bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship of Pax6 Activity Levels to the Extent of Eye Development in the Mouse, Mus musculus
Authors: Favor Jack , Gloeckner Christian Johannes , Neuhäuser-Klaus Angelika , Pretsch Walter , Sandulache Rodica , Saule Simon , Zaus Irmgard
Published: June 2008

In this study we extend the mouse Pax6 mutant allelic series to include a homozygous and hemizygous viable hypomorph allele. The Pax6132-14Neu allele is a Phe272Ile missense mutation within the third helix of the homeodomain. The mutant Pax6 homeodomain shows greatly reduced binding activity to the P3 DNA binding target. Glucagon-promoter activation by the entire mutant Pax6 product of a reporter gene driven by the G1 paired and homeodomain DNA binding target was slightly increased. We constructed mutant Pax6 genotypes such that Pax6 activity ranged between 100 and 0% and show that the extent of eye development is progressively reduced as Pax6 activity decreased. Two apparent thresholds identify three groups in which the extent of eye development abruptly shifted from complete eye at the highest levels of Pax6 to a rudimentary eye at intermediate levels of Pax6 to very early termination of eye development at the lowest levels of Pax6. Of the two Pax6-positive regions that participate in eye development, the surface ectoderm, which develops into the lens vesicle and the cornea, is more sensitive to reduced levels of Pax6 activity than the optic vesicle, which develops into the inner and outer retinal layers.
The Fission Yeast BLM Homolog Rqh1 Promotes Meiotic Recombination
Authors: Cromie Gareth A , Hyppa Randy W , Smith Gerald R
Published: June 2008

RecQ helicases are found in organisms as diverse as bacteria, fungi, and mammals. These proteins promote genome stability, and mutations affecting human RecQ proteins underlie premature aging and cancer predisposition syndromes, including Bloom syndrome, caused by mutations affecting the BLM protein. In this study we show that mutants lacking the Rqh1 protein of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, a RecQ and BLM homolog, have substantially reduced meiotic recombination, both gene conversions and crossovers. The relative proportion of gene conversions having associated crossovers is unchanged from that in wild type. In rqh1 mutants, meiotic DNA double-strand breaks are formed and disappear with wild-type frequency and kinetics, and spore viability is only moderately reduced. Genetic analyses and the wild-type frequency of both intersister and interhomolog joint molecules argue against these phenotypes being explained by an increase in intersister recombination at the expense of interhomolog recombination. We suggest that Rqh1 extends hybrid DNA and biases the recombination outcome toward crossing over. Our results contrast dramatically with those from the budding yeast ortholog, Sgs1, which has a meiotic antirecombination function that suppresses recombination events involving more than two DNA duplexes. These observations underscore the multiple recombination functions of RecQ homologs and emphasize that even conserved proteins can be adapted to play different roles in different organisms.
Role of Dot1 in the Response to Alkylating DNA Damage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Regulation of DNA Damage Tolerance by the Error-Prone Polymerases Polζ/Rev1
Authors: Conde Francisco , San-Segundo Pedro A
Published: June 2008

Maintenance of genomic integrity relies on a proper response to DNA injuries integrated by the DNA damage checkpoint; histone modifications play an important role in this response. Dot1 methylates lysine 79 of histone H3. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Dot1 is required for the meiotic recombination checkpoint as well as for chromatin silencing and the G1/S and intra-S DNA damage checkpoints in vegetative cells. Here, we report the analysis of the function of Dot1 in the response to alkylating damage. Unexpectedly, deletion of DOT1 results in increased resistance to the alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). This phenotype is independent of the dot1 silencing defect and does not result from reduced levels of DNA damage. Deletion of DOT1 partially or totally suppresses the MMS sensitivity of various DNA repair mutants (rad52, rad54, yku80, rad1, rad14, apn1, rad5, rad30). However, the rev1 dot1 and rev3 dot1 mutants show enhanced MMS sensitivity and dot1 does not attenuate the MMS sensitivity of rad52 rev3 or rad52 rev1. In addition, Rev3-dependent MMS-induced mutagenesis is increased in dot1 cells. We propose that Dot1 inhibits translesion synthesis (TLS) by Polζ/Rev1 and that the MMS resistance observed in the dot1 mutant results from the enhanced TLS activity.
The Nuclear Dbf2-Related Kinase COT1 and the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases MAK1 and MAK2 Genetically Interact to Regulate Filamentous Growth, Hyphal Fusion and Sexual Development in Neurospora crassa
Authors: Maerz Sabine , Ziv Carmit , Vogt Nico , Helmstaedt Kerstin , Cohen Nourit , Gorovits Rena , Yarden Oded , Seiler Stephan
Published: June 2008

Ndr kinases, such as Neurospora crassa COT1, are important for cell differentiation and polar morphogenesis, yet their input signals as well as their integration into a cellular signaling context are still elusive. Here, we identify the cot-1 suppressor gul-4 as mak-2 and show that mutants of the gul-4/mak-2 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway suppress cot-1 phenotypes along with a concomitant reduction in protein kinase A (PKA) activity. Furthermore, mak-2 pathway defects are partially overcome in a cot-1 background and are associated with increased MAK1 MAPK signaling. A comparative characterization of N. crassa MAPKs revealed that they act as three distinct modules during vegetative growth and asexual development. In addition, common functions of MAK1 and MAK2 signaling during maintenance of cell-wall integrity distinguished the two ERK-type pathways from the p38-type OS2 osmosensing pathway. In contrast to separate functions during vegetative growth, the concerted activity of the three MAPK pathways is essential for cell fusion and for the subsequent formation of multicellular structures that are required for sexual development. Taken together, our data indicate a functional link between COT1 and MAPK signaling in regulating filamentous growth, hyphal fusion, and sexual development.
Sequence Divergence Impedes Crossover More Than Noncrossover Events During Mitotic Gap Repair in Yeast
Authors: Welz-Voegele Caroline , Jinks-Robertson Sue
Published: June 2008

Homologous recombination between dispersed repeated sequences is important in shaping eukaryotic genome structure, and such ectopic interactions are affected by repeat size and sequence identity. A transformation-based, gap-repair assay was used to examine the effect of 2% sequence divergence on the efficiency of mitotic double-strand break repair templated by chromosomal sequences in yeast. Because the repaired plasmid could either remain autonomous or integrate into the genome, the effect of sequence divergence on the crossover–noncrossover (CO–NCO) outcome was also examined. Finally, proteins important for regulating the CO–NCO outcome and for enforcing identity requirements during recombination were examined by transforming appropriate mutant strains. Results demonstrate that the basic CO–NCO outcome is regulated by the Rad1-Rad10 endonuclease and the Sgs1 and Srs2 helicases, that sequence divergence impedes CO to a much greater extent than NCO events, that an intact mismatch repair system is required for the discriminating identical and nonidentical repair templates, and that the Sgs1 and Srs2 helicases play additional, antirecombination roles when the interacting sequences are not identical.
The Use of Scenario-Based-Learning Interactive Software to Create Custom Virtual Laboratory Scenarios for Teaching Genetics
Authors: Breakey Kate M , Levin Daniel , Miller Ian , Hentges Kathryn E
Published: June 2008

Mutagenesis screens and analysis of mutant phenotypes are one of the most powerful approaches for the study of genetics. Yet genetics students often have difficulty understanding the experimental procedures and breeding crosses required in mutagenesis screens and linking mutant phenotypes to molecular defects. Performing these experiments themselves often aids students in understanding the methodology. However, there are limitations to performing genetics experiments in a student laboratory. For example, the generation time of laboratory model organisms is considerable, and a laboratory exercise that involves many rounds of breeding or analysis of many mutants is not often feasible. Additionally, the cost of running a laboratory practical, along with safety considerations for particular reagents or protocols, often dictates the experiments that students can perform. To provide an alternative to a traditional laboratory module, we have used Scenario-Based-Learning Interactive (SBLi) software to develop a virtual laboratory to support a second year undergraduate course entitled “Genetic Analysis.” This resource allows students to proceed through the steps of a genetics experiment, without the time, cost, or safety constraints of a traditional laboratory exercise.
The effect of selenium therapy on autoimmune thyroiditis
Authors: Balázs Csaba
Published: June 2008

A szelén nélkülözhetetlen nyomelem, amely antioxidáns hatása révén lényeges az immun- és az endokrin rendszer működésében. A pajzsmirigy hormonszintézise során képződő szabad gyököknek szerepük lehet a thyreoidea autoimmun betegségeiben.
A vizsgálat célja
az volt, hogy meghatározzák, a szelénkezelés hat-e a pajzsmirigy-peroxidáz, a tireoglobulin elleni antitestek szintjére és az antioxidáns státusra.
Módszer:
Százharminckét autoimmun thyreoiditises betegben kettős vakmódszerrel tesztelték a szelén hatásait. Mindkét csoportban alkalmaztak L-tiroxin-szubsztitúciós kezelést, így a TSH-szint az élettani tartományban maradt. A kezelt csoportba 70 beteg (68 nő, átlagéletkor 41,4 ± 9,5 év), a placebocsoportba 62 beteg (61 nő, átlagéletkor 42,7 ± 8,3 év) tartozott. A TSH, az fT4, az fT3 és az antitestek mérését kemilumineszcens technikával végezték. A teljes antioxidáns-kapacitást Randox kittel, a szérumszelénszintet atomabszorpciós módszerrel határozták meg. A kezelés során a vizsgált betegek 2 × 100 µg L-szelén-metionin tablettát kaptak. A betegek klinikai és laboratóriumi vizsgálatát háromhavonta végezték egy éven át.
Eredmények:
A szelénszint a betegek szérumában lényegesen alacsonyabb volt, mint az egészséges kontrollokban. Az fT3/fT4 arány magasabb volt a szelénnel kezeltekben, mint a placebocsoportban. A szelén hatására az autoantitestek (főleg a pajzsmirigy-peroxidázenzim elleni antitestek) titere szignifikánsan csökkent a megfigyelési idő végére. Inverz összefüggést találtak az antioxidáns státus és a pajzsmirigy-peroxidázenzim elleni antitestek titere között. A pajzsmirigy térfogata a kezelt betegekben nem csökkent jelentősen. Mellékhatást a kezelés során nem tapasztaltak.
Következtetés:
A szelénkezelés autoantitest-képzést gátló hatása miatt alkalmas az autoimmun thyreoiditises betegek kezelésére.
Características vocais acústicas de crianças pré-escolares
Authors: Cappellari Viviane Michele , Cielo Carla Aparecida
Published: June 2008

O primeiro passo em qualquer tratamento é a avaliação. Desta forma, parâmetros de normalidade são a base para uma adequada avaliação. OBJETIVO: Verificar as medidas e características vocais de 23 crianças pré-escolares, entre quatro e seis anos, de ambos os sexos. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: A amostragem contou com questionário, triagem auditiva, e avaliação perceptivo-auditiva vocal, por meio da escala R.A.S.A.T.. A análise acústica foi realizada por meio do Multidimensional Voice Program. ESTUDO: Prospectivo de corte transversal. RESULTADOS: A variação de freqüência (vf0) e a proporção harmônico-ruído (NHR) foram maiores na amostra total que aos cinco e seis anos; à medida que a idade aumentou, o NHR reduziu; à medida que o quociente de perturbação de Amplitude (PPQ) aumentou, a vf0, variação de amplitude (vAm), o índice de fonação suave (SPI) e o NHR também aumentaram; à medida que o PPQ, quociente de perturbação de amplitude (APQ) e índice de turbulência vocal (VTI) aumentaram, o índice de fonação suave (SPI) reduziu. CONCLUSÃO: Os parâmetros acústicos, aos quatro anos, evidenciaram a imaturidade das estruturas e a falta de controle neuromuscular nessa idade e que o início deste processo de maturação, possivelmente, ocorre próximo aos cinco e seis anos de idade.
Líquen plano bucal: considerações clínicas e histopatológicas
Authors: Sousa Fernando Augusto Cervantes Garcia de , Rosa Luiz Eduardo Blumer
Published: June 2008

O líquen plano é uma das doenças dermatológicas mais comuns que acometem a cavidade bucal, com prevalência de 1% a 2% na população geral. Contudo, apesar de relativamente freqüente, o líquen plano bucal é alvo de muita controvérsia, especialmente em relação ao seu potencial de malignização. OBJETIVO: O presente trabalho tem como objetivo tecer considerações clínicas e histopatológicas a respeito do líquen plano bucal, favorecendo seu entendimento por parte dos profissionais da saúde e, conseqüentemente, reforçando a importância do acompanhamento a longo prazo dos pacientes acometidos pela doença. CONCLUSÃO: A possibilidade da lesão sofrer transformação maligna justifica a importância do acompanhamento a longo prazo dos pacientes com a doença.
Pseudotumor inflamatório de seios paranasais
Authors: Constantino Guilherme de Toledo Leme , Sasaki Fernando , Tavares Raquel Aguiar , Voegels Richard L. , Butugan Ossamu
Published: June 2008

Pseudotumor inflamatório pode ser definido como uma lesão que simula neoplasia clínica e radiologicamente. Não se trata de uma entidade clínico-patológica única, mas um termo genérico para qualquer lesão expansiva inflamatória crônica inespecífica. Há poucos relatos de pseudotumor inflamatório em cavidade nasal e seios paranasais. RELATO DE CASOS: Apresentamos três casos de pseudotumor inflamatório em nariz e seios paranasais atendidos na Divisão de Clínica Otorrinolaringológica do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. DISCUSSÃO: Pseudotumor inflamatório de seios paranasais apresenta sintomatologia variável conforme o local de origem. Geralmente, segue curso benigno, porém pode ser localmente agressivo.
Vertical alveolar crest bone maintenance around implants in two-stage surgery: an in situ study in dogs
Authors: Leonardo Mário Roberto , Borges Alberto Tadeu Nascimento , Martins-Júnior Walter , Queiroz Alexandra Mussolino de , Assed Sada
Published: June 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate in situ changes in the alveolar crest bone height around immediate implant-supported crowns in comparison to tooth-supported crowns (control) with the cervical margins located at the bone crest level, without occlusal load. In Group I, after extraction of 12 mandibular premolars from 4 adult dogs, implants from Branemark System (MK III TiU RP 4.0 x 11.5 mm) were placed to retain complete acrylic crowns. In Group II, premolars were prepared to receive complete metal crowns. Sixteen weeks after placement of the crowns (38 weeks after tooth extraction), the height of the alveolar bone crest was measured with a digital caliper. Data were analyzed statistically by the Mann-Whitney test at 5% significance level. The in situ analysis showed no statistically significant difference (p=0.880) between the implant-supported and the tooth-supported groups (1.528 + 0.459 mm and 1.570 + 0.263 mm, respectively). Based on the findings of the present study, it may be concluded that initial peri-implant bone loss may result from the remodeling process necessary to establish the biological space, similar to which occurs with tooth-supported crowns.
Nutritional and anthropometric analysis of edentulous patients wearing implant overdentures or conventional dentures
Authors: Muller Katia , Morais José , Feine Jocelyne
Published: June 2008

As masticatory efficiency diminishes drastically in edentulous patients, several researchers have studied over the past two decades how dietary intake varies when different types of oral rehabilitation are provided. Since the use of implants to support prostheses in edentulous mandibles has been shown to significantly improve masticatory performance, the question remains as to whether this improvement will influence the nutritional status. The purose of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of edentulous patients who randomly received either a mandibular conventional denture (CD) or an implant-supported overdenture (IP) 1 year previously. Weight, height, body composition and handgrip strength measurements were collected for analysis. Blood tests were performed to measure plasma parameters of diet intake. Participants responded to a Food Frequency Questionnaire and a Masticatory Function Questionnaire. Fifty-three people participated (58% men, 42% women; mean age = 53). Body composition indicators as well as plasma parameters were generally within normal range, and no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) was found between the groups. Patients in the CD group had significantly lower ratings for items regarding difficulty in chewing (p<0.05), but no significant difference was found for dietary intake (p>0.05). Although the CD wearers reported having more difficulty in chewing hard foods, both groups appeared to have a similar nutritional status.
Instituciones y conflictos en el ámbito de la enseñanza de la tisiología en Córdoba 1920-1955
Authors: Carbonetti Adrián
Published: June 2008

Este artículo pretende analizar el proceso de formación de las instituciones de enseñanza en la tisiología en el ámbito de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. La provincia de Córdoba, especialmente su capital y la región noroeste estuvieron consideradas por la medicina como zonas aptas para las curas climáticas. Esto generó una migración importante de enfermos y a su vez un interés creciente de los médicos por el estudio de la enfermedad. El análisis de los diferentes actores que intervinieron en el proceso de creación de las instituciones de enseñanza se estudia a partir del concepto de campo de Bourdieu. Desde esta perspectiva se abordan las etapas por las que transcurrió la tisiología, la creación de instituciones donde se llevó a cabo la enseñanza y las tensiones y conflictos que se dieron en esa conformación.
Médicos ecuestres, el arte de curar y los galenos en la historia nacional (Ciudad de México, 1877-1911)
Authors: Agostoni Claudia
Published: June 2008

La incertidumbre y desconfianza que en ocasiones suscitó la presencia y actuación de los médicos diplomados en la ciudad de México durante el gobierno de Porfirio Díaz (1877-1911), condujo a que éstos profesionistas consideraran como esencial fortalecer, vigorizar y crear, hasta donde fuese posible, una imagen respetable, competente y homogénea de su labor profesional. Para ello, recurrieron, recrearon y adaptaron las máximas de ética médica de la cultura médica occidental a su labor profesional, y se abocaron a rescatar del olvido histórico a destacados médicos del convulso siglo diecinueve mexicano. Con ello, como se expondrá en este ensayo, anhelaban responder, reaccionar y neutralizar la incredulidad y la crítica que el público manifestaba en torno a su quehacer y desempeño profesional.
Quantum bioethics: ethics for all beings
Authors: Siqueira-Batista Rodrigo
Published: June 2008

The present paper introduces elements for conceiving ethics for all beings based on the idea of laic compassion.
Avaliação das condições higiênico-sanitárias das cozinhas de creches públicas e filantrópicas
Authors: Oliveira Mariana de Novaes , Brasil Anne Lise Dias , Taddei José Augusto de Aguiar Carrazedo
Published: June 2008

Este trabalho objetiva avaliar as condições higiênico-sanitárias das cozinhas de creches públicas e filantrópicas do município de São Paulo, através da utilização de um instrumento de fácil aplicação. As informações sobre as condições higiênico-sanitárias foram coletadas através da observação das condições de funcionamento da cozinha de cinco creches públicas e filantrópicas do município de São Paulo. Para a classificação do risco de contaminação da alimentação, foi criado um escore. As cozinhas observadas de creches públicas e filantrópicas do município de São Paulo encontram-se em condições de funcionamento que oferecem riscos de contaminação à alimentação produzida pela instituição. Dentre os maiores fatores de risco de contaminação dos alimentos encontram-se as ações dos manipuladores. O investimento em treinamento e supervisão continuada da mão-de-obra envolvida na manipulação de alimentos é a melhor e mais fácil alternativa a ser realizada como forma de garantia das adequadas condições higiênico-sanitárias e da qualidade da alimentação servida às crianças em creches.
Exigência de fósforo disponível para tilápia-do-nilo (35 a 100 g)
Authors: Furuya Wilson Massamitu , Fujii Keila Michele , Santos Lilian Dena dos , Silva Tarcila Souza de Castro , Silva Lilian Carolina Rosa da , Michelato Mariana
Published: June 2008

Objetivou-se determinar a exigência de fósforo disponível para tilápias-do-nilo. Utilizaram-se 144 peixes com peso vivo inicial de 35,33 ± 0,66 g, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e três repetições. Foram fornecidas dietas com 29,0% PB, 2.980 kcal/kg de energia digestível (ED) e quatro níveis de fósforo disponível (0,25; 0,35; 0,45 ou 0,55%), obtidos pela utilização de fosfato bicálcico como fonte de fósforo. As dietas foram fornecidas aos peixes três vezes por dia, até aparente saciedade, durante 46 dias. Não foi observado efeito dos níveis de fósforo disponível na dieta sobre o índice hepatossomático, a taxa de sobrevivência e os teores de água e proteína bruta na carcaça. O aumento dos níveis de fósforo disponível na dieta promoveu aumento linear do ganho de peso médio, da excreção de fósforo e dos teores de cinza na carcaça e de cinzas, cálcio e fósforo nos ossos. Houve efeito quadrático dos níveis de fósforo disponível sobre o consumo de ração, a conversão alimentar e a taxa de eficiência protéica, que foram melhores nos níveis 0,37; 0,48 e 0,48% de fósforo disponível, respectivamente. A exigência de fósforo disponível para tilápia-do-nilo de 35 a 100 g é de 0,48% (0,53% na matéria seca).
Efeito dos níveis de concentrado sobre os componentes não-carcaça de ovinos Morada Nova em confinamento
Authors: Medeiros Geovergue Rodrigues de , Carvalho Francisco Fernando Ramos de , Ferreira Marcelo de Andrade , Alves Kaliandra Souza , Mattos Carla Wanderley , Saraiva Tibério de Albuquerque , Nascimento Jansen Ferreira do
Published: June 2008

Objetivou-se avaliar os pesos e rendimentos de órgãos, vísceras, subprodutos e componentes comestíveis de 32 ovinos da raça Morada Nova, castrados, confinados, recebendo dietas contendo 20; 40; 60 e 80% de concentrado. Os animais (8,11 ± 1,15 meses de idade e 19,67 ± 2,97 kg de peso inicial) foram abatidos aos 30,0 kg. Utilizou-se delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, com quatro tratamentos e oito repetições. O aumento dos níveis de concentrado elevou os pesos de corpo vazio (25,12; 25,69; 25,87 e 26,82 kg), fígado (0,497; 0,565; 0,566 e 0,653 kg), vesícula biliar (0,009; 0,014; 0,020 e 0,033 kg), intestino delgado (0,460; 0,564; 0,582 e 0,650 kg), sangue (1,258; 1,363; 1,295 e 1,597 kg), pele (1,944; 1967; 1,991 e 2,236), patas (0,607; 0,623; 0,620 e 0,692 kg), miúdos da "buchada" (4,489; 4,602; 4,750 e 5,055 kg) e seus rendimentos em relação ao peso corporal ao abate (14,51; 14,75; 15,50 e 16,29%), mas reduziu linearmente o conteúdo do trato gastrintestinal (5,80; 5,47; 4,80 e 4,16 kg) e do omaso (0,089; 0,070; 0,063 e 0,058 kg). Os pesos e rendimentos de alguns órgãos, vísceras, subprodutos e gorduras internas não foram alterados pelos planos nutricionais. Independentemente dos níveis de concentrado utilizados, os pesos e rendimentos dos componentes não-carcaça foram altos, com valores que refletem diretamente em menores pesos e rendimentos da carcaça dos ovinos Morada Nova confinados.
Segregation Residual in Higher Education: A Tale of Two States
Authors: Minor James T.
Published: June 2008

Using Mississippi and North Carolina as cases, the author examines progress made toward the desegregation of enrollments in public colleges and universities. Enrollment trends are analyzed in the context of contemporary social, legal, and educational policy initiatives intended to desegregate dual systems of public higher education. Despite more than 50 years of desegregation litigation, findings show that enrollment by race across institutional sectors remains considerably segregated. White enrollment at historically Black colleges and universities remains minuscule. Black enrollment at predominantly White institutions has increased noticeably in Mississippi but less so in North Carolina. The discussion is dedicated to understanding what factors most significantly influence policy efforts and distinguishing the notion of integration from desegregation mandates.
Modifying the journal impact factor by fractional citation weighting: The audience factor
Authors: Zitt Michel , Small Henry
Published: June 2008

A new approach to the field normalization of the classical journal impact factor is introduced. This approach, called the audience factor, takes into consideration the citing propensity of journals for a given cited journal, specifically, the mean number of references of each citing journal, and fractionally weights the citations from those citing journals. Hence, the audience factor is a variant of a fractional citation‐counting scheme, but computed on the citing journal rather than the citing article or disciplinary level, and, in contrast to other cited‐side normalization strategies, is focused on the behavior of the citing entities. A comparison with standard journal impact factors from Thomson Reuters shows a more diverse representation of fields within various quintiles of impact, significant movement in rankings for a number of individual journals, but nevertheless a high overall correlation with standard impact factors.
Group Intensive Family Training (GIFT) for preschoolers with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Anan Ruth M. , Warner Lori J. , McGillivary Jamie E. , Chong Ivy M. , Hines Stefani J.
Published: June 2008

Early, intensive behavioral intervention is effective in treating children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), but can be cost prohibitive. Expenses may be defrayed if children can benefit from parents acting as therapists. This quantitative case series examines the efficacy of the Group Intensive Family Training (GIFT) program, a 12‐week (180 h, delivered 3 h each weekday) parent‐training for preschoolers with ASDs. Parents were individually mentored in the hands‐on application of behavior analytic techniques, implementing these skills in vivo within a group of six parent–child dyads. Seventy‐two parents and children (ages 25–68 months) with ASDs participated in this study. Children's cognitive and adaptive functioning was assessed before and after the intervention program. Analyses revealed average gains of eight standard score points on the Mullen Early Learning Composite and five standard score points on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Composite after 12 weeks of treatment. Additionally, 14% and 11% of the children moved from the ‘impaired’ to ‘non‐impaired’ range on Mullen and Vineland composite scores, respectively. This preliminary investigation suggests that GIFT's behavioral, group parent‐training can lead to significant, yet cost‐ and time‐efficient gains for children with ASDs. Results must be interpreted with caution because of the absence of a control group. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiplex pathogen detection based on spatially addressable microarrays of barcoded resins
Authors: Blais David R. , Alvarez‐Puebla Ramon A. , Bravo‐Vasquez Juan P. , Fenniri Hicham , Pezacki John Paul
Published: June 2008

Suspension microsphere immunoassays are rapidly gaining recognition in antigen identification and infectious disease biodetection due to their simplicity, versatility and high‐throughput multiplex screening. We demonstrate a multiplex assay based on antibody‐functionalized barcoded resins (BCRs) to identify pathogen antigens in complex biological fluids. The binding event of a particular antibody on given bead (fluorescence) and the identification of the specific pathogen agent (vibrational fingerprint of the bead) can be achieved in a dispersive Raman system by exciting the sample with two different laser lines. Anthrax protective antigen, Franciscella tularensis lipopolysaccharide and CD14 antigens were accurately identified and quantified in tetraplex assays with a detection limit of 1 ng/mL. The rapid, versatile and simple analysis enabled by the BCRs demonstrates their potential for multiplex antigen detection and identification in a reconfigurable microarray format.
Development of the human hypogastric nerve sheath with special reference to the topohistology between the nerve sheath and other prevertebral fascial structures
Authors: Kinugasa Yusuke , Niikura Hitoshi , Murakami Gen , Suzuki Daisuke , Saito Shuji , Tatsumi Haruyuki , Ishii Masayuki
Published: June 2008

Semi‐serial sections from the lumbosacral region of nine fetuses (8–25 weeks gestation) were examined to clarify the lumbar prevertebral fascial arrangement. The prevertebral fasciae became evident after 12 weeks of age. After 20 weeks of age, the hypogastric nerve (HGN) was sandwiched by two fascial structures; the ventral fascia which seemed to correspond to the mesorectal fascia, whereas the dorsal fascia corresponded to the presacral fascia. These fasciae or the HGN sheaths extended laterally along the ventral aspects of the great vessels and associated lymph follicles. The ventral fascia is, to some extent, fused with the mesocolon descendens on the left side of the body. Notably, the lateral continuation of these two fasciae also sandwiches the left ureter, but not the right ureter, presumably due to modifications by the left‐sided fusion fascia. A hypothetical common sheath for the HGN and ureter (i.e., the ureterohypogastric or vesicohypogastric fascia) might thus be an oversimplification. Before retroperitoneal fixation, the morphology of the peritoneal recess along the mesocolon descendens and mesosigmoid suggested interindividual differences in location, shape, and size. Therefore, in adults the ease of surgical separation of the rectum and left‐sided colon from the HGN seems to depend on interindividual differences in the development of the embryonic peritoneal recess. On the caudal side of the second sacral segment, fascial structures were restricted along and around the HGN, pelvic splanchnic nerve, and pelvic plexus. The rectal lateral ligament thus seems to represent a kind of migration fascia formed by mechanical stress. Clin. Anat. 21:558–567, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An educational tool for controlling of SRM
Authors: Yigit Tuncay , Elmas Cetin
Published: June 2008

This article introduces an educational tool for a switched reluctance motor (SRM) drive system. It is prepared for undergraduate and graduate level students. Classical PI and Genetic PI controllers are used in SRM drive system. The Genetic PI controller was applied to the speed loop, replacing the classical PI controller. The tool software was implemented using C++ Builder on a PC. It has flexible structure and graphical interface. The students can be easily establishing a thorough understanding of both classical PI and genetic PI controller for a SRM drive system. The education tool allowed the student to interact with the SRM drive system and it is using controllers. Then it is responses on a dynamic and instantaneous basis under different operating conditions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 16: 268–279, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae20148
Growth of SmNiO3 Thin Films on LaAlO3 Single Crystals
Authors: Ihzaz Nejib , Oumezzine Mohamed , Kreisel Jens , Vincent Henri , Pignard Stephane
Published: June 2008

We present experimental results on the growth of SmNiO3 epitaxial thin films, successfully deposited by a liquid source metal‐organic (MO) CVD technique. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) characterizations and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS) are performed in order to optimize the composition and the purity of the films. Depositions on Si (001) and LaAlO3 (001) substrates show that the SmNiO3 phase needs a perovskite substrate with a good lattice match in order to be epitaxially stabilized. Texture analysis performed on asymmetric diffraction lines reveals the epitaxial character of the growth; in‐plane and out‐of plane mosaicity are determined on a 1000 Å thick film.
Cyclometalation of Thiobenzophenones with Mononuclear Methyliron and ‐cobalt Complexes
Authors: Beck Robert , Sun Hongjian , Li Xiaoyan , Camadanli Sebnem , Klein Hans‐Friedrich
Published: June 2008

Under smooth conditions (–70 °C) thiobenzophenone derivatives react with [Fe(CH3)2(PMe3)4] to form five‐membered metallacycles 1 and 2 by C–H activation. These complexes show octahedral coordination geometry; with [Co(CH3)(PMe3)4], complexes 3 and 4 with trigonal‐bipyramidal coordination are formed. Reaction with basic [Ni(CH3)2(PMe3)3] causes reductive elimination (of ethane) with formation of zerovalent η2‐C=S complexes 5 and 6, possessing triangular‐planar coordination. The structures of the complexes were confirmed by X‐ray diffraction, and their coordination geometry is discussed.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Cost–benefit analysis involving addictive goods: contingent valuation to estimate willingness‐to‐pay for smoking cessation
Authors: Weimer David L. , Vining Aidan R. , Thomas Randall K.
Published: June 2008

The valuation of changes in consumption of addictive goods resulting from policy interventions presents a challenge for cost–benefit analysts. Consumer surplus losses from reduced consumption of addictive goods that are measured relative to market demand schedules overestimate the social cost of cessation interventions. This article seeks to show that consumer surplus losses measured using a non‐addicted demand schedule provide a better assessment of social cost. Specifically, (1) it develops an addiction model that permits an estimate of the smoker's compensating variation for the elimination of addiction; (2) it employs a contingent valuation survey of current smokers to estimate their willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) for a treatment that would eliminate addiction; (3) it uses the estimate of WTP from the survey to calculate the fraction of consumer surplus that should be viewed as consumer value; and (4) it provides an estimate of this fraction. The exercise suggests that, as a tentative first and rough rule‐of‐thumb, only about 75% of the loss of the conventionally measured consumer surplus should be counted as social cost for policies that reduce the consumption of cigarettes. Additional research to estimate this important rule‐of‐thumb is desirable to address the various caveats relevant to this study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The gut-brain-liver axis: A new option to treat obesity and diabetes?
Authors: Beraza Naiara
Published: June 2008

Wang PY, Caspi L, Lam CK, Chari M, Li X, Light PE, et al. Upper intestinal lipids trigger a gut-brain-liver axis to regulate glucose production. Nature 2008;452:1012–1016. www.nature.com (Reprinted with permission.)

Energy and glucose homeostasis are regulated by food intake and liver glucose production, respectively. The upper intestine has a critical role in nutrient digestion and absorption. However, studies indicate that upper intestinal lipids inhibit food intake as well in rodents and humans by the activation of an intestine–brain axis. In parallel, a brain–liver axis has recently been proposed to detect blood lipids to inhibit glucose production in rodents. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that upper intestinal lipids activate an intestine–brain–liver neural axis to regulate glucose homeostasis. Here we demonstrate that direct administration of lipids into the upper intestine increased upper intestinal long-chain fatty acyl-coenzyme A (LCFA-CoA) levels and suppressed glucose production. Co-infusion of the acyl-CoA synthase inhibitor triacsin C or the anaesthetic tetracaine with duodenal lipids abolished the inhibition of glucose production, indicating that upper intestinal LCFA-CoAs regulate glucose production in the preabsorptive state. Subdiaphragmatic vagotomy or gut vagal deafferentation interrupts the neural connection between the gut and the brain, and blocks the ability of upper intestinal lipids to inhibit glucose production. Direct administration of the N-methyl-d-aspartate ion channel blocker MK-801 into the fourth ventricle or the nucleus of the solitary tract where gut sensory fibres terminate abolished the upper-intestinal-lipid-induced inhibition of glucose production. Finally, hepatic vagotomy negated the inhibitory effects of upper intestinal lipids on glucose production. These findings indicate that upper intestinal lipids activate an intestine–brain–liver neural axis to inhibit glucose production, and thereby reveal a previously unappreciated pathway that regulates glucose homeostasis.
Histological changes in HCV antibody–positive, HCV RNA–negative subjects suggest persistent virus infection
Authors: Hoare Matthew , Gelson William T. H. , Rushbrook Simon M. , Curran Martin D. , Woodall Tracy , Coleman Nicholas , Davies Susan E. , Alexander Graeme J. M.
Published: June 2008

It is unclear whether hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been eradicated or persists at a low level in HCV antibody–positive HCV RNA–negative individuals. The natural history and liver histology are not well characterized. One hundred seventy-two HCV antibody–positive, serum HCV RNA–negative patients underwent diagnostic liver biopsy between 1992 and 2000 and were followed a median 7 years (range, 5–12). Patients with any possible cause of liver injury other than HCV were excluded. A single histopathologist scored sections using Ishak criteria. Characterization of the inflammatory infiltrate in selected cases used a novel semiquantitative technique and compared with HCV RNA–positive patients and healthy controls. One hundred two patients were excluded because of a risk factor for liver injury other than HCV. Seventy patients met the study criteria; four (5.7%) became HCV RNA–positive during follow-up. Sixty-six cases remained HCV RNA–negative; five (7.5%) had a normal liver biopsy; 54 (82%) had fibrosis (stage 2 or 3 in 16 (24%)). Nonviremic cases revealed expanded portal tracts (

P

< 0.05), with fewer CD4+ (

P

< 0.05) and more CD8+ cells (

P

< 0.05) than healthy controls, but were indistinguishable from HCV RNA–positive cases for these parameters. Lobular CD4 staining, absent in healthy controls, was noted in both HCV RNA–negative and –positive cases and was more marked in the latter (

P

< 0.05) with a sinusoidal lining cell distribution.

Conclusion:

Nonviremic HCV antibody–positive patients have a liver biopsy that is usually abnormal. Fibrosis was present in most with similar inflammatory infiltrate to viremic cases. The presence of a CD8+ rich inflammatory infiltrate suggests an ongoing immune response in the liver, supporting the view that HCV may persist in the liver in the majority of HCV RNA–negative cases. (Hepatology 2008;48;1737-1745.)
Expression of matrix metalloproteinases in the neurogenic niche of the adult monkey hippocampus after ischemia
Authors: Lu Li , Tonchev Anton B. , Kaplamadzhiev Desislav B. , Boneva Nadezhda B. , Mori Yoshimi , Sahara Shunya , Ma Dexuan , Nakaya Masa‐aki , Kikuchi Mitsuru , Yamashima Tetsumori
Published: June 2008

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), zinc‐dependent endopeptidases capable of remodeling extracellular matrix and regulating cellular signals, have been implicated in various neurological functions and diseases. However, the role of MMPs in the adult neurogenesis still remains to be clarified, particularly in the primate. Here, we studied differential expression of MMP9/2 in the neurogenic niche of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) after transient global brain ischemia in young adult macaque monkeys. Zymography demonstrated biphasic upregulation of MMP9 in acute (Days 1–3) and delayed (Days 7–15) phases of postischemic reaction, whereas the level of MMP2 was elevated only in the delayed phase. Immunofluorescence histochemistry showed that MMP9 and MMP2 colabeled with markers of endothelial cells, astrocytes, and newborn neurons in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the DG, and also that the percentage of coexpression significantly increased in the delayed postischemic phase, as compared with controls. However, colabeling with different cell selective markers reached its peak at different time points, i.e., with endothelial cells on Day 7, whereas with astrocytes and newborn neurons on Day 15, respectively. MMPs were localized both in the perikarya and dendrites in the newborn neurons. In conclusion, MMP9/2 expression was regulated in a cell‐ and time‐specific manner in hippocampal neurogenic niche of adult primates. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Geographic variation of gallbladder cancer mortality and risk factors in Chile: A population‐based ecologic study
Authors: Andia Marcelo E. , Hsing Ann W. , Andreotti Gabriella , Ferreccio Catterina
Published: June 2008

Chile's gallbladder cancer rates are among the highest in the world, being the leading cause of cancer deaths among Chilean women. To provide insights into the etiology of gallbladder cancer, we conducted an ecologic study examining the geographical variation of gallbladder cancer and several putative risk factors. The relative risk of dying from gallbladder cancer between 1985 and 2003 was estimated for each of the 333 Chilean counties, using a hierarchical Poisson regression model, adjusting for age, sex and geographical location. The risk of gallbladder cancer mortality was analyzed in relation to region, poverty, Amerindian (Mapuche) population, typhoid fever and access to cholecystectomy, using logistic regression analysis. There were 27,183 gallbladder cancer deaths, with age and sex‐adjusted county mortality rates ranging from 8.2 to 12.4 per 100,000 inhabitants. Rates were highest in inland and southern regions. Compared to the northern‐coast, the northern‐inland region had a 10‐fold risk (95% of confidence interval (95% CI): 2.4–42.2) and the southern‐inland region had a 26‐fold risk (95% CI: 6.0–114.2). Independent of region, other risk factors for gallbladder cancer included a high Mapuche population (Odds ratio (OR):3.9, 95% CI 1.8–8.7), high typhoid fever incidence (OR:2.9, 95% CI 1.2–6.9), high poverty (OR:5.1, 95% CI 1.6–15.9), low access to cholecystectomy (OR:3.9, 95% CI 1.5–10.1), low access to hospital care (OR:14.2, 95% CI 4.2–48.7) and high urbanization (OR:8.0, 95% CI 3.4–18.7). Our results suggest that gallbladder cancer in Chile may be related to both genetic factors and poor living conditions. Future analytic studies are needed to further clarify the role of these factors in gallbladder cancer etiology. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Family history of cancer and stomach cancer risk
Authors: Foschi Roberto , Lucenteforte Ersilia , Bosetti Cristina , Bertuccio Paola , Tavani Alessandra , La Vecchia Carlo , Negri Eva
Published: June 2008

A family history of stomach cancer in first‐degree relatives increases the risk of stomach cancer, but uncertainties remain as concerns the variation of the risk according to age, sex and type of relative, as well as on the role of family history of other cancers. We investigated the issue using data from a multicentric case‐control study conducted in Italy between 1997 and 2007 on 230 cases aged not more than 80 years, with histologically confirmed incident gastric cancer and 547 controls admitted to hospital for acute, non neoplastic conditions. Logistic regression models adjusted for the effect of sex, age, year of interview, education, body mass index (BMI), tobacco smoking and number of brothers and sisters were used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) of stomach cancer. Relative to subjects with no history, those with a family history of gastric cancer had an OR of 2.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5–4.2). No significant heterogeneity emerged according to sex or age of the proband or of the affected relative, or smoking habits, BMI and education of the proband. As suggested from previous studies the OR was higher when the affected relative was a sibling (OR=5.1, 95% CI: 1.3–20.6) rather than a parent (OR=2.2, 95% CI: 1.2–3.9), although the heterogeneity test was not significant. The risk of stomach cancer was not increased in subjects with a family history of cancer at any other site. The OR for all sites excluding stomach was 1.0 (95% CI: 0.7–1.4). © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Linking research, capacity building, and policy dialogue in support of informal irrigation in urban West Africa
Authors: Drechsel Pay , Cofie Olufunke O. , van Veenhuizen René , Larbi Theophilus O.
Published: June 2008

Informal irrigation is receiving increasing attention in West Africa. In particular, irrigated urban and peri‐urban agriculture (UPA) is thriving with significant benefits for farmers and the urban populations, though it is often handicapped by water pollution which threatens public health and prevents authorities from appreciating its advantages. To integrate UPA in sustainable urban development, a multi‐stakeholder (MS) process has been implemented since 2005 in a stepwise approach in six West African cities. Accra, Ghana, was the first Anglophone city where the MS process tried to facilitate strategic partnerships for an improved research‐policy dialogue. The process was supported by capacity building of local stakeholders, e.g. in participatory processes management, action planning and research, and monitoring and evaluation. These activities facilitated the official recognition of the role and benefits of UPA in Ghana in various ways. An internal lesson learnt was that there are many reasons why local partners might not give every project the expected priority and that related capacity‐building efforts might consequently not provide the expected incentive for partner commitment. Moreover, flexibility is required to link research, capacity building and policy dialogue through an MS process as its dynamic can vary from city to city and thus cannot follow set theoretical standards. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Building drought management capacity in the Mekong River basin
Authors: Hundertmark Wilfried
Published: June 2008

Over the past decades the Mekong River basin has experienced several droughts, the most recent of which occurred in the hydrological year 2004/2005. Impacts extended across agriculture, forestry, water resources, supply, industry, transport and the environment. In early 2006, the Mekong River Commission Secretariat initiated close consultations with the MRC member states Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam, aiming at the formulation of a common Drought Management Programme, which would enhance the existing drought management capacity and ensure effective support. This paper draws attention to the programme formulation process. It shows how national capacity needs were assessed and synthesized into a basin‐wide capacity development programme. The paper concludes that in the context of international waters enhancing cooperation and capacity in drought management requires a strategic framework as an overall guideline for programme formulation and implementation. It defines a common terminology, mechanisms and linkages to integrated water resources management plans. The programme's long‐term success depends on the ability to sustain the interest of the national partner institutions. Ultimately, enhanced capacity in drought management must demonstrate its impact on the level of vulnerability of the population living under drought‐prone conditions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.