bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
'They have built a legal system without punishment': reflections on the use of amnesty in the South African transition
Authors: Jenkins Catherine
Published: January 2008

The conditional amnesty process administered by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was an innovative feature of the transition to democracy in South Africa, yet it remains relatively under-analysed in comparison with other aspects of the TRC’s work. Moreover, although the South African TRC has inspired a new generation of truth commissions in Africa and around the world, the amnesty process has never been repeated. This paper examines the context of the use of amnesty in South Africa and offers some critical reflections on the South African amnesty process, particularly in the context of the rise of international criminal law and the creation of the International Criminal Court. Noting that the demand for ‘amnesties for peace’ has not diminished, it argues that, although the South African amnesty process was in some respects flawed both in its conception and implementation, it merits consideration by other countries in transition and offers valuable lessons for the development of international legal policy.
Ribosome display and selection of human anti-CD22 scFvs derived from an acute lymphocytic leukemia patient
Authors: Rothe Achim , Nathanielsz Anne , Oberhäuser Frank , von Strandmann Elke Pogge , Engert Andreas , Hudson Peter J. , Power Barbara E.
Published: January 2008

Novel in vitro methods for the display of antibody libraries against disease-related antigens have led to the development of powerful protein-based biotherapeutics. Eukaryotic ternary ribosome complexes can be used to display human single chain antibodies (scFvs) to isolate specific binding reagents to these antigens. Here, we present the isolation of human scFv against the immunotherapeutic target antigen CD22 from a patient-derived human scFv library using ribosome display technology. The ribosome complexes were enriched against the extra-cellular domain of human CD22 conjugated to magnetic beads. Isolated constructs were further affinity-matured and specific binding activity was demonstrated by surface plasmon resonance and validated using in vitro cell assays. The isolated human anti-CD22 scFvs can provide a basis for the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies in CD22-expressing malignant diseases.
Sub-chronic administration of the 11β-HSD1 inhibitor, carbenoxolone, improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in mice with diet-induced obesity
Authors: Taylor Ashley , Irwin Nigel , McKillop Aine M. , Flatt Peter R. , Gault Victor A.
Published: January 2008

We have examined the metabolic effects of daily administration of carbenoxolone (CBX), a naturally occurring 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD1) inhibitor, in mice with high fat diet-induced insulin resistance and obesity. Eight-week-old male Swiss TO mice placed on a synthetic high fat diet received daily intraperitoneal injections of either saline vehicle or CBX over a 16-day period. Daily administration of CBX had no effect on food intake, but significantly lowered body weight (1.1- to 1.2-fold) compared to saline-treated controls. Non-fasting plasma glucose levels were significantly decreased (1.6-fold) by CBX treatment on day 4 and remained lower throughout the treatment period. Circulating plasma corticosterone levels were not significantly altered by CBX treatment. Plasma glucose concentrations of CBX-treated mice were significantly reduced (1.4-fold) following an intraperitoneal glucose load compared with saline controls. Similarly, after 16-day treatment with CBX, exogenous insulin evoked a significantly greater reduction in glucose concentrations (1.4- to 1.8-fold). 11β-HSD1 gene expression was significantly down-regulated in liver, whereas glucocorticoid receptor gene expression was increased in both liver and adipose tissue following CBX treatment. The reduced body weight and improved metabolic control in mice with high fat diet-induced obesity upon daily CBX administration highlights the potential value of selective 11β-HSD1 inhibition as a new route for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Serum TSH and serum thyroid peroxidase antibody fluctuate in parallel and high urinary iodine excretion predicts subsequent thyroid failure in a 1-year study of patients with untreated subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Karmisholt Jesper , Laurberg Peter
Published: January 2008

Objective

To explore the possibility of predicting decline or improvement in thyroid function over 1 year, and to investigate the correlations of serum TSH (s-TSH) with hypothyroidism-related symptoms and signs, serum thyroid peroxidase antibody (s-TPO-Ab) and urinary iodine excretion in individual patients with untreated subclinical hypothyroidism (SH).

Design

Monthly repeated measurement study without intervention.

Methods

Twenty-one patients without former thyroid disease who had been identified with s-TSH between 5 and 12 mU/l and normal serum thyroxine (s-T4) at two occasions were enrolled. Subsequently, 13 monthly measurements of s-TSH, hypothyroidism-related symptoms and signs, serum free T4, s-TPO-Ab and urinary iodine excretion were performed.

Results

Over the study year, s-TSH increased significantly in 5 patients, 16 had unchanged s-TSH, whereas none improved. From clinical and biochemical inclusion data, it was not possible to predict who would later increase in s-TSH. In individual patients, a highly significant correlation between s-TSH and s-TPO-Ab was found (r=0.37, P<0.0001) and also between s-TSH and urinary iodine excretion (r=0.14, P=0.034). No correlation between s-TSH and clinical symptoms and signs was observed. Time shift showed best correlation between s-TSH and s-TPO-Ab measured at the same time point, whereas urinary iodine excretion correlated best to s-TSH and s-TPO-Ab obtained 1 month later.

Conclusion

At the time of inclusion, it was not possible to identify the 24% of SH patients who would show deterioration in thyroid function over the following year. Impairment in thyroid function varied in parallel with thyroid autoimmunity, whereas high urinary iodine excretion predicted high s-TSH and s-TPO-Ab 1 month later.
Reduced quality of life in patients with head-and-neck paragangliomas
Authors: Havekes B , van der Klaauw A A , Hoftijzer H C , Jansen J C , van der Mey A G L , Vriends A H J T , Smit J W A , Romijn J A , Corssmit E P M
Published: January 2008

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) in patients with head-and-neck paragangliomas (‘glomus tumors’).

Design

We conducted a case–control study.

Methods

We assessed QoL in 82 patients with head-and-neck paragangliomas using four validated health-related questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Multidimensional Fatigue Index (MFI-20), Short Form-36 (SF-36), and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Patient outcomes were compared with controls provided by the patients and with a large age- and sex-adjusted control group.

Results

The QoL scores in the paraganglioma patients were significantly reduced in 12 out of the 21 subscales compared with own controls, and in 18 out of the 21 subscales compared with age- and sex-adjusted values derived from the previous studies. In the MFI-20 questionnaire, patients reported more general fatigue, physical fatigue, mental fatigue, and a reduction in activity and motivation. The scores in the NHP showed a difference in energy, emotional reaction, and social isolation. General health perception, pain, and physical functioning were reported to be worse in the paraganglioma patients on the SF-36 scale. Although anxiety and depression did not reveal any significant differences between patients and their own controls, an increased score on both anxiety and depression was seen when compared with the extended control group. Especially, dysphonia contributes to a reduced QoL.

Conclusion

QoL is considerably reduced in patients with head-and-neck paragangliomas.
Association of +45G15G(T/G) and +276(G/T) polymorphisms in the ADIPOQ gene with polycystic ovary syndrome among Han Chinese women
Authors: Zhang Ning , Shi Yu-Hua , Hao Cui-Fang , Gu Harvest F , Li Yuan , Zhao Yue-Ran , Wang Lai-Cheng , Chen Zi-Jiang
Published: January 2008

Objective

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is frequently associated with insulin resistance (IR) and consequently with increased risk of metabolic disorders. Adiponectin is the most abundant adipocytokine and may play a role in the regulation of insulin sensitivity and IR in PCOS. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic influence of the adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene polymorphisms in the development of PCOS among Han Chinese women.

Methods

Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs),+45G15G(T/G) and +276(G/T), in the ADIPOQ gene were genotyped in 120 patients with PCOS and 120 healthy control subjects. All of them were Han Chinese women.

Results

Both SNPs were found to be significantly associated with PCOS (P=0.021, odds ratios=1.629, 95% confidence intervals: 1.074–2.469 and P=0.015, 1.576, 1.091–2.279 respectively). In SNP +276(G/T), the allele G was found to be significantly associated with increased fasting insulin levels, homeostasis model assessment to assess IR index, and area under the curve glucose levels, but decreased glucose and insulin ratio in the PCOS patients. Furthermore, the patients carrying genotypes G/G and G/T had significantly decreased levels of serum adiponectin (6.16±3.18 plus 5.93±3.23 vs 8.96±3.21 μg/ml, P=0.030) compared with the patients with genotype T/T.

Conclusions

The present study provides evidence that SNPs +45G15G(T/G) and +276(G/T) in the ADIPOQ gene are associated with PCOS in Han Chinese women. SNP +276(G/T) may contribute to an impact of insulin levels and IR, which are implicated in the susceptibility for PCOS.
Negative correlation between thyroperoxidase and dual oxidase H2O2-generating activities in thyroid nodular lesions
Authors: Ginabreda Maria Gloria P , Cardoso Luciene C , Nobrega Flavia M , Ferreira Andrea C F , Gonçalves Manuel Domingos C , Vaisman Mário , Carvalho Denise P
Published: January 2008

Iodine incorporation into thyroglobulin is dependent on the activities of both thyroperoxidase (TPO) and thyroid dual oxidase 2 (DuOx2). Although TPO expression is decreased in some thyroid nodular lesions, DuOx1 and 2 mRNA expressions are maintained, but DuOx H2O2-generating activity has never been evaluated in such tumors. Our goal was to determine DuOx activity in hypofunctioning lesions of the thyroid. We evaluated H2O2 generation by DuOx in 12 paranodular to cold nodule samples, 17 non-toxic multinodular goiters (MNG; 33 samples), 3 papillary carcinomas (PC; 4 samples), 3 follicular carcinomas (FC; 4 samples), and 10 follicular adenomas. DuOx activity was detected in all paranodular tissues (121±23 nmol H2O2/h per mg protein), but was undetectable (<1 nmol H2O2 generated) in all PC, two out of four FC samples and seven out of ten adenomas. In 11 MNG at least two different areas of the goiter have been evaluated, and in 5 of these goiters one of the samples had DuOx activity below the limit of detection. The coefficient of variation in MNG samples ranged from 11.3 to 57.2%. Interestingly, in all the adenomas studied, TPO activity (486±142 U/g protein, n=8) was well within the range found in paranodular tissues (414±116 U/g protein, n=3). We found a significant negative correlation between DuOx and TPO activities, suggesting that these enzymes are regulated in opposite directions, at least in thyroid tumors.
The effects of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms on endothelial function and metabolic risk factors in healthy subjects: the significance of plasma adiponectin levels
Authors: Imamura Akiko , Takahashi Ryotaro , Murakami Ryuichiro , Kataoka Hiroki , Cheng Xian Wu , Numaguchi Yasushi , Murohara Toyoaki , Okumura Kenji
Published: January 2008

Objective

Genetic variants of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene, Glu298Asp and T–786C, have been reported to be associated with cardiovascular disease. Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived plasma protein with insulin-sensitizing and vascular protective effects; its levels are typically low in metabolic syndrome. Therefore, eNOS gene polymorphisms may also be associated with specific metabolic profiles, including plasma adiponectin levels and atherogenic lipids.

Methods

We evaluated the functional significance of eNOS gene Glu298Asp and T–786C polymorphisms on endothelial function and metabolic profiles in 101 healthy young men (mean age 30.3 years) before the progression of atherosclerotic lesions.

Results

No linkage disequilibrium was found between the two genotypes. The Asp298 allele carriers of the eNOS gene presented significantly higher plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, LDL particle size, malondialdehyde-modified LDL (MDA-LDL), and fasting insulin levels and lower plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I levels, and endothelium-dependent vasodilation when compared with noncarriers. In spite of higher MDA-LDL levels, Asp298 carriers had significantly larger LDL particle size. By contrast, in C–786 allele carriers, systolic blood pressure was significantly higher, and plasma high-molecular-weight adiponectin levels and endothelium-dependent vasodilation were significantly lower than those in non-carriers.

Conclusions

Although both eNOS polymorphisms induced endothelial dysfunction, the eNOS T–786C polymorphism may be associated with adiponectin levels, whereas the Glu298Asp polymorphism may be associated with atherogenic lipid levels.
Weight loss larger than 10% is needed for general improvement of levels of circulating adiponectin and markers of inflammation in obese subjects: a 3-year weight loss study
Authors: Madsen Erik L , Rissanen Aila , Bruun Jens M , Skogstrand Kristin , Tonstad Serena , Hougaard David M , Richelsen Bjørn
Published: January 2008

Objective

To investigate the effects of: I) short- (8 weeks), II) long-term (3 years) weight loss, and III) the degree of weight loss on circulating levels of adiponectin, high sensitive-C reactive protein (hs-CRP), and fibrinogen in obese subjects. Moreover, to evaluate the effect of the lipase inhibitor, orlistat, on these parameters.

Design

Weight loss induced in 93 obese subjects (mean weight: 108.9±15.8 kg) through 8-week very-low-energy diet (VLED, 800 kcal/day) followed by randomization to orlistat or placebo together with lifestyle intervention for further 3 years. Adiponectin and hs-CRP were measured at baseline, after 8 weeks of VLED and 6, 12, and 36 months after the VLED by flowmetric xMAP technology (Luminex Multi-Analyte Profiling System, Luminex Corp., Austin, TX, USA). Fibrinogen was measured in a coagulation assay.

Results

Weight loss after VLED treatment was 14.3±4.5 kg and after 3 years 7.7±8.7 kg. Orlistat-treated subjects regained 3.9 kg less than placebo-treated from the end of the VLED to 3 years (P=0.01). No differences were detected between the two groups regarding changes in adiponectin, hs-CRP, or fibrinogen. Accordingly, the groups were combined for further analyses. Serum adiponectin increased by 22% (P<0.05) after the VLED but returned to baseline after 3 years. Both short- and long-term weight losses needed to be in excess of 10% (∼12 kg) in order to increase adiponectin levels significantly. Weight loss was associated with a significant decrease in hs-CRP. Fibrinogen decreased by 12% (P<0.05) after 3 years.

Conclusions

In obese subjects, weight loss was associated with an increase in serum adiponectin and a decrease in hs-CRP and plasma fibrinogen. Long-term weight loss (3 years) must exceed 10% to induce a combined significant improvement in these inflammatory markers.
Elsewhere in ICE Proceedings
Authors: Fullalove S. K.
Published: January 2008

The following are summaries of papers published in other parts of ICE Proceedings during 2007 that readers of Ground Improvement may find of interest. Summaries of all papers in ICE journals are freely available and fully searchable at the ‘journals on-line’ section of the ICE website. See www.ice.org.uk/journals for details.
Recovery of the Chesapeake Bay Bald Eagle Nesting Population
Authors: WATTS BRYAN D. , THERRES GLENN D. , BYRD MITCHELL A.
Published: January 2008

Abstract We conducted annual aerial surveys throughout the tidal reach of the Chesapeake Bay, USA, between 1977 and 2001 to estimate population size and reproductive performance for bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). The population increased exponentially from 73 to 601 pairs with an average doubling time of 8.2 years. Annual population increase was highly variable and exhibited no indication of any systematic decline. A total of 7,590 chicks were produced from 5,685 breeding attempts during this period. The population has exhibited tremendous forward momentum such that >50% of young produced over the 25‐year period were produced in the last 6 years. Rapid population growth may reflect the combined benefits of eliminating persistent biocides and active territory management. Reproductive rate along with associated success rate and average brood size increased throughout the study period. Average reproductive rate (chicks/breeding attempt) increased from 0.82 during the first 5 years of the survey to 1.50 during the last 5 years. Average success rate increased from 54.4% to >80.0% during the same time periods. The overall population will likely reach saturation within the next decade. The availability of undeveloped waterfront property has become the dominant limiting factor for bald eagles in the Chesapeake Bay. Maintaining the eagle population in the face of a rapidly expanding human population will continue to be the greatest challenge faced by wildlife biologists.
Bobcat Spatial Distribution and Habitat Use Relative to Population Reduction
Authors: LYNCH GREGORY S. , KIRBY JORDONA D. , WARREN ROBERT J. , CONNER L. MIKE
Published: January 2008

Abstract Understanding interactions among bobcats (Lynx rufus) may lend insight into less understood life history traits of the bobcat and improve management of the species. Moreover, data from manipulative experiments pertaining to bobcat ecology are largely absent from the scientific literature. Therefore, we investigated bobcat spatial organization and habitat use after an experimental population reduction on an 11,735‐ha study site in southwestern Georgia, USA. In response to an approximate 50% population reduction, male bobcats shifted their space use (26.4 ± 1.7% more shift relative to baseline) more (F1,3 = 138.08, P=0.001) than males where no bobcat removal occurred (28.1 ± 5.5% less shift relative to baseline). Dispersion of radio locations for all female bobcats increased following the population reduction; however, females that were exposed to the removal of a potentially interacting male remained more (F1,14 = 6.78, P = 0.021) static (increase in dispersion = 7.8 ± 7.3%) than females that were not exposed to removed males (increase in dispersion 41.2 ± 11.1%). Male bobcats likely shifted their central tendency to increase breeding opportunities, whereas the difference in dispersion of female radio locations may be the result of decreased intraspecific competition. Alternatively, reduced dispersion of females following harvest of neighboring males may increase the likelihood that remaining males will interact with females for breeding purposes. Neither habitat use nor habitat selection differed as a function of removal, suggesting that density‐dependent habitat selection was not occurring on our study site. Although it is generally accepted that male bobcats use space to increase breeding opportunities, our study suggests that male bobcats may also influence space use of females, but in counterintuitive ways. Because bobcat movements are altered by harvest of neighbors, we suggest that inferring habitat quality for bobcats based on their space use patterns should be avoided unless researchers incorporate knowledge of both short‐ and long‐term population perturbations.
Density‐Dependent Harvest Modeling for the Eastern Wild Turkey
Authors: MCGHEE JAY D. , BERKSON JIM , STEFFEN DAVID E. , NORMAN GARY W.
Published: January 2008

Abstract Many current wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) harvest models assume density‐independent population dynamics. We developed an alternative model incorporating both nonlinear density‐dependence and stochastic density‐independent effects on wild turkey populations. We examined model sensitivity to parameter changes in 5% increments and determined mean spring and fall harvests and their variability in the short term (3 yr) and long term (10 yr) from proportional harvesting under these conditions. In the long term, population growth rates were most sensitive to poult:female ratios and the form of density dependence. The nonlinear density‐dependent effect produced a population that maximized yield at 40% carrying capacity. The model indicated that a spring or fall proportional harvest could be maximized for fall harvest rates between 0% and 13% of the population, assuming a 15% spring male harvest and 5% spring illegal female kill. Combined spring and fall harvests could be maximized at a 9% fall harvest, under the same assumptions. Variability in population growth and harvest rates increased uncertainty in spring and fall harvests and the probability of overharvesting annual yield, with growth rate variation having the strongest effect. Model simulations suggested fall harvest rates should be conservative (≤9%) for most management strategies.
Social Indices of Breeding Productivity in Parkland Mallards
Authors: ARNOLD TODD W. , PAGANO ANTHONY M. , DEVRIES JAMES H. , EMERY ROBERT B. , HOWERTER DAVID W. , JOYNT BRIAN L.
Published: January 2008

Abstract Social indices were developed to assess breeding productivity of waterfowl based on weekly roadside surveys of social groupings (i.e., pairs, lone M, flocked M). We calculated social indices for mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) populations breeding on 16 study sites in the Canadian parklands from 1993 to 1998 using 7 previously developed indices. We also calculated duckling:pair ratios from our roadside counts, and we obtained independent measures of nesting effort, nesting success, female success, and fledging rate for these same 16 sites from a concurrent telemetry study. Social indices were correlated (r2 = 0.28‐0.67) with telemetry‐based measures of breeding productivity in 5 of 7 cases, with the strongest relationships deriving from indices that emphasized renesting effort. The 2 ineffective social indices (r2 ≤ 0.13) both measured early onset of nesting activity. Duckling:pair ratios could be calculated more easily from the same survey data and also were correlated (r2 = 0.26‐0.48) with measures of breeding productivity. Because surveys measuring late‐nesting effort also can enumerate early hatched ducklings, we recommend that waterfowl researchers use duckling:pair ratios rather than social indices because ducking:pair ratios are more easily interpretable. Development of sightability‐adjustment factors for pair and duckling surveys could further enhance the utility of duckling:pair ratios as indices of breeding productivity in mallards.
Cougar Prey Selection in a White‐Tailed Deer and Mule Deer Community
Authors: COOLEY HILARY S. , ROBINSON HUGH S. , WIELGUS ROBERT B. , LAMBERT CATHERINE S.
Published: January 2008

Abstract Widespread mule deer (Odocoilus hemionous) declines coupled with white‐tailed deer (O. virginianus) increases prompted us to investigate the role of cougar (Puma concolor) predation in a white‐tailed deer, mule deer, and cougar community in northeast Washington, USA. We hypothesized that cougars select for and disproportionately prey on mule deer in such multiple‐prey communities. We estimated relative annual and seasonal prey abundance (prey availability) and documented 60 cougar kills (prey usage) from 2002 to 2004. White‐tailed deer and mule deer comprised 72% and 28% of the total large prey population and 60% and 40% of the total large prey killed, respectively. Cougars selected for mule deer on an annual basis (αmd = 0.63 vs. αwt = 0.37; P = 0.066). We also detected strong seasonal selection for mule deer with cougars killing more mule deer in summer (αmd = 0.64) but not in winter (αmd = 0.53). Cougars showed no seasonal selection for white‐tailed deer despite their higher relative abundance. The mean annual kill interval of 6.68 days between kills varied little by season (winter = 7.0 days/kill, summer = 6.6 days/kill; P = 0.78) or prey species (white‐tailed deer = 7.0 days/kill, mule deer = 6.1 days/kill; P = 0.58). Kill locations for both prey species occurred at higher elevations during summer months (summer = 1,090 m, winter = 908 m; P = 0.066). We suspect that cougars are primarily subsisting on abundant white‐tailed deer during winter but following these deer to higher elevations as they migrate to their summer ranges, resulting in a greater spatial overlap between cougars and mule deer and disproportionate predation on mule deer.
Assessing the Helicopter and Net Gun as a Capture Technique for White‐Tailed Deer
Authors: WEBB STEPHEN L. , LEWIS JOHN S. , HEWITT DAVID G. , HELLICKSON MICKEY W. , BRYANT FRED C.
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe helicopter and net gun is a technique used to capture white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and is useful in a variety of habitat types and at various population densities with the ability to be highly selective. During capture, deer may sustain injuries or even die as a result of capture and handling, and may also be prone to capture myopathy. Therefore, our objectives were to determine 1) type and frequency of injuries sustained during the helicopter and net‐gun capture, and 2) the effects of capture on survival of radiocollared deer. We captured 3,350 white‐tailed deer from 1998 to 2005 using a net gun fired from a helicopter on 5 southern Texas, USA, ranches. Additionally, we captured 51 yearling males and 49 mature (≥4 yr of age) males and fitted them with radiocollars to monitor their survival. We recorded injuries and mortalities during capture and ranked the seriousness of injuries on a scale from 0 to 4. We recorded 281 injuries (8.4%) and as a result of capture, at least 206 deer had broken antlers (6.1%), 55 were injured (1.6%), and 20 were direct mortalities (0.6%). The most common antler injury was broken antler tines and the most common body injury was broken legs. Postcapture mortality rates were low (1%) for this capture method. Based on capture‐related injuries, mortalities, and postcapture survival, we found the helicopter and net gun to be a safe capture technique compared to other capture techniques, particularly when conditions are favorable.
Conspecific Attraction is a Missing Component in Wildlife Habitat Modeling
Authors: CAMPOMIZZI ANDREW J. , BUTCHER JERROD A. , FARRELL SHANNON L. , SNELGROVE AMY G. , COLLIER BRET A. , GUTZWILLER KEVIN J. , MORRISON MICHAEL L. , WILKINS R. NEAL
Published: January 2008

AbstractWildlife biologists use knowledge about wildlife‐habitat relationships to create habitat models to predict species occurrence across a landscape. Researchers attribute limitations in predictive ability of a habitat model to data deficiencies, missing parameters, error introduced by specifications of the statistical model, and natural variation. Few wildlife biologists, however, have incorporated intra‐ and interspecific interactions (e.g., conspecific attraction, competition, predator‐prey relationships) to increase predictive accuracy of habitat models. Based on our literature review and preliminary data analysis, conspecific attraction can be a primary factor influencing habitat selection in wildlife. Conspecific attraction can lead to clustered distributions of wildlife within available habitat, reducing the predictive ability of habitat models based on vegetative and geographic parameters alone. We suggest wildlife biologists consider incorporating a parameter in habitat models for the clustered distribution of individuals within available habitat and investigate the mechanisms leading to clustered distributions of species, especially conspecific attraction.
Structural Equation Modeling for Observational Studies
Authors: GRACE JAMES B.
Published: January 2008

Abstract Structural equation modeling (SEM) represents a framework for developing and evaluating complex hypotheses about systems. This method of data analysis differs from conventional univariate and multivariate approaches familiar to most biologists in several ways. First, SEMs are multiequational and capable of representing a wide array of complex hypotheses about how system components interrelate. Second, models are typically developed based on theoretical knowledge and designed to represent competing hypotheses about the processes responsible for data structure. Third, SEM is conceptually based on the analysis of covariance relations. Most commonly, solutions are obtained using maximum‐likelihood solution procedures, although a variety of solution procedures are used, including Bayesian estimation. Numerous extensions give SEM a very high degree of flexibility in dealing with nonnormal data, categorical responses, latent variables, hierarchical structure, multigroup comparisons, nonlinearities, and other complicating factors. Structural equation modeling allows researchers to address a variety of questions about systems, such as how different processes work in concert, how the influences of perturbations cascade through systems, and about the relative importance of different influences. I present 2 example applications of SEM, one involving interactions among lynx (Lynx pardinus), mongooses (Herpestes ichneumon), and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and the second involving anuran species richness. Many wildlife ecologists may find SEM useful for understanding how populations function within their environments. Along with the capability of the methodology comes a need for care in the proper application of SEM.
Sampling Considerations for Disease Surveillance in Wildlife Populations
Authors: NUSSER SARAH M. , CLARK WILLIAM R. , OTIS DAVID L. , HUANG LING
Published: January 2008

Abstract Disease surveillance in wildlife populations involves detecting the presence of a disease, characterizing its prevalence and spread, and subsequent monitoring. A probability sample of animals selected from the population and corresponding estimators of disease prevalence and detection provide estimates with quantifiable statistical properties, but this approach is rarely used. Although wildlife scientists often assume probability sampling and random disease distributions to calculate sample sizes, convenience samples (i.e., samples of readily available animals) are typically used, and disease distributions are rarely random. We demonstrate how landscape‐based simulation can be used to explore properties of estimators from convenience samples in relation to probability samples. We used simulation methods to model what is known about the habitat preferences of the wildlife population, the disease distribution, and the potential biases of the convenience‐sample approach. Using chronic wasting disease in free‐ranging deer (Odocoileus virginianus) as a simple illustration, we show that using probability sample designs with appropriate estimators provides unbiased surveillance parameter estimates but that the selection bias and coverage errors associated with convenience samples can lead to biased and misleading results. We also suggest practical alternatives to convenience samples that mix probability and convenience sampling. For example, a sample of land areas can be selected using a probability design that oversamples areas with larger animal populations, followed by harvesting of individual animals within sampled areas using a convenience sampling method.
Value Relevance of Accounting Information in Different Stock Market Segments: The Case of Chinese A-, B-, and H-Shares
Authors: Liu Jianwei , Liu Chunjiao
Published: January 2008

This study provides empirical evidence on the value relevance of accounting information in different stock market segments of China. Using the available data of listed A-, B-, and H-shares from 1999 to 2003, and based on the modified Ohlson model, the value relevance of accounting information is compared among different Chinese stock market segments. Further, important factors that might influence the value relevance of accounting information in the Chinese stock market (e.g., the percentage of total tradable shares [PTS] and the B-share opening event of 2001) are studied in this paper. Four primary results are drawn from this study. First, the accounting information is value-relevant in all the A-, B-, and H-share markets, and the accounting information in the B- and H-share markets is more value-relevant than that of the A-share market. Second, within the A-share market, the value relevance of accounting information does not differ between firms issuing both AB- and AH-shares and firms issuing only A-shares. Within the A-share market, firms with higher PTS do not enjoy higher value-relevant accounting information than the firms with lower PTS. Last, our results indicate that the opening event of B-shares to domestic investors in 2001 did indeed lower the value relevance of accounting information for B-shares.
The Role of External Monitoring in Firm Valuation: The Case of R&D Capitalization
Authors: Tutticci Irene , Krishnan Gopal , Percy Majella
Published: January 2008

We investigate whether the use of a high-quality auditor and increased regulatory monitoring of R&D reporting influence both the level of R&D expenditure capitalized by Australian companies from 1992 to 2002 and the market's perception of the reliability of these figures. The results indicate that firms with a higher quality auditor capitalize lower levels of R&D costs, and that in the period following increased regulatory monitoring, firms capitalize fewer R&D costs. Analysis of the value relevance of R&D expenditure indicates that the market positively values R&D costs when expensed as incurred. These results are consistent using both price and returns models. Results are less persistent for capitalized R&D amounts. The finding from the returns model indicates that the quality of the auditor appears to enhance the reliability of capitalized R&D costs, while the price model suggests that the cumulative R&D asset is less relevant in the period following ASC monitoring.
Heart rate variability in patients after cardiac valve surgery
Authors: Lakusic Nenad , Slivnjak Valentina , Baborski Franjo , Sonicki Zdenko
Published: January 2008

The aim of study was to analyze heart rate variability (HRV) after different cardiac valve surgery procedures and the prognostic values of these findings. This study included 101 consecutive patients who underwent surgical implantation for an artificial valve. The mean age of the patients was 62 ± 10 years. An aortic valve was implanted in 65 patients. A mitral valve was implanted in 36 patients. HRV was analyzed from 24 hours Holter electrocardiographic (ECG) records. The time from the operation to the recording of Holter ECG and measuring HRV was 3.8 ± 1.4 months. After discharged from stationary cardiac rehabilitation, all involved patients were contacted to provide data on their health in the follow-up period (33 ± 21 months). A total of 46 patients with an implanted artificial valve had decreased overall HRV or standard deviation of all normal R-R intervals (SDNN) < 93 ms. Patients with an implanted artificial mitral valve had a shorter RR interval (817 ± 122 vs. 863 ± 122ms, p=0.03) and lower values of total power (1166 ± 1888 vs. 2802 ± 3601 ms2, p<0.001) compared to patients with an implanted artificial aortic valve. The results of study show that several months after cardiac surgery, almost half of the patients with an implanted artificial valve have decreased HRV. However, postoperative decreased HRV in those patients have no importance in long-term prediction of mortality rate.
Experimental attempt to produce mRNA transfected dendritic cells derived from enriched CD34+ blood progenitor cells
Authors: Lazarova Paula , Kvalheim Gunnar , Gercheva Liana , Metodiev Krassimir
Published: January 2008

It Peripheral blood progenitor enriched CD34+ cells (PBPC) are rather often used as stem cell background in cancer patients following high dose therapy. Keeping in mind that precursor dendritic cells (DCs) originate from haematopoietic progenitor cells, purified CD34+ cells might also serve as starting cells for ex-vivo production of DC. The aim of the present study is to develop a clinical grade procedure for ex-vivo production of DC derived from enriched CD34+ cells. Various concentrations of CD34+ cells were grown in gas-permeable Teflon bags with different serum-free and serum-containing media supplemented with GM-CSF, IL-4, TNF-a, SCF, Flt-3L and INF-a. Serum-free CellGroSCGM medium for 7 days followed by CellGroDC medium in 7 days gave equal results as serum-containing medium. Following incubation, the cultured cells containing immature DCs were concentrated and transfected with tumour mRNA from human prostate cancer cell lines employing a highly efficient electroporation procedure. Thawed transfected DCs were able to elicit primary T-cell responses in vitro against antigens encoded by the prostate cancer mRNA as shown by ELISPOT assay using mock-transfected DCs as control. The results of our study show that frozen enriched CD34+ cells can be an alternative and efficient source for production of DCs for therapeutic purpose.
Biochemical Fractionation of Brain Tissue for Studies of Receptor Distribution and Trafficking
Authors: Hallett Penelope J. , Collins Tiffany L. , Standaert David G. , Dunah Anthone W.
Published: January 2008

An important tool for studying the regulation of synapses is a rapid and reliable means of separating synaptic and intracellular proteins. This unit presents a technique for analysis of brain tissue which relies on differential centrifugation to separate proteins present at synaptic sites from those found in intracellular cytoplasmic and vesicular pools. The method is efficient in that only small amounts of tissue, such as might be obtained from a small region of a rodent brain, are required. It is reproducible and, in conjunction with immunoblot or immunoprecipitation techniques, can produce reliable quantitative data. The protocol will be of interest to those conducting a variety of different studies related to the localization and trafficking of brain receptors and signaling molecules.Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 42:1.16.1‐1.16.16. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Overview of Mouse Assays of Ethanol Intoxication
Authors: Crabbe John C. , Cameron Andy J. , Munn Elizabeth , Bunning Mark , Wahlsten Douglas
Published: January 2008

There are many behavioral assays to assess sensitivity to ethanol intoxication in mice. Most are simple to implement, and are sensitive to a particular dose range of ethanol. Most reflect genetic influences, and each test appears to reflect the contribution of a relatively distinct collection of genes. This genetic heterogeneity implies that no single test can claim to capture the construct “ethanol intoxication” completely. Depending on the test, and when measurements are made, acute functional tolerance to even a single dose of ethanol must be considered as a contributing factor. Whether or not a test is conducted in naïve mice or as part of a test battery can influence sensitivity, and do so in a strain‐dependent manner. This unit reviews existing tests and recommends several.Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 42:9.26.1‐9.26.19. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mouse and Rat Anesthesia and Analgesia
Authors: Davis Judith A.
Published: January 2008

Many animal models used in neuroscience research must be surgically created and/or anesthetized for imaging studies. The purpose of this unit is to review the advantages and disadvantages of various anesthetic and analgesic agents in rodents; to discuss state‐of‐the‐art methods for monitoring anesthesia; and to provide tips for troubleshooting problems with anesthesia. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 42:A.4B.1‐A.4B.21. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cerebral Infarct/Intracranial Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Grant P. Ellen , Schaefer Pamela W. , Gonzalez R. Gilberto
Published: January 2008

Imaging goals for intracranial cerebral vascular disease are (1) to assess the degree of parenchymal injury and identify intraparenchymal hemorrhage; (2) to determine if there are areas of altered perfusion that may be at risk for future injury; and (3) to assess the intracranial arteries (patency as well as direction of flow). This unit describes a Basic Protocol that can be used to evaluate stable patients with acute, subacute, or chronic cerebrovascular symptoms. An Alternate Protocol is also given for cases of hyperacute strokes or cerebrovascular symptoms in an unstable patient.
Masses of the Elbow and Forearm
Authors: Crain Jana , Ho Charles
Published: January 2008

This unit presents protocols for MR imaging of masess of the elbow using T1‐ and T2‐weighted sequences. An alternative method using post‐contrast images is also provided, which may help to differentiate cystic or necrotic lesions from solid masses by defining a nodular or peripheral enhancing component in a cystic lesion versus more diffuse enhancement in a solid mass.
Magnetic Moment of a Spin, Its Equation of Motion, and Precession
Authors: Cheng Yu‐Chung Norman , Haacke E. Mark
Published: January 2008

This unit discusses the basic spin properties of the proton. The motion of a spin in an magnetic field that give rise to magnetic moment, is also discussed. The key to grasping much of MRI lies in understanding the concept of precession. Famous Bloch equation that basically leads to the description of the precession of a spin in the presence of an external magnetic field is also explained.
Radiofrequency Excitation
Authors: Cheng Yu‐Chung Norman , Haacke E. Mark
Published: January 2008

This unit presents an in‐depth discussion of the radiofrequency field, including how variations in the RF field will cause variations in image intensity that are independent of the physical spin density and the effect of slice select gradients.
Genotyping Using the TaqMan Assay
Authors: Hui Lester , DelMonte Terrye , Ranade Koustubh
Published: January 2008

The 5′‐nuclease allelic discrimination assay, or TaqMan assay, is a PCR‐based assay for genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The region flanking the SNP is amplified in the presence of two allele‐specific fluorescent probes. The probes do not fluoresce in solution because of a quencher at the 3′ end. The presence of two probes allows the detection of both alleles in a single tube. Moreover, because probes are included in the PCR, genotypes are determined without any post‐PCR processing, a feature that is unavailable with most other genotyping methods. This unit describes probe and primer design and PCR conditions. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 56:2.10.1‐2.10.8. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Selection of a Platform for Mutation Detection
Authors: Joshi Victoria A. , Mancini‐DiNardo Debora , Funke Birgit H.
Published: January 2008

New mutation detection technologies must keep pace by becoming more cost‐effective while offering improved technical sensitivity and higher throughput capacity. In recent years, the number of mutation detection platforms available to the clinical researcher has grown to a point where it is difficult to keep track of all available options as well as their benefits and pitfalls. This unit provides an entry point for a variety of researchers who wish to analyze samples for known or novel mutations and need to determine which platform is most suited for their particular needs. A practical guide is provided in this unit, including a brief overview, information on assay parameters, design and cost considerations, as well as platform flexibility and scalability of the assay. Although the focus here is on applications involving human disease, many of these platforms can be easily adapted to the study of other organisms. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 56:7.15.1‐7.15.30. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Methods and Applications of Laser‐Enabled Analysis and Processing (LEAP)
Authors: Lin Nan , Cresswell Jennifer R. , Richardson Genova A. , Gerber Mark A. , Kayser Kevin J.
Published: January 2008

The LEAP (Laser‐Enabled Analysis and Processing) platform combines in situ imaging with laser manipulation to efficiently identify, purify, and monitor expansion of high secreting clones. It also allows for rapid analysis of cell population heterogeneity. This unit describes the LEAP instrumentation as well as basic and alternate protocols of the major applications in recombinant human or humanized IgG expression. The protocols include fluorescent cell counting, secreted recombinant IgG capture and detection, and IgG‐secreting clone selection by laser processing. Curr. Protocol. Cytom. 43:2.14.1‐2.14.27. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Directed Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells as Spin Embryoid Bodies and a Description of the Hematopoietic Blast Colony Forming Assay
Authors: Ng Elizabeth S. , Davis Richard P. , Hatzistavrou Tanya , Stanley Edouard G. , Elefanty Andrew G.
Published: January 2008

This unit describes a protocol for the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). To generate spin embryoid bodies (EBs), known numbers of hESCs are deposited into low‐attachment, round‐bottomed 96‐well plates in a serum‐free medium supplemented with growth factors. The cells are then aggregated by centrifugation, initiating formation of EBs of uniform size. The spin EBs generated using this technique differentiate efficiently and synchronously along the lineages preferentially induced by the combinations of growth factors to which the cells are exposed. The 96‐well format permits an assessment of the effects of different combinations of growth factors in the same experiment, facilitating the optimization of differentiation conditions for any given cell type. Up to 40 plates can be set up within a couple of hours by one experimenter, and aliquots of the differentiating EBs can be harvested at intervals and subjected to analyses using a variety of techniques. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 4:1D.3.1‐1D.3.23. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.