bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in shoot water relations parameters of yellow-cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) in response to environmental conditions
Authors: Grossnickle Steven C. , Russell John H.
Published: October 2007

Yellow-cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (D. Don) Spach) shoot water relations parameters were measured in response to (i) seasonal changes in photoperiod and temperature and (ii) controlled changes in root temperature and soil moisture. Pressure–volume curves determined measurements of shoot water relation parameters. Osmotic potential at saturation (Ψsat) and turgor loss point (Ψtlp) were lowest during February at −1.73 and −2.35 MPa, respectively. Both Ψsatand Ψtlpincreased in the spring to a high in July of −1.05 and −1.28 MPa, respectively, when shoot growth was occurring. Total turgor (ΨPTotal) was 18.2 MPa in December and declined to its lowest level of 5.98 MPa in July. Increased ΨPTotalfrom late summer through winter could be attributed to osmotic and (or) elastic components, while decreased ΨPTotalin the spring was due to a decrease in both osmotic and elastic components. Both Ψsatand Ψtlpdecreased as root temperatures were reduced from 22 to 1 °C. There was an increase in ΨPTotalas root temperatures declined from 15 to 8 °C because of both osmotic and elastic adjustment, with osmotic adjustment the primary factor. Turgor decreased at root temperatures below 8 °C, even though osmotic adjustment was occurring, and this was due to a reduction in the elastic component. Both Ψsatand Ψtlpdecreased in response to drought, though Ψtlpdecreased at a greater rate. Increased turgor during the initial stages of long-term drought results from an increase in both osmotic and elastic components, while increased turgor was solely due to the osmotic component as drought became more severe. Under rapid drought, turgor adjustment was minimal because the increased osmotic component was offset by a decrease in the elastic component. Results from these experiments indicate that turgor maintenance of yellow-cedar occurs through the use of both osmotic and elastic components in varying degrees at different times of the year and under differing environmental conditions. Keywords: Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, osmotic potential at saturation and turgor loss point, total turgor with osmotic and elastic components, seasonal patterns, root temperature, drought.
Carex oligospermia × Carex rostrata, a new natural hybrid in section Vesicariae from northern Ontario
Authors: Catling P. M.
Published: October 2007

A high level of achene sterility, nonexserted anthers, and aborted pollen support the hybrid rank of a plant of unusual morphology from the Timiskaming district in northern Ontario. While the centrally involute leaves associate the plant unquestionably with Carex oligosperma, the waxy and papillate leaf surface associate it unquestionably with Carex rostrata, and various intermediate characteristics and circumstantial evidence provide further support for this parentage and a new natural hybrid. This new taxon has pistillate scales 1.7–2.4 mm wide, intermediate in width between the lanceolate scales of C. rostrata, which are 1.3–1.6 mm wide, and the broadly triangular scales of C. oligosperma, which are 3–4 mm wide. The perigynia correspond most closely with those of C. oligosperma, but the pistillate spikes with 8–41 flowers resemble more closely those of the C. rostrata parent. Carex oligosperma × C. rostrata resembles C. vesicaria but differs in its long creeping rhizomes, narrower involute leaves, and shorter ligules. A key to Carex section Vesicariae in northern Ontario is included, as well as a description of the new hybrid. The hybrids occupied an inundated zone between a higher solid sphagnum carpet dominated by C. oligosperma and a quaking mat occupied by C. rostrata. Keywords: Carex, hybridization, systematics, morphology, Ontario, Canada.
Bubble formation in ϕ6 potential
Authors: Widyan Hatem
Published: October 2007

The scalar field theory of the ϕ6 potential is studied at zero temperature and at high temperature. The equations of motion are solved numerically to obtain O(4) spherical symmetric and O(3) cylindrical symmetric bounce solutions. These solutions control the rates for tunneling from the false vacuum to the true vacuum by bubble formation. The range of validity of the thin-wall approximation is investigated. An analytical solution for the bounce is presented, which reproduces the action in the thin-wall as well as the thick-wall limits.

PACS Nos.: 11.10.Ef, 05.70.Fh, 11.10.Wx
Variational principle for mixed classical–quantum systems
Authors: Grigorescu M
Published: October 2007

An extended variational principle providing the equations of motion for a system consisting of interacting classical, quasiclassical, and quantum components is presented, and applied to the model of bilinear coupling. The relevant dynamical variables are expressed in the form of a quantum state vector that includes the action of the classical subsystem in its phase factor. It is shown that the statistical ensemble of Brownian state vectors for a quantum particle in a classical thermal environment can be described by a density matrix evolving according to a nonlinear quantum Fokker–Planck equation. Exact solutions of this equation are obtained for a two-level system in the limit of high temperatures, considering both stationary and nonstationary initial states. A treatment of the common time shared by the quantum system and its classical environment as a collective variable, rather than as a parameter, is presented in the Appendix.

PACS Nos.: 03.65.–w, 03.65.Sq, 05.30.–d, 45.10.Db
A simple air pressure gauge for unsaturated soils
Authors: Sedano Julio  Ángel Infante , Vanapalli Sai K. , Garga Vinod K.
Published: October 2007

This paper presents the design details of a simple compressible air column pressure gauge system. The main components of this pressure gauge consist of a Mariotte bottle, plastic tubing, and a graduated scale. This low-cost gauge design is based on applying the principle of Boyle’s law for gases, which makes it particularly well-suited for the measurement of soil–water characteristics of coarse-grained soils, which desaturate at a faster rate, particularly in the low matric suction range of 0–10 kPa. Among its many uses, this precise gauge is best employed in the axis translation technique to measure matric suction in the range of 0–700 kPa.
Quantification of slope displacement rates using acoustic emission monitoring
Authors: Dixon N. , Spriggs M.
Published: October 2007

In soil slopes, developing shear surfaces generate acoustic emission (AE). The authors have previously proposed the use of active waveguides for monitoring the stability of such slopes. Active waveguides consist of a steel tube installed in a preformed borehole through a slope with coarse-grained soil backfill placed in the annulus around the tube. Deformation of the host soil generates AE in the active waveguide. Field trials of this system reported previously have shown that AE rates are linked to slope deformation rates. This paper extends the study by detailing a method for quantifying slope movement rates using an active waveguide. A series of laboratory experiments are presented and used to define the relationship between AE event count rate and displacement rate. The method was shown to differentiate rates within an order of magnitude, which is consistent with standard landslide movement classification (i.e., 1–0.001 mm/min), using a relationship derived between the gradient of the event count rate with time and the deformation rate. In addition, it was possible to detect a change in displacement rate within 2 min of it occurring even at very slow rates (i.e., 0.0018 mm/min). Knowledge of changes in displacement rate is important in situations where slope movements are suddenly triggered or displacements accelerate in response to a destabilizing event. Field trials of a real-time AE monitoring system are currently in progress to compare performance against traditional instrumentation.
FINGERPRINTING INSULINS IN THE SPECTRAL REGION FROM MID-IR TO THZ
Authors: SONG RENBO , DING YUJIE J. , ZOTOVA YULIYA B.
Published: October 2007

Motivated by the possibility of identifying and detecting certain biochemical species using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), we have investigated porcine, bovine, lispro, and human insulins. We have successfully observed and identified all the transition peaks for the four types of insulins in the frequency domains from mid-IR to THz. In the mid-IR region, ten transition peaks have been observed for all four insulins. Although these four insulins are made from amino acids which have either slightly different sequences or slight variations, the ten transition frequencies are virtually indistinguishable. However, for protamine sulfate some of the transition frequencies in the same mid-IR region are either red-shifted or blue-shifted relative to the corresponding ones for the four insulins. Furthermore, the strengths for several peaks of protamine sulfate are significantly reduced whereas the strength for only one transition peak is significantly, enhanced, compared with the corresponding ones for the insulins. In the far-IR to THz transition region, the shapes and locations of the two transitions are quite different between the insulin species and protamine sulfate. In the THz region we have observed a linear dependence of the absorption coefficients on frequency for each of the four insulins and protamine sulfate.
DESIGNED SELF-ORGANIZATION FOR MOLECULAR OPTOELECTRONIC SENSORS
Authors: Norton Michael
Published: October 2007

The convergence of terahertz spectroscopy and single molecule experimentation offers significant promise of enhancement in sensitivity and selectivity in molecular recognition, identification and quantitation germane to military and security applications. This paper provides a brief overview of the constraints set by single molecule recognition systems and reports the results of experiments which address fundamental barriers to the integration of large, patterned bio-compatible molecular opto-electronic systems with silicon based microelectronic systems. Central to this thrust is an approach involving sequential epitaxy on surface bound single stranded DNA one-dimensional substrates. The challenge of producing highly structured macromolecular substrates, which are necessary in order to implement molecular nanolithography, has been addressed experimentally by combining “designer” synthetic DNA with biosynthetically derived plasmid components. By design, these one dimensional templates are composed of domains which contain sites which are recognized, and therefore addressable by either complementary DNA sequences and/or selected enzymes. Such design is necessary in order to access the nominal 2 nm linewidth potential resolution of nanolithography on these one-dimensional substrates. The recognition and binding properties of DNA ensure that the lithographic process is intrinsically self-organizing, and therefore self-aligning, a necessity for assembly processes at the requisite resolution. Another requirement of this molecular epitaxy approach is that the substrate must be immobilized. The challenge of robust surface immobilization is being addressed via the production of the equivalent of molecular tube sockets. In this application, multi-valent core-shell fluorescent quantum dots provide a mechanism to prepare surface attachment sites with a pre-determined 1:1 attachment site : substrate (DNA) molecule ratio.
STUDY OF NANO-STRUCTURED SILICON-PHENYL NANOCLUSTERS TOWARDS SINGLE MOLECULE SENSING
Authors: HERRERA CAROLINA , SEMINARIO JORGE M.
Published: October 2007

A new approach for the development of nano-sized spectroscopic-based early-warning sensors using molecular electrostatic potentials (MEP) and molecular vibronics (MV) was presented. The use of MEPs allow us to sense and detect specific molecules in elaborated arrays of logical gates which provide the signature of the trapped species and a decision signal of the results of the sensing operation. Molecular vibronics is used to activate/deactivate, control and program the detection process as well as to transmit the information to and from nano-micro interfaces that allow the interaction with microelectronic systems. In order to develop this scenario, it is needed to explain the exact reasons, from an atomistic point of view rather than using phenomenological models the effects of molecules on nanoclusters. We present here a study of silicon-phenyl complexes.
MULTI-SPECTRAL TERAHERTZ IMAGING USING REFLECTED AND SCATTERED RADIATION
Authors: KEMP MICHAEL C , GLAUSER ANTONY , BAKER COLIN
Published: October 2007

Terahertz radiation, which lies between microwave and infrared, has been shown to have the potential to use very low levels of this non-ionising radiation to detect and identify objects, such as weapons and explosives, hidden under clothing. This paper describes recent work on the development of prototype systems using terahertz to provide new capabilities in people screening. In particular, it explores how multi-spectral terahertz imaging and the use of both specularly reflected and scattered terahertz radiation can enhance the detection of threat objects.
TERAHERTZ INTERFEROMETRIC AND SYNTHETIC APERTURE IMAGING
Authors: SINYUKOV ALEXANDER M , BANDYOPADHYAY APARAJITA , SENGUPTA AMARTYA , BARAT ROBERT B , GARY DALE E , MICHALOPOULOU ZOI-HELENI , ZIMDARS DAVID , FEDERICI JOHN F
Published: October 2007

Experimental results of homodyne terahertz interferometric 1-D and 2-D imaging are presented. The reconstructed images of a point source are in a good agreement with theoretical predictions. The performance of an N element detector array is imitated by only one detector placed at N positions. Continuous waves at 0.25-0.3 THz are used to detect a metal object behind a barrier. 1-D images of a C-4 sample have been obtained at several terahertz frequencies. Focusing issues of 2-D imaging have been demonstrated. The terahertz interferometric imaging method can be used in defense and security applications to detect concealed weapons, explosives as well as chemical and biological agents.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Humphreys Benjamin D. , Bonventre Joseph V.
Published: October 2007

The potential role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs, also called mesenchymal stromal cells) in endogenous repair and cell-based therapies for acute kidney injury (AKI) is under intensive investigation. Preclinical studies indicate that administered MSCs both ameliorate renal injury and accelerate repair. These versatile cells home to sites of injury, where they modulate the repair process. The mechanisms responsible for their protective and regenerative effects are incompletely understood. Some have reported that MSCs are capable of direct engraftment into injured nephrons under certain circumstances. This is highly controversial, however, and even those who argue there is engraftment acknowledge that the primary means of repair by these cells most likely involves paracrine and endocrine effects, including mitogenic, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic influences. There is a good deal of interest in MSC-based approaches for the treatment of human kidney injury, thanks to positive preclinical results, the strong clinical need for novel therapies to treat AKI, the ease of isolation and expansion of MSCs, and encouraging preliminary clinical trial results in other fields. This review summarizes current knowledge and identifies gaps in our understanding of MSC biology that will need to be filled in order to translate recent discoveries into therapies for AKI in humans.
Pharmacotherapy for the Treatment of Choroidal Neovascularization Due to Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Novack Gary D.
Published: October 2007

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive, degenerative disease of the macula that threatens central vision. It initially occurs in a “dry” form, and can progress to choroidal neovascularization (CNV) or geographic atrophy. It is the leading cause of blindness among European-descended people older than 65 years, with a prevalence of 1.5%. The treatment of CNV in developed nations in 2007 is substantially different than it was in 1997. Focal, photocoagulating, laser therapy was replaced by intravenous verteporfin and then by intravitreal pegaptanib, which is now being replaced by intravitreal ranibizumab and off-label use of bevacizumab. Other than a ranibizumab versus verteporfin trial, there are no published comparative studies of the three approved pharmacological treatments for CNV. Although frequent intravitreal injections are accepted as a current standard of care, their use is still far from ideal. Thus, there is an opportunity for improving therapy of CNV with respect to mechanism-targeted treatments, efficacy, and route of administration.
Primary hyperparathyroidism is associated with increased circulating bone marrow-derived progenitor cells
Authors: Brunner Stefan , Theiss Hans Diogenes , Murr Alfons , Negele Thomas , Franz Wolfgang-Michael
Published: October 2007

Recently, parathyroid hormone (PTH) was shown to support survival of progenitor cells in bone marrow. The release of progenitor cells occurs in physiological and pathological conditions and was shown to contribute to neovascularization in tumors and ischemic tissues. In the present study we sought to investigate prospectively the effect of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) on mobilization of bone marrow-derived progenitor cells. In 22 patients with PHPT and 10 controls, defined subpopulations of circulating bone marrow-derived progenitor cells (BMCs) were analyzed by flow cytometry (CD45+/CD34+/CD31+cells indicating endothelial progenitor cells, CD45+/CD34+/c-kit+cells indicating hematopoietic stem cells, and CD45+/CD34+/CXCR4+cells indicating progenitor cells with the homing receptor CXCR4). Cytokine serum levels (SCF, SDF-1, VEGF, EPO, and G-CSF) were assessed using ELISA. Levels of PTH and thyroid hormone as well as serum electrolytes, renal and liver parameters, and blood count were analyzed. Our data show for the first time a significant increase of circulating BMCs and an upregulation of SDF-1 and VEGF serum levels in patients with PHPT. The number of circulating BMCs returned to control levels measured 16.7 ± 2.3 mo after surgery. There was a positive correlation of PTH levels with the number of CD45+/CD34+/CD31+, CD45+/CD34+/c-kit+, and CD45+/CD34+/CXCR4+cells. However, there was no correlation between cytokine serum concentrations (SDF-1, VEGF) and circulating BMCs. Serum levels of G-CSF, EPO, and SCF known to mobilize BMCs were even decreased or remained unchanged, suggesting a direct effect of PTH on stem cell mobilization. Our data suggest a new function of PTH mobilizing BMCs into peripheral blood.
Increased intrahepatic triglyceride is associated with peripheral insulin resistance: in vivo MR imaging and spectroscopy studies
Authors: Hwang Jong-Hee , Stein Daniel T. , Barzilai Nir , Cui Min-Hui , Tonelli Julia , Kishore Preeti , Hawkins Meredith
Published: October 2007

Recent studies have indicated that the mass/content of intramyocellular lipid (IMCL), intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG), visceral fat (VF), and even deep abdominal subcutaneous fat (SF) may all be correlated with insulin resistance. Since simultaneous measurements of these parameters have not been reported, the relative strength of their associations with insulin action is not known. Therefore, the goals of this study were 1) to simultaneously measure IMCL, IHTG, VF, and abdominal SF in the same nondiabetic individuals using noninvasive 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 2) to examine how these fat stores are correlated with systemic insulin sensitivity as measured by whole body glucose disposal (Rd) during euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp studies. Positive correlations were observed among IMCL, IHTG, and VF. There were significant inverse correlations between whole body Rd and both IMCL and VF. Notably, there was a particularly tight inverse correlation between IHTG and whole body Rd ( r = −0.86, P < 0.001), consistent with an association between liver fat and peripheral insulin sensitivity. This novel finding suggests that hepatic triglyceride accumulation has important systemic consequences that may adversely affect insulin sensitivity in other tissues.
Dependence of Response Properties on Sparse Connectivity in a Spiking Neuron Model of the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus
Authors: Wielaard Jim , Sajda Paul
Published: October 2007

We present a large-scale anatomically constrained spiking neuron model of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), which operates solely with retinal input, relay cells, and interneurons. We show that interneuron inhibition and sparse connectivity between LGN cells could be key factors for explaining a number of observed classical and extraclassical response properties in LGN of monkey and cat. Among them are 1) weak orientation tuning, 2) contrast invariance of spatial frequency tuning in the absence of cortical feedback, 3) extraclassical surround suppression, and 4) orientation tuning of extraclassical surround suppression. The model also makes two surprising predictions: 1) a possible pinwheel-like spatial organization of orientation preference in the parvo layers of monkey LGN, much like what is seen in V1, and 2) a stimulus-induced trend (bias) in the orientation and phase preference of surround suppression, originating from the stimulus discontinuity between center and surround gratings rather than from specific circuitry.
The Hemo-Neural Hypothesis: On The Role of Blood Flow in Information Processing
Authors: Moore Christopher I. , Cao Rosa
Published: October 2007

Brain vasculature is a complex and interconnected network under tight regulatory control that exists in intimate communication with neurons and glia. Typically, hemodynamics are considered to exclusively serve as a metabolic support system. In contrast to this canonical view, we propose that hemodynamics also play a role in information processing through modulation of neural activity. Functional hyperemia, the basis of the functional MRI (fMRI) BOLD signal, is a localized influx of blood correlated with neural activity levels. Functional hyperemia is considered by many to be excessive from a metabolic standpoint, but may be appropriate if interpreted as having an activity-dependent neuro-modulatory function. Hemodynamics may impact neural activity through direct and indirect mechanisms. Direct mechanisms include delivery of diffusible blood-borne messengers and mechanical and thermal modulation of neural activity. Indirect mechanisms are proposed to act through hemodynamic modulation of astrocytes, which can in turn regulate neural activity. These hemo-neural mechanisms should alter the information processing capacity of active local neural networks. Here, we focus on analysis of neocortical sensory processing. We predict that hemodynamics alter the gain of local cortical circuits, modulating the detection and discrimination of sensory stimuli. This novel view of information processing—that includes hemodynamics as an active and significant participant—has implications for understanding neural representation and the construction of accurate brain models. There are also potential medical benefits of an improved understanding of the role of hemodynamics in neural processing, as it directly bears on interpretation of and potential treatment for stroke, dementia, and epilepsy.
The Effect of Arrest On Wife Assault Recidivism
Authors: Zoe Hilton N. , Harris Grant T. , Rice Marnie E.
Published: October 2007

Prior research on the effect of arrest on wife assault recidivism had equivocal results and mixed reception. Arrest is not always used in wife assault cases, and several studies suggest that arrest is influenced by incident severity rather than risk of recidivism. The present study examined the effect of arrest controlling for pre-arrest actuarial risk of recidivism, which was measured retrospectively and independently of arrest decision using the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment. In an archival study of 522 wife assault incidents with police attending, arrest was associated with pre-arrest risk for recidivism and with victim injury, incident severity, and other sample characteristics. In multivariate regression and survival analyses, arrest had no overall effect on recidivism but a small beneficial effect in lower risk cases, mostly in terms of a delayed time until recidivism. Arrest of higher risk cases could be increased by police use of a validated tool for risk assessment.
Validity of the Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol—II (J-Soap-II) in a Sample of Urban Minority Youth
Authors: Martinez Ricardo , Flores Jacqueline , Rosenfeld Barry
Published: October 2007

Despite recent advances in risk assessment procedures, relatively little research has targeted validation of procedures with sexually offending minority youth. The current study used retrospective coding of the Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol—II (J-SOAP-II; Prentky & Righthand, 2003) with a group of 60 male youth of mostly Latino and African American ethnicity. Correlational and receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses were used to test the J-SOAP-II's relationship with and accuracy in predicting general reoffense, sexual reoffense, and treatment compliance. The J-SOAP-II total score was significantly correlated with all three of these outcome variables, and ROC analyses demonstrated a high degree of accuracy in predicting general (area under the curve [AUC] = .76) and sexual reoffending (AUC = .78). There was mixed support for the J-SOAP-II individual subscales, with Dynamic subscales consistently outperforming Static subscales. The implications of this research for juvenile sex-offender risk assessments are discussed.
Sure Start and the `re-authorization' of Section 47 child protection practices
Authors: Broadhurst Karen , Mason Claire , Grover Chris
Published: October 2007

In a recent Sure Start evaluation report (Barnes et al. 2006) it was argued that an increase in Section 47 enquiries and registrations on the Child Protection Register in Sure Start Local Programme Areas was an achievement, reflecting better and/or earlier identification of need and enhanced collaboration between agencies to identify and support families. This paper critically engages with these conclusions, arguing that they are in danger of encouraging practices at a discursive and practical level that in many ways represent a retrograde step back to child protection policies that predominated in the pre-Messages from Research (Department of Health 1995) period. In this sense, it is argued that the evaluation report represents the potential re-authorization of Section 47 work through its endorsement of practices skewed towards investigative child protection. The paper concludes that if a broader range of agencies are drawn into child welfare's more forensic practices, this may exacerbate the social exclusion of poorer working class communities and women, ignoring the socio-economic determinants of child `abuse'.
`Beyond silent organizations': A reflection of the UK Chinese people and their community organizations
Authors: Kwan Chan Chak , Cole Bankole , Bowpitt Graham
Published: October 2007

The UK Chinese community has long been perceived to have a high degree of solidarity and self-sufficiency. On the other hand, it is argued that the sense of community and mutual help among Chinese people has been weakened by their competitive approach to business. Based on findings from an ESRC-funded national study of the UK Chinese people's help-seeking behaviour, this study found that Chinese people, both where their population is dispersed and where it is concentrated, actively formed organizations to meet their social and cultural needs. However, Chinese organizations were weakened by inadequate resources and the diverse needs of different Chinese groups. Thus, the UK Chinese people were neither self-sufficient nor isolated from each other. The experiences of Chinese organizations further show that in spite of government expectations of community organizations, state input has been mainly in terms of regulations and control. Without financial support, UK Chinese organizations will slip from being weak organizations into `silent' ones.
Financing social and cohesion policy in an enlarged EU: plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose?
Authors: Kay Adrian , Ackrill Robert
Published: October 2007

The development of the Open Method of Coordination, agreement on the Lisbon Agenda and EU enlargement offered the prospect of a new and substantial EU social policy agenda. This article considers EU social and cohesion policies in the context of the recent negotiation of the EU budget for 2007—13. We find the Commission's wish to redistribute EU spending in favour of these policy areas and new member states was thwarted by key political features of EU budget making: CAP spending levels which are downwardly sticky; institutional arrangements which provide for budget making as, at best, a zero-sum game; and the preferences of contributor member states in the EU-15 to contain overall spending while preserving their net budget positions. Questions are thus raised as to the ability of the EU to make any progress, from a budgetary perspective, on the social and cohesion policy agenda in an enlarged EU.
Teaching academic discussion skills with a card game
Authors: Reese Curt , Wells Terri
Published: October 2007

This article describes a game used for teaching discussion skills to English as a Second Language (ESL) students. It was originally designed for students wanting to prepare for graduate study at U.S. universities has been since used for other ESL students wanting to improve conversation skills. The game focuses on common phrases helpful for participating in seminar-style classes common to graduate school settings. The authors explain the rationale for choosing to teach skills using a game. They describe the procedures, benefits, and weaknesses of the game and students' experiences using the game.
Histopathologic Diagnosis of Celiac Disease in Children Without Clinical Evidence of Malabsorption
Authors: Drut Ricardo , Cueto Rúa Eduardo
Published: October 2007

Diverse clinical and pathologic experiences seem to have led to the idea that celiac disease is a spectrum in both categories. Conflicting results emerging from different reports have produced a large amount of confusion on the subject. This article discussed histopathology findings in 10 children with positive autoantibodies for celiac disease but without clinical evidence of malabsorption. The patients were evaluated following a detailed video-endoscopic study sampling the proximal (first and second) and distal (third and fourth) duodenal parts separately and processed apart. The procedure consistently revealed advanced villous atrophy in the proximal duodenal mucosa associated with mild to absent involvement of the distal segments. The data here presented favor the interpretation that (1) the presence of autoantibodies for celiac disease is always associated with mucosal damage, (2) mucosal damage in the absence of malabsorption is always evident in the proximal duodenum, and (3) the mucosal biopsy in search for the telltale damage needs to be done in separate samples of proximal and distal duodenal mucosa. This procedure may result in a better understanding of the dynamics of mucosal damage in celiac disease.
Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Transverse Colon: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kenney Barton , Dotto Jorge , Homer Robert , Shafi Nelofar , Davydova Larisa
Published: October 2007

Gastrointestinal involvement by malignant melanoma is predominantly a metastatic phenomenon. Although primary malignant melanoma of the gastrointestinal tract has been documented in the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and anorectum, the incidence of primary melanoma of the colon is rare and remains controversial in most cases. We present a case of solitary malignant melanoma of the transverse colon occurring in a 64-year-old African American male patient. Complete dermatologic and ophthalmologic examinations revealed no evidence of a cutaneous or an ocular primary lesion. Microscopic examination of the resection specimen revealed malignant melanoma, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical positivity for S100 and melan-A. We believe that this tumor represents a primary colonic malignant melanoma.
On the Hypes and Falls in Neuroprotection: Targeting the NMDA Receptor
Authors: Villmann Carmen , Becker Cord-Michael
Published: October 2007

Activation of the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) responsive subclass of glutamate receptors is an important mechanism of excitatory synaptic transmission. Moreover, NMDA receptors are widely involved in many forms of synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), which are thought to underlie complex tasks, including learning and memory. Dysfunction of these ligand-gated cation channels has been identified as an underlying molecular mechanism in neurological disorders ranging from acute stroke to chronic neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Excessive glutamate levels have been detected following brain trauma and cerebral ischemia, resulting in an unregulated stimulation of NMDA receptors. These conditions are thought to elicit a cascade of excitation-mediated neuronal damage where massive increases in intracellular calcium concentrations finally trigger neuronal damage and apoptosis. Consistent with the hypothesis of NMDA receptors as essential mediators of excitotoxicity, the different functional domains of these ion channels have been identified as potential targets for neuroprotective agents. Following an initial hype on potential NMDA receptor therapeutics, the authors currently see a period of skepticism that, in reverse, appears to neglect the therapeutic potential of this receptor class. This review attempts a reappraisal of this important class of neurotransmitter receptors, with a focus on NMDA receptor heterogeneity, ligand binding domains, and candidate diseases for a potential neuroprotective therapy. NEUROSCIENTIST 13(6):594—615, 2007. DOI: 10.1177/1073858406296259
Cerebral Disconnectivity: An Early Event in Schizophrenia
Authors: Begré S. , Koenig T.
Published: October 2007

Neuroimaging and electrophysiological investigations have demonstrated numerous differences in brain morphology and function of chronic schizophrenia patients compared to healthy controls. Studying patients at the beginning of their disease without the confounding effects of chronicity, medication, and institutionalization may provide a better understanding of schizophrenia. Recently, at many institutions around the world, special projects have been launched for specialized treatment and research of this interesting patient group. Using the PubMed search engine in this update, the authors summarize recent investigations between January 2002 and September 2006 that focus on whether signs of disconnectivity already exist early in the disease process. They discuss gray and white matter changes, their impact on symptomatology, electroencephalogram-based studies on connectivity, and possible influences of medication. NEUROSCIENTIST 14(1):19—45, 2008. DOI: 10.1177/1073858406298391
Watching Others' Actions: Mirror Representations in the Parietal Cortex
Authors: Shmuelof Lior , Zohary Ehud
Published: October 2007

An observation that neurons in the motor cortex of the monkey are active both when the monkey performs a specific action and when he watches an actor executing the same action led to the mirror-system hypothesis. This hypothesis suggests that primates perceive and interpret others' actions by generating an internal motor representation (e.g., simulation). Recent evidence suggests that humans have a similar mirror system. In this review, we focus on the essential congruence between the motor and visual properties of an action. We summarize behavioral and imaging studies in humans that show that observing others' actions can interfere with our own motor execution. We discuss a framework for understanding such an internal representation and suggest that the activity in the parietal cortex during observation of others' actions is based on the sensory-to-motor remapping properties of this region, which are necessary for fine control of our own actions. NEUROSCIENTIST 13(6):667—672, 2007. DOI: 10.1177/1073858407302457
Neurogenesis in the Cerebellum
Authors: Carletti Barbara , Rossi Ferdinando
Published: October 2007

In the past few years, genetic fate mapping experiments have changed our vision of cerebellar development, particularly in redefining the origin of gabaergic and glutamatergic neurons of the cerebellar cortex and highlighting the precise spatio-temporal sequence of their generation. Here the authors review cerebellar neurogenesis and discuss the fate mapping studies with other new information stemming from transplantation experiments, in an effort to link the developmental potential of neural progenitor populations of the cerebellum with their spatio-temporal origin. NEUROSCIENTIST 14(1):91—100, 2008.
Impacts of Urban Growth Boundary Versus Exclusive Farm Use Zoning on Agricultural Land Uses
Authors: Marin Mehmet C.
Published: October 2007

This study compares net impacts of developmental potentials, externalities, and uncertainties associated with the urban growth boundary (UGB) with those of certainty and tax savings in the exclusive farm use (EFU) districts on land values in Portland, OR, using a hedonic Thünian econometric model. Using a geographic information systems—based data set of Christmas tree and horticultural farms, value effects of the urban growth boundary were found to vary by farm size, land use, and proximity to urban activities. The results suggested that proximity to negative externalities associated with urban activities had strong impacts on farming within the UGB. These impacts overweighed advantages associated with tax savings and increasing certainty within EFU districts.
It's what you do with it that counts
Authors: Wynne-Jones Stephanie
Published: October 2007

Archaeologies of the East African coast have often referred to identity, cast in terms of ethnicity or class. This article argues that these categories, created by a particular approach to the data, are not sufficient to an understanding of the multiple processes of identification among coastal residents. It is argued that by focusing on human interaction with material culture, rather than assessing object distributions, we can move closer to such an understanding and can begin to go beyond the apparent restrictions of our data sets. This article focuses on analytical possibilities, asking questions as much as providing answers. By way of illustration a case study is discussed, based on the archaeology of Kilwa region in southern Tanzania.
Heritage-making and political identity
Authors: Weiss Lindsay
Published: October 2007

In this essay, I argue that the concept of heritage today, as we have come to understand it through the lens of the politics of recognition and through various tourism-oriented national and global programs of public recognition, contains within itself a number of inherent structural logics — logics which suggest that projects labeled heritage will be pulled in directions which might run counter to the hopes and expectations of those invoking the term. We must, therefore, be cognizant of the fact that at the same moment that heritage discourse enables one mode of conceiving of — and potentially celebrating — historical persons and events, it also disables other forms and modes. We must take seriously what these modes are and what are the implications of their being bracketed. This essay, then, is a call for scholars to consider carefully the fundamental political rationalities at the hearts of our central concepts if we are to understand more fully what is at stake in choosing them.
Can Hebrews be Structured? An Assessment of Eight Approaches
Authors: Joslin Barry C.
Published: October 2007

This article focuses on the specific matter of the literary structure and outline of Hebrews and focuses on the advances of the past one hundred years, with special attention to the last few decades. Numerous proposals for its structure and various divisions of Hebrews have been suggested, and the present task is to survey and summarize those proposals that have had the most significant influence in this area of Hebrews study. Those discussed in these pages are Donald Guthrie, Leon Vaganay, Ceslas Spicq, Wolfgang Nauck, Albert Vanhoye, F.F. Bruce, Harold Attridge, and George Guthrie.
The Study of Heikhalot Literature: Between Mystical Experience and Textual Artifact
Authors: Boustan Ra'Anan S.
Published: October 2007

This essay outlines the fundamental methodological and empirical advances that the study of Heikhalot literature has experienced during the past 25 years with the aim of encouraging specialists and enabling non-specialists to approach this complex material with greater precision and sophistication. The field of early Jewish mysticism has been profoundly shaped by the increasing integration in the humanities of cultural and material histories, resulting in an increased focus on scribal practice and other material conditions that shaped the production and transmission of these texts. Against previous assumptions, recent research has shown Heikhalot literature to be a radically unstable literature. This article will review the research tools (editions, concordances, translations, etc.) that now allow for careful analysis of Heikhalot and related texts. Tracing recent research, I demonstrate how our new understanding of the fluid and heterogeneous nature of the Heikhalot corpus will better enable scholars to pursue the important work of understanding its social and religious significance, within the broader landscape of late antique and medieval religions.
Accessing Married Adolescent Women: The Realities of Ethnographic Research in an Urban Slum Environment in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Rashid Sabina Faiz
Published: October 2007

This article reports on the problem of obtaining reproductive histories from women in the slums of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Access to women in these slums is controlled by several gatekeepers. The gatekeeper problem is common in all field research, but the problem is particularly difficult when the research involves interviewing young Muslim women on the sensitive issue of reproductive health and family planning.
Truncated recombinant human SP-D attenuates emphysema and type II cell changes in SP-D deficient mice
Authors: Knudsen Lars , Ochs Matthias , MacKay Rosemarie , Townsend Paul , Deb Roona , Mühlfeld Christian , Richter Joachim , Gilbert Fabian , Hawgood Samuel , Reid Kenneth , Clark Howard
Published: October 2007

Background

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) deficient mice develop emphysema-like pathology associated with focal accumulations of foamy alveolar macrophages, an excess of surfactant phospholipids in the alveolar space and both hypertrophy and hyperplasia of alveolar type II cells. These findings are associated with a chronic inflammatory state. Treatment of SP-D deficient mice with a truncated recombinant fragment of human SP-D (rfhSP-D) has been shown to decrease the lipidosis and alveolar macrophage accumulation as well as production of proinflammatory chemokines. The aim of this study was to investigate if rfhSP-D treatment reduces the structural abnormalities in parenchymal architecture and type II cells characteristic of SP-D deficiency.

Methods

SP-D knock-out mice, aged 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 9 weeks were treated with rfhSP-D for 9, 6 and 3 weeks, respectively. All mice were sacrificed at age 12 weeks and compared to both PBS treated SP-D deficient and wild-type groups. Lung structure was quantified by design-based stereology at the light and electron microscopic level. Emphasis was put on quantification of emphysema, type II cell changes and intracellular surfactant. Data were analysed with two sided non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test.

Main Results

After 3 weeks of treatment, alveolar number was higher and mean alveolar size was smaller compared to saline-treated SP-D knock-out controls. There was no significant difference concerning these indices of pulmonary emphysema within rfhSP-D treated groups. Type II cell number and size were smaller as a consequence of treatment. The total volume of lamellar bodies per type II cell and per lung was smaller after 6 weeks of treatment.

Conclusion

Treatment of SP-D deficient mice with rfhSP-D leads to a reduction in the degree of emphysema and a correction of type II cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy. This supports the concept that rfhSP-D might become a therapeutic option in diseases that are characterized by decreased SP-D levels in the lung.
Computational analysis of the relationship between allergenicity and digestibility of allergenic proteins in simulated gastric fluid
Authors: Jiang Bingjun , Qu Hong , Hu Yuanlei , Ni Ting , Lin Zhongping
Published: October 2007

Background

Safety assessment of genetically modified (GM) food, with regard to allergenic potential of transgene-encoded xenoproteins, typically involves several different methods, evaluation by digestibility being one thereof. However, there are still debates about whether the allergenicity of food allergens is related to their resistance to digestion by the gastric fluid. The disagreements may in part stem from classification of allergens only by their sources, which we believe is inadequate, and the difficulties in achieving identical experimental conditions for studying digestion by simulated gastric fluid (SGF) so that results can be compared. Here, we reclassify allergenic food allergens into alimentary canal-sensitized (ACS) and non-alimentary canal-sensitized (NACS) allergens and use a computational model that simulates gastric fluid digestion to analyze the digestibilities of these two types.

Results

The model presented in this paper is as effective as SGF digestion experiments, but more stable and reproducible. On the basis of this model, food allergens are satisfactorily classified as ACS and NACS types by their pathways for sensitization; the former are relatively resistant to gastric fluid digestion while the later are relatively labile.

Conclusion

The results suggest that it is better to classify allergens into ACS and NACS types when understanding the relationship between their digestibility and allergenicity and the digestibility of a target foreign protein is a parameter for evaluating its allergenicity during safety assessments of GM food.