bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal toxicity mediated by glucose degradation products in a rat model of advanced renal failure
Authors: Müller‐Krebs S. , Kihm L. P. , Zeier B. , Gross M. L. , Deppisch R. , Wieslander A. , Henle T. , Penndorf I. , Oh J. , Reiser J. , Nawroth P. P. , Zeier M. , Schwenger V.
Published: March 2008

Background  In peritoneal dialysis (PD) residual renal function contributes to improved patient survival and quality of life. Glucose degradation products (GDP) generated by heat sterilization of PD fluids do not only impair the peritoneal membrane, but also appear in the systemic circulation with the potential for organ toxicity. Here we show that in a rat model of advanced renal failure, GDP affect the structure and function of the remnant kidney.

Materials and methods  Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a two stage subtotal nephrectomy (SNX) or sham operation and were left untreated for 3 weeks. The SNX + GDP group continuously received chemically defined GDP intravenously for 4 weeks; the SNX and the sham‐operated rats remained without GDP. The complete follow‐up for all groups was 7 weeks postoperatively.

We analysed renal damage using urinary albumin excretion as well as a semiquantitative score for glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial damage, as well as for immunohistochemical analyses.

Results  The SNX + GDP rats developed significantly more albuminuria and showed a significantly higher score of glomerulosclerosis index (GSI) and tubulointerstitial damage index (TII) as compared to SNX or control rats. In the SNX + GDP group the expression of carboxymethyllysine and methylglyoxal was significantly higher in the tubulointerstitium and the glomeruli compared to the SNX rats. Caspase 3 staining and TUNEL assay were more pronounced in the tubulointerstitium and the glomeruli of the SNX + GDP group. In SNX + GDP animals, the expression of the slit diaphragm protein nephrin, was significantly lower compared to SNX or control animals.

Conclusion  In summary, our data suggests that GDP can significantly advance chronic kidney disease and argues that PD solutions containing high GDP might deteriorate residual renal function in PD.
Surface sediment diatom assemblages and epilimnetic total phosphorus in large, shallow lakes of the Yangtze floodplain: their relationships and implications for assessing long‐term eutrophication
Authors: YANG XIANGDONG , ANDERSON N. JOHN , DONG XUHUI , SHEN JI
Published: March 2008

1. The Yangtze floodplain (SE China) is characterized by a number of large shallow lakes, many of which have undergone eutrophication due to the intensification of agriculture and urban growth over recent decades. As monitoring data are limited and in order to determine lake baseline nutrient concentrations, 49 lakes were sampled, covering a total phosphorus (TP) gradient (c. 30–550 μg L−1) to develop a diatom‐based inference model.

2. There are three dominant diatom assemblages in these shallow lakes with a marked change in assemblage structure near the boundary between eutrophic and hypereutrophic nutrient levels (as indicated by their TP value). Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that TP was the most important and significant variable in explaining the diatom distributions, independently accounting for 9.5% variance of diatoms.

3. Forty‐three lakes were used to generate a transfer function using weighted averaging (WA) with inverse deshrinking. This model had low predictive error (root mean squared error of prediction; RMSEPjack = 0.12) and a high coefficient of prediction (R2jack = 0.82), comparable with regional TP models elsewhere. The good performance of this TP model may reflect the low abundance of benthic diatom species which are commonly regarded as the main error source in European shallow lake WA models.

4. The WA model was used to reconstruct the past‐TP concentrations for Taibai Lake, a shallow hypereutrophic lake in Hubei province. The results showed that TP concentration varied slightly (43–62 μg L−1) prior to the 1920s, indicating an eutrophic state since the 1800s. A period of sustained eutrophication occurred after 1950, because of the development of agriculture, reflecting by maximum values of Aulacoseira alpigena and increased abundance of Cyclotella meneghiniana, C. atomus and Cyclostephanos dubius. The steep increase in nutrient concentration after 1970 was related to the overuse of chemical fertilizer and fish farming in the catchment.

5. The shift in fossil diatoms from epiphytic to planktonic forms in the lake sediment core during 1950–70 provides useful information on the transformation from macrophyte‐dominated to alga‐dominated states. It is plausible that the TP concentration of 80–110 μg L−1 observed in this study is the critical range for switching between the two stable states in the lake.

6. The regional diatom‐TP model developed in this study allows, therefore, the possibility of reconstructing historical background nutrient concentrations in lakes. It will provide an indication of the onset and development of eutrophication at any site. This is particularly important for the many lakes in the Yangtze floodplain where information about historical changes in water quality is lacking.
Fatty Acid and Isoprenoid Quinone Composition in the classification of Bacteroides melaninogenicus and Related Taxa
Authors: SHAH H. N. , COLLINS M. D.
Published: March 2008

The fatty acid and isoprenoid quinone composition of 37 Bacteroides strains was examined. In a single strain of Bacteroides melaninogenicus subsp. levii neither menaquinones nor ubiquinones was detected. Menaquinones were the only isoprenoid quinones found in the remaining 36 Bacteroides strains examined. Unsaturated menaquinones with six isoprene units were the main components isolated from B. ochraceus. The menaquinone components of B. asaccharolyticus strains enable them to be divided into two subgroups containing menaquinones with nine and ten isoprene units respectively. Bacteroides vulgatus strains contained menaquinones with ten isoprene units as the major component, whereas B. fragilis, B. thetaiotaomicron and B. melaninogenicus subsp. melaninogenicus were characterized by comparable amounts of menaquinones with 10 and 11 isoprene units. Unsaturated menaquinones with 11 isoprene units were found in B. melaninogenicus subsp. intermedius and with 11 and 12 isoprene units in rumen strains of B. ruminicola subsp. brevis and B. ruminicola subsp. ruminicola. By contrast, oral strains of B. ruminicola subsp. brevis were characterized by major amounts of menaquinones with 12 and 13 isoprene units. Strains at present designated B. oralis, however, were heterogeneous with respect to menaquinone composition.

The non‐hydroxylated fatty acids of all the Bacteroides strains examined consisted predominantly of straight‐chain, anteiso‐ and iso‐methyl branched‐chain acids. Monounsaturated fatty acids were found in only small amounts. The major fatty acid in B. ochraceus and B. asaccharolyticus strains was 13‐methyltetradecanoic acid (iso C15) whereas 12‐methyl‐tetradecanoic acid (anteiso C15) predominated in B. melaninogenicus subsp. melaninogenicus. B. melaninogenicus subsp. intermedius. B. melaninogenicus subsp. levii, B. oralis and oral isolates of B. ruminicola subsp, brevis. The rumen strains of B. ruminicola subsp. brevis and B. ruminicola subsp. ruminicola were characterized by major amounts of anteiso C15 and pentadecanoic (C15:0) fatty acids.

The accumulated lipid data correlate well with the major trends in Bacteroides taxonomy and appear to be of value in the classification of this group.
The Relationship between Structure and Activity of Taurolin
Authors: MYERS EVELYN , ALLWOOD M. C. , GIDLEY M. J. , SANDERS J. K. M.
Published: March 2008

Taurolin [Bis(1,1‐dioxo‐perhydro‐1,2,4 thiadiazinyl‐4)methane] is an antimicrobial compound formed by the condensation of two molecules of taurine with three of formaldehyde. It has been suggested that it releases formaldehyde in contact with bacteria. Evidence from TLC, HPLC and NMR spectroscopy indicates that taurolin is mostly hydrolysed in aqueous solution to release one molecule of formaldehyde and two monomeric molecules (1,1‐dioxo‐perhydro‐1,2,4‐thiadiazine and its carbinolamine derivative). A stable equilibrium is established. Antibacterial activity is not entirely due to adsorption of free formaldehyde but also to reaction with a masked (or latent) formaldehyde, as the activity of taurolin is greater than formaldehyde. The monomer is only slightly active by comparison.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Vascular plant species richness in relation to habitat diversity and island area in the Finnish Archipelago
Authors: Hannus Jens‐Johan , Von Numers Mikael
Published: March 2008

Aim  The aim of this study is to explore the interrelationships between island area, species number and habitat diversity in two archipelago areas.

Location  The study areas, Brunskär and Getskär, are located in an archipelago in south‐western Finland.

Methods  The study areas, 82 islands in Brunskär and 78 in Getskär, were classified into nine habitat types based on land cover. In the Brunskär area, the flora (351 species) was surveyed separately for each individual habitat on the islands. In the Getskär area, the flora (302 species) was surveyed on a whole‐island basis. We used standard techniques to analyse the species–area relationship on a whole‐island and a habitat level. We also tested our data for the small island effect (SIE) using breakpoint and path analysis models.

Results  Species richness was significantly associated with both island area and habitat diversity. Vegetated area in particular, defined as island area with the rock habitat subtracted, proved to be a strong predictor of species richness. Species number had a greater association with island area multiplied by the number of habitats than with island area or habitat number separately. The tests for a SIE in the species–area relationship showed the existence of a SIE in one of the island groups. No SIE could be detected for the species–vegetated area relationship in either of the island groups. The strength of the species–area relationship differed considerably between the habitats.

Main conclusions  The general principles of island biogeography apply well to the 160 islands in this study. Vascular plant diversity for small islands is strongly influenced by physiographic factors. For the small islands with thin and varying soil cover, vegetated area was the most powerful predictor of species richness. The species–area curves of various habitats showed large variations, suggesting that the measurement of habitat areas and establishment of habitat‐based species lists are needed to better understand species richness on islands. We found some evidence of a SIE, but it is debatable whether this is a ‘true’ SIE or a soil cover/habitat characteristics feature.
A survey of modern pollen and vegetation along a south–north transect in Mongolia
Authors: Ma Yuzhen , Liu Kam‐biu , Feng Zhaodong , Sang Yanli , Wang Wei , Sun Aizhi
Published: March 2008

Aim  This modern pollen‐rain study documents the spatial and quantitative relationships between modern pollen and vegetation in Mongolia, and explores the potential for using this relationship in palaeoclimatic reconstructions.

Location  East‐central Mongolia.

Methods  We collected 104 pollen surface samples along a south–north transect across five vegetation zones in Mongolia. Discriminant analysis was used to classify the modern pollen spectra into five pollen assemblages corresponding to the five vegetation zones. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to divide the main pollen taxa into two major groups and seven subgroups representing the dry and moist vegetation types and the main vegetation communities within them.

Results  Each vegetation zone along the transect can be characterized by a distinctive modern pollen assemblage as follows: (1) desert zone: Chenopodiaceae–Zygophyllaceae–Nitraria–Poaceae pollen assemblage; (2) desert‐steppe zone: Poaceae–Chenopodiaceae pollen assemblage; (3) steppe zone: Artemisia–Aster‐type–Poaceae–Pinus Haploxylon‐type pollen assemblage; (4) forest‐steppe zone: Pinus Haploxylon‐type–Picea–Artemisia–Betula, montane forb/shrub and pteridophyte pollen assemblage; and (5) mountain taiga zone: Pinus Haploxylon‐type–Picea–Poaceae–Cyperaceae, montane forb/shrub and Pteridophyte pollen assemblage.

Main conclusions  Based on the ratio between the major pollen taxon groups and subgroups, we propose two pollen–climate indices that represent the precipitation and temperature conditions in the study region. When plotted along our south–north transect, the moisture indices (M) and temperature indices (T) mimic the regional gradients of precipitation and temperature across Mongolia very closely. These pollen–climate indices can be used for palaeoclimatic reconstruction based on fossil pollen data.
Networked learning a relational approach: weak and strong ties
Authors: Jones C.R. , Ferreday D. , Hodgson V.
Published: March 2008

Abstract  In this paper, we explore the idea of weak ties in networked learning. We go back to the original conception of the strength of weak ties and relate this to Bakhtin and a dialogic understanding of networked learning. These theoretical ideas are applied to the examination of two networked settings in which educational leaders exchange ideas and have the potential to create knowledge. We examine these networks from the point of view of the overall pattern of interaction and from an interest in the kinds of dialogues engaged in by participants in the network. We identify an area for further research in a comparison of the dimensions of links that appear to be weaker in these networks, those concerning affective aspects of the relationship, with those concerned with the sharing of knowledge which appear to be relatively well developed. We suggest that presence and proximity become forms of telepresence and tele‐proximity and rely more heavily on interactional means to achieve identity formation. Finally we note that knowledge is negotiated and the marks of its personal and situated origin are essential parts of the exchange through dialogue.
Networked identities: understanding relationships between strong and weak ties in networked environments
Authors: Ryberg T. , Larsen M.C.
Published: March 2008

Abstract In this paper we take up a critique of the concept of Communities of Practice (CoP) voiced by several authors, who suggest that networks may provide a better metaphor to understand social forms of organization and learning. Through a discussion of the notion of networked learning and the critique of CoPs we shall argue that the metaphor or theory of networked learning is itself confronted with some central tensions and challenges that need to be addressed. We then explore these theoretical and analytic challenges to the network metaphor, through an analysis of a Danish social networking site. We argue that understanding meaning making and ‘networked identities’ may be relevant analytic entry points in navigating the challenges.
Translating networked learning: un‐tying relational ties
Authors: Enriquez J.G.
Published: March 2008

Abstract  This article explores the social network of learning beyond a functional understanding of social relations. It describes and interprets the realities of networked learning within a particular postgraduate course in an English university setting. It draws attention to some of the limitations of the increasing interest in the use of social network analysis (SNA) alongside content analysis of recent studies in the field of networked learning. In particular, SNA has been used to analyse response relations among participants in online discussions in terms of, for example, density and centrality. It argues for a different approach to a network of learning, focusing on the relational effects of multiple technical and social arrangements and engagements beyond the response relations the online environment is able to capture and store. This approach emphasizes network processes rather than network structures.
Pituitary–Adrenal Responses to Oxotremorine and Acute Stress in Male and Female M1Muscarinic Receptor Knockout Mice: Comparisons to M2Muscarinic Receptor Knockout Mice
Authors: Rhodes M. E. , Rubin R. T. , McKlveen J. M. , Karwoski T. E. , Fulton B. A. , Czambel R. K.
Published: March 2008

Both within the brain and in the periphery, M1muscarinic receptors function primarily as postsynaptic receptors and M2muscarinic receptors function primarily as presynaptic autoreceptors. In addition to classical parasympathetic effectors, cholinergic stimulation of central muscarinic receptors influences the release of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone. We previously reported that oxotremorine administration to male and female M2receptor knockout and wild‐type mice increased ACTH to a significantly greater degree in knockout males compared to all other groups, and that M2knockout mice of both sexes were significantly more responsive to the mild stress of saline injection than were wild‐type mice. These results accord with the primary function of M2receptors as presynaptic autoreceptors. In the present study, we explored the role of the M1receptor in pituitary–adrenal responses to oxotremorine and saline in male and female M1knockout and wild‐type mice. Because these mice responded differently to the mild stress of saline injection than did the M2knockout and wild‐type mice, we also determined hormone responses to restraint stress in both M1and M2knockout and wild‐type mice. Male and female M1knockout and wild‐type mice were equally unresponsive to the stress of saline injection. Oxotremorine increased both ACTH and corticosterone in M1wild‐type mice to a significantly greater degree than in knockout mice. In both M1knockout and wild‐type animals, ACTH responses were greater in males compared to females, and corticosterone responses were greater in females compared to males. Hormone responses to restraint stress were increased in M2knockout mice and decreased in M1knockout mice compared to their wild‐type counterparts. These findings suggest that M1and M2muscarinic receptor subtypes differentially influence male and female pituitary–adrenal responses to cholinergic stimulation and stress. The decreased pituitary–adrenal sensitivity to oxotremorine and restraint stress noted in M1knockout mice is consistent with M1being primarily a postsynaptic receptor. Conversely, the increased pituitary–adrenal sensitivity to these challenges noted in M2knockout mice is consistent with M2being primarily a presynaptic autoreceptor.
Mycothiol regulates and is regulated by a thiol‐specific antisigma factor RsrA and σR in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Park Joo‐Hong , Roe Jung‐Hye
Published: March 2008

Mycothiol (MSH) is a small thiol molecule with a cysteine‐ligated disaccharide structure found in actinomycetes that include streptomycetes and mycobacteria. In Streptomyces coelicolor, a model organism for antibiotic production and differentiation, the amount of MSH is under the control of a sigma factor σR, which is regulated by an antisigma factor RsrA with a thiol‐disulphide redox switch. We found that the first gene (mshA) in the biosynthetic pathway for MSH and the gene for amidase (mca) that participates in detoxifying mycothiol‐reactive drugs are under direct control of σR. The σR target genes are induced not only by a thiol oxidant diamide, but also by alkylating agents that cause a rapid decrease in MSH. Expression of the σR regulon was also elevated in MSH‐deficient mutants, suggesting that a decrease in the level of MSH is a natural intracellular trigger for σR activation. We found that MSH was capable of reducing RsrA to bind σR, whereas glutathione was not. These results support a proposal that the RsrA‐σR system senses the intracellular level of reduced MSH, and that MSH serves as a natural modulator of the transcription system for its own replenishment in addition to being a redox buffer and drug detoxifier.
Complement Component C1q and Anti‐C1q Antibodies in Theory and in Clinical Practice
Authors: Potlukova E. , Kralikova P.
Published: March 2008

The complement system is a major part of the innate immunity. The first component of the classical pathway of complement activation, C1q, plays a crucial role in the clearance of immune complexes and apoptotic bodies from the organism. Autoantibodies against C1q (anti‐C1q) have been found in a number of autoimmune and infectious diseases. They have been best described in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, where they are thought to play a pathogenic role in lupus nephritis (LN). Their high negative predictive value for the occurrence of active proliferative LN, as well as their possible ability to indicate a renal flare as soon as 6 months in advance, have rendered anti‐C1q antibodies a novel non‐invasive tool in the detection of active LN.
A role for protein kinase CK2 in plant development: evidence obtained using a dominant‐negative mutant
Authors: Moreno‐Romero Jordi , Carme Espunya M. , Platara Maria , Ariño Joaquin , Carmen Martínez M.
Published: March 2008

Protein kinase CK2 is an evolutionary conserved Ser/Thr phosphotransferase composed of two distinct subunits, α (catalytic) and β (regulatory), that combine to form a tetrameric complex. Plant genomes contain multiple genes for each subunit, the expression of which gives rise to different active holoenzymes. In order to study the effects of loss of function of CK2 on plant development, we have undertaken a dominant‐negative mutant approach. We generated an inactive catalytic subunit by site‐directed mutagenesis of an essential lysine residue. The mutated open reading frame was cloned downstream of an inducible promoter, and stably transformed Arabidopsis thaliana plants and tobacco BY2 cells were isolated. Continuous expression of the CK2 kinase‐inactive subunit did not prevent seed germination, but seedlings exhibited a strong phenotype, affecting chloroplast development, cotyledon expansion, and root and shoot growth. Prolonged induction of the transgene was lethal. Moreover, dark‐germinated seedlings exhibited an apparent de‐etiolated phenotype that was not caused by disruption of the light‐signalling pathways. Short‐term induction of the CK2 kinase‐inactive subunit allowed plant survival, but root growth and lateral root formation were significantly affected. The expression pattern of CYCB1;1::GFP in the root meristems of mutant plants demonstrated an important decrease of mitotic activity, and expression of the CK2 kinase‐inactive subunit in stably transformed BY2 cells provoked perturbation of the G1/S and G2 phases of the cell cycle. Our results are consistent with a model in which CK2 plays a key role in cell division and cell expansion, with compelling effects on Arabidopsis development.
Two nearly identical terpene synthases catalyze the formation of nerolidol and linalool in snapdragon flowers
Authors: Nagegowda Dinesh A. , Gutensohn Michael , Wilkerson Curtis G. , Dudareva Natalia
Published: March 2008

Terpenoids emitted from snapdragon flowers include three monoterpenes derived from geranyl diphosphate (GPP), myrcene, (E)‐β‐ocimene and linalool, and a sesquiterpene, nerolidol, derived from farnesyl diphosphate (FPP). Using a functional genomics approach, we have isolated and biochemically characterized two nearly identical nerolidol/linalool synthases, AmNES/LIS‐1 and AmNES/LIS‐2, two enzymes responsible for the terpenoid profile of snapdragon scent remaining to be characterized. The AmNES/LIS‐2 protein has an additional 30 amino acids in the N‐terminus, and shares 95% amino acid sequence identity with AmNES/LIS‐1, with only 23 amino acid substitutions distributed across the homologous regions of the proteins. Although these two terpene synthases have very similar catalytic properties, and synthesize linalool and nerolidol as specific products from GPP and FPP, respectively, they are compartmentally segregated. GFP localization studies and analysis of enzyme activities in purified leucoplasts, together with our previous feeding experiments, revealed that AmNES/LIS‐1 is localized in cytosol, and is responsible for nerolidol biosynthesis, whereas AmNES/LIS‐2 is located in plastids, and accounts for linalool formation. Our results show that subcellular localization of bifunctional enzymes, in addition to the availability of substrate, controls the type of product formed. By directing nearly identical bifunctional enzymes to more than one cellular compartment, plants extend the range of available substrates for enzyme utilization, thus increasing the diversity of the metabolites produced.
Influence of population structure on estimates of direct and maternal parameters
Authors: Heydarpour M. , Schaeffer L.R. , Yazdi M.H.
Published: March 2008

The estimation of (co)variance components for multiple traits with maternal genetic effects was found to be influenced by population structure. Two traits in a closed breeding herd with random mating were simulated over nine generations. Population structures were simulated on the basis of different proportions of dams not having performance records (0, 0.1, 0.5, 0.8 and 0.9): three genetic correlations (−0.5, 0.0 and +0.5) between direct and maternal effects and three genetic correlations (0, 0.3 and 0.8) between two traits. Three ratios of direct to maternal genetic variances, (1:3, 1:1, 3:1), were also considered. Variance components were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood. The proportion of dams without records had an effect on the SE of direct–maternal covariance estimates when the proportion was 0.8 or 0.9 and the true correlation between direct and maternal effects was negative. The ratio of direct to maternal genetic variances influenced the SE of the (co)variance estimates more than the proportion of dams with missing records. The correlation between two traits did not have an effect on the SE of the estimates. The proportion of dams without records and the correlation between direct and maternal effects had the strongest effects on bias of estimates. The largest biases were obtained when the proportion of dams without records was high, the correlation between direct and maternal effects was positive, and the direct variance was greater than the maternal variance, as would be the situation for most growth traits in livestock. Total bias in all parameter estimates for two traits was large in the same situations. Poor population structure can affect both bias and SE of estimates of the direct–maternal genetic correlation, and can explain some of the large negative estimates often obtained.
Occupational therapists’ perception of their practice: A phenomenological study
Authors: Kinn Liv Grethe , Aas Randi W.
Published: March 2008

Background:  International literature seems consistent in reporting that occupational therapists value their methods. However, little empirical evidence has been generated supporting the basic system of belief for occupational therapy. Few studies have explored the nature of the occupational therapists’ experiences and thoughts about their use of occupation as means and ends, and which strategies they use to implement their tools in their current practice. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to explore how occupational therapists understood and presented their practice and interventions.

Methods:  A sample of six occupational therapists graduated in different decades, from diverse client populations and health‐care settings was selected to participate in a semistructured interview.

Results:  Three main themes were developed: ‘To make the client's potentials visible’, ‘reaching a position one values’ and ‘looking with other eyes’. Whatever their specialities, the participants were unanimous in the way they described their role. Their common focus was ‘activities of daily living’. However, they had problems describing their therapeutic tools, and were not able to clearly articulate the ‘common sense aspects’ of their own methods. The participants were engaged in constructing their professional identities, and stressed the need to construct professional boundaries relevant to their particular work.

Conclusion:  The occupational therapists perceived their practice and interventions as distinctly different from other team members, thus, they provided a ‘counterpoint’. The participants used various ways of marketing their perspectives. While the novices tended to go along with the team, the experienced therapists tended to assert their own special contribution.
ON THE STATE OF CONVULSION‐READINESS (KRAMPFBEREITSCHAFT) OF THE EPILEPTICS
Authors: Kurosawa Ryosuke , Inoue Syogo
Published: March 2008

1. Using the electrical excitability of muscle as an indicator we measured electrolyte, Hb and serum protein in epileptics.

2. By subcutaneous injection of diazol (1 c. c.) Ca ion in serum showed no remarkable change, while the contentof K ion varid greatly, but the tendency of increase or decrease could not be determined.

3. When the abnormal electrical excitability of the muscle was demonstrated, the muscle got the value normal after cardiazol injection, while the value of Hb was reduced obviously. The serum protein acted generally in parallel to Hb.

4. From the above mentioned results we want to conclude that at the preparoxysmal period there exists water retention in the tissue and this state is the state of convulsion‐readineas (Krampf bereitschaft) in so far that the convulsive threshold has been lowered.
A CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF HISTOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HYPOTHALAMUS AND PERIPHERAL AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
Authors: Okinaka Shigeo , Kuroiwa Yoshigoro
Published: March 2008

1. Following unilateral removal of the cervical sympathetic ganglion of new‐bom and young animals, we found that the periventricular fiber system at the hypothalamic level as well as the dorsal longitudinal fasciculus at the level of the midbrain showed marked degeneration homolaterally.

As the dorsal longitudinal fasciculus (Schtütz) continues cranial‐wards in the periventricular fiber system, it is elucidated that these fiber systems relate themselves with the peripheral sympathetic system.

2. After severing, of the vagus nerve the nerve cells of c zone Kurotsu's and the fiber system belonging to the medial forebrain bundle at the hypothalamic level got degenerated on the operated
STUDIES ON THE FUNCTIONS AND FIBER CON‐NECTIONS OF THE AMYGDALOID NUCLEI AND PERIAMYGDALOID CORTEX. EXPERIMENT ON THE RESPIRATORY MOVEMENTS (2)
Authors: Koikegami Haruyoshi , Fuse Shigeaki
Published: March 2008

Through stimulation of the lateral amygdaloid nucleus (M of Völsch) we could produce remarkable changes upon respiratory movements, namely, diminution of amplitude and increase in the rate of respiration. The stimulation of the intermediate or medial nucleus of amygdala proper (T or T of Völsch, basal amygdaloid nucleus of Fox) may not bring about changes upon the respiratory movements; if effective, it is typified in the increase in the rate and amplitude of respiration, as it was previously recognized through stimulation of the periamygdaloid cortex. The motion of the diaphragm stands still at the moment of stimulation, regardless as to whether it stands in expiratory or in inspiratory position. The histological observation of the lungs revealed that changes such as hemorrhage, congestion, emphysematous and edematous change, were ext: aordinarily severe in the stimulated side, except in a few instances where much severe damage was shown in the contralateral side.
SOLUBLE PROTEIN FRACTION OF THE BRAIN TISSUE IN RELATION TO MATURATION OF THE BRAIN
Authors: Kiyota Kazutami
Published: March 2008

Soluble protein in the cerebral hemisphere of the immature dog brains occupies fairly large proportion of the solid components, and it gradually decreases with growth of the brain, while, insoluble protein shows concomitant increase with active myelination in development.

Electrophoretic fractions of the soluble brain protein shows a variation with age. The more mature the brain tissue, the lower became the amounts of the soluble protein fractions with high hydration. This may likely account for the decrease of the hydrophilic property of brain tissue with added age.

Electrophoretic protein fractions of immature brain behave somewhat different from those of mature brain in precipitability through sodium sulfate and in coagulability through heat.
Cardiovascular symptoms and signs in evaluating cardiac murmurs in children
Authors: Koo Sergio , Yung Tak‐Cheung , Lun Kin‐Shing , Chau Adolphus K.T. , Cheung Yiu‐Fai
Published: March 2008

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine the usefulness of cardiovascular symptoms and signs in the recognition of significant congenital heart lesions that required surgical or catheter interventions in different pediatric age groups.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was carried out of 110 patients with significant heart anomalies that required surgical or catheter interventions (group I) and 113 children, presenting with cardiac murmurs, with congenital heart conditions not requiring any interventions. (group II)

Results: Clinical symptoms or signs were significantly more common in group I than in group II subjects (85% vs 32%, P < 0.0001). The odds of having significant lesions requiring interventions in the presence of either cardiovascular symptoms or signs were 37.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.5–218.1) for neonates, 14.5 (95%CI: 4.7–51.7) for infants, and 8.0 (95%CI: 3.3–19.2) for children and adolescents. In neonates, the negative predictive values of the absence of symptoms or signs in isolation were relatively low at 64% and 65%, respectively. In children beyond infancy, the positive predictive values of the presence of symptoms or signs in isolation were also low at 62% and 68%, respectively.

Conclusions: Clinical assessment of cardiovascular symptoms and signs remains useful in the evaluation of the significance of pathological cardiac murmurs in children in the present era of technology. Nonetheless, the predictive values vary with different pediatric age groups.
“PUBLISH. TO ALL THE NATION”?
Authors: Hawker G. N.
Published: March 2008

The Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary and Government Publications, which operated between December 1962 and May 1964, made the first comprehensive evaluation of the printing and publishing methods of the Commonwealth Government. Mr. Hawker's article outlines the conditions, which led to the appointment of the Committee and argues that there is still need to implement many of its proposals.
TWO YEARS OF CO‐OPERATIVE FEDERALISM—THE URBAN AND REGIONAL EXPERIENCE
Authors: Lansdown R. B.
Published: March 2008

Ideally, the evolution of a regional policy should provide a continuing testing ground on which to formulate ways of administering truly co‐operative policies, involving all three levels of government. As the previous speakers, Sir Charles Barton and Mr Cappie‐Wood, have demonstrated, there is presently a great interest in regionalism in this country. Some commentators have seen this as a re‐awakening of the views of the post‐war planning period, but with the significant change that this time, governments of all political colours are taking a definite interest in regional concepts.
THE RISE AND DEMISE OF COERCIVE FEDERALISM*
Authors: Else‐Mitchell R.
Published: March 2008

Abstract: The question of how a fiscal balance might be maintained between the Commonwealth and the States exercised the minds of the framers of the Constitution before 1901 and has been of concern ever since. Centralization of financial power in the Commonwealth has resulted from decisions of the High Court of Australia especially the two Uniform Tax Cases which in 1942 established, and in 1957 reinforced, the Commonwealth's hegemony in the revenue field. This hegemony enabled the Commonwealth to influence, if not dictate, State policy initiatives by the making of conditional grants for a wide range of specific purposes under Section 96 of the Constitution. The practice of making specific purpose grants as an element in what has been called “coercive federalism” was adopted in varying degree by the Commonwealth during the years between 1943 and 1975. The “new federalism” policies of the present government have as their objective the reversal of this practice and in its place the restoration of State automomy in the expenditure of a pre‐determined share of income tax revenues. Some of the problems entailed in the withdrawal of specific purpose grants are outlined, and the paper also suggests an institutional mechanism to maintain a proper fiscal balance between Commonwealth and States as part of the “new federalism”.
MINISTERIAL STAFF UNDER WHITLAM AND FRASER
Authors: Forward Roy
Published: March 2008

Abstract: The ministerial staff of the present Liberal‐National Country Party government are compared with those of the Labor government between 1972 and 1975. The most striking contrasts between the two groups is that the Coalition staffers are fewer in number (with fewer “political” types) and less “visible” than their Labor counterparts. They also intrude less into the workings of departments and report better relationships with public servants. There is thus a weakening of the representative and party political elements in the Federal government which were built up under the Labor party, and an opening of the way for a possible reassertion of the bureaucratic element. Although Coalition staffers differ from Labor staffers in other respects (for instance more come from private industry and private practice, fewer from journalism), on a number of criteria they have much in common. They are mostly male, in their twenties or thirties, mostly graduates, disproportionately from non‐government schools, with about half from inside and half from outside the public service.
THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT AND THE INDUSTRIES ASSISTANCE COMMISSION
Authors: Warhurst John
Published: March 2008

Abstract: One frequent source of inter‐governmental conflict within a federation is the different economies of the constituent units, and State governments in Australia have increasingly become aware of the regional consequences of Federal policies in areas such as tariffs. This is of particular concern to South Australia which, compared to other States, has a greater than average reliance on manufacturing industry, especially those industries which depend on a relatively high level of tariff protection. The industrialization of South Australia from the 1930s onward was based on a complex interaction between government and business, and thus in the 1960s when the revitalized Tariff Board and later the Industries Assistance Commission showed that they were committed to lowering the level of tariff protection, the new Premier's Department became the focus of the government's interest in tariff matters. From January 1974, following the creation of the IAC, to 1976 was the high point in the State's involvement in the making of Australian tariff policy, both in terms of the number of inquiries calling for submissions and in the capacity of the government to participate. The staffing and organization of individual departments concerned with tariffs were strengthened, and an interdepartmental Industry Inquiries Screening Committee was established to coordinate government submissions. Since the 1976 Inquiry into Shipbuilding, the government's involvement with the IAC has tapered off, partly as a result of the feeling that the greatest gains are won at the “political” rather than at the “administrative” level Although it is difficult to assess the success or otherwise of the South Australian government's venture into the making of tariff policy, a number of consequences for the State may be identified. The regional point of view was at least placed before the IAC; the State public service was strengthened; the already close relationship between business and government became even more intimate (despite differences in ideology); and some of the crude protectionist views held in the early 1970s have been replaced by a commitment to a long‐term reconstruction of industry.
ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM IN NEW SOUTH WALES UNDER GOVERNOR DARLING
Authors: Fletcher Brian
Published: March 2008

As a governor, Ralph Darling is remembered more for his authoritarian behaviour and harsh rule than for his administrative achievements. Only recently have historians shown much awareness of the important reforms which he made in the machinery of government. Yet, although attention has been drawn to this aspect of his work it has not been adequately examined. The tendency is still to concentrate on the colourful and controversial features of his regime, pushing to one side its more mundane developments. Admittedly, there are exceptions. J. W. Cell included an interesting section on Darling in British Colonial Administration in the Mid‐Nineteenth Century, as did J. J. Eddy in Britain and the Australian Colonies. The first of these treatments is too brief, however, and the second concentrates on those aspects affected by the attempts of the British Treasury to exert more influence over colonial administration. Despite these books, the valuable thesis on the Colonial Secretary's Office by G. D. Richardson and the helpful prefaces that appear in the various guides to the records of government departments, prepared by the State Archives of New South Wales, much remains to be done. Most of the departments that existed under Darling still await detailed treatment both in themselves and in relation to the overall changes that were made between 1825 and 1831. As matters stand, there is a gap not only in what was a vital era in the administrative history of New South Wales, but also in Darling's own record. The present paper attempts to repair this omission.
POLITICAL PROBLEMS OF ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY AND REFORM
Authors: Wilenski Peter
Published: March 2008

This paper focusses on two issues: the problem of reforming administration so that the bureaucracy in its political decision‐making is more firmly responsible to the elected representatives of the people and more responsive to community needs and values, and the interlocking problem of the politics of the reform process itself. Where a government announces its intention to undertake a reform program, its purposes are usually explained in terms of the need for greater efficiency. The process of reform, apart from the stress on efficiency, is usually described in value‐neutral terms. The program or the enquiry, it is claimed, will result in the job being done better or more quickly or more cheaply. However, if one looks more closely at the reasons for the establishment of such programs and enquiries, it is clear that underlying the urge to change the administration, there is a dissatisfaction not so much with the way in which decisions are carried out, as with the decisions themselves. The “hidden agenda” of most reforms is to ensure that different decisions are taken and different outcomes in the community result.
SOME ASPECTS OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CITY OF GOLD COAST
Authors: Andrews John H.
Published: March 2008

The Administration appointed to take over the Gold Coast City Council was constituted as follows. An Administrator was appointed by the Governor in Council on 4 March 1978. He became Administrator and Chairman of the Executive Committee. The Administrator thus became the Council of the City of Gold Coast. Two Members of the Executive Committee were appointed on the same date by the Minister for Local Government and Main Roads to assist the Administrator. The initial term of appointment was to 30 June 1978, later extended to 30 September 1978, and finally extended to 31 March 1979 to coincide with the Triennial Local Government elections in the State of Queensland. In each case it was the Governor in Council who extended the term of the Administrator and the Minister who extended the terms of the Committee Members.
INTERNAL AUDIT—THE POOR RELATION OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE*
Authors: Connolly David M.
Published: March 2008

In considering the Public Accounts Committee in relation to internal audit, it should be stated that the duties imposed on the Committee by the Public Accounts Committee Act require it to examine the accounts of the receipts and expenditure of the Commonwealth Government and each statement and report transmitted to the Parliament by the Auditor‐General. Inherent in the Committee's functions therefore is a strong association with the audit function.
DETERMINING PRIORITIES
Authors: Gleeson Gerald
Published: March 2008

For the purpose of this paper I shall accept the assumption underlying the theme of this Conference. In practical terms, in the early 1980s at least, it will mean that public service managers will be asked to carry on or expand existing functions, and often take on new functions, without being supplied with what they believe to be the commensurate manpower and financial resources required for the adequate performance of such functions. Hence, the determination of priorities will be a primary task for governments and managers at differing levels.
THE FOCUS OF REFORM IN COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION*
Authors: Tange Sir Arthur
Published: March 2008

Challenge to Established Convention

… the simple image of the official as the instrument of Ministerial authority accountable to the Minister alone, working unseen, unheard and anonymous, is now seriously inaccurate.
THE INDUSTRIES ASSISTANCE COMMISSION AND THE MAKING OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY POLICY
Authors: Warhurst John
Published: March 2008

Abstract: The Industries Assistance Commission has been a new ingredient to the policymaking process for Australian primary industry. The traditional process contained a number of features — close association with the Country Party, Federal/State bargaining, a powerful Department of Primary Industry and myriad non‐departmental authorities — which together led to policies which were ad hoc, complicated and often based on social rather than economic criteria. The Whitlam government, with the support of the Liberal Party, but against the opposition of the Country Party, included the examination of assistance to primary industry within the scope of the IAC. Advising on primary industry was a special challenge for the IAC. The Commission devoted considerable energies to expanding its own resources into this field and establishing working relations with other institutions working in this area. Since 1974 about a sixth of the IAC's resources have been devoted to inquiries into primary industries, though the workload has decreased in recent years. The consequence of the IAC's entry into the field has meant primarily that other actors in the process, such as State departments and industry organisations have had to supplement their own resources by the employment of professional agricultural economists to write their submissions. The style of debate has been indelibly altered. This, rather than the direct impact of the IAC's recommendations on assistance to primary industries, stands as the new institution's greatest achievement.