bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the TSSK2 Gene May be Associated With Human Spermatogenesis Impairment
Authors: Zhang Hao , Su Dan , Yang Yuan , Zhang Wei , Liu Yunqiang , Bai Gang , Ma Mingyi , Ma Yongxin , Zhang Sizhong
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT: Tssk2, a member of the testis‐specific serine/threonine kinase (TSSK) family, is expressed predominantly in the testis and is crucial for the formation and function of sperm cells in the mouse. Targeted deletion of Tssk1 and Tssk2 in male chimeric mice caused infertility because of haploinsufficiency of the genes. Therefore, it is reasonable to postulate that mutations in the human homolog TSSK2 gene may also play a role in impaired spermatogenesis in humans. To explore the possible association between mutations in the TSSK2 gene and idiopathic infertility in humans, mutation screening of the gene in 494 patients with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia and 357 fertile controls was performed using denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography and DNA sequencing. As a result, 4 single‐nucleotide transitions were identified, including c.80A>G (rs3747052), c.774C>T (rs1052756), c.839C>T (rs1052763), and c.1026G>A (rs1052773). Among them, significant differences in polymorphism frequencies were observed of c.80A>G (rs3747052) and c.774C>T (rs1052756) between the patients and controls; the allele G of c.80A>G (rs3747052) and allele T of c.774C>T (rs1052756) seem to be risk factors for the development of spermatogenic impairment, suggesting that the TSSK2 gene may be associated with male idiopathic infertility in humans.
Deletion of the Igf1 Gene: Suppressive Effects on Adult Leydig Cell Development
Authors: Hu Guo‐Xin , Lin Han , Chen Guo‐Rong , Chen Bing‐Bing , Lian Qing‐Quan , Hardy Dianne O. , Zirkin Barry R. , Ge Ren‐Shan
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT: Deletion of the insulin‐like growth factor 1 (Igf1) gene was shown in previous studies to result in reduced numbers of Leydig cells in the testes of 35‐day‐old mice, and in reduced circulating testosterone levels. In the current study, we asked whether deletion of the Igf1 gene affects the number, proliferation, and/or steroidogenic function of some or all of the precursor cell types in the developmental sequence that leads to the establishment of adult Leydig cells (ALCs). Decreased numbers of cells in the Leydig cell lineage (ie, 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase–positive cells) were seen in testes of postnatal day (PND) 14–90 Igf1−/− mice compared with age‐matched Igf1+/+ controls. The development of ALCs proceeds from stem Leydig cells (SLCs) through progenitor Leydig cells (PLCs) and immature Leydig cells (ILCs). The bromodeoxyuridine labeling index of putative SLCs was similar in the Igf1−/− and Igf1+/+ mice. In contrast, the labeling index of PLCs was reduced in the Igf1−/− mice on each day of PND 14 through PND 35, and that of more mature Leydig cells (referred to herein as LCs, a combination of ILCs plus ALCs) was reduced from PND 21 through PND 56. In Igf1−/− mice that received recombinant IGF‐I, the labeling indices of PLCs and LCs were similar to those of age‐matched Igf1+/+ mice, indicating that the reductions in the labeling indices seen in the PLCs and LCs of the Igf1−/− mice were a consequence of reduced IGF‐I. On each day of PND 21 through PND 90, testicular testosterone concentrations were significantly reduced in the Igf1−/− mice, as were the expressions of testis‐specific mRNAs involved in steroidogenesis, including Star, Cyp11a1, and Cyp17a1. The increased expression of the gene for 5α‐reductase (Srd5a1) in adult Igf1−/− testes suggests that the depletion of Igf1 might suppress or delay Leydig cell maturation. These observations, taken together, indicate that the reduced numbers of Leydig cells in the adult testes of Igf1−/− mice result at least in part from altered proliferation and differentiation of ALC precursor cells, but not of the stem cells that give rise to these cells.
Changes in the Expression Profile of the Meiosis‐Involved Mismatch Repair Genes in Impaired Human Spermatogenesis
Authors: Terribas Ernest , Bonache Sandra , García‐Arévalo Marta , Sánchez Josvany , Franco Eladio , Bassas Lluís , Larriba Sara
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT: DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes have been described to participate in crossover events during meiotic recombination, which is, in turn, a key step of spermatogenesis. This evidence suggests that MMR family gene expression may be altered in infertile men with defective sperm production. In order to determine the expression profile of MMR genes in impaired human spermatogenesis, we performed transcript levels analysis of MMR genes (MLH1, MLH3, PMS2, MSH4, and MSH5), and other meiosis‐involved genes (ATR, HSPA2, and SYCP3) as controls, by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in testis from 13 patients with spermatogenic failure, 5 patients with primary germ cell tumors, and 10 controls with conserved spermatogenesis. Correlation of the expression values with the histological findings was also performed. The MMR gene expression values, with the exception of PMS2, are significantly decreased in men with spermatogenic failure. The pattern of MMR reduction correlates with the severity of damage, being maximum in maturation arrest. Specifically, expression of the testicular MSH4 gene could be useful as a surrogate marker for the presence of intratesticular elongated spermatid in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia, contributing to predict the viability of assisted reproduction. Interestingly, a reduction in the MSH4 and MSH5 transcript concentration per spermatocyte was also observed. The decreased expression level of other meiosis‐specific genes, such as HSPA2 and SYCP3, suggests that the spermatocyte capacity to express meiosis‐related genes is markedly reduced in spermatogenic failure, contributing to meiosis impairment and spermatogenic blockade.
A Soluble Guanylate Cyclase–Dependent Mechanism Is Involved in the Regulation of Net Hepatic Glucose Uptake by Nitric Oxide in Vivo
Authors: An Zhibo , Winnick Jason J. , Farmer Ben , Neal Doss , Lautz Margaret , Irimia Jose M. , Roach Peter J. , Cherrington Alan D.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

We previously showed that elevating hepatic nitric oxide (NO) levels reduced net hepatic glucose uptake (NHGU) in the presence of portal glucose delivery, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of a downstream signal, soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), in the regulation of NHGU by NO.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Studies were performed on 42-h–fasted conscious dogs fitted with vascular catheters. At 0 min, somatostatin was given peripherally along with 4× basal insulin and basal glucagon intraportally. Glucose was delivered at a variable rate via a leg vein to double the blood glucose level and hepatic glucose load throughout the study. From 90 to 270 min, an intraportal infusion of the sGC inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo[4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) was given in −sGC (n = 10) and −sGC/+NO (n = 6), whereas saline was given in saline infusion (SAL) (n = 10). The −sGC/+NO group also received intraportal SIN-1 (NO donor) to elevate hepatic NO from 180 to 270 min.

RESULTS

In the presence of 4× basal insulin, basal glucagon, and hyperglycemia (2× basal ), inhibition of sGC in the liver enhanced NHGU (mg/kg/min; 210–270 min) by ∼55% (2.9 ± 0.2 in SAL vs. 4.6 ± 0.5 in −sGC). Further elevating hepatic NO failed to reduce NHGU (4.5 ± 0.7 in −sGC/+NO). Net hepatic carbon retention (i.e., glycogen synthesis; mg glucose equivalents/kg/min) increased to 3.8 ± 0.2 in −sGC and 3.8 ± 0.4 in −sGC/+NO vs. 2.4 ± 0.2 in SAL (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

NO regulates liver glucose uptake through a sGC-dependent pathway. The latter could be a target for pharmacologic intervention to increase meal-associated hepatic glucose uptake in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Maternal Antioxidant Supplementation Prevents Adiposity in the Offspring of Western Diet–Fed Rats
Authors: Sen Sarbattama , Simmons Rebecca A.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

Obesity in pregnancy significantly increases the risk of the offspring developing obesity after birth. The aims of this study were to test the hypothesis that maternal obesity increases oxidative stress during fetal development, and to determine whether administration of an antioxidant supplement to pregnant Western diet-fed rats would prevent the development of adiposity in the offspring.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Female Sprague Dawley rats were started on the designated diet at 4 weeks of age. Four groups of animals were studied: control chow (control); control + antioxidants (control+Aox); Western diet (Western); and Western diet + antioxidants (Western+Aox). The rats were mated at 12 to 14 weeks of age, and all pups were weaned onto control diet.

RESULTS

Offspring from dams fed the Western diet had significantly increased adiposity as early as 2 weeks of age as well as impaired glucose tolerance compared with offspring of dams fed a control diet. Inflammation and oxidative stress were increased in preimplantation embryos, fetuses, and newborns of Western diet-fed rats. Gene expression of proadipogenic and lipogenic genes was altered in fat tissue of rats at 2 weeks and 2 months of age. The addition of an antioxidant supplement decreased adiposity and normalized glucose tolerance.

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammation and oxidative stress appear to play a key role in the development of increased adiposity in the offspring of Western diet-fed pregnant dams. Restoration of the antioxidant balance during pregnancy in the Western diet-fed dam is associated with decreased adiposity in offspring.
High Glucose Increases Lysyl Oxidase Expression and Activity in Retinal Endothelial Cells: Mechanism for Compromised Extracellular Matrix Barrier Function
Authors: Chronopoulos Argyrios , Tang Amanda , Beglova Ekaterina , Trackman Philip C. , Roy Sayon
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

In diabetes, retinal vascular basement membrane (BM) undergoes significant thickening and compromises vessel function including increased vascular permeability, a prominent lesion of early diabetic retinopathy. In this study we determined whether altered expression and activity of lysyl oxidase (LOX), a cross-linking enzyme, may compromise vascular basement membrane functional integrity under high-glucose (HG) conditions.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Rat retinal endothelial cells (RRECs) grown in normal (5 mmol/l) or HG (30 mmol/l glucose) medium for 7 days were assessed for expression of LOX and proLOX by Western blot analysis and LOX enzyme activity. To determine whether HG alters cellular distribution patterns of LOX and proLOX, immunostaining with respective antibodies was performed. Similarly, cells grown in normal or HG medium were subjected to both LOX inhibition with β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) and by small interfering RNA knockdown, and respectively examined for cell monolayer permeability. Additionally, retinas of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats were analyzed to determine if diabetes altered LOX expression.

RESULTS

Western blot analysis revealed significantly increased LOX and proLOX expression in cells grown in HG medium compared with those grown in normal medium. The increased LOX level was strikingly similar to LOX upegulation in the diabetic retinas. In cells grown in HG medium, LOX activity and cell monolayer permeability was significantly increased, as were LOX and proLOX immunostaining. Small interfering RNA- or BAPN–induced-specific blockage of LOX expression or activity, respectively, reduced cell monolayer permeability.

CONCLUSIONS

HG-induced increased LOX expression and activity compromises barrier functional integrity, a prominent lesion of diabetic retinopathy.
Smoking and Risk for Diabetes Incidence and Mortality in Korean Men and Women
Authors: Jee Sun Ha , Foong Athena W. , Hur Nam Wook , Samet Jonathan M.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

Mounting evidence suggests that smoking is a cause of type 2 diabetes. We explored the association of cigarette smoking with diabetes incidence and mortality in a large cohort of Koreans.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A 14-year prospective cohort study was performed on 1,236,443 Korean men and women, aged 30–95 years at baseline, who underwent standardized biennial medical examinations provided by the National Health Insurance Corporation (NHIC). Incident diabetes was identified on the basis of outpatient visits, hospitalization, or prescription medication treatment for diabetes, as captured in the NHIC database. Diabetes mortality was obtained through the national statistical office. Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate associations of smoking with indicators of diabetes and diabetes mortality.

RESULTS

Smoking was significantly associated with increased risk for diabetic outpatient treatment, hospitalization, and mortality among both men and women, and the risk among current smokers increased modestly with the number of cigarettes smoked daily (Ptrend < 0.0001 for all associations). Compared with never smokers, current male smokers who smoked ≥20 cigarettes/day had increased risk for incident diabetes defined by outpatient treatment (adjusted hazard ratio 1.55 [1.51–1.60]), incident diabetes defined by ≥3 prescription medications for diabetes (1.71 [1.63–1.80]), and death from diabetes (1.60 [1.25–2.06]). The risks for outpatient treatment among smokers were higher in men than in women with evidence for effect modification by sex and age (Pinteraction < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides longitudinal evidence that smoking increases the risk of incident diabetes and mortality.
Patient Age, Ethnicity, Medical History, and Risk Factor Profile, but Not Drug Insurance Coverage, Predict Successful Attainment of Glycemic Targets
Authors: Teoh Hwee , Braga Manoela F.B. , Casanova Amparo , Drouin Denis , Goodman Shaun G. , Harris Stewart B. , Langer Anatoly , Tan Mary K. , Ur Ehud , Yan Andrew T. , Zinman Bernard , Leiter Lawrence A. ,   on behalf of the T2DM QUERI Investigators
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors in patients with type 2 diabetes and A1C >7.0% associated with attainment of A1C ≤7.0%.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used a prospective registry of 5,280 Canadian patients in primary care settings enrolled in a 12-month glycemic pharmacotherapy optimization strategy based on national guidelines.

RESULTS

At close out, median A1C was 7.1% (vs. 7.8% at baseline) with 48% of subjects achieving A1C ≤7.0% (P < 0.0001). Older patients of Asian or black origin, those with longer diabetes duration, those with lower baseline A1C, BMI, LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure, and those on angiotensin receptor blockers and a lower number of antihyperglycemic agents, were more likely to achieve A1C ≤7.0% at some point during the study (all P < 0.0235). Access to private versus public drug coverage did not impact glycemic target realization.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient demography, cardiometabolic health, and ongoing pharmacotherapy, but not access to private drug insurance coverage, contribute to the care gap in type 2 diabetes.
Low Peripheral Nerve Conduction Velocities and Amplitudes Are Strongly Related to Diabetic Microvascular Complications in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Charles Morten , Soedamah-Muthu Sabita S. , Tesfaye Solomon , Fuller John H. , Arezzo Joseph C. , Chaturvedi Nishi , Witte Daniel R. ,   EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study Investigators
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

Slow nerve conduction velocity and reduction in response amplitude are objective hallmarks of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Because subjective or clinical indicators of neuropathy do not always match well with the presence of abnormal nerve physiology tests, we evaluated associations to nerve conduction in patients with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Nerve conduction studies were performed in the distal sural and ulnar sensory nerves and the peroneal motor nerve in 456 individuals with type 1 diabetes who participated in the follow-up visit of the EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study (EPCS). We used multivariate regression models to describe associations to decreased nerve conduction measures.

RESULTS

In addition to an effect of duration of diabetes and A1C, which were both associated with low nerve conduction velocity and response amplitude, we found that the presence of nephropathy, retinopathy, or a clinical diagnosis of neuropathy was associated with low nerve conduction velocity and amplitude. In the case of nonproliferative retinopathy, the odds ratio (OR) for being in lowest tertile was 2.30 (95% CI 1.13–4.67) for nerve conduction velocity. A similar OR was found for each 2% difference in A1C (2.39 [1.68–3.41]).

CONCLUSIONS

We show that the presence of other microvascular diabetes complications, together with diabetes duration and A1C, are associated with low nerve conduction velocity and amplitude response and that cardiovascular disease or risk factors do not seem to be associated with these measures.
Preterm Birth—A Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes?
Authors: Kajantie Eero , Osmond Clive , Barker David J.P. , Eriksson Johan G.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

The association between low birth weight and type 2 diabetes is well established. We studied whether preterm birth carries a similar risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Helsinki Birth Cohort includes 13,345 men and women born between 1934 and 1944. Of them, 12,813 had adequate data on length of gestation, which we linked with data on special reimbursement for diabetes medication.

RESULTS

Of the subjects, 5.1% had received special reimbursement after age 40. In subjects born before 35 weeks of gestation, the odds ratio for diabetes was 1.68 (95% CI 1.06–2.65) compared with that in those born at term. After adjustment for birth weight relative to length of gestation, the odds ratio was 1.59 (1.00–2.52).

CONCLUSIONS

Preterm birth before 35 weeks of gestation is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in adult life. The risk is independent of that associated with slow fetal growth.
Effects of Thyroid Hormone on A1C and Glycated Albumin Levels in Nondiabetic Subjects With Overt Hypothyroidism
Authors: Kim Mee Kyoung , Kwon Hyuk Sang , Baek Ki-Hyun , Lee Je Hoon , Park Woo Chan , Sohn Hyung Sun , Lee Kwang-Woo , Song Ki-Ho
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the effects of thyroid hormone on A1C and glycated albumin (GA) in nondiabetic patients with overt hypothyroidism.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A1C levels were measured in 45 nondiabetic patients with overt hypothyroidism and 180 euthyroid control subjects. A1C, GA, fasting blood glucose (FBG), 1,5-anhydroglucitol, and erythrocyte indexes were determined in 30 nondiabetic patients with overt hypothyroidism before and after thyroid hormone replacement.

RESULTS

A1C levels were higher in patients with hypothyroidism compared with control subjects. A1C levels were decreased by thyroid hormone replacement. Thyroid hormone replacement increased serum erythropoietin, reticulocyte count, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). The change in A1C level was significantly correlated with the change in reticulocyte count or MCH. Thyroid hormone replacement decreased serum levels of albumin and GA. However, FBG and 1,5-anhydroglucitol levels were not altered.

CONCLUSIONS

Levels of A1C and GA are spuriously high in nondiabetic patients with overt hypothyroidism.
Mehr als «Habitat» oder «Dienstleister»? Der Wald als Komponente eines Landschaftssystems | More than habitat or service provider? Forests as constituents of a landscape system
Authors: Olschewski Roland , Elsasser Peter
Published: September 2010

Forests have a variety of functions, which might have positive effects for the forest owners as well as for the well-fare of the general population. This potential to satisfy people's needs is contrasted by the manifold and varying demand of the population, which might lead to conflicts concerning the decision on the appropriate land use. A systematic analysis of possible land uses and production opportunities, which includes different perspectives could be helpful to reduce such conflicts. We present three different points of view, a “habitat perspective” (which is rather ecologically motivated), a “service perspective” (which has a stronger economic focus), and a “landscape system perspective” (which aims at being integrative). It is shown, how these different perspectives can affect decisions related to the criteria “sustainability” and “efficiency”. It is concluded that the landscape system approach provides a useful basis for decision-making. However, it should not be seen as a substitute for the habitat or the service perspective, but merely as an important complementary approach.
CO2-Zertifikate – ein Produkt aus Schweizer Wäldern? | CO2 certificates – a product from Swiss forests?
Authors: Schmidtke Hubertus
Published: September 2010

Carbon storage in forests is a valuable service, which can be marketed through climate protection projects. In Switzerland, voluntary projects are in the fore, such as the establishment of forest reserves and the increase of wood stocks in managed forests. Up to now only few such sink projects have been realized, mainly due to low motivation, lacking methodological know-how and poor marketing activities. However, first market transactions show that there is quite a demand for Swiss certificates. In the end, the decision to develop such a product depends on the specific silvicultural and economic situation and is up to the management of each single forest enterprise.
An Activity Monitoring Application for Windows Mobile Devices
Authors: Al Mushcab Hayat , Curran Kevin , Doherty Jonathan
Published: September 2010

Obesity is rising at an alarming rate. A great challenge facing the health community is introducing population-wide approaches to weight management as existing health and medical provisions do not have the capacity to cope. Technology is fast becoming an important tool to combat this trend. The use of activity monitors is becoming more common in health care as a device to measure everyday activity levels of patients as activity is often linked to weight. This paper outlines a research project where Bluetooth technology can be used to connect a commercial wrist-worn activity monitor with a Windows Mobile device to allow the user to upload the activity data to a remote server.
Simulating the Diffusion of Information
Authors: Hui Cindy , Goldberg Mark , Magdon-Ismail Malik , Wallace William A.
Published: September 2010

Diffusion occurs in various contexts and generally involves a network of entities and interactions between entities. Through these interactions, some property, e.g., information, ideas, etc., is spread through the network. This paper presents a general model of diffusion in dynamic networks. The authors simulate the diffusion of evacuation warnings in multiple network structures under various model settings and observe the proportion of evacuated nodes. The network dynamics occur as the result of the diffusion where nodes may leave the network after receiving the warning. The authors use the model to explore how the network structure, seeding strategy, network trust, and trust distribution affect the diffusion process. The effectiveness of the diffusion is a function of the network structure and seeding strategy used in delivering the initial broadcast. The simulation results reveal interesting observations on the effects of network trust and distribution of trust in the network.
Substituting ICT as a Lever for Inclusion of Children with Reading and Writing Difficulties
Authors: Levinsen Karin Tweddell
Published: September 2010

This paper presents research findings from a 3-year development and research project named Project IT-folder (PIF) that aimed at the inclusion of young children with potential reading and writing difficulties into normal classes in a suburb of the Danish capital. The project ran from 2007 to June 2010 as collaboration between the Danish University School of Education, the local municipality government, the Pedagogic Development Centre and two primary schools in the municipality. The aim of the project was to produce research-based knowledge that grounds and consolidates a future-oriented and sustainable implementation strategy and practice for all schools in the municipality regarding ICT as a change agent. The project’s methodology was designed as research-based interventions into everyday practice, while data was collected through qualitative and anthropological methods, collection of student work and school assessment measures. PIF has succeeded in producing a series of interventions ranging from everyday practices over competence building for teachers to organisational changes in the single school and at the municipality level. These interventions are at present being implemented in the municipality.
Training in Technologically Enabled Environments
Authors: Rafi Ahmad , Samsudin Khairulanuar
Published: September 2010

The paper reports the findings from an experimental research study based on the pretest–posttest control group design, which examined the differential outcomes of spatial ability training attributed to training condition and gender. The study sample was comprised of 98 eighth graders (36 girls, 62 boys). The first experimental group (EG1) trained in interaction condition, the second experimental group (EG2) trained in animation condition, and the control group (CG) used printed materials. The groups underwent eight 2-hour weekly sessions, and the Spatial Visualization test and a survey questionnaire were used to collect the research data. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 16.0. The findings reveal that spatial ability can be trained and interaction is the most effective condition. An interaction effect is observed with boys, who attained performance gains differentially, whereas girls are condition-neutral. Implications of the findings are also discussed.
Adoption and Use of ICTs among Rural Youth
Authors: Alexopoulos George , Koutsouris Alex , Tzouramani Irene
Published: September 2010

In the last few decades, within the rhetoric of the “information age”, there is a growing enthusiasm for the (potential) benefits of the dissemination of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). This is further enhanced through eGovernment projects undertaken on a worldwide scale. However, a number of issues seem to defy such optimism as far as rural areas are concerned. The critical review of such issues question the thesis that ICTs undoubtedly benefit (human) development. In particular, this paper, drawing on data from a large-scale survey in Greece, identifies the marginal effects of a series of demographic, socioeconomic and spatial characteristics, and information sources on PC and Internet use on the part of young rural inhabitants, especially farmers. The results, pointing toward an emerging intra-rural digital divide, are consequently discussed vis-à-vis eGovernment projects, from the point of view of human development.
Pathways to Participatory Landscape Governance in Northern Laos
Authors: Watts John Daniel , Kanyasone Vilaphong , Vongkhamsao Vongvilay
Published: September 2010

The Landscape Mosaics Project is a global research project coordinated by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and funded by the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC). The project examines biodiversity in tropical, forested, multifunctional landscapes in sites adjacent to protected areas. A key thematic component of its research examines the governance of landscapes, and by using a Participatory Action Research approach, the project aspires to facilitate better landscape governance through improved communication between village and landscape level actors. This article examines the initial experiences of the project in its Northern Lao site, located in Vieng Kham District, Luang Prabang Province. The authors describe how the lack of access to information communication technologies have inhibited local actors levels of participation in landscape level governance as well as affected their abilities to effectively and adaptively manage their landscape. Community radio, that provides local actors with the relevant information for more substantially participating in landscape governance as well as information useful for adaptive management, is proposed as one potential solution for improving participatory landscape governance.
Tlowitsis Re-Imagined
Authors: Corbett Jon , Mann Raquel
Published: September 2010

Using the case study of the Tlowitsis, a dispersed indigenous community in British Columbia, Canada, this paper explores the role of ICTs, and in particular participatory video, in nation building. Also, the paper identifies factors that affect both the involvement and exclusion of the membership and addresses the challenges faced and lessons learned. ICTs, in particular new media technologies, offer great potential to overcome the geographic barriers caused by dispersal. However, it remains uncertain how they might contribute to the process of nation building. In this regard, the authors present six fundamental requirements for nation building, and then use these requirements to structure an analysis of the Tlowitsis case study.
On the Way from Research Innovations to Practical Utility in Enterprise Architecture
Authors: Gmati Islem , Rychkova Irina , Nurcan Selmin
Published: September 2010

Innovative Enterprise Architecture (EA) approaches developed by researchers and focused on the evaluation and the analysis of organizations require an extensive set of “measurable” input parameters. In practice, organizations often cannot provide the required data, which makes the implementation of these approaches difficult. In this work, the authors specify the build-up process that represents a systematic identification, gathering, and consolidation of data required by the target EA approach. This paper illustrates the build-up process by presenting a case study where the research approach to business-IT fitness measurement, in the context of a real industrial project in a mass retail company, is implemented. Initially, the poor quality of the input data presented a serious threat for business-IT alignment assessment using the fitness measurements. After the input parameters have been built up, the applicability of the fitness measurements were significantly improved and alignment assessment was accomplished successfully. By using the build-up process, it is possible to increase the applicability of any research approach in EA and, in spite of the initial absence of input measurable parameters, to deliver meaningful results to practitioners.
Evaluating the Consistency between Navigation and Data Models for Web Applications
Authors: Cabot Jordi , Gómez Cristina
Published: September 2010

Specification of web applications involves the definition of two main viewpoints: the navigation model and the data model. Thus far, correctness analysis of the relationship between both models has received little attention. In this paper, the authors present a set of correctness properties to evaluate the consistency of a navigation model with respect to its corresponding data model. Mainly, this paper focuses on the completeness of the navigation model (i.e., if users can manipulate all of the data through the operations in the navigation model) and its executability (i.e., whether all navigation paths admit at least one possible run-time execution that leaves the application data in a consistent state).
Virtual Worlds, Standards and Interoperability
Authors: Livingstone Daniel , Hollins Paul
Published: September 2010

It is well documented that virtual worlds today are applied in both educational and commercial teaching and learning contexts. Where virtual worlds were once the reserve of entertainment, they have now taken on a variety of roles as platforms for business meetings, simulation, and training and education. In this context, the integration and interoperability with both online and offline resources and technologies is important. In this paper, the authors review progress toward increased integration and interoperability from the first virtual world games to today’s virtual world platforms. This paper highlights opportunities that will arise from further improvements in the ability to create virtual world platforms, content and activities that are truly interoperable, as well as more significant challenges along the way.
BLM Deficiency Is Not Associated with Sensitivity toHydroxyurea‐Induced Replication Stress
Authors: Lahkim Bennani-Belhaj Kenza , Buhagiar-Labarchède Géraldine , Jmari Nada , Onclercq-Delic Rosine , Amor-Guéret Mounira
Published: September 2010

Bloom′s syndrome (BS) displays one of the strongest known correlations between chromosomal instability and a high risk of cancer at an early age. BS cells combine a reduced average fork velocity with constitutive endogenous replication stress. However, the response of BS cells to replication stress induced by hydroxyurea (HU), which strongly slows the progression of replication forks, remains unclear due to publication of conflicting results. Using two different cellular models of BS, we showed that BLM deficiency is not associated with sensitivity to HU, in terms of clonogenic survival, DSB generation, and SCE induction. We suggest that surviving BLM‐deficient cells are selected on the basis of their ability to deal with an endogenous replication stress induced by replication fork slowing, resulting in insensitivity to HU‐induced replication stress.
Multi-annual changes of NOx emissions in megacity regions: nonlinear trend analysis of satellite measurement based estimates
Authors: Konovalov I. B. , Beekmann M. , Richter A. , Burrows J. P. , Hilboll A.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Hazardous impact of air pollutant emissions from megacities on atmospheric composition on regional and global scales is currently an important issue in atmospheric research. However, the quantification of emissions and related effects is frequently a difficult task, especially in the case of developing countries, due to the lack of reliable data and information. This study examines possibilities to retrieve multi-annual NOx emissions changes in megacity regions from satellite measurements of nitrogen dioxide and to quantify them in terms of linear and nonlinear trends. By combining the retrievals of the GOME and SCIAMACHY satellite instrument data with simulations performed by the CHIMERE chemistry transport model, we obtain the time series of NOx emission estimates for the 12 largest urban agglomerations in Europe and the Middle East in the period from 1996 to 2008. We employ then a novel method allowing estimation of a nonlinear trend in a noisy time series of an observed variable. The method is based on the probabilistic approach and the use of artificial neural networks; it does not involve any quantitative a priori assumptions. As a result, statistically significant nonlinearities in the estimated NOx emission trends are detected in 5 megacities (Bagdad, Madrid, Milan, Moscow and Paris). Statistically significant upward linear trends are detected in Istanbul and Tehran, while downward linear trends are revealed in Berlin, London and the Ruhr agglomeration. The presence of nonlinearities in NOx emission changes in Milan, Paris and Madrid is confirmed by comparison of simulated NOx concentrations with independent air quality monitoring data. A good quantitative agreement between the linear trends in the simulated and measured near surface NOx concentrations is found in London.
Anthropogenic imprints on nitrogen and oxygen isotopic composition of precipitation nitrate in a nitrogen-polluted city in southern China
Authors: Fang Y. T. , Koba K. , Wang X. M. , Wen D. Z. , Li J. , Takebayashi Y. , Liu X. Y. , Yoh M.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Nitric acid (HNO3) or nitrate (NO3−) is the dominant sink for reactive nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) in the atmosphere. In many Chinese cities, HNO3 is becoming a significant contributor to acid deposition. In the present study, we used the denitrifier method to measure nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) isotopic composition of NO3− in 113 precipitation samples collected from Guangzhou City in southern China over a two-year period (2008 and 2009). We attempted to better understand the spatial and seasonal variability of atmospheric NOx sources and the NO3− formation pathways in this N-polluted city in the Pearl River Delta region. The δ15N values of NO3− (versus air N2) ranged from −4.9 to +10.1‰, and averaged +3.9‰ in 2008 and +3.3‰ in 2009. Positive δ15N values were observed throughout the year, indicating the anthropogenic contribution of NOx emissions, particularly from coal combustion. Different seasonal patterns of δ15N-NO3− were observed between 2008 and 2009, which might reflect different human activities associated with the global financial crisis and the intensive preparations for the 16th Asian Games. Nitrate δ18O values (versus Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water) varied from +33.4 to +86.5‰ (average +65.0‰ and +67.0‰ in 2008 and 2009, respectively), a range being lower than those reported for high altitude and polar areas. Several δ18O values were observed lower than the expected minimum of 50‰ at our study site. This was likely caused by the reaction of NO with peroxy radicals; peroxy radicals can compete with O3 to convert NO to NO2, thereby donate O atoms with much lower δ18O value than that of O3 to atmospheric NO3−. Our results highlight that the influence of human activities on atmospheric chemistry can be recorded by the N and O isotopic composition of atmospheric NO3− in a N-polluted city.
First global distributions of methanol and formic acid retrieved from the IASI/MetOp thermal infrared sounder
Authors: Razavi A. , Karagulian F. , Clarisse L. , Hurtmans D. , Coheur P. F. , Clerbaux C. , Müller J. F. , Stavrakou T.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Methanol (CH3OH) and formic acid (HCOOH) are among the most abundant volatile organic compounds present in the atmosphere. Their role in tropospheric chemistry stems from their influence on the oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere and, in the case of HCOOH, from its influence on the acidity of clouds and precipitation. In this work, we derive the first global distributions of these two organic species using the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) launched onboard the MetOp-A satellite in 2006. This paper describes the method used and provides a first critical analysis of the retrieved products. The retrieval process follows a two-step approach in which global distributions are first obtained on the basis of a simple radiance indexing (transformed into brightness temperatures), and then mapped onto column abundances using suitable conversion factors. For methanol, the factors were calculated using a complete retrieval approach in selected regions. In the case of formic acid, a different approach, which uses a set of forward simulations for representative atmospheres, has been used. In both cases, the main error sources are carefully determined: the average relative error on the column for both species is estimated to be about 50%, increasing to about 100% for the least favorable conditions. The distributions for the year 2009 are discussed in terms of seasonality and source identification. Global correlations between methanol and formic acid as well as correlations between these two species and carbon monoxide are also presented and discussed.
Effects of free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) and soil warming on CH4 emission from a rice paddy field: impact assessment and stoichiometric evaluation
Authors: Tokida T. , Fumoto T. , Cheng W. , Matsunami T. , Adachi M. , Katayanagi N. , Matsushima M. , Okawara Y. , Nakamura H. , Okada M. , Sameshima R. , Hasegawa T.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Paddy fields are an important source of atmospheric CH4, the second most important greenhouse gas. There is a strong concern that the increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) and global warming are further stimulating CH4 emissions, but the magnitude of this stimulation varies substantially by study, and few open-field evaluations have been conducted. Here we report results obtained at a Japanese rice free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) site under water and soil temperature elevation during two growing seasons. Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of high [CO2] (ambient + 200 μmol mol−1) and elevated soil temperature (+ 2 °C) on CH4 emissions under completely open-field conditions. We found about 80% enhancement in total seasonal emissions by the additive effects of FACE and warming, indicating a strong positive feedback effect of global warming. The enhancement in CH4 emission from the FACE-effect alone (+ 26%) was statistically non-significant (P = 0.19). Nevertheless, observed positive correlations between CH4 emissions and rice biomass agreed well with previous studies, suggesting that higher photosynthesis led to greater rhizodeposition, which then acted as substrates for methanogenesis. Soil warming increased the emission by 44% (P < 0.001), which was equivalent to a Q10 of 5.5. Increased rice biomass by warming could only partly explain the enhanced CH4 emissions, but stoichiometric analysis of the electron budget indicated that even a moderate enhancement in organic matter decomposition due to soil warming can cause a large increase in CH4 production under conditions where Fe(III) reduction, which was little affected by soil warming, dominates electron-accepting processes. At later rice growth stages, advanced root senescence due to elevated temperature probably provided more substrate for methanogenesis. Our stoichiometric evaluation showed that in situ Fe reduction characteristics and root turnover in response to elevated temperature should be understood to correctly predict future CH4 emissions from paddy fields under a changing climate. Challenges remain for determination of in situ root-exudation rate and its response to FACE and warming.
Quantifying uncertainty in the impacts of climate change on river discharge in sub-catchments of the River Yangtze and Yellow Basins, China
Authors: Xu H. , Taylor R. G. , Xu Y.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Quantitative evaluations of the impacts of climate change on water resources are primarily constrained by uncertainty in climate projections from GCMs. In this study we assess uncertainty in the impacts of climate change on river discharge in two catchments of the River Yangtze and Yellow Basins that feature contrasting climate regimes (humid and semi-arid). Specifically we quantify uncertainty associated with GCM structure from a subset of CMIP3 AR4 GCMs (HadCM3, HadGEM1, CCSM3.0, IPSL, ECHAM5, CSIRO, CGCM3.1), SRES emissions scenarios (A1B, A2, B1, B2) and prescribed increases in global mean air temperature (1 °C to 6 °C). Climate projections, applied to semi-distributed hydrological models (SWAT 2005) in both catchments, indicate trends toward warmer and wetter conditions. For prescribed warming scenarios of 1 °C to 6 °C, linear increases in mean annual river discharge, relative to baseline (1961–1990), for the River Xiangxi and River Huangfuchuan are +9% and 11% per +1 °C, respectively. Intra-annual changes include increases in flood (Q05) discharges for both rivers as well as a shift in the timing of flood discharges from summer to autumn and a rise (24 to 93%) in dry season (Q95) discharge for the River Xiangxi. Differences in projections of mean annual river discharge between SRES emission scenarios using HadCM3 are comparatively minor for the River Xiangxi (13% to 17% rise from baseline) but substantial (73% to 121%) for the River Huangfuchuan. With one minor exception of a slight (−2%) decrease in river discharge projected using HadGEM1 for the River Xiangxi, mean annual river discharge is projected to increase in both catchments under both the SRES A1B emission scenario and 2° rise in global mean air temperature using all AR4 GCMs on the CMIP3 subset. For the River Xiangxi, there is great uncertainty associated with GCM structure in the magnitude of the rise in flood (Q05) discharges (−1% to 41% under SRES A1B and −3% to 41% under 2° global warming) and dry season (Q95) discharges (2% to 55% under SRES A1B and 2% to 39% under 2° global warming). For the River Huangfuchuan, all GCMs project a rise in the Q05 flow but there is substantial uncertainty in the magnitude of this rise (7% to 70% under SRES A1B and 2% to 57% under 2° global warming). Greatest differences in the projected hydrologic changes are associated with GCMs in both catchments than emission scenarios and climate sensitivity. Critically, estimated uncertainty in projections of mean annual flows is less than that calculated for extreme (Q05, Q95) flows. This research suggest that the common approach of reporting of climate change impacts on river in terms of mean annual flows may mask the magnitude of uncertainty in flows of most importance to water managers.
Analysis of warm season thunderstorms using an object-oriented tracking method based on radar and total lightning data
Authors: Rigo T. , Pineda N. , Bech J.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Monitoring thunderstorms activity is an essential part of operational weather surveillance given their potential hazards, including lightning, hail, heavy rainfall, strong winds or even tornadoes. This study has two main objectives: firstly, the description of a methodology, based on radar and total lightning data to characterise thunderstorms in real-time; secondly, the application of this methodology to 66 thunderstorms that affected Catalonia (NE Spain) in the summer of 2006. An object-oriented tracking procedure is employed, where different observation data types generate four different types of objects (radar 1-km CAPPI reflectivity composites, radar reflectivity volumetric data, cloud-to-ground lightning data and intra-cloud lightning data). In the framework proposed, these objects are the building blocks of a higher level object, the thunderstorm. The methodology is demonstrated with a dataset of thunderstorms whose main characteristics, along the complete life cycle of the convective structures (development, maturity and dissipation), are described statistically. The development and dissipation stages present similar durations in most cases examined. On the contrary, the duration of the maturity phase is much more variable and related to the thunderstorm intensity, defined here in terms of lightning flash rate. Most of the activity of IC and CG flashes is registered in the maturity stage. In the development stage little CG flashes are observed (2% to 5%), while for the dissipation phase is possible to observe a few more CG flashes (10% to 15%). Additionally, a selection of thunderstorms is used to examine general life cycle patterns, obtained from the analysis of normalized (with respect to thunderstorm total duration and maximum value of variables considered) thunderstorm parameters. Among other findings, the study indicates that the normalized duration of the three stages of thunderstorm life cycle is similar in most thunderstorms, with the longest duration corresponding to the maturity stage (approximately 80% of the total time).
Synthesis of Glycerol Nucleic Acid (GNA) Phosphoramidite Monomers and Oligonucleotide Polymers
Authors: Zhang Su , Chaput John C.
Published: September 2010

This unit describes a straightforward method for preparing glycerol nucleic acid (GNA) phosphoramidite monomers and oligonucleotide polymers using standard cyanoethyl phosphoramidite chemistry. GNA is an unnatural nucleic acid analog composed of an acyclic three‐carbon sugar‐phosphate backbone that contains one stereogenic center per repeating unit. GNA has attracted significant attention as a nucleic acid derivative due to its unique ability to form stable Watson‐Crick anti‐parallel duplex structures with thermal and thermodynamic stabilities rivaling those of natural DNA and RNA. The chemical simplicity of this nucleic acid structure provides access to enantiomerically pure forms of right‐ and left‐handed helical structures that can be used as unnatural building blocks in DNA nanotechnology. Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem. 42:4.40.1‐4.40.18. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.