bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observations on Nα‐Deacetylation of Model Amino Acids and Peptides: Distribution and Purification of a Specific N‐Acyl Amino Acid Releasing Enzyme in Rat Brain
Authors: Marks Neville , Lo Ee‐Sing , Stern Frederic , Danho Waleed
Published: September 2010

Abstract: N
α–Acyl amino acid releasing enzyme (NAARE), an enzyme cleaving acetylMet‐Ala at the Met‐Ala bond was purified from rat brain cytosol to apparent homogeneity by salt precipitation, gel filtration, and several steps of ion exchange. Levels of NAARE exceeded acylase measured with acetylmethionine in all brain regions and subcellular fractions examined: 60% was associated with cytosol and the remainder with debris or the crude nuclear and mitochondrial‐synaptosomal subfractions. Activity was highest in pituitary and was approximately 0.5–0.6 that of liver or kidney. The purified enzyme preferentially hydrolyzed acetyl‐methionyl peptides: Km for acetylMet‐Ala was 0.93; Vmax, 3.5 nmol−1 (kcat, 1185) with pH optimum of 8.9 as compared with 8.2 for acylases measured in cytosol. The purified enzyme was devoid of acylase and common exo‐and endopeptidase contamination. Structure‐activity relationships examined with synthetic formylated or acetylated peptides indicated no significant effects for di‐ or tripeptides if the second substituent was Ala, Ser, Asn, or Thr, but the activity was reduced 0.5‐fold for Leu, a branched‐chain amino acid. No hydrolysis was observed for polypeptides with five or more residues having N‐terminal acetylated Tyr (enkephalin) or Ser (α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone, thymosinα1), supporting the notion that the enzyme plays a role only in turnover of smaller peptides formed perhaps as a result of endopeptidase cleavage of proteins or polypeptides containing acetylated Met at the N terminus.
Epigenetic control of expression of the human L‐ and M‐ pigment genes
Authors: Deeb S. S. , Bisset D. , Fu L.
Published: September 2010

Epigenetics alters gene expression by chromatin modification without changing the sequence of DNA. DNA methylation is an essential signal for epigenetic gene regulation. Methylation of cytosine bases at CpG dinucleotides in DNA results in chromatin condensation resulting in suppression of gene expression. DNA methylation has been shown to play important roles in cell differentiation, genomic imprinting and X‐chromosome inactivation. We compared the CpG methylation patterns of the promoters of the L‐opsin gene (OPN1LW) and the M‐opsin gene (OPN1MW), plus a DNase I hypersensitive (DHS) site located about 8 kb (kilobases) upstream of the OPN1LW gene. Comparisons were made using the human retinoblastoma cell line WERI, which expresses the L and M opsin genes when treated with thyroid hormone (T3), and a lymphoblastoid cell line GM06990 that does not express these genes.

The results showed that the great majority of the 14 CpGs located within the proximal 200 bp (base pairs) of each promoter, plus 20 bp of the 5′‐untranslated region, were hypo‐methylated in WERI‐Rb‐1 cells, whether or not treated with T3, but almost totally methylated in the lymphoblastoid cell line. Three of the CpGs that are located beyond 200 bp from the transcription start site of OPN1LW were hyper‐methylated in both WERI and lymphoblastoid cells. Significant differential methylation was also observed within the DHS region (24 CpGs). This DHS region contains a highly conserved motif that binds CCCTC‐binding factor (CTCF), referred to as a ‘chromatin insulator or boundary element’, that has been shown to regulate gene expression at several genome locations. The results suggest that DNA methylation is likely to contribute to regulation of expression of the L‐ and M‐opsin genes during differentiation, as well as to the retinal L:M cone ratio. In addition, thyroid hormone induction of the opsin genes does not appear to alter DNA methylation.
S‐cone excitation ratios for reaction times to blue‐yellow suprathreshold changes at isoluminance
Authors: Medina José M. , Díaz José A.
Published: September 2010

We examined different contrast metrics to scale visual latencies for suprathreshold stimuli modulated along tritan confusion lines. S‐cone increments (‘blue’) and decrements (‘yellow’) were isolated along two different tritan confusion lines, each one having a different luminance value. Reaction times (RT) were evaluated as a function of the Weber contrast and the S‐cone excitation ratio between the test stimulus and the background. RTs were described using a model that generalizes Piéron’s law and incorporates the notion of threshold units and power law scaling. Our results show that RTs for S‐cone increments and decrements equate better when using the S‐cone excitation ratio. However, a single function did not describe all RT data. S‐cone RTs are better described by separate functions. We conclude that S‐cone increments and decrements do not scale in the same manner. Both Weber contrast and the S‐cone excitation ratio are plausible metrics at isoluminance. The implications for the S‐cone pathways are discussed.
The effect of controlled photopigment excitations on pupil aperture
Authors: Viénot Françoise , Bailacq Solenne , Rohellec Jean Le
Published: September 2010

In addition to rods and cones, the human retina contains melanopsin which has been identified recently in the body and dendrites of a few ganglion cells. The intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) are good candidates for controlling the tonic pupil aperture but their spectral sensitivity is close to those of rods and S‐cones which are other candidates. Our study aims at identifying the stimulus for the pupil response when the luminance is constant and the spectrum of the light changes. A light booth was equipped with five types of coloured light emitting diodes (LEDs): Blue, Cyan, Green, Orange and Red. The intensity of each LED type could be adjusted to control the light spectrum. Illumination pairs were prepared ensuring the exclusive variation of excitation of one receptor type and silent substitution for others. Because the range of the possible controlled changes of excitation was narrow, we also prepared illumination pairs ensuring silent substitution for luminance rather than for L‐cones and M‐cones independently. Photographs of the observer’s eyes were taken following one minute of adaptation to each illumination and the ratio of pupil to iris diameter was measured. No differential pupillary response was observed with a variation of rod, melanopsin or S‐cone excitation alone. A differential pupillary response could only be obtained with a variation of the melanopsin stimulus of sufficient high contrast with or without a concurrent variation of rods.
Color‐space distortions following long‐term occupational exposure to mercury vapor
Authors: Feitosa‐Santana Claudia , Bimler David L. , Paramei Galina V. , Oiwa Nestor N. , Barboni Mirella T. S. , Costa Marcelo F. , Silveira Luiz C. L. , Ventura Dora F.
Published: September 2010

Color vision was examined in subjects with long‐term occupational exposure to mercury (Hg) vapor. The color vision impairment was assessed by employing a quantitative measure of distortion of individual and group perceptual color spaces. Hg subjects (n = 18; 42.1 ± 6.5 years old; exposure time = 10.4 ± 5.0 years; time away from the exposure source = 6.8 ± 4.6 years) and controls (n = 18; 46.1 ± 8.4 years old) were examined using two arrangement tests, D‐15 and D‐15d, in the traditional way, and also in a triadic procedure. From each subject’s ‘odd‐one‐out’ choices, matrices of inter‐cap subjective dissimilarities were derived and processed by non‐metric multidimensional scaling (MDS). D‐15d results differed significantly between the Hg‐group and the control group (p < 0.05), with the impairment predominantly along the tritan axis. 2D perceptual color spaces, individual and group, were reconstructed, with the dimensions interpreted as the red‐green (RG) and the blue‐yellow (BY) systems. When color configurations from the Hg‐group were compared to those of the controls, they presented more fluctuations along both chromatic dimensions, indicating a statistically significant difference along the BY axis. In conclusion, the present findings confirm that color vision impairments persist in subjects that have received long‐term occupational exposure to Hg‐vapor although, at the time of testing, they were presenting mean urinary concentration within the normal range for non‐exposed individuals. Considering the advantages of the triadic procedure in clinical evaluation of acquired color vision deficiencies, further studies should attempt to verify and/or improve its efficacy.
2‐Methoxystypandrone represses RANKL‐mediated osteoclastogenesis by down‐regulating formation of TRAF6–TAK1 signalling complexes
Authors: Chiou WF , Liao JF , Huang CY , Chen CC
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 2‐Methoxystypandrone (2‐MS) is a naphthoquinone isolated from Polygonum cuspidatum, a Chinese herb used to treat bone diseases. Here we have determined whether 2‐MS antagonised osteoclast development and bone resorption.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH RAW264.7 cells were treated with receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) ligand (RANKL) to induce differentiation into osteoclasts. RT‐PCR and Western blot were used to analyse osteoclast‐associated gene expression and signalling pathways.

KEY RESULTS The number of multinuclear osteoclasts, actin rings and resorption pit formation were markedly inhibited by 2‐MS, targeting osteoclast differentiation at an early stage and without significant cytotoxicity. The anti‐resorption effect of 2‐MS was accompanied by decreasing dendritic cell‐specific transmembrane protein and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) mRNA expression. RANKL‐increased MMP‐9 gelatinolytic activity was also attenuated by concurrent, but not by subsequent addition of 2‐MS. 2‐MS markedly inhibited not only the RANKL‐triggered nuclear translocations of NF‐κB, c‐Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1), but also the subsequent NFATc1 induction. Degradation of IκB and phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases were also suppressed. RANKL facilitated the formation of singaling complexes of tumour necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6 and transforming growth factor β‐activated kinase 1 (TRAF6–TAK1), important for osteoclastogenesis and formation of such signalling complexes was prevented by 2‐MS.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The anti‐osteoclastogenic effects of 2‐MS could reflect the block of RANKL‐induced association of TRAF6–TAK1 complexes with consequent decrease of IκB‐mediated NF‐κB and mitogen‐activated protein kinases‐mediated c‐Fos activation pathways and suppression of NFATc1 and other gene expression, essential for bone resorption.
Insulin resistance in penile arteries from a rat model of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Contreras Cristina , Sánchez Ana , Martínez Pilar , Raposo Rafaela , Climent Belén , García‐Sacristán Albino , Benedito Sara , Prieto Dolores
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities accompanying metabolic syndrome, such as obesity, insulin resistance and hypertension, are all associated with endothelial dysfunction and are independent risk factors for erectile dysfunction. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the vascular effects of insulin in penile arteries and whether these effects are impaired in a rat model of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Penile arteries from obese Zucker rats (OZR) and their counterpart, lean Zucker rats (LZR), were mounted on microvascular myographs and the effects of insulin were assessed in the absence and presence of endothelium and of specific inhibitors of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). Insulin‐induced changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i were also examined.

KEY RESULTS OZR exhibited mild hyperglycaemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertryglyceridemia and hyperinsulinemia. Insulin induced endothelium‐ and NO‐dependent relaxations in LZR that were impaired in OZR. Inhibition of PI3K reduced relaxation induced by insulin and by the β‐adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline, mainly in arteries from LZR. Antagonism of endothelin 1 (ET‐1) receptors did not alter insulin‐induced relaxation in either LZR or OZR, but MAPK blockade increased the responses in OZR. Insulin decreased [Ca2+]i, a response impaired in OZR.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Insulin‐induced relaxation was impaired in penile arteries of OZR due to altered NO release through the PI3K pathway and unmasking of a MAPK‐mediated vasoconstriction. This vascular insulin resistance is likely to contribute to the endothelial dysfunction and erectile dysfunction associated with insulin resistant states.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Argyrophilic grain disease with delusions and hallucinations: a pathological study
Authors: ASAOKA Toshiyasu , TSUCHIYA Kuniaki , FUJISHIRO Hiroshige , ARAI Tetsuaki , HASEGAWA Masato , AKIYAMA Haruhiko , ISEKI Eizo , ODA Tatsuro , ONAYA Mitsumoto , TOMINAGA Itaru
Published: September 2010

No clear clinical syndrome for argyrophilic grain disease (AGD) has yet been identified. Previous studies have documented its clinical features, namely, personality changes characterized by emotional disorder involving aggression or ill temper and relatively well‐preserved cognitive function, but the clinical manifestations of delusions and hallucinations as they appear in AGD have not been thoroughly described. Here, we report on a 72‐year‐old Japanese AGD patient who showed psychiatric symptoms, memory impairment and emotional change. He perceived and described a person who was not present and tried to grasp things on the floor though nothing was there. He also insisted that somebody was watching him and consequently always kept his curtains closed. These psychiatric symptoms were observed at an early stage in the patient's disease course. Serial neuroradiological examination showed progressive atrophy of the bilateral temporal lobes. The patient died at 79 years‐of‐age. Microscopic neuropathological examination showed transactivation responsive region (TAR)‐DNA‐binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43) positive structures in addition to widespread argyrophilic grains and coiled bodies. According to recent recommendations for pathological diagnosis, this case corresponds to AGD with limbic TDP‐43 pathology. This case shows that patients with AGD that is eventually confirmed through autopsy can present with delusions and hallucinations early in the course of their disease. The clinical significance of TDP‐43 pathology in the brains of patients with AGD remains uncertain.
Religious Giving by Individuals: A Cross Denominational Study
Authors: Forbes Kevin F. , Zampelli Ernest M.
Published: September 2010

Abstract Empirical research to date has provided some evidence on factors important to the determination of religious giving as well as to cross denominational differences in religious giving patterns. For example, regression based models of religious giving, typically utilizing data on congregations and congregational contributions, lend considerable support to the observation that Catholics contribute less in amount and as a share of income than do Protestants. A number of possible explanations for this difference can be offered. Two often cited reasons are: (1) a lower estimated marginal propensity to give out of income for Catholics than for Protestants and (2) the more formalized structure of the giving process found in Protestant denominations. Here data on religious giving by individuals of different denominations is used to estimate a single equation econometric model using (a) the least squares and (b) the Tobit techniques. The least squares results corroborate past findings regarding differences in the religious giving of Catholics and Protestants. Unlike past results, however, the Tobit results reported suggest that though income is a statistically significant factor in the religious giving for both groups and the marginal impacts are actually higher for Catholics than for Protestants.
Which Entrepreneurs Bribe and what do they Get from It? Exploratory Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: de Jong Gjalt , Tu Phan Anh , van Ees Hans
Published: September 2010

This article investigates whether bribery in emerging economies matters and whether such bribery has a diminishing return to performance. Bribery allows entrepreneurs to develop and foster a network of informal relationships with public officials, and reap the accompanying benefits; but it may also have disadvantages, such as an inefficient allocation of resources. The relationship between bribery and performance was estimated using unique data derived from a survey of 606 Vietnamese entrepreneurs. We controlled for various entrepreneurial, organizational, and industrial characteristics. The exploratory results provide support for a hill–shaped non–monotonic relationship between bribery and revenues.
Proton Cancer Therapy Center: An Entrepreneur's Dilemma
Authors: Reed Marlene Mints , Brunson Rochelle Reed
Published: September 2010

This case deals with the dilemma faced by an entrepreneur named John Styles who was faced with the decision of whether or not to enter into a partnership with M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston to build a Proton Cancer Therapy Center. The decision was clouded by the fact that most of the $100 million investment required for the venture would be invested in facilities and technology that could be used for nothing else if the project failed. In addition, the typical venture capitalists who would normally invest in such a venture would not find this deal enticing because of the long time lag to profitability.
Perceived Labor Productivity in Small Firms—The Effects of High–Performance Work Systems and Group Culture through Employee Retention
Authors: Patel Pankaj C. , Conklin Betty
Published: September 2010

In small firms, high–performance work systems (HPWS) may not always yield benefits that outweigh their costs. Using a sample of 145 small enterprises (SEs) with 10–100 employees, we examine how small firms may realize mutually reinforcing effects of group culture on HPWS to increase employee retention and improve perceived labor productivity. Using a novel methodology, we find that employee retention does not mediate the effects of HPWS on perceived labor productivity, but that mediation becomes significant and increases with greater levels of group culture. This study provides insights into conditions in which HPWS can enhance SE perceived labor productivity.
RHS, Inc.: Innovation “Guiding” Agriculture
Authors: Schenkel Mark T. , Finley Jane , Chumney Wade
Published: September 2010

RHS, Inc. presents the story of an agricultural equipment business initially founded in 1980 on Rick Heiniger's personal experience and desire to improve his financial situation during challenging economic times. Having successfully expanded by leveraging technology through innovation over two decades, and most recently through a partnership with another venture, he now faced issues of how best to integrate the two entities to foster continued future successful growth. Despite his continued enjoyment in the process of building new businesses, he also wondered how his role as a leader would need to evolve.
Protein C and/or Protein S Deficiency and Occurrence of Stent Thrombosis: A Hitherto Unrecognized Association
Authors: GOEL PRAVIN K. , BATRA ADITYA
Published: September 2010

Objective: To study the prevalence of protein C and/or protein S deficiency in patients of stent thrombosis and correlate its association with the event, if any.

Background: Stent thrombosis is the Achilles heel of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and has been associated with so many predisposing factors that if one analyzes all patients undergoing PCI, one or more such factors would be present in almost every patient; however, its incidence remains no more than 1–2%. We hypothesized a preexisting prothrombotic state, or tendency, in a small proportion of patients that possibly plays a key role in its occurrence.

Methods: We analyzed the prothrombotic tendency of individual patients by studying protein C and protein S levels. Thirteen patients presenting with stent thrombosis and 24 age‐ and sex‐matched controls were studied.

Results: Protein S was found to be deficient in 11 of 13 patients (84.6%) of stent thrombosis and in only 4 of 24 patients (16.7%) in matched controls (P < 0.001), while protein C was found deficient in 2 of 12 patients (16.7%) of stent thrombosis, and 1 of 24 patients (4.2%) in matched controls (P = 0.25) and either protein C or protein S was deficient in 11 of 13 (84.6%) of stent thrombosis and 5 of 24 (20.8%) controls (P = <0.001). Low protein S levels were strongly associated with stent thrombosis (odds ratio 3.04, 95% confidence interval 1.34–4.7) with sensitivity 0.73 and specificity of 0.91.

Conclusions: Protein S deficiency is strongly correlated to the occurrence of stent thrombosis, a fact that has hitherto not been recognized and needs further evaluation. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:560–564)
RESEARCH ARTICLES: Traces of a Lost Language and Number System Discovered on the North Coast of Peru
Authors: Quilter Jeffrey , Zender Marc , Spalding Karen , Jordán Régulo Franco , Mora César Gálvez , Murga Juan Castañeda
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT Sometime in the early 17th century, at Magdalena de Cao, a community of resettled native peoples in the Chicama Valley on the North Coast of Peru, a Spaniard used the back of a letter to jot down the terms for numbers in a local language. Four hundred years later, the authors of this article were able to recover and study this piece of paper. We present information on this otherwise unknown language, on numeracy, and on cultural relations of ethnolinguistic groups in pre‐ and early‐post‐Conquest northern Peru. Our investigations have determined that, while several of the Magadalena number terms were likely borrowed from a Quechuan language, the remainder record a decimal number system in an otherwise unknown language. Historical sources of the region mention at least two potential candidate languages, Pescadora and Quingnam; however, because neither is documented beyond its name, a definite connection remains impossible to establish.
PUBLIC ANTHROPOLOGY: The 2009 UN Climate Talks: Alternate Media and Participation from Anthropologists
Authors: Maclin Edward M.
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT  The United Nations climate talks in Copenhagen during December of 2009 were surrounded by numerous side events. Some anthropologists and other social scientists at these events used the Web as a technology for reporting on activities as they occurred. The success of alternate publishing fora is difficult to gauge, but these weblogs reflect some of the difficulties faced by lone researchers in observing and reporting on large‐scale meetings. Some geographers, in contrast, came to Copenhagen as part of an effort organized through the Association of American Geographers. Such a planned and collaborative process may be useful for anthropologists at future meetings.
The Lost Neuromotor Apparatus of Chlamydomonas: Rediscovered1,2
Authors: Salisbury J. L.
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT. Early light microscopic studies of the biflagellate green alga Chlamydomonas revealed a fibrous system, the neuromotor apparatus, which appeared to link physically the flagellar apparatus to the cell nucleus. Following the development of the electron microscope, the existence of a neuromotor apparatus in Chlamydomonas was cast into doubt since it was not observed in studies carried out at ultrastructural resolution. Here we show, by indirect immunofluorescence, using monoclonal antibodies and electorn microscopy employing refined specimen preparation and staining techniques, that the neuromotor apparatus of Chlamydomonas does indeed exist. The functional significance of this system is discussed in light of both historic proposals and recent experimental findings.
Identity Discourses on the Dancefloor
Authors: RILL BRYAN
Published: September 2010

Electronic Dance Music Culture (EDMC) is one of the largest subcultural musical movements in history. The dance floor is a creative context that engenders a freedom among participants to reshape their social identity within the Temporary Autonomous Zones (TAZ) that raves, the central spaces for EDMC, provide. On the dance floor, participants enter into powerful trances that have the capacity to reshape notions of self and personhood. This paper examines such identity discourses and suggests that trance consciousness re‐constitutes the bodily self as an interaction rather than a corporeal body, radically altering the internal dialogue from which notions of self originate. I illuminate this process by articulating the phenomenal experience of musical trancing with scientific theories of human consciousness. Drawing on the ideas of Merleau‐Ponty and Damasio, I suggest an integrative model of consciousness that sheds new light upon the complex layering of trance experiences. The potential benefit of this model lies in its ability to theoretically capture the ineffable musical experience and reveal salient processes underlying the self‐transformation reported in subjective narratives. This is pertinent not only to EDMC and other musical cultures, but to our more general understanding of the relationship between self and experience in the world.
On the Potential Use of Cup‐Marks
Authors: GOSSO FULVIO
Published: September 2010

The author, starting from what is currently known about cup‐marks and their distribution in the north‐western Italian alpine area, formulated a hypothesis on their material and ritual functions in the Neolithic period. It is conceivable that cup‐marks were originally carved in connection with the ritual use of Amanita muscaria, and that they may later have assumed other functions as well.
Will only an earthquake shake up economics?
Authors: SCHETTKAT Ronald
Published: September 2010

“Natural rate theory”, the Efficient Market Hypothesis and its labour market application dominated interpretations of economic trends and policy prescriptions from the 1970s onwards, with their views of public policy and regulation as distorting otherwise well‐functioning free markets. The upheaval of the current crisis is shaking these theories to the core. In this context, Schettkat examines European experience from the 1990s onwards and shows the theories to be unsubstantiated: high unemployment persisted post‐recession despite structural reforms to labour market institutions, and the resumption of economic growth was hindered by then‐dominant deflationary monetary and fiscal policies inspired by these theories.
¿Hará falta un terremoto para que despierte la teoría económica?
Authors: SCHETTKAT Ronald
Published: September 2010

La teoría de la tasa «natural» de desempleo y la hipótesis del mercado eficiente vienen dominando desde los años setenta delsiglopasado las interpretaciones de las tendencias económicas y las recetas programáticas. La idea maestra es que la acción de los gobiernos y las leyes distorsiona unos mercados libres que, sin estas trabas, funcionarían bien. La crisis actual es como un terremoto que está sacudiendo las bases de estas teorías. El autor demuestra que carecen de fundamento, ya que, una vez superadas las recesiones, y pese a las reformas estructurales implantadas en los mercados laborales europeos, no se recuperó bien el empleo y las políticas monetarias, presupuestarias y fiscales deflacionarias coartaron el crecimiento económico.
The Potential for Ground Water Contamination by the Gasoline Lead Scavengers Ethylene Dibromide and 1,2‐Dichloroethane
Authors: Falta Ronald W.
Published: September 2010

Ethylene dibromide (EDB) is a synthetic organic chemical that was produced in large amounts for use as a leaded gasoline additive and pesticide. The chlorinated solvent 1,2‐dichlorethane (1,2‐DCA) is widely used in the chemical industry, and was also added to leaded gasoline. EDB and 1,2‐DCA are classified as probable human carcinogens by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), and EDB's use as a pesticide was suspended in 1984. The current U.S. EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for EDB in drinking water is 0.05 μg/L, and the MCL for 1,2‐DCA is 5 μg/L. EDB has proven to be both mobile and persistent in ground water, and contamination of ground water by EDB was documented in several states beginning in the early 1980s. The majority of this contamination is attributed to agricultural uses of EDB; however, ∼90% of the EDB produced was used as a leaded gasoline additive and it was present in virtually all leaded gasoline sold in the United States. 1,2‐DCA is commonly found as a ground water contaminant, and it is both mobile and persistent. Past investigations and remediation efforts at sites contaminated by leaded gasoline have rarely addressed the potential for EDB or 1,2‐DCA contamination. For this reason, there is a substantial likelihood that undetected EDB and 1,2‐DCA plumes above the MCL may exist at many sites where leaded gasoline leaked or spilled.
Reproductive aging, menopause, and health outcomes
Authors: Pinkerton JoAnn V. , Stovall Dale W.
Published: September 2010

Changes in ovarian hormone production may affect numerous health outcomes including vasomotor symptoms, cardiovascular disease (CVD), osteoporosis, cognition, depression, mood disorders, sexual function, and vaginal atrophy. We will compare age‐related changes to those associated with reproductive aging and menopause and the effects of estrogen therapy on selected health outcomes. Hormone therapy (HT) reduces frequency and severity of hot flashes, prevents bone loss and osteoporotic fractures, and relieves vaginal atrophy. Nonhormone therapy trials with antidepressants or gabapentin for hot flash relief are promising. To date, clinical trial data are insufficient to recommend the use of HT for prevention or treatment of CVD, mood disorders, cognition, or sleep disorders. For some disease states, such as CVD and cognition, a “critical time window” has been proposed but not proven, such that estrogen use early in the menopause transition may be beneficial while estrogen use later in life would lead to increased health risks.
Reproductive aging in tephritid fruit flies
Authors: Carey James R. , Molleman Freerk
Published: September 2010

The broad objective of this paper is to present an overview and synthesis of selected studies on reproduction and aging in two model tephritid fruit fly species including the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, and the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens. We summarize the research findings from empirical studies and modeling investigations involving reproduction in the two tephritid species. At the end we identify and discuss four general principles regarding reproductive aging in tephritids including reciprocity of reproductive and aging costs, qualitative tradeoffs, plasticity of lifespan and reproduction, and life history constraints and determinacy.
Mechanisms of reproductive aging: conserved mechanisms and environmental factors
Authors: Ottinger Mary Ann
Published: September 2010

The interplay of neuroendocrine processes and gonadal function is exquisitely expressed during aging. In females, loss of ovarian function results in decreased circulating estradiol. As a result, estrogen‐dependent endocrine and behavioral responses decline, including impaired cognitive function reflecting the impact of declining estrogen on the hippocampus circuits, and decreased metabolic endocrine function. Concurrently, age‐related changes in neuroendocrine response also contribute to the declining reproductive function. Our session considered key mechanisms in reproductive aging including the roles of ovarian function (Finch and Holmes) and the hypothalamic median eminence (Yin and Gore) with an associated age‐related cognitive decline that accompanies estrogen loss (Morrison and colleagues). Effects of smoking, obesity, and insulin resistance (Sowers and colleagues) impact the timing of the perimenopause transition in women. Animal models provide excellent insights into conserved mechanisms and key overarching events that bring about endocrine and behavioral aging. Environmental factors are key triggers in timing endocrine aging with implications for eventual disease. Session presentations will be considered in the context of the broader topic of indices and predictors of aging‐related change.
Bioengineering of a Nisin A‐producing Lactococcus lactis to create isogenic strains producing the natural variants Nisin F, Q and Z
Authors: Piper Clare , Hill Colin , Cotter Paul D. , Ross R. Paul
Published: September 2010

Nisin is the prototypical example of the lantibiotic family of antimicrobial peptides and has been employed as a food preservative for over half a century. It has also attracted attention due to its potency against a number of multidrug‐resistant clinical pathogens. Nisin A is the originally isolated form of Nisin and a further five natural variants have been described which differ by up to 10 amino acids (of 34 in total in Nisin A). Nisins A, Z, F and Q are produced by Lactococcus lactis, while Nisins U and U2 are produced by Streptococcus sp. In this study we bioengineered the nisA gene of a Nisin A producer to generate genes encoding Nisins Z, F, Q, U and U2. We determined that while active Nisin Z, F and Q can be produced against this genetic background, active forms of Nisin U and U2 are not generated. Minimum inhibitory concentration studies with Nisin A, Z, F and Q variants against a series of different clinically significant pathogens establish differences in specific activities against selected targets. Nisin F was most impressive, being the most active, or one of the most active, against the MRSA strain ST 525, EC 676, EC 725, VISA 22900, VISA 22781, hVISA 35197, Staphylococcus aureus 8325‐4 and L. lactis HP. Nisin Z was most active against ST 299, hVISA 32683 and, together with Nisin F, HP but had contrastingly poor activity against ST 525, EC 676 and 8325‐4. Nisin F, Q and A exhibited similar potency against VISA 22900. This was the only target against which Nisin Q and Nisin A were among the most active variants.
Evidence for the effects of environmental engagement and education on knowledge of wildlife laws in Madagascar
Authors: Keane Aidan , Ramarolahy Andriamahatsiaro A. , Jones Julia P.G. , Milner‐Gulland E.J.
Published: September 2010

Rules are fundamental to the implementation of conservation policies, but cannot change behavior if they are not known or understood. Despite this, few studies have investigated knowledge of conservation rules or factors influencing it. Here, we quantify the effects of involvement with tourism and community‐based natural resource management, education and demographic factors on local people's awareness of Madagascar's species protection laws. Knowledge of the laws was generally low. However, those who worked as tourist guides, hosted tourists, and were involved in local forest management committees were almost twice as likely to classify correctly a species as protected compared with individuals not exposed to conservation messages in this way. This year marks 50 years since Madagascar introduced its first species protection law. It is time to recognize that rules are necessary, but not sufficient, for species protection and to devote more attention to the communication, and enforcement, of conservation rules.
Jurassic Amber in Lebanon
Authors: AZAR Dany , GÈZE Raymond , EL‐SAMRANI Antoine , MAALOULY Jacqueline , NEL André
Published: September 2010

Reports of amber predating the Lower Cretaceous are unusual and scarce; they mostly refer to amber pieces of millimetric dimension. In the present study, we report the discovery of 10 new outcrops of Jurassic amber in Lebanon. Some of these had large centimetric‐sized pieces of amber. The new localities are described, amber is characterized, and its infrared spectra given. Although the new Jurassic amber yielded to date no more than fungal inclusions, this material is significant and promising. The discovery of several Jurassic outcrops provides crucial information on the prevailing paleoenvironment of that time.
A New Family of Moths from the Middle Jurassic (Insecta: Lepidoptera)
Authors: Diying HUANG , NEL André , MINET Joël
Published: September 2010

Three lepidopteran species, from the Middle Jurassic Daohugou beds (inner Mongolia, China), are described in a new family, Mesokristenseniidae, and new genus, Mesokristensenia, which could represent the sister group of the Micropterigidae. Mesokristensenia differs from all extant Lepidoptera, but one genus (Agathiphaga, Agathiphagidae), in retaining four median veins in the forewing, a plesiomorphy also present in many Trichoptera. Evidence for placing Mesokristensenia in the Lepidoptera includes four traits, notably a previously unrecorded autapomorphy of this insect order: beyond stem M1+2, vein M1 is bent and connected to cross‐vein r‐m (in both wing pairs). Among 24 characters taken into account to assess the systematic position of Mesokristensenia, 12 are considered informative for a cladistic analysis involving this fossil taxon and the four suborders recognized in present‐day Lepidoptera (Zeugloptera, Aglossata, Heterobathmiina, and Glossata).
A New Thorny Lacewing (Insecta: Neuroptera: Rhachiberothidae) from the Early Cretaceous Amber of Lebanon
Authors: PETRULEVIČIUS Julian F. , AZAR Dany , NEL André
Published: September 2010

A new genus and species of Rhachiberothidae, Raptorapax terribilissima gen. et sp. nov. from the Cretaceous amber of Lebanon is described. The new genus is assigned to the subfamily Paraberothinae. The new material confirms the great diversity of the group in the Cretaceous age and its decrease in diversity in recent times.
The Chemokine Receptor CXCR2 Ligand KC (CXCL1) Mediates Neutrophil Recruitment and Is Critical for Development of Experimental Lyme Arthritis and Carditis
Authors: Ritzman Anna M. , Hughes-Hanks Jennifer M. , Blaho Victoria A. , Wax Laura E. , Mitchell William J. , Brown Charles R.
Published: September 2010

Deletion of the chemokine receptor CXCR2 prevents the recruitment of neutrophils into tissues and subsequent development of experimental Lyme arthritis. Following footpad inoculation ofBorrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, expression of the CXCR2 ligand KC (CXCL1) is highly upregulated in the joints of arthritis-susceptible mice and is likely to play an important role in the recruitment of neutrophils to the site of infection. To test this hypothesis, we infected C3H KC−/−mice withB. burgdorferiand followed the development of arthritis and carditis. Ankle swelling was significantly attenuated during the peak of arthritis in the KC−/−mice. Arthritis severity scores were significantly lower in the KC−/−mice on days 11 and 21 postinfection, with fewer neutrophils present in the inflammatory lesions. Cardiac lesions were also significantly decreased in KC−/−mice at day 21 postinfection. There were, however, no differences between C3H wild-type and KC−/−mice in spirochete clearance from tissues. Two other CXCR2 ligands, LIX (CXCL5) and MIP-2 (CXCL2), were not increased to compensate for the loss of KC, and the production of several innate cytokines was unaltered. These results demonstrate that KC plays a critical nonredundant role in the development of experimental Lyme arthritis and carditis via CXCR2-mediated recruitment of neutrophils into the site of infection.
Portal inflammation is associated with advanced histological changes in alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Rakha Emad A , Adamson Louise , Bell Emily , Neal Keith , Ryder Stephen D , Kaye Philip V , Aithal Guruprasad P
Published: September 2010

Background

Fatty liver disease (FLD), of either alcoholic (AFLD) or non-alcoholic (NAFLD) aetiologies, is characterised histologically by features that are lobulocentric that typically affect zone 3, in contrast with portal-based inflammation characteristics of other forms of chronic liver disease.

Aim

The authors aimed to determine the prevalence and significance of portal inflammation in a cohort of adults diagnosed as having AFLD and NAFLD.

Methods

From a histology database, the authors identified 160 patients with biopsy proven AFLD and 214 with NAFLD diagnosed between 1991 and 2001. All liver biopsies were reviewed by one pathologist to evaluate various histological features.

Results

More than a mild degree of portal inflammation was found in 47% of AFLD compared with 30% in NAFLD subgroup. A higher degree of portal inflammation in AFLD was associated with a higher mean corpuscular volume, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase, and a lower platelet count and albumin, whereas in NAFLD this was associated with age, presence of diabetes, hypertension, body mass index (BMI), higher fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, alanine transaminase, GGT and ferritin. On regression analysis, portal inflammation was associated with the severity of steatosis (p=0.005), presence of ballooning (p=0.030) in NAFLD and severity of fibrosis in both AFLD and NAFLD (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Portal inflammation is a common component of histological spectrum of both AFLD and NAFLD. In both conditions portal inflammation is associated with clinical and histological features suggestive of advanced disease.
Response Properties of Nucleus Reticularis Lateralis Neurons After Electroacupuncture Stimulation in Rats
Authors: Moritaka Kentaro , Zeredo Jorge L. , Kimoto Mari , Nasution Fajar H. , Hirano Takafumi , Toda Kazuo
Published: September 2010

A descending inhibitory mechanism from the periaqueductal gray (PAG) to the spinal cord through the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) is strongly involved in endogenous analgesic system produced by acupuncture stimulation. In addition to the PAG to NRM system which descends in the medial pathway of the brain stem, the nucleus reticularis lateralis (NRL) situated in the lateral part of the brain stem is reported to play an important role in modulating centrifugal antinociceptive action. In the present study, to clarify the role of NRL in acupuncture analgesia, we investigated the response properties of NRL neurons to acupuncture stimulation. The majority of NRM-projecting NRL neurons were inhibited by electroacupuncture stimulation. This effect was antagonized by ionophoretic application of naloxone, indicating that endogenous opioids act directly onto these NRL neurons. By contrast, about half of spinal projecting NRL neurons were excited by electroacupuncture stimulation, suggesting that part of the NRL neurons may modulate pain transmission directly at the spinal level.
Immunosuppressive Effect of Cordyceps CS-4 on Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cellsin Vitro
Authors: Tang Jing , Tian Dan , Liu Gaolin
Published: September 2010

Cordyceps CS-4 (C.CS-4), a vegetative form of Cordyceps that contains the same active compounds as the fruit body, is widely used as a substitute of Cordyceps in China. A number of studies have shown that Cordyceps can positively stimulate the activation of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and macrophages. In our previous study, we found that C.CS-4 could inhibit the proliferation of CD4+ T cells in autoimmune diseases and prevent the lymphocyte infiltration in tissues. However, it is still unclear how the lymphocytes are regulated by C.CS-4. In this study, we investigate the effect of C.CS-4 on human monocyte-derived dendritic cells ( Mo -DCs), which are generated from PBMCs by the treatment with GM-CSF and IL-4. It is observed that Mo -DCs pretreated with C.CS-4 show an immature phenotype. Moreover, C.CS-4 significantly inhibits proliferation of CD4+ T cells, attenuates the production of cytokines in Mo -DCs and balances the Th1 and Th2 response in immune system. Our findings indicate that C.CS-4 exerts the immunosuppressive effect through inhibiting the CD4+ T cells proliferation, regulating cytokine secretions of Th1 and Th2 response ( Mo -DCs) and inducing phenotypic immature of Mo -DCs which may be related to the antigen presenting dysfunction.
Hunghom Peninsula in Hong Kong (A), (B) & (C): A Realistic Call for Corporate Social Responsibilities
Authors: Tsai Terence , Liu Shubo Philip
Published: September 2010

The residential building complex of Hunghom Peninsula was built under the Hong Kong government's Private Sector Participation Scheme (PSPS) program that was intended to provide housing for middle-class residents at a discounted price. Due to an economic downturn and a shrinking real estate market threatening property values, Hunghom was later sold to the private property developers who originally built the complex. The developers, New World Development Company Limited (NWD) and Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited (SHKP) came up with a reconstruction proposal for Hunghom Peninsula: demolish and redevelop the area into a luxurious private estate.

However, the intention to demolish the never-occupied Hunghom Peninsula came under heavy criticism from the public in large part because the demolition process would produce extensive pollution to the environment, which violated both social parties and the companies' corporate mission of being responsible to the society. Under these circumstances, the management team had to withdraw the demolition plan and reconsider their decision. After the developers thought twice about all the relevant parties' interests and took corporate social responsibility into account, they gave up the demolition plan and decided to conduct an extensive internal reconfiguration and renovation to upgrade the property to medium-grade private housing estate standard.

Case (A) describes the backgrounds of Hunghom Peninsular Project and its developers, describes Hong Kong's business environment and introduces the three options faced by decision makers. Case (B) reveals NWD and SHKP's choice of the options and the opposition voices against their initial choice. In Case (C) developers give in to pressure from protestors and change their initial decision, in favor of a more environmental option. Case (C) brings the story to a close.
Atarek Kamil Ibrahim & Co. Chartered Accountants
Authors: Mohamed Zakiah Muhammaddun , Aman Aini , Hamzah Noradiva , Auzair Sofiah Md.
Published: September 2010

Atarek Kamil Ibrahim & Co. Chartered Accountants (hereafter referred to as AKI) is a public accounting firm named after its founder Tuan Haji Atarek Kamil Ibrahim (hereafter referred to as Atarek). The firm offers a wide range of services to its customers since its establishment in 1989. The head office of AKI is in Kuala Lumpur and it has branches in Melaka, Johor Bahru, Ipoh, Kuala Terrengganu, Kota Baru, Kuching, Miri and Kota Kinabalu. The partners of AKI are planning to expand the company by getting more partners from outside to join AKI. They planned to use a different name, ASNAF Chartered Accountants, from 2009 onwards to replace AKI. They initiated the formation of ASNAF (Association of ASEAN Accounting Firms) to propel AKI into the international scene. Currently ASNAF has 8 members comprising accounting firms from Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines and Malaysia. While the move to expand and rebrand AKI appears to be the only way forward for the company, Atarek must really evaluate whether such move is wise and benefits him and his staff. He must critically assess AKI's current strengths and weaknesses and possible implication of his decisions. He must consider all the other alternatives that he will forgo which include his dream of becoming the first Islamic public accounting firm in the region. The case will reveal that AKI is still plagued with the common problem of small and medium sized public accounting firms in Malaysia that is short of manpower. AKI is also currently in the midst of organizing its control structures among its branches.