bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue uptake of EGF receptor antisense oligonucleotides in organ culture of fetal mouse palates and their effects on in vitro palatogenesis
Authors: Naitoh Hiroshi , Mori Chisato , Ohyama Naoki , Irie Hidekazu , Nakamura Noriko , Nishimura Yoshihiko , Shiota Kohei
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT To investigate the incorporation of oligonucleotides (ODNs) into the tissues of cultured fetal mouse palates and their effects on in vitro palatogenesis, we cultured day‐12.5 fetal mouse palates in a chemically defined serumless medium supplemented with either antisense or sense ODNs to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF‐r). The EGF‐r ODNs were found to be incorporated into the palatal tissue and remained detectable for at least 72 hr. Immunohistochemical and immunoblot analyses revealed that the treatment with 5μM EGF‐r antisense ODN suppressed the production of EGF‐r protein. No pathological change was observed in the explanted palates when they were treated with 5 μM EGF‐r antisense or sense ODNs, but the treatment with 10 or 20 μM ODN caused pyknotic changes in the palatal epithelium, probably due to the ODN toxicity. The present results indicate that under optimal conditions, antisense ODNs to EGF‐r can be incorporated into fetal organs cultured in vitro and specifically inhibit the production of EGF‐r protein. Since the suppression of the production of EGF‐r protein did not prevent the palate fusion, EGF and/or EGF‐r alone may not play a critical role in palatogenesis, as suggested by previous studies. The antisense ODN technique could be of potential use for analyzing the roles of specific molecules in normal and abnormal morphogenesis.
Pitfalls of chromosome analysis
Authors: Fukushima Yoshimitsu
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTIn order to perform precise chromosome analysis, we have to have enough knowledge of cytogenetics, refined techniques and good communication between clinicians and cytogeneticists. This short note shows several examples of easily misdiagnosed chromosome abnormality and several suggestions for precise cytogenetic diagnosis.
Network of gene function and its modification by environmental factors and epigenetic events in the formation of head structures
Authors: Otani Hiroki
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT A few important aspects when considering the etiology and pathogenesis of congenital anomalies are reviewed and discussed using examples related to morphogenesis of the head and craniofacial structures. Namely, the network and cascade of gene functions, modification by environmental or exogenous factors, and morphogenetic characteristics (epigenetic events) of each body part as the result of a genetic program.
Valproic acid‐induced congenital malformations: Clinical and experimental observations
Authors: Padmanabhan R. , Abdulrazzaq Y. M. , Bastaki Salim M. A.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT With a large number of epileptic women being in the childbearing age group, complications of pregnancy in epileptic patients are of concern. Epileptic women are treated with antiepileptic drugs (AED) whether they are pregnant or not. Contrary to prevailing opinion, recent data suggest that epilepsy per se contributes significantly to birth defects possibly because of the same genetic susceptibility that predisposes to epilepsy. Many of these defects closely resemble those attributed to exposure to AED. The syndromes attributed to various AED also considerably overlap with each other. Valproic acid (VPA) induces several minor and major malformations. The relative risk for spina bifida in VPA exposed pregnancies is nearly 20 times higher than that for the general population and about 10 times higher than that attributed to other anticonvulsants. Fetuses of experimental animals treated with VPA during pregnancy exhibit exencephaly unlike the human offspring in whom VPA induces spina bifida. The cranial and spinal malformations observed in humans and laboratory animals indicate that VPA has a preferentially deleterious effect on the neural crest. Several AEDs including VPA tend to lower maternal plasma folate levels. In view of the beneficial effects of periconceptional folate supplementation in prevention of neural tube defects (NTD), future research should be directed at the role of folate in the possible alleviation of VPA‐induced NTD. It is also necessary to continue prospective studies to monitor the old and new AED prescribed and to evaluate the role of interactions between drugs used in combinations.
Consideration on the methodology of a simple and effective birth defect monitoring system
Authors: Ohtani Kyoichi , Takeshita Kenzo
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT In detecting changes of the occurrence of birth malformation it is important to indicate the prevalence of environmental hazards. The Tottori Monitoring System for Birth Defects (TOM) is a small regional system covering 6,000 births yearly which was started in 1974. The system is made up mainly of two projects: a monitoring system for reporting congenital malformation and an epidemiological and genetic study for neuro‐developmental and genetic disorders. The former system has changed its sampling procedure four times during the past 26 years because of the difficulty in getting cooperation from local administrations and from all maternity clinics in the Tottori prefecture. We have compared those four changes in the system with the following criteria: availability, reliability, durability, operationality and confidentiality. Our conclusion is that the population‐based system which received positive support from the administration and almost all obstetricians in the field was the best in quality. On the other hand, the hospital‐based system organized by a small group of pediatricians and obstetricians who belong to core hospitals in the field was a simpler but useful system for maintaining durability, operationality and confidentiality. It is, however, important to note that the data collected by the hospital‐based system showed a relatively lower frequency in serious malformations like anencephaly and non‐emergency malformations like syndactylia as compared with those collected by the population‐based system. If an inter‐regional collaboration among the similar local systems in Japan could be set‐up, a useful network could be developed eventually acting as an ideal population‐based system.
Prenatal developmental effects of pure 2,4‐dichlorophe‐noxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) on the rat
Authors: Fofana Djibril , Kobae Hidehiko , Oku Shozo , Nishi Jun‐ichiro , Miyata Koichiro
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT 2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) a plant growth regulator, has been used worldwide as an herbicide. The phenoxyacetic acid herbicides contain both 2,4‐D and 2,4,5‐Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5‐T) along with emulsifiers, solvents and contaminants; these have been recognized as teratogen in the rat and mouse. Although the high teratogenicity of phenoxyacetic herbicides has been attributed to the 2,4,5‐T and the contaminant 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD), the possibility that 2,4‐D might play a role has not been clearly ruled out We designed this study to evaluate the effects of pure 2,4‐D, and herein describe the precise fetal visceral malformations. We randomly distributed pregnant Wistar rats in to three main groups according to organogenesis during which pure 2,4‐D was administered at different doses: l)‐over all organogenesis (gestational days 6 to 15), 2)‐early organogenesis (gestational days 6 to 10), and 3)‐late organogenesis (gestational days 11 to 15). We found that the pure 2,4‐D is maternally toxic and has a dose‐related embryolethality. The visceral malformations induced in the fetuses included ureteric dilatations and hydronephrosis, as reported, in conjunction with the herbicide forms. In addition, we observed an association with renal and urogenital aplasia, which were observed in the early organogenesis period. We performed a histopatho‐logical examination and discussed the mechanism of the pathological processes. We conclude that the pure 2,4‐D itself is maternally toxic and embryolethal, and potential inducer of kidney and urogenital malformations in the rat. The types of kidney and urogenital malformations seen indicated that the 2,4‐D interferes in the early developmental stage of the urogenital system.
Vascular endothelial growth factor in edematous mouse embryos induced by retinoic acid in utero
Authors: Yasuda Yoshiko , Fujita Yoshihiko , Ueda Koichi , Matsuo Takuya , Onozaki Mie , Sakamoto Michiko K , Konishi Hiroyoshi
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT  Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is induced by hypoxic environment and contributes to vascular formation in both developing embryos and adults. Exogenous retinoic acid (RA) induces avascular yolk sacs with anemic stunted embryos of day 9 and 10 of gestation when RA is given to pregnant mice on day 6, 6.5 or 7 of pregnancy (Yasuda et al., 1996). We undertook the present studies to find out whether VEGF is activated and plays any role in those RA‐exposed embryos. Embryos were obtained from dams given 60 mg/kg of RA on day 6 or 7 of pregnancy and sacrificed three days later. Most RA‐exposed embryos showed edematous swelling without prominent vascular nets, but had beating heart tubes on day 9 and day 10 of gestation. Microscopic examination of developing tissue components showed various degrees of degeneration, and distension of the dorsal aorta when the body cavity was dosed. Northern blot analysis revealed expression of VEGF mRNA in the RA‐exposed and control embryos. The highest expression of VEGF mRNA was seen in the embryos of day 10 exposed to RA on day 7, and these embryos had a significantly lower ATP content than did the controls (p < 0.01). Immunoreactive VEGF was detectable in both experimental and control embryos; in the former it was especially visible in the distended neuroepithelium, endothelium and membranes. These VEGF‐immunoreactive regions also expressed another permeability factor, bradykinin. These findings suggest that VEGF upregulated by hypoxic conditions in edematous embryos induced by RA exposure in utero acts as hyperpermeability.
Roles of progesterone on suppression of uterine decidualization and implantation failure induced by triphenyltin chloride in rats
Authors: Ema Makoto , Miyawaki Emiko
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT  In our previous studies, an administration of triphenyltin chloride (TPTCl) at 4.7 or 6.3 mg/kg on days 0–3 of pregnancy caused implantation failure, and the same doses of TPTCl on days 0–3 of pseudopregnancy caused a suppression of uterine decidualization correlated with a reduction in serum progesterone levels in rats. This study was conducted to determine the roles of progesterone on the TPTCl‐induced suppression of uterine decidualization and implantation failure in rats. Although lower uterine weight was found in hormone‐maintained ovariectomized rats given TPTCl at 4.7 or 6.3 mg/kg on days 0–3 and induced decidual cell response on day 4, no statistical significance in the uterine weight was detected between the control group and the TPTCl‐treated groups. The pregnancy rate and number of implantations in the groups given TPTCl at 4.7 or 6.3 mg/kg on days 0–3 of pregnancy and progesterone on days 0–8 of pregnancy were significantly higher than those in the groups given TPTCl alone. No significant differences in these parameters were found between the control group and the groups given TPTCl and progesterone. It can be concluded that the TPTCl‐induced suppression of uterine decidualization is mediated, at least partially, via the ovarian hormones, and that progesterone protects against the TPTCl‐induced implantation failure.
Cardiovascular malformations associated with maternal hypoxia due to methemoglobinemia in aniline hydrochloride‐treated rats
Authors: Matsumoto Kiyoshi , Matsumoto Shiori , Fukuta Katsuhiro , Ooshima Yojiro
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT  Aniline hydrochloride (AH), a methemoglobin‐formation stimulating substance, at a dosage level that does not induce apparent fetal death was injected subcutaneously into pregnant rats once a day on days 6–8, 9–11, 12–14 or 15–17 of gestation in order to assess its ability to stage‐specifically produce cardiovascular malformations. In addition, AH at dosage levels of 195, 260, 325 and 395 rag/kg was injected into pregnant rats subcutaneously once a day on days 12–14 of gestation, and the dose‐dependent induction of ventricular septal defect (VSD) in relation to maternal methemoglobinemia was studied. In the stage‐specificity study, paleness, decreased body weight gain and elevated methemoglobin concentration were noted in the dams. Upon fetal examination, reduced body weight was noted in all AH‐treated groups. AH induced cardiovascular malformations, mainly VSD, which was most frequently observed in the day 12–14 group and also observed in the day 15–17 group. Abnormal branching of subclavian, pulmonary and vertebral arteries were most frequently observed in the day 9–11 group. In the dose‐dependency study, AH induced maternal methemoglobinemia, decreased fetal body weight and increased the incidence of VSD dose dependency. Additionally, administration of methylene blue, a methemoglobinemia‐preventing substance, to the AH‐treated dams ameliorated maternal methemoglobinemia and reduced the incidence of fetal VSD. From these results, it is considered that AH stage‐specifically induces cardiovascular defects, mainly VSD, in rats and that VSD is induced not by a direct teratogenic effect of AH but by maternal hypoxia due to methemoglobinemia.
Evaluation of a core battery of tests for detecting behavioral dysfunction of rat offspring induced by retinoic acid: Collaborative work II of the Japanese behavioral teratology committee
Authors: Nishimura Tatsuya , Iwase Takayuki , Hashimoto Yutaka , Tanimura Takashi
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT  The Japanese Behavioral Teratology Meeting, a satellite meeting of the Japanese Teratology Society, proposed a core battery of tests to detect behavioral teratogens in animals in 1992. The core battery consists of examining maternal body weight, offspring weight, external anomalies, viability, preweaning landmarks of physical development (pinna, incisor and eyelids), preweaning reflex tests (surface righting, negative geotaxis and mid‐air righting), an open‐field test at 5 weeks of age, a water‐filled multiple T‐maze (Biel‐type water maze) test at 6 weeks, a shuttlebox test at 7 weeks and brain weight at termination on postnatal day 56. In order to evaluate the detectability of behavioral dysfunction in rat offspring by this core battery, the first collaborative study was carried out in 1993 using phenytoin. The present, second collaborative study using retinoic acid (RA) was performed in twenty‐eight laboratories to further evaluate the proposed core test battery. Pregnant SD rats received 5 mg/kg RA orally from days 14 to 16 of gestation, and postnatal development of their offspring was evaluated. The effects of RA on offspring were detected as lower viability, increased incidence of minor anomalies in the paw and nail, delayed pinna detachment, negative geotaxis and air righting, and less frequent rearing and grooming behaviors in the open‐field test. However, no effects were observed in the Biel‐type maze and shuttlebox tests. These results suggest that our proposed core battery of tests is useful as a screening method to detect postnatal development disorders, including behavioral dysfunction, in SD rat offspring exposed to RA in utero.
A quantitative study of the optic nerve in diabetic mutant, Otsuka Long‐Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats
Authors: Sawada Kazuhiko , Nitta Sachiko , Sakata‐Haga Hiromi , Ohnishi Takamasa , Fukui Yoshihiro
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT  Optic nerves of the Otsuka Long‐Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat, an animal model of non‐insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, were examined using quantitative stereological procedures. At 67 weeks of age, OLETF rats showed a mild hyperglycemia: their blood glucose level was 196 ± 93 mg/dl, significantly higher than that of non‐diabetic control Long‐Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats (110 ± 24 mg/dl). However, there were no differences in the cross sectional area of optic nerves (the mean minimum diameter), the total number and mean diameter of both myelinated and non‐myelinated fibers, or the thickness of the myelin sheath between OLETF and LETO rats. The results suggested that a mild hyperglycemia in OLETF rats could not cause any morphological changes in the optic nerve.
Disruption of brain development in male rats exposed prenatally to 5‐bromo‐2‘‐deoxyuridine
Authors: Kuwagata Makiko , Saito Yoshiaki , Usumi Kenji , Ono Hiroshi , Nagao Tetsuji
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT  Sprague‐Dawley rats were treated intraperitoneally with 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) at 0,12.5 or 50 mg/kg/day on days 9 through 15 of gestation to evaluate the effects on development of the brain of offspring. Prenatal exposure to BrdU induced abnormal development of the brain; dilatation of the lateral ventricles in male offspring in the postnatal period. The ratio of the length of the longitudinal fissure to that of the cerebral cortex decreased in a dose‐dependent manner in the embryonic period and thereafter. In 14‐week‐old male offspring exposed prenatally to BrdU at 50 mg/kg, the cortex layer of the cerebrum was thinner than that of the controls. Masculine sexual behavior was markedly impaired and the volume of the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area (SDN‐POA) was decreased in the 50 mg/kg group as compared with the controls. These results demonstrate that prenatal exposure to BrdU affected the development of the brain hi the prenatal and postnatal stages and reduced the volume of SDN‐POA after puberty, resulting in a disruption of reproductive ability in male rats.
Memories of the first five years of the Japanese Teratology Society
Authors: Tanimura Takashi
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT The Japanese Teratology Society, previously called the Congenital Anomalies Research Association of Japan was officially founded on August 3,1961 in Tokyo. The first 25 years' history of the Society was reported in Congenital Anomalies in 1985 by myself. As I had served Secretary of the Society since the foundation and I am one of a few members who know the history of the founding era, the activities of the first five years of the Society are reviewed in more detail together with the work of Dr. Hideo Nishimura, Kyoto University through my personal view. A research meeting in Kyoto on February 25, 1961 was really the starting point of the Society. Then, the events of the Annual Meetings of the Society for five years, how newspapers reported them and what were the historically interesting problems in the lectures, symposia and free papers, and the changes in the numbers of members and their composition are presented. This review aims not only to record the important events in the early days of the Society but also hopefully to guide the younger researchers to achieve the final goal of prevention of congenital anomalies in the 21st century.
Nishimura's collection of human embryos and related publications
Authors: Fujimoto Toyoaki
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT On the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of the Japanese Teratology Society, this paper first describes how late Professor Hideo Nishimura's collection of human embryos greatly contributed to the standardization of the embryonic development of the Japanese, to the study of embryogenesis, and to the analysis of the etiology of congenital malformations. The collection now composes the main part of the Congenital Anomaly Research Center in Kyoto University and is opened for utilization by embryologists, teratologists and students. In this paper, emphasis is also placed on publications on teratology and embryology which were written by Japanese authors and published in our country, and which played an important role in guiding studies and research on teratology and embyology, and advancing education in human development in our country. Some of them are still available and are being used in these fields.
Molecular characterization of regenerated cardiomyocytes derived from adult mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Fukuda Keiichi
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT  We recently isolated a cardiomyogenic (CMG) cell line from murine bone marrow stroma, and in this paper characterize regenerated cardiomyocytes derived from adult mesenchymal stem cells at the molecular level. Stromal cells were immortalized, exposed to 5‐azacytidine, and repeatedly screened for spontaneously beating cells. CMG cells began to beat spontaneously after 2 weeks, and beat synchronously after 3 weeks. They exhibited sinus‐node‐like or ventricular‐cell‐like action potentials. Analysis of the isoforms of contractile protein genes, such as of myosin and α‐actin, indicated that their phenotype was similar to that of fetal ventricular cardiomyocytes. The cells expressed Nkx2.5, GATA4, TEF‐1, and MEF2‐C mRNA before 5‐azacytidine exposure, and MEF2‐A and MEF2‐D after exposure. CMG cells expressed α1A, α1B, and α1D‐adrenergic receptor mRNA prior to differentiation, and β1, β2‐adrenergic and M1, M2‐muscarinic receptors after acquiring the cardiomyocyte phenotype. Phenylephrine induced phosphorylation of ERK1/ 2, and the phosphorylation was inhibited by prazosin. Isoproterenol increased the cAMP level 38‐fold and beating rate, cell motion, % shortening, and contractile velocity by 48%, 38%, 27%, and 51%, respectively, and the increases were blocked by CGP20712A (β1‐selective blocker). Car‐bachol increased IP3 32‐fold, and the increase was inhibited by AFDX116 (M2‐selective blocker). These findings demonstrated that the regenerated cardiomyocytes were capable of responding to adrenergic and muscarinic stimulation. This new cell line provides a model for the study of cardiomyocyte transplantation.
Hydrocephalus manifestation in the genetic polydactyly/arhinencephaly mouse (Pdn/Pdn)
Authors: Naruse Ichiro , Ueta Etsuko
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT  The genetic polydactyly/ariiinencephaly mouse, Pdn/Pdn, exhibits severe polydactyly both in the fore‐and hindlimbs, hydrocephalus, and agenesis of the olfactory bulbs, corpus callosum, and anterior commissure. The mechanism of hydrocephalus manifestation in Pdn/Pdn was investigated in the present study. Ink was injected into the left lateral ventricle in the Pdn/Pdn and +/+ newborn mice. After incubation at 32°C for different time intervals, the heads were fixed in Bouin's solution and were subsequently decalcified in 0.5 mol/L of EDTA solution, paraffin sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin.

Ink spread into the 3rd and right lateral ventricles and flowed to the 4th ventricle and Magendie's foramen rapidly in Pdn/Pdn mice. This rapid spread was due to the dilatation of the interventricular foramen and that the lateral ventricle was directly connected with enlarged 3rd ventricle in Pdn/Pdn. In spite of the rapid spread of ink in the cerebrospinal fluid pathway, ink was not observed in the subarachnoid space around the superior sagittal sinus at 3.5 or 10 hours in Pdn/Pdn mice.

The superior sagittal sinus was narrower in Pdn/Pdn than in +/+, and the arachnoid villi were not observed in Pdn/Pdn. From these observations, we suggested that absorption of cerebrospinal fluid from the arachnoid villi in the superior sagittal sinus stagnated and that stagnation of the fluid in the ventricles was the cause of hydrocephalus in Pdn/Pdn mice.
New behavioral mutant rat exhibiting circling behavior (clx) controlled by a sex‐linked recessive gene
Authors: Fuji Jun‐ichiro , Fukuda Ryo , Imoto Fumiyo , Ooshima Yojiro
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT  A male rat showing intermittent circling behavior was discovered among the Jc:Wistar rats in our laboratories, and among its backcross offspring individuals showing the same behavior were found. The abnormalities in these animals were characterized by intermittent circling behavior (walking and/or running in circles) and head tossing with the neck twisted. No abnormalities were observed in fertility, delivery or pup mortality. The results of mating experiments indicated that the circling behavior phenotype is controlled by a single sex‐linked recessive gene, and the mutant was named “circling behavior linked to X‐chromosome (gene symbol: clx).” This circling behavior mutant is considered to be different from the previously reported mutants, the behavior in all of which has been found to be autosomally inherited. Sib‐mating is continuing to produce an inbred strain with this newly discovered circling behavior mutant gene.
Historical control data on reproductive abilities and incidences of spontaneous fetal malformations in Wistar Hannover GALAS rats
Authors: Aoyama Hiroaki , Kikuta Masayuki , Shirasaka Noriko , Hojo Hitoshi , Takahashi Ken L. , Shimizu Naoko , Harigae Michiko , Taguchi Fukushi , Teramoto Shoji
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT  Wistar Hannover rats, which have recently been introduced into Japan, are expected to be used in reproductive and developmental toxicity studies, yet the accumulation of background data is insufficient. This paper describes our historical data on the reproductive ability of this strain of rat Three lots of sexually matured females (40 each) were received from CLEA JAPAN, Inc. with males of the same strain (30 or 36 each) and mated. A total of 47 dams were killed on gestation day 20 to examine their fetuses. The remaining 71 pregnant females were allowed to deliver spontaneously and observed for common reproductive parameters. The mating and fertility indices of females were both 99.2%. Overall mean numbers of implants and live fetuses at cesarean sectioning were 12.5 and 11.5, respectively. Fetal resorptions and deaths occurred at an incidence of 8.6%. Morphological examinations of fetuses revealed low incidences of spontaneous malformations (each one case of double aortic arch and absent cervical vertebral arch) and a variety of common variations. The followings are overall means of major reproductive parameters obtained from females with live birth: no. of implants, 12.5; no. of pups delivered, 11.8; viability index of pups at birth, 99.8%; and days of age at sexual maturation (vaginal opening and preputial separation), 30.3 and 42.8, respectively. Our present observations confirmed a minimal deviation among 3 lots of animals in terms of reproductive abilities. These results suggest that this strain of rat can be used in reproductive and developmental toxicity studies, although the sensitivity to toxicants remains to be elucidated.
Preparation of Porous TiO2 Sheets by Aqueous Tape Casting and their Photocatalytic Activation
Authors: Ren Linlin , Zeng Yu‐Ping , Jiang Dongliang
Published: May 2008

Porous titania (TiO2) sheets were prepared by aqueous tape casting. In slurry preparation, ammonium polyacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyethylene glycol were used as dispersant, binder, and plasticizer, respectively. The properties of slurries were characterized by ζ‐potential, sedimentation test, and rheological behavior. The influences of sintering temperature on the open porosity, phase composition, and microstructure of the specimens were studied. The open porosity of the specimens ranged from 44% to 58%. The results indicate that the photocatalytic efficiency of specimens is closely related to the phase composition, the open porosity as well as the grain size of TiO2 sheet. The porous TiO2 sheets have lower efficiency than TiO2 powder; however, the porous sheets do not result in the secondary contamination problem.
Relationships between body size and sound‐producing structures in crickets: do large males have large harps?
Authors: Moradian Nima R. , Walker Sean E.
Published: May 2008

Abstract.Male crickets produce conspicuous acoustic signals to attract mates and deter potential rivals. These signals are created when a male cricket closes his wings rapidly and a file and scraper mechanism causes several areas of the wing to vibrate. The harp is an area of the wing that is part of the resonating structure. Because the harp acts as part of a mechanical resonator, changes in harp area or mass could influence the frequency of sound produced. Because females exhibit stabilizing selection on the frequency used in male songs, we hypothesized that there would be a negative allometric relationship between body size and harp area. In addition, we examined the degree of asymmetry in the harp, wing, and tibia. We examined this in four different species of cricket:Acheta domesticus, Gryllus bimaculatus, Gryllus rubens, andTeleogryllus oceanicus.For each species, we measured pronotum width as an index of body size, tibia length, and the area of the forewing and harp. There were significant differences among species in their morphological characteristics. We observed consistent directional asymmetry in the harp area but not in the total wing area. When wings did exhibit directional asymmetry, it was in the opposite direction of the directional asymmetry observed in the harp. Within species, larger males typically had larger harps and the relationship between harp area and body size exhibited negative allometry. Wing area exhibited an isometric relationship with body size. Our data provide a potential mechanism linking decreases in song frequency with body size in male crickets, and suggest that sensory constraints might influence the morphology of signaling structures in a similar fashion as genitalia.
Permeameter Data Verify New Turbulence Process for MODFLOW
Authors: Kuniansky Eve L. , Halford Keith J. , Shoemaker W. Barclay
Published: May 2008

A sample of Key Largo Limestone from southern Florida exhibited turbulent flow behavior along three orthogonal axes as reported in recently published permeameter experiments. The limestone sample was a cube measuring 0.2 m on edge. The published nonlinear relation between hydraulic gradient and discharge was simulated using the turbulent flow approximation applied in the Conduit Flow Process (CFP) for MODFLOW‐2005 mode 2, CFPM2. The good agreement between the experimental data and the simulated results verifies the utility of the approach used to simulate the effects of turbulent flow on head distributions and flux in the CFPM2 module of MODFLOW‐2005.
Trust of nurse practitioners and physicians among African Americans with hypertension
Authors: Benkert Ramona , Peters Rosalind , Tate Nutrena , Dinardo Ellen
Published: May 2008

Purpose:To examine correlates of low‐income African Americans’ level of trust in healthcare providers. Specific aims were to (a) describe the levels and correlations of trust, mistrust, and satisfaction; (b) compare trust scores by provider type (nurse practitioner [NP] and medical doctor) and clinic type (nurse‐managed clinic [NMC] and joint‐managed clinic [JMC]); and (c) examine the relationship of patient and provider demographic factors (e.g., race concordance) with trust in the provider.

Data sources:This descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted with 145 low‐income African Americans (51% women, 49% men; mean age = 49.4 years). All participants were enrolled in a larger study that examined the effect of psychosocial variables on hypertension outcomes. Participants completed three questionnaires: Trust in Provider Scale, Cultural Mistrust Inventory, and the Michigan Academic Consortium Patient Satisfaction tool. Chart audits were performed to collect clinical data.

Conclusions:Trust and satisfaction were moderately high,M= 3.9 (0.56),M= 4.1 (0.57), respectively, on the 5‐point scales, and cultural mistrust was in the moderate range,M= 3.9 (0.79), on a 7‐point scale. No significant differences in mistrust,t(142) =−1.43,p= .155, or satisfaction,t(142) = 0.716,p= .475, were noted by provider type. Trust was significantly higher for patients seen by NPs,t(142) = 2.57,p= .011. Additionally, patients seen in the NMC reported significantly higher levels of trust than those seen in the JMC,t(143) = 3.62,p< .001. Race concordance between provider and patient did not change these findings.

Implications for practice:Low‐income African American patients have experienced unequal and discriminatory treatment, which can result in a cultural mistrust of providers; yet, providers in this study were able to engender high trust and satisfaction among these respondents. Still, the sociocultural effects of race concordance require further exploration to better understand the impact on trust in the patient–provider relationship. Finally, the high levels of trust in the NMC may offer a promising solution to the health disparities of African Americans; yet, more research is needed.
The role of serotonin in intestinal luminal sensing and secretion
Authors: Hansen M. Berner , Witte A.‐B.
Published: May 2008

This mini‐review addresses the role of the neuroendocrine substance serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) in intestinal luminal sensing and secretion. Intestinal sensory neurones are activated by several mechanisms, in particular following stimulation of ‘specialized’ cells in the mucosa. These specialized cells are the enteroendocrine cells, which contain a wide variety of neuroendocrine transmitters. One of these enteroendocrine cells is the enterochromaffin (EC) cell, which is present throughout the intestines and contains large amounts of serotonin, predominantly in the duodenum in humans. The EC cells act as mucosal sensory transducers and secrete serotonin in response to various physiological and pathological luminal stimuli. Following release, serotonin participates in several mucosal protecting processes, one being secretion. Serotonin stimulates active ion, mucus and fluid secretion. Epithelial 5‐HT2 receptors and neuronal 5‐HT1P, 5‐HT3 and 5‐HT4 receptors mediate the secretory effect of serotonin. A transmembrane serotonin transporter terminates epithelial serotonergic signalling. The transient receptor potential ion channel family is important for processing intestinal luminal sensory signalling. Accumulating evidence suggests a significant interaction between serotonin and one of the transient receptor potential ion channels, the capsaicin‐sensitive transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1. Accordingly, EC cells, serotonergic receptors and transporter(s), and transient receptor potential vanilloid type‐1 ion channels are all explored as pharmacological targets for treatment of some intestinal functional disorders.
Infinitely repeated contests: How strategic interaction affects the efficiency of governance
Authors: Shaffer Sherrill , Shogren Jason
Published: May 2008

Contests over the scope and strength of regulation and governance are commonplace – and commonly repeated. The same players vie for the same government prize year after year: for example, environmental standards, government contracts, research grants, and public good provision. The open question is whether more rents are dissipated in repeated regulatory contests than onetime competitions. This question matters for regulation and governance because societies should design policies to waste the fewest scarce resources. According to some, the answer is “no”, but others say “yes”– more resources are wasted when people compete repeatedly for the same government prize. Herein, we use two game theoretic equilibrium concepts to help untangle the answer. Our results suggest non‐myopic contestants are more likely to behave as partners than rivals – provided the context is relatively sterile. Several common complications help break up the tacit partnership, including a disparity in relative ability, a shrinking prize, and additional players.
Magmatic evolution of the Mantos Blancos copper deposit, Coastal Range of northern Chile: insight from Sr–Nd isotope, geochemical data and silicate melt inclusions
Authors: Ramírez Luis E. , Parada Miguel A. , Palacios Carlos , Wittenbrink Jens
Published: May 2008

The Mantos Blancos copper deposit (500 Mt at 1.0% Cu) was affected by two superimposed hydrothermal events: (i) phyllic alteration related to a rhyolitic dome emplacement and brecciation at ca 155 Ma; and (ii) potassic, sodic and propylitic alteration at ca 142 Ma, coeval with stocks and sills emplacement of dioritic and granodioritic porphyries, that locally grade upwards into polymictic magmatic hydrothermal breccias. Major hypogene copper sulfide mineralization is related to the second event. A late‐ore mafic dike swarm cross‐cuts all rocks in the deposit. Two types of granodioritic porphyries can be distinguished from petrographic observations and geochemical data: granodiorite porphyry I (GP I) and granodiorite porphyry II (GP II), which resulted from two different trends of magmatic evolution. The concave shape of the rare earth element (REE) distribution pattern together with the weak or absence of negative Eu anomalies in mafic dikes, dioritic and GP I porphyries, suggest hornblende‐dominated fractionation for this magmatic suite. In contrast, distinct negative Eu anomalies and the flat REE patterns suggest plagioclase‐dominated fractionation, at low oxygen fugacity, for the GP II porphyry suite. But shallow mixing and mingling between silicic and dioritic melts are also likely for the formation of the GP II and polymictic breccias, respectively. Sr‐Nd isotopic compositions suggest that the rhyolitic dome rocks were generated from a dominantly crustal source, while the GP I has mantle affinity. The composition of melt inclusions (MI) in quartz crystals from the rhyolitic dome is similar to the bulk composition of their host rock. The MI analyzed in quartz from GP II and in the polymictic magmatic hydrothermal breccia of the deposit are compositionally more evolved than their host rocks. Field, geochemical and petrographic data provided here point to dioritic and siliceous melt interaction as an inducing mechanism for the release of hydrothermal fluids to form the Cu mineralization.
Regional Probabilistic and Statistical Mineral Potential Mapping of Gold–Silver Deposits Using GIS in the Gangreung Area, Korea
Authors: Oh Hyun‐Joo , Lee Saro
Published: May 2008

The aim of the present study is to analyze relationships between epithermal Au‐Ag deposits of the hydrothermal type and related geological factors and integrate the relationships using probabilistic and statistical models in a geographic information system (GIS) environment. A variety of spatial geological data were compiled, evaluated and integrated to produce a map of potential Au and Ag deposits in the Gangreung area, Korea. This empirical approach assumes that all deposits shared a common genesis. The method consists of three main steps: (i) identification of spatial relationships; (ii) quantification of such relationships and (iii) integration of multiple quantified relationships. A spatial database containing Au and Ag deposits, topographic, geologic, geophysical and geochemical data was constructed using a GIS. The factors relating to 103 Au and Ag mineral deposits are the geological data such as lithology and fault structure, geochemical data including the abundance of Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, conductivity, Cr, Cu, Eh, Fe, HCO3–, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, pH, Si, Sr, V, W, Zn, Cl−, F−, PO43−, NO2−, NO3− and SO42−, and geophysical data including Bouguer and magnetic anomalies. Using the constructed spatial database, the relationships between mineral deposit areas and 36 related factors are identified and quantified by probabilistic and statistical modeling; that is, likelihood ratio, weights of evidence and logistic regression. All the factors were combined to produce a map of the regional mineral potential using the overlay method in a GIS environment. The mineral potential map was then verified by comparison with known mineral deposits. The verification results give respective accuracies of 82.52%, 72.45% and 81.60% for the likelihood ratio, weights of evidence and logistic regression models, respectively. The mineral potential map can be used as a source of basic information for mineral resource development.
Transcranial Doppler Blood Flow Assessment in Patients With Mild Heart Failure: Correlates With Neuroimaging and Cognitive Performance
Authors: Vogels Raymond L. C. , Oosterman Joukje M. , Laman David M. , Gouw Alida A. , Schroeder‐Tanka Jutta M. , Scheltens Philip , Van Der Flier Wiesje M. , Weinstein Henry C.
Published: May 2008

Cardiac output and cerebral perfusion are reduced in patients with advanced stages of heart failure. Our aim was to determine whether cerebral blood flow velocity measured by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography was reduced in outpatients with mild heart failure in comparison to controls and, if so, whether this reduction was related to cognitive performance and abnormalities of the brain diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging.
Hypertension in Women: Part I
Authors: Igho Pemu Priscilla , Ofili Elizabeth
Published: May 2008

The basis for the treatment of hypertension in women has evolved in step with the inclusion of women in studies of treatment in hypertension. Recent outcome trials comparing angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or calcium antagonists with diuretics and β‐blockers in older, high‐risk patients have generally shown similar benefits for women and men. The current evidence therefore indicates that sex should not play a role in decisions about whether to treat hypertension or about the choice of agents.
Impact of Terminal Digit Preference by Family Physicians and Sphygmomanometer Calibration Errors on Blood Pressure Value: Implication for Hypertension Screening
Authors: Niyonsenga Theophile , Vanasse Alain , Courteau Josiane , Cloutier Lyne
Published: May 2008

The accuracy of blood pressure (BP) measurement is important; systematic small errors can mislabel BP status in many persons. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of 2 types of measurement errors on the evaluation of BP in family medicine: errors associated with terminal digit preference and those associated with calibration errors of sphygmomanometers. Secondary data analyses from 2 different projects were used to derive empiric distributions of terminal digit and BP device errors. Taking into account both types of errors, the proportion of false positives (falsely high BP) and false negatives (falsely normal BP) varied between 0. 82% and 5.18% of the population of consulting family physicians. In the United States, false positives and false negatives in patients' BP evaluations might lead to overtreating or undertreating 1.15 million to 7.25 million patients. Results support the need for the development of systematic interventions for quality control of BP measurements and periodic retraining for health professionals.
Diagnostic Thresholds for Ambulatory Blood Pressure Moving Lower: A Review Based on a Meta‐Analysis—Clinical Implications
Authors: Hansen Tine W. , Kikuya Masahiro , Thijs Lutgarde , Li Yan , Boggia José , Björklund‐Bodegârd Kristina , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Jeppesen Jørgen , Ibsen Hans , Staessen Jan A.
Published: May 2008

Upper limits of normal ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) have been a matter of debate in recent years. Current diagnostic thresholds for ABP rely mainly on statistical parameters derived from reference populations. Recent findings from the International Database of Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Relation to Cardiovascular Outcome (IDACO) provide outcome‐driven thresholds for ABP. Rounded systolic/diastolic thresholds for optimal ABP were found to be 115/75 mm Hg for 24 hours, 120/80 mm Hg for daytime, and 100/65 mm Hg for nighttime. The corresponding rounded thresholds for normal ABP were 125/75 mm Hg, 130/85 mm Hg, and 110/70 mm Hg, respectively, and those for ambulatory hypertension were 130/80 mm Hg, 140/85 mm Hg, and 120/70 mm Hg. However, in clinical practice, any diagnostic threshold for blood pressure needs to be assessed in the context of the patient's overall risk profile. The IDACO database is therefore being updated with additional population cohorts to enable the construction of multifactorial risk score charts, which also include ABP.
A New Argument for Nonconceptual Content
Authors: ROSKIES ADINA L.
Published: May 2008

This paper provides a novel argument against conceptualism, the claim that the content of human experience, including perceptual experience, is entirely conceptual. Conceptualism entails that the content of experience is limited by the concepts that we possess and deploy. I present an argument to show that such a view is exceedingly costly—if the nature of our experience is entirely conceptual, then we cannot account for concept learning: all perceptual concepts must be innate. The version of nativism that results is incompatible with naturalistic accounts of concept learning. This cost can be avoided, and concept learning accounted for if nonconceptual content of experience is admitted.
Modeling and Stability Analysis of an Axially Moving Beam With Frictional Contact
Authors: Spelsberg-Korspeter Gottfried , Kirillov Oleg N. , Hagedorn Peter
Published: May 2008

This paper considers a moving beam in frictional contact with pads, making the system susceptible for self-excited vibrations. The equations of motion are derived and a stability analysis is performed using perturbation techniques yielding analytical approximations to the stability boundaries. Special attention is given to the interaction of the beam and the rod equations. The mechanism yielding self-excited vibrations does not only occur in moving beams, but also in other moving continua such as rotating plates, for example.
Dynamics of General Constrained Robots Derived from Rigid Bodies
Authors: Zhu Wen-Hong
Published: May 2008

A systematic approach for deriving the dynamical expression of general constrained robots is developed in this paper. This approach uses rigid-body dynamics and two kinematics-based mapping matrices to form the dynamics of complex robots in closed form. This feature enables the developed modeling approach to be rigorous in nature, since every actuator and gear-head can be separated into rigid bodies and no assumption about approximation beyond rigid-body dynamics is made. The two kinematics-based mapping matrices are used to govern the velocity and force transformations among three configuration spaces, namely, general joint space, general task space, and extended subsystems space. Consequently, the derived dynamics of general constrained robots maintain the same form and main properties as the conventional single-arm constrained robots. This approach is particularly useful for robots with hyper degrees of freedom. Five examples are given.
Evaluation of the Interfacial Strength of Layered Structures by Indentation Method
Authors: Omiya Masaki , Kishimoto Kikuo , Nakano Takashi
Published: May 2008

The delamination of thin coating films from substrates is a critical issue for the reliability of micro- and nanoelectronic devices. Indentation methods have the potential to measure interfacial strength in micro- and nanofilm thickness coating films. In this paper, indentation tests of layered structures are simulated using the damage-based cohesive zone model. When the delamination initiates, the indentation load and depth curve tend to deviate from the indentation load and depth curve for the perfectly bonded case. When the interface is stiffer than the coating film, a brittlelike delamination occurs on the interface; when the stiffness of the interface is smaller than that of the coating layer, a ductilelike delamination occurs on the interface. The ratio of shear moduli, μint∕μPI, characterizes the delamination behavior on the interface during indentation tests. Focusing on the discontinuous point during the indentation tests and introducing the balance of energy before and after the onset of delamination, the evaluation method of the interfacial strength is proposed. The proposed method can be used to estimate the interfacial strength when the ratio of hardness and the yield stress of the coating film is 3.5<HA∕σy<4.5.