bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Plasma Membrane Calcium ATPase Isoform 2 in Neuronal Function in the Cerebellum and Spinal Cord
Authors: KURNELLAS MICHAEL P. , LEE AMANDA K. , SZCZEPANOWSKI KAROLYNN , ELKABES STELLA
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  The distinct role of plasma membrane calcium ATPase 2 (PMCA2) in the function of different neuronal subpopulations in the central nervous system is not well understood. We found that lack of PMCA2 leads to a reduction in the number of motor neurons in the spinal cord of PMCA2‐null mice and to abnormal changes in molecular pathways in Purkinje cells. Thus, PMCA2 may have unique, nonredundant functions in spinal cord and cerebellar neurons. Our results suggest that anomalous alterations in PMCA2 activity or expression may induce pathology in some neuronal populations, a possibility that will be the focus of future investigations.
Mitochondrial Ca2+ Flux through Na+/Ca2+ Exchange
Authors: KIM BONGJU , MATSUOKA SATOSHI
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  To clarify the property of mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchange in situ, we measured mitochondrial Ca2+ using Rhod‐2 in permeabilized rat ventricular myocytes. Cytoplasmic 300 nM Ca2+ (Ca2+c) augmented the Rhod‐2 intensity by ∼ninefolds without cytoplasmic Na+ (Na+c). Increasing Na+c attenuated the maximum level of Rhod‐2 fluorescence, probably due to the activation of forward mode of mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchange. The Rhod‐2 intensity decayed upon removing Ca2+c. The decay was dependent on Na+c (K1/2=∼1 mM) and largely abolished by an inhibitor of mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchange, CGP‐37157. It was suggested that Na+ binding to the mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchange is saturated in the physiological concentration of Na+c.
Structural Basis for Ca2+ Regulation in the Na+/Ca2+ Exchanger
Authors: HILGE MARK , AELEN JAN , PERRAKIS ANASTASSIS , VUISTER GEERTEN W.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Binding of Na+ and Ca2+ ions to the large cytosolic loop of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) regulates its ion transport across the plasma membrane. We determined the solution structures of two Ca2+‐binding domains (CBD1 and CBD2) that, together with an α‐catenin‐like domain (CLD) form the regulatory exchanger loop. CBD1 and CBD2 constitute a novel Ca2+‐binding motif and are very similar in the Ca2+‐bound state. Strikingly, in the absence of Ca2+ the upper half of CBD1 unfolds while CBD2 maintains its structural integrity. Together with a sevenfold higher affinity for Ca2+ this suggests that CBD1 is the primary Ca2+ sensor. Specific point mutations in either domain largely allow the interchange of their functionality and uncover the mechanism underlying Ca2+ sensing in NCX.
Na/Ca Exchange
Authors: VENETUCCI L. A. , TRAFFORD A. W. , O'NEILL S. C. , EISNER D. A.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  The major effect of Na/Ca exchange (NCX) on the systolic Ca transient is secondary to its effect on the Ca content of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). SR Ca content is controlled by a mechanism in which an increase of SR Ca produces an increase in the amplitude of the systolic Ca transient. This, in turn, increases Ca efflux on NCX as well as decreasing entry on the L‐type current resulting in a decrease of both cell and SR Ca content. This control mechanism also changes the response to other maneuvers that affect excitation–contraction coupling. For example, potentiating the opening of the SR Ca release channel (ryanodine receptor, RyR) with caffeine produces an immediate increase in the amplitude of the systolic Ca transient. However, this increases efflux of Ca from the cell on NCX and then decreases SR Ca content until a new steady state is reached. Changing the activity of NCX (by decreasing external Na) changes the level of SR Ca reached by this mechanism. If the cell and SR are overloaded with Ca then Ca waves appear during diastole. These waves activate the electrogenic NCX and thereby produce arrhythmogenic‐delayed afterdepolarizations. A major challenge is how to remove this arrhythmogenic Ca release without compromising the normal systolic release. We have found that application of tetracaine to decrease RyR opening can abolish diastolic release while simultaneously potentiating the systolic release.
Electrophysiological Effects of SN‐6, a Novel Na+/Ca2+ Exchange Inhibitor on Membrane Currents in Guinea Pig Ventricular Myocytes
Authors: NIU CHUN‐FENG , WATANABE YASUHIDE , IWAMOTO TAKAHIRO , YAMASHITA KANNA , SATOH HIROSHI , URUSHIDA TUYOSHI , HAYASHI HIDEHARU , KIMURA JUNKO
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  We examined the effect of SN‐6 on the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) current (INCX) and other membrane currents in isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes using the whole‐cell voltage clamp technique. SN‐6 suppressed the bidirectional INCX in a concentration‐dependent manner. The IC50 values of SN‐6 were 2.3 μM and 1.9 μM for the outward and inward components of the bidirectional INCX, respectively. On the other hand, SN‐6 suppressed the unidirectional outward INCX more potently than the inward INCX, with an IC50 value of 0.6 μM. SN‐6 at 10 μM inhibited the unidirectional inward INCX by only 22.4 ± 3.1%. SN‐6 suppressed INCX more potentially when intracellular Na+ concentration became higher. SN‐6 inhibited INa, ICa, IKr, IKs, and IK1 by about 13%, 34%, 33%, 18%, and 13%, respectively. SN‐6 shortened the action potential duration (APD) by about 34% and 25% at APD50 and APD90, respectively. These results indicate that SN‐6 inhibits NCX in a similar manner to that of KB‐R7943. SN‐6 and KB‐R7943 inhibit the unidirectional outward INCX more potently than the unidirectional inward INCX. Both drugs inhibit NCX in an intracellular Na+ concentration‐dependent manner. However, SN‐6 affected other membrane currents less potently than KB‐R7943.
Na+/Ca2+Exchange as a Drug Target—Insights from Molecular Pharmacology and Genetic Engineering
Authors: IWAMOTO TAKAHIRO
Published: April 2007

Abstract: The Na+/Ca2+exchanger (NCX) is an ion transporter that exchanges Na+and Ca2+in either Ca2+‐efflux or Ca2+‐influx mode, depending on membrane potential and transmembrane ion gradients. In myocytes, neurons, and renal tubular cells, NCX is thought to play an important role in the regulation of intracellular Ca2+concentration. So far the benzyloxyphenyl derivatives (KB‐R7943, SEA0400, SN‐6, and YM‐244769) have been developed as selective NCX inhibitors. These inhibitors possess different isoform selectivities, although they have similar properties, such as Ca2+‐influx mode selectivity and I1inactivation‐dependence. Site‐directed mutageneses have revealed that these inhibitors possess some molecular determinants (Phe‐213, Val‐227, Tyr‐228, Gly‐833, and Asn‐839) for interaction with NCX1. These benzyloxyphenyl derivatives are expected to be useful tools to study the physiological roles of NCX. Interestingly, benzyloxyphenyl NCX inhibitors effectively prevent several ischemia–reperfusion injuries and salt‐dependent hypertension in animal models. Furthermore, several experiments with genetically engineered mice provide compelling evidence that these diseases are triggered by pathological Ca2+entry through NCX1. Thus, NCX inhibitors may have therapeutic potential as novel drugs for reperfusion injury and salt‐dependent hypertension.
Three Types of Muscles Express Three Sodium–Calcium Exchanger Isoforms
Authors: LEVITSKY DMITRI O.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  The sodium–calcium exchanger (NCX) of plasma membrane is expressed in any animal cell. The specific role of its three isoforms (NCX1–3) is not yet established. Their levels vary considerably during murine postnatal development. In particular, in skeletal muscle, NCX1 expression decreases gradually upon aging while reciprocal changes take place for NCX3. NCX2 expression is restricted to brain and smooth muscles. The data on SDS‐gel mobility shifts indicate that all three isoforms undergo Ca2+‐dependent conformational changes, and that an exchanger regulatory Ca2+‐binding domain interacts directly with mutually exclusive exons A and B inducing two different NCX1 conformations.
NCX Current in the Murine Embryonic Heart
Authors: REPPEL MICHAEL , REUTER HANNES , SASSE PHILIPP , HESCHELER JÜRGEN , FLEISCHMANN BERND K.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Due to its high functional expression, INCX may serve as an important mechanism to ensure intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, especially during the early embryonic stage. At the fetal stage INCX density is significantly decreased but underlies regulatory processes, that is, regulation by Na+.
Na/Ca Exchange and Cardiac Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: SIPIDO KARIN R. , BITO V. , ANTOONS G. , VOLDERS PAUL G. , VOS MARC A.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Ventricular arrhythmias are a major cause of death in cardiovascular disease. Ca2+ removal from the cell by the electrogenic Na/Ca exchanger is essential for the Ca2+ flux balance during excitation–contraction coupling but also contributes to the electrical events. “Classic” views on the exchanger in arrhythmias include its well‐recognized role as depolarizing current underlying delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs) during spontaneous Ca2+ release and the alterations in expression in certain forms of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. “Novel” views relate to more subtle roles for the exchanger in arrhythmias. Na/Ca exchange function in disease could be modulated indirectly, through phosphorylation or anchoring proteins. Ongoing studies relate Na/Ca exchange to variability in action potential duration (APD) and early afterdepolarizations (EADs) in a dog model of cardiac hypertrophy and arrhythmias. Further research on drugs that target Na/Ca exchange will have to carefully examine the effects on Ca2+ balance.
Transmembrane Segments I, II, and VI of the Canine Cardiac Na+/Ca2+ Exchanger Are in Proximity
Authors: REN XIAOYAN , NICOLL DEBORA A. , PHILIPSON KENNETH D.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  A helix‐packing model for the NCX1 sodium calcium exchanger is presented based on cross‐linking between introduced cysteine residues.
Tailbud-derived mesenchyme promotes urinary tract segmentation via BMP4 signaling
Authors: Brenner-Anantharam Andrea , Cebrian Cristina , Guillaume Richard , Hurtado Romulo , Sun Tung-Tien , Herzlinger Doris
Published: April 2007

Urinary tract morphogenesis requires the sub-division of the ureteric bud(UB) into the intra-renal collecting system and ureter, two tissues with unique structural and functional properties. In this report we investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate their differentiation. Fate mapping experiments in the developing chick indicate that the UB is surrounded by two distinct mesenchymal populations: nephrogenic mesenchyme derived from the intermediate mesoderm and tailbud-derived mesoderm, which is selectively associated with the domain of the UB that differentiates into the ureter. Functional experiments utilizing murine metanephric kidney explants show that BMP4, a paracrine factor secreted by tailbud-derived mesenchyme, is required for ureter morphogenesis. Conversely, ectopic BMP4 signaling is sufficient to induce ureter morphogenesis in domains of the UB normally fated to differentiate into the intra-renal collecting system. Collectively, these results indicate that the border between the kidney and ureter forms where mesenchymal tissues originating in two different areas of the early embryo meet. These data raise the possibility that the susceptibility of this junction to congenital defects in humans, such as ureteral-pelvic obstructions, may be related to the complex morphogenetic movements that are required to integrate cells from these different lineages into a single functional structure.
General practitioner (GP) cardiac troponin test requesting: findings from a clinical laboratory audit
Authors: Sodi Ravinder , Hine Trevor , Shenkin Alan
Published: April 2007

Background: There is limited data and literature on the issue of cardiac troponin test requesting by general practitioners (GPs). It was therefore our aim to audit the cardiac troponin test requests made by GPs in our community with a view to develop an informed strategy for assay provision and reporting of results.

Methods: A retrospective audit was undertaken of data in our laboratory database for all cardiac troponin T (cTnT) tests requested by GPs between January and June 2005. A prospective audit was then carried out between July and December 2005 using the telephone interview method. The number and distribution of tests, the reasons for the request and the intended action by the GPs were quantified.

Results: Forty-five of 46 of the results of both the retrospective and prospective audits were negative based on the 99th percentile level with less than 10% imprecision (cTnT <0.03 μg/L). During the one-year study period, we had requests from 24 general practices with a mean and mode of two and one requests per general practice respectively. The most common reason for the request was found to be chest pain that had occurred more than 24 h ago.

Conclusion: Bearing in mind the limitations of an audit study, our findings obviate the use of cTnT in general practice. We suggest that the laboratory should liase with the GP and advise referral for specialist care if clinical suspicion of acute coronary syndrome is high.
EDTA analysis on the Roche MODULAR® analyser
Authors: Davidson D F
Published: April 2007

Background: Patient specimens can be subject to subtle interference from cross contamination by liquid-based, potassium-containing EDTA anticoagulant, leading to misinterpretation of results. A rapid method for EDTA analysis to detect such contamination is described.

Method: An in-house EDTA assay on the Roche MODULAR® analyser was assessed for accuracy and precision by comparison with an adjusted calcium difference measurement (atomic absorption and o-cresolphthalein complexone colorimetry).

Results: EDTA method versus adjusted calcium difference showed: slope = 1.038 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.949-1.131); intercept = 0.073 (95% CI 0.018-0.132) mmol/L; r = 0.914; n = 94. However, inter-assay precision of the calcium difference method was estimated to be poorer (coefficient of variation 24.8% versus 3.4% for the automated colorimetric method at an EDTA concentration of 0.25 mmol/L). Unequivocal contamination was observed at an EDTA concentration of -0.2 mmol/L. The automated method showed positive interference from haemolysis and negative interference from oxalate. The method was unaffected by lipaemia (triglycerides <20 mmol/L), icterus (bilirubin <500 μmol/L), glucose (<100 mmol/L), iron (<100 μmol/L), and citrate, phosphate or fluoride (all <2.5 mmol/L).

Conclusion: The automated colorimetric assay described is an accurate, precise and rapid (3 min) means of detecting EDTA contamination of unhaemolysed biochemistry specimens.
Monitoring the treatment of carcinoid disease using blood serotonin and plasma 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid: three case examples
Authors: Allen K R , Degg T J , Anthoney D A , Fitzroy-Smith D
Published: April 2007

The results for plasma 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), whole blood serotonin and the chromogranins on three patients following their treatment for carcinoid disease with somatostatin analogues are presented. Two of the patients (a 56-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man) demonstrated a good clinical response following treatment, with initial high blood serotonin and plasma 5-HIAA concentrations showing a significant decline. However, blood serotonin concentrations remained above the reference range during the course of treatment, whereas plasma 5-HIAA remained borderline high or marginally elevated with respect to the clinical cut-off concentration. The third patient, a 79-year-old man, demonstrated saturation of platelets with serotonin and increasing elevation of plasma 5-HIAA, which later fell with the introduction of interferon into this patient's treatment regimen. Results for the plasma chromogranin fragments, pancreastatin (Chromogranin A) and GAWK (Chromogranin B), showed a much greater degree of variability in all three cases. This study shows promise for plasma 5-HIAA as a useful marker for monitoring carcinoid disease. The limitations of blood serotonin expressed to the platelet count are highlighted.
Showing smokers with vascular disease images of their arteries to motivate cessation: A pilot study
Authors: Shahab Lion , Hall Sue , Marteau Theresa
Published: April 2007

Objectives. To examine the potential impact of visual personalized biomarker feedback on intention to stop smoking and to evaluate possible underlying causal pathways.

Design. This study is a pilot for a randomized controlled trial. Outcome measures were assessed immediately after the intervention and at 4 weeks follow‐up.

Method. Twenty‐three smokers attending a cardiovascular outpatient clinic in London were randomly allocated to one of two groups: to either receive a print‐out of an ultrasound image of their carotid artery showing atherosclerotic plaque alongside an image of a disease‐free artery, or to receive routine verbal feedback.

Results. The intervention significantly increased perceptions of susceptibility to smoking‐related diseases (Cohen's h = 0.99) and led to increases both in engagement in smoking cessation behaviours (Cohen's h = 0.79) and intentions to stop smoking (Cohn's d = 0.44). The latter was moderated by self‐efficacy: the intervention increased intention to stop smoking only in people with higher levels of self‐efficacy with regard to stopping smoking.

Conclusion. This study provides preliminary support for the potential effectiveness of personalized biomarker feedback to increase intentions to stop smoking. It also highlights the need to target and increase self‐efficacy in smoking cessation interventions.
Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to Examine Structure in Bisurea Organogels
Authors: Pierce Aaron M. , Maslanka Paul J. , Carr Andrew J. , McCain Karla S.
Published: April 2007

The structure of two bisurea organogels was examined by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Organogels were prepared in benzene at different concentrations of gelator in order to determine the effect of concentration on the assembly of organogelator molecules. This work examined two types of bisurea organogelators, both with dodecyl alkyl tail groups. The two molecules differ only in the length of an alkyl chain separating their two urea groups: 6 carbons in the C6C12 organogelator (1,6-bis(3(3,5-didodecoxybinzyl)-urea-hexane) and 12 carbons in the C12C12 organogelator (1,12-bis(3(3,5-didodecoxybinzyl)-urea-dodecane). The degree of urea hydrogen bonding was determined from the position of the amide II band, and the conformational order of the alkyl chains in the organogelator was determined in the methylene bending region. Both gels showed a general trend of less hydrogen bonding and greater conformational disorder in the alkyl chains as the concentration of organogelator increased; however, the changes were smaller in the C12C12 gels. This decrease in structural order with increasing organogelator concentration is explained by the kinetics of gel formation; more concentrated gels solidify too quickly to assemble perfectly. The observed differences between the two organogelators are caused by the different structures into which these two similar molecules assemble. The C6C12 organogelator only assembles linearly, while the C12C12 organogelator can form sheets through brick-like packing, and these packing motifs were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy.
Measurements of Collisional Broadening Coefficients by Infrared Polarization Spectroscopy
Authors: Alwahabi Z. T. , Zetterberg J. , Li Z. S. , Aldén M.
Published: April 2007

We present measurements of collisional broadening coefficients, obtained at atmospheric pressure, by polarization spectroscopy. Using tunable single mode laser radiation at ∼2 μm, high-resolution infrared polarization spectra were recorded for CO2–Ar and CO2–He binary mixtures. The recorded polarization spectra were fitted with a Lorentzian cubed function form to obtain the broadening coefficients. The full-width at half-maxima (FWHM) collisional broadening rates of CO2 by Ar and He, for the R14 (1201 ← 0000) line, have been determined to be 0.161 ± 0.018 cm−1 atm−1 and 0.1823 ± 0.0032 cm−1 atm−1 respectively.
Science and technology partnerships and poverty alleviation in Africa
Authors: Chataway Joanna , Smith James , Wield David
Published: April 2007

The question of how to build science and technology (S&T) capacity in Africa has been on and off the agenda for decades, as has the issue of how to use partnerships to accelerate capacity building. Recent policy proposals have focused on expanding S&T capacity but have emphasized
less the need for a rigorous rethink about how science, technology and innovation can be better organized for development. This paper aims to assess, using evidence from recent cases, the importance of new theories and practices based on the role of innovation and knowledge systems. The paper
argues that lessons can be learned from transformations in research policy and from practices that better integrate new ideas from innovation, knowledge and development. It focuses on the changes required for science, technology and innovation to be accepted as key for the alleviation of poverty.
Enhancing technology generation and transfer through coalition approach: a case of sorghum poultry coalition, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Reddy K. Gurava , Rao P. Parthasarathy , Reddy Belum V.S , Reddy A. Rajashekher , Rao C.L.N , Reddy P. Chengal , Rao Ch. Janardhan
Published: April 2007

This paper describes an innovative institutional arrangement for the generation and dissemination of new knowledge and the formation of sustainable economic interlinkages through coalition among researchers, farmers, farmers associations, poultry feed manufacturers and the poultry producers.
The goal of this arrangement is to enhance on-farm productivity of sorghum and increase poor sorghum farmers' income by establishing market linkages between poor sorghum growers and poultry feed manufacturers. Under this project, farmers were supplied with seed of improved sorghum cultivars
and were trained in bulking and storage of grain; feed manufacturers developed poultry feed rations with sorghum replacing maize at varying proportions; and scientists conducted poultry trials with sorghum-based feed rations with appreciable results. Finally, the project linked sorghum-growing
farmer groups with end-users i.e. feed manufacturers, thus assuring a market for the poor sorghum growers. The coalition system was successful as it provided an opportunity to members to contribute knowledge in their respective fields, work towards a common goal with clearly defined roles
and responsibilities, articulating problems, finding solutions, exploiting the synergies of working in groups and sharing the lessons learnt. Success of the coalition approach was facilitated by frequent review meetings with specific agenda, consensus approach to resolve issues, openness in
interactions with various partners and use of electronic media, which helped to enhance the effectiveness of each partner's role.
The adoption of HIV/AIDS orphans and food security in rural Ingwavuma, South Africa
Authors: Schroeder Elizabeth-Ann , Nichola Tennassie
Published: April 2007

Public health concern in developing countries is increasingly centred on the relationships between health care, HIV and food security. In developing countries (such as those in sub-Saharan Africa) with large rural subsistence populations, public health concern incorporates the effect
of HIV on household subsistence and nutrition. A study to determine whether families who adopted orphans in a rural area of South Africa with a low employment rate and a high prevalence of HIV were food-insecure when compared with families who had not adopted orphans was conducted in Ingwavuma,
a rural district in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study shows that households that adopt HIV/AIDS orphans tend to have high dependency ratios. The Logistic Regression estimated indicates that the likelihood of food insecurity increases with orphan adoption, numbers of household
members and loss of food produced in storage due to pests. The empirical results also indicate that the meagre income received by households do not improve food security, suggesting that foster care grants to the carers of orphans are being spent on non-food needs of the family.
Crazy radio: the domestication of mental illness over the airwaves
Authors: Bonini Tiziano
Published: April 2007

May community radio be a therapy for patients who suffer from mental diseases? Can radio be a useful tool both for recovering the selves of the patients and for the normal people outside the hospitals, helping to communicate less stereotyped images of the mental illness? This article
will try to answer these questions, analysing two different case histories, the ones of Radio la Colifata of Buenos Aires the first radio station to be totally conducted by patients and of Radio Rete 180 of Mantova, Italy, the last born of this genre. The article is the result of ethnographic
research conducted in Buenos Aires and in Mantova through the methods of participant observation of the live radio sessions and in-depth interviews with the patients. The experience I had studying these crazy radio stations led me to the belief that community radio practice further enhances
the feeling of being at home with ourselves and with others and can effectively work as a tool of social connection and participation, not only in the case of mentally ill patients as it will be shown here, but also in other cases of Otherness (i.e. asylum seekers, migrants, prison inmates,
etc.).
Indigenous radio stations in Mexico: a catalyst for social cohesion and cultural strength
Authors: Rodrguez Jos Manuel Ramos
Published: April 2007

Due to the presence of over 12 million people from almost 60 different ethnic groups, Mexico is a multicultural/ethnic country. Indigenous radio has developed under the auspices of a governmental organization charged with policy-making directed toward these populations. Thus a hybrid
model for radio has emerged combining public, state, and local community media characteristics. Based upon qualitative research conducted in the geographical area covered by the oldest of these stations, this article focuses on the sociocultural repercussions of indigenous radio and shows
how, although linked to the governmental apparatus, it has subtly contributed to the transformation of the dominant symbolic order and has strengthened the sociocultural cohesion among the three ethnic groups who inhabit the region. The research reveals the relevance of the intercommunication
which radio facilitates and shows how beyond direct exposure to the medium, radio produces a trans-territorial and trans-generational impact in the social imagination of indigenous populations.
Book Reviews
Authors: Loviglio Jason , Crisell Andrew
Published: April 2007

NPR: The Trials and Triumphs of National Public Radio, Michael P. McCauley (2005) Columbia: Columbia University Press, 170 pp., ISBN 0231121601 (pbk), 20

Listener Supported: The Culture and History of Public Radio, Jack W. Mitchell (2005) Westport: Praeger
Publishers, 323 pp., ISBN 0275983528 (hbk), 22.99

I Thought my Father was God: And Other True Tales from NPR's National Story Project, Paul Auster (2002) New York, Picador, 416 pp., ISBN 0312421001 (pbk), 15.00 (USA imprint only)

Uncertain Vision: Birt, Dyke and the
Reinvention of the BBC, Georgina Born (2005) London: Vintage, 564 pp. ISBN 0-099-42893-8 (pbk), 12.99
Effects of Dam Removal on Fish Assemblage Structure and Spatial Distributions in the Baraboo River, Wisconsin
Authors: Catalano Matthew J. , Bozek Michael A. , Pellett Thomas D.
Published: April 2007

We evaluated the effects of dam removal on fish assemblage structure and spatial distributions after four low-head dam removals in the Baraboo River, Wisconsin, using data collected at 35 study sites over 7 years. After dam removal, biotic integrity scores (possible range = 0–100) increased by 35–50 points at three of the four former impoundments as a result of decreases in percent tolerant species, increases in the number of intolerant species, and in some cases, increases in species richness. Fish assemblage shifts were muted at a fourth, lower-gradient impoundment site, indicating that responses differ among dam sites within a river system. In tailwater areas, postremoval assemblage shifts were transient; biotic integrity and species richness declined initially but then recovered at two of the three sites within 2 years after dam removal. An analysis of spatial distributions before dam removal revealed 11 fish species that were found below, but rarely or never above, the downstream-most dam. After dam removal, 10 of the 11 species were collected at new sites upstream from the dam, indicating that recolonization of reconnected upstream sites had occurred. Some species recolonized rapidly and in large numbers. For example, emerald shiners Notropis atherinoides recolonized 16 upstream sites and were collected 123 km upstream from the dam within the first year after removal. One of the nine recolonizing species, the spotted sucker Minytrema melanops, was only detected during spring, suggesting that these fish recolonized seasonally, perhaps for spawning. Recolonizing species were generally lacustrine or large-river fishes known to undergo overwintering and spawning migrations. Our study suggests that dam removal is a viable option for restoring lotic fish communities, but further study is needed on recovery patterns as they relate to channel morphology, hydrologic characteristics, impoundment sediment storage capacity, and the distance to source populations of recolonizing taxa.
Evaluating Walleye Length Limits in the Face of Population Variability: Case Histories from Western Minnesota
Authors: Isermann Daniel A.
Published: April 2007

Population and fishery responses to the implementation of minimum length limits (356 and 381 mm total length) for walleyes Sander vitreus were evaluated for two Minnesota populations (Big Stone Lake and Lac Qui Parle) and were compared with population trends observed in a single reference lake (Lake Traverse) between 1991 and 2004. High variation in walleye recruitment (coefficient of variation (CV = 100 × SD/mean) in mean gill-net catch per unit effort of age-2 walleyes > 98%) was observed in all study populations and also in recruitment indices from 20 populations across North America (mean CV = 112%), indicating that high variability in recruitment is common. Walleye growth rates were also variable; mean length at age 3 varied by more than 120 mm among year-classes in all three study populations. Observed trends in population age- and size-structure indices estimated from gill nets appeared to be largely related to growth and recruitment patterns both before and after the regulations were in place. No direct evidence existed to indicate that adult walleye abundance, size structure, or age structure was improved after implementation of length limits or that the regulations reduced annual variation in size structure. In light of recruitment variation, meaningful evaluation of walleye length limits will require long-term annual sampling efforts designed to monitor the fate of multiple year-classes of similar magnitudes during both preregulation and postregulation periods. Lastly, managers must select meaningful metrics to measure the effects of length limits. Observed improvements in fishery-related metrics, such as size structure of harvested fish, may merely reflect changes in angler behavior rather than actual improvements in the population. Also, fishery-based metrics may be difficult to measure given the budgetary and logistical constraints associated with creel surveys.
Otolith Chemistry Discriminates among Hatchery-Reared and Tributary-Spawned Salmonines in a Tailwater System
Authors: Coghlan Stephen M. , Lyerly Michael S. , Bly Thomas R. , Williams Jeffrey S. , Bowman Darrell , Hannigan Robyn
Published: April 2007

The Little Red River tailwater (LRRT) system in Arkansas supports a naturally reproducing population of brown trout Salmo trutta and an economically valuable fishery. Natural reproduction by stocked brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss is unknown but assumed to be negligible. An artificial tributary to the LRRT was constructed to provide a spawning and nursery refuge for stocked trouts, and shortly thereafter we observed spawning adults and emergent fry in the tributary. As a first step in determining the relative contributions of hatchery- and tributary-produced brook and rainbow trouts recruiting to the LRRT fishery, we distinguished hatchery-reared fry from tributary-spawned fry via otolith chemistry. We used laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to measure the abundances of cations in otoliths. Significant differences between hatchery and wild stocks were found for six element : Ca ratios. A five-variable (Mg, Mn, Zn, Sr, and Ba) discriminant model was sufficient to distinguish the two brook trout stocks with 100% accuracy, and a two-variable (Sr and Ba) model discriminated between the two rainbow trout stocks with 94% accuracy. Differences in ambient water chemistry between the two rearing habitats most likely accounted for these distinct otolith signatures. Otolith analysis of brook trout parr of unknown origin captured in the LRRT system suggests that natural reproduction is occurring there and that this stock may be supplemented with tributary-spawned immigrants. After interannual variation in habitat-specific otolith chemical signatures is quantified, such an analytical tool would be useful to managers in the LRRT system and elsewhere in determining the relative contributions of various stocks to reproductive and harvested populations.
Separate and synergistic effect of progesterone and estradiol on induction of annexin 2 and its interaction protein p11 in pregnant sheep myometrium
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wu Wen Xuan
Published: April 2007

To search for myometrial candidate genes regulated by progesterone, we isolated annexin 2 cDNA by subtractive hybridization and cloning. We also examined the effect of estradiol and/or progesterone, individually or combined, on expressions of annexin 2 and its ligand protein, p11 in pregnant sheep intrauterine tissues. Annexin 2 is a Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding protein which interacts with p11 to form a bivalent heterotetramer. The heterotetramer was indicated in the production of prostaglandins through the regulation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and arachidonic acid release. Thus, annexin 2 and p11 could be the important players in Ca2+ signaling and prostaglandin production in uterine smooth muscles. Twenty-two ewes were treated with vehicle (n = 6), or 5 mg estradiol administered intramuscularly twice a day for 2 days (n = 6), or 100 mg progesterone administered intramuscularly twice a day for 14 days (n = 5), or estradiol plus progesterone with 100 mg progesterone administered intramuscularly twice a day for 10 days (n = 5) and then with vehicle for 2 days followed by estradiol for 2 days (5 mg administered intramuscularly twice a day). At 121 days of gestation age (dGA), endometrium, myometrium, placenta, and cervix were obtained under halothane anesthesia. Subtractive hybridization was used to isolate differentially expressed mRNAs from myometrial tissues treated with progesterone, which was confirmed by western blot at protein level. Annexin 2 and p11 interaction was validated by immunoprecipitation and their expressions in intrauterine tissues were determined by western blot analysis. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. A cDNA clone from myometrial-subtracted library representing differentially expressed mRNA in the pregnant sheep myometrium with progesterone treatment was identified as annexin 2 by sequence analysis and BLASTN search. Annexin 2 was present in both cytosolic and membrane-associated fractions of intrauterine tissues. In contrast, p11 was detectable only in myometrial cytosolic fraction. Both annexin 2 and p11 significantly increased in myometrial cytosolic fraction after progesterone or progesterone plus estradiol treatment. Furthermore, estradiol and progesterone combined had a more profound effect on induction of annexin 2 than progesterone alone. Annexin 2 was immunoprecipitated specifically by p11 antibody from the myometrium. This study indicates that progesterone may play an important role in the control of myometrial contractility by modifying protein expression associated with Ca2+ and prostaglandin signaling systems during pregnancy. Enhanced expression of myometrial annexin 2 in progesterone plus estradiol group supports our hypothesis that estrogen’s stimulation is optimized by progesterone’s priming in the pregnant sheep uterus.
Borderline and Antisocial Personality Scores as Mediators Between Attachment and Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Mauricio Anne Marie , Tein Jenn-Yun , Lopez Frederick G.
Published: April 2007

Court-mandated male batterers (n = 192) attending an intervention program completed measures examining adult attachment orientations (anxious and avoidant), personality disorders (borderline and antisocial), type of violence (psychological and physical), and social desirability. Structural equation modeling was used to determine whether there were significant relationships between anxious attachment and physical and psychological violence that are mediated by either borderline or antisocial personality disorders. Social desirability was included in both models as a covariate. Results indicated that personality disorders fully mediated the relationship between avoidant attachment and physical as well as psychological violence. Personality disorders only partially mediated the relationship between anxious attachment and psychological violence. Implications for intervention are discussed.
Effects of Social Desirability on Students’ Self-Reporting of Partner Abuse Perpetration and Victimization
Authors: Bell Kathryn M. , Naugle Amy E.
Published: April 2007

Little is still known about the degree to which social desirability affects reports of partner abuse. The current study builds on existing research exploring the relationship between social desirability and partner abuse reports by analyzing 49 male and 155 female students’ responses to the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MCSDS). Sex differences were not associated with partner abuse rates, regardless of type, severity, and violence role. Women had significantly higher social desirability scores than men, and women’s MCSDS scores were negatively correlated with partner abuse perpetration and victimization rates. Social desirability was a significant predictor of psychological abuse perpetration, whereas gender was a significant predictor of sexual coercion perpetration. In all partner abuse cases, however, social desirability and gender accounted for less than 10% of the variance in partner abuse reports.
Quality of Life Among Lifetime Victimized Men
Authors: Soares Joaquim J.F. , Viitasara Eija , Macassa Gloria
Published: April 2007

Quality of life was compared for lifetime victimized (n = 353) and nonvictimized men (n = 167) for demographic and quality of life variables by a cross-sectional design. The univariate analyses showed that victims compared to nonvictims had a lower quality of life, were younger, more often had upper secondary school education, and were more often blue-collar/low white-collar workers, on student allowances, on unemployment, financially strained, and smokers. The regressions revealed that unemployment, financial strain, smoking, depression, and home/public abuse were associated with reduced quality of life among victimized men. Being a blue-collar/low/intermediate white-collar worker and social support were related to increased quality of life. This study may have provided new insights into the experiences of quality of life of victimized men.
Biological nitrogen removal from landfill leachate by deammonification assisted by heterotrophic denitrification in a rotating biological contactor (RBC)
Authors: Cema G. , Wiszniowski J. , Żabczyński S. , Zabłocka-Godlewska E. , Raszka A. , Surmacz-Górska J.
Published: April 2007

Due to negative environmental effects of nitrogen discharge to recipients and increasingly stringent effluent standards, effective nitrogen removal is necessity. Biological methods are the simplest and cheapest way to treat wastewater; however, it may become an extremely expensive option when high influent nitrogen concentrations are measured and there is a lack of biodegradable organic carbon. Therefore, there is a great need to find new solutions and improve existing technologies. The deammonification is an excellent example of such a new process that requires considerably low amounts of organic carbon and oxygen in comparison to conventional nitrification/denitrification. The main objective of presented research was to investigate an Anammox process accompanied with autotrophic nitrification and heterotrophic denitrification in one rotating biological contactor (RBC). During the research period, it was possible to carry out the Anammox process in low temperature below 20 °C. Additionally, it was found that the process is insensitive to high nitrite concentration in the reactor, up to 100 g NO2-N m−3, resulting only in a temporary decrease in removal rates. Furthermore, analysis of data indicated that the Stover-Kincannon model can be used for the description of ammonium and nitrite removal processes.
Evaluation of hybrid processes for nitrification by comparing MBBR/AS and IFAS configurations
Authors: Germain E. , Bancroft L. , Dawson A. , Hinrichs C. , Fricker L. , Pearce P.
Published: April 2007

An integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) pilot plant and a moving bed biofilm reactor coupled with an activated sludge process (MBBR/AS) were operated under different temperatures, carbon loadings and solids retention times (SRTs). These two types of hybrid systems were compared, focusing on the nitrification capacity and the nitrifiers population of the media and suspended biomass alongside other process performances such as carbonaceous and total nitrogen (TN) removal rates. At high temperatures and loadings rates, both processes were fully nitrifying and achieved similarly high carbonaceous removal rates. However, under these conditions, the IFAS configuration performed better in terms of TN removal. Lower temperatures and carbon loadings led to lower carbonaceous removal rates for the MBBR/AS configuration, whereas the IFAS configuration was not affected. However, the nitrification capacity of the IFAS process decreased significantly under these conditions and the MBBR/AS process was more robust in terms of nitrification. Ammonia oxidising bacteria (AOB) and nitrite oxidising bacteria (NOB) population counts accurately reflected the changes in nitrification capacity. However, significantly less NOBs than AOBs were observed, without noticeable nitrite accumulation, suggesting that the characterisation method used was not as sensitive for NOBs and/or that the NOBs had a higher activity than the AOBs.
Aerobic granular sludge – state of the art
Authors: de Kreuk M.K. , Kishida N. , van Loosdrecht M.C.M.
Published: April 2007

In September 2006, preliminary to the IWA biofilm conference, a second workshop about aerobic granular sludge was held in Delft, The Netherlands, of which a summary of the discussion outcomes is given in this paper. The definition of aerobic granular sludge was discussed and complemented with a few additional demands. Further topics were formation and morphology of aerobic granular sludge, modelling and use of the aerobic granular sludge in practice.
Benchmarking of BAF plants: operational experience on 40 full-scale installations in Germany
Authors: Barjenbruch M.
Published: April 2007

For some years, bio-filtration has been used in municipal wastewater treatment as a relatively new method. Within a German DWA research project, the method of benchmarking was used to compile and scientifically evaluate performance data and operation experiences with this technology on municipal wastewater treatment plants in Germany. This report presents selected partial results from the project. Generally, it becomes apparent that bio-filters as supplementary technology allow for additional improvements in regard to the COD and nitrogen effluent values. Bio-filtration is a compact method which combines biological purification processes with the filtration process. Apart from sound results in regard to the operation costs, operational problems (MSR technology, filter material losses) are described. In terms of energy balances, dimensions of the biological main stages can be compared to other biological purification methods. In regard to the sludge production, further research is necessary.
Full-scale applications for both COD and nutrient removal in a CIRCOX® airlift reactor
Authors: Frijters C.T.M.J. , Silvius M. , Fischer J. , Haarhuis R. , Mulder R.
Published: April 2007

The airlift reactor technology has been successfully applied at full scale for both COD and nitrogen removal. In this study, the results of the biofilm development and biological performance of two full scale reactors are discussed. At Paulaner Brewery in Munich, the airlift reactor was applied for COD and ammonia removal of anaerobically treated wastewater. In the other case the airlift reactor was applied as a pretreatment of nitrogen removal by the Anammox process. Water from a Tannery company in Lichtenvoorde in the Netherlands, The Hulshof Royal Dutch Tanneries, was pretreated anaerobically for COD removal and aerobically to remove the sulphides as sulphur. In an airlift reactor the ammonia was partially oxidised to nitrite. In both cases the granular biomass developed well; the concentrations amounted to 250 ml/L and 500 ml/L respectively. In the first case, 4 kg/m3/day of COD was removed, the soluble concentration of COD was less than 250 mg/L. The nitrification to nitrate was nearly complete and amounted to 0.5 kg NH4-N/m3/day. In the second application, 50% of the ammonia (on average 0.45 kg N/m3/d) was nitrified to nitrite. This process was easily controlled by regulating the amount of air according to the nitrite and ammonia concentrations in the effluent. It can be concluded that in both cases the particular processes were very stable and easy to operate.
Potentials and limits of a pre-denitrification/nitrification biofilter configuration for advanced municipal wastewater treatment
Authors: Rother E. , Cornel P.
Published: April 2007

Pre-denitrification in biofilters is limited by the amount of easily degradable organic substrate, resulting in relatively high requirements for external carbon. The combination of pre-DN, N and post-DN filters is much more advisable for most municipal wastewaters, because the recycle rate can be reduced and external carbon can be saved. For minimum use of external carbon, 100–150% recycle rate should not be exceeded. Then, approximately 50–60% of the total NO3-N can be depleted in the pre-DN stage. On average, 10 g total (t) COD/g NO3-N were required in the pre-DN stage for denitrification in the pilot and full-scale plant and 0.4–0.5 kg NO3-N/(m3DN d) can be reached without external carbon. As only 40–70% of the COD load is eliminated in the pre-DN, the remaining COD load is removed in the nitrification stage. 1 kg COD/(m3 d) suppresses nitrification rates by approximately 0.1 kg NH4-N/(m3 d). For nitrification rates, >0.5 kg NH4N/(m3 d) at 12°C not more than 2 kg COD/(m3N d) may be eliminated in the nitrification.