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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2006.12.001 Byline: T.K. Kar, H. Matsuda Keywords: Marine reserve; Global stability; Limit cycle; Optimal harvesting Abstract: This study examines the impact of the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs), from both economic and biological perspectives. In particular, we examine the effects of protected patches and harvesting on resource populations. We conclude that protected patches are an effective means of conserving resource populations, even though extinction cannot be prevented in all cases. We discuss the dynamic optimization of a harvest policy by choosing E(t), the harvesting effort, as the dynamic variable. We also discuss the optimal equilibrium harvest policy and explain the biological and bioeconomic interpretations of the results. Author Affiliation: Faculty of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, 79-7 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501, Japan Article History: Received 10 October 2005; Revised 27 November 2006; Accepted 1 December 2006

An advanced measurement system for two-dimensional photoelectron spectroscopy has been developed to overcome the difficulties faced in the display-type spherical-mirror analyzer (DIANA) having been used so far. One difficulty is to realize selected small area analysis and another is to obtain higher energy resolution. The developed system, which we call “display-type ellipsoidal mesh analyzer (DELMA)”, has an ellipsoidal mesh electrode as its key element, which allows a wide acceptance angle (>∼ ±45°) comparable to that of DIANA. In this paper we provide details of DELMA on its design and performance. For the imaging performance, we evaluated, using ray-tracing, some important factors that can affect the spatial resolution: off-axis aberration, the effect of shape and position errors, the disturbing effect of mesh holes, and chromatic aberration. In test experiments, a spatial resolution of around 20–30 μm was obtained. The ray-tracing results suggest that this resolution can be improved to be less than 10 μm by decreasing the size of mesh holes and the error of the mesh shape. We also provide computational results for the energy resolution obtained in various conditions. It depends not only on the size of the energy-selecting aperture but also on the size and shape of an irradiation spot. Experimental results for the energy resolution were in good agreement with computational results. An available resolution seems to be as good as in DIANA (∼0.5%). A much better resolution is possible in our system by the combination of DELMA and a high resolution concentric hemispherical analyzer. In test experiments using an angle-measurement device, a wide acceptance angle of around ±45° has been successfully confirmed. As a practical example of the angular analysis by DELMA, a photoelectron diffraction pattern measured for single crystalline graphite is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the automated 2D-3D image overlay system (“3D Roadmap”) for use during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in the hybrid operating theater. Methods: Datasets of preoperative CT images were modified to subtract dense bone marrow to improve the visualization of vasculature on the overlaid image, and allow for accurate navigation of the endovascular devices. The 3D-CT overlay image was registered on the 2D fluoroscopy image to mark the iliac crest and lumbar vertebrae on both images as landmarks. Results: Arteriography was performed only twice to confirm the precision of the position of renal artery and the final evaluation. Twenty patients underwent EVAR with Medtronic Endurant, Gore Excluder, or COOK Zenith using “3D Roadmap”. The origin of the renal artery and iliac bifurcation were registered with complete accuracy in 10 patients (50%). The lower renal artery deviated toward the cranial side less than 3 mm in six patients. In all cases, EVAR was successful, and completed with the volume of contrast material limited to 43.8 ± 3.1 mL. Conclusion: “3D Roadmap” was confirmed to be valuable for visualization of vessel origin in a fused image and for reduction of contrast material during EVAR. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Yerba maté (mate) tea, a herbal tea prepared from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, is widely consumed in southern Latin America, and is gaining popularity worldwide. We investigated effects of an aqueous extract of mate on metabolic syndrome features in a metabolic syndrome model Tsumura Suzuki obese diabetic (TSOD) mouse. Oral administration of mate (100mg/kg) for 7 weeks induced significant decreases in body weight, body mass index, and food intake in TSOD. It significantly decreased the hyperglycemia by reducing fasting blood glucose level, and increasing glucose uptake in glucose tolerance test. It also showed significant improvement in insulin sensitivity by increasing glucose uptake in insulin tolerance test, increasing quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, and decreasing homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index. The results also showed significant effects of mate on hyperlipidemia by decreasing blood levels of triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, and total cholesterol. Moreover, mate significantly improved adiponectin (AD) level, and exhibited significant reduction in white adipose tissue weight, and adiposity index in TSOD. It also showed significant ameliorative effects on TSOD histopathology, by reducing adipocytes proliferation, and improving hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, mate administration induced a dose-dependent delay in gastric emptying. The current data suggest that mate ameliorates metabolic syndrome by mechanisms involving increase of peripheral insulin sensitivity and cellular glucose uptake, and by modulating the level of circulating lipid metabolites and AD. These results indicate that mate can induce protective and ameliorative effects on insulin resistance, diabesity, and dyslipidemia in metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrrole-imidazole (PI) polyamides are small synthetic molecules that recognize and attach to the minor groove of DNA, thereby inhibiting gene transcription by blocking transcription factor binding. These derivatives can act as gene silencers inhibiting target gene expression under stimulatory conditions such as disease. To evaluate PI polyamides as treatments for the progression of renal diseases, we examined morphological effects, pharmacological properties, and the specificity of PI polyamides targeted to the transforming growth factor (TGF)-[beta]1 promoter during salt-induced hypertensive nephrosclerosis in Dahl salt-sensitive rats. The targeted PI polyamide markedly reduced glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis without side effects. PI polyamide significantly decreased expression of TGF-[beta]1 and extracellular matrix in the renal cortex. Microarray analysis found that only 3% of the transcripts were affected by PI polyamide, but this included decreased expression of extracellular matrix, TGF-[beta]1-related cytokines, angiogenic, and cell stabilizing factors, proteinases, and renal injury-related factors. Thus, targeted PI polyamides are potential gene silencers for diseases not treatable by current remedies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: To clarify the incidence of spinal cord injury (SCI) after thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR), we investigate the intercostal/lumbar arteries that supply the Adamkiewicz artery (ICA-AKA). Patients: Among 81 patients subjected to TEVAR, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 50 patients (range: 57–86 (median age: 77) years, 41 males) who underwent TEVAR for part of or the whole distal descending aorta (T7 to L2) after identification of ICA-AKA by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or computed tomography angiography (CTA). Results: The 50 patients were classified into group A: 17 patients whose patent ICA-AKA was not covered, group B: 24 patients whose ICA-AKA was covered and group C: nine patients in whom no patent ICA-AKA was identified. Only three patients in group B suffered paraplegia and of them two recovered full ambulation. The estimated incidence of permanent and transient paraplegia was 3.7% in all TEVAR patients, 6.0% when part of or the entire distal aorta was covered and 12.5% when the patent ICA-AKA was covered. The length of aortic coverage in patients with paraplegia was >300mm. Conclusions: Paraplegia after TEVAR occurred in one of eight patients in whom the stent graft covered ICA-AKA. Long coverage of the aorta including the ICA-AKA was critical. To prevent this serious complication, identification of the ICA-AKA is crucial. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are coupled to phosphoinositide hydrolysis, and are thought to modulate neuronal excitability, by mobilizing intracellular Ca2+. Difference in Ca2+ mobilization among subclasses of the receptors has been reported, and regarded as a possible cause of variant neuronal modifications. In hippocampal interneurons, several subclasses of mGluRs including mGluR1 and mGluR5 have been immunohistochemically identified. The subclass-specific physiological effects of mGluRs on neuronal transmission in hippocampus, however, have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, effects of group I mGluR agonist, (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) on intracellular calcium concentration were examined in hippocampal interneurons. Application of DHPG increased fluorescence ratio in neonatal CA3 stratum oriens/alveus interneurons. The DHPG-induced calcium mobilization was markedly inhibited by mGluR1-specific antagonist, cyclopropan[b]chromen-1a-carboxylate (CPCCOEt). Inhibition of the calcium elevation by mGluR5-specific antagonist, 6-methyl-2-(phenylazo)-3-pyrindol (MPEP), was weaker than that of CPCCOEt. The fluorescence ratio was not significantly changed by application of mGluR5-specific agonist, (RS)-2-chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG). DHPG induced calcium responses in CA1 interneurons as in CA3, and the responses were partially inhibited by MPEP treatment. Effects of group I mGluR agonist and antagonist were also investigated, on GABAA receptor-mediated spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) in CA3 pyramidal neurons. The GABAergic sIPSCs were facilitated by DHPG perfusion, and the potentiation was reduced by CPCCOEt, and less distinctly by MPEP. The sIPSCs were not significantly potentiated by CHPG application. These results indicate that mGluR1 is functional in hippocampal interneurons, and DHPG exerts its effect mainly through this receptor at early developmental period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The dechlorination of C6H5Cl and the in situ dry sorption of Cl-compounds produced by C6H5Cl decomposition in an alkaline sorbent of CaO or Na2CO3 incorporated with Fe2O3 were studied. A sample gas containing C6H5Cl at an initial concentration of 500ppm balanced by either N2, O2 (5%)-N2 or H2O (10%)-N2 carrier gas was introduced into a lab-scale quartz tube reactor where CaO or Na2CO3 sorbent was packed with Fe2O3. Subsequently, the effect of Fe2O3 addition to CaO or Na2CO3 on the removal of C6H5Cl, achieved by the decomposition of C6H5Cl as well as the dry sorption of Cl-compounds produced by C6H5Cl decomposition, was investigated. It was found that the decomposition of C6H5Cl in CaO or Na2CO3 sorbent bed incorporated with Fe2O3 occurred in the lower temperatures, compared to the case when only CaO or Na2CO3 sorbent bed was used. Thus, Fe2O3 was found to play a catalytic role in the oxidative decomposition of C6H5Cl. Further, the decomposition of C6H5Cl in a bed containing only Fe2O3 was promoted by the presence of O2 and H2O in the reaction atmosphere. Moreover, a higher amount of Cl was absorbed in the combined CaO/Fe2O3 and Na2CO3/Fe2O3 beds, compared to the absorption of Cl-compounds in only CaO or Na2CO3 sorbent bed. Finally, the comparison of CaO and Na2CO3 sorbents showed that the decomposition of C6H5Cl and the in situ dry sorption of the resultant Cl-compounds in the combined Na2CO3 and Fe2O3 beds were higher than those in the combined CaO and Fe2O3 beds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Strongly inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir2) channels are endogenously expressed in rat brains and have recently been used as a tool to reduce the neuronal activity. But little is known about the role of Kir2 channels and the chronic effect of the reduced activity on the intrinsic excitability of neurons. Here we constructed a lentiviral vector that coexpressed Kir2.1 and GFP (LvKir2.1) and infected the vector to the hippocampal slice cultures. The LvKir2.1-infected CA1 neurons showed clear inwardly rectifying K+ currents for more than 15 days. The resting membrane potential was more negative by approximately 10 mV than those uninfected or infected with the lentiviral vector expressing GFP alone. The infection of LvKir2.1 reduced the voltage change in response to current injections and the amplitude of mEPSPs with a shunting effect. The LvKir2.1 infection significantly reduced the firings evoked by depolarizing currents in the CA1 neurons. The reduction of the firing was attributed to the hyperpolarized potential rather than to the shunting effect. These reductions were limited to modest current injections, suggesting that the overexpressed Kir2.1 plays the role of a noise-filter. Moreover, the chronic overexpression of Kir2.1 downregulated the expression of the delayed rectifier potassium current in a homeostatic manner, indicating a usefulness of this viral vector to study the activity-dependent neuronal development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In recent years overexploitation and collapse of several biological resources have been seen in fisheries, forestry and wildlife. This is due to unconventional and indiscrete harvesting of the resources. Consequently there is much current concern to find principles for the control and management of resources, particularly in those circumstances where both prey and predator species are being exploited. This work illustrates the use of harvesting efforts as a control to obtain strategies for the control of a prey–predator system with Holling type III functional response. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sulfation of inorganic chlorides (KCl, CaCl and NaCl) of mean particles size 75–125m was done in a lab-scale tubular reactor. The reactor was supplied with a mixed gas consisting of SO:0.3–1.3vol%, O:2.5–15vol% and HO:5–20vol% in the temperature range 623–1123K. The rates of HCl emission from the particles samples were measured and compared. It was found that at 1023K, an HCl of about 8000ppm was emitted from CaCl and this emission concentration was more than 3 times as high as those from NaCl and KCl. The reaction kinetic parameters such as rate constants and reaction orders with respect to SO, O and HO partial pressures were determined for the sulfation of NaCl, KCl and CaCl. The rate of HCl emission from KCl, CaCl and NaCl became increasingly high when the temperature was raised above 923K and depend on SO, O, and HO partial pressures. It was considered that an increase in the rate of HCl emission from the inorganic chlorides at temperatures above 923K was caused by a change in the reaction mode from a gas–solid to a gas–liquid and/or a gas phase reaction, owing to a partial melting and/or volatilization of the inorganic chlorides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In order to improve the pervaporation performance of silicalite membrane, two types of silicone rubber, KE45 and KE108, were coated on the membrane surface. The initial molecular weight of KE108 is high and vulcanizing starts when it comes into contact with moisture in air, whereas the initial molecular weight of KE45 is low and vulcanizing starts when it is mixed with a catalyst. KE108 was found to be more effective than KE45 in enhancing the ethanol selectivity of silicalite membranes. A membrane coated using a 3 wt.% KE108 hexane solution showed separation factor of α=125 with a total flux of 0.14 kg/m2 h. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The diagnosis of low grade prosthetic graft infection or aorto-enteric fistula is difficult using conventional radiographic imaging modalities. We report a case of aorto-enteric fistula to the sigmoid colon diagnosed by the new technique of 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In 2017 the Japanese government reported that its state-owned mining company had successfully extracted zinc from the seabed off the coast of Okinawa. This piloting of technology is currently the world's only example of large-scale extractive activity operating at such depths. Alongside Japan's innovations, the global deep sea mining (DSM) industry is moving towards commercial viability. This paper draws upon critical theoretical perspectives to better understand the complex debates being provoked. While there has been an increasing range of scholarship focusing on DSM from both the natural and social sciences, this paper cautions that the social sciences are not merely tools for assessing public and stakeholder acceptability. They require and deserve a central role in defining the purpose, nature and scope of commercial DSM. This paper therefore develops an approach that seeks to diversify and broaden engagements with DSM and that is well-placed to navigate the political questions that emerge from mining on the seabed. These perspectives also enable us to interrogate claims that DSM offers greater 'sustainability' than terrestrial mining does. This paper's interdisciplinary approach draws on empirical reference to, and examples from, the Japanese context, highlighting four main areas of concern for DSM: geography, geopolitics, law and political economy. These areas of critical enquiry reveal DSM's complexities and caution against perceiving DSM as a singular phenomenon. The emergent complex and multi-scalar questions from seabed mining therefore require a more holistic approach. Mining the seabed produces, and is underpinned by, a multitude of social, cultural and political dimensions and the potential consequences of DSM will not be experienced evenly. As this paper demonstrates, DSM is an interdisciplinary issue. The confines of disciplinary norms must therefore be exceeded to facilitate a deeper understanding of both the practices of DSM and their consequences. • Deep sea mining (DSM) must be understood as a practice with social, cultural, and political relations and implications. • Social sciences are necessary to analyse narratives of DSM, the actors involved and the tensions and conflicts that emerge. • Individuals' experiences and interpretations of DSM are not uniform. • DSM cannot be simply located at sea. • The confines of disciplinary norms must be exceeded to facilitate a deeper understanding of DSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aneurysmal dilatation can occur infrequently at the proximal site of an arteriovenous fistula probably because of abnormal wall stresses. However, there might be other intrinsic factors that contribute to aneurysmal formation besides the fistula, because only a very small number of patients with fistulae develop such an aneurysm. We describe herein the histopathological characteristics of a brachial artery aneurysm in a 57-year-old male patient on cholesterol apheresis through a radio-cephalic fistula, and the relationship of the aneurysm with the underlying disease is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]