bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hormonal regulation of glucose clearance in lactating northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris)
Authors: Fowler Melinda A. , Champagne Cory D. , Houser Dorian S. , Crocker Daniel E.
Published: September 2008

Northern elephant seals exhibit the rare strategy of fasting and lactating concomitantly. We investigated hormonal regulation of glucose clearance in northern elephant seals using glucose tolerance tests (GTT) performed early in lactation and again just prior to weaning. For comparison, identical measurements were made on separate females late in the molt fast. Serial blood samples were used to assess glucose clearance and hormone responses for 3 h post glucose injection. Plasma glucose remained elevated at the end of the sampling period in all groups. Glucose clearance rates were not significantly different among test groups. A significant insulin response was observed in early lactation, no significant response was observed late in lactation and an intermediate response was observed late in the molt fast. The insulin response to a glucose load decreased with adipose tissue proportions. Plasma glucagon decreased significantly following GTT in early and late lactation, although the magnitude of the depression was small in comparison to other species. Hypoinsulemia may be critical to facilitate net lipolysis late in lactation. Consistently low glucose clearance among test groups suggests insulin insensitivity within peripheral tissues. Glucagon suppression independent of insulin release suggests modification of the typical insulin–glucagon counter-regulation. These findings suggest that metabolic features of diabetic-like conditions may be adaptive in the context of long-term fasting.
Pelvic fin locomotor function in fishes: three-dimensional kinematics in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Standen E. M.
Published: September 2008

The paired pelvic fins in fishes have been the subject of few studies. Early work that amputated pelvic fins concluded that these fins had very limited, and mainly passive, stabilizing function during locomotion. This paper is the first to use three-dimensional kinematic analysis of paired pelvic fins to formulate hypotheses of pelvic fin function. Rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss) were filmed swimming steadily at slow speeds(0.13–1.36 BL s–1) and during manoeuvres(0.21–0.84 BL s–1) in a variable speed flow tank. Two high-speed cameras filmed ventral and lateral views simultaneously,enabling three-dimensional analysis of fin motion. During steady swimming,pelvic fins oscillate in a regular contralateral cycle. This cyclic oscillation appears to have active and passive components, and may function to dampen body oscillation and stabilize body position. During manoeuvres, pelvic fins move variably but appear to act as trimming foils, helping to stabilize and return the body to a steady swimming posture after a manoeuvre has been initiated. Fins on the inside of the turn move differently from those on the outside of the turn, creating an asymmetric motion. This paper challenges the understanding that pelvic fins have a limited and passive function by proposing three new hypotheses. First, pelvic fins in rainbow trout have complex three-dimensional kinematics during slow-speed steady swimming and manoeuvres. Second, pelvic fins are moved actively against imposed hydrodynamic loads. Third, pelvic fins appear to produce powered correction forces during steady swimming and trim correction forces during manoeuvres.
Consequences of buoyancy to the maneuvering capabilities of a foot-propelled aquatic predator, the great cormorant (Phalcrocorax carbo sinensis)
Authors: Ribak Gal , Weihs Daniel , Arad Zeev
Published: September 2008

Great cormorants are foot-propelled aquatic divers utilizing a region of the water column where their underwater foraging behavior is affected by their buoyancy. While swimming horizontally underwater, cormorants use downward lift forces generated by their body and tail to overcome their buoyancy. Here we assess the potential of this swimming strategy for controlling maneuvers in the vertical plane. We recorded the birds swimming through a submerged obstacle course and analyzed their maneuvers. The birds reduced swimming speed by only 12% to maneuver and were able to turn upward and then downward in the sagittal plane at a minimal turning radius of 32±4 cm (40% body length). Using a quasi-steady approach, we estimated the time-line for hydrodynamic forces and the force-moments produced while maneuvering. We found that the tail is responsible for the pitch of the body while motions of the body, tail, neck and feet generate forces normal (vertically) to the swimming direction that interact with buoyancy to change the birds' trajectory. Vertical maneuvers in cormorants are asymmetric in energy cost. When turning upward, the birds use their buoyancy but they must work harder to turn downward. Lift forces generated by the body were always directed ventrally. Propulsion improves the ability to make tight turns when the center of the turn is ventral to the birds. The neck produced only a small portion (10%) of the normal vertical forces but its length may allow prey capture at the end of pursuit, within the minimum turning radius.
Swimming kinematics and hydrodynamic imaging in the blind Mexican cave fish (Astyanax fasciatus)
Authors: Windsor Shane P. , Tan Delfinn , Montgomery John C.
Published: September 2008

Blind Mexican cave fish (Astyanax fasciatus) lack a functioning visual system, and are known to use self-generated water motion to sense their surroundings; an ability termed hydrodynamic imaging. Nearby objects distort the flow field created by the motion of the fish. These flow distortions are sensed by the mechanosensory lateral line. Here we used image processing to measure detailed kinematics, along with a new behavioural technique, to investigate the effectiveness of hydrodynamic imaging. In a head-on approach to a wall, fish reacted to avoid collision with the wall at an average distance of only 4.0±0.2 mm. Contrary to previous expectation, there was no significant correlation between the swimming velocity of the fish and the distance at which they reacted to the wall. Hydrodynamic imaging appeared to be most effective when the fish were gliding with their bodies held straight, with the proportion of approaches to the wall that resulted in collision increasing from 11% to 73% if the fish were beating their tails rather than gliding as they neared the wall. The swimming kinematics of the fish were significantly different when swimming beside a wall compared with when swimming away from any walls. Blind cave fish frequently touched walls when swimming alongside them, indicating that they use both tactile and hydrodynamic information in this situation. We conclude that although hydrodynamic imaging can provide effective collision avoidance, it is a short-range sense that may often be used synergistically with direct touch.
Is a parallel elastic element responsible for the enhancement of steady-state muscle force following active stretch?
Authors: Bullimore S. R. , MacIntosh B. R. , Herzog W.
Published: September 2008

For over 50 years, it has been recognised that muscles from many different species of animals are able to generate a higher steady-state isometric force after active stretch than during a purely isometric contraction at the same length. This is known as `residual force enhancement' (rFE). The mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains controversial. One proposal is that an elastic element parallel to the cross-bridges becomes stiffer, or is engaged,when the muscle is activated and generates force when stretched. If this is indeed the sole mechanism, then rFE should be eliminated by subsequently shortening the muscle by a distance equal to or greater than the initial stretch. We tested this hypothesis using six intact single fibres from frog lumbrical muscle. The fibres were activated and stretched to generate rFE and then rapidly shortened by between 25% and 700% of the initial stretch distance. In contrast to previous reports, we found that rapid shortening induced a depression of subsequent isometric force. We used two methods to account for this force depression when calculating rFE, thereby obtaining upper and lower bounds for the true rFE. With both methods of calculation, rFE was significantly greater than zero when shortening distance was equal to stretch distance (P=0.0004 and P=0.03, respectively). Therefore, our hypothesis was not supported. We conclude that rFE is unlikely to be generated solely by a parallel elastic element.
Strong Interaction at the Palladium/Alumina Interface of Membrane during Hydrogen Permeation at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Okazaki Junya , Ikeda Takuji , Tanaka David A Pacheco , Tanco Margot A Llosa , Wakui Yoshito , Sato Koichi , Mizukami Fujio , Suzuki Toshishige M
Published: September 2008

Hydrogen flux through palladium membrane supported on α-alumina significantly decreased during permeation testing at elevated temperatures (650–850 °C). Strong interaction between palladium and α-alumina, i.e., formation of less hydrogen permeable palladium–aluminum alloy was suggested via reduction of alumina under hydrogen atmosphere at high temperature. Migration of aluminum to the membrane top surface might obstruct the dissociative adsorption of hydrogen molecules.
Synthesis of gem-Difluoroalkenes via β-Fluoride Elimination of Organorhodium(I)
Authors: Miura Tomoya , Ito Yoshiteru , Murakami Masahiro
Published: September 2008

Treatment of α-(trifluoromethyl)styrenes with arylboronic esters and MeMgCl in the presence of a rhodium(I) catalyst affords gem-difluoroalkenes. The reaction proceeds through the addition of arylrhodium(I) species across the electron-deficient carbon–carbon double bond and the subsequent β-fluoride elimination.
Telemedicine can improve the health of youths in detention
Authors: Fox Karen C , Whitt Anna Lyn
Published: September 2008

Young people in correctional care facilities often have physical or psychological disorders that contribute to their behavioural problems. In the US, the need for medical services in youth facilities far exceeds current resources, especially for paediatric mental health and specialty services. There is obvious potential for telemedicine to improve access to care and thus the level of health care for juvenile detainees. A few studies have indicated that in specific instances telemedicine has improved access to care, referrals, contact between providers, and has also reduced unnecessary referrals. The question remains, however, whether this improved access and timeliness to care has any effect on the major goals of the incarceration: treatment, education and rehabilitation. Further investigation of this linkage is needed.
The use of information and communications technology for health service delivery in Namibia: perspectives of the health service providers
Authors: Shivute Meke I , Maumbe Blessing M , Owei Vesper T
Published: September 2008

We surveyed health service providers in Namibia to find out how they used information and communication technologies (ICTs) to deliver health services to their patients. A structured questionnaire was administered to 21 health service providers in two regions of the country (one urban, one rural). There was overwhelming consensus among the health service providers that ICTs were very important, especially for medical services (100%). Ninety-one percent of health service providers viewed ICT as helping them to interact with other providers in other health institutions. The most commonly used ICT was the telephone, which was used in the admission areas of most health institutions (36%); the next most commonly used ICT was the PC (23%). The most commonly used channels for communication with patients were the telephone followed by TV. Some of the problems common to all health institutions in Namibia were poor budgetary resources and lack of basic infrastructure such as electricity or telephone lines. There is a need to promote ICT use for health service delivery and also to stimulate patients to use ICT to access health services and relevant information.
Impact of telemonitoring at home on the management of elderly patients with congestive heart failure
Authors: Antonicelli Roberto , Testarmata Paolo , Spazzafumo Liana , Gagliardi Cristina , Bilo Grzegorz , Valentini Mariaconsuelo , Olivieri Fabiola , Parati Gianfranco
Published: September 2008

We studied the effects of home telemonitoring in elderly patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) on mortality and rate of hospitalization, compliance with treatment, quality of life and costs of CHF management, by comparison with a group receiving usual care. Fifty-seven elderly CHF patients were randomized to standard care or to home telemonitoring-based care and followed for 12 months. In the subjects who were monitored, weekly reports on their clinical status were obtained and their management was modified accordingly. Home telemonitoring was associated with improvements in the composite endpoint of mortality and rate of hospitalizations ( P = 0.006), a better compliance with therapy, more frequent use of beta-blockers and statins, lower total cholesterol level and a better reported health perception score. The improved results with home telemonitoring in CHF were probably due to better compliance and to closer monitoring of the patients.
Assessment of a remote monitoring system for implantable cardioverter defibrillators
Authors: Masella Cristina , Zanaboni Paolo , Di Stasi Francesca , Gilardi Serena , Ponzi Patrizia , Valsecchi Sergio
Published: September 2008

We conducted a multicentre study in five Italian hospitals to assess the feasibility of a remote monitoring service for the follow-up of implanted cardiac devices. The system was designed to monitor device performance as well as physiological aspects of the patient's condition. Sixty-seven patients (mean age 64 years) affected by chronic heart failure and with a biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator for cardiac re-synchronization therapy (CRT-D) were enrolled for a three-month observation period. A total of 267 device recordings were transmitted through the ordinary telephone network, with a success rate of 99%. The telemonitoring service was more efficient than conventional face-to-face follow-up in terms of the time savings: both for physicians (4.7 minutes versus 15 minutes for remote and conventional monitoring) and for patients (6.6 minutes versus 116.3 minutes). In addition, a total of 23 clinical events occurred during the study, but only two cases required a clinic visit, thus reducing inappropriate hospital admissions. Finally, the service was well accepted by all the users.
Quality of diabetes care among patients managed by teleconsultation
Authors: Nikkanen Tuula , Timonen Markku , Ylitalo Kirsti , Timonen Olavi , Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi Sirkka , Rajala Ulla
Published: September 2008

We studied a new teamwork-based teleconsultation model for treating patients with diabetes, where a specialist in diabetes care, a diabetes nurse and a patient attended by videoconference. The study series consisted of all the patients ( n = 101) at three health centres in northern Finland whose care was provided by a single physician at a remote diabetes clinic. A total of 101 patients with diabetes (19 of type 1 and 82 of type 2) were studied at baseline and at 10–14 months after the first consultation. Mean HbA1c was 8.0% at baseline and 7.6% at follow-up ( P = 0.007). The proportion of patients with poor glycaemic control decreased from 32% to 13%. Mean LDL cholesterol was 3.3 mmol/L at baseline and 2.7 mmol/L at follow-up ( P < 0.001). The percentage of patients with optimum lipid levels increased from 20% to 50%. Mean systolic blood pressure was 146 mmHg at baseline and had decreased by 6 mmHg at follow-up ( P = 0.004). The percentage of patients with poor blood pressure control decreased from 19% to 8%. The most common changes in medication were the introduction or modification of insulin treatment and the introduction of statin and antihypertensive drugs and acetylsalicylic acid. Although the study was uncontrolled, there were improvements in glucose and LDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure in patients who were managed by teleconsultation.
Acceptability to primary care providers of telemedicine in diabetes case management
Authors: Palmas Walter , Teresi Jeanne , Weinstock Ruth S , Shea Steven
Published: September 2008

We studied the perceptions of primary care providers (PCPs) about the telemedicine intervention in a trial of telemedicine for management of diabetes in medically under-served areas of New York State. A survey was mailed to 206 rural and 159 urban PCPs. The response rates were 25% and 22%, respectively. Eighty percent of respondents believed that a diabetes telemedicine case management system would help their practice. An overall satisfaction score (possible range 0–80) suggested good acceptability (mean 66, SD 12). In multiple linear regression, the rural location and younger age of the PCPs were independent predictors of higher satisfaction (both P < 0.01). Within-PCP comparisons showed a higher perceived impact on patients, as compared to impact on PCP practices ( P < 0.001). However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the low response rates.
Emergency telepsychiatry
Authors: Yellowlees Peter , Burke Michelle M , Marks Shayna L , Hilty Donald M , Shore Jay H
Published: September 2008

Telepsychiatry can be used in two kinds of psychiatric emergencies: one-time clinical events and public health situations associated with mass disaster. Emergency telepsychiatry delivered by videoconferencing has the potential to improve patient care in many settings. Although experience is limited, it has been found to be safe and effective, as well as satisfactory to both emergency department staff and the psychiatric patients treated. The development of comprehensive and standardized guidelines is necessary. There has been little use of acute telemedicine in disaster situations to date. However, telemedicine is becoming part of routine emergency medical response planning in many jurisdictions. Emergency telepsychiatry has the potential to reduce emergency department overcrowding, provide much needed care in rural areas and improve access to psychiatric care in the event of a natural or manmade disaster.
A pilot study of videotelephone-based support for newly diagnosed paediatric oncology patients and their families
Authors: Bensink Mark , Armfield Nigel , Irving Helen , Hallahan Andrew , Theodoros Deborah , Russell Trevor , Barnett Adrian , Scuffham Paul , Wootton Richard
Published: September 2008

As part of the preparation for a randomized controlled trial, we conducted a pilot study to investigate the feasibility of providing videotelephone-based support to a sample of families ( n = 8) with a child diagnosed with cancer, returning home for the first time after diagnosis and initial treatment. Seven of these families received support via videotelephone over a three-month period. Twenty videotelephone calls were made totalling 400 minutes (median 21 min, IQR 16–24). All videotelephone calls involved the specialist nurse providing support to mothers (85%) or fathers (15%) and involved communicating directly with the patient in most of the calls (55%). Social workers were involved in three calls (15%). All families expressed satisfaction with services delivered in this way. There were few technical problems. The use of a hybrid approach to providing videotelephony, using the family home computer and Internet connection for video and the home telephone line for full-duplex audio, was less costly than the custom-made device used in past studies.
Effects of N2,N2-dimethylguanosine on RNA structure and stability: Crystal structure of an RNA duplex with tandem m22G:A pairs
Authors: Pallan Pradeep S. , Kreutz Christoph , Bosio Silvia , Micura Ronald , Egli Martin
Published: September 2008

Methylation of the exocyclic amino group of guanine is a relatively common modification in rRNA and tRNA. Single methylation (N2-methylguanosine, m2G) is the second most frequently encountered nucleoside analog in Escherichia coli rRNAs. The most prominent case of dual methylation (N2,N2-dimethylguanosine, m22G) is found in the majority of eukaryotic tRNAs at base pair m22G26:A44. The latter modification eliminates the ability of the N2 function to donate in hydrogen bonds and alters its pairing behavior, notably vis-à-vis C. Perhaps a less obvious consequence of the N2,N2-dimethyl modification is its role in controlling the pairing modes between G and A. We have determined the crystal structure of a 13-mer RNA duplex with central tandem m22G:A pairs. In the structure both pairs adopt an imino-hydrogen bonded, pseudo-Watson–Crick conformation. Thus, the sheared conformation frequently seen in tandem G:A pairs is avoided due to a potential steric clash between an N2-methyl group and the major groove edge of A. Additionally, for a series of G:A containing self-complementary RNAs we investigated how methylation affects competitive hairpin versus duplex formation based on UV melting profile analysis.
Screening of human SNP database identifies recoding sites of A-to-I RNA editing
Authors: Gommans Willemijn M. , Tatalias Nicholas E. , Sie Christina P. , Dupuis Dylan , Vendetti Nicholas , Smith Lauren , Kaushal Rikhi , Maas Stefan
Published: September 2008

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are DNA sequence variations that can affect the expression or function of genes. As a result, they may lead to phenotypic differences between individuals, such as susceptibility to disease, response to medications, and disease progression. Millions of SNPs have been mapped within the human genome providing a rich resource for genetic variation studies. Adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing also leads to the production of RNA and protein sequence variants, but it acts on the level of primary gene transcripts. Sequence variations due to RNA editing may be misannotated as SNPs when relying solely on expressed sequence data instead of genomic material. In this study, we screened the human SNP database for potential cases of A-to-I RNA editing that cause amino acid changes in the encoded protein. Our search strategy applies five molecular features to score candidate sites. It identifies all previously known cases of editing present in the SNP database and successfully uncovers novel, bona fide targets of adenosine deamination editing. Our approach sets the stage for effective and comprehensive genome-wide screens for A-to-I editing targets.
Film Culture in Chennai
Authors: Gopalan Lalitha
Published: September 2008

A survey of cinema activities in Chennai, capital of Tamil Nadu province, south India, covering: film releases, production facilities, film schools, archival screenings, and the city's emerging role as a techno-center.
The Rhythms of Life: An Appreciation of Michelangelo Antonioni, Extreme Aesthete of the Real
Authors: Williams James S.
Published: September 2008

This essay assesses Antonioni's oeuvre in its totality, focusing in particular on its constant negotiation of two extremes: documentary and melodrama. The essay argues that Antonioni's is a visionary project which, by achieving a genuine encounter between art and technology, extends an earlier tradition of the European avant-garde.
DA Capo
Authors: Callenbach Ernest
Published: September 2008

A history of Film Quarterly, written by its founding editor to mark the publication's fiftieth anniversary, and covering in particular its early years, notable contributors, and editorial policy.
Confrontations: Biùtiful Cauntri and Traces of the Trade
Authors: Johnson William
Published: September 2008

This essay reviews two documentaries: Biùtiful Cauntri, an exposé of waste-disposal criminality in the Naples area of Italy, and Traces of the Trade, in which members of New England family uncover their ancestors' deep involvement in the slave trade.
Enrolling, Retaining, and Benefiting Out-of-Treatment Drug Users in Intervention Research
Authors: Striley Catherine L. W. , Callahan Catina , Cottler Linda B.
Published: September 2008

Longitudinal research on street-recruited out-of-treatment drug users involves ethical issues concerning enrollment and retention of participants, remuneration and benefits. In contrast to practices of excluding such high-risk populations from research and assuming that they would not comply with a protocol requiring repeated measures over a 12-month period, this report presents examples from 15 years of community-based studies that have enrolled drug-using participants and achieved a 96% retention rate. We also examine ethical issues connected with cash remuneration, and describe methods to elucidate the kinds of benefits that are most meaningful to this population. Findings suggest that the research community must reconsider the ethics of blanket exclusions of such high-risk subjects, and make evidence-based decisions about recruitment, retention, remuneration, and benefits.
Assessing and Improving Research Participants' Understanding of Risk: Potential Lessons from the Literature on Physician-Patient Risk Communication
Authors: Anderson Emily E. , Iltis Ana S.
Published: September 2008

Evidence that lay people frequently misinterpret risk raises concerns for the ethical conduct of human research, which requires adequate disclosure, understanding, and appreciation of risk information. Review of the risk communication research literature suggests new directions for empirical research on human research ethics: Investigation is needed on how to best assess and improve potential and enrolled subjects' understanding of risk information. Preferences regarding the presentation of risk information and the effects of alternative presentation formats and decision aids on knowledge, trust, satisfaction, risk/benefit analysis, and perceptions of respectful treatment should be studied. Research is also needed on the effects of payment for research participation, the order in which study information is presented, and having one's own physician present risk information.
Hidden Data for Research Ethicists: An Introduction to the Concept and a Series of Papers
Authors: DuBois James M.
Published: September 2008

This special section of the Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics ( JERHRE) is based upon the assumption that much of the best empirical data relevant to research ethics is hidden from the view of Research Ethics Committee (REC) members and others who are interested in research ethics. There are at least three different senses in which ethics-relevant empirical research may be hidden: (1) it may be published in a journal that ethics committee members would not regularly read, (2) it may not use key words that would guide one to its ethics-relevant content, or (3) it may be sequestered in part of a research article that is about something else. This special section of JERHRE reviews all of these types of “hidden ethics” articles on the following issues: What is the relative frequency of hidden ethics articles in journals that focus on vulnerable populations? What does the non-ethics literature in clinical research and experimental economic decision theory teach us about ways of improving subjects' comprehension of risk information? How satisfied are parents and children with their experience with pediatric psychotrophic medication trials? And, how can retention rates be improved in longitudinal studies of difficult regimens such as drug rehabilitation? There is a major amount of ethics-relevant literature that is hidden. Without better ways of communicating the existence of this literature through use of key words, or recasting of the information to highlight its relevance to research ethics in journals that ethics committee members read, the benefits of evidence-based ethical problem solving will be lost.
Decisional Conflict among Patients Who Accept or Decline Participation in Phase I Oncology Studies
Authors: Flynn Kathryn E. , Weinfurt Kevin P. , Seils Damon M. , Lin Li , Burnett Caroline B. , Schulman Kevin A. , Meropol Neal J.
Published: September 2008

We compared decisional conflict among adults with advanced cancer who had accepted or declined participation in phase I cancer clinical trials. Respondents completed a 121-item questionnaire that included the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS), which was designed to measure uncertainty in making health decisions. We used standardized effect sizes to compare the DCS scores of accepters ( n = 250) and decliners ( n = 65). Accepters had lower decisional conflict than decliners overall ( d = 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.17–0.68) and on all subscales. Whether greater decisional conflict among decliners represents suboptimal decision-making and is reason for bioethical concern depends on how the results are interpreted. We offer three scenarios to explain the differences and describe opportunities for future empirical work.
Hidden Empirical Research Ethics: A Review of Three Health Journals from 2005 through 2006
Authors: DuBois James M. , Volpe Rebecca L. , Rangel Erica K.
Published: September 2008

We hypothesized that a significant amount of empirical data pertinent to research ethics is currently inaccessible to research ethics committee or Institutuional Review Board (IRB) members for at least three reasons: It is published in non-ethics journals; articles are not adequately indexed using ethics-related keywords; and articles do not discuss the ethical significance of their data. We reviewed all articles from three health journals from January 2005 to December 2006, and identified 26 articles that contained data pertinent to research ethics. Only 7 articles contained keywords clearly related to research ethics; 15 of the articles contained no discussion of the ethical significance of their findings. Overall the articles we found constituted 2.2% of the research articles published in the three journals during the two-year period. If the same average number of articles were extrapolated to the top 100 of the approximately 5,000 journals indexed in MEDLINE, then at least 433 hidden ethics articles would be published each year. We conclude that better indexing of articles is needed, that IRB members and researchers need training to identify relevant data in the literature, and that IRB composition should include members from diverse disciplines familiar with ethics-relevant empirical data in their respective disciplines.
Heritage, Commerce, and Museal Display: Toward a New Typology of Historical Exhibition in the United States
Authors: Gordon Tammy S.
Published: September 2008

Recent social and economic trends in the United States, most importantly the increased marketability of local heritage and the national dialogue on identity, have contributed to the proliferation of historical exhibits in the United States, often in nonmuseum spaces like retail and service settings. Scholarship on historical exhibition, however, has largely focused on exhibits in large, professionalized museums. Dividing exhibit types into categories of academic, corporate, community, entrepreneurial, and vernacular, this article explores the diverse ways in which the exhibition medium emerges from different settings, social conditions, and epistemologies.
“United We Commemorate”: The Kentucky Pioneer Memorial Association, James Isenberg, and Early Twentieth-Century Heritage Tourism
Authors: Moore William D.
Published: September 2008

The Kentucky Pioneer Memorial Association created an innovative tourist attraction in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, between 1910 and 1935. Led by James L. Isenberg, a boosterist entrepreneur, the KPMA reconstituted the cabin in which Lincoln's parents were married, reconstructed a settlers' stockade, established a museum, secured governmental funding, and forged a coalition in support of heritage tourism. The KPMA indicates that historic preservation and development in the early twentieth century were not exclusively the domains of patricians retreating to a pre-industrial past to mitigate change. Isenberg, a descendent of recent immigrants, established his site as an economic engine for his community.
MicroRNA (miRNA) cloning analysis reveals sex differences in miRNA expression profiles between adult mouse testis and ovary
Authors: Mishima Takuya , Takizawa Takami , Luo Shan-Shun , Ishibashi Osamu , Kawahigashi Yutaka , Mizuguchi Yoshiaki , Ishikawa Tomoko , Mori Miki , Kanda Tomohiro , Goto Tadashi , Takizawa Toshihiro
Published: September 2008

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding small RNAs that can regulate the expression of complementary mRNA targets. Identifying tissue-specific miRNAs is the first step toward understanding the biological functions of miRNAs, which include the regulation of tissue differentiation and the maintenance of tissue identity. In this study, we performed small RNA library sequencing in adult mouse testis and ovary to reveal their characteristic organ- and gender-specific profiles and to elucidate the characteristics of the miRNAs expressed in the reproductive system. We obtained 10 852 and 11 744 small RNA clones from mouse testis and ovary respectively (greater than 10 000 clones per organ), which included 6630 (159 genes) and 10 192 (154 genes) known miRNAs. A high level of efficiency of miRNA library sequencing was achieved: 61% (6630 miRNA clones/10 852 small RNA clones) and 87% (10 192/11 744) for adult mouse testis and ovary respectively. We obtained characteristic miRNA signatures in testis and ovary; 55 miRNAs were detected highly, exclusively, or predominantly in adult mouse testis and ovary, and discovered two novel miRNAs. Male-biased expression of miRNAs occurred on the X-chromosome. Our data provide important information on sex differences in miRNA expression that should facilitate studies of the reproductive organ-specific roles of miRNAs.
Noggin Enhances Dopamine Neuron Production from Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Improves Behavioral Outcome After Transplantation into Parkinsonian Rats
Authors: Chiba Shunmei , Lee Young Mook , Zhou Wenbo , Freed Curt R.
Published: September 2008

Symptoms of Parkinson's disease have been improved by transplantation of fetal dopamine neurons recovered from aborted fetal tissue, but tissue recovery is difficult. Human embryonic stem cells may provide unlimited cells for transplantation if they can be converted to dopamine neurons and survive transplantation into brain. We have found that the bone morphogenic protein antagonist Noggin increased the number of dopamine neurons generated in vitro from human and mouse embryonic stem cells differentiated on mouse PA6 stromal cells. Noggin effects were seen with either early (for mouse, days 0–7, and for human, days 0–9) or continuous treatment. After transplant into cyclosporin-immunosuppressed rats, human dopamine neurons improved apomorphine circling in direct relation to the number of surviving dopamine neurons, which was fivefold greater after Noggin treatment than with control human embryonic stem cell transplants differentiated only on PA6 cells. We conclude that Noggin promotes dopamine neuron differentiation and survival from human and mouse embryonic stem cells.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Soluble Flt-1 Regulates Flk-1 Activation to Control Hematopoietic and Endothelial Development in an Oxygen-Responsive Manner
Authors: Purpura Kelly A. , George Sophia H.L. , Dang Stephen M. , Choi Kyunghee , Nagy Andras , Zandstra Peter W.
Published: September 2008

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) regulate the development of hemogenic mesoderm. Oxygen concentration-mediated activation of hypoxia-inducible factor targets such as VEGF may serve as the molecular link between the microenvironment and mesoderm-derived blood and endothelial cell specification. We used controlled-oxygen microenvironments to manipulate the generation of hemogenic mesoderm and its derivatives from embryonic stem cells. Our studies revealed a novel role for soluble VEGFR1 (sFlt-1) in modulating hemogenic mesoderm fate between hematopoietic and endothelial cells. Parallel measurements of VEGF and VEGFRs demonstrated that sFlt-1 regulates VEGFR2 (Flk-1) activation in both a developmental-stage-dependent and oxygen-dependent manner. Early transient Flk-1 signaling occurred in hypoxia because of low levels of sFlt-1 and high levels of VEGF, yielding VEGF-dependent generation of hemogenic mesoderm. Sustained (or delayed) Flk-1 activation preferentially yielded hemogenic mesoderm-derived endothelial cells. In contrast, delayed (sFlt-1-mediated) inhibition of Flk-1 signaling resulted in hemogenic mesoderm-derived blood progenitor cells. Ex vivo analyses of primary mouse embryo-derived cells and analysis of transgenic mice secreting a Flt-1-Fc fusion protein (Fc, the region of an antibody which is constant and binds to receptors) support a hypothesis whereby microenvironmentally regulated blood and endothelial tissue specification is enabled by the temporally variant control of the levels of Flk-1 activation.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
IFATS Collection: Fibroblast Growth Factor-2-Induced Hepatocyte Growth Factor Secretion by Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Inhibits Postinjury Fibrogenesis Through a c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Suga Hirotaka , Eto Hitomi , Shigeura Tomokuni , Inoue Keita , Aoi Noriyuki , Kato Harunosuke , Nishimura Satoshi , Manabe Ichiro , Gonda Koichi , Yoshimura Kotaro
Published: September 2008

Adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs) not only function as tissue-specific progenitor cells but also are multipotent and secrete angiogenic growth factors, such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), under certain circumstances. However, the biological role and regulatory mechanism of this secretion have not been well studied. We focused on the role of ASCs in the process of adipose tissue injury and repair and found that among injury-associated growth factors, fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) strongly promoted ASC proliferation and HGF secretion through a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. In a mouse model of ischemia-reperfusion injury of adipose tissue, regenerative changes following necrotic and apoptotic changes were seen for 2 weeks. Acute release of FGF-2 by injured adipose tissue was followed by upregulation of HGF. During the adipose tissue remodeling process, adipose-derived 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine-positive cells were shown to be ASCs (CD31−CD34+). Inhibition of JNK signaling inhibited the activation of ASCs and delayed the remodeling process. In addition, inhibition of FGF-2 or JNK signaling prevented postinjury upregulation of HGF and led to increased fibrogenesis in the injured adipose tissue. Increased fibrogenesis also followed the administration of a neutralizing antibody against HGF. FGF-2 released from injured tissue acts through a JNK signaling pathway to stimulate ASCs to proliferate and secrete HGF, contributing to the regeneration of adipose tissue and suppression of fibrogenesis after injury. This study revealed a functional role for ASCs in the response to injury and provides new insight into the therapeutic potential of ASCs.
Non-classical genomic estrogen receptor (ER)/specificity protein and ER/activating protein-1 signaling pathways
Authors: Safe Stephen , Kim Kyoungkim
Published: September 2008

17β-Estradiol binds to the estrogen receptor (ER) to activate gene expression or repression and this involves both genomic (nuclear) and non-genomic (extranuclear) pathways. Genomic pathways include the classical interactions of ligand-bound ER dimers with estrogen-responsive elements in target gene promoters. ER-dependent activation of gene expression also involves DNA-bound ER that subsequently interacts with other DNA-bound transcriptions factors and direct ER-transcription factor (protein–protein) interactions where ER does not bind promoter DNA. Ligand-induced activation of ER/specificity protein (Sp) and ER/activating protein-1 [(AP-1); consisting of jun/fos] complexes are important pathways for modulating expression of a large number of genes. This review summarizes some of the characteristics of ER/Sp- and ER/AP-1-mediated transactivation, which are dependent on ligand structure, cell context, ER-subtype (ERα and ERβ), and Sp protein (SP1, SP3, and SP4) and demonstrates that this non-classical genomic pathway is also functional in vivo.
Changes in nitric oxide (NO) synthase isoforms and NO in the ovary of Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch.) during the reproductive cycle
Authors: Tripathi V , Krishna A
Published: September 2008

The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the presence of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) isoforms (neuronal NOS (nNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), and endothelial NOS (eNOS)) and the role of NO in the ovary of Heteropneustes fossilis. In one half of the ovary collected during different reproductive stages, NOS isoforms were localized immunohistochemically in paraffin sections whereas the other half was processed for NOS and NO quantification using western blot followed by densitometry and nitrate/nitrite assay respectively. The role of NO on oocyte maturation was studied by examining the effect of NO donor (sodium nitroprusside; SNP) and NOS inhibitor (Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester) on 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17α,20β-P)-induced germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) in the cultured oocyte collected during prespawning phase. NOS immunostaining was predominantly localized in previtellogenic follicles, with nNOS detected in the nucleus and cytoplasm of oocytes whereas iNOS and eNOS localized in granulosa, theca cells, and cytoplasm of oocytes. The NOS expression was higher in previtellogenic phase when compared with vitellogenic phase. The nitrate/nitrite concentrations in ovary showed gradual increase from recrudescence (4.9±0.19 nM/mg protein) to late previtellogenic phase (7.02±0.53 nM/mg protein), but showed a sharp decline during the vitellogenic phase (0.41±0.053 nM/mg protein). Serum and ovarian nitrate/nitrite level showed a close association during the reproductive cycle. The results showed an increase in NOS activity and nitrate/nitrite concentrations as the follicle grow suggesting involvement of NO in follicular development. SNP significantly inhibited 17α,20β-P-induced GVBD in fish oocytes. Thus, it is concluded that the fish ovary possesses NOS/NO system and a possibility that NO has a role in follicular development and regulation of oocyte maturation in fish, H. fossilis.
Tumour suppressor menin is essential for development of the pancreatic endocrine cells
Authors: Fontanière Sandra , Duvillié Bertrand , Scharfmann Raphaël , Carreira Christine , Wang Zhao-Qi , Zhang Chang-Xian
Published: September 2008

Mutations of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) gene predispose patients to MEN1 that affects mainly endocrine tissues, suggesting important physiological functions of the gene in adult endocrine cells. Homozygous disruption of Men1 in mice causes embryonic lethality, whereas the eventual involvement of the gene in embryonic development of the endocrine cells remains unknown. Here, we show that homozygous Men1 knockout mice demonstrate a reduced number of glucagon-positive cells in the E12.5 pancreatic bud associated with apoptosis, whereas the exocrine pancreas development in these mice is not affected. Our data suggest that menin is involved in the survival of the early pancreatic endocrine cells during the first developmental transition. Furthermore, chimerism assay revealed that menin has an autonomous and specific effect on the development of islet cells. In addition, using pancreatic bud culture mimicking the differentiation of α- and β-cells during the second transition, we show that loss of menin leads to the failure of endocrine cell development, altered pancreatic structure and a markedly decreased number of cells expressing neurogenin 3, indicating that menin is also required at this stage of the endocrine pancreas development. Taken together, our results suggest that menin plays an indispensable role in the development of the pancreatic endocrine cells.
Islet neogenesis-associated protein signaling in neonatal pancreatic rat islets: involvement of the cholinergic pathway
Authors: Barbosa Helena C , Bordin Silvana , Anhê Gabriel , Persaud Shanta J , Bowe James , Borelli Maria I , Gagliardino Juan J , Boschero Antonio C
Published: September 2008

Islet neogenesis associated protein (INGAP) increases islet mass and insulin secretion in neonatal and adult rat islets. In the present study, we measured the short- and long-term effects of INGAP-PP (a pentadecapeptide having the 104–118 amino acid sequence of INGAP) upon islet protein expression and phosphorylation of components of the PI3K, MAPK and cholinergic pathways, and on insulin secretion. Short-term exposure of neonatal islets to INGAP-PP (90 s, 5, 15, and 30 min) significantly increased Akt1-Ser473 and MAPK3/1-Thr202/Tyr204 phosphorylation and INGAP-PP also acutely increased insulin secretion from islets perifused with 2 and 20 mM glucose. Islets cultured for 4 days in the presence of INGAP-PP showed an increased expression of Akt1, Frap1, and Mapk1 mRNAs as well as of the muscarinic M3 receptor subtype, and phospholipase C (PLC)-β2 proteins. These islets also showed increased Akt1 and MAPK3/1 protein phosphorylation. Brief exposure of INGAP-PP-treated islets to carbachol (Cch) significantly increased P70S6K-Thr389 and MAPK3/1 phosphorylation and these islets released more insulin when challenged with Cch that was prevented by the M3 receptor antagonist 4-DAMP, in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, these data indicate that short- and long-term exposure to INGAP-PP significantly affects the expression and the phosphorylation of proteins involved in islet PI3K and MAPK signaling pathways. The observations of INGAPP-PP-stimulated up-regulation of cholinergic M3 receptors and PLC-β2 proteins, enhanced P70S6K and MAPK3/1 phosphorylation and Cch-induced insulin secretion suggest a participation of the cholinergic pathway in INGAP-PP-mediated effects.
Long‐Term Clinical Results on the Use of Bone‐Replacement Grafts in the Treatment of Intrabony Periodontal Defects. Comparison of the Use of Autogenous Bone Graft Plus Calcium Sulfate to Autogenous Bone Graft Covered With a Bioabsorbable Membrane
Authors: Orsini Marco , Orsini Giovanna , Benlloch Dunia , Aranda Juan Jose , Sanz Mariano
Published: September 2008

Background: Many clinical investigations have demonstrated the benefits of different regenerative approaches in the treatment of infrabony defects. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the results obtained with the combination of autogenous bone grafting plus calcium sulfate and to compare this outcome with the results obtained using autogenous bone grafting with a bioabsorbable membrane.

Methods: Twelve subjects participated in this split‐mouth trial. Twelve 2‐ or 3‐wall periodontal defects were treated with a combination of autogenous bone grafting plus calcium sulfate (test) and were compared to 12 defects treated with autogenous bone grafting with a bioabsorbable membrane (control). Before surgery, subjects were instructed in oral hygiene techniques, and scaling and root planing were completed. Surgery was identical for both groups except for the regenerative material. After healing, subjects followed a periodontal maintenance program. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing were recorded at baseline, 6 months, and 6 years.

Results: There were no statistical differences between test and control defects at baseline. At 6 months, there was a PD reduction of 4.3 ± 1.0 mm in the control group and 4.4 ± 1.1 mm in the test group. There was a clinical attachment gain of 3.5 ± 1.1 mm in the control group and 3.6 ± 1.0 mm in the test group. At 6 years, there was a PD reduction of 3.3 ± 1.0 mm in the control group and 4.2 ± 1.2 mm in the test group. There was a clinical attachment gain of 2.6 ± 1.2 mm in the control group and 2.4 ± 1.1 mm in the test group. Differences between treatment groups were not statistically significant at 6 months or 6 years.

Conclusion: Both therapies led to significant short‐ and long‐term improvements in the outcome variables assessed.