bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemistry Prize to Fukui and Hoffmann
Authors: Schwarzschild Bertram M.
Published: September 2008

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded the 1981 Nobel prize in chemistry jointly to Kenichi Fukui of Kyoto Imperial University and Roald Hoffmann of Cornell. The two theoretical chemists are cited by the Academy “for their theories, developed independently, concerning the course of chemical reactions.” Both men have used similar perturbation-theoretic approaches to the quantum theory of molecular bonding to develop useful techniques for the understanding and prediction of reaction rates and geometrical configurations in molecular reactions. Their ideas stress the conservation of spatial symmetries of electron wavefunctions as bonds are altered in the process of molecular rearrangement.
Applications of optical phase conjugation
Authors: Giuliano Concetto R.
Published: September 2008

The recently discovered generation of conjugate waves in the course of observing several nonlinear optical phenomena has attracted a lot of attention in the international technical community. Much of the interest arises from a fascination with the idea of “time reversal” and with impressive, almost magical demonstrations in which severely distorted optical beams can be restored to their original, unaberrated state.
Nuclear dynamical supersymmetry
Authors: Casten Richard F. , Feng Da Hsuan
Published: September 2008

One of the goals of physics is to establish simple sets of laws that provide a unified picture of apparently different physical phenomena. In the realm of elementary particle physics, attempts have been made over the last decade to unify all known forces in nature by a common highest symmetry known as supersymmetry. In recent years these ideas have become quite widespread in various branches of physics, ranging from investigations of the early universe to polymer physics. This burgeoning and diversified interest was recently exemplified at the Workshop on Supersymmetry in Physics at Los Alamos, New Mexico, in December 1983, which brought together physicists from many different disciplines.
Flux line-point defect Interactions in type II superconducting films
Authors: Yu H. Y. , Pande C. S.
Published: September 2008

By modeling the flux line as a line of centers of dilatation, it is shown that within the linear elasticity and continuum theory, the elastic interaction between a flux line and a point defect in an isotropic superconducting solid is entirely due to its surface. This surface effect, in a superconducting film with two parallel free surfaces, is considered in detail in this paper. Our analysis shows that the absolute value of the interaction energy and the interaction force between a flux line and a point defect decreases rapidly with increasing distance from the point defect to the free surface and to the flux line. The interaction between a flux line and a point defect is found to be strong only when the defect is close to the flux line and to the free surface.
Tunable lasers on GaSb using the concept of binary superimposed gratings
Authors: Müller M. , Lehnhardt T. , Rößner K. , Forchel A.
Published: September 2008

We report the realization of widely tunable single-mode emitting laser diodes on the (AlGaIn)/(AsSb) material system employing binary superimposed gratings. Through this specialized concept of multifrequency selective gratings, it is possible to generate a tunable laser emitting at several predetermined wavelengths. One major advantage of this approach is the simple fabrication process, which is similar to standard distributed feedback fabrication technologies, but with the result of one single laser emitting single mode at several discrete emission wavelengths.
The ground state of bottomonium has finally been found
Authors: Schwarzschild Bertram
Published: September 2008

The first measured hyperfine splitting in the heaviest of all meson families reveals the spin dependence of the force between bottom quarks.
On Facial Expertise: Processing Strategies of Twins' Parents
Authors: Sæther Line , Laeng Bruno
Published: September 2008

Parents of monozygotic twins typically learn to recognise their own children and also to tell them apart on photographs. However, it is unknown whether such exemplar expertise can be generalised to unfamiliar faces of equal similarity (ie other twins). In the present study, parents of monozygotic twins were compared to ‘control’ parents whose children were non-twin siblings. In a same/different task with familiar and unfamiliar twin faces as stimuli, twins' parents were faster than control parents in distinguishing their own children, but slower when distinguishing unfamiliar twin faces. These unexpected findings can be interpreted as a generalisation of a habitual perceptual strategy that is efficient only with familiar face exemplars. When pictures of the twins' faces were inverted by 180°, the typical inversion costs for familiar faces were observed, but the twins' parents recognised unfamiliar twins' faces better when these were inverted than when upright. This inverted inversion effect could be caused by the high similarity of the face pairs as well as by experience with familiar faces of equally high similarity. We conclude that the facial expertise of twins' parents is idiosyncratic to their own children and not based on an enhanced general facial expertise.
Identity Adaptation is Mediated and Moderated by Visualisation Ability
Authors: Hills Peter J , Elward Rachael L , Lewis Michael B
Published: September 2008

Depending on the previous research one reads, face aftereffects may or may not partially transfer across viewpoints. Two experiments are reported that explore this face-identity aftereffect by varying the adaptor type. Adaptation occurs when different views of the identity are used and even when the person's name is the adaptor. Brief exposure or nationality did not produce adaptation. In a third experiment, the role of visualisation was explored. Participants with higher visualisation scores showed greater adaptation to names than those with lower scores. These findings suggest non-facial identity cues can lead to a facial adaptation effect and that visualisation may be the mechanism behind this.
The Monocular-Boundary-Contour Mechanism in Binocular Surface Representation and Suppression
Authors: van Bogaert Eric A , Ooi Teng Leng , He Zijiang J
Published: September 2008

Boundary contours are important for representing binocular surfaces, including those in binocular rivalry. Ooi and He (2006, Perception35 581–603) showed that a half-image with a boundary contour defined by abutting gratings predominates in binocular rivalry. We investigated the monocular-boundary-contour mechanism using Kanizsa square-like rivalry displays. In experiment 1, the left half-image had a vertical illusory contour on the right edge while the right half-image had a vertical illusory contour on the left edge. The Kanizsa elements (discs and pacmen) were filled with a 135° grating and placed on a 45°-grating background. When fused, observers experienced a strong predominance for perceiving an illusory rectangle in front of four discs. But this percept was replaced by robust rivalry alternations when the stimulus was manipulated by (i) switching the half-images between eyes, (ii) relocating the pacmen in each half-image to form horizontal illusory contours, or (iii) placing the pacmen diagonally (thus eliminating each monocular illusory contour). Such robust rivalry alternations were similar to those experienced when a 135°-grating disc was in rivalry with a 135°-grating pacman alone on the 45°-grating background (experiment 2). Experiment 3 showed that the relatively stable illusory-rectangle percept in experiment 1 is affected by the alignment of the images in the two eyes, in a manner consistent with adherence to the occlusion constraint in binocular surface formation.
Two New Illusions of the Tongue
Authors: Egeth Marc
Published: September 2008

New illusions resulting from failures in proprioception are described. The Forked Tongue illusion results from weaving the tongue among the prongs of a fork, or from using the prongs of a fork to distort skin on other parts of the body—in these cases, the prongs feel misaligned even though the fork has not bent. The Tongue Twister illusion results from turning the tongue upside down and probing it with a finger or foreign object—the object can be felt to be in the wrong spatial location, opposite to where it actually is on the tongue.
Highlighting Human Form and Motion Information Enhances the Conspicuity of Pedestrians at Night
Authors: Balk Stacy A , Tyrrell Richard A , Brooks Johnell O , Carpenter Thomas L
Published: September 2008

Exploring how biological motion can make pedestrians more conspicuous to drivers at night, one-hundred-and-twenty participants were driven along an open-road route at night and pressed a button whenever they recognized that a pedestrian was present. A test pedestrian wearing black clothing alone or with 302 cm2 of retroreflective markings in one of four configurations either stood still or walked in place on an unilluminated sidewalk. Participants' response distances were maximal for the full biological-motion configuration and remained surprisingly long when convenient subsets of reflective markers were positioned on the pedestrian's ankles and wrists. When the pedestrian wore a reflective vest, the responses were no better than when he wore no reflective markings. The biological-motion advantage actually results from interacting form-perception and motion-perception mechanisms. These results confirm that basic perceptual phenomena—observers' sensitivity to human form and motion—can be harnessed to reduce an important problem of traffic safety.
Self-Reported Magic Eye™ Stereogram Skill Predicts Stereoacuity
Authors: Wilmer Jeremy B , Backus Benjamin T
Published: September 2008

Autostereograms—commonly known as Magic Eye™ stereograms (MESs)—are two-dimensional images that support stereoscopic depth perception given an appropriate crossing or uncrossing of the eyes. We find that self-reported MES skill is highly predictive of stereoacuity as measured by a standard clinical test ( r142 = 0.45, p < 0.0001; TNO test). Indeed, in our sample of 194 individuals, those who report poor MES skill have a five-fold increased risk of stereo impairment. Those who report poor MES skill also require on average five times greater binocular disparity to perceive stereoscopic depth than those who report good MES skill. Reported MES skill thus carries significant information about stereoacuity.
Awareness of human papillomavirus in a cohort of nearly 70,000 women from four Nordic countries
Authors: NØHR BUGGE , MUNK CHRISTIAN , TRYGGVADOTTIR LAUFEY , SPARÉN PAR , TRAN TRUNG N. , NYGÅRD MARI , SKARE GRY B. , DASBACH ERIK , LIAW KAI L. , KJAER SUSANNE K.
Published: September 2008

Objective. To assess the fraction of women who have heard of human papillomavirus (HPV) in four Nordic countries (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) and to study the correlates of this awareness, just before the vaccines were released. Design. Population‐based cross‐sectional study by means of a questionnaire. Setting. Denmark 2004–2005. Population. A total of 69,147 women participated (participation rate of 65%) in the study. Methods. A random sample of women from the general female population (18–45 years) in Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden were invited to answer a self‐administered questionnaire regarding HPV and lifestyle habits. Main outcome measures. Having heard of HPV. Results. Overall, a total of 32.6% had ever heard about HPV. Respectively, only 25.1% of Danish women, 33.0% Norwegian women, 32.5% Swedish women, and 41.0% Icelandic women had heard about HPV. The most important correlates associated with ever having heard of HPV were a history of genital warts (odds ratios, OR=2.57; 99% confidence intervals, CI: 2.38–2.76) and educational level (OR=2.06; 99% CI: 1.92–2.21). Other correlates associated with awareness of HPV were being single during pregnancy, never having been pregnant, former use of hormonal contraceptives and condom use. Conclusions. Our data suggest that at least two‐thirds of Nordic women have never heard of HPV. These data are important for developing and evaluating strategies to inform and educate the population about HPV infection and disease.
Pregnancy and women with spinal cord injuries
Authors: GHIDINI ALESSANDRO , HEALEY ALEXIS , ANDREANI MARIANNA , SIMONSON MAUREEN R.
Published: September 2008

Objective. To investigate the impact of pregnancy and childbearing on women with spinal cord injuries and their attitude toward pregnancy. Design and setting. State‐wide questionnaire survey from two databases, Florida, USA. Methods. Women with spinal cord injuries between 18 and 40 years were invited to participate. Main outcome measures. Knowledge about pregnancy after spinal cord injury and complications of pregnancy. Population. Hundred and fourteen women with spinal cord injuries. Results. Twenty‐three women (20%) received information about pregnancy during rehabilitation, but only 12 (10%) found it adequate. Rates of response of ‘adequate information’ were similar between women who became pregnant after injury and those who did not (9.0% vs. 8.6%, p = 1.0). Younger age at injury was the only predictor of pregnancy after spinal cord injuries. Preterm delivery occurred in 33% of women; 22% were unable to feel preterm labor. Thrombosis (8%), urinary complications (59%), dysreflexia (27%), and worsened spasticity (22%) were the most common complications in pregnancy and post‐partum depression (35%) was the most common complication in the puerperium. Conclusions. Inadequate information about pregnancy is common among young women with spinal cord injury. Heightened surveillance for certain complications is warranted in women with spinal cord injuries.
ABO fetomaternal compatibility poses a risk for massive fetomaternal transplacental hemorrhage
Authors: ZIZKA ZDENEK , FAIT TOMAS , BELOSOVICOVA HANA , HAAKOVA LUCIA , MARA MICHAL , JIRKOVSKA MARIE , JIRASEK JAN EVANGELISTA , BARTOSOVA LUCIE , CALDA PAVEL
Published: September 2008

Objective. Severe fetomaternal transplacental hemorrhage increases the risk of fetal anemia. In the third trimester, the syncytiotrophoblast becomes thinner, especially in areas where it comes into intimate contact with villous capillaries, and forms a vasculosyncytial membrane. Our aim was to determine whether ABO compatibility puts the fetus at a greater risk of severe fetomaternal hemorrhage. Design. Case study. Setting. A tertiary care center. Sample and methods. Between 2003 and 2007, we evaluated eight cases of severe fetomaternal transfusion. The Kleihauer‐Betke test was used for diagnosis of fetomaternal hemorrhage. We evaluated blood group compatibility between the mother and fetus and assessed the perinatal outcome. The Fischer's factorial test was used for testing a hypothesis. Results. The incidence of adverse outcomes following transplacental hemorrhage was 75% (six of eight). There were two perinatal deaths and four infants were affected by post‐hypoxic damage of varying severity. Fetomaternal ABO compatibility was present in seven of the eight cases. The risk of severe fetomaternal hemorrhage was significantly increased when there was ABO compatibility between the mother and fetus. This was associated with a very poor perinatal outcome. Conclusion. We recommend that resuscitation in utero by intrauterine transfusion should be considered before the 33rd week of gestation in cases of severe fetal anemia. In later gestation, urgent cesarean section is required with adequate resuscitation of the newborn.
Examining the implementation of the mathematics strand of the Key Stage 3 Strategy: What are the bases of evaluation?
Authors: Venkat Hamsa , Brown Margaret
Published: September 2008

This article presents findings from a comparative case study examining the implementation of the mathematics strand of the Key Stage 3 Strategy in two contrasting schools—one using setting and whole‐class teaching, the other incorporating mixed‐ability grouping and individualised learning. A number of ‘outcomes’ of implementation are considered, including teachers' and students' experiences, changes in pedagogic practice and students' attainment. Whilst both schools achieved highly in relation to similar schools, higher attainment gains between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 in the school using setting/whole‐class teaching were associated with increasing student disaffection and dependence on teachers. In contrast, the attainment gains at the school using individualised learning were associated with increasing enthusiasm and independence. The mixed picture of outcomes and their complex interconnections suggest that evaluations of implementation resting on attainment‐based outcomes are problematic in terms of longer‐term aims of increasing the proportions of students choosing to study mathematics and developing the skills of independent learning.
Beyond ‘emotional literacy’ in feminist and educational research
Authors: Burman Erica
Published: September 2008

Educational research has a long history of engagement with emotions. Together with feminist research, it has championed the legitimacy of research approaches that not only admit but also analyse researcher reflexivity. The article's author cautions against subscription to emerging cultural discourses promoting the validity and expression of emotions—distinguishing between a feminist agenda and appropriations of a pseudo‐feminist discourse that now permeate neo‐liberal governmentality. First, the article analyses the assumptions underlying the ‘emotional literacy’ paradigm, before, secondly, addressing some specifically educational developments related to the shift towards ‘life span’ and ‘lifelong learning’ within university assessment strategies in the form of ‘personal development profiles’. It is argued that we need to attend very closely to the epithet ‘emotional literacy’ as a process of schooling for the production of discourse about emotion, rather than the discovery or recognition of some essential inner, individual feelings. Rather than becoming literate about emotions, the task is to analyse the models of writing emotions in circulation. The article finishes with some more general policy connections that underscore the broader political agendas served by the ‘emotional’ turn.
Boredom in the lecture theatre: An investigation into the contributors, moderators and outcomes of boredom amongst university students
Authors: Mann Sandi , Robinson Andrew
Published: September 2008

Student boredom within the school system has been widely studied and shown to be linked to various negative consequences such as diminished academic achievement, school dissatisfaction and truancy. However, little attention has been given to the issue of boredom within higher education and the current study aims to redress this balance. Two hundred and eleven university students completed questionnaires aimed at assessing contributors, moderators and consequences of their boredom. Results reveal that 59% of students find their lectures boring half the time and 30% find most or all of their lectures to be boring. The consequences of being bored included students missing future lectures and there was also a significant association between level of boredom and grade point average. The most important teaching factor contributing to student boredom is the use of PowerPoint slides, whilst the personality trait Boredom Proneness was the most important factor moderating the experience of boredom. Implications for future research and for teaching staff are outlined.
‘Nothing to do’: The impact of poverty on pupils' learning identities within out‐of‐school activities
Authors: Muschamp Yolande , Bullock Kate , Ridge Tess , Wikeley Felicity
Published: September 2008

This article reports the findings of a project funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which explored the participation of children in out‐of‐school recreational activities. The experiences of children living in poverty were compared and contrasted with their more affluent peers. The aim of the project was to explore these out‐of‐school activities as sites of learning and to identify the impact of the children's experiences on the development of individual ‘learning identities’. Through in‐depth interviews with 55 children it was concluded that there were substantial differences in levels of participation and in the learning gained from these activities by two different groups of children, and stages in the development of their different dispositions towards the activities were shown. Attempts to identify the roles occupied by the children within a community of practice led the authors to question the extent to which the terms ‘core’ and ‘periphery’ can adequately account for the activity within such a community.
Pupils' perceptions of setting and beyond—a response to Hallam and Ireson
Authors: Abraham John
Published: September 2008

This article examines the important data on pupils' perceptions of setting and mixed‐ability classes in 45 comprehensive schools in England collected by Hallam and Ireson. It is argued that the finding that most pupils prefer setting to mixed‐ability classes requires closer scrutiny and more careful interpretation. The conclusion that such preferences are because setting matches pupils' needs to their abilities is not compelling. Pupils' perceptions may be a product of transmitted ideology and wider cultural and organisational factors inside and outside school. Moreover, it is not clear what the implications of Hallam and Ireson's data on mixed‐ability classes are for mixed‐ability teaching. While, Hallam and Ireson propose more differentiated teaching and learning in mixed‐ability classes, this article contends that their data could be interpreted to imply just the opposite. Finally, the implications of their data for the debate about the nature of comprehensive education in Britain are considered.
Coincident Trinucleotide Repeat Expansions in a Patient With Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 and Spinocerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Kolb Stephen J , Kissel John T
Published: September 2008

This is a case report of a patient with confirmed myotonic dystrophy type 1 and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6. The coexistence of two trinucleotide repeat expansions in this family illustrates the importance of continued and vigilant diagnostic inquiry when a patient with a confirmed genetic abnormality has an atypical presentation. The coincidence of two trinucleotide repeat expansions in this patient may suggest an underlying error in DNA metabolism.
Response to Oral Supplementation in Copper Deficiency Myeloneuropathy
Authors: Kelkar Praful , Chang Shereen , Muley Suraj A
Published: September 2008

Neurological manifestations due to copper deficiency include ataxic myeloneuropathy that resembles subacute combined degeneration due to B12 deficiency. We report our experience in the treatment of 10 patients with copper deficiency myeloneuropathy and conclude that copper supplementation leads to stabilization rather than improvement in the neurological deficits.
Immunotherapy for Guillain-Barré Syndrome in the US Hospitals
Authors: Alshekhlee Amer , Hussain Zulfiqar , Sultan Badr , Katirji Bashar
Published: September 2008

Objectives:

To determine the patterns of hospital utilization of plasma exchange (PE), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), or combination therapy in Guillain-Barré syndrome in a large US cohort.

Methods:

Guillain-Barré syndrome patients, older than 18 years, were identified from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database for the years 2000 through 2005. Patients with documented immunotherapy during hospitalization were included. We used the Cochran-Armitage test to assess the trend of hospital utilization of the type of immune intervention over time. Binomial logistic regression model was used to identify the association between patient and hospital demographics and hospital- associated complications with the type of therapy administered during hospitalization.

Results:

After data cleansing, 1657 patients were included. There is a decreasing trend in PE utilization and an increasing trend in IVIG use over the 6 years included in this study (P < 0.0001). Patients who received PE were older (mean age of 50.8 ± 18.5 versus 42.2 ± 24.2, P < 0.0001) and had higher complication rates including respiratory failure (18.9% versus 7.56%, P < 0.0001) and sepsis (2.85% versus 0.61%, P = 0.003). In addition, the mortality rate is lower in the group treated with IVIG when compared with PE (0.45% versus 3.3%, P < 0.0001). Conversely, 61% of patients treated with IVIG group were discharged to home compared with 42% of patients treated with PE.

Conclusions:

The trend analysis supports an increasing use of IVIG over PE. Older population and those with pulmonary or sepsis complications were likely treated with PE. The mortality rate was higher in patients treated with PE.
Low Bone Mineral Density in Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Khatri Ismail A , Chaudhry Umar S , Seikaly Mouin G , Browne Richard H , Iannaccone Susan T
Published: September 2008

Background and Purpose:

Pathological fractures are common in pediatric neuromuscular disorders. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry has become the most accepted technique for the measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) in adults and children. Limited data are available on BMD in pediatric neuromuscular diseases except Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed the results of all dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans done in a period of 23 months at a tertiary care pediatric neuromuscular center. BMD was performed on spine region L1-4. Osteopenia was classified as mild if the Z scores were between 0 and −1.5, moderate if Z scores were between −1.5 and −2.5, and severe if Z scores were > −2.5 standard deviation scores.

Results:

Eighty-four dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans were performed on 79 patients between the ages of 4 months and 18 years with the mean age of 8 years. Z scores were used to compare their BMDs. BMD was lowest in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with Z score of −2.25 ± 0.31 standard deviation scores. The Z score for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy was −1.72 ± 0.1. The BMD in nonambulatory patients with SMA was significantly decreased compared with ambulatory patients with SMA (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

We conclude that osteopenia is common in children with neuromuscular disorders. Patients with SMA have the lowest BMD.
What's in the Literature?
Authors: Simmons Zachary
Published: September 2008

Diagnosis and characterization of neuromuscular disorders have traditionally advanced faster than therapeutics. The past 3 months were no exception, and featured articles on diagnostic evaluation or genetic characterization of disorders of the neuromuscular junction, peripheral nerve, muscle, and motor neuron. There are also some interesting forays into treatment of painful neuropathy and muscular dystrophy. We can all hope that an increased understanding of neuromuscular disorders will lead to more therapeutic undertakings over the next few years.
National Trends in Hospital Outcomes Among Patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome Requiring Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Souayah Nizar , Nasar Abu , Suri M Fareed K , Qureshi Adnan I
Published: September 2008

Several new treatments have been introduced for Guillain-Barré syndrome over the last decade. To assess the impact of these new strategies on outcomes and hospitalization charges among patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome requiring mechanical ventilation, we compared pertinent variables between nationally representative data derived from 1992 and 2002. Compared with patients admitted in 1992, the patients admitted in 2002 showed an increase in hospital charges ($168,600 versus $116,300, P = 0.007), longer hospitalization (52.6 ± 23.3 versus 40.3 ± 36.3 days, P = 0.017), and greater in-hospital mortality (11.1% versus 7.6%, P = 0.003). Thus, improvements in therapeutic strategies over that decade are not reflected in mortality, length of hospitalization, or hospital charges in the current study. This outcome may be more reflective of changing patterns of hospitalization rather than relatively futility of new treatments.
Evaluation of Renal Gene Expression of Protein Kinase C (PKC) Isoforms in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Proliferative Glomerular Diseases
Authors: Ibrahim Salwa , Rashed Laila , Fadda Sawsan
Published: September 2008

The protein kinase C (PKC) family consists of 13 members categorized as conventional or novel depending on whether diacylglycerol, calcium, or phosphatidylserine is required for activation. High glucose leads to activation of different forms of PKC across tissue types, thus determining the kind of diabetes-induced organ damage. PKC β was reported to have a positive role in B-lymphocyte activity through activation of NF-κB, leading to various immune disorders. We examined renal expression of two PKC isoforms α and β in renal biopsies of patients with diabetic nephropathy, lupus nephritis (LN) (Class 3-4), and mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) to explore the role of each isoform in different glomerular diseases. PKC α and β gene expression was studied by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR in 20 patients with type 2 diabetes and proteinuria (serum creatinine 2.04 ± 0.85 mg/dl, 24-h urinary protein 3.61 ± 1.75 g, eGFR 37.85 ± 17.89 ml/min/1.73 m2), 20 patients with proliferative LN (serum creatinine 1.67 ± 1.50 mg/dl, 24-h urinary protein 4.46 ± 5.01 g, eGFR 69.62 ± 40.93 ml/min/1.73 m2), and 20 patients with MPGN (serum creatinine 3.32 ± 2.79 mg/dl, 24-h urinary protein 4.65 ± 4.11 g, eGFR 32.62 ± 29.56 ml/min/1.73 m2). Normal tissues from the normal pole of four kidneys removed because of renal tumor served as controls. PKC α gene expression was significantly increased in diabetic kidneys compared to LN and MPGN (316.95 ± 152.94 µg/ml vs. 185.97 ± 32.13 and 195.46 ± 46.45 µg/ml,p< 0.05). PKC β gene expression was significantly increased in the LN and MPGN groups compared to the diabetic nephropathy group (41.01 ± 14.03 and 39.93 ± 16.41 µg/ml, respectively, vs. 18.20 ± 4.91 µg/ml,p< 0.05). Significant correlation was noted between the PKC α gene concentrations and proteinuria in diabetic patients. Renal expression of PKC α and β genes in control tissues were significantly lower compared to diabetic kidneys, LN, and MPGN groups (32.31 ± 0.36 and 4.67 ± 2.41 µg/ml, respectively,p< 0.001). The study revealed enhanced renal gene expression of both PKC isoforms α and β in diabetic kidney tissues, LN, and MPGN, but in different patterns. PKC α gene expression was significantly increased in diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease. The increased expression of the PKC β gene in LN and MPGN highlights its role in regulation of the immune system. This may represent potential therapeutic targets for prevention of progressive kidney injury in diabetic and proliferative glomerular diseases.
Lithium-Associated Kidney Microcysts
Authors: Tuazon Jennifer , Casalino David , Syed Ehteshamuddin , Batlle Daniel
Published: September 2008

Long-term lithium therapy is associated with impairment in concentrating ability and, occasionally, progression to advanced chronic kidney disease from tubulointerstitial nephropathy. Biopsy findings in patients with lithium-induced chronic tubulointerstitial nephropathy include tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis interspersed with tubular cysts and dilatations. Recent studies have shown that cysts are seen in 33–62.5% of the patients undergoing lithium therapy. MR imaging is highly capable of defining renal morphological features and has been demonstrated to be superior to US and CT scan for the visualization of small renal cysts. The microcysts are found in both cortex and medulla, particularly in the regions with extensive atrophy and fibrosis, and can be multiple and bilateral. They tend to be sparse and do not normally exceed 12 mm in diameter. The renal microcysts in the image here reported are subtle, but consistent with lithium-induced chronic nephropathy. An MRI of the kidneys provides noninvasive evidence that strengthens the diagnosis of lithium-induced nephropathy.
Acid Rain Phenomenon in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: Economic, Biodiversity, and Public Health Concern
Authors: Nduka J. K. C. , Orisakwe O. E. , Ezenweke L. O. , Ezenwa T. E. , Chendo M. N. , Ezeabasili N. G.
Published: September 2008

Rain samples were collected from Warri and Port Harcourt, two major oil-producing cities of Nigeria in April-June, July-August, and September-October 2005 and 2006. Awka, a “non-oil” city was used as control. Samples were collected from three points, using clean plastic basins fastened to a table, 2 m above ground level and 115 m away from tall buildings and trees. Water samples were filtered and acidity determined using digital pHmeter. The results show that the rain samples were acidic. The pH values for the 2 years under study show that the rainfall in Warri was more acidic than that of Port Harcourt. Oil exploration and other anthropogenic sources may be responsible for the acid rain in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Rosai and Dorfman Disease with Pleural Involvement: Case Report
Authors: Cherif Jouda , Toujani Sonia , Mehiri Nadia , Louzir Bechir , Kchir Nidham , Beji Majed
Published: September 2008

Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (SHLM) disease is considered to be an indolent and self-limiting pathology. However, severe morbidity and mortality have been attributed to complications of SHLM. Lower respiratory tract involvement is rarely reported and is often unfavorable, and carries a particularly grave prognosis. A case of SHLM is reported, in which the patient had lower respiratory and pleural involvement.
Pig Manure Application for Remediation of Mine Soils in Murcia Province, SE Spain
Authors: Faz A. , Carmona D. M. , Zanuzzi A. , Mermut A. R.
Published: September 2008

In southern Spain, specifically in Murcia Province, an increased pig population causes large amounts of slurry production that creates a very serious environmental concern. Our aim was to use this waste to reduce the acid mine drainage process, heavy metal mobilization, and to improve soil conditions to enhance plant establishment in mine soils. Pig manure, sewage sludge, and lime were used as soil amendments in a field experiment and in undisturbed soil column. Field experiments showed an increase in pH, total nitrogen, organic carbon, and carbonate contents; a reduction of diethylene-tetramine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)– and water-extractable metals; and an improvement of plant establishment. The field studies showed that pig manure could be utilized to remediate polluted soils. Column studies in the laboratory showed that amendment of mine soil with pig manure initially increased soil pH from 2.21 to 6.34, promoted reduced conditions in the surface soil, and decreased the metal mobility. After 21 weeks, while the leachate was slightly acidic, however, the mobility of metals was substantially low. Additions of 7 and 14% of pig manure were insufficient to maintain a neutral pH in the leachate. Therefore, continuous application of the pig manure may be advised.
Spindly attachments: Figure 1.
Authors: Çivril Filiz , Musacchio Andrea
Published: September 2008

The attachment of chromosomes to spindle microtubules during mitosis is a delicate and intricate process on which eukaryotic cells critically depend to maintain their ploidy. In this issue of Genes & Development, Gassmann and colleagues (pp. 2385–2399 present an analysis of the recently discovered Spindly/SPDL-1 protein that casts new lights onto the attachment process and the way it relates to the control of cell cycle progression.
The Nissl Stain: A Stain for Cell Bodies in Brain Sections
Authors: Paul Carol Ann , Beltz Barbara , Berger-Sweeney Joanne
Published: September 2008

INTRODUCTION

The Nissl stain is used widely in many research labs to examine the overall morphology of the brain. It is often used to verify the location of a lesion or an electrode.
Culturing Human Embryonic Stem Cells with Mouse Embryonic Fibroblast Feeder Cells: Figure 1.
Authors: McElroy Sohyun L. , Reijo Pera Renee A.
Published: September 2008

INTRODUCTION

The potential of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to differentiate into diverse cell types of all major tissue types has raised hope that hESCs can be used for novel cell-based therapies as well as fundamental studies of cell lineage differentiation. In order to support the growth of hESCs, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), typically isolated from E13-E14 mouse embryos and between passages three and seven, are routinely used as feeder cells. Feeder density is a critical determinant of successful hESC culture. In the presence of too few feeder cells, hESCs may not maintain self-renewal and pluripotency properties; they may also fail to attach to feeder cells appropriately. At excessively high density, feeder cells may detach from the plate such that hESC colonies will be lost. Here we describe an efficient method for culturing and passaging hESCs by enzyme (collagenase) for culture on irradiated MEFs. The protocol can be used for routine hESC culture for basic research.
Temporal and spatial differentiation in seedling emergence may promote species coexistence in Mediterranean fire‐prone ecosystems
Authors: De Luis Martín , Raventós José , Wiegand Thorsten , Carlos González‐Hidalgo Jose
Published: September 2008

Mediterranean ecosystems are hotspots of species richness where fire is one of the key processes influencing their structure, composition and function. Post‐fire seedling emergence constitutes a crucial event in the life cycle of plants and species‐specific temporal and spatial patterns of seedling emergence have been hypothesized to contribute to the high diversity in these ecosystems. Here we study the temporal and spatial patterns of seedling emergence observed for the four dominant species (Cistus albidus, Ulex parviflorus, Helianthemum marifolium, Ononis fruticosa) after an experimental fire in a Mediterranean gorse shrubland. In a first analysis we compared the timing of emergence of each species using the Kaplan‐Meier method. The spatial component of seedling emergence and the spatiotemporal relationship between different cohorts of the same species were analyzed using recent techniques of spatial point pattern analyses. We found a bimodal temporal pattern of emergence. Emergence of Cistaceae species (H. marifolium and C. albidus) occurred predominantly early after the fire while Fabaceae (O. fruticosa and U. parviflorus) emerged mainly during the following autumn. Individually, all species showed an aggregated spatial pattern and, when testing for pair interactions, we found that the clusters of individual species were spatially segregated. Additionally, the clusters of individual species showed an internal spatial structure where seedlings of different cohorts were spatially segregated. Theoretical models predict that these patterns will promote species coexistence. We identified a number of mechanisms that all have the potential to contribute to the observed pattern formation. However, the potential interaction among these mechanisms are complex and not easy to predict. Our analyses take a significant step forward in studying seedling emergence in fire prone ecosystems since, to our knowledge, this is the first time that both spatial and temporal patterns of all dominant species have been studied together.
Relative importance of different dispersal vectors for small aquatic invertebrates in a rock pool metacommunity
Authors: Vanschoenwinkel Bram , Gielen Saïdja , Vandewaerde Hanne , Seaman Maitland , Brendonck Luc
Published: September 2008

The extent and frequency of passive overland dispersal of freshwater invertebrates as well as the relative importance of different dispersal vectors is not well documented. Although anecdotal evidence subscribing the feasibility of individual vectors in various aquatic systems is abundant, dispersal rates have rarely been quantified for different vectors in one study system. Earlier studies also usually investigated dispersal potential rather than actual dispersal rates. In this study we have estimated passive dispersal rates of invertebrate propagules within a cluster of temporary rock pools via water, wind and amphibians in a direct way. Overflows after heavy rains mediated dispersal of a large number of propagules through eroded channels between pools, which were collected in overflow traps. Taking into account model based predictions of overflow frequency, this corresponds with average dispersal rates of 4088 propagules/channel yr−1. Wind dispersal rates as measured by numbers of propagules collected on sticky traps mounted between pool basins were very high (average dispersal rate: 649 propagules m−2in one month) and were positively related to the proximity of source populations. Finally, invertebrate propagules were also isolated from the faeces of African clawed frogsXenopus laeviscaught from the pools (on average 368 propagules/frog).

The combination of short distance wind and overflow dispersal rates likely explain the dominant species sorting and mass effect patterns observed in the metacommunity in a previous study. Amphibian mediated dispersal was much less important as theXenopus laevispopulation was small and migrations very rare.

Based on our own results and available literature we conclude that both vector and propagule properties determine local passive dispersal dynamics of freshwater invertebrates. Accurate knowledge on rates and vectors of dispersal in natural systems are a prerequisite to increase our understanding of the impact of dispersal on ecology (colonisation, community assembly, coexistence) and evolution (gene flow, local adaptation) in fragmented environments.
The spatial and temporal heterogeneity of macrophyte communities in thirty small, temporary ponds over a period of ten years
Authors: Jeffries Michael
Published: September 2008

Ponds are important habitats within many landscapes because of the diversity of wildlife they support. This arises in part because of the heterogeneity of ecological communities found in neighbouring ponds but this variation has proved difficult to explain. Chance and unrecorded historic events have often been emphasised as explanations. This study describes the development of spatial heterogeneity and the role of historic events in the development of pond plant macrophyte communities from the ponds’ creation until ten later using thirty small, adjacent temporary ponds in Northumberland. Plant communities showed significant spatial variation from the first year onwards. Metacommunity spatial patterns changed over time but even after ten years several distinct macrophyte communities persisted in different ponds. The outcome was that a greater variety of pond communities persisted than was likely if a single, larger pond had been created on the site. The spatial patterns of the plants communities were compared to spatial variation of summer dry‐phase and winter inundation. Macrophyte heterogeneity appeared to result from deterministic change which would have been difficult to detect in a snap‐shot survey not knowing the history of the ponds. Winter inundation showed significant spatial trends every year which mirrored the changing distribution of macrophyte communities between ponds. The proximate influence of the inundation is ultimately determined by the position of each pond in the landscape so that the marked spatial and temporal heterogeneity of plant communities was strongly influenced by small scale variation in hydrology. The results suggest that the heterogeneity of pondlife across a landscape may be deterministic when recorded over a longer time period and not due to chance, but that the determining environmental factors are highly contingent on the locality of the pond.
What shapes the altitudinal range of a high mountain Mediterranean plant? Recruitment probabilities from ovule to seedling stage
Authors: Giménez‐Benavides Luis , Escudero Adrián , Iriondo José M.
Published: September 2008

Recruitment is a complex process consisting of sequential stages affected by biotic interactions and abiotic factors. Assessment of these sequential stages and corresponding subprocesses may be useful in identifying the most critical stages. Accordingly, to assess the factors that may determine the altitudinal range limits of the high mountain Mediterranean plantSilene ciliata, a set of demographic stages, from flower production to establishment of 2‐yr‐old plants, and their influence on recruitment probability were examined using a step‐by‐step approach. We integrated florivory, pollination and pre‐dispersal seed predation as pre‐dispersal factors, and seedling emergence and survival as post‐dispersal determinants of recruitment. Three populations were monitored at the southernmost margin of the species along its local altitudinal range. Previous studies suggest that seediness is strongly limited by summer drought especially at the lower boundary of the species, a situation that may worsen under current global warming.

Our results showed that recruitment was mainly limited by low seed production in the pre‐dispersal stage and low seedling emergence and survival in the post‐dispersal stage, probably due to environmental harshness in summer. By contrast, biotic factors responsible for propagule loss, such as flower and fruit predation, had a minor effect on the probability of plant recruitment. Although the relative importance of transition probabilities was similar among populations along the altitudinal range, comparatively lower flower production significantly reduced the number of recruited plants at the lowest altitude population. This demographic bottleneck, together with increased competition with other species favoured by climate warming, might collapse population growth and limit persistence at the lower altitudinal range of the species, raising its low local altitudinal edge.
Decreased resistance and increased tolerance to native herbivores of the invasive plant Sapium sebiferum
Authors: Zou Jianwen , Siemann Evan , Rogers William E. , DeWalt Saara J.
Published: September 2008

Release from natural enemies may favor invasive plants evolving traits associated with reduced herbivore‐resistance and faster‐growth in introduced ranges. Given a genetic trade‐off between resistance and tolerance, invasive plants could also become more tolerant to herbivory than conspecifics in the native range. We conducted a field common garden study in the native range of Sapium sebiferum using seeds from native Chinese populations and invasive North American populations to compare their growth and herbivory resistance. We also performed a cage‐pot experiment to compare their resistance and tolerance to Bikasha collaris beetles that are specialist feeders on S. sebiferum trees in China. Results of the common garden study showed that Sapium seedlings of invasive populations relative to native populations were more frequently attacked by native herbivores. Growth and leaf damage were significantly higher for invasive populations than for native populations. Growth of invasive populations was not significantly affected by insecticide spray, but insecticide spray benefited that of native populations. In the bioassay trial, beetles preferentially consumed leaf tissue of invasive populations compared to native populations when beetles had a choice between them. Regression of percent leaf damage on biomass showed that invasive populations tolerated herbivory more effectively than native populations. Our results suggest that S. sebiferum from the introduced range had lower resistance but higher tolerance to specialist herbivores. Both defense strategies could have evolved as a response to the escape from natural enemies in the introduced range.