure glasses. GeSe2–Ga2Se3–CsI chalcohalide glass was used for the attempt, and well‐designed molding parameters were applied to the glass. The results indicate that large quantities of submicrometer crystalline particles are formed and regularly distributed inside the glass matrix during the molding, leading to improved toughness without influencing the 8–14 μm transmittance. This phenomenon implies that it is possible and convenient to produce molded glass–ceramics by a one‐step molding technique.
Evolution of latex and its constituent defensive chemistry in milkweeds (Asclepias): a phylogenetic test of plant defense escalation
Authors: Agrawal Anurag A. , Lajeunesse Marc J. , Fishbein Mark
Published: May 2008

A tremendous diversity of plants exude sticky and toxic latex upon tissue damage, and its production has been widely studied as a defensive adaptation against insect herbivores. Here, we address variation in latex production and its constituent chemical properties (cardenolides and cysteine proteases) in 53 milkweeds [Asclepiasspp. (Apocynaceae)], employing a phylogenetic approach to test macroevolutionary hypotheses of defense evolution. Species were highly variable for all three traits, and they showed little evidence for strong phylogenetic conservatism. Latex production and the constituent chemical defenses are thus evolutionarily labile and may evolve rapidly. Nonetheless, in phylogenetically independent analyses, we show that the three traits show some correlations (and thus share a correlated evolutionary history), including a positive correlation between latex exudation and cysteine protease activity. Conversely, latex exudation and cysteine protease activity both showed a trade‐off with cardenolide concentrations in latex. We also tested whether these traits have increased in their phenotypic values as the milkweeds diversified, as predicted by plant defense escalation theory. Alternative methods of testing this prediction gave conflicting results – there was an overall negative correlation between amount of evolutionary change and amount of latex exudation; however, ancestral state reconstructions indicated that most speciation events were associated with increases in latex. We conclude by (i) summarizing the evidence of milkweed latex itself as a multivariate defense including the amount exuded and toxin concentrations within, (ii) assessing the coordinated evolution of latex traits and how this fits with our previous notion of ‘plant defense syndromes’, and finally, (iii) proposing a novel hypothesis that includes an ‘evolving community of herbivores’ that may promote the escalation or decline of particular defensive strategies as plant lineages diversify.
Host plant odor extracts with strong effects on oviposition behavior in Papilio polyxenes
Authors: Heinz Cheryl A.
Published: May 2008

Ovipositing females of the black swallowtail butterfly, Papilio polyxenes Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae: Papilioninae), have an innate response to contact chemical cues, but it was not known how naïve females would respond to volatile host plant chemicals. Naïve and experienced females were tested in a free‐flight experiment using model plants and volatile extracts from two hosts, carrot [Daucus carota L. (Apiaceae)] and poison hemlock [Conium maculatum L. (Apiaceae)], and one non‐host, fava bean [Vicia faba L. (Fabaceae)]. Naïve females responded to both host plant extracts with more approaches and landings than to non‐host extracts, with poison hemlock receiving more responses than carrot. Females experienced with one of the two host plants also approached and landed frequently on extracts of host plants, but poison hemlock again received more approaches and landings, regardless of a female's host plant experience. Female P. polyxenes thus respond specifically to volatile extracts of their host plants, even in the absence of both relevant contact chemical cues and adult host plant experience.
Metabolic Derangements in the Insulin‐Resistant Heart
Authors: Govindarajan Gurushankar , Hayden Melvin R. , Cooper Shawna A. , Figueroa Said Daibes , Ma Lixin , Hoffman Timothy J. , Stump Craig S. , Sowers James R.
Published: May 2008

Myocardium is flexible when it comes to energy substrate utilization; it uses fatty acid, glucose, lactones, and ketones for its energy requirement. The myocardial energy substrate preference varies in a dynamic manner depending on myocardial perfusion, energy demand, substrate availability, and local/systemic hormonal changes. The authors discuss the metabolic perturbations seen in insulin‐resistant myocardium and how they result in structural and other biochemical changes that ultimately result in left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic and systolic dysfunction. The authors also discuss the utility of metabolic imaging to study metabolic derangement as seen in insulin‐resistant rodents. The role of positron emission tomography and cine‐magnetic resonance imaging coregistration in quantifying myocardial glucose uptake is demonstrated in fasted, 13‐week old Sprague‐Dawley rats under insulin‐/glucose‐stimulated conditions. This study demonstrates the utility of in vivo, noninvasive positron emission tomography and cine‐magnetic resonance imaging modalities to longitudinally follow insulin resistance models during disease progression and after specific interventions.
Energy Requirements of Pregnancy
Authors: DURNIN J. V. G. A.
Published: May 2008

The energy requirements of pregnancy is a topic of considerable uncertainty because the apparent energy costs—to supply the energy required for the changes in maternal and fetal tissues and to cover the increase in BMR (basal metabolic rate), amounting to the equivalent of an extra 250–300 kcal/d—are rarely paralleled by actual findings. However few studies have investigated this problem in a controlled, longitudinal, and statistically acceptable fashion. In the present study, measurements of energy intake, BMR, body weight and fatness, physical activity, and mechanical efficiency of movement, were made on 162 women in Scotland at 2 to 4 weekly intervals throughout pregnancy and data from 98 of these women were also obtained in the pre‐pregnant state. Data from a parallel study in Holland are also given. The gains in body weight, fatness, the fetal and placental weights, and the increase in BMR were all at the normal expected values. However, increases in energy intake were of the order of only 100 kcal/d during the second and third trimesters. Comparatively small reductions in physical activity, which would be very difficult to measure precisely, are described which could account for the difference between actual energy intakes and the energy costs of pregnancy.
Patient assessment and diagnosis in implant treatment
Authors: Zitzmann NU , Margolin MD , Filippi A , Weiger R , Krastl G
Published: May 2008

As in any dental treatment procedure, a thorough patient assessment is a prerequisite for adequate treatment planning including dental implants. The literature was searched for references to patient assessment in implant treatment up to September 2007 in Medline via PubMed and an additional handsearch was performed. Patient assessment included the following aspects: (1) evaluation of patient's history, his/her complaints, desires and preferences; (2) extra‐and intra‐oral examination with periodontal and restorative status of the remaining dentition; (3) obligatory prerequisites were a panoramic radiograph and periapical radiographs (at least from the adjacent teeth) for diagnosis and treatment planning. Additional tomographs are required depending on the anatomic situation and the complexity of the planned restoration; (4) study casts are needed especially in more complex situations also requiring a diagnostic set‐up, which can be tried‐in and transferred into a provisional restoration as well as into a radiographic and surgical template. The current review clearly revealed the necessity for a thorough, structured patient assessment. Following an evaluation, a recommendation is given for implant therapy or, if not indicated, conventional treatment alternatives can be presented.
Diagnosis and management of peri‐implant diseases
Authors: Heitz‐Mayfield LJA
Published: May 2008

Peri‐implant diseases are inflammatory lesions which may affect the peri‐implant mucosa only (peri‐implant mucositis) or also result in loss of supporting bone (peri‐implantitis). Peri‐implantitis may lead to loss of the implant. Diagnosis of peri‐implant disease requires the use of conventional probing to identify the presence of bleeding on probing, and suppuration, both signs of clinical inflammation. Radiographs are required to detect loss of supporting bone. Baseline probing measurements and radiographs should be obtained once the restoration of the implant is completed to allow longitudinal monitoring of peri‐implant conditions. Two cross‐sectional reports from Sweden indicate that the prevalence of peri‐implant disease is high. Smokers and patients who have a history of periodontitis are more at risk for peri‐implant disease. The main goal of treatment of peri‐implant disease is to control the infection and to prevent disease progression. A number of studies have documented the successful treatment of peri‐implant mucositis combining mechanical debridement and chemical plaque control. There is evidence supporting antimicrobial treatment regimens in combination with non‐surgical or surgical debridement for peri‐implantitis treatment. Long‐term data to support these treatment protocols is limited. Whilst it is possible to treat peri‐implantitis, prevention is the goal of supportive therapy.
Pneumocystis murinaInfection and Cigarette Smoke Exposure Interact To Cause Increased Organism Burden, Development of Airspace Enlargement, and Pulmonary Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Christensen Paul J. , Preston Angela M. , Ling Tony , Du Ming , Fields W. Bradley , Curtis Jeffrey L. , Beck James M.
Published: May 2008

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by the presence of airflow obstruction and lung destruction with airspace enlargement. In addition to cigarette smoking, respiratory pathogens play a role in pathogenesis, but specific organisms are not always identified. Recent reports demonstrate associations between the detection ofPneumocystis jiroveciiDNA in lung specimens or respiratory secretions and the presence of emphysema in COPD patients. Additionally, human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals who smoke cigarettes develop early emphysema, but a role forP. jiroveciiin pathogenesis remains speculative. We developed a new experimental model using immunocompetent mice to test the interaction of cigarette smoke exposure and environmentally acquiredPneumocystis murinainfection in vivo. We hypothesized that cigarette smoke andP. murinawould interact to cause increases in total lung capacity, airspace enlargement, and pulmonary inflammation. We found that exposure to cigarette smoke significantly increases the lung organism burden ofP. murina.Pulmonary infection withP. murina, combined with cigarette smoke exposure, results in changes in pulmonary function and airspace enlargement characteristic of pulmonary emphysema.P. murinaand cigarette smoke exposure interact to cause increased lung inflammatory cell accumulation. These findings establish a novel animal model system to explore the role ofPneumocystisspecies in the pathogenesis of COPD.
Geology of the Lake Ontario Basin: A Review and Outlook
Authors: Martini I. Peter , Bowlby John R.
Published: May 2008

Lake Ontario, located at the northern margin of the Appalachian Basin, occupies a deep trough cut by rivers and glaciers into early to mid-Paleozoic limestones and shales. It is still being affected by movements along faults which have probably been active since late Precambrian (more than 600 million yr ago), as evidenced by small faults, "pop-ups" (small domes and anticlines) involving bedrock, Pleistocene drift (glacial and nonglacial deposits) and recent lacustrine sediments, and many small earthquakes (up to intensity V in the Mercalli scale). Infrequent large earthquakes may damage buildings and trigger slumps along coastal bluffs and subaqueous lacustrine slopes. Fractures generated by such crustal movements may become pathways for groundwater and leakage of stored dangerous substances. The lake receives sands from shore erosion of Pleistocene drift and silts and clays from rivers crossing vast Pleistocene lacustrine plains subjected to agricultural practices. Some of the nearshore, subaqueous sand deposits cannot be readily exploited for aggregates because shore erosion may be triggered and valuable ecosystems can be destroyed. Clays mop up pollutants, in part storing them in depocenters such as lagoons, marshes, and the deep lacustrine basins, and in part exporting them to the St. Lawrence River system.
Eukaryotic-Microbiota Crosstalk: Potential Mechanisms for Health Benefits of Prebiotics and Probiotics
Authors: Hord Norman G.
Published: May 2008

The ability to link dietary consumption of prebiotic food ingredients and probiotic microorganisms to health benefits rests, in part, on our ability to identify both the extent to which these factors alter human microbiome activity and/or structure and the ability to engage eukaryotic cells necessary to transduce signals originating from the microbiome. The human microbiome consists of bacterial, archaeal, and fungal components that reside in mucosal surfaces of the gut, the airways, and the urogenital tract. Characterization of the symbiotic nature of the relationship between eukaryotic cells and the bacterial and archaeal components of the microbiota has revealed significant contributions in energy balance, bowel function, immunologic function, sensory perception, glycemic control, and blood pressure regulation. Elucidating the complex interactions between the microbiota and their associated epithelial, immune, and neural cells may provide mechanistic insights and a rational basis for our belief that dietary consumption of probiotic microorganisms and prebiotics produces health benefits.