bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycosaminoglycans in the pericellular matrix of chondrons and chondrocytes
Authors: Wang Qi Guang , El Haj Alicia J. , Kuiper Nicola J.
Published: July 2008

This is the first study to quantitate and profile the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composition of the pericellular matrix (PCM) of chondrons and chondrocytes using the highly sensitive technique; fluorophore‐assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE). Bovine articular chondrocytes and chondrons were isolated enzymatically. High cell yield and viability were obtained for both preparations. Chondrons had strong immunofluorescent labeling for keratan sulphate and chondroitin‐6 sulphate but no labeling for hyaluronan. We compared the immunofluorescent data with FACE. The quantities of total keratan sulphate were determined to be 0.013 ± 0.002 pg cell−1 and 0.032 ± 0.003 pg cell−1 in the chondrocyte and chondron preparations, respectively. Four internal keratan sulphate sugars were detected (galβ1,4glcNAc6S, gal6Sβ1,4glcNAc6S, glcNAcβ1,3gal and glcNAc6Sβ1,3gal) for both preparations but they were present at significantly higher concentrations in chondron preparations (P < 0.01). Total chondroitin sulphate (CS) was determined to be 0.054 ± 0.004 pg cell−1 and 0.077 ± 0.005 pg cell−1 for chondrocyte and chondron preparations, respectively. Unsulphated CS disaccharide levels were similar but chondrons had significantly more chondroitin‐4 sulphated disaccharides and chondroitin‐6 sulphated disaccharides (P < 0.05). Hyaluronan acid was present at low concentrations (0.010 ± 0.001 pg cell−1) in both chondrocytes and chondrons. In this study, enzyme digestion coupled with FACE separation revealed new information about the differences in GAGs from isolated chondrocyte and chondron preparations. Further investigation of the differences in GAGs from chondrocytes and chondrons from different zones of articular cartilage may be useful for tissue engineering approaches.
Abdominal muscle size and symmetry at rest and during abdominal hollowing exercises in healthy control subjects
Authors: Mannion A. F. , Pulkovski N. , Toma V. , Sprott H.
Published: July 2008

The symmetry of, and physical characteristics influencing, the thickness of the lateral abdominal muscles at rest and during abdominal exercises were examined in 57 healthy subjects (20 men, 37 women; aged 22–62 years). M‐mode ultrasound images were recorded from the abdominal muscles at rest and during abdominal hollowing exercises in hook‐lying. The fascial lines bordering the transvs. abdominis, obliquus internus and obliquus externus were digitized and the absolute thickness, relative thickness (% of total lateral thickness) and contraction ratio (thickness during hollowing/thickness at rest), as well as the asymmetry (difference between sides expressed as a percent of the smallest value for the two sides) for each of these parameters were determined for each muscle. Both at rest and during hollowing, obliquus internus was the thickest and transvs. abdominis the thinnest muscle. There were no significant differences between left and right sides for group mean thicknesses of any muscle; however, individual asymmetries were evident, with mean values for the different muscles ranging from 11% to 26%; asymmetry was much less for the contraction ratios (mean % side differences, 5–14% depending on muscle). Body mass was the most significant positive predictor of absolute muscle thickness, for all muscles at rest and during hollowing, accounting for 30–44% variance. Body mass index explained 20–30% variance in transvs. abdominis contraction ratio (negative relationship). The influence of these confounders must be considered in comparative studies of healthy controls and back pain patients, unless groups are very carefully matched. Asymmetries observed in patients should be interpreted with caution, as they are also common in healthy subjects.
Pelvic anti‐predator armour reduction in Norwegian populations of the threespine stickleback: a rare phenomenon with adaptive implications?
Authors: Klepaker T. O. , Østbye K.
Published: July 2008

In order to search for armour reductions in the anti‐predator armour apparatus of the threespine sticklebackGasterosteus aculeatus, we studied populations from 200 coastal lakes and 32 marine and estuarine sites in Norway. We scored the presence of reductions in the pelvic apparatus in these populations, measured the length of the second dorsal fin and pelvic spine and counted lateral plates in a subset of 96 populations. Then we looked for the relation between pelvic reduction and number of lateral plates and lengths of the second dorsal spine and pelvic spine. We also observed whether pelvic reduced fish had asymmetric development on the right or the left side of the pelvis. Pelvic reduction was not found in marine and estuarine sticklebacks (with one single exception), but in freshwater it occurred in four out of 200 lakes. The amount of pelvic reduction differed from 5% to 68% in the four populations. There appears to be a correlation between pelvic reduction and spine lengths at the population level, but not plate number. Further, it appears to be difficult to explain the occurrence of pelvic reduction in Norway with the factors proposed to be responsible for pelvic reduction in other regions.
Functional regionalization of the pectoral fin of the benthic longhorn sculpin during station holding and swimming
Authors: Taft N. K. , Lauder G. V. , Madden P. G. A.
Published: July 2008

Studies of the kinematics of the pectoral fins in fishes have focused on fins as devices for propulsion or maneuvering. Studying pectoral fin function in benthic fishes is an opportunity to understand how the fins are used in a broader range of fin‐based behaviors, especially those involving substrate contact. Morphological specializations of the pectoral fins, hypothesized adaptations for substrate contact, have been described for several benthic fish groups. These specializations include, but are not limited to, reduced webbing between ventral rays as well as thickening and shortening of these rays compared with the dorsal rays. Our focal species, the benthic longhorn sculpin, Myoxocephalus octodecimspinosus, possesses these morphological specializations, which divide the fin loosely into dorsal and ventral regions. Our goal was to investigate the functional consequences of these specializations, if any. First, we used high‐speed video to examine the motion of the pectoral fins during swimming and station holding on the bottom, the first such study for a benthic fish. We found that longhorn sculpin do not oscillate their pectoral fins during swimming. Rather, the pectoral fins are held in a steady laterally extended posture. Oscillations of the body, median fins and caudal fin are used for propulsion. The shape of the fin also changes dramatically as the fish moves from station holding to swimming. Second, we measured the curvature of the individual fin rays that support and control the shape and movement of the pectoral fins. We did this to examine whether morphological specialization of the fin rays influences fin ray curvature. Individual fin rays in different fin regions show consistently different patterns of bending regardless of behavior. We propose that the pectoral fin is divided into functional as well as morphological regions. The fin rays in each functional region have distinct roles during swimming and substrate contact.
Geographic variation in genital morphology of Ciulfina praying mantids
Authors: Holwell G. I.
Published: July 2008

Geographic variation in morphological traits is widespread and important to our current understanding of evolutionary processes. Although male genitalia are perhaps the most divergent morphological traits in animals, geographic variation in genital traits has received little attention and the mechanism driving such variation is unclear. The species isolation hypothesis of genital evolution makes explicit predictions about geographic variation in genitalia predicting patterns of genital divergence that reflect the risk of mating with related but incompatible species. The sexual selection and pleiotropy hypotheses, however, predict general levels of geographic variation that reflect divergent sexual selection pressures or genetic drift. To test these predictions, we investigated geographic variation in genital morphology in the praying mantid genus Ciulfina (Mantodea: Liturgusidae) using elliptic Fourier analysis. We found significant levels of geographic variation in the genital morphology of four Ciulfina species irrespective of the relative proximity of different populations to contact zones with other species. These results reject the species isolation hypothesis, and instead support either the sexual selection or pleiotropy hypotheses to explain patterns of genital evolution in this genus.
Limb bone stresses during fast locomotion in the African lion and its bovid prey
Authors: Sorkin B.
Published: July 2008

Peak stresses during fast locomotion in the humerus and tibia of the African lion have been estimated from a filmed prey pursuit sequence and skeletal dimensions of museum specimens; safety factors of the two bones have been calculated. The results are compared with the peak stresses (and the corresponding safety factors) during fast locomotion in the humerus and tibia of large (buffalo) and small (antelope) African bovids, which the lion is known to prey upon, estimated by previous authors using similar methodology. The comparison suggests that both the humerus and the tibia of a running lion have higher safety factors than those of its bovid prey running at the same speed.
Maternal care in a neotropical jumping spider (Salticidae)
Authors: Vieira C. , Romero G. Q.
Published: July 2008

Although female jumping spiders (Salticidae) often stay with their egg sacs, little is known about whether this behaviour is effective in improving offspring survival. Females of the jumping spider Psecas chapoda (Salticidae) typically stay above their egg sacs and under a plain silk cover, spun from edge to edge of bromeliad leaves. The objective of this paper is to test the hypothesis that the presence of the females above the egg sac increases egg survival. We experimentally manipulated females and silk cover in P. chapoda using three treatments: female and silk cover present (control), female removed and silk cover present and female and silk cover removed. The number and area of holes in the egg sac walls, which are likely to be damage caused by egg predators, were higher in the absence of spiders and spiders+silk cover than in controls. Additionally, the number of spiderlings and exuvia was lower in the absence of females and female+silk cover than in the control treatment. The number of important specialized predators of spider eggs (i.e. mantipids) that develop inside P. chapoda egg sacs did not differ among the treatments. To our knowledge, this is the first experimental study that effectively demonstrates maternal care in spiders of the family Salticidae.
Helping the enemy? Why transnational Jewish philanthropic foundations donate to Palestinian NGOs in Israel
Authors: HAKLAI ODED
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT. This article asks why transnational Jewish donor organisations have been increasingly providing financial support to Palestinian social movements and NGOs in Israel when many of the main recipients are strong critics of the Jewish character of the state and act to promote Palestinian national claims within Israel. The article evaluates a number of plausible explanations, some generated by interest‐centric theories while others are driven by ideational underpinnings. The study concludes that the donors do not view the interests of the Jewish state and the Palestinian Arab minority in Israel (PAI) in zero‐sum terms. Having internalised liberal values of minority rights and pluralism in their countries of residence (mainly the United States), donating foundations believe that the development of the PAI is both normatively desirable and strengthens Israel as a whole because it facilitates the minority's integration into Israel's society and bolsters its civic culture, and therefore, it also contributes to the country's security. These findings are theoretically significant because they demonstrate how the interpretation of communal interest is strongly related to the normative social environment in which transnational activists operate.
Civitatis Ghaniensis Conditor: Kwame Nkrumah, symbolic nationalism and the iconography of Ghanaian money 1957 – the Golden Jubilee
Authors: FULLER HARCOURT
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT. During his tenure as premier from independence in 1957 until he was ousted by a military and police coup in 1966, Kwame Nkrumah was the living personification of the Ghanaian nation‐state. As the self‐proclaimed Civitatis Ghaniensis Conditor– Founder of the State of Ghana – his image was minted on the new national money and printed on postage stamps. He erected a monument of himself in Accra, changed the national anthem to make references to himself, customised the national flag to match the colors of his CPP party, made his birthday a national day of celebration (National Founder's Day), named streets and universities after himself, and amended the constitution whereby he became Life President. Since the coup, many of the symbols of nationhood that Nkrumah constructed have been debated, demolished, reconsidered and reengineered by successive governments to rewrite the Ghanaian historical narrative. This article analyses the contentions of one of Nkrumah's first expressions of symbolic nationalism – that of the national coinage.
Activation of microglia with zymosan promotes excitatory amino acid release via volume‐regulated anion channels: the role of NADPH oxidases
Authors: Harrigan Timothy J. , Abdullaev Iskandar F. , Jourd’heuil David , Mongin Alexander A.
Published: July 2008

Microglia are the resident immune cells of the CNS, which are important for preserving neural tissue functions, but may also contribute to neurodegeneration. Activation of these cells in infection, inflammation, or trauma leads to the release of various toxic molecules, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the excitatory amino acid glutamate. In this study, we used an electrophysiologic approach and a d‐[3H]aspartate (glutamate) release assay to explore the ROS‐dependent regulation of glutamate‐permeable volume‐regulated anion channels (VRACs). Exposure of rat microglia to hypo‐osmotic media stimulated Cl− currents and d‐[3H]aspartate release, both of which were inhibited by the selective VRAC blocker, DCPIB. Exogenously applied H2O2 potently increased swelling‐activated glutamate release. Stimulation of microglia with zymosan triggered production of endogenous ROS and strongly enhanced glutamate release via VRAC in swollen cells. The effects of zymosan were attenuated by the ROS scavenger, MnTMPyP, and by two inhibitors of NADPH oxidase (NOX), diphenyliodonium and thioridazine. However, zymosan‐stimulated glutamate release was insensitive to other NOX blockers, apocynin and HEBSF. This pharmacologic profile pointed to the potential involvement of apocynin‐insensitive NOX4. Using RT‐PCR we confirmed that NOX4 is expressed in rat microglial cells along with NOX1 and NOX2. To check for potential involvement of phagocytic NOX2, we stimulated this isoform using protein kinase C (PKC) activator, phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate or inhibited it with the broad spectrum PKC blocker, Gö6983. Both agents potently modulated endogenous ROS production by NOX2 but not VRAC activity. Taken together, these data suggest that the anion channel VRAC may contribute to microglial glutamate release and that its activity is regulated by endogenous ROS originating from NOX4.
Sweet taste receptor interacting protein CIB1 is a general inhibitor of InsP3‐dependent Ca2+ release in vivo
Authors: Hennigs Jan K. , Burhenne Nicole , Stähler Frauke , Winnig Marcel , Walter Bettina , Meyerhof Wolfgang , Schmale Hartwig
Published: July 2008

In a search for sweet taste receptor interacting proteins, we have identified the calcium‐ and integrin‐binding protein 1 (CIB1) as specific binding partner of the intracellular carboxyterminal domain of the rat sweet taste receptor subunit Tas1r2. In heterologous human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells, the G protein chimeras Gα16gust44 and Gα15i3 link the sweet taste receptor dimer TAS1R2/TAS1R3 to an inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (InsP3)‐dependent Ca2+ release pathway. To demonstrate the influence of CIB1 on the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, we used sweet and umami compounds as well as other InsP3‐generating ligands in FURA‐2‐based Ca2+ assays in wild‐type HEK293 cells and HEK293 cells expressing functional human sweet and umami taste receptor dimers. Stable and transient depletion of CIB1 by short‐hairpin RNA increased the Ca2+ response of HEK293 cells to the InsP3‐generating ligands ATP, UTP and carbachol. Over‐expression of CIB1 had the opposite effect as shown for the sweet ligand saccharin, the umami receptor ligand monosodium glutamate and UTP. The CIB1 effect was dependent on the thapsigargin‐sensitive Ca2+ store of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and independent of extracellular Ca2+. The function of CIB1 on InsP3‐evoked Ca2+ release from the ER is most likely mediated by its interaction with the InsP3 receptor. Thus, CIB1 seems to be an inhibitor of InsP3‐dependent Ca2+ release in vivo.
Pilot study of Japanese cedar pollen exposure using a novel artificial exposure chamber (OHIO Chamber)
Authors: Hashiguchi K. , Tang H. , Fujita T. , Suematsu K. , Tsubaki S. , Nagakura H. , Kitajima S. , Gotoh M. , Okubo K.
Published: July 2008

For basic and clinical studies of Japanese cedar (JC) pollinosis and its treatment, experimental facilities for exposure to pollen under stable environmental conditions are becoming increasingly desirable. We developed an artificial exposure chamber (OHIO Chamber) that allows the dispersal of fixed concentrations of JC pollen in stable environments with a unique pollen supply system, air flow system for fixing the concentration of JC pollen, system for monitoring the number of pollen grains, and automated pure water washing and drying system. In the chamber, temperature and relative humidity (RH) could be successfully maintained at 22±1.1 °C and 45±5%, respectively. The spatial distribution of pollen concentrations in the chamber was within 10% of target, including when subjects were present. Only a few or no pollen grains were detected in the chamber after automatic washing and drying. We conducted a pilot tolerability and safety study in 15 JC pollinosis patients who were exposed to 15 000 pollen grains/m3 for 2 h. Symptoms manifested on average 33 min after start of exposure. The subjects experienced no serious side‐effects, and pollen exposure at 15 000 grains/m3 was confirmed safe. After exposure, the number of intranasal and intraocular pollen grains was 469 and 602, respectively. The lower number of pollen grains in the nose than in the eyes was considered due to sneezing and nasal discharge. Further studies are needed to clarify the number of pollen grains required for the occurrence of symptoms in the OHIO Chamber.
Management of persistent allergic rhinitis in the tropics: Singapore experiences
Authors: Wang D‐Y. , Gordon B. R.
Published: July 2008

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common manifestation of allergic diseases, affecting 10–25% of the world's population. In the tropics, the majority of AR is persistent. The year‐round warm, humid climate is conducive for the proliferation of dust mites and moulds, two of the most common aeroallergens implicated in persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR). The management of AR includes patient education, allergen avoidance, pharmacological treatment, and specific immunotherapy. Patient education, especially regarding dust and mould exposure reduction, can be effective but is often under‐utilized. Second generation, non‐sedating H1‐antihistamines rapidly relieve most nasal symptoms because they effectively block the histamine H1‐receptors that trigger plasma exudation and oedema. Congestion is most effectively controlled by intranasal glucocorticosteroids (INSs), which are currently the most potent AR drug treatment. The beneficial effects of steroids depend on their long‐term, multi‐pathway anti‐inflammatory effects, unlike H1‐antihistamines, which directly block neural and vascular H1 receptors. However, especially in PAR, patients' compliance with INS therapy has a significant impact on treatment efficacy, because year‐round treatment is required. Subcutaneous inhalant allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) is effective against a broad range of AR symptoms, and may be able to alter the natural course of allergy and prevent asthma onset. SCIT can significantly reduce the severity of allergic disease, including nasal obstruction, and decrease the need for anti‐allergic drugs. Immunotherapy (IT) can also be given as sublingual drops (SLIT). Recent studies have shown the SLIT to be effective in reducing AR symptoms and medication use. Both types of IT require long‐term patient compliance for successful treatment. Drug and IT interventions may not be economically feasible in certain patients. In conclusion, the type of AR most prevalent in the tropics is PAR, which must be treated year round. Improvement of educational programmes for the public and physicians alike seems to be the most effective treatment strategy.
Pharmacogenetics of anti‐leukotriene drugs
Authors: Asano K. , Ishizaka A.
Published: July 2008

Cysteinyl leukotrienes, a group of compounds with potent bioactivity to constrict bronchial smooth muscle cells and recruit eosinophils and other inflammatory cells into the airways, act as key modulators of the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Drugs targeting leukotriene‐related molecules such as leukotriene synthase inhibitors and CysLT1‐receptor antagonists are widely used as safe and effective agents for the treatment of these diseases. The main limitation of anti‐leukotriene drugs, however, is that there is a substantial proportion of patients who do not respond to these drugs. Therefore, identification of genetic and non‐genetic factors that determine the pharmacologic response should further increase the usefulness of anti‐leukotriene drugs. We undertook a multidirectional approach based on the assumption that the pharmacologic response to anti‐leukotriene drugs is determined by factors related to pharmacokinetics such as drug metabolism, and pharmacodynamics such as the expression and function of leukotriene synthases and receptors. Among patients with asthma, we identified two genetic variations (polymorphisms) in the promoter of arachidonate 5‐lipoxygenase and leukotriene C4 synthase as possible factors to distinguish responders from non‐responders to anti‐leukotriene drugs. This pharmacogenetic approach might be useful to establish the basis of individualized treatment for patients with asthma as well as those with allergic rhinitis.
Perceptions and reality: Economic voting at the 2004 European Parliament elections
Authors: TILLEY JAMES , GARRY JOHN , BOLD TESSA
Published: July 2008

Abstract.  One of the most influential explanations of voting behaviour is based on economic factors: when the economy is doing well, voters reward the incumbent government and when the economy is doing badly, voters punish the incumbent. This reward‐punishment model is thought to be particularly appropriate at second order contests such as European Parliament elections. Yet operationalising this economic voting model using citizens’ perceptions of economic performance may suffer from endogeneity problems if citizens’ perceptions are in fact a function of their party preferences rather than being a cause of their party preferences. Thus, this article models a ‘strict’ version of economic voting in which they purge citizens’ economic perceptions of partisan effects and only use as a predictor of voting that portion of citizens’ economic perceptions that is caused by the real world economy. Using data on voting at the 2004 European Parliament elections for 23 European Union electorates, the article finds some, but limited, evidence for economic voting that is dependent on both voter sophistication and clarity of responsibility for the economy within any country. First, only politically sophisticated voters’ subjective economic assessments are in fact grounded in economic reality. Second, the portion of subjective economic assessments that is a function of the real world economy is a significant predictor of voting only in single party government contexts where there can be a clear attribution of responsibility. For coalition government contexts, the article finds essentially no impact of the real economy via economic perceptions on vote choice, at least at European Parliament elections.
Competitive Pricing in Markets with Different Overhead Costs: Concealment or Leakage of Cost Information?
Authors: CARDINAELS EDDY , ROODHOOFT FILIP , WARLOP LUK , VAN HERCK GUSTAAF
Published: July 2008

This paper experimentally investigates how leaders and followers in a duopoly set prices for two product markets that have different overhead costs. In a fully crossed two‐by‐two design, we manipulate the participants' private cost report quality as either low or high, representing the extent to which these reports reveal that product markets have different overhead costs. We show that when only the leader is given a high‐quality cost report, private cost information of higher quality is better incorporated into market prices (that are observable to participants). Both the leader and follower improve in profits and their prices better reflect the differences in overhead costs because the follower infers information from the leader's prices (information leakage). In contrast, when only the follower receives a high‐quality cost report, the leader's profits and prices do not improve. This occurs because the follower conceals cost information when the leader has a low‐quality cost report.
Keynesian Beauty Contest, Accounting Disclosure, and Market Efficiency
Authors: GAO PINGYANG
Published: July 2008

This paper examines the market efficiency consequences of accounting disclosure in the context of stock markets as a Keynesian beauty contest, an influential metaphor originally proposed by Keynes [1936] and recently formalized by Allen, Morris, and Shin [2006]. In such markets, public information plays an additional commonality role, biasing stock prices away from the consensus fundamental value toward public information. Despite this bias, I demonstrate that provisions of public information always drive stock prices closer to the fundamental value. Hence, as a main source of public information, accounting disclosure enhances market efficiency, and transparency should not be compromised on grounds of the Keynesian‐beauty‐contest effect.
Accuracy assessment of lidar‐derived digital elevation models
Authors: Aguilar Fernando J. , Mills Jon. P.
Published: July 2008

Despite the relatively high cost of airborne lidar‐derived digital elevation models (DEMs), such products are usually presented without a satisfactory associated estimate of accuracy. For the most part, DEM accuracy estimates are typically provided by comparing lidar heights against a finite sample of check point coordinates from an independent source of higher accuracy, supposing a normal distribution of the derived height differences or errors. This paper proposes a new methodology to assess the vertical accuracy of lidar DEMs using confidence intervals constructed from a finite sample of errors computed at check points. A non‐parametric approach has been tested where no particular error distribution is assumed, making the proposed methodology especially applicable to non‐normal error distributions of the type usually found in DEMs derived from lidar. The performance of the proposed model was experimentally validated using Monte Carlo simulation on 18 vertical error data‐sets. Fifteen of these data‐sets were computed from original lidar data provided by the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Working Group III/3, using their respective filtered reference data as ground truth. The three remaining data‐sets were provided by the Natural Environment Research Council’s Airborne Research and Survey Facility lidar system, together with check points acquired using high precision kinematic GPS. The results proved promising, the proposed models reproducing the statistical behaviour of vertical errors of lidar using a favourable number of check points, even in the cases of data‐sets with non‐normally distributed residuals. This research can therefore be considered as a potentially important step towards improving the quality control of lidar‐derived DEMs.
Mapping tooth surface loss with a fixed‐base stereo camera
Authors: Grenness Malcolm J. , Osborn Jon E. , Tyas Martin J.
Published: July 2008

Change detection of tooth surface loss in the cervical region of a tooth replica has been performed using a fixed‐base stereoscopic camera, consisting of two SLR digital cameras with lenses of fixed focal length. Commercial digital photogrammetric and calibration software was used to perform a convergent multi‐station calibration with an artefact comprising a transilluminated planar array and a tiered object exhibiting optical texture. Digital surface models of a tiered test object and a tooth surface containing a non‐carious cervical lesion were generated from stereo‐imagery. The accuracy of automatic mass point measurement of a planar surface was 4 ± 13 μm in Z. The sensitivity of change detection on mapped tooth replicas was 0·03 mm with change ranging from 0·03 to 0·07 mm per annum. Different rates of change were clearly evident in different areas at different times. The results of this investigation suggest that annual change detection studies will provide a clearer picture of the pattern of tooth surface loss and, in combination with other analytical techniques, a more detailed explanation of the natural history of these lesions.
A model‐based approach for reconstructing a terrain surface from airborne LIDAR data
Authors: Sohn Gunho , Dowman Ian J.
Published: July 2008

A lidar filtering technique is used to differentiate on‐terrain points and off‐terrain points from a cloud of 3D point data collected by a lidar system. A major issue of concern in this low‐level filter is to design a methodology to ensure a continual adaptation to variations of terrain slopes and object scales. In this paper, a new lidar filtering technique which hierarchically fragments lidar data into piecewise planar terrain models is introduced. Once a number of hypothetical planar terrain models are generated to fit the terrain surface of the underlying area, the optimal terrain model to produce the minimum labelling errors is determined based on minimum description length (MDL) principles. This hypothesis‐verification optimisation is achieved in a coarse‐to‐fine strategy by which the entire terrain surface is incrementally reconstructed by increasing the number of planar terrain models fitted. The proposed technique was successfully applied to a digital surface model provided within an OEEPE lidar trial, showing 0·94% of Type I errors and 6·75% of Type II errors compared to manually classified reference data.
Calculating Biologically Accurate Mitigation Credits: Insights from the California Tiger Salamander
Authors: SEARCY CHRISTOPHER A. , SHAFFER H. BRADLEY
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Current conservation mitigation plans often fail to ensure full in‐kind habitat replacement for endangered species, which suggests the need for improved methods for calculating mitigation credits. A simple, yet biologically meaningful method for calculating mitigation credits would be to let the number of mitigation credits assigned to a parcel of land scale with the reproductive value of the individuals occupying that parcel. This can be accomplished by dividing the population into 2 or more subdivisions with different reproductive values, calculating the densities of these subdivisions as a function of one or more habitat parameters, and then forming a weighted sum of these densities such that each density distribution is weighted by the reproductive value of its respective subdivision of the population. This weighted sum is the density distribution of reproductive value, and by integrating it over a particular parcel, one can determine the mitigation value of that parcel. We carried out this procedure for a population of California tiger salamanders (Ambystoma californiense), with distance from breeding site as our habitat parameter and the 3 visually identifiable age classes (adults, juveniles, and metamorphs) as our population subdivisions. This led to a density distribution of reproductive value that decreased exponentially with increasing distance from a breeding site. Mitigation strategies derived from this function will be more likely to ensure the persistence of California tiger salamander populations than current approaches, which assign all land within 1.6 km of a breeding site the same mitigation value. Use of the density distribution of reproductive value as a basis for mitigation plans is a procedure that can be applied to all endangered species, and it should improve the quality of mitigation decisions.
Response of a Group of Sichuan Snub‐Nosed Monkeys to Commercial Logging in the Qinling Mountains, China
Authors: GUO SONGTAO , JI WEIHONG , LI BAOGUO , LI MING
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Habitat destruction is one of the greatest threats to primates worldwide. To understand the impact of forest logging on the habitat use of primates in temperate mixed forest, we compared the range, habitat used, population size, and diet of a troop (ERT) of Sichuan snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) in the Qinling Mountains before (1989), during (1997), and after (2002–2003) commercial logging. Logging significantly changed the composition of the forest and the food supply for the troop. Some areas were heavily logged and formed patches in the forest that lacked canopy cover. The troop moved 7 km away from their original range when logging took place and returned to their original range after logging stopped, but they avoided heavily logged areas that lacked canopy cover. Their movement indicated some degree of site fidelity in this species. Diet and home range changed after logging, but the population size remained stable, which suggests that this species has some ability to adapt to habitat changes. Our results may reflect a natural flexibility in primates to adapt to the changing food resources in temperate areas with marked seasonal variations in food availability and distribution. This flexibility may have contributed to their higher degree of resilience to habitat alterations caused by human activities compared with tropical forest primates that have a more specialized diet. Our findings provide important baseline information that will help decision makers in their efforts to conserve primates, especially in temperate regions, and to sustainably manage primate habitat.
The role of topical negative pressure in wound repair: Expression of biochemical markers in wound fluid during wound healing
Authors: Mouës Chantal M. , Van Toorenenbergen Albert W. , Heule Freerk , Hop Wim C. , Hovius Steven E. R.
Published: July 2008

The clinical effects of topical negative pressure therapy (TNP) on wound healing are well described in numerous articles. While the mechanism(s) of action are not completely understood, it is postulated that reduction of local and interstitial tissue edema, increased perfusion of the (peri‐) wound area, changed bacterial composition, and mechanical stimulation of the woundbed contribute to the clinical success. Our hypothesis is that with the removal of excessive fluid, proteolytic enzymes negatively influencing the healing process are removed. Our aim was to assess whether the concentrations of albumin, matrixmetalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP‐1) were different between wounds treated with TNP and conventional gauze therapy. We analyzed wound fluid samples of 33 wounds treated with either TNP therapy (n=15) or conventional therapy (n=18) on albumin, pro‐ and activated MMP‐9, TIMP‐1, and the ratio of total MMP‐9/TIMP‐1. Albumin levels were found to increase significantly in acute wounds compared with chronic wounds; however, no difference could be found on comparing TNP with conventional therapy. We did find significantly lower levels of pro‐MMP‐9 and lower total MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 ratio in TNP‐treated wounds during the follow‐up of 10 days. These data strongly suggest that TNP therapy influences the microenvironment of the wound.
Evaluation of dermal pericapillary fibrin cuffs in venous ulceration using confocal microscopy
Authors: Kobrin Kendra L. , Thompson Paul J. , Scheur Martijn van de , Kwak Tae‐Hee , Kim Saerom , Falanga Vincent
Published: July 2008

Dermal pericapillary fibrin is a hallmark of venous disease and is thought to play a pathogenic role in the development of ulceration. However, the actual spatial configuration of pericapillary fibrin is unknown, and it remains unclear whether it truly represents a barrier that can impair physiological exchanges between the blood and dermis. Using confocal microscopy on tissue specimens taken from the edges of venous ulcers in six patients, we report a detailed analysis of dermal pericapillary fibrin deposits. Sections were evaluated with an antibody to human fibrinogen/fibrin and viewed, vertically and horizontally, with confocal microscopy. The distribution of fibrin deposition was highly variable and patchy, with areas of great intensity next to others of marginal intensity. Vertical cut sections showed the highest concentration of fluorescent material next to the lumen of dermal capillaries. Horizontal sections showed that maximal fluorescence was distributed at random. Our findings indicate that fibrin deposits in venous ulcers are patchy and discontinuous around dermal vessels. As such, these deposits are unlikely to act as a true and stable anatomic barrier as originally proposed. However, pericapillary fibrin may still act as a physiological barrier under conditions of poor blood flow where even marginal or patchy fibrin deposition might have a greater effect on the exchange of oxygen and other nutrients between blood and dermis.
Epidermal growth factor protects fibroblasts from apoptosis via PI3 kinase and Rac signaling pathways
Authors: Shao Hanshuang , Yi Xiao‐Ming , Wells Alan
Published: July 2008

The fibroplasia noted during wound repair is resolved by fibroblast cell death. How fibroblasts undergo death and how this is prevented by trophic growth factors present during the regenerative phase are unknown at the molecular level. We examined a model of staurosporine‐induced apoptosis in fibroblasts. We demonstrated that epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation of fibroblast NR6WT expressing human EGF receptors blocks staurosporine‐induced apoptosis by inhibiting the activation of caspase‐3. The survival effect of EGF on rescuing apoptotic NR6WT involves signaling pathways that derive from PI3K and Rac; the blockade of apoptosis is abolished when PI3K and Rac signals are inhibited simultaneously. Furthermore, by using KP372‐1, a specific Akt inhibitor, we found that downstream of Akt signaling pathways is absolutely required for the EGF rescue from staurosporine‐induced apoptosis in NR6WT. Interestingly, EGF prevention of apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor‐α in the face of cycloheximide blockade of protein translation occurs via a different set of pathways as the simultaneous inhibition of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, Rac, and PI3K signaling did not eliminate EGF from rescuing fibroblasts in the face of this cytokine. These findings indicate that EGF receptor activation provides survival response against staurosporine‐induced apoptosis through signal pathways of PI3K and Rac, which then may prevent the activation of caspase‐3.
The use of a semiocclusive dressing reduces epidermal inflammatory cytokine expression and mitigates dermal proliferation and inflammation in a rat incisional model
Authors: Kloeters Oliver , Schierle Clark , Tandara Andrea , Mustoe Thomas A.
Published: July 2008

Occlusive wound dressings are utilized clinically to accelerate wound healing and improve the final appearance of scars. In vivo and in vitro evidence suggests that one mechanism for this effect is maintenance of normal hydration in the epidermis, although the molecular signals remain uncharacterized. We sought to elucidate histological changes and some of the molecular signals involved in this effect in a rat model of wound semiocclusion. We utilized a rat linear incision model with surgical tape occlusion. Histological stains and quantitative real‐time PCR analysis were used to characterize the cellular and molecular effects of semiocclusion on the wound healing response. Semioccluded wounds demonstrated decreased epidermal thickness and cellularity and less mitotic epidermal activity when compared with nonoccluded control wounds. Associated dermal cellularity was similarly attenuated by semiocclusion. Finally, levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1‐α and tumor necrosis factor‐α were significantly decreased on postoperative day 3 at the transcriptional level when compared with nonoccluded wounds. Semiocclusive wound treatments significantly decrease epidermal thickness, cellularity, mitotic activity, and dermal cellularity as well as transcriptional levels of important epidermal mediators of inflammation in a rat incisional wound model.
NON‐CORONARY HEART DISEASE IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS: Sympathetic Overactivity—The Cinderella of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Vonend Oliver , Rump L. Christian , Ritz Eberhard
Published: July 2008

Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is exceedingly high in patients with chronic renal failure. Sympathetic overactivity is an important pathomechanism contributing to progression of renal disease as well as cardiovascular complications. For more than 30 years it has been known that plasma levels of norepinephrine are elevated in chronic renal failure pointing to increased sympathetic nerve activity. The kidneys are richly innervated by efferent sympathetic and afferent sensory nerves. They participate in many reflex adjustments of renal function. Initially, this finding had not been attributed to increased efferent sympathetic drive, but rather to reduced renal clearance and defective neuronal reuptake of norepinephrine.

At this time, however, the evidence for increased sympathetic drive is solid. Interventions to reduce sympathetic overactivity will provide new therapeutic approaches. The available experimental and clinical evidence to suggest such a pathophysiological role of sympathetic overactivity is summarized in this current review.
Secondary Arteriovenous Fistulas: Converting Prosthetic AV Grafts to Autogenous Dialysis Access
Authors: Slayden Geoffrey C. , Spergel Lawrence , Jennings William C.
Published: July 2008

As existing arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) fail, the National Kidney Foundation KDOQI Guidelines and the AV Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative (“Fistula First”) project recommend that each patient be re‐evaluated for conversion to an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). AVFs created following failure of an AVG have been termed secondary fistulas (SAVF). We review our experience and outcomes converting AVGs to SAVFs, utilizing the mature outflow vein of the AVG when possible, otherwise creating a new AVF at a remote site. We reviewed two groups of consecutive patients undergoing operations for vascular access at different centers. Group 1 had a SAVF protocol in place during the study period with specific criteria for timing SAVF construction. Patients from group 2 were referred for evaluation by nephrologists or dialysis nurses as access problems were recognized, without a formal protocol in place. All patients had preoperative ultrasound or contrast imaging in addition to physical examination. Indications for creating a SAVF were AVG thrombosis, dysfunction, erosion, bleeding, or steal syndrome involving the existing AVG. The simple presence of a functional AVG without evidence of dysfunction was not an indication for conversion to a SAVF. SAVFs were classified according to location and the potential for utilizing the existing mature AVG outflow vein. Group 1: 40 consecutive patients, age 26–78 (mean = 62), 42% were female; 55% were diabetic. These patients had 1–22 previous access operations (mean = 3). 92.5% underwent SAVF surgery prior to loss of the AVG, minimizing catheter use. Cumulative patency was 92.5% at 1 year and 87.5% at 2 years. Group 2: 102 consecutive patients, age 24–87 (mean = 55), 52% were female; 50% were diabetic. These patients had 1–50 previous access operations (mean = 3). Only 19.3% were referred for SAVF surgery prior to loss of the AVG or outflow vein. Cumulative patency was 94.4% at 1 year and 91.6% at 2 years. Failure, dysfunction, or complications of AVGs may be resolved by conversion to a SAVF. Further, the limited lifespan of AVGs and the superiority of AVFs dictates that a plan be in place to transition the AVG patient to an AVF. Most, if not all, hemodialysis patients whose access is an AVG will have one or more anatomic sites and vessels suitable for an autogenous SAVF. Vessel mapping is critical in the evaluation of failing AVGs and in preparation for a SAVF. Cumulative patency rates exceeded 90% at 12 months for SAVFs in both patient groups in this report. The need for catheters was dramatically less in the patient group with an established SAVF conversion plan.
A Coronary Active Perfusion System for Off‐pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in an Experimental Porcine Model: The Relationship Between Flow Rate and Myocardial Function
Authors: Doi Toshio , Kamiya Hiroyuki , Watanabe Go , Misaki Takuro
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  We developed a coronary active perfusion system (synchronized arterial flow ensuring system [SAFE‐System]) to prevent myocardial ischemia during distal anastomosis in off‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between the flow rate of the SAFE‐System and myocardial function. Studies were performed on pigs, which were divided into five groups: external shunt perfusion group (group A, n = 6); 0.1 mL/beat flow rate for the SAFE‐System group (group B, n = 6); 0.2 mL/beat flow rate group (group C, n = 6); 0.3 mL/beat flow rate group (group D, n = 6); and 0.4 mL/beat flow rate group (group E, n = 6). Regional myocardial blood flow and left ventricular function were monitored for 30 min. The regional myocardial blood flow in group A was severely decreased (P < 0.001), and was significantly lower than in the other groups (P <  0.001). The slope of the end‐systolic pressure–volume relationship, and the slope of the preload recruitable stroke work relationship in groups A, D, and E were lower than in groups B and C. As compared with the use of a passive external shunt, a coronary active perfusion system provides adequate myocardial blood flow and hemodynamics. It was possible to maintain left ventricular function when using 0.1 or 0.2 mL/beat flow rate. The use of a coronary active perfusion system appears to make the off‐pump CABG procedure safer and may increase the application of off‐pump bypass grafting.