bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival and transfer ability of phylogenetically diverse bacterial endosymbionts in environmental Acanthamoeba isolates
Authors: Matsuo Junji , Kawaguchi Kouhei , Nakamura Shinji , Hayashi Yasuhiro , Yoshida Mitsutaka , Takahashi Kaori , Mizutani Yoshihiko , Yao Takashi , Yamaguchi Hiroyuki
Published: November 2009

Obligate intracellular bacteria are commonly found as endosymbionts of acanthamoebae; however, their survival in and ability to transfer to amoebae are currently uncharacterized. In this study, six bacterial endosymbionts, found in five environmental Acanthamoeba isolates (S13, R18, S23, S31, S40) from different locations of Sapporo city, Japan, were characterized. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that three bacterial endosymbionts (eS23, eS31, eS40a) belonged to α‐ and β‐Proteobacteria phyla and the remaining endosymbionts (eS13, eR18, eS40b) belonged to the order Chlamydiales. The Acanthamoeba isolate (S40) contained two phylogenetically different bacterial endosymbionts (eS40a, eS40b). Fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis showed that all bacterial endosymbionts were diffusely localized within amoebae. Transmission electron microscopy also showed that the endosymbionts were rod‐shaped (eS23, eS31, eS40a) or sphere‐ or crescent‐shaped (eS13, eR18, eS40b). No successful culture of these bacteria was achieved using conventional culture methods, but the viability of endosymbionts was confirmed by live/dead staining and RT‐PCR methods. However, endosymbionts (except eR18) derived from original host cells lost the ability to be transferred to another Acanthamoebae strains [ATCC strain (C3), environmental strains (S14, R23, S24)]. Thus, our data demonstrate that phylogenetically diverse bacterial endosymbionts found in amoebae maintain a stable interaction with amoebae, but the transferability is limited.
On thermionic emission and the use of vacuum tubes in the advanced physics laboratory
Authors: Angiolillo Paul J.
Published: November 2009

Two methods are outlined for measuring the charge-to-mass ratio e/me of the electron using thermionic emission as exploited in vacuum tube technology. One method employs the notion of the space charge in the vacuum tube diode as described by the Child–Langmuir equation; the other method uses the electron trajectories in vacuum tube pentodes with cylindrical electrodes under conditions of orthogonally related electric and magnetic fields (the Hull magnetron method). The vacuum diode method gave e/me=1.782±0.166×10+11 C/kg (averaged over the vacuum diodes studied), and the Hull magnetron method gave e/me=1.779±0.208×10+11 C/kg (averaged over both pentodes and the anode voltages studied). These methods afford opportunities for students to determine the e/me ratio without using the Bainbridge tube method and to become familiar with phenomena not normally covered in a typical experimental methods curriculum.
Partitioning Light Attenuation in an Acidic Lake
Authors: Effler Steven W. , Schafran Gary C. , Driscoll Charles T.
Published: November 2009

Although a number of researchers have reported that acidification of lakes is accompanied by an increase in transparency, there has been no systematic evaluation of the processes responsible for this transformation. In this study we partitioned the attenuation of light in acidic Dart's Lake, located in the Adirondack region of New York from May to September 1982. We observed that changes in light attenuation (Kd) and light absorption (a) were regulated largely by "gelbstoff." Substantial decreases in Kd and a occurred through the study period and were correlated with a depletion in the concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). In-lake concentrations of DOC were controlled by terrigeneous loading and in-lake processes. The decrease in DOC and the attendant decreases in a and Kd were coupled to a loss of Al from the water column of the lake. We suggest that coagulation/adsorption of DOC by Al may have contributed to increases in lake clarity. Increased transparency is significant because it enhances hypolimnetic heating and decreases the thermal stability of lakes.
Effect of Female Size, Egg Size, and Water Temperature on Developmental Biology of Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) from the Nitinat River, British Columbia
Authors: Beacham Terry D. , Murray Clyde B.
Published: November 2009

We incubated eggs and alevins for five chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) families in each of three female size classes under controlled water temperatures of 4, 8, and 12 °C. Egg survival from fertilization to hatching was highest for eggs from small females and lowest for eggs from large females at all three incubation temperatures. Egg survival was highest at 8 °C, and at 4 °C survival rates were largely determined from fertilization to epiboly, but at 12 °C the lowest egg survival rates were recorded from eye pigmentation to hatching. There were marked differences in egg survival rates among families. Overall survival rates from egg fertilization to fry emergence were most divergent between the large and small female size class at 12 °C. Hatching time of the alevins and emergence time of the fry were similar among the three female size classes at each incubation temperature. Alevins hatching at 4 °C were the longest, but those hatching at 12 °C were the heaviest. Larger females produced alevins with both more yolk reserves and more body tissue at hatching than those from smaller females. The relation between egg weight and subsequent alevin size was dependent upon incubation temperature. At emergence, the longest and heaviest fry were produced by the largest female size class.
Selenium Requirement of a Bloom-Forming Planktonic Alga from Softwater and Acidified Lakes
Authors: Wehr John D. , Brown Lewis M.
Published: November 2009

Lakewide odor episodes have been associated with blooms of the planktonic alga Chrysochromulina breviturrita Nicholls (Prymnesiophyceae) in lakes influenced by acidic precipitation. We demonstrate an absolute requirement in this flagellate for selenium (Se) in axenic culture. The alga is capable of utilizing several forms of Se: selenite, selenate, dimethylselenide (DMSe), and selenomethionine. This is believed to be the first demonstration of the utilization of DMSe as a Se source by any organism. As the microflora of aquatic sediments recycle Se as volatile DMSe, this may have significance in its biogeochemistry in acidified waters. Bioassays of lake waters from the Muskoka–Haliburton region of Ontario show that in one lake (Dickie) a simulated Se spike resulted in a significant increase (70%, p < 0.05) in algal growth. Growth in Cinder Lake water, which had supported a population of C. breviturrita, was marginally stimulated (24%, p < 0.05). Distant coal-fired power plants, which have been implicated in the episodic deposition of Se, may account in part for the unpredictable blooms of the alga. Chrysochromulina breviturrita cannot be maintained in culture without this micronutrient, and several Se sources may be important triggering factors for the initiation of blooms.
Annulus Development on the Second Dorsal Spine of the Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias) and Its Validity for Age Determination
Authors: Beamish Richard J. , McFarlane Gordon A.
Published: November 2009

Annual marks were visible in three different areas of the dogfish (Squalus acanthias) spine. The annuli in the mantle, the stem base, and the inner dentine develop independently of each other. Annuli that formed on the mantle were readily identifiable externally, making them the most useful for age determination. The mantle annulus is an accumulation of pigment that appears to form because enamel deposition is not synchronous with the upward growth of the spine, resulting in the production of darkened bands that often form ridges. We validated our interpretation of annuli from fish aged 20–70 yr by tagging and recovering dogfish that were injected with oxytetracycline. Through validation we were able to demonstrate that some previous studies have underestimated age, resulting in a misunderstanding of important life history parameters.
Optimizing Sampling Design for Herring Spawn Surveys in the Strait of Georgia, B.C.
Authors: Schweigert J. F. , Haegele C. W. , Stocker M.
Published: November 2009

Three estimators for two-stage sampling designs assuming unequal sized primaries (transects) were compared. The ratio estimator was found to provide the most consistent estimates of the mean and variance and so was used for estimating optimal sample design. Preliminary results from some biased sampling during 1976 and 1978 provided guidelines for the 1981 study designed to derive an optimal sampling design. Inconsistent results from the two areas surveyed during 1981 prevented general conclusions, but a corroborating resurvey of one area in 1983 suggested that a sampling intensity of five samples per 100 m of transect and transects every 250–400 m along the length of the spawn should result in estimates of the mean egg density with a standard error no greater than 25%. Systematic sampling is logistically preferable to random sampling and can be incorporated into the two-stage design described herein which should be used in future spawn surveys designed to estimate spawning escapement.
Simplified Calculation of Optimum Spawning Stock Size from Ricker's Stock Recruitment Curve
Authors: Hilborn Ray
Published: November 2009

The optimum spawning stock size for a Ricker stock recruitment curve was shown to be accurately approximated by the equation Ps = Pr(0.5–0.07a) when 0 < a < 3. A simple modification was also shown to incorporate stochastic variation about the stock recruitment curve into calculations of optimum stock size.
Use of Visual Census for Estimating Population Size in Northern Pike (Esox lucius)
Authors: Turner L. J. , Mackay W. C.
Published: November 2009

A stratified systematic sampling regime was used to survey numbers of northern pike (Esox lucius) (age 1 yr or older) on five different 2-d sampling periods during the summer months (June, July, and August) in Roi Lake, Alberta, a small, deep, meromictic lake with a simple basin morphometry and high water clarity. The final combined estimate was 180 ± 39 northern pike (23 pike/ha of lake surface). Detailed underwater observation within a specified area was used to assess depth distribution, sample independence, and reaction of northern pike to the presence of the observer. Northern pike selected depths of less than 1 m, and this distribution pattern was constant throughout the summer months, justifying the stratified methodology utilized in the population estimate. Samples were 92% independent, and the reaction of pike to a diver contributed an estimated 4% error to the accuracy of the estimate.
Reciprocal Oscillations in Densities of Larval Fish and Potential Predators: A Reflection of Present or Past Predation?
Authors: Frank K. T. , Leggett W. C.
Published: November 2009

Reciprocity in time series data on the abundance of potentially interacting species has been one basis of empirical support for existing predator–prey theory. Evidence of this type has frequently been used to support the belief that predation by macroinvertebrates is one of the major causes of mortality among the early life stages of marine fishes. We question the validity of this generalization. We observed statistically significant inverse correlations between the abundance of macroinvertebrate predators and coastal ichthyoplankton in coastal Newfoundland both at the same site between years and at different sites in the same year. This correlation was shown to result not from a causal predator–prey interaction, but from occupation by the larvae and the macroinvertebrates of discrete water masses whose presence in the coastal area oscillates temporally in response to changes in wind conditions. Reevaluation of previously published reciprocal oscillations in the abundance of larval fish and potential predators, which had been cited as evidence of predatory regulation of larvae numbers, showed that in all cases available physical data suggest that these correlations too may have been spurious. We suggest that historical temporal variations in predator abundance may have served as a template for the evolution of adaptive strategies on the part of larval fishes which effectively isolate them from potential predators in either the temporal or spatial dimension. Our analyses suggest that such adaptations involve active behavioral responses to reliable physical and/or biological signals indicative of the existence of ecological "safe sites."
Endogenous ACTH, not only α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, reduces food intake mediated by hypothalamic mechanisms
Authors: Schulz Carla , Paulus Kerstin , Lobmann Ralf , Dallman Mary , Lehnert Hendrik
Published: November 2009

ACTH and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) are both consecutively processed from proopiomelanocortin (POMC), which is synthesized in hypothalamic arcuate neurons innervating the paraventricular nuclei (PVN). POMC secretion/synthesis is regulated by energy availability. ACTH and α-MSH bind with equal affinity to melanocortin-4 receptors and elicit similar effects on signal transduction in-vitro. Endogenous α-MSH thus far is believed to be the major physiological agonist and to act in an anorexigenic manner. Until now, it was fully unknown whether endogenous ACTH is also involved in the regulation of appetite and food intake. In this study in rats, we now show that icv ACTH as well as α-MSH possess anorexigenic effects in the PVN or areas in close proximity in vivo and that the effect of ACTH is direct and not mediated via α-MSH. We investigated the roles of endogenous ACTH and α-MSH by PVN application of the respective antibodies under different physiological conditions. In satiated rats with high levels of ACTH and α-MSH in the PVN, antibody administration increased food intake and body weight gain; hungry animals were unaffected. Finally, repeated injections of ACTH antibodies into PVN resulted in persistently increased food intake during the light period. These data now provide robust evidence that endogenous ACTH without further processing acts in the PVN or areas in close proximity to reduce food intake under conditions of feeding-induced satiety.
Determining the Severity of Atopic Dermatitis in Children Presenting in General Practice: An Easy and Fast Method
Authors: Willemsen Marjolein G. , van Valburg Rosalinda W. C. , Dirven-Meijer Pauline C. , Oranje Arnold P. , van der Wouden Johannes C. , Moed Heleen
Published: November 2009

Assessment of the severity of atopic dermatitis (AD) is necessary to evaluate the disease process. This study evaluates and validates the TIS in children with AD presenting in general practice. Independent investigators determined the severity of AD using the TIS and the objective SCORAD. The interobserver agreement for the TIS and SCORAD was calculated, as was the correlation between TIS and SCORAD. The mean time to assess the TIS was less than one minute. A moderate-to-good agreement between the observers was found for the TIS (κ=0.604or 0.464), or SCORAD (κ=0.695or 0.700). There was an excellent correlation between TIS and SCORAD (rs=0.755–0.839). In conclusion, the TIS is an easy and fast method to score AD. Because of the moderate to good interobserver agreement and the high correlation with the SCORAD, we recommend the TIS to determine the severity of AD in general practice.
A Multilevel Congestion-Based Global Router
Authors: Rakai Logan , Behjat Laleh , Areibi Shawki , Terlaky Tamas
Published: November 2009

Routing in nanometer
nodes creates an elevated level of importance
for low-congestion routing. At the same time,
advances in mathematical programming have
increased the power to solve complex problems,
such as the routing problem. Hence, new routing
methods need to be developed that can
combine advanced mathematical programming and modeling techniques
to provide low-congestion solutions. In this paper, a hierarchical
mathematical programming-based global routing technique that
considers congestion is proposed. The main contributions presented
in this paper include (i) implementation of congestion estimation
based on actual routing solutions versus purely probabilistic
techniques, (ii) development of a congestion-based hierarchy for
solving the global routing problem, and (iii) generation of a
robust framework for solving the routing problem using
mathematical programming techniques. Experimental results
illustrate that the proposed global router is capable of reducing
congestion and overflow by as much as 36% compared to the
state-of-the-art mathematical programming models.
On the Stochastic 3D Navier‐Stokes‐α Model of Fluids Turbulence
Authors: Deugoue Gabriel , Sango Mamadou
Published: November 2009

We investigate the stochastic 3D Navier‐Stokes‐α model which arises in the modelling of turbulent flows of fluids. Our model contains nonlinear forcing terms which do not satisfy the Lipschitz conditions. The adequate notion of solutions is that of probabilistic weak solution. We establish the existence of a such of solution. We also discuss the uniqueness.
Some Characterizations for a Family of Nonexpansive Mappings and Convergence of a Generated Sequence to Their Common Fixed Point
Authors: Kimura Yasunori , Nakajo Kazuhide
Published: November 2009

Motivated by the method of Xu (2006) and Matsushita and Takahashi (2008), we characterize the set of all common fixed points of a family of nonexpansive mappings by the notion of Mosco convergence and prove strong convergence theorems for nonexpansive mappings and semigroups in a uniformly convex Banach space.
Fibroblast Hepatocyte Growth Factor Promotes Invasion of Human Mammary Ductal Carcinoma In situ
Authors: Jedeszko Christopher , Victor Bernadette C. , Podgorski Izabela , Sloane Bonnie F.
Published: November 2009

Stromal-derived hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) acting through its specific proto-oncogene receptor c-Met has been suggested to play a paracrine role in the regulation of tumor cell migration and invasion. The transition from preinvasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive breast carcinoma is marked by infiltration of stromal fibroblasts and the loss of basement membrane. We hypothesized that HGF produced by the infiltrating fibroblasts may alter proteolytic pathways in DCIS cells, and, to study this hypothesis, established three-dimensional reconstituted basement membrane overlay cocultures with two human DCIS cell lines, MCF10.DCIS and SUM102. Both cell lines formed large dysplastic structures in three-dimensional cultures that resembled DCIS in vivo and occasionally developed invasive outgrowths. In coculture with HGF-secreting mammary fibroblasts, the percentage of DCIS structures with invasive outgrowths was increased. Activation of c-Met with conditioned medium from HGF-secreting fibroblasts or with recombinant HGF increased the percentage of DCIS structures with invasive outgrowths, their degradation of collagen IV, and their secretion of urokinase-type plasminogen activator and its receptor. In agreement with the in vitro findings, coinjection with HGF-secreting fibroblasts increased invasiveness of MCF10.DCIS xenografts in severe combined immunodeficient mice. Our study shows that paracrine HGF/c-Met signaling between fibroblasts and preinvasive DCIS cells enhances the transition to invasive carcinomas and suggests that three-dimensional cocultures are appropriate models for testing therapeutics that target tumor microenvironment-enhanced invasiveness. [Cancer Res 2009;69(23):9148–55]
Radioimmunotherapy of Breast Cancer Metastases with α-Particle Emitter 225Ac: Comparing Efficacy with 213Bi and 90Y
Authors: Song Hong , Hobbs Robert F. , Vajravelu Ravy , Huso David L. , Esaias Caroline , Apostolidis Christos , Morgenstern Alfred , Sgouros George
Published: November 2009

α-Particles are suitable to treat cancer micrometastases because of their short range and very high linear energy transfer. α-Particle emitter 213Bi-based radioimmunotherapy has shown efficacy in a variety of metastatic animal cancer models, such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. Its clinical implementation, however, is challenging due to the limited supply of 225Ac, high technical requirement to prepare radioimmunoconjugate with very short half-life (T1/2 = 45.6 min) on site, and prohibitive cost. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of the α-particle emitter 225Ac, parent of 213Bi, in a mouse model of breast cancer metastases. A single administration of 225Ac (400 nCi)–labeled anti-rat HER-2/neu monoclonal antibody (7.16.4) completely eradicated breast cancer lung micrometastases in ∼67% of HER-2/neu transgenic mice and led to long-term survival of these mice for up to 1 year. Treatment with 225Ac-7.16.4 is significantly more effective than 213Bi-7.16.4 (120 μCi; median survival, 61 days; P = 0.001) and 90Y-7.16.4 (120 μCi; median survival, 50 days; P < 0.001) as well as untreated control (median survival, 41 days; P < 0.0001). Dosimetric analysis showed that 225Ac-treated metastases received a total dose of 9.6 Gy, significantly higher than 2.0 Gy from 213Bi and 2.4 Gy from 90Y. Biodistribution studies revealed that 225Ac daughters, 221Fr and 213Bi, accumulated in kidneys and probably contributed to the long-term renal toxicity observed in surviving mice. These data suggest 225Ac-labeled anti–HER-2/neu monoclonal antibody could significantly prolong survival in HER-2/neu–positive metastatic breast cancer patients. [Cancer Res 2009;69(23):8941–8]
Perifosine Inhibits Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling through Facilitating Degradation of Major Components in the mTOR Axis and Induces Autophagy
Authors: Fu Lei , Kim Young-Ae , Wang Xuerong , Wu Xiaoyun , Yue Ping , Lonial Sagar , Khuri Fadlo R. , Sun Shi-Yong
Published: November 2009

Perifosine is an alkylphospholipid exhibiting antitumor activity as shown in both preclinical studies and clinical trials. This activity is partly associated with its ability to inhibit Akt activity. It has been shown that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) axis plays a critical role in regulation of cell proliferation and survival primarily through functioning both downstream and upstream of Akt. The current study reveals a novel mechanism by which perifosine inhibits Akt and the mTOR axis. In addition to inhibition of Akt, perifosine inhibited the assembly of both mTOR/raptor and mTOR/rictor complexes. Strikingly, perifosine reduced the levels of Akt and other major components including mTOR, raptor, rictor, 70-kDa ribosomal S6 kinase, and 4E-binding protein 1 in the mTOR axis by promoting their degradation through a GSK3/FBW7-dependent mechanism. These results thus suggest that perifosine inhibits the mTOR axis through a different mechanism from inhibition of mTOR signaling by classic mTOR inhibitors such as rapamycin. Moreover, perifosine substantially increased the levels of type II light chain 3, a hallmark of autophagy, in addition to increasing poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, suggesting that perifosine induces both apoptosis and autophagy. The combination of perifosine with a lysosomal inhibitor enhanced apoptosis and inhibited the growth of xenografts in nude mice, suggesting that perifosine-induced autophagy protects cells from undergoing apoptosis. Collectively, we conclude that perifosine inhibits mTOR signaling and induces autophagy, highlighting a novel mechanism accounting for the anticancer activity of perifosine and a potential strategy to enhance the anticancer efficacy of perifosine by preventing autophagy. [Cancer Res 2009;69(23):8967–76]
Randomized Trial and Pharmacokinetic Study of Pegfilgrastim versus Filgrastim after Dose-Intensive Chemotherapy in Young Adults and Children with Sarcomas
Authors: Fox Elizabeth , Widemann Brigitte C. , Hawkins Douglas S. , Jayaprakash Nalini , Dagher Ramzi , Aikin Alberta A. , Bernstein Donna , Long Lauren , Mackall Crystal , Helman Lee , Steinberg Seth M. , Balis Frank M.
Published: November 2009

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness, tolerance, and pharmacokinetics of a single dose of pegfilgrastim to daily filgrastim in children and young adults with sarcomas treated with dose-intensive combination chemotherapy.

Experimental Design: Patients were randomized to receive a single dose of 100 mcg/kg of pegfilgrastim s.c. or 5 mcg/kg/day of filgrastim s.c., daily until neutrophil recovery after two treatment cycles with vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (VDC) and two cycles of etoposide and ifosfamide (IE). The duration of severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count, ≤500/mcL) during cycles 1 to 4 and cycle duration for all cycles were compared. Pharmacokinetics of pegfilgrastim and filgrastim and CD34+ stem cell mobilization were studied on cycle 1. Growth factor–related toxicity, transfusions, and episodes of fever and neutropenia and infections were collected for cycles 1 to 4.

Results: Thirty-four patients (median age, 20 years; range 3.8-25.8) were enrolled, and 32 completed cycles 1 to 4. The median (range) duration of absolute neutrophil count of <500/mcL was 5.5 (3-8) days for pegfilgrastim and 6 (0-9) days for filgrastim (P = 0.76) after VDC, and 1.5 (0-4) days for pegfilgrastim and 3.75 (0-6.5) days for filgrastim (P = 0.11) after IE. More episodes of febrile neutropenia and documented infections occurred on the filgrastim arm. Serum pegfilgrastim concentrations were highly variable. Pegfilgrastim apparent clearance (11 mL/h/kg) was similar to that reported in adults.

Conclusion: A single dose per cycle of pegfilgrastim was well tolerated and may be as effective as daily filgrastim based on the duration of severe neutropenia and number of episodes of febrile neutropenia and documented infections after dose-intensive treatment with VDC and IE. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(23):7361–7)
Differentiating Malingering Balance Disorder Patients from Healthy Controls, Compensated Unilateral Vestibular Loss, and Whiplash Patients Using Stance and Gait Posturography
Authors: Vonk Jaap , Horlings Corinne G.C. , Allum John H.J.
Published: November 2009

Differentiating balance disorder patients who are malingering from those with organic balance disorders is difficult and costly. We used trunk sway measured during several stance and gait tasks in 18 patients suspected of malingering in order to differentiate these from 20 patients who had suffered unilateral vestibular loss 3 months earlier, 20 patients with documented whiplash injuries, and 34 healthy controls. Classification results ranged from 72 to 96% and were equally accurate for task or criteria variables based on 90% sway values. The tasks yielding the best discrimination were: standing with eyes closed on a foam and firm surface; standing with eyes open on a firm surface; standing on 1 leg; and walking tandem steps. The criteria yielding the best discrimination were: standing with eyes open on a firm surface; the difference between standing with eyes closed on foam and firm surfaces; the difference between walking tandem steps and standing on 1 leg with eyes open; and the difference between roll and pitch velocity when walking 8 tandem steps. We conclude that discriminating suspected malingering balance disorder patients is possible using variables or criteria based on objective measures of trunk sway during several stance and gait tasks.
Expression of Activity-Dependent Neuroprotective Protein in the Immune System: Possible Functions and Relevance to Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Braitch Manjit , Kawabe Kiyokazu , Nyirenda Mukanthu , Gilles Lucie Jean , Robins R. Adrian , Gran Bruno , Murphy Sean , Showe Louise , Constantinescu Cris S.
Published: November 2009

Background: Activity-dependent neuroprotector (ADNP) is a neuroprotective molecule containing an 8-amino acid peptide, NAPVSIPQ (NAP), that is sufficient for its neuroprotective effects. Objective: To assess the expression of ADNP in the human immune system in normal subjects and multiple sclerosis patients. MaterialsandMethods: ADNP expression was assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors and multiple sclerosis (MS) patients using staining with anti-ADNP (NAP) antibodies and markers for T cells, B cells, monocytes and natural killer cells. ADNP mRNA was determined in peripheral blood from MS patients (n = 24) and matched controls (n = 21). Expression of activation markers CD69 and CD154 and of IFN-γ was assessed by flow cytometry in stimulated PBMCs. Effects of NAP on immune cell proliferation was assessed by tritiated thymidine incorporation. Results: Monocytes, B cells and T cells, but not regulatory (CD4+CD25+) T cells expressed ADNP. NAP peptide decreased the expression of CD69, CD154 and IFN-γ in PBMC and caused suppressed anti-CD3-/anti-CD28-stimulated PBMC proliferation. ADNP mRNA was reduced in MS compared to control peripheral blood. Conclusion: ADNP is expressed in many immune system cells. ADNP mRNA is reduced in PBMCs in MS. The peptide NAP, which plays an important role in neuroprotection, has potential immunomodulatory properties.
The MCP-1 Gene (SCYA2) and Mood Disorders: Preliminary Results of a Case-Control Association Study
Authors: Altamura A. Carlo , Mundo Emanuela , Cattaneo Elisabetta , Pozzoli Sara , Dell’Osso Bernardo , Gennarelli Massimo , Vergani Carlo , Trabattoni Daria , Arosio Beatrice , Clerici Mario
Published: November 2009

The aim of this case-control study was to investigate the potential role of the A-2518G polymorphism of the gene of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1, a cytokine playing an important role in innate immunity) in conferring susceptibility to mood disorders. The sample studied included 96 outpatients with DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder I (BD I) or BD II and 161 matched healthy controls. All subjects were genotyped for the A-2518G polymorphism of the MCP-1 gene. Genotypic and allelic associations were explored between patients and controls and across the different diagnostic groups (χ2 tests). No genotypic (χ2 = 8.215, d.f. = 6, p = 0.223) or allelic (χ2 = 5.058, d.f. = 3, p = 0.168) association for the A-2518G polymorphism of SCYA2 was found considering cases and controls. Nevertheless, important correlations were observed when patients were divided into diagnostic subgroups. A significantly higher frequency of the AA genotype (χ2 = 7.233, d.f. = 2, p = 0.027) and of the A allele (χ2 = 4.730, d.f. = 1, p = 0.030) was observed in subjects with BD. In addition, independently from diagnosis, a higher number of lifetime suicide attempts was found in subjects with the AA genotype of the A-2518G polymorphism of the MCP-1 gene (F = 3.802, p = 0.026). The present preliminary results, though limited by the relatively small sample, suggest a possible role of the SCYA2 in conferring susceptibility to BD and, if confirmed, may represent a biological discriminative influence between mood disorder subtypes.
Effect of Iron Chelators on Labile Iron and Oxidative Status of Thalassaemic Erythroid Cells
Authors: Prus Eugenia , Fibach Eitan
Published: November 2009

Background/Aims: Iron accumulation in vital organs such as heart and liver is a major pathology in β-thalassaemia. It may also affect mature RBCs and developing erythroid precursors. The cellular damage is mainly caused by the labile iron pool (LIP) and is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). We have previously shown that thalassaemic RBCs and their precursors have more LIP and ROS than their normal counterparts. We now report the effect of clinically relevant iron chelators on these parameters. Methods: RBCs, reticulocytes and cultured erythroid precursors derived from patients with β-thalassaemia were studied for LIP and oxidative stress parameters by flow-cytometry. Results: In vitro treatment with deferiprone, deferasirox and deferoxamine reduced the cytosolic LIP in RBCs and reticulocytes, and both the cytosolic and mitochondrial LIP in cultured erythroid precursors. This was associated with reduced oxidative stress (ROS and external phosphatidylserine). While the effect of deferiprone and deferasirox was fast (within 10 min), deferoxamine affected these parameters after 24 h, suggesting a slower rate of entry. Conclusion: The chelators studied reduce the LIP and the oxidative status of thalassaemic RBC and their precursors. Whether these effects directly improve ineffective erythropoiesis and RBC survival remains to be shown.
Distribution of Chimpanzees and Interactions with Humans in Guinea-Bissau and Western Guinea, West Africa
Authors: Brugiere David , Badjinca Iacouba , Silva Cristina , Serra Abubacar
Published: November 2009

To clarify the distribution and the status of chimpanzees in Guinea-Bissau and on the border with Guinea, we conducted an interview survey with hunters in 110 and 60 villages in Guinea-Bissau and Guinea, respectively. Based on the results of the survey, the northern distribution limit of chimpanzees in Guinea-Bissau appears to be located between the Corubal river (which once was suspected to represent the distribution limit) and the Gabù-Bafata road. Chimpanzees were reported to be common in most of the surveyed area and are not a game species. Crop-raiding by chimpanzees was mentioned by most interviewees. The implementation of a land management system that maintains a mosaic of habitats is the priority for the long-term conservation of this cross-border population.
Measurement Error in Estimated GFR Slopes across Transplant Chronic Kidney Disease Stages
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Akhtar , Attia Ahmad , Shoker Ahmed
Published: November 2009

Background: This study examines if transplant glomerular filtration rate (GFR) slope prediction is affected by the degree of transplant chronic kidney disease (CKDT) stage. Methods: Serial changes in estimated GFR (ΔeGFR) by Cockcroft-Gault (CG) and Modified Diet in Renal Disease-Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry (MDRD-IDMS) equations were compared to simultaneous changes in isotope GFR (ΔiGFR) in renal transplant patients who had at least four scans. Results: Total number of patients (iGFR scans) was 99 (772) while the corresponding numbers in CKDT stages 1–4 were 33 (103), 69 (239), 75 (316) and 37 (96), respectively. Measurement error [(ΔeGFR – ΔiGFR) × 100/ΔiGFR] (median ± IQR, interquartile range) estimated from CG and MDRD-IDMS slopes were –414.29 ± 276.16% and –342.86 ± 210.18% (stage 1); –350.00 ± 301.22% and –300.00 ± 525.00% (stage 2); –26.02 ± 404.38% and –26.58 ± 423.13% (stage 3); 10.26 ± 142.18% and –76.92 ± 145.64% (stage 4), respectively. The proportion of patients with CG measurement error ≤1-fold in stages 1 and 2 of 12 and 14.5% was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of 36.3 and 52.8% at stages 3 and 4, respectively. Similar measurement errors were observed for MDRD-IDMS. Conclusions: Transplant GFR slope prediction is affected by the degree of renal dysfunction. Errors in slope prediction are much higher in those with better function and thus add another limitation for eGFR use in longitudinal studies on progressive graft dysfunction.
Phonological Processes in Speech Addressed to Children
Authors: Shockey Linda , Bond Z.S.
Published: November 2009

This experiment was designed to examine the degree of phonological reduction in speech directed at children by adults, as opposed to speech directed at other adults. 8 British mothers were recorded speaking to their 2- to 4-year-old children and to adults in a relaxed home environment. The recordings were analyzed with respect to number of applications of four commonly used phonological rules. It was found that speech to children shows significantly greater phonological reduction in most cases. It is hypothesized that this manifestation of informality may express an affectionate attitude towards the child, thus providing emotional support even if complicating the language-learning task for her or him.
Contrastive Phonology and the Acquisition of Phonetic Skills
Authors: Kohler K.J.
Published: November 2009

Although the aims of contrastive phonology are clear, there are a number of problems connected with the model of description and with the ontological status of phonological accounts of contrastive similarities or differences. This paper illustrates these problems with the oppositions between the series of /p, t, k/ and /b, d, g/ in the contrastive phonology of French versus German. On the basis of a number of perceptual experiments and results from articulation training, a new contrastive description of these sound phenomena is presented, which arrives at a phonological evaluation through a phonetic analysis of performance, rather than predicting performance from the usual phonological categories.
Power-Sharing Revisited: Lessons Learned in the Balkans?
Authors: Keil Sören , Bieber Florian
Published: November 2009

In this article, the authors discuss the use of power-sharing instruments in the Western Balkans. While the comparison will focus on the use of power-sharing in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia, there will be occasional references to Kosovo, the third country in the region that displays elements of power-sharing. We argue that the region has been a laboratory of power-sharing instruments, with rather mixed results. While in all three cases, power-sharing was part of a larger strategy of peacebuilding, and was, therefore, successful in ending violent conflict and supporting peaceful conflict resolution, the introduction of power-sharing has also had some negative side effects. We will discuss, in particular, the consequences of complicated political systems, veto rights, as well as far-reaching ethno-territorial autonomy. Furthermore, the article will asses the risk of blockages arising from complex political arrangements and resulting international mediation. A particular focus of the article will be to distinguish between federalism in Bosnia and Herzegovina and alternative forms of autonomy (both territorial and non-territorial) in Macedonia and Kosovo. Rather than suggesting that power-sharing as such has failed in the region, we submit that the experience in the region suggests that: (a) there are no viable alternatives to power-sharing in the selected countries; (b) that different types of power-sharing need to be considered; and (c) that potential membership in the European Union continues to be the only incentive for the efficient implementation and application of power-sharing in the cases discussed.
The Council of Elders During The Pre-Hasmonean Period
Authors: Brutti Maria
Published: November 2009

The subject of this paper is the Jewish Council of Elders or γερουσία in the Hellenistic period. The author starts from contrasting opinions of contemporary scholars and focuses on the pre-Hasmonean period from 301 BCE to 152 BCE, concentrating on the Books of the Maccabees and Flavius Josephus’ Jewish Antiquities Ch. 12, with further reference to the Letter of Aristeas and other epigraphic evidence. What exactly did the words πρεσβύτεροι and γερουσία mean? What was the role of the Council of Elders? Did it even exist? What was its relationship to the High Priest? The linguistic usage of πρεσβύτεροι and γερουσία in the sources could lead us to a better understanding of the dynamics of Jewish society in the Ptolemaic and early Seleucid periods.
Bridging the Generation Gap: Creation (Hi)Stories and the Visual Arts in Tamulté de las Sabanas, Mexico
Authors: Van Broekhoven Laura
Published: November 2009

This paper results from research conducted between October 1994 and August 1995 on the oral tradition of the Yokoyinik'ob, the “true people” of Chontales in Tamulté de las Sabanas in the Mexican state of Tabasco. A little over sixty stories were recorded and transcribed in the research. Some of the stories that are considered to be “creation stories” or “creation histories” will be discussed in this paper. In Tamulté stories are not classified as “myth” but are called “historias” (hi)stories. Some stories, like creation narratives for example, do refer to primordial times: times before corn existed or times when the skies had not yet risen. Much in the same way, what is often referred to as the “supernatural” in Tamulté is actually not “super”-natural; it is very much part of the natural. The supernatural world is neither myth nor legend; it is a reality. During the course of the research a young group of artists illustrated the stories that were collected and painted images of their worldview. Through the use of visual arts, Tamulté's younger generation was enabled to re-connect with their grandparents' stories, thereby bridging a generational gap that is predominant in other communities.
Auditory Decision Aiding in Supervisory Control of Multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Donmez Birsen , Cummings M.L. , Graham Hudson D.
Published: November 2009

Objective: This article is an investigation of the effectiveness of sonifications, which are continuous auditory alerts mapped to the state of a monitored task, in supporting unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) supervisory control. Background: UAV supervisory control requires monitoring a UAV across multiple tasks (e.g., course maintenance) via a predominantly visual display, which currently is supported with discrete auditory alerts. Sonification has been shown to enhance monitoring performance in domains such as anesthesiology by allowing an operator to immediately determine an entity’s (e.g., patient) current and projected states, and is a promising alternative to discrete alerts in UAV control. However, minimal research compares sonification to discrete alerts, and no research assesses the effectiveness of sonification for monitoring multiple entities (e.g., multiple UAVs). Method: The authors conducted an experiment with 39 military personnel, using a simulated setup. Participants controlled single and multiple UAVs and received sonifications or discrete alerts based on UAV course deviations and late target arrivals. Results: Regardless of the number of UAVs supervised, the course deviation sonification resulted in reactions to course deviations that were 1.9 s faster, a 19% enhancement, compared with discrete alerts. However, course deviation sonifications interfered with the effectiveness of discrete late arrival alerts in general and with operator responses to late arrivals when supervising multiple vehicles. Conclusions: Sonifications can outperform discrete alerts when designed to aid operators to predict future states of monitored tasks. However, sonifications may mask other auditory alerts and interfere with other monitoring tasks that require divided attention. Applications: This research has implications for supervisory control display design.
Racial and Athletic Identity of African American Football Players at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly White Institutions
Authors: Steinfeldt Jesse A. , Reed Courtney , Clint Steinfeldt M.
Published: November 2009

This study examined racial and athletic identity among African American football players at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and predominantly White institutions (PWIs). Negotiating the dualism of racial and athletic identities can be problematic because both roles are subject to prejudice and discrimination, particularly for student-athletes in revenue-producing sports like football. Results indicated that seniors at both institution types reported significantly lower levels of Public Regard and that lower levels of Public Regard predicted higher levels of college adjustment. Senior football players reported a greater acknowledgment that society does not value African Americans, and this acknowledgment predicted greater college adjustment. No differences between institution types in racial Centrality emerged, but football players at PWIs reported higher levels of Athletic Identity. By garnering a better understanding of the psychosocial needs of African American football players, these results can inform college student personnel who can prioritize facilitating student-athlete academic and life skills with the same attention given to ensuring their athletic success.
Direct Democracy Provisions and Local Government Fiscal Choices
Authors: Park Jongsun , Coyle McCabe Barbara , Feiock Richard C.
Published: November 2009

To what extent do local revenue decisions depend on the opportunities and constraints created by provisions for direct democracy in local charters? We treat local government charters as a constitutional contract to identify the potential consequences for local government revenue decisions that arise from provisions for direct democracy. This framework bridges competing models and empirically tests propositions linking local revenues in large cities between 1981 and 2004 to the incentive structure resulting from city charter provisions for initiative, referendum, and recall. We find that initiative provisions stimulate demands for public goods leading to greater revenues but that referendum and recall provisions constrain revenue growth.
Beyond the Family and the Household: Occupational Family Networks
Authors: Marttila Juuso
Published: November 2009

Although families and kinship have been studied extensively from a historical perspective, less attention has been paid to their significance and role in the formation of local social networks.This study makes use of extensive Finnish records of godparentage to map local networks to analyze the factors (kinship, work relations, neighborhood, friendship) that influenced their formation. It argues that, in the context of a closed industrial community, occupation and kinship were the major cornerstones of these networks. Only after work-related inequality was slowly eliminated in the early twentieth century did kinship begin to gain ground as the main influencing factor.
The Factor Structure of Preschool Learning Behaviors Scale Scores in Peruvian Children
Authors: Hahn Kathryn R. , Schaefer Barbara A. , Merino Cesar , Worrell Frank C.
Published: November 2009

The factor structure of the Escala de Conductas de Aprendizaje Preescolar (ECAP), a Spanish translation of the Preschool Learning Behaviors Scale (PLBS), was examined in this study. Children aged 2 to 6 years ( N = 328) enrolled in public and private preschools in the Republic of Peru were rated by classroom teachers on the frequency of observable, learning-related behaviors using the ECAP. Exploratory factor analyses identified three underlying dimensions of the scale: competence motivation, effortful strategy/flexibility, and attention. The three factor scores exhibited internal reliability coefficients above .70, and the alpha was .92 for the total score.
How Children with Parents Suffering from Mental Health Distress Search for ‘Normality’ and Avoid Stigma
Authors: Haug Fjone Heidi , Ytterhus Borgunn , Almvik Arve
Published: November 2009

Using data from in-depth interviews with 20 children, this study finds that children with parents suffering from mental health distress struggle hard to present themselves as ‘normal’ and equal among their peer group. The study shows how they avoid stigma in their presentation of self in everyday life. All the children in this study, regardless of age or parents’ suffering, are active participants and impression managers in and of their own lives. The authors question whether their active responsibility for their own and their family’s well-being becomes too heavy a burden and should be moved from children’s private sphere into public arenas such as schools or social and healthcare services.
Children’s Actions when Experiencing Domestic Violence
Authors: Överlien Carolina , Hydén Margareta
Published: November 2009

The aim of this article is, by analysing children’s discourses, to investigate their actions or absence of actions during a domestic violence episode. The empirical data are recorded group therapy sessions and individual interviews with children who have grown up experiencing their fathers’ violence against their mothers. The analysis shows that the children’s stories contain two aspects of actions: one related to the actions during the ongoing episode, and one the child perceives as possible/ desirable for the future. The findings are discussed in the light of Lazarus and Folkman’s theory of coping.