bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Columbia connection in North China
Authors: Kusky T. M. , Santosh M.
Published: September 2009

The Archaean and Proterozoic geology, structure and metamorphism of the North China Craton (NCC) reveal that the amalgamated Eastern and Western blocks of the craton collided as a single entity with the Columbia supercontinent at 1.93 Ga, and that the Northern Hebei orogen correlates with the Transamazonian-Eburnian belts of Africa and South America, and the Svecofennian of Baltica. This metamorphic belt preserves evidence for extreme crustal metamorphism with diagnostic ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) assemblages such as sapphirine+quartz, spinel+quartz, high alumina orthopyroxene+sillimanite+quartz and high temperature perthites which record temperatures exceeding 1000 °C and pressure above 12 kbar. The metamorphic
P–T
trajectory is characterized by initial isobaric cooling followed by steep isothermal decompression, defining an overall anticlockwise exhumation history. Electron probe monazite geochronology and precise SHRIMP zircon dating of sapphirine-bearing granulites constrain the timing of the UHT event at
c
. 1.92 Ga, suggesting that the UHT metamorphism coincided with collisional orogenesis as the North China Craton joined the Columbia supercontinent amalgam along the Northern Hebei orogen during the Palaeoproterozoic. Fluid inclusion studies in the UHT rocks provide evidence for the involvement of synmetamorphic pure CO
2
, linking the thermal anomaly and fluid flux to underplated mafic magmas during asthenospheric upwelling. Evidence for probable-plume related mafic magmatism is also provided by the extensive mafic dyke swarms cutting the region and elsewhere within the NCC, with geochemical characters testifying to emplacement within rifts that opened up during the extensional collapse of the orogen subsequent to the collisional event. Recognition of the Palaeoproterozoic Columbia suture in the Northern Hebei orogen represents a major paradigm shift, as one popular group of models for the NCC suggests that the Palaeoproterozoic suture resides in an older orogen, the Central Orogenic belt. However, either model for the location of the suture is able to explain metamorphic
P
–
T
–
t
data for crustal thickening at 1.85 Ga, whereas only the model for a Late Archaean collision in the Central Orogenic belt and a Palaeoproterozoic collision in the Northern Hebei orogen can explain the structural, sedimentological, geochronological, and petrological data. The Central Orogenic belt contains several hundred fragments of a
c
. 2.505 Ga ophiolite suite, a contemporaneous 2.5–2.4 Ga foreland basin deposited on 2.7–2.5 Ga passive margin sediments on the Eastern Block, and contains rare evidence for
c
. 2.5 Ga granulite facies metamorphism that was largely overprinted by 1.92–1.85 Ga high-grade assemblages. East-directed 2.5 Ga fold-thrust structures are overprinted by 1.92–1.85 Ga south-directed thrusts associated with large-scale thickening of the craton, succeeded by strike-slip shear zones that slice the orogen into numerous fault-bounded terranes that preserve different levels of exhumation.
The Precambrian Khondalite Belt in the Daqingshan area, North China Craton: evidence for multiple metamorphic events in the Palaeoproterozoic era
Authors: Wan Yusheng , Liu Dunyi , Dong Chunyan , Xu Zhongyuan , Wang Zhejiu , Wilde Simon A. , Yang Yueheng , Liu Zhenghong , Zhou Hongying
Published: September 2009

High-grade pelitic metasedimentary rocks (khondalites) are widely distributed in the northwestern part of the North China Craton and were named the ‘Khondalite Belt’. Prior to the application of zircon geochronology, a stratigraphic division of the supracrustal rocks into several groups was established using interpretative field geology. We report here SHRIMP U–Pb zircon ages and Hf-isotope data on metamorphosed sedimentary and magmatic rocks at Daqingshan, a typical area of the Khondalite Belt. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The early Precambrian supracrustal rocks belong to three sequences: a 2.56–2.51 Ga supracrustal unit (the previous Sanggan ‘group’), a 2.51–2.45 Ga supracrustal unit (a portion of the previous upper Wulashan ‘group’) and a 2.0–1.95 Ga supracrustal unit (including the previous lower Wulashan ‘group’, a portion of original upper Wulashan ‘group’ and the original Meidaizhao ‘group’) the units thus do not represent a true stratigraphy; (2) Strong tectono-thermal events occurred during the late Neoarchaean to late Palaeoproterozoic, with four episodes recognized: 2.6–2.5, 2.45–2.37, 2.3–2.0 and 1.95–1.85 Ga, with the latest event being consistent with the assembly of the Palaeoproterozoic supercontinent Columbia; (3) During the late Neoarchaean to late Palaeoproterozoic (2.55–2.5, 2.37 and 2.06 Ga) juvenile, mantle-derived material was added to the crust.
The Lüliang Massif: a key area for the understanding of the Palaeoproterozoic Trans-North China Belt, North China Craton
Authors: Trap P. , Faure M. , Lin W. , Meffre S.
Published: September 2009

This paper documents the first detailed structural analysis of the Lüliang Massif in the Trans-North China Belt, North China Craton. A nappe, made up of a Terrigeneous and Mafic Unit (TMU) derived from an oceanic basin thrust over gneisses and volcanic-sedimentary rocks, is interpreted as a magmatic arc deposited upon a TTG basement. The nappe is rooted to the west in the Trans-North China Suture that separates the Fuping Block from the Western Block. Nappe stacking, coeval with a top-to-the-SE synmetamorphic D
1
event, is dated around 1890–1870 Ma using chemical U–Th/Pb EPMA datings on monazite and U–Pb LA-ICP-MS dating on zircon. A second D
2
ductile event, characterized by SE-verging folds, reworks the D
1
structures. D
2
is the first event recorded in the late-orogenic sedimentary series that unconformably covers the metamorphic units formed during D
1
. These lithological, structural and geochronological results are correlated with those described in the eastern massifs of Hengshan, Wutaishan and Fuping. The Trans-North China Belt resulted from the collision of the Fuping Block and the Western Block after a westward-directed subduction and subsequent closure of an oceanic basin where the TMU was deposited.
Palaeomagnetism and U-Pb dates of the Palaeoproterozoic Akitkan Group (South Siberia) and implications for pre-Neoproterozoic tectonics
Authors: Didenko Alexei N. , Vodovozov Vladimir Y. , Pisarevsky Sergei A. , Gladkochub Dmitry P. , Donskaya Tatyana V. , Mazukabzov Anatoly M. , Stanevich Arkady M. , Bibikova Elena V. , Kirnozova Tatyana I.
Published: September 2009

We present new geochronological and palaeomagnetic results from the late Palaeoproterozoic Akitkan Group in South Siberia. The zircon U–Pb conventional age of the rhyodacite from the upper part of the group is 1863±9 Ma and the age of the dacite from the lower part of the group is 1878±4 Ma. Palaeomagnetic study of sedimentary and some igneous rocks from the upper part of the group isolated a high-temperature characteristic component (D=193°, I=19°, k=51, α
95
=7°) which is supported by two of three applied conglomerate tests. However, the third intra-formational conglomerate test demonstrates a contaminating overprint of uncertain nature for a part of our collection. The analysis of data suggests that this overprint occurred at time when the geomagnetic field's direction was similar to that at the time of the deposition. Therefore the corresponding palaeomagnetic pole (22.5 °S, 97.4 °E, dp=1.5°, dm=2.8°) may be considered as representative for the deposition time. Palaeomagnetic study of the sediments in the lower part of the Akitkan Group isolated a stable primary remanence (D=189°, I=8°, k=111, α
95
=5°) supported by positive intra-formational conglomerate and fold tests. The palaeomagnetic pole (30.8 °S, 98.7 °E, dp =2.5°, dm=5.0°) is nearly coeval with the 1879 Ma Molson B pole from the Superior craton. We used these two poles to compare the relative position of Siberia and the Superior craton in the late Palaeoproterozoic. It is different from their reconstruction around 1000 Ma. This demonstrates their relative movements in the Mesoproterozoic.
Palaeomagnetism of the Salla Diabase Dyke, northeastern Finland, and its implication for the Baltica-Laurentia entity during the Mesoproterozoic
Authors: Salminen J. , Pesonen L. J. , Mertanen S. , Vuollo J. , Airo M.-L.
Published: September 2009

New palaeomagnetic and rock magnetic results are presented for the 1122±7 Ma Salla Diabase Dyke in NE Finland. A positive baked-contact test proves that the dyke has a primary natural remanent magnetization carried by magnetite. The characteristic remanent magnetization direction (D=42.2°, I=73.9°, k=75.7°, α
95
=4.8°) of 13 sites along the large single dyke provides a virtual geomagnetic pole (VGP) position of Plat=71°N, Plon=113°E (A
95
=8.1°). Although secular variation may not have been fully averaged out, the new VGP provides an important result to define the late Mesoproterozoic position of Baltica. The VGP is not close to any known Proterozoic palaeopoles of Baltica, and therefore the pre-Sveconorwegian apparent polar wander path (APWP) of Baltica must be modified. The pre-Sveconorwegian (
c
. 1.3–1.0 Ga) APW swathes of Baltica, Laurentia (including the Logan Loop) and Kalahari cratons show similar shape, but new well-dated palaeomagnetic poles for
c
. 1.25–1.12 Ga interval from these continents are required to test the similarity. The Salla dyke VGP provides hints that the Mesoproterozoic Baltica–Laurentia connection in the Hudsonland supercontinent assembly lasted until 1.12 Ga.
Integrating Ecology and Economics in the Study of Ecosystem Services: Some Lessons Learned
Authors: Polasky Stephen , Segerson Kathleen
Published: September 2009

This paper discusses both the opportunities for and the challenges associated with integrating economics and ecology in the study of ecosystem services. We distinguish between integration in positive versus normative analysis. There is rapid growth in positive research that combines the two disciplines to provide insight and better understanding of the bidirectional linkage between economic and ecological systems. This research is a crucial part of addressing growing large-scale environmental challenges. This integration is equally important, but potentially much more difficult, in normative analysis, especially when interdisciplinary groups include individuals with different views regarding appropriate normative criteria. In such cases, reaching consensus can be difficult and slow, even when the practical implications of the different perspectives (i.e., the general policy prescriptions they imply) are the same. We suggest an approach for increasing the scope for collaboration among economists and ecologists in normative analysis.
Reduced-Form Versus Structural Modeling in Environmental and Resource Economics
Authors: Timmins Christopher , Schlenker Wolfram
Published: September 2009

We contrast structural and reduced form empirical studies in environmental and resource economics. Both methodologies have their own context-specific advantages and disadvantages, and should be viewed as complements, not substitutes. Structural models typically require a theoretical model and explicit assumptions about structural errors in order to recover the parameters of behavioral functions. These estimates may be required to measure general equilibrium welfare effects or to simulate intricate feedback loops between natural and economic processes. However, many of the assumptions used to recover structural estimates are untestable. The goal of reduced form studies is, conversely, to recover key parameters of interest using exogenous within-sample variation with as few structural assumptions as possible—reducing reliance on these assumptions assists in establishing causality in the relationship of interest. Reduced-form studies do, however, require assumptions of their own, e.g., the (quasi) randomness of an experiment with no spillover effects on the control group.
Distortions to Agricultural Versus Nonagricultural Producer Incentives
Authors: Anderson Kym
Published: September 2009

For more than a century, government policies have grossly distorted resource use in agriculture, both within and between countries. Earnings from farming in many developing countries have been depressed by a prourban bias in own-country policies as well as by governments of richer countries favoring their farmers with import barriers and subsidies. Both sets of policies reduce national and global economic welfare and inhibit economic growth; they also add to inequality and poverty in developing countries. Since the 1980s, however, numerous developing and some high-income country governments have reduced their sectoral and trade policy distortions. This paper draws on new empirical studies to show the changing extent of policy distortions to prices faced by the world's farmers since the 1950s. Modeling results provide an indication of how far those reforms proceeded between the early 1980s and 2004 and of how much scope remains for removing continuing inefficiencies in global agricultural resource use.
The Development of New Catastrophe Risk Markets
Authors: Kunreuther Howard C. , Michel-Kerjan Erwann O.
Published: September 2009

The large-scale disasters that have occurred since 2001 suggest that we have entered a new era of catastrophes. We are more vulnerable to extreme events as a result of the increasing concentration of population and activities in exposed areas of the country. The question is not whether large-scale catastrophe will occur, but when and how frequently they will strike. One key question is, Who will pay for the economic losses future disasters will inflict? This paper discusses how new catastrophe risk markets can be developed to provide the necessary financial coverage to make our country more resilient. We look specifically at insurance-linked financial instruments to complement traditional insurance and reinsurance. We also propose the development of long-term insurance and long-term loans to overcome behavioral biases such as myopia and misperception of risks. The paper concludes by proposing risk management strategies that apply to other extreme events such as the financial crisis of 2008–2009.
Role of thin-filament regulatory proteins in relaxation of colonic smooth muscle contraction
Authors: Somara Sita , Gilmont Robert , Bitar Khalil N.
Published: September 2009

Coordinated regulation of smooth muscle contraction and relaxation is required for colonic motility. Contraction is associated with phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC20) and interaction of actin with myosin. Thin-filament regulation of actomyosin interaction is modulated by two actin-binding regulatory proteins: tropomyosin (TM) and caldesmon (CaD). TM and CaD are known to play crucial role in actomyosin interaction promoting contraction. Contraction is associated with phosphorylation of the small heat shock protein HSP27, concomitant with the phosphorylation of TM and CaD. Phosphorylation of HSP27 is attributed as being the prime modulator of thin-filament regulation of contraction. Preincubation of colonic smooth muscle cells (CSMC) with the relaxant neurotransmitter vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) showed inhibition in phosphorylation of HSP27 (ser78). Attenuation of HSP27 phosphorylation can result in modulation of thin-filament-mediated regulation of contraction leading to relaxation; thus the role of thin-filament regulatory proteins in a relaxation milieu was investigated. Preincubation of CSMC with VIP exhibited a decrease in phosphorylation of TM and CaD. Furthermore, CSMC preincubated with VIP showed a reduced association of TM with HSP27 and with phospho-HSP27 (ser78) whereas there was reduced dissociation of TM from CaD and from phospho-CaD. We thus propose that, in addition to alteration in phosphorylation of MLC20, relaxation is associated with alterations in thin-filament-mediated regulation that results in termination of contraction.
Microvascular oxygen delivery-to-utilization mismatch at the onset of heavy-intensity exercise in optimally treated patients with CHF
Authors: Sperandio Priscila Abreu , Borghi-Silva Audrey , Barroco Adriano , Nery Luiz Eduardo , Almeida Dirceu R. , Neder J. Alberto
Published: September 2009

Impaired muscle blood flow at the onset of heavy-intensity exercise may transiently reduce microvascular O2 pressure and decrease the rate of O2 transfer from capillary to mitochondria in chronic heart failure (CHF). However, advances in the pharmacological treatment of CHF (e.g., angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and third-generation β-blockers) may have improved microvascular O2 delivery to an extent that intramyocyte metabolic inertia might become the main locus of limitation of O2 uptake (V̇o2) kinetics. We assessed the rate of change of pulmonary V̇o2 (V̇o2p), (estimated) fractional O2 extraction in the vastus lateralis (∼Δ[deoxy-Hb+Mb] by near-infrared spectroscopy), and cardiac output (Q̇t) during high-intensity exercise performed to the limit of tolerance (Tlim) in 10 optimally treated sedentary patients (ejection fraction = 29 ± 8%) and 11 controls. Sluggish V̇o2p and Q̇t kinetics in patients were significantly related to lower Tlim values ( P < 0.05). The dynamics of Δ[deoxy-Hb+Mb], however, were faster in patients than controls [mean response time (MRT) = 15.9 ± 2.0 s vs. 19.0 ± 2.9 s; P < 0.05] with a subsequent response “overshoot” being found only in patients (7/10). Moreover, τV̇o2/MRT-[deoxy-Hb+Mb] ratio was greater in patients (4.69 ± 1.42 s vs. 2.25 ± 0.77 s; P < 0.05) and related to Q̇t kinetics and Tlim ( R = 0.89 and −0.78, respectively; P < 0.01). We conclude that despite the advances in the pharmacological treatment of CHF, disturbances in “central” and “peripheral” circulatory adjustments still play a prominent role in limiting V̇o2p kinetics and tolerance to heavy-intensity exercise in nontrained patients.
Estimating the diameter of airways susceptible for collapse using crackle sound
Authors: Majumdar Arnab , Hantos Zoltán , Tolnai József , Parameswaran Harikrishnan , Tepper Robert , Suki Béla
Published: September 2009

Airways that collapse during deflation generate a crackle sound when they reopen during subsequent reinflation. Since each crackle is associated with the reopening of a collapsed airway, the likelihood of an airway to be a crackle source is identical to its vulnerability to collapse. To investigate this vulnerability of airways to collapse, crackles were recorded during the first inflation of six excised rabbit lungs from the collapsed state, and subsequent reinflations from 5, 2, 1, and 0 cmH2O end-expiratory pressure levels. We derived a relationship between the amplitude of a crackle sound at the trachea and the generation number ( n) of the source airway where the crackle was generated. Using an asymmetrical tree model of the rabbit airways with elastic walls, airway vulnerability to collapse was also determined in terms of airway diameter D. During the reinflation from end-expiratory pressure = 0 cmH2O, the most vulnerable airways were estimated to be centered at n = 12 with a peak. Vulnerability in terms of D ranged between 0.1 and 1.3 mm, with a peak at 0.3 mm. During the inflation from the collapsed state, however, vulnerability was much less localized to a particular n or D, with maximum values of n = 8 and D = 0.75 mm. Numerical simulations using a tree model that incorporates airway opening and closing support these conclusions. Thus our results indicate that there are airways of a given range of diameters that can become unstable during deflation and vulnerable to collapse and subsequent injury.
An Immunohistochemical Approach to Lungfish Telencephalic Organization
Authors: González Agustín , Northcutt R. Glenn
Published: September 2009

The brains of lungfishes have received little attention in comparative neuroanatomy, in spite of the strategic position of these fishes in phylogeny, in that they are currently recognized as the closest living relatives of tetrapods. The neglect has probably been due to the difficulty of obtaining these unique animals, which comprise (along with the coelacanths) the only extant representatives of the lobe-finned fishes. Several previous studies have established the basic anatomy of the telencephalon in lungfishes, but many aspects of the intrinsic organization of the main telencephalic subregions have remained unclear. The immunohistochemical localization of diverse neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and transcription factors expressed by genes involved in brain regionalization has served to clarify many aspects of the organization of the telencephalon in lungfishes. Here we describe the main immunohistochemical features of the telencephalon in two lungfish species, Protopterus dolloi and Neoceratodus forsteri. Our analysis highlights the common traits shared by lungfishes and tetrapods. These include four pallial regions, distinct striatal and pallidal components of the basal ganglia, specific regionalization of the septum, and the presence of three amygdaloid regions. In general, the use of immunohistochemistry in the study of the telencephalon of lungfishes reveals that this structure is notably more complex than previously thought and that it possesses all major subregions recognized in amphibians and amniotes.
Organization of Repeated DNA Elements in the Genome of the Cichlid Fish Cichla kelberi and Its Contributions to the Knowledge of Fish Genomes
Authors: Teixeira W.G. , Ferreira I.A. , Cabral-de-Mello D.C. , Mazzuchelli J. , Valente G.T. , Pinhal D. , Poletto A.B. , Venere P.C. , Martins C.
Published: September 2009

Repeated DNA elements have been extensively applied as physical chromosome markers in comparative studies for the identification of chromosomal rearrangements, the identification of sex chromosomes, chromosome evolution analysis and applied genetics. Here, we report the characterization of the transposable elements (TE) Tc1, Rex1, Rex3 and Rex6 and a new element called RCk in the genome of the South American cichlid fish Cichla kelberi using nucleotide sequence analysis and hybridization to metaphase chromosomes. The analysis of the repeated elements demonstrated that they are, in most cases, compartmentalized in heterochromatic regions, as has been observed in several other vertebrates. On the other hand, the elements Rex1 and Rex3 were also observed spanning extensive euchromatic regions on 2 chromosome pairs. The RCk element exhibits a wide distribution among fishes and also in amphibians, and it was spread throughout the chromosomes of C. kelberi. Our results have demonstrated that the compartmentalization of repeated elements is not restricted to heterochromatic segments, which has provided new concepts with regard to the genomic organization of transposons.
Haploinsufficiency of 16.4 Mb from Chromosome 22pter-q11.21 in a Girl with Unilateral Conductive Hearing Loss
Authors: Damatova N. , Beyer V. , Galetzka D. , Schneider E. , Napiontek U. , Keilmann A. , Zechner U. , Bartsch O. , Haaf T.
Published: September 2009

We present the postnatal diagnosis of a de novo der(18)t(18;22)(p11.32;q11.21)pat, resulting in an unbalanced 45,XX,der (18)t(18;22) karyotype in a girl with conductive hearing loss on the left and ptosis of the right upper eye-lid. Unilateral ptosis was also observed in the patient’s 2 years and 8 months younger sister, who grows noticeably faster and appears to be a much quicker learner. After speech therapy the patient was eventually placed in normal school. The haploinsufficient 16.4-Mb region on chromosome 22pter→q11.21 contains 10 genes as well as many predicted genes, pseudogenes, and retrotransposed sequences with unknown functions. This observation may prove useful for prenatal diagnosis and genetic counselling of chromosome 22q11.1 gains and losses.
Diagnosis of Growth Hormone Deficiency by Using the Arginine Provocative Test: Is It Possible to Shorten Testing Time without Altering Validity?
Authors: Galluzzi Fiorella , Quaranta Maria Rita , Salti Roberto , Stagi Stefano , Nanni Laura , Seminara Salvatore
Published: September 2009

Background: The arginine test is used for the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD), but its duration is not uniform and varies from 180 to 90 min. Subjects and Methods: To standardize this test, evaluating the possibility to shorten it to 90 min, we investigated the response of GH to the arginine test in 208 children evaluated for short stature (height less than –2 SD); 67 were diagnosed with idiopathic short stature (ISS) and 141 with GHD. We calculated the frequency distribution of the GH peaks to arginine in GHD and in ISS at various times and the percentage of GH peaks to arginine before and after 90 min in all and in ISS children. Results: The GH peak distribution varied between 30 and 120 min, even though the vast majority of peaks occurred between 30 and 90 min. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the peak distribution between ISS and GHD children. The percentages of GH peaks within 90 min were 95.2% in all children and 100% in ISS. Conclusion: The arginine test can be administered for only 90 min without significantly changing its validity, in order to reduce the discomfort of patients and the cost of the test.
Abnormal Responses to TRH in Children Born Small for Gestational Age That Failed to Catch Up
Authors: Keselman Ana , Chiesa Ana , Malozowski Saúl , Vieytes Ana , Heinrich Juan Jorge , Gruñeiro de Papendieck Laura
Published: September 2009

Background: Fifteen percent of small for gestational age (SGA) children remain short and undergo thyroid axis evaluations. Methods: We analyzed data on thyroid assessment of 58 SGA children. Five had primary autoimmune hypothyroidism. In the remaining 53 patients, TSH, free T4 (FT4), antithyroid antibodies and 90-min TRH test results were analyzed. Patients were grouped into G1 (n = 27; normal) and G2 (n = 26; abnormal) according to their response to the TRH test compared with 30 normal children. Results: No differences were found in chronological age, gestational age, or birth weight standard deviation score (SDS) between groups. G2 showed higher SDS BMI at consultation (p < 0.05). FT4 (ng/dl) levels were similar in all groups, while basal TSH levels were statistically different in G2 compared with G1 and controls. In 21 G2 patients treated with thyroxine, FT4 levels did not change, TSH normalized, BMI SDS and height remained unchanged. Conclusion: These data suggest that in SGA short children thyroid abnormalities may occur. Some of them may be due to a different setting of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-thyroid axis during intrauterine life. Intrauterine growth retardation may permanently influence endocrine systems by affecting their programming during development. Further follow-up is needed to confirm these findings and to assess their natural history and potential clinical impact.
Diagnostic Utility of Urinalysis in Detecting Urinary Tract Infection in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Vij Rajiv , Nataraj Swetha , Peixoto Aldo J.
Published: September 2009

Background/Aims: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in dialysis patients. The diagnostic accuracy of pyuria in this population has been incompletely evaluated and is the object of this study. Methods: We assembled a historical cohort of male hemodialysis patients with urinalysis and urine microbiology data. Each matched pair of urinalysis and urine culture was considered as the unit of measurement. We evaluated the diagnostic performance and plotted receiver operating characteristic curves for different cutoff values of pyuria [>5, >10, >50, >100 white blood cells per high-power field (WBC/HPF)]. Results: Of 134 patients, 97 had at least one matched urinalysis and urine culture, providing 224 pairs for analysis. The prevalence of pyuria was 65 and 51% using cutoff values of >5 or >10 WBC/HPF, respectively. The presence of pyuria (>5 WBC/HPF) had a sensitivity between 82 and 89% and specificity of between only 53 and 55%. The presence of nitrites on dipstick had high specificity (94%) but very poor sensitivity (14–20%). All other urinary indices had poor diagnostic performance in the identification of a positive urine culture. Conclusion: In the absence of adequate specificity and positive predictive value in dialysis patients, urine culture should be obtained to guide further treatment.
IgE-Mediated Sensitization to English Plantain Pollen in Seasonal Respiratory Allergy: Identification and Partial Characterisation of Its Allergenic Components
Authors: Mehta Vibhu , Wheeler A.W.
Published: September 2009

Characterisation by SDS-PAGE immunoblotting of plantain pollen extract showed that components of 16,000–20,000 Mr were frequently reactive with IgE antibody in the sera of subjects with seasonal respiratory allergy. Other, more weakly IgE-binding allerg ens were seen in the range of 40,000–60,000 Mr. HPLC followed by RAST inhibition demonstrated that components of approximately 17,000 Mr were also responsible for much of the IgE-binding activity of the extract. These components appeared to have pI values between 4.5 and 5.2. RAST inhibition showed that there were no common IgE-binding epitopes in grass pollen and plantain pollen extracts, indicating that skin test responses should not necessarily be interpreted in terms of cross-reaction. 82 subjects with a clinical history of seasonal, respiratory allergy were screened in a skin prick test survey. 28% were skin test positive to plantain pollen extract. The frequency of positive skin test reactions to plantain pollen extract was greater than that to Betula (23%) and Artemisa (16%), both of which are considered to be important allergens. In a larger survey positive RAST scores to plantain pollen were given by 34% of sera from subjects with respiratory allergy. Plantain pollen sensitivity should therefore be considered during diagnosis of seasonal allergy.
Airway Inflammation in Sheep with Acute Airway Hypersensitivity to Inhaled Ascarissuum
Authors: Chen W. , Alley M.R. , Manktelow B.W.
Published: September 2009

In order to investigate the relationship between airway inflammation and the development of naturally occurring allergic airway hypersensitivity, the lower respiratory tract was studied in eighteen sheep 14 days after challenge with inhaled Ascaris suum antigen. Sheep could be classed into three groups on the basis of their response: group A (n = 6) had significant changes in both airway resistance and dynamic lung compliance; group B (n = 6) had changes in only dynamic lung compliance, and group C (n = 6) were nonresponders. The results showed that the volume density of secretory granules in lung mast cells was greater in hypersensitive sheep than in nonreacting sheep (p < 0.01). This high volume density was due to a high numerical density of granules in the mast cells. There was, however, no significant difference between groups in the numerical density of mast cells and eosinophils, or the observed degree of degranulation of mast cells. Although lymphocytes were commonly seen within the airway epithelium and subepithelial regions, infiltration of neutrophils or aggregation of dense and nodular lymphoid tissues were not common in the airways of any sheep. There was no significant difference in the infiltration of neutrophils or the aggregation of lymphocytes and lymphoid tissue in airways between the three groups. These findings indicate that there is an inherent difference in the volume density of lung mast cell granules between hypersensitive and nonreacting sheep but that other inflammatory cells are probably not directly involved in the initial development of allergic airway hypersensitivity in this species.
Effects of Geraniin on Morphology and Function of Macrophages
Authors: Ushio Y. , Okuda T. , Abe H.
Published: September 2009

The effects of geraniin, a tannin, isolated from Geranium thunbergii Sieb. et Zucc. on the morphology and function of macrophages were studied. Geraniin caused a marked retardation of the recovery from fully spread surface membrane and a highly reorganized cytoskeleton of macrophages, whereas endocytotic activity, phagocytosis and pinocytosis in the cells were significantly inhibited.
16-Kilodalton Rice Protein Is One of the Major Allergens in Rice Grain Extract and Responsible for Cross-Allergenicity between Cereal Grains in the Poaceae Family
Authors: Urisu Atsuo , Yamada Kazue , Masuda Susumu , Komada Hidekatsu , Wada Eiko , Kondo Yasuto , Horiba Fumiya , Tsuruta Mitsutoshi , Yasaki Takehiko , Yamada Masanori , Torii Shinpei , Nakamura Ryo
Published: September 2009

Cross-allergenicity between five cereal grains including rice, wheat, corn, Japanese millet (Panicum crus-galli L. var. frumentaceum Trin.) and Italian millet (Setaria italica Beauv. var. germanica schrad.) was examined by radioallergosorbent test (RAST) and RAST inhibition assay. There were significant close correlations between every combinations of RAST values for the five cereal grain extracts. RAST inhibition assay of each extract against RAST discs coupled with other cereal grain extracts indicated marked cross-reactivity of IgE binding between these cereal grain extracts. Rice protein 16KD (RP16KD) was shown to be one of major allergens in rice grain extracts by immunoblotting analysis, histamine release assay from human leukocytes and RAST inhibition. Next, the involvement of RP16KD in the cross-allergenicity between these cereals was investigated. RAST values for RP16KD significantly correlated with that for Italian millet as well as rice but not with those for corn and wheat. There was a trend of positive correlation between RAST values for RP16KD and Japanese millet. In the RAST inhibition assay using sera with positive RAST for these five cereal grain extracts and RP16KD, RP16KD inhibited IgE binding to these all cereal discs in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, all of the five cereal grain extracts showed an effective decrease in IgE binding to the RP16KD disc. These results indicated possible participation of IgE binding structure on RP16KD in cross-allergenicity between these cereal grain extracts in the Poaceae family.
Prevalence and Subclass Distribution of IgG-anti-IgE Autoantibodies in Atopy and Parasitosis
Authors: Scheuer A. , Haas H. , Schlaak M.
Published: September 2009

Using immunoblotting, we investigated sera of 60 patients with atopic dermatitis, 12 patients with helminth infections and 36 nonallergic controls, for anti-IgE autoantibodies. We found IgG anti-IgE autoantibodies in 62% of the atopies, 42% of the patients with parasitosis and 11% of the controls. IgG anti-IgE occurred most often (94%) in patients with atopic dermatitis plus additional atopic disorder, such as allergic asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis. In parallel, we found a significantly higher occurence of IgG anti-IgE in the patients with high IgE levels compared to patients with low IgE levels (p < 0.0005). The predominant subclasses of anti-IgE autoantibodies were IgG1 and IgG3 in atopy and parasitosis. In the controls, we found IgG4 and IgG3 anti-IgE, but no IgG1 autoantibodies. The frequency of IgG2 anti-IgE was very low; it occurred in 2 patients only. Prevalence and IgG subclass distribution of anti-IgE autoantibodies was found to be different for patients with atopic dermatitis, parasitic infection and for controls.
Detection of Fcγ-Receptor Blocking Antibodies in the Serum following Vaccination
Authors: Petri Ildikó B. , Szekeres Éva
Published: September 2009

In the current series of experiments the Fcγ-receptor blocking serum activity (EAI) was studied before and after vaccination with tetanus toxoid and rDNA HBsAg vaccines in two groups of 6 healthy persons. The analysis of the individual serum samples (on three different allogeneic and on autologous B lymphocytes) suggests that two types of EAI antibodies were produced: allo- and autoantibodies. In all cases an increase of EAI activity was noticed after immunization (in the cases of tetanus toxoid vaccination from 17.7 ± 9.7 to 39.3 ± 16.0 and in the cases of virus vaccination from 67.4 ± 16.5 to 80.2 ± 4.5).
Sequence Polymorphism of Amb a I and Amb a II, the Major Allergens in Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Short Ragweed)
Authors: Griffith I.J. , Pollock J. , Klapper D.G. , Rogers B.L. , Nault A.K.
Published: September 2009

Two of the major allergens in the pollen of short ragweed are Amb a I and Amb a II (formerly antigen E and antigen K, respectively). The genes for Amb a I and Amb a II have recently been cloned, and it was shown that Amba I is a family of proteins with at least three distinct polymorphic family members. This study addresses the number of individual Amb a I and Amb a II family members, the polymorphism in each family member and the expression of these genes in ragweed plants from different geographical locations. This work led to the cloning and characterization of a fourth Amb a I family member, designated Amb a I.4.
Enhanced Superoxide Generation by Eosinophils from Asthmatic Children
Authors: Schauer U. , Leinhaas C. , Jäger R. , Rieger C.H.L.
Published: September 2009

In 21 asthmatic children, aged 2–19 years, and 11 age-matched controls purified (purity >75%) peripheral blood eosinophils and neutrophils (purity >95%) were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (44 ng/ml) for 30 min at 37°C. The superoxide generation was determined as well as the superoxide dismutase inhibitable cytochrome c reduction. Eosinophils obtained from asthmatic patients displayed a significantly higher O––2 generation (p <0.01) when compared to neutrophils from the same patients or to eosinophils and neutrophils from healthy controls. Preincubation with human recombinant granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor for 30 min or platelet-activating factor for 10 min resulted in augmented O––2 generation by eosinophils from control, but not from asthmatic children, indicating a possible in vivo priming of eosinophils in asthma.
Induction of Mediator Release from Human Glomerular Mesangial Cells by the Terminal Complement Components C5b-9
Authors: Schönermark M. , Deppisch R. , Riedasch G. , Rother K. , Hänsch G.M.
Published: September 2009

Exposure of cultured human glomerular mesangial cells (GMC) to normal human serum and an activator of the complement system results in rapid uptake of the terminal complement proteins C5b-9 by the cells. This ‘innocent bystander’ complement attack, however, does not result in cell killing, but in the stimulation of the GMC to release prostaglandin E (PGE), interleukin 1 (Il-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Endogenously synthesized Il-1 in turn activates PGE release, indicating that the C5b-9 attack initiates an autocrine feedback stimulation. Together with the fact that C5b-9 is found in many forms of glomerulonephntis, the data point to a role of the terminal complement proteins in the initiation and perpetuation of an inflammatory response.
Glomerulonephritis in NZW Kidneys Grafted into NZB/W Mice
Authors: Inoue K. , Niesen N. , Milgrom F. , Albini B.
Published: September 2009

After left nephrectomy, 3 10-week old NZB/W mice received orthotopic grafts of kidneys from parental NZW mice of the same age. At autopsy conducted at the age of 33–38 weeks, glomerulonephritis of similar extent was noted in the recipients’ own and in the grafted kidneys. Also, very similar granular deposits of immunoglobulins and complement were demonstrated in these kidneys. It was concluded that the absence of glomerulonephritis in NZW mice cannot be attributed to the refractoriness of their kidney to this disease.
Bovine Milk, including Pasteurised Milk, Contains Antibodies Directed against Allergens of Clinical Importance to Man
Authors: Collins A.M. , Roberton D.M. , Hosking C.S. , Flannery G.R.
Published: September 2009

Pasteurised and raw bovine milk and bovine colostrum samples were assayed by enzyme-linked immunoassay for the presence of antibodies directed against a selection of allergens of importance in human atopic disease. Samples were tested for the presence of antibodies directed against or cross-reacting with rye-grass pollen, house dust mites, Aspergillus mould and wheat proteins. Antibodies of each specificity were detected in every sample tested, including all samples of commercial pasteurised milk. The results are discussed with reference to a hypothesis that dietary xenogeneic antibodies may play a role in the emergence of some human atopic disease, and the recent demonstration that oral immunisation with xenogeneic antibodies may lead to the production of anti-immunoglobulin antibodies including anti-idiotypic antibodies.
Primary Heavy Silicone Oil Usage in Inferior Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Er Hamdi
Published: September 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of heavy silicone oil (Densiron 68) in primary inferiorly located retinal detachment. Methods: Sixty-seven eyes of patients aged 24–79 years with inferior primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with/without proliferative vitreoretinopathy grades C and lower were included in the study. The mean duration of the Densiron endotamponade was 87 days (range, 60–180 days), with a mean follow-up after removal of 110 ± 41 days. Results: Anatomical success was achieved in 64 of 67 eyes with completed follow-up. The mean visual acuity was changed significantly (p < 0.05). Partial superior redetachment occurred in 3 cases during endotamponade. No redetachment occurred after removal of the silicone oil. Postoperative best corrected visual acuity was better than 20/40 in 43 of cases at the end of follow-up. The mean intraocular pressure was 19.2 mm Hg during endotamponade follow-up. Mild to moderate intraocular inflammation was detected in 7 eyes. In 6 cases, adherence of residual bubble or bubbles was present after removal of the heavy silicone oil. Other complications, like elevated intraocular pressure (n = 6), emulsification (n = 8), temporary lens opacities (n = 14) or early cataract (n = 9), were detected after the operation. Conclusion: Long-term endotamponade with Densiron in inferior retinal detachment appears to be a safe and useful option.
PPARγ1-Induced Caveolin-1 Enhances Cholesterol Efflux and Attenuates Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice
Authors: Hu Qin , Zhang Xian-jun , Liu Chun-xi , Wang Xu-ping , Zhang Yun
Published: September 2009

Objective: Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) may positively or negatively influence the development of atherosclerosis, depending on the cell type and the metabolic pathways regulated by this protein. We investigate the effects of Cav-1 on cholesterol efflux in RAW264.7 infected with AdPPARγ1 and whether Cav-1 could attenuate established atherosclerotic lesions in PPARγ1-treated apoE-deficient mice. Methods and Results: Compared with AdGFP control, PPARγ1 and Cav-1 were constitutively overexpressed in AdPPARγ1-infected RAW264.7 cells, which stimulated cholesterol efflux to apolipoprotein A-I. Using a small interfering RNA approach (Cav-1-siRNA) we achieved an efficient and specific knockdown of caveolin-1 expression (80%), which resulted in a remarkable reduction of cholesterol efflux in RAW264.7 cells . Moreover, PPARγ1-treated Cav-1-siRNA RAW264.7 cells showed more ability to stimulate cholesterol efflux than Cav-1-siRNA RAW264.7 cells, but far less than control-siRNA RAW264.7 cells and PPARγ1-treated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, 40-week-old apoE-deficient mice fed a Western-type diet and infected for 4 weeks with AdPPARγ1 showed induced Cav-1 expression in aortic vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and macrophages, as well as attenuated established atherosclerotic lesions. Conclusions: PPARγ1 gene therapy could induce Cav-1 expression and enhance cholesterol efflux and attenuate atherosclerosis in apoE-deficient mice.
Inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin System in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Critical Look to Single and Dual Blockade
Authors: Locatelli Francesco , Del Vecchio Lucia , Cavalli Andrea
Published: September 2009

The clinical benefits of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) are well established in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with diabetic and non-diabetic nephropathies. But despite appearance, the magnitude of this effect has been questioned particularly in mild, proteinuric nephropathies. Given that the single agents can achieve only partial and not durable suppression of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), it has been hypothesized that dual blockage with ACE inhibitors and ARBs would be most beneficial in the management of progressive CKD than either agent alone. Available evidence indicates significant anti-proteinuric effect, but long-term data in CKD patients are lacking. Recently, the findings of the ONTARGET trial even questioned the safety of this therapeutic approach. Given that preventing cardiovascular complications is extremely important in CKD and RAS inhibition may be useful in this setting, benefits of RAS blockade must be weighed against its possible adverse effects particularly in elderly patients.
Sex-Specific Modulation of Cell Proliferation by Socially Relevant Stimuli in the Adult Green Treefrog Brain (Hyla cinerea)
Authors: Almli Lynn M. , Wilczynski Walter
Published: September 2009

Social experience plays an important role in regulating the neural, physiological and hormonal changes that accompany the expression of reproductive behavior in vertebrates. This suite of functions is sexually dimorphic, with different neural control areas preeminent in males and females. In anuran amphibians, social experience comes in the form of acoustic communication, which is central to their reproductive behavior. We sought to determine whether acoustic cues regulate cell proliferation in the brain of adult green treefrogs (Hyla cinerea). Our results show that both male and female treefrogs that heard a conspecific chorus during the breeding season exhibited increased brain cell proliferation compared to animals that heard random tones. Increased cell proliferation, as assessed by the number of 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine-immunoreactive (BrdU+) cells, were found near the ventricles of acoustically sensitive brain regions such as the preoptic area (POA) and the infundibular hypothalamus (IF). Sex differences emerged in the location of this socially modulated cell proliferation: increases occurred primarily in the male POA and the female IF. In addition, gonadal steroid hormones might have played a role in the social modulation of cell proliferation: by statistically control- ling for hormone level, we revealed that androgens might influence socially induced increases in BrdU+ cells in the male POA, but estrogen did not contribute to socially induced increases in the female IF. These results indicate that the reception of social cues increases cell proliferation in brain regions mediating sexual behavior and endocrine regulation, and moreover that social modulation of cell proliferation occurs in a sexually differentiated fashion.