bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of host size variation on the development of a koinobiont aphid parasitoid,Lysiphlebus ambiguusHaliday (Braconidae, Hymenoptera)
Authors: Xu Q. , Meng L. , Li B. , Mills N. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractTo determine whether host body size is the currency used by the aphidiine parasitoid,Lysiphlebus ambiguus Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), in assessing host quality, the aphid,Aphis fabaeScopoli (Homoptera: Aphididae), was reared at either high or low temperature to yield hosts of the same instar with different body sizes. Cohorts ofA. fabae raised at 15°C and 30°C and exposed to individual femaleL. ambiguusin no-choice tests were successfully parasitized in all host stages from 1st instar nymphs to adults. However, younger and smaller aphids were more susceptible to parasitism than older and larger nymphs or adults, as measured by the number of mummies produced. For aphid cohorts reared at 15°C, the proportion of female progeny, progeny adult size, and development time all increased linearly with aphid size at the time of attack. In contrast, for aphid cohorts raised at 30°C, the proportion of female progeny and progeny adult size declined with aphid size, while development time remained unaffected. Through manipulation of host rearing temperature, we have shown that at cooler temperatures the koinobiont parasitoid,L. ambiguus, responds to host size in the same way as an idiobiont parasitoid, but that this response is compromised at higher temperatures. Our results suggest that differential mortality during development is likely to influence the observed secondary sex ratio in relation to aphid size for aphid cohorts raised at higher temperatures due to disruption of the activity of the host's primary endosymbiont and that such reduced nutritional quality of aphids cannot be compensated by increased development time.
Multidimensionality and intra-individual variation in host manipulation by an acanthocephalan
Authors: BENESH D. P. , VALTONEN E. T. , SEPPÄLÄ O. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYTrophically-transmitted parasites frequently alter multiple aspects of their host's phenotype. Correlations between modified characteristics may suggest how different traits are mechanistically related, but these potential relationships remain unexplored. We recorded 5 traits from individual isopods infected with an acanthocephalan (Acanthocephalus lucii): hiding, activity, substrate colour preference, body (pereon) coloration, and abdominal (pleon) coloration. Infected isopods hid less and had darker abdominal coloration than uninfected isopods. However, in 3 different experiments measuring hiding behaviour (time-scales of observation: 1 h, 8 h, 8 weeks), these two modified traits were not correlated, suggesting they may arise via independent mechanisms. For the shorter experiments (1 h and 8 h), confidence in this null correlation was undermined by low experimental repeatability, i.e. individuals did not behave similarly in repeated trials of the experiment. However, in the 8-week experiment, hiding behaviour was relatively consistent within individuals, so the null correlation at this scale indicates, less equivocally, that hiding and coloration are unrelated. Furthermore, the difference between the hiding behaviour of infected and uninfected isopods varied over 8 weeks, suggesting that the effect ofA. luciiinfection on host behaviour changes over time. We emphasize the importance of carefully designed protocols for investigating multidimensionality in host manipulation.
Asymptotic density in quasi-logarithmic additive number systems
Authors: NIETLISPACH BRUNO 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe show that in quasi-logarithmic additive number systems$\mycal{A}$all partition sets have asymptotic density, and we obtain a corresponding monadic second-order limit law for adequate classes of relational structures. Our conditions on the local counting functionp(n) of the set of irreducible elements of$\mycal{A}$allow situations which are not covered by the density theorems of Compton [6] and Woods [15]. We also give conditions onp(n) which are sufficient to show the assumptions of Compton's result are satisfied, but which are not necessarily implied by those of Bell and Burris [2], Granovsky and Stark [8] or Stark [14].
Salmonella infections associated with mung bean sprouts: epidemiological and environmental investigations
Authors: MOHLE-BOETANI J. C. , FARRAR J. , BRADLEY P. , BARAK J. D. , MILLER M. , MANDRELL R. , MEAD P. , KEENE W. E. , CUMMINGS K. , ABBOTT S. , WERNER S. B. ,   for the Investigation Team
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYWe investigated an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) infections linked to raw mung bean sprouts in 2000 with two case-control studies and reviewed six similar outbreaks that occurred in 2000–2002. All outbreaks were due to unusual phage types (PT) of SE and occurred in the United States (PT 33, 1, and 913), Canada (PT 11b and 913), and The Netherlands (PT 4b). PT 33 was in the spent irrigation water and a drain from one sprout grower. None of the growers disinfected seeds at recommended concentrations. Only two growers tested spent irrigation water; neither discarded the implicated seed lots after receiving a report of Salmonella contamination. We found no difference in the growth of SE and Salmonella Newport on mung beans. Mung bean sprout growers should disinfect seeds, test spent irrigation water, and discontinue the use of implicated seed lots when pathogens are found. Laboratories should report confirmed positive Salmonella results from sprout growers to public health authorities.
Strategies to control Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) under organic farming conditions
Authors: Lukashyk Pavel , Berg Martin , Köpke Ulrich 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThree strategies for controllingCirsium arvenseincluding (i) repeated stubble tillage with subsequent forage crop cultivation, (ii) repeated mowing of a ryegrass–clover ley and (iii) forage crop cultivation following a ryegrass–clover ley ploughed in May/June were investigated in field experiments over 3 years at the Experimental Farm for Organic Agriculture ‘Wiesengut’ in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany. The development ofC. arvense(shoot density, shoot size and ground cover) was regularly assessed on fixed standardized subplots. In the medium-term (9 months), repeated stubble tillage (i) decreased shoot density and regrowth capacity ofC. arvensemore effectively than a mowed ryegrass–clover ley (ii and iii). However, after 22 months, strategies (i) and (ii) resulted in a similar strong reduction ofC. arvenseshoot density of 95 and 97%, respectively. At this time, the efficacy of strategy (iii) (89%) was not significantly different to that of strategies (i) and (ii). After 26 months, the effect of all strategies was still apparent; however, the efficacy of strategy (iii) was significantly lower than that of strategy (ii). Generally, the different strategies showed only minor differences, thus delivering options for optimal strategies of thistle control under given specific conditions of sites and cropping systems.
Energy self-reliance, net-energy production and GHG emissions in Danish organic cash crop farms
Authors: Halberg N. , Dalgaard R. , Olesen J.E. , Dalgaard T. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractOrganic farming (OF) principles include the idea of reducing dependence of fossil fuels, but little has been achieved on this objective so far in Danish OF. Energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from an average 39 ha cash crop farm were calculated and alternative crop rotations for bio-energy production were modeled. Growing rapeseed on 10% of the land could produce bio-diesel to replace 50–60% of the tractor diesel used on the farm. Increasing grass-clover area to 20% of the land and using half of this yield for biogas production could change the cash crop farm to a net energy producer, and reduce GHG emissions while reducing the overall output of products only marginally. Increasing grass-clover area would improve the nutrient management on the farm and eliminate dependence on conventional pig slurry if the biogas residues were returned to cash crop fields.
Tanniferous forage plants: Agronomic performance, palatability and efficacy against parasitic nematodes in sheep
Authors: Häring D.A. , Scharenberg A. , Heckendorn F. , Dohme F. , Lüscher A. , Maurer V. , Suter D. , Hertzberg H. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractTanniferous forage plants can have beneficial effects on ruminant productivity and health (improved protein supply, bloat safety and antiparasitic properties). However, condensed tannins can also lower palatability, voluntary feed intake and digestibility. The aim of our interdisciplinary project was to generate basic knowledge on plant management, feed palatability and the antiparasitic properties of tanniferous forage plants for their practical application in agronomy, focusing on their usefulness in controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in organic farming. We found thatOnobrychis viciifolia(sainfoin),Lotus corniculatus(birdsfoot trefoil) andCichorium intybus(chicory) were suitable for cultivation under the given temperate climatic conditions, whereasLotus pedunculatus(big trefoil) was soon outcompeted by unsown species. Growing the tanniferous plant species in a mixture withFestuca pratensis(meadow fescue) rather than in a monoculture had the advantage of increasing total dry matter (DM) yield (especially in the case of tanniferous legumes) and of reducing the DM proportions of unsown species. However, due to dilution by non-tanniferousF. pratensis, the tannin concentrations of mixtures were clearly lower and the seasonal fluctuations in tannin concentrations greater than that of monocultures. Across species, tannin concentrations were highest forO. viciifolia, followed byL. corniculatusand very low forC. intybus. Palatability of all tanniferous forages was comparable to that of a ryegrass/clover mixture when fed as dried forage and, when offered as silage, palatability ofO. viciifoliawas clearly superior to that of the respective ryegrass/clover control. Administration of dried or ensiledO. viciifoliareduced parasite egg counts in feces of lambs co-infected with the gastrointestinal nematode speciesHaemonchus contortusandCooperia curticei. We conclude thatO. viciifoliais the most promising among the tested tanniferous forage plant species due to its suitability for cultivation, its high tannin concentration, its high palatability and its antiparasitic activity even in dried or ensiled form.
Value in the values: pasture-raised livestock products offer opportunities for reconnecting producers and consumers
Authors: Conner David S. , Campbell-Arvai Victoria , Hamm Michael W. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractPasture-based livestock production holds promise in helping to reinvigorate small and mid-scale farming, as well as farm communities, across the United States. In this study, in-depth interviews of pasture-based livestock producers, meat processors and buyers were conducted to determine behaviors, attitudes and expectations with regard to pasture-based livestock production. In addition, consumers were polled to determine their attitudes with respect to how food animals are raised and treated. Results revealed many shared values between those involved in raising, processing and distributing animal products, as well as consumers, indicating an opportunity for a ‘re-embedding’ of livestock production based on these shared values. The concurrent development of both direct and extended markets, e.g. values-based value chains, is suggested as one way of addressing the difficulties faced by individual farmers in processing and distributing animal products with their provenance and underlying values intact.
Integrated crop/livestock systems research: Practical research considerations
Authors: Tanaka D.L. , Karn J.F. , Scholljegerdes E.J. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThere are many reasons for the paucity of integrated crop/livestock research and associated publications. Integrated/crop livestock experiments that involve adequate treatments and replications, as perceived by both crop and animal scientists, require large numbers of hectares, many animals, considerable labor to conduct the research, substantial financial resources, and a commitment by Federal and State Research Agencies to fund such long-term research projects. To be truly integrated, crop/livestock research must be multidisciplinary, involving scientists of diverse training and experience with expertise to address various aspects of the research problem, and scientists must function as a cohesive unit or team. The prevailing attitude that all experimental data must be statistically analyzed to be of any value is also a detriment to integrated research. Statistical analyses of these projects may be quite challenging and require new or unusual approaches. Related to the prevailing need for statistical analysis is also the need for scientists to publish senior authored publications for career advancement. Conducting integrated research may not facilitate scientists' publishing the number and quality of publications required for them to meet these criteria. A further obstacle to integrated research alluded to above, involves the many experimental design compromises that must be made by cooperating scientists. Crop and soil scientists for example, use many treatments and replications with small plots, while animal scientists, by necessity, have experiments that involve relatively large numbers of hectares and animal numbers with relatively few treatments and replications. It is therefore extremely difficult to initiate such projects given these inherent differences in crop versus livestock research protocol, as well as to design effective experiments that will provide publishable data. Making compromises on the many factors relevant to integrated crop/livestock research while designing experiments that will provide solutions to pertinent producer problems as well as useful data that can be statistically analyzed and published is, therefore, extremely difficult.
Oxidative stress and α1‐adrenoceptor‐mediated stimulation of the Cl−/HCO3−exchanger in immortalized SHR proximal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Simão S , Fraga S , Jose P A , Soares‐da‐Silva P 
Published: February 2008

Background and purpose:This study evaluated the signalling coupled to the α1‐adrenoceptor‐induced stimulation of the Cl−/HCO3−exchanger in hypertension.Experimental approach:The Na+‐independent HCO3−transport system activity was assayed as the initial rate of pHirecovery after an alkaline load (CO2/HCO3removal) in immortalized renal proximal tubular epithelial cells from spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and their normotensive control (Wistar Kyoto rat; WKY).Key results:Noradrenaline increased Cl−/HCO3−exchanger activity with EC50values of 0.6 and 5.3 μMin SHR and WKY cells, respectively. These effects were abolished by prazosin, but not by yohimbine. Phenylephrine increased Cl−/HCO3−exchanger activity in SHR and WKY cells (EC50of 2.6 and 4.9 μM, respectively). Phenylephrine‐mediated increase in Cl−/HCO3−exchanger activity in WKY and SHR cells was inhibited by protein kinase C (PKC), MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) inhibitors. The expression of α1A‐ and α1B‐adrenoceptors was identical in WKY and SHR cells. SHR cells generated more H2O2than WKY cells. In SHR cells, the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin reduced their increased ability to generate H2O2and abolished their hypersensitivity to phenylephrine, but failed to affect basal Cl−/HCO3−exchanger activity. H2O2‐dependent stimulation of Cl−/HCO3−exchange activity was significantly higher in SHR than in WKY cells.Conclusions and implications:Differences between WKY and SHR cells on their sensitivity to α1‐adrenoceptor stimulation did not correlate with the abundance of α1A‐ and α1B‐adrenoceptors and may be related to the increased generation of H2O2, which may amplify the response downstream of α1‐adrenoceptor activation.British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)153, 1445–1455; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.16; published online 25 February 2008
Mechanisms underlying the metabolic actions of galegine that contribute to weight loss in mice
Authors: Mooney M H , Fogarty S , Stevenson C , Gallagher A M , Palit P , Hawley S A , Hardie D G , Coxon G D , Waigh R D , Tate R J , Harvey A L , Furman B L 
Published: February 2008

Background and purpose: Galegine and guanidine, originally isolated from Galega officinalis, led to the development of the biguanides. The weight‐reducing effects of galegine have not previously been studied and the present investigation was undertaken to determine its mechanism(s) of action.Experimental approach: Body weight and food intake were examined in mice. Glucose uptake and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase activity were studied in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and L6 myotubes and AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity was examined in cell lines. The gene expression of some enzymes involved in fat metabolism was examined in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes.Key results: Galegine administered in the diet reduced body weight in mice. Pair‐feeding indicated that at least part of this effect was independent of reduced food intake. In 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and L6 myotubes, galegine (50 μM‐3 mM) stimulated glucose uptake. Galegine (1–300 μM) also reduced isoprenaline‐mediated lipolysis in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and inhibited acetyl‐CoA carboxylase activity in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and L6 myotubes. Galegine (500 μM) down‐regulated genes concerned with fatty acid synthesis, including fatty acid synthase and its upstream regulator SREBP. Galegine (10 μM and above) produced a concentration‐dependent activation of AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) in H4IIE rat hepatoma, HEK293 human kidney cells, 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and L6 myotubes.Conclusions and implications: Activation of AMPK can explain many of the effects of galegine, including enhanced glucose uptake and inhibition of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase. Inhibition of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase both inhibits fatty acid synthesis and stimulates fatty acid oxidation, and this may to contribute to the in vivo effect of galegine on body weight.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 1669–1677; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.37; published online 25 February 2008
9‐Phenanthrol inhibits human TRPM4 but not TRPM5 cationic channels
Authors: Grand T , Demion M , Norez C , Mettey Y , Launay P , Becq F , Bois P , Guinamard R 
Published: February 2008

Background and purpose: TRPM4 and TRPM5 are calcium‐activated non‐selective cation channels with almost identical characteristics. TRPM4 is detected in several tissues including heart, kidney, brainstem, cerebral artery and immune system whereas TRPM5 expression is more restricted. Determination of their roles in physiological processes requires specific pharmacological tools. TRPM4 is inhibited by glibenclamide, a modulator of ATP binding cassette proteins (ABC transporters), such as the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). We took advantage of this similarity to investigate the effect of hydroxytricyclic compounds shown to modulate ABC transporters, on TRPM4 and TRPM5.Experimental approach: Experiments were conducted using HEK‐293 cells permanently transfected to express human TRPM4 or TRPM5. Currents were recorded using the whole‐cell and inside‐out variants of the patch‐clamp technique.Key results: The CFTR channel activator benzo[c]quinolizinium MPB‐104 inhibited TRPM4 current with an IC50 in the range of 2 × 10−5 M, with no effect on single‐channel conductance. In addition, 9‐phenanthrol, lacking the chemical groups necessary for CFTR activation, also reversibly inhibited TRPM4 with a similar IC50. Channel inhibition was voltage independent. The IC50 determined in the whole‐cell and inside‐out experiments were similar, suggesting a direct effect of the molecule. However, 9‐phenanthrol was ineffective on TRPM5, the most closely related channel within the TRP protein family.Conclusions and implications: We identify 9‐phenanthrol as a TRPM4 inhibitor, without effects on TRPM5. It could be valuable in investigating the physiological functions of TRPM4, as distinct from those of TRPM5.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 1697–1705; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.38; published online 25 February 2008
Long‐term nitric oxide deficiency causes muscarinic supersensitivity and reduces β3‐adrenoceptor‐mediated relaxation, causing rat detrusor overactivity
Authors: Mónica F Z T , Bricola A A O , Báu F R , Freitas L L Lopes , Teixeira S A , Muscará M N , Abdalla F M F , Porto C S , De Nucci G , Zanesco A , Antunes E 
Published: February 2008

Background and purpose:Overactive bladder is a complex and widely prevalent condition, but little is known about its physiopathology. We have carried out morphological, biochemical and functional assays to investigate the effects of long‐term nitric oxide (NO) deficiency on muscarinic receptor and β‐adrenoceptor modulation leading to overactivity of rat detrusor muscle.Experimental approach:Male Wistar rats received Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) in drinking water for 7–30 days. Functional responses to muscarinic and β‐adrenoceptor agonists were measured in detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) strips in Krebs–Henseleit solution. Measurements of [3H]inositol phosphate, NO synthase (NOS) activity, [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB) binding and bladder morphology were also performed.Key results:Long‐term L‐NAME treatment significantly increased carbachol‐induced DSM contractile responses after 15 and 30 days; relaxing responses to the β3‐adrenoceptor agonist BRL 37‐344 were significantly reduced at 30 days. Constitutive NOS activity in bladder was reduced by 86% after 7 days and maintained up to 30 days of L‐NAME treatment. Carbachol increased sixfold the [3H]inositol phosphate in bladder tissue from rats treated with L‐NAME. [3H]QNB was bound with an apparent KD twofold higher in bladder membranes after L‐NAME treatment compared with that in control. No morphological alterations in DSM were found.Conclusions and implications:Long‐term NO deficiency increased rat DSM contractile responses to a muscarinic agonist, accompanied by significantly enhanced KD values for muscarinic receptors and [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation in bladder. This supersensitivity for muscarinic agonists along with reductions of β3‐adrenoceptor‐mediated relaxations indicated that overactive DSM resulted from chronic NO deficiency.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 1659–1668; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.39; published online 25 February 2008