bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Society for the Anthropology of Food and Nutrition
Authors: Black Rachel
Published: February 2008

•Good to Eat, Good to Think: Teachign the Anthropology of Food and Nutrition 
•SNAC III: Something for SAFN Members to Chew On
Society for the Anthropology of North America
Authors: Hyatt Susan B
Published: February 2008

•SANA Announces Upcoming Annual Conference: "Democracy, Disorder and Discontent" Andy Bickford
Society for East Asian Anthropology
Authors: Stevens Carolyn S , Yano Christine R
Published: February 2008

•Conversation with Sonia Ryang Sonia Ryang
Society for Humanistic Anthropology
Authors: Gleach Frederic W , Santiago‐Irizarry Vilma
Published: February 2008

•On Fame, Worship and Sharing 
•Self‐Promotion
Society for Latin American and Caribbean Anthropology
Authors: Caballero‐Arias Hortensia
Published: February 2008

•Journal of Latin American and Caribbean Anthropology Andrew L Canessa
Society for Medical Anthropology
Authors: Ragsdale Kathleen
Published: February 2008

•SMA Notes from the Field: "Faculty Research Recognition Award" Highlights Linda Whiteford's International Program of Research on Women's Health
Society for Psychological Anthropology
Authors: Chapin Bambi
Published: February 2008

•Scaling and Bridging: How Can Psychological Anthropology Intersect with "Big Scale" Questions? A Report From the 2007 SPA Meeting Jack Friedman  •Reminder
Society for Urban, National and Transnational/Global Anthropology
Authors: Howell Jayne , Bastellanos Maria Bianet
Published: February 2008

•New SUNTA Board Members 
•2007 Awards Announcement 
•2008 Leeds Prize Announcement 
•Conference Reminder
Effect of Carp Pituitary Extract and Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Analog Hormone on Reproductive Indices and Spawning of 3-Year-Old Channel Catfish
Authors: Barrero Marinela , Small Brian C , D'Abramo Louis R , Waldbieser Geoffrey C , Hanson Larry A , Kelly Anita M
Published: February 2008

The efficacy of pituitary extract from common carp Cyprinus carpio (CPE) and luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analog (LHRHa) treatments in inducing spawning in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus undergoing their first oogenesis just before the spawning season was evaluated in four commercial strains of channel catfish. Before the hormones were injected, the average oocyte size (1,624 μm) in May, the typical start of the spawning season, was smaller than that considered normal for mature oocytes (3,000 μm) in this species. Priming and resolving doses of CPE, LHRHa, or saline were administered in early May. Plasma estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) levels were measured before the priming (0 h) and resolving (20 h) doses and 4 h later (24 h). Oocyte germinal vesicle migration and cathepsin B, D, and L activities were assessed at 0 and 24 h. At 20 h, estradiol levels were significantly higher in CPE- and LHRHa-treated fish. For LHRHa-treated fish, 20-h levels of T were also significantly higher in LHRHa-treated fish at 24 h. Cathepsin B and L activities were also significantly higher at this time. No differences were observed among the strains evaluated for any of the measured parameters. As oocytes did not yet appear to have entered the final stage of maturation, the fish were returned to ponds with noninjected cohorts to evaluate spawning success. None of the fish injected with saline spawned. On average, 12.5% and 18.8% of those injected with CPE and LHRHa, respectively, spawned. The LHRHa-injected fish had a 14% greater incidence of spawning than noninjected fish. Fertilization rates were not significantly different among treatments. Of the treated fish, those that spawned had significantly higher plasma E2 concentrations at 20 h. Thus, LHRHa injection of early-egg-stage channel catfish could serve to increase the spawning rates of young adults without resorting to intensive spawning techniques.
Compounds with Inhibitory Activity against the Channel Catfish Pathogens Edwardsiella ictaluri and Flavobacterium columnare
Authors: Schrader Kevin K
Published: February 2008

Enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC) and columnaris, the most common diseases in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus in the southeastern United States, are caused by the bacteria Edwardsiella ictaluri and Flavobacterium columnare, respectively. Although producers may rely on antibiotics and certain therapeutants to help manage these diseases, the discovery of new compounds that are environmentally safe and efficacious alternatives to current antibiotics and therapeutants would benefit the channel catfish aquaculture industry. A rapid bioassay was used to evaluate compounds as the first step in the discovery process. Tannic acid was highly toxic to E. ictaluri and F. columnare, and it is promising for future efficacy testing against ESC and columnaris. Sodium percarbonate, an environmentally safe compound, is promising for future efficacy testing to determine its potential use in managing and preventing F. columnare outbreaks in small-scale systems used for channel catfish culture or during transport.
Gape: Body Size Relationship of Flathead Catfish
Authors: Slaughter Joe E. , Jacobson Brad
Published: February 2008

The flathead catfish Pylodictis olivaris is a highly piscivorous ictalurid native to central North America whose range has been extended throughout much of the United States. With this range expansion, many populations of native fishes have experienced declines in the number of individuals due to direct predation by flathead catfish. Previous evidence suggests that flathead catfish are opportunistic feeders and may be the least gape limited of North American freshwater piscivores. To better understand the size of prey vulnerable to flathead catfish, we measured gape dimensions for individuals of various sizes to determine the maximum size prey a flathead catfish can kill based on its gape limitations. Our results show the relationship of total length to horizontal and vertical gape and the relationship of flathead catfish total length to the total lengths of ingestible-sized prey of different body shapes. Furthermore, comparisons of the body depth of three common fish species to the gape dimensions showed that no size of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, bluegill Lepomis macrochirus, or gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum would preclude predation by flathead catfish. Our results support the assumption that the flathead catfish is one of the least gape-limited piscivores.
Gear-Specific Population Demographics of Channel Catfish in a Large Midwestern River
Authors: Colombo Robert E. , Phelps Quinton E. , Garvey James E. , Heidinger Roy C. , Stefanavage Tom
Published: February 2008

Various gear types have been used to sample populations of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus in lotic systems. However, these gears produce different population characteristics (i.e., recruitment, growth, and mortality). We compared the population demographics of channel catfish in the Wabash River, Indiana, sampled with baited 25- and 32-mm-bar mesh hoop nets and three-phase alternating current (AC) electrofishing. Based on catch per unit effort, the relative abundance of channel catfish sampled with 32-mm hoop nets was lower than that of fish sampled with 25-mm hoop nets and AC electrofishing. Each gear type also resulted in a different length frequency, mean length increasing progressively in sampling with 25-mm hoop nets, 32-mm hoop nets, and AC electrofishing. Similarly, age-frequency distributions differed among gears. The 25-mm hoop nets biased the age structure toward younger individuals (mean age = 2.5), whereas both 32-mm hoop nets (mean age = 4.0) and AC electrofishing (mean age = 5.8) included older fish. Catch-curve analysis generated different mortality rates for the three gear types, the mortality rate being highest (50%) in fish sampled with 25-mm hoop nets. Gear-specific size and age structures led to differences in von Bertalanffy statistics among the 25-mm hoop nets and AC electrofishing, while the results for 32-mm hoop nets were uninterpretable. Because the different gears led to conflicting parameter estimates, management practices based on sampling with single gears may be contradictory. Given the differences in gear selectivity, biologists need to approach management cautiously until calibration to the true size and age structure is conducted.
The Application of Microsatellites for Stock Identification of Yukon River Chinook Salmon
Authors: Beacham T. D. , Wetklo M. , Wallace C. , Olsen J. B. , Flannery B. G. , Wenburg J. K. , Templin W. D. , Antonovich A. , Seeb L. W.
Published: February 2008

In a cooperative project among three agencies, variation at 30 microsatellite loci was surveyed for 19 populations of Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha from the Yukon River. The observed number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 63. Loci with a greater number of alleles displayed lower genetic differentiation index (FST) values, but loci with lower FST values also tended to provide more-accurate estimates of stock composition. The observed number of alleles was related to the power of the locus for providing accurate estimates of stock composition of simulated single-population samples. Mean estimated stock compositions for these mixtures ranged from 38.9% for simulations of single loci with fewer than 10 alleles to 85.5% for simulated loci with more than 60 alleles. Reliable population-specific estimation of stock composition was obtained with a minimum of five loci. Comparison of microsatellite stock identification power with an existing nine-locus single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) baseline indicated that nine SNPs or a single microsatellite locus can provide accurate and reasonably precise estimates of stock composition to country of origin. In comparisons of population-specific estimation, the nine-SNP baseline was approximately equivalent to a single microsatellite locus with 17–22 alleles. Mixed-stock analysis applying the microsatellite baseline outlined in this study can accurately and precisely allocate Chinook salmon to units useful for management, such as region or major drainage, providing managers with a powerful tool for assessing and regulating fisheries.
The Effect of Capture, Handling, and Tagging on Hematological Variables in Wild Adult Lake Sturgeon
Authors: Baker Daniel W. , Peake Stephan J. , Kieffer James D.
Published: February 2008

We measured hematocrit and plasma osmolality, cortisol, lactate, glucose, and chloride in wild lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens after gill-net capture (24-h sets) and multiple bouts of brief (2–3-min) air exposure during removal from nets and again during measurement and tagging procedures. Our objective was to evaluate the physiological consequences associated with capture, handling, and tagging activities commonly employed during mark–recapture studies and to determine whether blood chemistry values moved toward a resting state after a 3-d recovery period. Lake sturgeon that were caught during spring tagging activities showed plasma cortisol, glucose, lactate, osmolality, and chloride levels similar to those exhibited by maximally stressed lake sturgeon in published laboratory studies. After the 3-d recovery period, all physiological stress indicators had approached a nonstressed state and the values were similar to those previously reported for resting lake sturgeon. It appears that capture–mark–recapture programs that subject lake sturgeon to stressors similar to those applied here do not pose a significant threat to this often legislatively protected species.
Adverse Effects of Alewives on Laurentian Great Lakes Fish Communities
Authors: Madenjian Charles P. , O'Gorman Robert , Bunnell David B. , Argyle Ray L. , Roseman Edward F. , Warner David M. , Stockwell Jason D. , Stapanian Martin A.
Published: February 2008

The alewife Alosa pseudoharengus, an invader to the Laurentian Great Lakes from the Atlantic Ocean, has been blamed for causing major disruptions of Great Lakes fish communities during the past 50 years. We reviewed the literature and examined long-term data on fish abundances in the Great Lakes to develop a new synthesis on the negative effects of alewives on Great Lakes fish communities. The results indicated that certain fish populations are substantially more vulnerable to the effects of alewives than others. More specifically, the effects of alewives on other fish populations appeared to follow a continuum—from such fishes as slimy sculpin Cottus cognatus, lake whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis, and bloater Coregonus hoyi, which were relatively unsusceptible—to Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, lake trout Salvelinus namaycush, and emerald shiner Notropis atherinoides, which were highly susceptible. Intermediate species in this continuum included yellow perch Perca flavescens, deepwater sculpin Myoxocephalus thompsonii, and burbot Lota lota. The predominant mechanism by which alewives exerted their negative effect appeared to be predation on the larvae of other fishes. The key factor in the extirpation of Atlantic salmon from Lake Ontario, however, was probably early mortality syndrome induced by a diet rich in alewives. We conclude that the degree of restoration of the native Great Lakes fish community depends in part on the degree of control of the alewife population.
Water repellent influence on salt crystallisation in masonry
Authors: Ioannou I. , Hoff W. D.
Published: February 2008

This paper assesses the effectiveness and effects of a water repellent (sodium methylsiliconate in aqueous solution) on crystallisation in stone and brick masonry materials. The salt crystallisation method adopted in this study is based on capillary rise, concentration by evaporation and consequent crystallisation and prevention of efflorescence by surface treatment. The results confirm that cryptoflorescence (salt growth within pores) is considerably more damaging than efflorescence (salt growth on surfaces). They also provide strong evidence that treatment with sodium methylsiliconate can have a harmful effect on masonry materials and may promote their decay by suppressing the capillary transport of water and salt solution to the surface, thus forcing the formation of cryptoflorescence.
Influence of cement content on corrosion resistance
Authors: Arachchige A. D. Medagoda
Published: February 2008

The minimum cement content requirement given in codes of practice over the years to ensure durability of concrete is being increasingly questioned. Of all the durability problems related to concrete structures, corrosion of reinforcing steel is the single most prevalent deteriorating process. This paper describes a study undertaken to determine the influence of variation in cement (binder) content at fixed water/cement ratio on carbonation- and chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion. Cement (binder) content was varied above and below the limits given in current European standards in the tests. The fines content (particles < 75 μm) of some cement-reduced mixes was maintained with the inclusion of a limestone filler as part of the sand content. The results indicate that cement reduction below the given minimum cement contents in current standards has insignificant influence on the overall carbonation-induced reinforcement corrosion process. Moreover, cement content has very little influence on the overall chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion process except the possible better performance of cement-reduced concrete with filler. It is suggested that the attention traditionally given to minimum cement content in determining reinforcement corrosion resistance may be disproportionate to the effective influence of this parameter.
Assessing MSW degradation by BMP and fibre analysis
Authors: Zheng B. , Richards D. J. , Smallman D. J. , Beaven R. P.
Published: February 2008

Samples of fresh and partly composted municipal solid waste (MSW) were placed in 11 reactors under conditions designed to promote rapid anaerobic degradation of the available organic fraction. The solids composition, leachate volatile fatty acids (VFA) content, pH and residual gas yields (CO2 and CH4) were measured at the beginning and at various stages of degradation through the sacrifice of reactors at various times. The degree of decomposition was quantified by the biogas yield (a procedure commonly referred to as the biochemical methane potential (BMP) test) and further characterised through the ratio of cellulose (C) plus hemicellulose (H) to lignin (L) of the remaining non-degraded material measured using a novel fibre analysis method. The consistency of the fibre measurements enabled a quantitative relationship to be established between biogas yields and measured (C + H)/L ratios at different stages of biodegradation for the partly degraded refuse. Fibre analysis of a mechanically pre-treated waste (from which the mass of C, H and L and consequently the (C + H)/L ratio can be determined) provides a useful indication of the degradation potential and has an obvious application in demonstrating diversion of the degradable fraction from landfill following biological treatment processes.
Encapsulation of fluoride sludge in stabilised mud blocks
Authors: Rao S. M. , Mamatha P. , Shantha R. P. , Venkatarama Reddy B. V.
Published: February 2008

Non-engineered disposal of hazardous sludge can contaminate surface water and groundwater sources. Defluoridation of water using magnesium oxide (MgO) is being implemented in a village in Karnataka, India. Defluoridation of water by the MgO method produces fluoride-contaminated magnesium oxide sludge (FCMOS). This paper examines the impact of encapsulating FCMOS on the engineering and environmental integrity of the host matrix. Encapsulation of the sludge is accomplished by using the FCMOS as a constituent of stabilised mud blocks (SMBs). SMBs are an alternative to burnt bricks and are produced by cement stabilisation of densely compacted soil mass. Experimental results indicate that incorporation of FCMOS as a constituent of SMBs does not impact their compressive strength, linear expansion or durability. Furthermore, the fluoride release potential of SMB specimens is not increased.
Effect of Acrylic Polymers on the Physical Parameters and in vitro Release Kinetics of Diclofenac Sodium Sustained Release Pellets
Authors: Absar MS , Kibria G , Jalil R Ul
Published: February 2008

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of Ammonio Methacrylate Copolymer Type A (Eudragit RL 30 D) and Ammonio Methacrylate Copolymer Type B (Eudragit RS 30 D) on the release kinetics study of diclofenac sodium form coated pellets. Eudragit RS 30 D and Eudragit RL 30 D were added into the formulation at 5:1 ratio. Different percent of this polymeric combination was loaded on to the drug-loaded pellets. Loss on drying value as well as bulk density of coated pellets increase along with the increase in polymer level. It was found that the cumulative percent release of drug decreased with the increase of polymer load in all cases. From all formulations it was observed that the release of diclofenac sodium in 0.1N HCl media was very low (maximum 2.87 %) at first 2 hours. Better sustaining effect was found from Eudragit RS 30 D and Eudragit RL 30 D combinations. Drug was released linearly along with time throughout the whole dissolution process in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) and it was also revealed that, in all cases the release of diclofenac sodium followed zero order kinetics.

Key words: Diclofenac sodium, Eudragit RL 30 D, Eudragit RS 30 D, Aqueous coating, Physical parameters, Kinetics of drug release

Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 42(3), 239-248, 2007
A Study on Sulphonated Jute-cotton Blended Yarn and Fabrics and their Characteristics
Authors: Salam MA , Farouqui FI , Mondal Md IH
Published: February 2008

Sulphonated jute fibres were blended with cotton at three different ratios, e g. 50:50, 60:40 and 70:30 for production of fine yarn and comparatively better ratio have been investigated. The plain woven fabric were prepared by sulphonated jute-cotton yarn. The set of warp and weft blended yarns was done on the one up and one down principle. The physico-mechanical properties of blended yarn and fabrics were studied and compared with that of jute yarn, cotton yarn and fabric.

Key words: Sulphonated jute fibre, jute-cotton blend, mechanical properties, tensile strength and fabric construction.

Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 42(3), 281-286, 2007
Change in Some Chemical Parameters of two Environment Polluting Waste (Fertilizer Factory Effluent and Sweetmeat Factory Waste) Media After Culture of Three Important Microalgae
Authors: Toyub MA , Miah MI , Habib MAB
Published: February 2008

Some chemical parameters of fertilizer factory effluent (FFE) and sweetmeat factory waste (SFW) were analyzed before and after culture of three important microalgae (Spirulina platensis, Chlorella ellipsoidea and Scenedesmus obliquus) to make the waste environment friendly and to develop their economic use. Among the two wastes significantly (P<) higher phosphate phosphorus (116.09 mg/l), ammonia nitrogen (17.39), total suspended solids (TDS, 949.00 mg/l), total dissolved solids (28924.67 mg/l), total solids (30009.00 mg/l) and chemical oxygen demand (7892.00 mg/l) were in raw SFW. On the other hand significantly higher pH (7.51), nitrite nitrogen (19.65) and dissolved oxygen (0.33) were significantly higher in collected raw FFE. Before culture of S. platensis TDS of the prepared media were very high (10200.00 mg/l) due to addition of NaHCO3. Before inoculation of C. ellipsoidea and S. obliquus the highest TS, TSS, TDS and COD were recorded 867.28, 49.67, 771.33 and 1424.33 mg/l, respectively in prepared media. But after the culture of all the three microalgae, the amount of TS, TSS, TDS and COD were significantly (P<0.05) lower in all the media. The cultured microalgae were nutritionally rich.

Key words: Chemical parameters, fertilizer factory effluent, sweetmeat factory waste, microalgae.

Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 42(3), 299-310, 2007
On-farm Evaluation of Three Mustard Varieties Under Different Fertilizer Packages
Authors: Basak NC , Pandit JC , Khurram MMH
Published: February 2008

A field experiment was conducted on Non-Calcareous Dark Grey Floodplain Soil to find out the performance of three mustard varieties viz., i) BARI Sarisha-9, ii) BARI Sarisha-12 and iii) Tori-7 (Local) and three fertilizer doses as : F1= 120-34-64-32-1.5 kg/ha NPKSB (HYG), F2 = 86-26-44-26-1.0 kg/ha NPKSB (MYG) and F3 = 54-60- 15 kg/ha NPK. The variety BARI sarisha-9 produced the highest seed yield (892 kg/ha). The fertilizer level of HYG gave higher seed yield (956 kg/ha). BARI Sharisha-9 gave higher gross return (Tk. 21882/ha) and gross margin (Tk.14936/ha) under HYG fertilizer level but higher BCR (3.54) was recorded under MYG fertilizer level due to less fertilization cost.

Key words: Mustard, Variety, Fertilizer, Yield, Economics.

Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 42(3), 335-340, 2007
Stomatal Frequency and Distribution in Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in Relation to Soil Moisture
Authors: Paul NK , Mondal RK
Published: February 2008

Effect of soil moisture on stomatal frequency and distribution of mustard was studied. The irrigated plants had significantly higher number of stomata on both the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of leaf than the rainfed plants. No significant effect of soil moisture on stomatal frequency of stem and pod was found.

Key words: Mustard, soil moisture, stomatal frequency, pod.

Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 42(3), 353-356 2007
Suitability of Different Cultivars of Wheat and Maize for Cultivation in Coastal Area of Noakhali
Authors: Begum F , Sadeque A , Khatun F , Alam MK
Published: February 2008

The experiment was conducted to screen the salt tolerant variety of maize and wheat at Atkapalia , Noakhali. The result shows that variety Gourav and Kanchan of wheat and Barnali and BARI Bhutta 5 of maize have better adaptability in saline areas of Noakhali. All the crops showed lower yield under salinity. The decrease in yield is attributed to the accumulation of sodium and chloride ions and a decrease in potassium ions. This conclusion is arrived at in the light of previous experimental results on the accumulation of sodium, chlorine and potassium ions in wheat and maize.

Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 42(3), 361-365, 2007
Patients' explanations for depression: a factor analytic study
Authors: Budd Rick , James Darren , Hughes Ian
Published: February 2008

Objectives: Previous questionnaire studies have attempted to explore the factor structure of lay beliefs about the causes of depression. These studies have tended to either fail to sample the full range of possible causal explanations or extract too many factors, thereby producing complex solutions. The main objective of the present study was to obtain a more complete and robust factor structure of lay theories of depression while more adequately sampling from the full range of hypothesized causes of depression. A second objective of the study was to explore the relationship between respondents' explanations for depression and their perceptions of the helpfulness of different treatments received. Method and design: A 77‐item questionnaire comprising possible reasons for ‘why a person might get depressed’ was mailed out to members of a large self‐help organization. Also included was a short questionnaire inviting respondents to note treatments received and their perceptions of the helpfulness of these treatments. Data from the 77‐item questionnaire were subjected to a principal components analysis. Results: The reasons rated as most important causes of depression related to recent bereavement, imbalance in brain chemistry and having suffered sexual assault/abuse. The data were best described by a two‐factor solution, with the first factor clearly representing stress and the second factor depressogenic beliefs, the latter corresponding to a cognitive–behavioural formulation of depression aetiology. The two scales thus derived did not, however, correspond substantially with rated helpfulness for different treatments received. Conclusions: The factor structure obtained was in contrast to more complex models from previous studies, comprising two factors. It is likely to be more robust and meaningful. It accords with previous research on lay theories of depression, which highlight ‘stress’ as a key cause for depression. Possible limitations in the study are discussed, and it is suggested that using the questionnaire with more recently depressed people might yield clearer findings in relation to perceptions of treatment helpfulness. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developmental impairments of select neurotransmitter systems in brains of Cln3Δex7/8 knock‐in mice, an animal model of juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
Authors: Herrmann Philipp , Druckrey‐Fiskaaen Caroline , Kouznetsova Elena , Heinitz Katrin , Bigl Marina , Cotman Susan L. , Schliebs Reinhard
Published: February 2008

The neuronal ceroidlipofuscinoses (NCL) are a group of neurodegenerative disorders and are the most common lysosomal storage diseases of infancy and childhood. Juvenile NCL is caused by CLN3 mutation, producing retinal degeneration, uncontrollable seizures, cognitive and motor decline, and early death before the age of 30 years. To study the pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease, Cln3 knock‐in mice (Cln3Δex7/8) have been generated, which reproduce the 1.02‐kb deletion in the CLN3 gene observed in more than 85% of juvenile NCL patients. To characterize the impact of the common Cln3 mutation on development of autofluorescent storage material, gliosis, glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, and transmitter receptors during postnatal brain maturation, brain tissue of Cln3Δex7/8 mice at the ages of 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 19 months was subjected to immunocytochemistry to label gliotic markers and nitric oxide synthases; photometric assays to assess enzyme activities of glycolysis and antioxidative defense systems; and level of reactive nitrogen species as well as quantitative receptor autoradiography to detect select cholinergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic receptor subtypes. The developmental increase in cerebral cortical autofluorescent lipofuscin‐like deposition is accompanied by a significant astro‐ and microgliosis, increased activities of lactate dehydrogenase and phosphofructokinase, decreased level of glutathione peroxidase, enhanced amount of reactive nitrogen species, and lowered binding levels of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate‐ and M1‐muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in select brain regions but hardly in GABAA receptor sites compared with wild‐type mice. Detailed elucidation of the sequence of pathological events during postnatal development highlights new potential strategies for symptomatic treatment of the disease. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bioaffinity magnetic reactor for peptide digestion followed by analysis using bottom‐up shotgun proteomics strategy
Authors: Korecká Lucie , Jankovicová Barbora , Krenková Jana , Hernychová Lenka , Slováková Marcela , Le‐Nell Anne , Chmelík Josef , Foret Frantisek , Viovy Jean‐Louis , Bílková Zuzana
Published: February 2008

We report an efficient and streamlined way to improve the analysis and identification of peptides and proteins in complex mixtures of soluble proteins, cell lysates, etc. By using the shotgun proteomics methodology combined with bioaffinity purification we can remove or minimize the interference contamination of a complex tryptic digest and so avoid the time‐consuming separation steps before the final MS analysis. We have proved that by means of enzymatic fragmentation (endoproteinases with Arg‐C or/and Lys‐C specificity) connected with the isolation of specific peptides we can obtain a simplified peptide mixture for easier identification of the entire protein. A new bioaffinity sorbent was developed for this purpose. Anhydrotrypsin (AHT), an inactive form of trypsin with an affinity for peptides with arginine (Arg) or lysine (Lys) at the C‐terminus, was immobilized onto micro/nanoparticles with superparamagnetic properties (silica magnetite particles (SiMAG)–Carboxyl, Chemicell, Germany). This AHT carrier with a determined binding capacity (26.8 nmol/mg of carrier) was tested with a model peptide, human neurotensin, and the resulting MS spectra confirmed the validity of this approach.
Comparison of micelles formed by amphiphilic star block copolymers prepared in the presence of a nonmetallic monomer activator
Authors: Hyun Hoon , Cho Jae Song , Kim Byung Soo , Lee Jung Won , Kim Moon Suk , Khang Gilson , Park Kinam , Lee Hai Bang
Published: February 2008

In this article, we describe the synthesis of PEG‐b‐polyester star block copolymers via ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of ester monomers initiated at the hydroxyl end group of the core poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) using HCl Et2O as a monomer activator. The ROP of ε‐caprolactone (CL), trimethylene carbonate (TMC), or 1,4‐dioxan‐2‐one (DO) was performed to synthesize PEG‐b‐polyester star block copolymers with one, two, four, and eight arms. The PEG‐b‐polyester star block copolymers were obtained in quantitative yield, had molecular weights close to the theoretical values calculated from the molar ratio of ester monomers to PEG, and exhibited monomodal GPC curves. The crystallinity of the PEG‐b‐polyester star block copolymers was determined by differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction. Copolymers with a higher arm number had a higher tendency toward crystallization. The crystallinity of the PEG‐b‐polyester star block copolymers also depended on the nature of the polyester block. The CMCs of the PEG‐b‐PCL star block copolymers, determined from fluorescence measurements, increased with increasing arm number. The CMCs of the four‐arm star block copolymers with different polyester segments increased in the order 4a‐PEG‐b‐PCL < 4a‐PEG‐b‐PDO < 4a‐PEG‐b‐PLGA < 4a‐PEG‐b‐PTMC, suggesting a relationship between CMC and star block copolymer crystallinity. The partition equilibrium constant, Kv, which is an indicator of the hydrophobicity of the micelles of the PEG‐polyester star block copolymers in aqueous media, increased with decreasing arm number and increasing crystallinity. A key aspect of the present work is that we successfully prepared PEG‐b‐polyester star block copolymers by a metal‐free method. Thus, unlike copolymers synthesized by ROP using a metal as the monomer activator, our copolymers do not contain traces of metals and hence are more suitable for biomedical applications. Moreover, we confirmed that the PEG‐b‐polyester star block copolymers form micelles and hence may be potential hydrophobic drug delivery vehicles. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2084–2096, 2008
On modeling the effects of T‐cell vaccines on HIV acquisition and disease
Authors: Wick W. David
Published: February 2008

A ‘T‐cell vaccine’ aims at generating cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes (CTLs; the so‐called ‘killer’ T‐cells) rather than antibodies (as for traditional vaccines). The first (phase IIb) trials of this concept against HIV/AIDS began in 2004. What can mechanistic modeling contribute to understanding the biological action of this class of vaccines, if any? Models are appropriate in any discussion of three potential vaccine effects: on acquisition of infection; on state of disease (‘viral load’, VL) after infection; and on preventing escape from immune control. Concerning the first two, P. Gilbert, S. Self and I introduced new stochastic models of early HIV infection and the CTL response, and, making use of recent estimates (derived in collaboration with O. Yang and L. Corey) of the rate that CTLs can kill HIV‐infected cells, made the (surprising?) discovery that CTLs might prevent some infections—as the trial designers implicitly acknowledged when they chose the dual end points of the study. On sustaining control, we have derived a theoretical formula for the rate of escape by stepwise mutation and a new method of simulating HIV and CTL dynamics in vivo (permitting new mutant strains a stochastic evolution—essential, in our view). These quantitative models and simulation techniques can also prove useful to biostatisticians. For example, in preparation for the STEP trials, Gilbert, Bosch, and Hudgens developed a novel technique for estimating a causal effect of a vaccine on VL while accounting for post‐randomization selection bias. By simulating thousands of trials, we demonstrated that GBH's method can correctly identify efficacy while protecting against falsely concluding that the vaccine exacerbates disease. When trial data becomes available, the models may also be exploited to make complementary analyses which, while not relevant to vaccine licensure, may suggest new biological hypotheses. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The mentor–youth alliance: The role of mentoring relationships in promoting youth competence
Authors: Zand Debra H. , Thomson Nicole , Cervantes Richard , Espiritu Rachele , Klagholz Donna , LaBlanc Laura , Taylor Andrea
Published: February 2008

Mentoring programs hold great promise for fostering competency in disadvantaged youth. Although considerable theoretical work has been conducted to explain the role of mentoring relationships in promoting positive youth outcomes, very little empirical research has directly investigated this alliance. The present study developed and validated a tool to assess mentees’ perceptions of their relationships with their mentors and to investigate the relationship between this alliance and youth competency. Based on pilot data from four cross‐national mentoring programs (N=276), a 10‐item, two‐factor Mentor–Youth Alliance Scale (MYAS) was created. Subsequent confirmatory factor analyses conducted on national evaluation data from a multi‐site study of mentoring programs (N=219), generated a 10‐item, one‐factor solution. The one‐factor MYAS significantly predicted youths’ scores in four competency domains: Family Bonding, Relationships with Adults, School Bonding, and Life Skills, at 8‐months post‐intake. Higher competency youth were more likely to be female, younger on average, and have a higher quality of relationships with their mentors than were lower competency youth. Implications for the development of the mentor–protégé relationship are discussed.
Depressed Mood Over Time after Open Heart Surgery Impacts Patient Well-Being: A Combined Study
Authors: Karlsson Ann-Kristin , Lidell Evy , Johansson Mats
Published: February 2008

Background: Depression is a common cause of decreased well-being after open heart surgery (OHS) and a risk factor for new cardiac events. Little is known about the long-term prevalence of depressive symptoms after OHS or their effect on well-being. The aim of this study was to explore the presence of depressed mood in patients during the recovery phase after open heart surgery as well as depressed mood and well-being 3 years later.

Method: Eighty consecutively included patients completed a questionnaire about depressed mood at 5 weeks, 5 months and 3 years after OHS. A telephone interview took place after receipt of the third questionnaire to explore their well-being. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed separately and thereafter together.

Result: Depressed mood occurred in 52% of the patients during recovery or 3 years after OHS. The qualitative content analysis produced the theme of transition, which was based on three categories.

Conclusion: Depressed mood was reported by the majority of patients during recovery after OHS and had a long-term effect on their well-being. OHS constituted a transition for all patients, but those with depressed mood had difficulty finishing the transition process and reorientating life.
Evidence that 3‐hydroxyisobutyric acid inhibits key enzymes of energy metabolism in cerebral cortex of young rats
Authors: Viegas Carolina Maso , da Costa Ferreira Gustavo , Schuck Patrícia Fernanda , Tonin Anelise Miotti , Zanatta Ângela , de Souza Wyse Angela Terezinha , Dutra‐Filho Carlos Severo , Wannmacher Clóvis Milton Duval , Wajner Moacir
Published: February 2008

3‐Hydroxyisobutyric aciduria is an inherited metabolic disease caused by 3‐hydroxyisobutyryl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. Tissue accumulation and high urinary excretion of 3‐hydroxyisobutyric acid is the biochemical hallmark of this disorder. Clinical phenotype is heterogeneous and generally includes dysmorphic features, delayed motor development, profound mental impairment, and acute encephalopathy. Lactic acidemia is also found in the affected patients, indicating that mitochondrial dysfunction may be involved in the pathophysiology of this disorder. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to investigate the in vitro effect of 3‐hydroxyisobutyric acid (0.1, 0.5 and 1 mM) on essential enzymes of energy metabolism, namely the activities of the respiratory chain complexes I–V, total, cytosolic and mitochondrial creatine kinase and Na+, K+‐ATPase in cerebral cortex homogenates of 30‐day‐old rats. We also measured the rate of oxygen consumption in brain mitochondrial preparations in the presence of 3‐hydroxyisobutyric acid. 3‐Hydroxyisobutyric acid significantly reduced complex I–III (20%), without affecting the other activities of the electron transport chain. Furthermore, 3‐hydroxyisobutyric acid did not change state III, state IV and the respiratory control ratio in the presence of glutamate/malate or succinate, suggesting that its effect on cellular respiration was weak. On the other hand, the activities of total and mitochondrial creatine kinase, but not cytosolic creatine kinase, were inhibited (30%) by 3‐hydroxyisobutyric acid. We also observed that 3‐hydroxyisobutyric acid‐induced inhibition of mitochondrial creatine kinase activity was fully prevented by pre‐incubation of the homogenates with reduced glutathione, α‐tocopherol or the combination of superoxide dismutase plus catalase, suggesting that this inhibition was mediated by oxidation of essential thiol groups of the enzyme probably by superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and/or peroxyl radicals. It was also demonstrated that Na+, K+‐ATPase activity from synaptic plasma membranes was markedly suppressed (37%) by 3‐hydroxyisobutyric acid and that this effect was prevented by α‐tocopherol co‐incubation implying that peroxyl radicals were probably involved in this action. Considering the importance of the affected enzyme activities for brain metabolism homeostasis and neurotransmision, it is suggested that increased tissue levels of 3‐hydroxyisobutyric acid may contribute to the neurodegeneration of patients affected by 3‐hydroxyisobutyric aciduria and possibly explain previous reports describing elevated production and excretion of lactate.
Melatonin inhibitory effect on cAMP accumulation in the chick retina development
Authors: Sampaio Lucia de Fatima Sobral
Published: February 2008

During vertebrate neurodevelopment, neuritogenesis and synaptogenesis are modulated by intracellular cAMP rises. Melatonin, which is implicated in neuronal differentiation, mainly inhibits this pathway. Here, an investigation about the profile of this effect during the vertebrate neurodevelopment is reported. In the embryonic chick retinas at days 8, 12, 14, 16 and at 2 days post‐hatched (E8, E12, E14, E16 and PH), those control embryonic retinas incubated only with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor at days corresponding to commencement of neuronal differentiation (E8, E12) and PH, presented cAMP levels inhibited by melatonin. While the cAMP accumulation stimulated by forskolin was inhibited in the embryonic retinas at all testing days. Neither the unselective antagonist N‐acetyl‐2‐benziltryptamine (luzindole) nor the selective Mel1b antagonist 4‐phenyl‐2‐propionamidotetralin (4‐P‐PDOT) blocked the melatonin concentration‐dependent inhibitory effect on cAMP accumulation in the retinas initiating differentiation (E7 − E9), suggesting a tight binding between melatonin and their receptors. However, 4‐P‐PDOT competitively reverted the melatonin effect on cAMP stimulated by forskolin during synaptogenesis stages. Together, the melatonin effect on cAMP levels in chick retina, which is mainly through melatonin receptors, is depending on the developmental period observed, probably taking part in the mechanisms surrounding the melatonin action on neuronal differentiation.
A disaffected new democracy? Identities, institutions and civic engagement in post-communist Poland
Authors: Tworzecki Hubert
Published: February 2008

Focusing on the case of Poland and utilizing mass opinion survey data, this paper examines the phenomenon of widespread popular disengagement from civic and political life by testing the relative explanatory power of cultural and institutional hypotheses. The former see disengagement as the consequence of values and patterns of behavior that are in some ways incompatible with pluralist politics, whereas the latter see disengagement as the result of a mismatch between the realm of politically relevant individual interests and identities on the one hand, and the realm of available institutions of state–society intermediation on the other.
Evidence for multiple, episodic, mid-Holocene Hypsithermal recorded in two soil profiles along an alluvial floodplain catena, southeastern Tennessee, USA
Authors: Driese Steven G. , Li Zheng-Hua , McKay Larry D.
Published: February 2008

Floodplain soil–paleosol successions are valuable archives for reconstructing Pleistocene–Holocene climate changes but have been relatively unstudied in the southern Appalachian region. Two soil profiles on a small floodplain in southeastern Tennessee, USA were described and sampled in detail using both pedological and geological approaches, including stable carbon isotope analysis of soil organic matter (SOM). Correlation between the 2 profiles was constrained by uncalibrated AMS14C ages of bulk humates, and using SOM δ13C values, both mobile and immobile elements. Four distinct 2.5–4‰ shifts towards less negative δ13C values for SOM suggest ∼ 300-yr cyclicity and transient warmer and drier climate events, with either water-stressed C3vegetation or as much as 35% C4plants present during the mid-Holocene. These postulated multi-episodic drier climate conditions have never before been documented in the southern Appalachian region and are tentatively correlated with mid-Holocene warming and drying in the eastern US, the nearly time-equivalent mid-Holocene events documented in Texas, the US High Plains and in the Gulf of Mexico. High rates of floodplain sediment accumulation (0.5–3 mm/yr), high clay content and maintenance of poorly drained soil conditions favor preservation of high-resolution climate archives in floodplain deposits by inhibiting oxidation and translocation of organic C.
Stereotypes, stereotype threat and ageing: implications for the understanding and treatment of people with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: SCHOLL JANE M. , SABAT STEVEN R.
Published: February 2008

Over the past 15 years, a growing body of research has shown that people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are affected not only by brain neuropathology but also by their reactions to its effects, by the environments in which they live, and by how they are treated by others. Nevertheless, three relatively neglected social influences on people with AD remain to be examined: negative stereotyping, negative self-stereotyping and stereotype threat. Numerous studies reviewed in this paper indicate that: (1) negative self-stereotypes at conscious and unconscious levels can have adverse effects on the performance of healthy elderly people on tasks demanding explicit memory (recall in particular), and (2) the mere threat of being stereotyped negatively can have adverse effects on the performance of healthy elderly people on tasks including those involving memory. In this paper, we discuss the relevance of these phenomena for our understanding and treatment of people with AD who are exposed to negative stereotypes about old age and about AD before and after they are diagnosed. There is evidence to suggest that these influences may have significant effects on people with AD. The paper concludes with recommendations for best practice in the treatment of people with AD in the light of the most apparent effects of negative self-stereotyping and stereotype threat. These include advocacy for an approach that involves aspects of counselling.
On the causal link between carbon dioxide and air pollution mortality
Authors: Jacobson Mark Z.
Published: February 2008

Greenhouse gases and particle soot have been linked to enhanced sea‐level, snowmelt, disease, heat stress, severe weather, and ocean acidification, but the effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) on air pollution mortality has not been examined or quantified. Here, it is shown that increased water vapor and temperatures from higher CO2 separately increase ozone more with higher ozone; thus, global warming may exacerbate ozone the most in already‐polluted areas. A high‐resolution global‐regional model then found that CO2 may increase U.S. annual air pollution deaths by about 1000 (350–1800) and cancers by 20–30 per 1 K rise in CO2‐induced temperature. About 40% of the additional deaths may be due to ozone and the rest, to particles, which increase due to CO2‐enhanced stability, humidity, and biogenic particle mass. An extrapolation by population could render 21,600 (7400–39,000) excess CO2‐caused annual pollution deaths worldwide, more than those from CO2‐enhanced storminess.