bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small domain statistics: a review
Authors: Chaudhuri A.
Published: April 2008

Local data are required at short intervals of time mainly for undertaking regional development projects on ascertaining area‐wise socio‐economic requirements, proper devolution of funds and resources from central pools and allocation of legislative seats. A census is an infrequent source for them and is also incomprehensive. Official records and registers are a second source but are generally inadequate. Sample surveys are a recognized third alternative. But even for large total sample sizes, when numerous local areas are involved, many are not represented well enough in samples. Consequently, for totals of small areas classical survey estimates turn out inefficient having large mean square errors admitting uselessly wide confidence intervals. Improved estimation procedures however are rapidly emerging based on postulated models which encourage borrowing strength from samples outside local areas and from past data. A brief review is attempted illustrating applications.
The largest square of successes covering the origin for Bernoulli trials on the lattice
Authors: Kopociński B.
Published: April 2008

Consider a collection of Bernoulli random variables on the two dimensional integer lattice and define the length D of the side of the largest square consisting entirely of successes, which covers the origin of the lattice. The paper gives a method to evaluate the probability distribution function of D. An analogous problem for the Poisson process on the plane is also considered.
Distributions slanted to the right
Authors: Rösler U.
Published: April 2008

We solve Problem 234 in Statistica Neerlandica by introducing the concept of slantedness. Distributions with a decreasing Lebesgue density are slanted to the right. This is no longer true for distributions on a lattice with decreasing density. Both kinds of distributions have positive central odd moments.
Options and earnings announcements: an empirical study for the European Options Exchange
Authors: Donders M. W. M. , Vorst A. C. F.
Published: April 2008

In this paper we give an introduction in option pricing theory and explicitly specify the Black‐Scholes model. Although market participants use this and similar models to price options, they violate one of the fundamental assumptions of the model. They do not set a constant value for the volatility of the underlying asset over time, but change the volatility even during a day. By means of event study methodology we investigate the volatility of the underlying asset and the volatility implicit in option prices around earnings announcements by firms. We find that the volatility in option prices increases before the announcement date and drops sharply afterwards. The volatility of the underlying stocks is higher only at the announcement dates and we do not observe a higher volatility around these dates. Hence, the constant volatility of the underlying asset, which is one of the assumptions in the Black‐Scholes model, does not hold. However, the market seems to correctly anticipate the change in volatility, by correcting option prices.
The concept ofRoin epidemic theory
Authors: Heesterbeek J. A. P. , Dietz K.
Published: April 2008

In epidemiologyR0denotes the average number of secondary cases of an infectious disease that one case would generate in a completely susceptible population. This concept is among the foremost and most valuable ideas that mathematical thinking has brought to epidemic theory. In this contribution, we first review the historical development of Ro, from demography to epidemiology, proceed to give an exposition of the recently formalised theory to define and calculateR0for structured populations, return to the interaction of demography and epidemiology for an example of the use of the concept to study vaccination campaigns and finally we deal with statistical aspects of estimatingR0. In the appendix we discuss some issues of current attention.
A weighted Kuiper statistic for goodness of fit
Authors: Koziol J. A.
Published: April 2008

A variance‐weighted Kuiper statistic for goodness of fit is studied. The exact finite sample distribution can be obtained through modification of Noé's (1972) algorithm. Asymptotic distribution theory for the statistic is available from Jaeschke (1979) and Eicker (1979), but this theory does not lead to useful approximations with finite sample sizes less than 100. Monte Carlo power studies demonstrate that the weighted Kuiper statistic is especially sensitive to alternatives that are not stochastically ordered relative to the postulated null distribution.
Characterizing systems of distributions by quantile measures
Authors: Moors J. J. A. , Wagemakers R. Th. A. , Coenen V. M. J. , Heuts R. M. J. , Janssens M. J. B. T.
Published: April 2008

Modelling an empirical distribution by means of a simple theoretical distribution is an interesting issue in applied statistics. A reasonable first step in this modelling process is to demand that measures for location, dispersion, skewness and kurtosis for the two distributions coincide. Up to now, the four measures used hereby were based on moments.

In this paper measures are considered which are based on quantiles. Of course, the four values of these quantile measures do not uniquely determine the modelling distribution. They do, however, within specific systems of distributions, like Pearson's or Johnson's; they share this property with the four moment‐based measures.

This opens the possibility of modelling an empirical distribution—within a specific system—by means of quantile measures. Since moment‐based measures are sensitive to outliers, this approach may lead to a better fit. Further, tests of fit—e.g. a test for normality—may be constructed based on quantile measures. In view of the robustness property, these tests may achieve higher power than the classical moment‐based tests.

For both applications the limiting joint distribution of quantile measures will be needed; they are derived here as well.
The classic lacunar syndromes: clinical and neuroimaging correlates
Authors: De Reuck J. , De Groote L. , Van Maele G.
Published: April 2008

Background:  Although lacunar syndromes (LSs) are aimed to be linked to lacunar infarcts, the relation between both is still not very well defined.

Purpose:  The present retrospective study tries to define more specifically the clinical and the neuroimaging characteristics of the five most classic LSs.

Patients and methods:  Out of a series of 1617 consecutive stroke patients, admitted to the Ghent University Hospital, 293 presented a classic LS. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) was performed within 5 days after stroke onset in 227 patients. An acute territorial infarct was demonstrated in 54 patients. The study population finally consisted of 173 patients with a classic LS in whom the responsible lacune was demonstrated or in the absence of another type of infarct.

Results:  The responsible lacune was demonstrated with DWI in 104 patients. Pure motor stroke (MS) correlated significantly with the presence of the responsible lacune in the internal capsule (P = 0.000147) and with the stroke severity (P = 0.00724). No significant correlation was observed between the location of the lacunes and the other LS’s.

Conclusion:  Pure MS has to be considered as the most specific lacunar syndrome.
A PRAGMATIST DEFENSE OF NON‐RELATIVISTIC EXPLANATORY PLURALISM IN HISTORY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
Authors: VAN BOUWEL JEROEN , WEBER ERIK
Published: April 2008

Explanatory pluralism has been defended by several philosophers of history and social science, recently, for example, by Tor Egil Førland in this journal. In this article, we provide a better argument for explanatory pluralism, based on the pragmatist idea of epistemic interests. Second, we show that there are three quite different senses in which one can be an explanatory pluralist: one can be a pluralist about questions, a pluralist about answers to questions, and a pluralist about both. We defend the last position. Finally, our third aim is to argue that pluralism should not be equated with “anything goes”: we will argue for non‐relativistic explanatory pluralism. This pluralism will be illustrated by examples from history and social science in which different forms of explanation (for example, structural, functional, and intentional explanations) are discussed, and the fruitfulness of our framework for understanding explanatory pluralism is shown.
EXCEPTIONAL HISTORY? THE ORIGINS OF HISTORIOGRAPHY IN THE UNITED STATES1
Authors: CHENG EILEEN KA‐MAY
Published: April 2008

This essay examines how and why historiography—defined to mean the study of the history of historical writing—first emerged as a legitimate subject of historical inquiry in the United States during the period from 1890 to the 1930s by focusing on the practice of historiography by three of the most influential American historiographers whose work spans this period: J. Franklin Jameson, John Spencer Bassett, and Harry Elmer Barnes. Whereas the development of historiography as a field of study signified a recognition that historians and historical writing are themselves products of the historical process, American historiographers in this period at the same time used historiography to further a scientific ideal of objectivity that was premised on the belief in the ability of historians to separate themselves from that process. Modern scholars (notably, Peter Novick) have attributed to scientific historians like Jameson and Bassett a simplistic and naive positivism; but the ability of these historiographers to recognize the subjective character of historical writing and yet affirm a belief in objectivity reveals that their understanding of historical truth was more complex than modern scholars have acknowledged. In turn, by questioning the belief that the historical profession was originally founded on a naïve faith in the ideal of objective truth, I demonstrate that New Historians like Barnes were more similar to their predecessors, the scientific historians, than they (or later scholars) acknowledged. Thus, rather than portraying the shift from scientific history to the New History as a linear trajectory of development from objectivity to a more relativist viewpoint, I argue that New Historians like Barnes at once expressed a greater recognition than his scientific predecessors of how historical writing was the product of its context, while still insisting on his commitment to an ideal of objectivity that divorced the historian from that context.
INFORMED CONSENT PRACTICES IN NIGERIA
Authors: EZEOME EMMANUEL R. , MARSHALL PATRICIA A.
Published: April 2008

Most writing on informed consent in Africa highlights different cultural and social attributes that influence informed consent practices, especially in research settings. This review presents a composite picture of informed consent in Nigeria using empirical studies and legal and regulatory prescriptions, as well as clinical experience. It shows that Nigeria, like most other nations in Africa, is a mixture of sociocultural entities, and, notwithstanding the multitude of factors affecting it, informed consent is evolving along a purely Western model.

Empirical studies show that 70–95% of Nigerian patients report giving consent for their surgical treatments. Regulatory prescriptions and adjudicated cases in Nigeria follow the Western model of informed consent. However, adversarial legal proceedings, for a multiplicity of reasons, do not play significant roles in enforcing good medical practice in Nigeria. Gender prejudices are evident, but not a norm. Individual autonomy is recognized even when decisions are made within the family. Consent practices are influenced by the level of education, extended family system, urbanization, religious practices, and health care financing options available. All limitations notwithstanding, consent discussions improved with increasing level of education of the patients, suggesting that improved physician's knowledge and increasing awareness and education of patients can override other influences.

Nigerian medical schools should restructure their teaching of medical ethics to improve the knowledge and practices of physicians. More research is needed on the preferences of the Nigerian people regarding informed consent so as to adequately train physicians and positively influence physicians’ behaviors.
OLDOWAN RAW MATERIAL PROCUREMENT AND USE: EVIDENCE FROM THE KOOBI FORA FORMATION*
Authors: BRAUN D. R. , HARRIS J. W. K. , MAINA D. N.
Published: April 2008

Raw material availability has been shown to be a major factor affecting the material culture of Oldowan tool users. Studies of artefact provenance often focus on site‐specific raw material availability. Here, we use data from primary and secondary sources of raw material to develop a model of basin‐scale stone availability in the eastern Turkana Basin, during the KBS and Okote Members of the Koobi Fora Formation. ED‐XRF was used as a method of characterizing raw material sources and artefacts using trace elements. This model is applied to the site of FxJj 50 to investigate transport and discard patterns.
Colonial Legacy in African Museology: The Case of the Ghana National Museum
Authors: Fogelman Arianna
Published: April 2008

African museums were largely founded during the colonial era to house artifacts amassed by imperial agents whose contemporaneous understandings of race, evolution and culture led them to believe local populations were “backward” or otherwise “primitive.” Today in the hands of independent governments, scholars frequently cite “colonial legacy” to explain these institutions' continued irrelevance to the local communities they purport to serve. Recent efforts to “localize” African museums have proceeded without a critical analysis of the “colonial legacy” concept, which both denies local agency and cultural malleability in the museum concept, as demonstrated with the case of the Ghana National Museum.
Phosphate Esters as Dispersants for the Cathodic Electrophoretic Deposition of Alumina Suspensions
Authors: Uchikoshi Tetsuo , Sakka Yoshio
Published: April 2008

The stability of alumina ethanol suspensions prepared with phosphate esters (PEs) having three different alkoxy functional groups (ethyl, butyl, and butoxyethyl) and the corresponding effects on the electrophoretic deposition characteristics were investigated. The mechanism of particle charging was characterized by measuring the suspension pH, conductivity, zeta‐potential, and deposition yield under various experimental conditions. The highest stability was observed for the suspension prepared with the butoxyethyl acid phosphate though the zeta‐potentials of the three suspensions were very similar. This was attributed to the steric repulsion of the alkoxy functional group. The PEs made the alumina particles positively charged which allowed the cathodic deposition to occur. The zeta‐potential, deposition yield and green density were functions of the PE addition amount. The highest green density was obtained at the highest zeta‐potential, however, the deposition rate for this PE amount was the lowest. The over‐addition of PE caused decreases in the zeta potential and green density, but an increase in the adhesion of the deposit to a metal substrate. Thick deposits with smooth surfaces were obtained from the over‐added PE suspension.
Formation of Monoclinic Hafnium Titanate Thin Films Via the Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Kidchob Tongjit , Falcaro Paolo , Schiavuta Piero , Enzo Stefano , Innocenzi Plinio
Published: April 2008

Hafnium titanate films are generating increasing interest because of their potential application as high‐kdielectrics materials for the semiconductor industry. We have investigated sol–gel processing as an alternative route to obtain hafnium titanate thin films. Hafnia‐titania films of different compositions have been synthesized using HfCl4and TiCl4as precursors. The HfO2–TiO2system composition with 50 mol% of TiO2and 50 mol% of HfO2has allowed the formation of a hafnium titanate film after annealing at 1000°C. The films exhibited a homogeneous nanocrystalline structure and a monoclinic hafnium titanate phase that has never been obtained before in thin films. The films resulted in the formation of homogeneously distributed nanocrystals with an average size of 50 nm. Different compositions, with higher or lower hafnia contents, produced anatase crystalline films after annealing at 1000°C.
Cerebrovascular risk factors and incident depression in community‐dwelling elderly
Authors: Luijendijk H. J. , Stricker B. H. , Hofman A. , Witteman J. C. M. , Tiemeier H.
Published: April 2008

Objective:  The ‘vascular depression’ hypothesis suggests that late‐life depression results from vascular brain damage. We studied the longitudinal association between cerebrovascular risk factors and incident depression in a large population‐based study.

Method:  Two thousand nine hundred and thirty‐one persons with the age of ≥61 years were followed up. Data on a comprehensive set of cerebrovascular risk factors were collected at baseline. Participants received a psychiatric assessment 5 years later to establish DSM‐IV diagnoses.

Results:  Only current smoking and antihypertensive drug use were independently associated with incident depressive symptoms. Diabetes mellitus and the Framingham stroke risk score were related to incident depressive disorder. No relation with depression was observed for cholesterol, diastolic and systolic blood pressure, history of cardiovascular disease, atrial fibrillation, left ventricular hypertrophy or the use of statins and anticoagulants.

Conclusion:  These results moderately support the ‘vascular depression’ hypothesis.
Quantified superiority of cognitive behaviour therapy to antidepressant drugs: a challenge to an earlier meta‐analysis
Authors: Parker G. B. , Crawford J. , Hadzi‐Pavlovic D.
Published: April 2008

Objective:  The study aimed to review the conclusion of a previously published meta‐analysis which quantified distinct superiority of cognitive therapy to antidepressant drug‐therapy (P < 0.0001).

Method:  We sought to include all studies used in the original meta‐analysis. Adopting both that study’s inclusion criteria and additional criteria resulted in a reduced set of studies. We analysed both ‘completer’ and ‘intention to treat’ data, using effect size and odds ratio quantification.

Results:  There was an overall trend for cognitive therapy to be superior to antidepressant drug‐therapy, but this was significant for only one of the four meta‐analyses (an intention to treat analysis). We demonstrated considerable heterogeneity between studies, and a significantly higher drop‐out rate in the antidepressant groups.

Conclusion:  The previous interpretation – cognitive therapy being distinctly superior to antidepressant medication – cannot be sustained from the currently analysed data set.
Early exposure to cannabis and risk for psychosis in young adolescents in Trinidad
Authors: Konings M. , Henquet C. , Maharajh H. D. , Hutchinson G. , Van Os J.
Published: April 2008

Objective:  Cannabis use increases the risk for psychosis, but psychotogenic effects of cannabis may be restricted to exposure during early adolescence.

Method:  Four hundred and seventy‐two participants (aged 12–23 years), randomly selected from the general population in Trinidad, completed questionnaires on past and current cannabis use and psychotic symptoms (using the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences).

Results:  Cannabis use increased the risk of experiencing psychotic symptoms and this effect was conditional on early exposure, defined around the mean age of onset of cannabis use. Thus, exposure before but not after the age of 14 years predicted psychotic symptoms (respectively β: 0.71, 95% CI 0.22; 1.19, P = 0.004 and β: −0.11, 95% CI −0.57; 0.36, P = 0.66). The developmental effect of cannabis use was independent of use of other drugs or current use of cannabis.

Conclusion:  Early adolescence may be a critical period with regard to the psychotogenic effect of cannabis across geographical settings and ethnic groups.
Antipruritic effect of cyclosporine microemulsion in prurigo nodularis: Results of a case series
Authors: Siepmann Dorothee , Luger Thomas A. , Ständer Sonja
Published: April 2008

Background: Prurigo nodularis shows intense itching nodules, which are often persistent and therapy refractory. Histological alterations include fibrosis of collagen fibers and presence of inflammatory infiltrate, which partly explains the clinical persistence of lesions. Inflammatory cells may directly contribute to induction and maintenance of pruritus at nerve fibers. Cyclosporine microemulsion (ME) suppresses the migration and proliferation of inflammatory cells and may thereby interfere with pathogenesis of prurigo nodularis. The aim of this investigation was to assess the antipruritic efficiency of cyclosporine ME in therapy of prurigo nodularis.

Patients and methods: 14 patients with prurigo nodularis of diverse origin and failure to previous therapy were treated with oral cyclosporine ME (3 to 5 mg per kg daily). Blood pressure, liver enzymes, renal function and differential blood count were monitored.

Results: In 13 of 14 prurigo patients (92.9 %) there was a significant response to monotherapy with cyclosporine ME. The maximal antipruritic effect occurred after 2 weeks to 12 months. Prurigo nodules also healed during therapy. Seven patients (50.0 %) described side effects. In one case the therapy was stopped.

Conclusions: Oral cyclosporine ME is an effective therapy for prurigo nodularis of diverse origin. It appears to function by inhibiting dermal inflammatory cells.
Correlation between spirometry and impulse oscillometry in children with asthma
Authors: Song Tae Won , Kim Kyung Won , Kim Eun Soo , Kim Kyu‐Earn , Sohn Myung Hyun
Published: April 2008

Aim: In certain patients, such as young children or individuals with cerebral palsy or severe mental retardation, it is difficult to perform forced expiratory manoeuvres to measure expiratory flow volume. In such cases, we could evaluate obstructive lung disease through the measurement of airway resistance instead of expiratory flow volume.

Methods: In this study, we evaluated the correlation of Impulse Oscillometry (IOS) parameters with spirometry values and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measurements to give coherence to IOS recordings in lung function exploration. Total serum IgE levels, total eosinophil counts and specific IgE levels were measured in 48 children with asthma and 66 control subjects, aged 7–15 years of age. IOS, spirometry and PEFR measurements were performed, as well as methacholine challenge. We further analyzed the correlations in atopic asthma, atopic control, nonatopic asthma and nonatopic control groups.

Results: FEV1 and PEFR showed a significant correlation with impedance and resistance (R) at 5, 10, 20 and 35 Hz, both in atopic asthmatic and in atopic control children. FVC also showed a correlation with impedance and R at 10, 20 and 35 Hz, both in atopic asthmatic and atopic control children. FEF25–75% did not show a correlation with resistances.

Conclusion: FEV1, FVC and PEFR were significantly correlated with IOS parameters, in both asthmatic and control subjects, especially for atopic children. IOS could be used as a suitable measure of lung function when spirometry and PEF cannot be performed.
Do parental ratings on cognition reflect neuropsychological outcome in congenital heart disease?
Authors: Miatton Marijke , De Wolf Daniël , François Katrien , Thiery Evert , Vingerhoets Guy
Published: April 2008

Aim: To describe the parental view of the cognitive skills of their child with a surgically corrected congenital heart disease (CHD) and compare it to objectified cognitive measures in children with CHD 6–12 years postoperatively.

Methods: Parents completed a questionnaire on several cognitive functions of their child. Children with CHD and healthy controls (n = 86, aged 8 years 8 months ± 1 year 6 months) underwent an abbreviated IQ‐testing and a neurodevelopmental assessment.

Results: Parents of the children with CHD more frequently indicated lower sustained attention (p < 0.05), lower divided attention (p < 0.001), more problems with memory and learning skills (p < 0.05), and deficient gross motor functioning (p < 0.01) compared to the parents of healthy controls. Intellectual and neuropsychological assessment revealed a lower estimated full‐scale IQ (p < 0.01), worse sensorimotor functioning (p < 0.001), and lower performances on language (p < 0.001), attention/executive functioning (p < 0.05), and memory (p < 0.05) in the CHD‐group. Several items of the questionnaire were significant predictors for worse neurodevelopmental outcome.

Conclusion: Overall, the objective and subjective measures on cognitive functioning are in agreement and indicate the presence of neurocognitive deficits in children with CHD. This study endorses the accuracy and usefulness of a parental questionnaire to report on the cognitive functioning of the child and urges the investigation of neurocognitive functioning in children with CHD at follow‐up.
Reported symptoms of food hypersensitivity and sensitization to common foods in 4‐year‐old children
Authors: Östblom Eva , Wickman Magnus , Van Hage Marianne , Lilja Gunnar
Published: April 2008

Aim: To characterize reported food hypersensitivity (FHS) among young children in a birth cohort.

Methods: At 4 years of age a parental questionnaire on FHS and allergic symptoms was evaluated. Blood was collected for analyses of IgE‐antibodies to egg, milk, fish, wheat, peanut and soy. Complete questionnaire data was available for 3694 children (90%), and blood samples were obtained from 2563 children (63%).

Results: FHS was reported in 11% of the children (n = 397). Eczema was the most commonly reported symptom and the only symptom in half of these children. Food‐related reactions from the airways, facial oedema or urticaria were reported in 198 children, and the majority of these children (75%) reported multiple symptoms. Furthermore, a combination of airway symptoms, facial oedema or urticaria together with sensitization to food suggested a more severe form of FHS. This was found in 1.6% of all children. Symptoms caused by peanut were closely associated with sensitization to peanut (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: FHS in 4‐year‐old children with any of asthma, rhino‐conjunctivitis, facial oedema or urticaria in combination is in most cases associated to sensitization to food. This phenotype of FHS is likely to represent a more severe form of FHS.
A visual pitfall: Persistent Mullerian duct syndrome (PMDS)
Authors: Marcus KA , Halbertsma FJJ , Picard JY , Otten BJ
Published: April 2008

Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome (PMDS) is a rare disorder of the anti‐mullerian hormone (AMH) synthesis or receptor, which due to the visual contrast of normal masculine external genitalia and female internal genitalia can raise confusion, sometimes during surgery for cryptorchidism or hernia inguinalis. For an acute and accurate analysis of such a situation a thorough knowledge of gonadal embryology is mandatory. The diagnosis is made on finding Müllerian structures in an individual with complete virilization without signs of hypocortisolism or exposition to maternal androgens during foetal life. Karyotyping and gonadal biopsy provide additional information to confirm the diagnosis. As the risk of malignant transformation is not clear, orchidopexy is advised in patients with cryptorchidism, with lifelong palpatory follow‐up. In case of urologic symptoms, surgical removal of the Müllerian remnants can be considered, with careful attention for the vulnerable ductus deferens. Despite optimal treatment the prognosis regarding fertility remain uncertain.
Antimicrobial usage in paediatric intensive care units in China
Authors: Ding Hui , Yang Yonghong , Chen Yuan , Wang Yi , Fan Shaozhen , Shen Xuzhuang
Published: April 2008

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine antimicrobial usage in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in China.

Methods: Data were equally collected from 540 charts of PICUs in the three Chinese tertiary teaching children hospitals in 2006. The data included demographic, clinical data and those on antimicrobial usage and results of microbiological examinations.

Results: Of the 540 cases, 524 (94.7%) patients received at least one antimicrobial agent. The main treatment started empirically in 387 (71.6%). The third‐generation cephalosporins were the major antimicrobials used in all participating hospitals, accounting for 227 (31%). Bacteria were isolated from 48%, 68% and 59% of the three PICUs. Six common pathogens accounted for more than 75% of the isolated bacteria. The rates of Escherichia coli isolates resistant to cefotaxime were 73.8%, 58.3% and 49.2%, respectively, with the rate being higher in H1 than in H2 and H3 (both p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Irrational use of antimicrobials exists in clinical practice of PICUs in China. It is recommended that antimicrobial usage should be guided by bacterial isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility tests in order to select correct antimicrobials and to prevent emergency of drug‐resistant strains in PICUs.
Renal concentrating capacity as a marker for glomerular filtration rate
Authors: Nieto Víctor M García , Yanes María Isabel Luis , Zamorano Margarita Monge , González Ma José Hernández , Aros Carolina Peralta , Garin Eduardo H
Published: April 2008

Aim: We have studied 160 children with a variety of renal diseases, 14 of them with chronic renal failure (CRF), to evaluate maximum urinary osmolality as a predictor of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) testing the hypothesis that a normal GFR is necessary to have a normal urinary concentrating capacity.

Methods: All patients had a serum creatinine measured. GFR was calculated according to the Schwartz formula. All patients underwent desmopressin (DDAVP) test to evaluate renal concentrating capacity.

Results: Patients with CRF were unable to concentrate the urine beyond 486 mosm/kg whereas all patients with a normal concentrating capacity (urine osmolality > 835 mosm/kg) had a normal GFR. Desmopressin test sensitivity to detect CRF was 100% and specificity 70.5%. A significant negative correlation was found between urinary osmolality after DDAVP administration and serum creatinine levels and between urinary volume corrected by 100 mL of GFR (V/GFR) and urinary osmolality.

Conclusion: In our series, a normal concentrating capacity was always associated with a normal GFR while all patients with decreased GFR had a concentrating capacity defect. Thus, in the evaluation of infants and children with renal disease, the finding of a normal urinary concentrating capacity will suggest and intact glomerular and tubular function.
Antioxidative properties of human milk and spermine are not related to expression of Hsp 70
Authors: Shoji Hiromichi , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: April 2008

Aim: Heat shock proteins (Hsps) have been detected in various tissues, including those in the intestines, and play a role in cellular protection. Polyamines, such as spermine (SPM), are found in human milk (HM) and act as antioxidants. We hypothesized that the antioxidative property of SPM is related to the expression of Hsp and examined this relationship in an intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) line.

Method: (i) Confluent IEC‐6 cells were exposed to mild heat shock (43°C, 1 h) and then allowed to recover at 37°C for 24 h. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was applied to induce oxidative stress and cell viability was evaluated. (ii) Cells were exposed to mild heat shock or pre‐incubated with HM or pre‐incubated with 5 μM SPM for 24 h. Hsp70 expression in IEC‐6 cells was analysed by Western blot.

Results: The survival rate of cells treated with mild heat shock after H2O2 challenge was significantly higher than that of non‐pretreated cells. Western blot analysis demonstrated that Hsp70 was expressed in IEC‐6 cells treated with mild heat shock but not in IEC‐6 cells pre‐incubated with HM or 5 μM SPM.

Conclusion: Mild heat shock treatment induces Hsp70, which acts as an antioxidant in IEC‐6 cells, but HM or SPM does not induce Hsp70 in this system.
Gene expression analyses on embryonic external genitalia: identification of regulatory genes possibly involved in masculinization processes
Authors: Nishida Hisayo , Miyagawa Shinichi , Matsumaru Daisuke , Wada Yoshihiro , Satoh Yoshihiko , Ogino Yukiko , Fukuda Shinji , Iguchi Taisen , Yamada Gen
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT  Androgen plays a crucial role in initiating and maintaining the expression of male sexual characteristics in mammals. In humans and mice, any defects along the pathway of androgen functions result in congenital urogenital abnormalities. The genital tubercle (GT), an anlage of the external genitalia, differentiates into a penis in males and a clitoris in females. Although masculinization of the external genitalia is androgen‐dependent, the molecular pathway of its potential downstream genes is largely unclear. To identify the genes involved in mouse GT masculinization, we performed gene expression analyses, such as real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and section in situ hybridization analysis. From our studies we have identified candidate genes, Cyp1b1, Fkbp51 and MafB as potential androgen targets during mouse GT masculinization.
Morphological and immunohistochemical studies on cleft palates induced by 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin in mice
Authors: Fujiwara Kumiko , Yamada Tomohiro , Mishima Katsuaki , Imura Hideto , Sugahara Toshio
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT  Morphological and immunohistological examinations were performed to reveal the mechanisms of cleft palate induction by 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD). ICR strain mice 8–10 weeks of age were used in the study. TCDD was administered in olive oil on gestation day (GD) 12.5 with gastric tubes at 40 μg/kg. From GD 13.5 to 16.5, palates were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hematoxyline–eosin (HE) staining, and immunohistochemical staining of FGFR1/2, TGF‐β3, MSX1 and LHX8. In the control group, both of the palatal shelves began elevating on GD 14.0 and finished within 6 h. After the elevation, all of the shelves had completely fused with each other on GD 14.5. In the TCDD‐treated group, palatal shelves elevated 1 day later than in the control group. However, all palates had elevated by GD 15.0. After the elevation, the shelves contacted each other and fused; however, they were separated on GD16.0. HE staining showed that medial edge epithelium (MEE) was thinner in the TCDD group than in the control group. MEE observed under a high magnification (×2500) exhibited filopodia‐like filaments and the cells were bulged in the control group. In contrast, in the TCDD group, no filaments were observed and the cells were flat with unclear boundaries. Immunohistologically, there were no characteristic findings except for FGFR1. FGFR1 was not expressed in the TCDD group after the fusion phase (GD 14.5). TCDD induces many morphological and molecular changes to MEE cells and causes cleft palates.
Altered signaling pathway in the dysmorphogenesis of telencephalon in theGli3depressed mouse embryo,Pdn/Pdn
Authors: Ueta Etsuko , Kurome Maho , Teshima Yuko , Kodama Mami , Otsuka Yuzuru , Naruse Ichiro
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT The responsible gene of genetic polydactyly/arhinencephaly mouse (Pdn/Pdn) isGli3.Pdn/Pdnexhibits absence of the olfactory bulb, suggesting telencephalic dysmorphogenesis. It has been cleared that a transposon was inserted into intron 3 of theGli3gene in thePdnmouse. Adequate PCR primers in the intron 3 and transposon allowed us to discriminate +/+,Pdn/+ andPdn/Pdnembryos. After genotyping of thePdnembryos using genomic DNA from the yolk sac membrane, gene expressions in the embryo proper were analyzed by DNA microarray, real‐time PCR and whole‐mountin situhybridization (WISH) methods. DNA microarray detected 368 depressed and 425 over‐expressed genes in thePdn/Pdnmouse embryos on day 9 of gestation. In these genes, six signaling pathway and 20 transcription factor genes were included. From these genes, we further investigatedGli3,Emx2,Wnt8bandWnt7bgene expressions using real‐time PCR and WISH, and depression of these gene expression amounts and altered expression patterns were confirmed. Although alterations ofShhandFgf8gene expressions were not detected in the DNA microarray, as these genes have been closed up in the telencephalic morphogenesis, we investigated these gene expressions by real‐time PCR and WISH.Shhgene expression amount and pattern were not changed. Alteration ofFgf8gene expression amount was not detected also in the real‐time PCR, but altered expression pattern was detected in thePdn/Pdnembryos by WISH. From the present data, we suggested thatEmx2,Wnt8b,Wnt7bandFgf8are the importantGli3signaling pathway in the morphogenesis of telencephalon.
Nutritional physiology and colony form in Podocoryna carnea (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa)
Authors: Bumann Dirk , Buss Leo W.
Published: April 2008

Abstract. We compared growth rates and final morphological states of the athecate colonial hydroid Podocoryna carnea in two nutritional environments: one varying the quantity of food provided at a fixed interval and the second varying the time between feedings of a fixed quantity. In both environments, replicate colonies were either fed uniformly, or fed on only one side and starved on the other. In addition, we fed colonies fluorescence‐labeled cultures of Artemia salina and documented the subsequent distribution of label. We found that both the growth rates and the final morphological state varied logarithmically with food supply. Heterogeneous feeding had a marked effect on colony morphology, with a sharp boundary in polyp number, stolon density, and polyp size forming at the fed–unfed interface. The distribution of fluorescence was correlated with sites of colony growth. These results confirm and extend early work on the priority of growth zones in colonial hydroids, and present new challenges for understanding the relationship among energy metabolism, gastrovascular circulation, and colony form.
Reproductive behavior of intersexes of an intertidal amphipod Corophium volutator
Authors: McCurdy Dean G. , Painter Daniel C. , Kopec Michael T. , Lancaster Diana , Cook Kathy A. , Forbes Mark R.
Published: April 2008

Abstract. Intersexes are common in crustaceans. Typically, these intersexes are sterile or function as females, but prior evidence from laboratory experiments suggests that intersexes of a key species of gammaridean amphipod, Corophium volutator, might function as males. We observed that intersexes of C. volutator behaved as males by crawling (mate‐searching) on a mudflat during ebb tides and pairing in burrows with female amphipods. In the laboratory, intersexes and males did not differ in aspects of crawling such as movement rate and measures of burrow investigation. I`ntersexuality was costly in that intersexes crawled less often than males on a mudflat, formed fewer pairs with females than males, and remained in tandem less often with receptive females than males. The use of PCR‐based identification methods failed to identify the presence of transovarial, feminizing, microsporidian parasites as a major cause of intersexuality in this species in that infected females did not produce broods that contained more intersexes than broods produced by uninfected females. Because intersexes may be mistaken as females, the percentage of functional males in amphipod populations may be underestimated: an important consideration given male limitation in populations of C. volutator. The occurrence of intersexes has significant implications for studies on the evolution and ecology of sex ratios, and the use of crustaceans as indicators of environmental quality.
Determination of Anthocyanins and Exploration of Relationship between Their Composition and Petal Coloration in Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia hybrid)
Authors: Zhang Jie , Wang Liang‐Sheng , Gao Jin‐Ming , Shu Qing‐Yan , Li Chong‐Hui , Yao Juan , Hao Qing , Zhang Jing‐Jing
Published: April 2008

Petal coloration and pigment components in 12 American crape myrtle cultivars (Lagerstroemia indica×Lagerstroemia fauriei) and five Chinese crape myrtle cultivars (L. indica hybrids) were studied. Color was measured by CIEL*a*b* scale and anthocyanin composition of crape myrtle was determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The presence of the previously reported delphinidin 3‐O‐glucoside, petunidin 3‐O‐glucoside and malvidin 3‐O‐glucoside were confirmed. Cyanidin 3‐O‐glucoside was identified in crape myrtle for the first time. We explored the relationship between petal color and anthocyanin contents by multiple linear regression analyses. The results indicated that total flavones and flavonols were important variables and contributed to blue‐enhancing in crape myrtle. Based on anthocyanins and co‐pigments analysis, flower color breeding in crape myrtle towards true‐red and blue were discussed.
Expression of a High Mobility Group Protein Isolated from Cucumis sativus Affects the Germination of Arabidopsis thaliana under Abiotic Stress Conditions
Authors: Jang Ji Young , Kwak Kyung Jin , Kang Hunseung
Published: April 2008

Although high mobility group B (HMGB) proteins have been identified from a variety of plant species, their importance and functional roles in plant responses to changing environmental conditions are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the functional roles of a CsHMGB isolated from cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in plant responses to environmental stimuli. Under normal growth conditions or when subjected to cold stress, no differences in plant growth were found between the wild‐type and transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana overexpressing CsHMGB. By contrast, the transgenic Arabidopsis plants displayed retarded germination compared with the wild‐type plants when grown under high salt or dehydration stress conditions. Germination of the transgenic plants was delayed by the addition of abscisic acid (ABA), implying that CsHMGB affects germination through an ABA‐dependent way. The expression of CsHMGB had affected only the germination stage, and CsHMGB did not affect the seedling growth of the transgenic plants under the stress conditions. The transcript levels of several germination‐responsive genes were modulated by the expression of CsHMGB in Arabidopsis. Taken together, these results suggest that ectopic expression of a CsHMGB in Arabidopsis modulates the expression of several germination‐responsive genes, and thereby affects the germination of Arabidopsis plants under different stress conditions.
Overexpression of Sweet Pepper Glycerol‐3‐Phosphate Acyltransferase Gene Enhanced Thermotolerance of Photosynthetic Apparatus in Transgenic Tobacco
Authors: Yan Kun , Chen Na , Qu Yan‐Yan , Dong Xin‐Chun , Meng Qing‐Wei , Zhao Shi‐Jie
Published: April 2008

In order to investigate the relationship between the lipid composition in thylakoid membrane and thermostability of photosynthetic apparatus, tobacco transformed with sweet pepper sense glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) gene were used to analyze the lipid composition in thylakoid membrane, the net photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters under high temperature stress. The results showed that the saturated extent of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol, digalactosyldiacylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol in thylakoid membrane of transgenic tobacco T1 lines increased generally. Particularly, the saturated extent in MGDG increased obviously by 16.2% and 12.0% in T1‐2 and T1‐1, respectively. With stress temperature elevating, the maximum efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry (Fv/Fm), actual photochemical efficiency of PSII in the light (ΦPSII) and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of the two lines and wild type tobacco plants decreased gradually, but those parameters decreased much less in transgenic plants. Even though the recovery process appeared differently in the donor and acceptor side of PSII in transgenic tobacco compared with wild‐type plants, the entire capability of PSII recovered faster in transgenic tobacco, which was shown in the parameters of PI, Fv/Fm and ΦPSII, as a result, the recovery of Pn was accelerated. Conclusively, we proposed that the increase in saturated extent of thylakoid membrane lipids in transgenic plants enhanced the stability of photosynthetic apparatus under high temperature stress.
Transcription Factor WRKY70 Displays Important but No Indispensable Roles in Jasmonate and Salicylic Acid Signaling
Authors: Ren Chun‐Mei , Zhu Qi , Gao Bi‐Da , Ke Shao‐Ying , Yu Wan‐Cong , Xie Dao‐Xin , Peng Wen
Published: April 2008

The transcription factor WRKY70 was previously reported to be a common component in salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonate (JA) mediated signal pathways in Arabidopsis. Here, we present that the inactivation of the WRKY70 gene in wrky70‐1 mutant does not alter the responses of both JA and SA, and that wrky70 mutation is unable to restore the coi1 mutant in JA responses. However, overexpression of WRKY70 reduces JA responses such as expression of JA‐induced genes and JA‐inhibitory root growth, and activates expression of SA‐inducible PR1. These data indicate that the WRKY70 is important but not indispensable for JA and SA signaling, and that other regulators may display the redundant role with WRKY70 in modulation of JA and SA responses in Arabidopsis. Furthermore, we showed that JA inhibits expression of WRKY70 and PR1 by both COI1‐dependent and COI1‐independent pathways.
Seed Dynamics in Relation to Gaps in a Tropical Montane Rainforest of Hainan Island, South China: (II) Seed Bank
Authors: Zang Run‐Guo , Ding Yi , Zhang Wei‐Yin
Published: April 2008

Spatial and temporal patterns of seed bank dynamics in relation to gaps in an old growth tropical montane rainforest of Hainan Island, South China, were studied over two consecutive years. From June 2001 to June 2003, soil seed bank sampling blocks were taken near each of the four sides of each seed trap and immediately put into a nursery for observation of seedling emergence dynamics in four seasons (each experiment in each season). The abundances of seedlings that emerged from seed banks showed the trend of vine functional group (VFG) > shrub functional group (SFG) > tree functional group (TFG) > herb functional group (HFG), but the trend in species richness of seedlings that emerged from the soil seed banks was TFG > VFG > SFG > HFG. The abundances of seedlings that emerged from seed banks in the three gap zones showed no significant differences, but significant differences did exist for the species richness. The time of sampling or seasons of experiments had significant influences on both the species richness and seedling abundances. The seedling emergence processes of each experiment all revealed the unimodal patterns. Few emergences occurred 1 year after each experiment. Compared with those under closed canopies, the recruitment rates from seed to seedlings and from seedlings to saplings in gaps were higher, but the mortality rates from saplings to big trees were also higher in the gaps.
Polaris B, an optical companion of the Polaris (α UMi) system: atmospheric parameters, chemical composition, distance and mass
Authors: Usenko I. A. , Klochkova V. G.
Published: April 2008

We present an analysis of high-resolution spectroscopic observations of Polaris B, the optical companion of the Polaris Ab system. The star has a radial velocity of −16.6 to −18.9 km s−1, and a projected rotational velocity v sin i= 110 km s−1. The derived atmospheric parameters are: Teff= 6900 K; log g= 4.3; Vt= 2.5 km s−1. Polaris B has elemental abundances generally similar to those of the Cepheid Polaris A, although carbon, sodium and magnesium are close to the solar values. At a spectral type of F3 V Polaris B has a luminosity of 3.868 L⊙, an absolute magnitude of +3.30 mag, and a distance of 109.5 pc. The mass of the star is estimated to be 1.39 M⊙, close to a mass of 1.38 ± 0.61 M⊙ for the recently resolved orbital period companion Polaris Ab observed by Evans et al.