bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photosynthesis, photochemistry and antioxidative defence in response to two drought severities and with re‐watering in Allocasuarina luehmannii
Authors: Posch S. , Bennett L. T. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractGas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and water potentials, together with ascorbate and glutathione concentrations, were studied during moderate and severe drought stress and in response to re‐watering in Allocasuarina luehmannii seedlings. Moderate drought stress (MS) decreased stomatal conductance (gs) and net CO2 assimilation rates (A) to ∼40% and ∼60% of control values, respectively, and caused decreases in internal CO2 concentration (Ci) and maximum light use efficiency of light‐acclimated photosystem II (PSII) centres (Fv′/Fm′). Severe drought stress (SS) decreased gs and A to ∼5% and ∼15% of the control values, respectively, and caused increases in Ci and PSII excitation pressure (1 − qP), as well as decreases in water potentials, effective quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII), maximum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) and Fv′/Fm′. Ascorbate and glutathione concentrations remained unaffected by drought treatments, but ascorbate became more oxidised under severe stress. MS seedlings recovered within 1 day (Ci, Fv′/Fm′) to 1 week (A, gs) of re‐watering. In comparison, SS seedlings had longer‐lasting after‐stress effects, with recovery of many variables (gs, water potentials, Fv/Fm, ΦPSII, Fv′/Fm′) taking between 1 and 3 weeks from re‐watering. We found no indication that interaction with antioxidants played a significant role in recovery. In conclusion, A. luehmannii seedlings appear to function normally under moderate drought, but do not seem to have particular metabolic tolerance mechanisms to endure severe drought, which may have implications for its persistence under climate change at the drier margins of its distribution.
Con‐specific neighbours may enhance compensation capacity in an invasive plant
Authors: Lu X. , Dai H. , Ding J. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractFacilitation, both by inter‐ and intra‐specific neighbours, is known to be an important process in structuring plant communities. However, only a small number of experiments have been reported on facilitation in plant invasions, especially between invasive con‐specific individuals. Here, we focus on how con‐specific neighbours of the invasive alien plant alligator weed affect the tolerance of alligator weed to herbivory by the introduced biological control agent, Agasicles hygrophila. We conducted greenhouse and garden experiments in which invasive plant density and herbivory intensity (artificial clipping and real herbivory) were manipulated. In the greenhouse experiment, artificial clipping significantly reduced plant biomass when plants were grown individually, but when con‐specific neighbours were present in the same pot, biomass was not significantly different from control plants. Similarly, when compared to control plants, plants that were subjected to herbivory by A. hygrophila produced more biomass when grown with two con‐specific neighbours than when grown alone. Real herbivory also resulted in an increased number of vegetative buds, and again when two con‐specific neighbours were present this effect was increased (a 55.3% increase in buds when there was no neighbour, but a 111.6% increase in buds when two con‐specific neighbours were present). In the garden experiment, in which plants were grown at high density (6 plants per pot), alligator weed fully recovered from defoliation caused by insects at levels from 20–30% to 100%. Our results indicate that the con‐specific association may increase the compensatory ability to cope with intense damage in this invasive plant.
Revision of the Australian Gagrellinae (Arachnida: Opiliones: Sclerosomatidae), with a description of a new species
Authors: Taylor Christopher K 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA new species of the Indo‐Australian Gagrellinae (Arachnida: Opiliones: Sclerosomatidae), Gagrella cauricrepa, is described from the Iron Range, Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia. This represents the first definite indigenous Australian record of Sclerosomatidae, though the family has previously been known from Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The previous record of Zaleptus marmoratus Roewer 1910 from the Australian fauna is regarded as currently unconfirmable.
Vector competence of Australian Culex gelidus Theobald (Diptera: Culicidae) for endemic and exotic arboviruses
Authors: Johnson Petrina H , Hall‐Mendelin Sonja , Whelan Peter I , Frances Stephen P , Jansen Cassie C , Mackenzie Donna O , Northill Judith A , Van Den Hurk Andrew F 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe recent recognition of established populations of the mosquito, Culex gelidus Theobald, in Australia has raised concerns about local transmission of arboviruses. The vector competence of a mainland population of Cx. gelidus was investigated for two local alphaviruses, Ross River (RRV) and Barmah Forest (BFV) viruses, and three flaviviruses, Japanese encephalitis (JEV), Kunjin (KUNV) and Murray Valley encephalitis (MVEV) viruses. Colonised mosquitoes were exposed to virus via blood‐soaked pledgets and transmission was tested using a capillary‐tube method. The important Australian vectors, Aedes vigilax (Skuse) and Culex annulirostris Skuse, were used as internal controls for the alphaviruses and flaviviruses, respectively. Overall, Cx. gelidus was a more efficient vector of flaviviruses than alphaviruses. Culex gelidus was refractory to infection with BFV, and nearly 25% transmitted RRV, which was comparable to Ae. vigilax. Culex gelidus was susceptible to all three flaviviruses, with transmission rates of 96%, 95% and 41% for JEV, KUNV and MVEV, respectively. JEV transmission rates in Cx. annulirostris were unexpectedly low and this was possibly due to differences in susceptibility to JEV genotypes I and II. Considering the high susceptibility to the flaviviruses demonstrated here, and the natural infections with RRV and JEV that have been detected from northern Australian populations, the establishment of the exotic mosquito, Cx. gelidus, in Australia is potentially a significant public health concern.
Establishment of a silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) population in western Sydney
Authors: Childs Iona J , Gunning Robin V , Mansfield Sarah 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA field survey in western Sydney found populations of Bemisia tabaci biotype B (silverleaf whitefly) that have the potential to damage greenhouse vegetable crops prevalent in the region. Adult whiteflies were collected from five farms at 2‐week intervals and the proportion of silverleaf whitefly in the overall whitefly population was determined using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. High levels of silverleaf whitefly were detected at most sampling dates on two of the farms surveyed and a third farm exhibited lower but relatively continuous silverleaf whitefly abundance. The presence of permanent silverleaf whitefly populations must be considered by the greenhouse industry when formulating whitefly management plans for western Sydney.
Relative toxicity of nC24 agricultural mineral oil to Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and its possible relationship to egg ultrastructure
Authors: Xue Yingen , Beattie G Andrew C , Meats Alan , Spooner‐Hart Robert , Herron Grant A 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe relative toxicity (LC50 values based on µg oil/cm2) is evaluated of aqueous nC24 agricultural mineral oil (AMO) emulsions to the egg, six‐legged nymph (larva), eight‐legged protonymph and adult stages of two‐spotted mite (Tetranychus urticae) and its predator, Phytoseiulus persimilis, on French bean leaf discs, using a Potter spray tower to apply of the oil. The egg of P. persimilis was the least susceptible stage (LC50 444.84) and its LC50 was significantly higher than all other stages tested of either P. persimilis or T. urticae. The LC50 for adult female T. urticae (LC50 63.89) was significantly lower than the larva (LC50 93.86); however, there was no significant difference in response between the protonymph (LC50 70.44) and the larva, which were both higher than T. urticae eggs (LC50 17.55). LC50s for P. persimilis larva (LC50 43.87), protonymph (LC50 41.55) and adult female (LC50 53.34) were similar. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the egg surface of T. urticae is usually well covered with fine silk that may trap more oil and increase AMO efficacy. Other possible differences in AMO efficacy between T. urticae and P. persimilis may be due to differences in egg size, egg incubation period, egg surface structure and the presence of vulnerable respiratory cones in T. urticae eggs. Dose of 0.2–0.3% (w/w) is considered to be the most appropriate for nC24 AMOs use against T. urticae in combination with P. persimilis in integrated pest management programs.
Impact of nC24 agricultural mineral oil deposits on the searching efficiency and predation rate of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Xue Yingen , Andrew G , Beattie C , Meats Alan , Spooner‐Hart Robert , Herron Grant A 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWalking activity, walking straightness, walking speed and searching efficiency of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot were measured on French bean leaf discs that were sprayed with either distilled water, or one of 0.25%, 0.50% and 1.00% w/w aqueous emulsions of an nC24 agricultural mineral oil (AMO). There was no significant difference in percentage of time that mites spent walking in the control (water‐sprayed) conditions and in any of the oil treatments. Walking paths were significantly straighter in the oil treatments than in the control, but differences among the oil treatments did not differ significantly. Walking speeds in the oil treatments were significantly slower than in the control and decreased with increasing oil concentration. Deposits of oil at all concentrations significantly suppressed searching efficiency in comparison with control, and searching efficiency in the 1.00% oil treatment was significantly lower than in the 0.25% oil treatment. First predation of P. persimilis on AMO‐contaminated eggs of two‐spotted mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) on unsprayed leaf discs was significantly delayed in all oil treatments in comparison with the control. However there was no significant effect on the overall predation rate. In the tests of P. persimilis predation on AMO‐contaminated T. urticae eggs on sprayed leaf discs, the number of first predation occurrences in the first hour was significantly lower in 0.50% and 1.00% oil treatments than in the control. Overall predation rates were significantly reduced by oil but they did not differ significantly among the oil treatments.
Vardenafil‐induced relaxation and cyclic nucleotide levels in normal and obstructed rat urinary bladder
Authors: Werkström Viktoria , Hedlund Petter , Lee Tack , Andersson Karl‐Erik 
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of the phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor, vardenafil, on contraction and cyclic nucleotide levels in isolated detrusor preparations with and without mucosa, from control rats and rats with partial urethral obstruction (PUO) and intact mucosa.MATERIALS AND METHODSFemale Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into groups subjected to PUO for 14 days (six), and sham‐operated control rats (12). Detrusor preparations were mounted in organ baths and effects of increasing concentrations of vardenafil (1 nmto 100 µm) assessed on carbachol‐activated (1 µm) preparations, and on contractions induced by transmural activation of nerves (electrical field stimulation, EFS). Levels of cGMP and cAMP were determined using radioimmunoassays.RESULTSVardenafil caused concentration‐dependent relaxations of carbachol‐contracted detrusor, the mean (sd) of which at 100 µmwas 91 (4)% in control and 100% in PUO rats. The −log 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 4.41 (0.08) and 4.73 (0.05) (P < 0.01), respectively. Removing the mucosa increased the relaxant effect of vardenafil at 1–10 µm(P < 0.05) although −log IC50values were unaffected compared to the control. The cGMP levels ( pmol/mg protein) in control preparations increased from 2.5 (0.6) to 5.0 (0.8), and from 1.4 (0.2) to 7.2 (1.3) in obstructed bladders. In mucosa‐denuded preparations the cGMP content increased from 0.6 (0.1) to 1.6 (0.4) in response to vardenafil. In control rats, the levels of cAMP increased from 12.8 (2.5) to 18.9 (0.9) (P < 0.05) after vardenafil. In mucosa‐denuded preparations the cAMP levels after vardenafil increased from 16.5 (2.11) to 37.8 (3.4) (P < 0.01). In PUO bladders, the tissue content of cAMP increased from 12.6 (2.4) to 20.6 (3.4) (P < 0.01). Vardenafil concentration‐dependently inhibited nerve‐induced contractions in all groups studied. At 100 µm19 (3)% of the control contraction remained, vs 8 (1)% for preparations from obstructed rats, and 11 (4)% in mucosa‐denuded preparations.CONCLUSIONIn normal rats, vardenafil relaxed carbachol‐ and inhibited EFS‐induced contractions of detrusor preparations with and without urothelium, and in PUO rats with urothelium. Relaxations were accompanied by increases in both cAMP and cGMP content. It is proposed that vardenafil‐induced relaxation of rat detrusor, also in obstructed and mucosa‐denuded preparations, is mediated via cAMP.
Creating an Enabling Environment for Diasporas’ Participation in Homeland Development
Authors: Brinkerhoff Jennifer M. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractDiasporas contribute to their homeland’s development through remittances, philanthropy, skills transfer, business investment, and advocacy. This paper focuses on actions that homeland governments can take to create an enabling environment for diasporas’ contributions. Part I addresses the diaspora phenomenon and the homeland government‐diaspora relationship. Part II develops a framework for characterizing government’s role in an enabling environment specific to diasporas’ development contributions. Part III considers how to put the framework into practice, identifying important caveats and discussing several implementation issues, including the potential role of donors. The framework is also a tool for diasporans to strategically advocate for improved enabling environments.
Economic Contribution of Migrant Workers to Thailand
Authors: Pholphirul Piriya , Rukumnuaykit Pungpond 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn the past decade or two, an increasing number of migrants from countries neighbouring Thailand have moved to Thailand temporarily or permanently in search for jobs and life security, causing an increase in the labour supply in the Thai labour market. This paper attempts to find the economic contribution of these migrant workers to Thailand using various data sources and a collection of related findings. We find that capital gains from migrant workers show an increasing trend from around 0.03 per cent of the real national income (880 million baht) in 1995 to around 0.055 per cent of the real national income (2,039 million baht) in 2005. Using the adjusted labour share, the net contribution of migrant workers is on average 0.023 per cent of the real national income per year, or around 760 million baht per year.
Experiences of physical strain during person transfer situations in dementia care units
Authors: Wångblad Cristina , Ekblad Maria , Wijk Helle , Ivanoff Synneve Dahlin 
Published: August 2009

Caring for residents with dementia impose a higher challenge and workload on the nursing staff because of a higher degree of motor function and cognitive decline among the residents. Training in person transfer tasks for nursing staff has mostly been concentrated on ergonomics irrespective of the nature of the resident’s functional decline. An increased knowledge about the nursing staffs’ experiences of physical workload in dementia care and in how to reduce their physical strain is needed.Aim:  The aim of the study was to describe nurse’s aids’ experiences of physical strain during person transfer tasks at dementia care units.Method:  Four focus group interviews with altogether 16 nurses’ aids, working at special care units for people with dementia, were performed.Results:  The results show that knowledge about the disease and personality of residents in dementia care units can help to decrease the physical strain on nurses’ aids in person transfer situations.Nurse’s aids need to be flexible when performing transfer tasks to accommodate variations in the resident’s functional ability. Physical strain associated with person transfer tasks is not related to the weight of the resident. Misunderstandings because of cognitive decline and communication problems increase physical strain on nurses’ aids. Specialized training in person transfer tasks is needed for nurse’s aids working in dementia care.Conclusions:  These results may serve to guide physiotherapists working in dementia care units in assessing residents’ functional ability, in when to use assistive devices and mobility aids and in training and supervising nurse’s aids in person transfer tasks.
Urocortin induced expression of COX‐2 and ICAM‐1 via corticotrophin‐releasing factor type 2 receptor in rat aortic endothelial cells
Authors: Zhang Rongjian , Xu Youhua , Fu Hong , Wang Juejin , Jin Lai , Li Shengnan 
Published: August 2009

Background and purpose: Our previous study showed that urocortin (Ucn1) exacerbates the hypercoagulable state and vasculitis in a rat model of sodium laurate‐induced thromboangiitis obliterans. Furthermore, the inflammatory molecules COX‐2 and ICAM‐1 may participate in this effect. In the present study, the effects of Ucn1 on COX‐2 and ICAM‐1 expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs) were investigated and the mechanisms involved explored.Experimental approach: RAECs were isolated from adult male Wistar rats, and identified at the first passage. Experiments were performed on cells, from primary culture, at passages 5–8. The expression of COX‐2 and ICAM‐1 at both mRNA and protein levels was determined by semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis. Levels of PGE2and soluble ICAM‐1 (sICAM‐1) in culture medium were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, the phosphorylation status of p38MAPK, ERK1/2, JNK, Akt and NF‐κB was analysed by Western blot; nuclear translocation of NF‐κB was observed by immunofluorescence.Key results: Ucn1 augmented LPS‐induced expression of COX‐2 and ICAM‐1 in RAECs in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. Ucn1 increased PGE2and sICAM‐1 levels. These effects were abolished by the CRF2receptor antagonist, antisauvagine‐30, but not by the CRF1receptor antagonist, NBI‐27914. Moreover, Ucn2 activated p38MAPK and augmented NF‐κB nuclear translocation and phosphorylation, whereas ERK1/2, JNK and Akt pathways were not involved in this process.Conclusions and implications: These findings suggest that Ucn1 exerts pro‐inflammatory effects by augmenting LPS‐induced expression of COX‐2 and ICAM‐1 in RAECs via CRF2receptors and the activation of p38MAPK and NF‐κB.
Atorvastatin and fenofibrate increase apolipoprotein AV and decrease triglycerides by up‐regulating peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α
Authors: Huang Xian‐sheng , Zhao Shui‐ping , Bai Lin , Hu Min , Zhao Wang , Zhang Qian 
Published: August 2009

Background and purpose:  Combining statin and fibrate in clinical practice provides a greater reduction of triglycerides than either drug given alone, but the mechanism for this effect is poorly understood. Apolipoprotein AV (apoAV) has been implicated in triglyceride metabolism. This study was designed to investigate the effect of the combination of statin and fibrate on apoAV and the underlying mechanism(s).Experimental approach:  Hypertriglyceridaemia was induced in rats by giving them 10% fructose in drinking water for 2 weeks. They were then treated with atorvastatin, fenofibrate or the two agents combined for 4 weeks, and plasma triglyceride and apoAV measured. We also tested the effects of these two agents on triglycerides and apoAV in HepG2 cells in culture. Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure apoAV and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPARα) expression.Key results:  The combination of atorvastatin and fenofibrate resulted in a greater decrease in plasma triglycerides and a greater increase in plasma and hepatic apoAV than either agent given alone. Hepatic expression of the PPARα was also more extensively up‐regulated in rats treated with the combination. A similar, greater increase in apoAV and a greater decrease in triglycerides were observed following treatment of HepG2 cells pre‐exposed to fructose), with the combination. Adding an inhibitor of PPARα (MK886) abolished the effects of atorvastatin on HepG2 cells.Conclusions and implications:  A combination of atorvastatin and fenofibrate increased apoAV and decreased triglycerides through up‐regulation of PPARα.
Organ culture mimics the effects of hypoxia on membrane potential, K+ channels and vessel tone in pulmonary artery
Authors: Manoury Boris , Etheridge Sarah L , Reid Joy , Gurney Alison M 
Published: August 2009

Background and purpose:  Blood vessel culture is gaining interest for use with transfection‐based techniques, but alters the contractile properties of the vessels. The present study tested the effects of culture on the intrinsic tone of rat pulmonary arteries (PAs) and examined the function and expression of K+ channels regulating the resting membrane potential (Em) and tone of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs).Experimental approach:  Rat intrapulmonary arteries were isolated and cultured under standard and modified conditions. Contractile responses of fresh and cultured PA were compared using vessel myograph. Electrophysiology experiments on isolated PASMCs used the patch‐clamp technique. K+ channel expression was quantified using reverse transcription and real‐time PCR.Key results:  After 4 days in culture vessels contracted to phenylephrine, but relaxation to carbachol was significantly impaired. Contractile responses to 10 mM KCl, 4‐aminopyridine and tetraethylammonium increased, and vessels developed an uncharacteristic relaxation response to Ca2+‐free solution, nifedipine and levcromakalim. PASMCs from cultured vessels were depolarized and K+ currents reduced, in association with down‐regulation of Kv1.5, Kv2.1 and TWIK‐related acid‐sensitive K+ channel‐1 mRNA. These changes were partially reversed by increased oxygenation of the culture medium or removing the endothelium before culture.Conclusions and implications:  Culture of PA for 3–4 days induced loss of functional K+ channels, depolarization of PASMCs, Ca2+ influx, intrinsic tone and spontaneous constrictions, similar to the effects of chronic hypoxia. This limits the use of cultured vessels for studying excitation–contraction coupling, although oxygenating the culture medium and removing the endothelium can help to retain normal smooth muscle function.