bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated data analysis at an archaeological site: A case study using 3D GPR, magnetic, and high-resolution topographic data
Authors: Böniger Urs , Tronicke Jens
Published: August 2010

We have collected magnetic, 3D ground-penetrating-radar (GPR), and topographic data at an archaeological site within the Palace Garden of Paretz, Germany. The survey site covers an area of approximately [Formula: see text] across a hill structure (dips of up to 15°) that is partly covered by trees. The primary goal of this study was to detect and locate the remains of ancient architectural elements, which, from historical records, were expected to be buried in the subsurface at this site. To acquire our geophysical data, we used a recently developed surveying approach that combines the magnetic and GPR instrument with a tracking total station (TTS). Besides efficient data acquisition, this approach provides positional information at an accuracy within the centimeter range. At the Paretz field site, this information was critical for processing and analyzing our geophysical data (in particular, GPR data) and enabled us to generate a high-resolution digital terrain model (DTM) of the surveyed area. Integrated analysis and interpretation based on composite images of the magnetic, 3D GPR, and high-resolution DTM data as well as selected attributes derived from these data sets allowed us to outline the remains of an artificial grotto and temple. Our work illustrates the benefit of using multiple surveying technologies, analyzing and interpreting the resulting data in an integrated fashion. It further demonstrates how modern surveying solutions allow for efficient, accurate data acquisition even in difficult terrain.
Selecting the last consecutive record in a record process
Authors: Hsiau Shoou-Ren
Published: August 2010

Suppose that I1, I2,… is a sequence of independent Bernoulli random variables with E(In) = λ/(λ + n − 1), n = 1, 2,…. If λ is a positive integer k, {In}n≥1 can be interpreted as a k-record process of a sequence of independent and identically distributed random variables with a common continuous distribution. When In−1In = 1, we say that a consecutive k-record occurs at time n. It is known that the total number of consecutive k-records is Poisson distributed with mean k. In fact, for general is Poisson distributed with mean λ. In this paper, we want to find an optimal stopping time τλ which maximizes the probability of stopping at the last n such that In−1In = 1. We prove that τλ is of threshold type, i.e. there exists a tλ ∈ ℕ such that τλ = min{n | n ≥ tλ, In−1In = 1}. We show that tλ is increasing in λ and derive an explicit expression for tλ. We also compute the maximum probability Qλ of stopping at the last consecutive record and study the asymptotic behavior of Qλ as λ → ∞.
On the structure and representations of max-stable processes
Authors: Wang Yizao , Stoev Stilian A.
Published: August 2010

We develop classification results for max-stable processes, based on their spectral representations. The structure of max-linear isometries and minimal spectral representations play important roles. We propose a general classification strategy for measurable max-stable processes based on the notion of co-spectral functions. In particular, we discuss the spectrally continuous-discrete, the conservative-dissipative, and the positive-null decompositions. For stationary max-stable processes, the latter two decompositions arise from connections to nonsingular flows and are closely related to the classification of stationary sum-stable processes. The interplay between the introduced decompositions of max-stable processes is further explored. As an example, the Brown-Resnick stationary processes, driven by fractional Brownian motions, are shown to be dissipative.
Innate olfactory preferences in dung beetles
Authors: Dormont Laurent , Jay-Robert Pierre , Bessière Jean-Marie , Rapior Sylvie , Lumaret Jean-Pierre
Published: August 2010

The effects of insect larval diet on adult olfactory responses to host-plant or food volatiles are still debated. The induction of adult host preferences has been studied in insects with diverse ecologies, including parasitoids, flower-visitors and phytophagous species. We investigated this question for the first time in a coprophagous insect species. Larvae of the French scarab dung beetle Agrilinus constans were reared on four different artificial substrates containing dung from cattle, horse, sheep or wild boar, and responses of imagos to dung volatiles were then behaviourally tested in an olfactometer. We also reported the first analysis of the composition of different mammal dung volatiles. We showed that adult beetles were more attracted to cattle and sheep dung odours, and that larval feeding experience had no effect on the adult olfactory responses to dung volatiles. A second experiment showed that the presence of other insects inside the dung resource affects the process of dung selection by adults. We identified 64 chemical compounds from dung emissions, and showed that dung volatiles clearly differed among different mammal species, allowing olfactory discrimination by dung beetles. Our results suggest that resource selection in coprophagous insects may be based on innate olfactory preferences. Further experiments should examine whether Agrilinus adults can learn new dung odours, and whether larval diet may influence the behaviour of adults in other coprophagous species.
Lymph flux rates from various lymph sacs in the cane toad Rhinella marina: an experimental evaluation of the roles of compliance, skeletal muscles and the lungs in the movement of lymph
Authors: Hillman Stanley S. , Hedrick Michael S. , Drewes Robert C. , Withers Philip C.
Published: August 2010

A new method for quantitatively determining lymph flux from various lymphatic sacs of an anuran, the cane toad, was developed. This method used the dye dilution principle of CiVi=CfVf following injection of Evans Blue into specific lymph sacs and measuring its appearance in the venous circulation. The apparent lymph volume was 57 ml kg–1. The greatest rate of lymph return (0.5–0.8 ml kg–1 min–1) and best linear fit of Evans Blue appearance in the circulation with time followed injections into the subvertebral lymph sac, which has direct connections to both the anterior and posterior pairs of lymphatic hearts. Rate of lymph flux from the pair of posterior lymph hearts was three times greater than the anterior pair. Rates of lymph flux were only influenced by injection volume in the crural lymph sacs, implicating lymph sac compliance as the source of the pressure for lymph movement from these sacs. Femoral lymph sac fluxes were decreased by 60% following ablation of the tendons of the sphincter ani cloacalis, abdominal crenators and piriformis. This supports a role for these muscles in generating the pressure for vertical lymph movement. Femoral lymph sac fluxes were also decreased by 70% by the insertion of a coil in the subvertebral lymph sac, preventing normal compression and expansion of this sac by the lungs. This supports a role for lung ventilation in generating the pressure for vertical movement of lymph. Contrary to previous hypotheses, fluxes from the brachial sac were not influenced by insertion of the coil into the subvertebral sac. A haemorrhage equivalent to 50% of the blood volume did not change lymph flux rates from the femoral lymph sacs. These data provide the first experimental evidence that actual lymph fluxes in the cane toad Rhinella marina depend on lymph sac compliance, contraction of specific skeletal muscles and lung ventilation to move lymph laterally and vertically to the dorsally located lymphatic hearts.
An entomopathogenic Caenorhabditis briggsae
Authors: Abebe Eyualem , Jumba Miriam , Bonner Kaitlin , Gray Vince , Morris Krystalynne , Thomas W. Kelley
Published: August 2010

Caenorhabditis elegans is a premier model organism upon which considerable knowledge of basic cell and developmental biology has been built. Yet, as is true for many traditional model systems, we have limited knowledge of the ecological context in which these systems evolved, severely limiting our understanding of gene function. A better grasp of the ecology of model systems would help us immensely in understanding the functionality of genes and evolution of genomes in an environmental context. Consequently, there are ongoing efforts to uncover natural populations of this model system globally. Here, we describe the discovery of a Caenorhabditis briggsae strain and its bacterial associate (Serratia sp.) that form an entomopathogenic complex in the wild. Laboratory experiments confirm that this nematode and its natural bacterial associate can penetrate, kill and reproduce in an insect host and that the bacterial associate can induce this insect pathogenic life cycle in other Caenorhabditis species, including C. elegans. Our findings suggest that this life history may be widespread in nature and critical to the understanding of the biology of this important model organism. Caenorhabditis–insect interaction could be a key factor in our quest for a better grasp of gene functionality in this important model species. The discovered association, consequently, would provide an ecological framework for functional genomics of Caenorhabditis.
Single source sound production and dynamic beam formation in echolocating harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena)
Authors: Madsen P. T. , Wisniewska D. , Beedholm K.
Published: August 2010

Echolocating toothed whales produce high-powered clicks by pneumatic actuation of phonic lips in their nasal complexes. All non-physeteroid toothed whales have two pairs of phonic lips allowing many of these species to produce both whistles and clicks at the same time. That has led to the hypothesis that toothed whales can increase the power outputs and bandwidths of clicks, and enable fast clicking and beam steering by acutely timed actuation of both phonic lip pairs simultaneously. Here we test that hypothesis by applying suction cup hydrophones on the sound-producing nasal complexes of three echolocating porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) with symmetrical pairs of phonic lips. Using time of arrival differences on three hydrophones, we show that all recorded clicks from these three porpoises are produced by the right pair of phonic lips with no evidence of simultaneous or independent actuation of the left pair. It is demonstrated that porpoises, despite actuation of only one sound source, can change their output and sound beam probably through conformation changes in the sound-producing soft tissues and nasal sacs, and that the coupling of the phonic lips and the melon acts as a waveguide for sound energy between 100 and 160 kHz to generate a forward-directed sound beam for echolocation.
Rh glycoprotein expression is modulated in pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes) during high environmental ammonia exposure
Authors: Michele Nawata C. , Hirose Shigehisa , Nakada Tsutomu , Wood Chris M. , Kato Akira
Published: August 2010

Rhesus (Rh) protein involvement in ammonia transport processes in freshwater fish has received considerable attention; however, parallel investigations in seawater species are scant. We exposed pufferfish to high environmental ammonia (HEA; 1 and 5 mmol l–1 NH4HCO3) and evaluated the patterns of ammonia excretion and gill Rh mRNA and protein expression. Gill H+-ATPase, NHE1, NHE2, NHE3, Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA), Na+/K+/2Cl– co-transporter (NKCC1) mRNA, H+-ATPase activity, NKA protein and activity, were also quantified. Activation of NKA by NH4+ was demonstrated in vitro. The downregulation of Rhbg mRNA and simultaneous upregulations of Rhcg1, H+-ATPase, NHE3, NKA, NKCC1 mRNA, H+-ATPase activity, and NKA protein and activity levels suggested that during HEA, ammonia excretion was mediated mainly by mitochondria-rich cells (MRCs) driven by NKA with basolateral NH4+ entry via NKA and/or NKCC1, and apical NH3 extrusion via Rhcg1. Reprotonation of NH3 by NHE3 and/or H+-ATPase would minimise back flux through the Rh channels. Downregulated Rhbg and Rhag mRNA observed in the gill during HEA suggests a coordinated protective response to minimise the influx of external ammonia via the pavement cells and pillar cells, respectively, while routing ammonia excretion through the MRCs. Exposure to hypercapnia (1% CO2 in air) resulted in downregulated gill and erythrocyte Rhag mRNA. Surprisingly, Rhag, Rhbg, Rhcg1 and Rhcg2 proteins responded to both hypercapnia and HEA with changes in their apparent molecular masses. A dual NH3/CO2 transport function of the pufferfish Rh proteins is therefore suggested. The results support and extend an earlier proposed model of pufferfish gill ammonia excretion that was based on immunolocalisation of the Rh proteins. Passive processes and/or Rhbg and Rhcg2 in the pavement cells may maintain basal levels of plasma ammonia but elevated levels may require active excretion via NKA and Rhcg1 in the MRCs.
Yolk testosterone shapes the expression of a melanin-based signal in great tits: an antioxidant-mediated mechanism?
Authors: Galván Ismael , Alonso-Alvarez Carlos
Published: August 2010

Conspicuous traits produced by melanin deposition in integuments are often involved in visual communication. The information content of melanin-based signals is unclear as their expression is tightly controlled by genes and, apparently, is less dependent on individual condition. In birds, high heritabilities have been attributed to melanin-based plumages, often on the basis of egg-swapping manipulations (cross-fostering experiments). However, it is well known that female birds can differentially transfer testosterone to the egg yolk. Furthermore, high testosterone levels have been related to high oxidative stress. As we recently found that oxidative stress experienced during development influences the expression of melanin-based traits, here we manipulated the level of yolk testosterone in great tits (Parus major) to assess the influence of this maternal effect on the expression of the black breast stripe, a well-known melanin-based signal. We predicted that fledglings hatched from eggs with high testosterone levels will not only show larger black stripes but also experience changes in their antioxidant machinery. Indeed, the size of the black stripe of great tits hatched from testosterone-injected eggs was almost double that of controls. Furthermore, the same individuals showed a trend to higher levels of circulating antioxidants, which suggests an adaptive response against some testosterone-induced oxidative challenge.
Simplified Method for International Normalized Ratio (INR) Derivation Based on the Prothrombin Time/INR Line: An International Study
Authors: Poller Leon , Ibrahim Saied , Keown Michelle , Pattison Albert , Jespersen Jørgen
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND

The need to perform local International Sensitivity Index (ISI) calibrations and in particular the requirement for a manual method for prothrombin time (PT) determination, have proved to be obstacles to application of the WHO scheme for PT standardization.

METHODS

We used international normalized ratio (INR) derived with a set of only 5 European Concerted Action on Anticoagulation (ECAA) lyophilized calibrant plasmas, certified manually by expert centers with reference thromboplastins, to determine a local PT/INR Line. We compared results of an independent set of validation plasmas with INRs from conventional ISI calibrations and with manually certified INRs.

RESULTS

The mean certified INR of 5 lyophilized validation plasmas was 2.41 with human thromboplastin, 2.04 with bovine/combined, and 2.80 with rabbit. With 42 human reagents, the mean observed INR of the validation plasmas was 2.68 (11.2% deviation from certified INR). Deviation was reduced to 0.4% with both local ISI calibration and the PT/INR Line. Eight results based on bovine/combined thromboplastin gave an INR deviation of 4.9%, becoming 0.5% after ISI calibration and 2.4% with the PT/INR Line. Six results with rabbit reagents deviated from certified INR by 2.5%. After ISI calibration, deviation became 1.1%, and with the PT/INR Line, 0.7%. The PT/INR Line gave similar results with both linear and orthogonal regression analysis. The total proportion of validation plasmas giving INR within 10% deviation from certified values was 42.5% with uncorrected INR, which increased to 92.1% with local ISI calibration and 93.2% with the PT/INR Line.

CONCLUSIONS

The PT/INR Line procedure with 5 ECAA calibrant plasmas successfully substitutes for local ISI calibrations in deriving reliable INRs.
Obesity and the pubertal transition in girls and boys
Authors: Burt Solorzano Christine M , McCartney Christopher R
Published: August 2010

Childhood obesity has become a major health concern in recent decades, especially with regard to metabolic abnormalities that impart a high risk for future cardiovascular disease. Recent data suggest that excess adiposity during childhood may influence pubertal development as well. In particular, excess adiposity during childhood may advance puberty in girls and delay puberty in boys. Obesity in peripubertal girls may also be associated with hyperandrogenemia and a high risk of adolescent polycystic ovary syndrome. How obesity may perturb various hormonal aspects of pubertal development remains unclear, but potential mechanisms are discussed herein. Insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia may represent a common thread contributing to many of the pubertal changes reported to occur with childhood obesity. Our understanding of obesity's impact on pubertal development is in its infancy, and more research into pathophysiological mechanisms and longer-term sequelae is important.
Quality of Life in Hormone Receptor–Positive HER-2+ Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients During Treatment with Letrozole Alone or in Combination with Lapatinib
Authors: Sherrill Beth , Amonkar Mayur M. , Sherif Bintu , Maltzman Julie , O'Rourke Lisa , Johnston Stephen
Published: August 2010

Background.

A phase III trial compared lapatinib plus letrozole (L + Let) with letrozole plus placebo (Let) as first-line therapy for hormone receptor (HR)+ metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. The primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) in patients whose tumors were human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2+ was significantly longer for L + Let than for Let (8.2 months versus 3 months; p = .019). This analysis focuses on quality of life (QOL) in the HER-2+ population.

Methods.

QOL was assessed at screening, every 12 weeks, and at withdrawal using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Breast (FACT–B). Changes from baseline were analyzed and the proportions of patients achieving minimally important differences in QOL scores were compared. Additional exploratory analyses evaluated how QOL changes reflected tumor progression status.

Results.

Among the 1,286 patients randomized, 219 had HER-2+ tumors. Baseline QOL scores were comparable in the two arms. Mean changes in QOL scores were generally stable over time for patients who stayed on study. The average change from baseline on the FACT-B total score in both arms was positive at all scheduled visits through week 48. There was no significant difference between the two treatment arms in the percentage of QOL responders.

Conclusion.

The addition of lapatinib to letrozole led to a significantly longer PFS interval while maintaining QOL during treatment, when compared with letrozole alone, thus confirming the clinical benefit of the combination therapy in the HR+ HER-2+ MBC patient population. This all oral regimen provides an effective option in this patient population, delaying the need for chemotherapy and its accompanying side effects.
Does Sunscreen Prevent Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Inhibitor–Induced Rash? Results of a Placebo-Controlled Trial from the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (N05C4)
Authors: Jatoi Aminah , Thrower Abby , Sloan Jeff A. , Flynn Patrick J. , Wentworth-Hartung Nicole Lea , Dakhil Shaker R. , Mattar Bassam I. , Nikcevich Daniel A. , Novotny Paul , Sekulic Aleksandar , Loprinzi Charles L.
Published: August 2010

Purpose.

Rash occurs in >50% of patients prescribed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. This study was undertaken to determine whether sunscreen prevents or mitigates these rashes.

Methods.

This placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial enrolled rash-free patients starting an EGFR inhibitor. Patients were randomly assigned to sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 60 applied twice a day for 28 days versus placebo. They were then monitored for rash and quality of life (Skindex-16) during the 4-week intervention and for an additional 4 weeks.

Results.

Fifty-four patients received sunscreen, and 56 received placebo; the arms were balanced at baseline. During the 4-week intervention, physician-reported rash occurred in 38 (78%) and 39 (80%) sunscreen-treated and placebo-exposed patients, respectively (p = 1.00); no significant differences in rash rates emerged over the additional 4 weeks. There were no significant differences in rash severity, and patient-reported outcomes of rash yielded similar conclusions. Adjustment for sun intensity by geographical zone, season, and use of photosensitivity medications did not yield a significant difference in rash across study arms (p = .20). Quality of life scores declined but remained comparable between arms.

Conclusions.

Sunscreen, as prescribed in this trial, did not prevent or attenuate EGFR inhibitor–induced rash.
Rapamycin and Thalidomide Treatment of a Patient with Refractory Metastatic Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Ong Sin Jen , Teo Marissa , Lim Kiat Hon , Choo Su Pin , Toh Han Chong
Published: August 2010

The use of rapamycin and thalidomide in a patient with metastatic gastroesophageal carcinoma, which led to disease stability associated with a significant tumor marker response and improved clinical quality of life, is reported.
Dietary protein deprivation upregulates insulin signaling and inhibits gluconeogenesis in rat liver
Authors: Toyoshima Yuka , Tokita Reiko , Ohne Yoichiro , Hakuno Fumihiko , Noguchi Tadashi , Minami Shiro , Kato Hisanori , Takahashi Shin-Ichiro
Published: August 2010

This study was undertaken to elucidate the effects of dietary protein deprivation on glucose metabolism and hepatic insulin signaling in rats. The results of glucose and pyruvate tolerance tests in rats fed with a 12% casein diet (12C) and a protein-free diet (PF) indicated that protein deprivation enhanced clearance of blood glucose and suppressed gluconeogenesis. Correspondingly, the mRNA level of hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, a key gluconeogenic enzyme, was suppressed by dietary protein deprivation. In PF-fed rats, total tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor (IR) in the liver induced by insulin injection was enhanced compared with 12C pair-fed rats due to an increase in IR protein level. In addition, protein deprivation caused an increase in protein levels of IR substrate 1 (IRS1) and IRS2, leading to the marked enhancement of insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS2 and its binding to the p85 regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Based on these results, we conclude that protein deprivation suppresses gluconeogenesis by a mechanism primarily mediated by the enhancement of the insulin signals through the IR/IRS/PI3K/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 pathway in the liver. Taken together with our previous report, these findings suggest that tissue-specific potentiation of insulin action in the liver and the skeletal muscle plays important roles in maintaining glucose homeostasis even when energy usage is reduced by dietary protein deprivation.
Nuclear Hormone Retinoid X Receptor (RXR) Negatively Regulates the Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion of Pancreatic β-Cells
Authors: Miyazaki Satsuki , Taniguchi Hidenori , Moritoh Yusuke , Tashiro Fumi , Yamamoto Tsunehiko , Yamato Eiji , Ikegami Hiroshi , Ozato Keiko , Miyazaki Jun-ichi
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

Retinoid X receptors (RXRs) are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily and are thought to be key regulators in differentiation, cellular growth, and gene expression. Although several experiments using pancreatic β-cell lines have shown that the ligands of nuclear hormone receptors modulate insulin secretion, it is not clear whether RXRs have any role in insulin secretion.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

To elucidate the function of RXRs in pancreatic β-cells, we generated a double-transgenic mouse in which a dominant-negative form of RXRβ was inducibly expressed in pancreatic β-cells using the Tet-On system. We also established a pancreatic β-cell line from an insulinoma caused by the β-cell–specific expression of simian virus 40 T antigen in the above transgenic mouse.

RESULTS

In the transgenic mouse, expression of the dominant-negative RXR enhanced the insulin secretion with high glucose stimulation. In the pancreatic β-cell line, the suppression of RXRs also enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion at a high glucose concentration, while 9-cis-retinoic acid, an RXR agonist, repressed it. High-density oligonucleotide microarray analysis showed that expression of the dominant-negative RXR affected the expression levels of a number of genes, some of which have been implicated in the function and/or differentiation of β-cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that endogenous RXR negatively regulates the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Given these findings, we propose that the modulation of endogenous RXR in β-cells may be a new therapeutic approach for improving impaired insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes.
HLA Class I and Genetic Susceptibility to Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Noble Janelle A. , Valdes Ana Maria , Varney Michael D. , Carlson Joyce A. , Moonsamy Priscilla , Fear Anna Lisa , Lane Julie A. , Lavant Eva , Rappner Rebecca , Louey Anthony , Concannon Patrick , Mychaleckyj Josyf C. , Erlich Henry A. ,   for the Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

We report here genotyping data and type 1 diabetes association analyses for HLA class I loci (A, B, and C) on 1,753 multiplex pedigrees from the Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium (T1DGC), a large international collaborative study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Complete eight-locus HLA genotyping data were generated. Expected patient class I (HLA-A, -B, and -C) allele frequencies were calculated, based on linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns with observed HLA class II DRB1-DQA1-DQB1 haplotype frequencies. Expected frequencies were compared to observed allele frequencies in patients.

RESULTS

Significant type 1 diabetes associations were observed at all class I HLA loci. After accounting for LD with HLA class II, the most significantly type 1 diabetes–associated alleles were B*5701 (odds ratio 0.19; P = 4 × 10−11) and B*3906 (10.31; P = 4 × 10−10). Other significantly type 1 diabetes–associated alleles included A*2402, A*0201, B*1801, and C*0501 (predisposing) and A*1101, A*3201, A*6601, B*0702, B*4403, B*3502, C*1601, and C*0401 (protective). Some alleles, notably B*3906, appear to modulate the risk of all DRB1-DQA1-DQB1 haplotypes on which they reside, suggesting a class I effect that is independent of class II. Other class I type 1 diabetes associations appear to be specific to individual class II haplotypes. Some apparent associations (e.g., C*1601) could be attributed to strong LD to another class I susceptibility locus (B*4403).

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that HLA class I alleles, in addition to and independently from HLA class II alleles, are associated with type 1 diabetes.
Serum Uric Acid Predicts Progression of Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis in Individuals Without Renal Disease
Authors: Rodrigues Ticiana C. , Maahs David M. , Johnson Richard J. , Jalal Diana I. , Kinney Gregory L. , Rivard Christopher , Rewers Marian , Snell-Bergeon Janet K.
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

To examine uric acid (UA) as a possible predictor of the progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) using data from the prospective Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 1 Diabetes (CACTI) Study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

CAC was measured by electron beam tomography at the baseline and at a follow-up 6.0 ± 0.5 years later. The study population included 443 participants with type 1 diabetes and 526 control subjects who were free of diagnosed coronary artery disease at baseline. The presence of renal disease was defined by the presence of albuminuria and/or low glomerular filtration rate.

RESULTS

In subjects without renal disease, serum UA predicted CAC progression (odds ratio 1.30 [95% CI 1.07–1.58], P = 0.007) independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors including diabetes and the presence of metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum UA levels predict the progression of coronary atherosclerosis and may be useful in identifying who is at risk for vascular disease in the absence of significant chronic kidney disease.
Transsphenoidal resection of 82 Rathke cleft cysts: limited value of alcohol cauterization in reducing recurrence rates
Authors: Lillehei Kevin O. , Widdel Lars , Arias Astete Carolina A. , Wierman Margaret E. , Kleinschmidt-DeMasters Bette K. , Kerr Janice M.
Published: August 2010

Object

The aim of this study was to report the results of a large clinical series of patients with symptomatic Rathke cleft cysts (RCCs) who underwent resection by a single neurosurgeon using intraoperative alcohol cauterization, and to review any possible differences in recurrence rates in those treated with this chemically ablative technique.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective database review of 82 patients (age range 10–74 years) with symptomatic RCCs who underwent surgery between 1993 and 2009.

Results

Preoperative symptoms of headaches, vision disturbances, and hormone dysfunction were observed in 68%, 35%, and 56% of patients, respectively. All 82 patients underwent treatment by a single surgeon. Surgery consisting of simple cyst drainage followed by cyst wall biopsy without vigorous cyst wall removal was performed. A subset of these patients (62) received intraoperative alcohol instillation. Perioperative complication rates were low: CSF leakage, symptomatic hyponatremia, and permanent diabetes insipidus (DI) in 2%, 5%, and 0% of patients, respectively. Headaches and vision problems improved or resolved in 71% and 83% of patients, respectively. In addition, hyperprolactinemia, hypothyroidism, panhypopituitarism, DI, and adrenal insufficiency improved or resolved in 94%, 90%, 50%, 33%, and 67% of patients, respectively. Recurrence, as defined by enlargement of the cyst as compared with its appearance on baseline 3-month postoperative MR imaging, was noted in 10.7% of the primary surgery group. There was a trend toward increased recurrence rates in the alcohol-treated (12.9%) versus no–alcohol treatment groups (0%), although not statistically significant (p = 0.20).

Conclusions

This large, single-surgeon/single-institution series of patients with symptomatic RCCs confirms that significant postoperative improvement in headaches, vision, and pituitary hormone dysfunction can be achieved via a conservative surgical approach, with low complication and recurrence rates. The data also demonstrate a limited role for alcohol cauterization in the treatment of symptomatic RCCs.
Antioxidant Properties of Marrubium peregrinum L. (Lamiaceae) Essential Oil
Authors: Kaurinovic Biljana , Vlaisavljevic Sanja , Popovic Mira , Vastag Djendji , Djurendic-Brenesel Maja
Published: August 2010

The antioxidant activity of Marrubium peregrinum essential oil, collected from three different locations [Backo Gradiste - Rimski Sanac (No.1), Novi Knezevac (No.2) and Senta (No.3)] was evaluated as free radical scavenging capacity (RSC), together with inhibition on xanthine-oxidase and effects on lipid peroxidation (LP). RSC was assessed measuring the scavenging activity of the essential oils on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·), super oxide anion (O2·-), nitric-oxide (NO·) and hydroxyl (OH·) radicals. The activities of xanthine-oxidase (XOD) was determined by the nitrite method. Effects on LP were evaluated by following the activities of essential oils in the Fe2+/ascorbate induction system. Experimental results indicate that the essential oil of M. peregrinum from Senta (No.3) exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect, as the IC50 value was achieved with the lowest concentration. The same result was obtained in investigation of influence of essential oil on XOD and LP. The chemical profile of essential oil was evaluated by the means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). According to the analysis, the most powerful scavenging compounds were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (b-caryophyllene, bicyclogermacrene and germacrene-D) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide).
Sensors and Clinical Mastitis—The Quest for the Perfect Alert
Authors: Hogeveen Henk , Kamphuis Claudia , Steeneveld Wilma , Mollenhorst Herman
Published: August 2010

When cows on dairy farms are milked with an automatic milking system or in high capacity milking parlors, clinical mastitis (CM) cannot be adequately detected without sensors. The objective of this paper is to describe the performance demands of sensor systems to detect CM and evaluats the current performance of these sensor systems. Several detection models based on different sensors were studied in the past. When evaluating these models, three factors are important: performance (in terms of sensitivity and specificity), the time window and the similarity of the study data with real farm data. A CM detection system should offer at least a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 99%. The time window should not be longer than 48 hours and study circumstances should be as similar to practical farm circumstances as possible. The study design should comprise more than one farm for data collection. Since 1992, 16 peer-reviewed papers have been published with a description and evaluation of CM detection models. There is a large variation in the use of sensors and algorithms. All this makes these results not very comparable. There is a also large difference in performance between the detection models and also a large variation in time windows used and little similarity between study data. Therefore, it is difficult to compare the overall performance of the different CM detection models. The sensitivity and specificity found in the different studies could, for a large part, be explained in differences in the used time window. None of the described studies satisfied the demands for CM detection models.
Energy-Efficient and Fast Data Gathering Protocols for Indoor Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Tümer Abdullah Erdal , Gündüz Mesut
Published: August 2010

Wireless Sensor Networks have become an important technology with numerous potential applications for the interaction of computers and the physical environment in civilian and military areas. In the routing protocols that are specifically designed for the applications used by sensor networks, the limited available power of the sensor nodes has been taken into consideration in order to extend the lifetime of the networks. In this paper, two protocols based on LEACH and called R-EERP and S-EERP with base and threshold values are presented. R-EERP and S-EERP are two efficient energy aware routing protocols that can be used for some critical applications such as detecting dangerous gases (methane, ammonium, carbon monoxide, etc.) in an indoor environment. In R-EERP, sensor nodes are deployed randomly in a field similar to LEACH. In S-EERP, nodes are deployed sequentially in the rooms of the flats of a multi-story building. In both protocols, nodes forming clusters do not change during a cluster change time, only the cluster heads change. Furthermore, an XOR operation is performed on the collected data in order to prevent the sending of the same data sensed by the nodes close to each other. Simulation results show that our proposed protocols are more energy-efficient than the conventional LEACH protocol.
Hygrochastic capsule dehiscence in New Zealand alpine Veronica (Plantaginaceae)
Authors: Pufal Gesine , Ryan Ken G. , Garnock‐Jones Phil
Published: August 2010

• Premise of the study: Plant movement is more widespread than often recognized, involving different organs and mechanisms. Hygrochasy (opening in response to moisture) is a capsule‐opening movement that is widely believed to be predominantly a feature of plants of desert and arid zones, where it may protect against seed predators and harsh climatic conditions and restrict dispersal to favorable germination times and sites. However, recently it has been reported from a wider range of environments. This study demonstrates that hygrochasy is much more common than previously realized, extending the phenomenon to plants of alpine habitats.

• Methods: Capsules of 23 species of New Zealand Veronica were collected, and we used light microscopy to investigate the anatomy and biomechanics responsible for the opening mechanism. Additionally, we collected morphological data to identify common traits of hygrochastic species.

• Key results: Hygrochastic capsule dehiscence was found in 10 alpine Veronica species. The opening mechanism is based on an antagonistic reaction between a nonlignified swelling tissue and a lignified resistance tissue. In Veronica, hygrochasy is associated with erect, narrowly angustiseptate capsules on short peduncles of creeping subshrubs or cushion plants.

• Conclusion: Hygrochasy is a common dehiscence type in New Zealand alpine Veronica, and for the first time, this mechanism is described in detail for plants in alpine habitats. We propose that hygrochasy provides an effective seed dispersal mechanism in solitary capsules embedded in cushion plants and may restrict dispersal within habitat patches.
Quantitative morphology and species delimitation under the general lineage concept: Optimization forHedera(Araliaceae)
Authors: Valcárcel Virginia , Vargas Pablo
Published: August 2010

•Premise of the study: The use of continuous morphological characters in taxonomy is traditionally contingent on the existence of discrete diagnostic characters. When plant species are the result of recent divergence and gene flow and/or hybridization occur, the use of continuous morphological characters may help in species identification and delimitation. Between nine and 15 species have been recognized in the last treatments ofHedera. The recent divergence of the species and the involvement of allopolyploidization as the main force in this process may have greatly impeded the establishment of clear limits and contributed to multiple taxonomic proposals.

•Methods: A multivariate statistical decision‐making procedure was applied to 56 quantitative morphological characters and 602 specimens to identify and delimitHederaspecies under the general lineage concept. Species’ exclusive genetic ancestry was evaluated with the genealogical sorting index from the Bayesian inference trees of 30HederaITS sequences.

•Key results: The decision‐making procedure allowed recognizing 12 species and two groups (stellate and scale‐like trichome groups) inHederaand provided statistical support for making decisions about long‐standing taxonomic controversies. Common ancestry was detected for the populations of three species even in the absence of the species monophyly.

•Conclusions: Quantitative variation supports discrete variation and provides statistical support for the taxa recognized in some recent proposals ofHedera. The need of explicit analysis of quantitative data are claimed to reduce taxonomic subjectivity and ease decision‐making when qualitative data fail.
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate and Bone Mineral Density: A 60-Month Longitudinal Study in a Cohort of H V -Infected Youths
Authors: Viganò Alessandra , Zuccotti Gian V , Puzzovio Maria , Pivetti Valentina , Zamproni Ilaria , Cerini Chiara , Fabiano Valentina , Giacomet Vania , Mora Stefano
Published: August 2010

Background

Decreased bone mineral density (BMD) has been associated with the use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in HIV-infected adults. The data in HIV-infected children are conflicting. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of a TDF-containing antiretroviral (ARV) regimen on BMD in paediatric patients. We report the results of a longitudinal 60-month follow-up study.

Methods

A total of 21 vertically HIV-infected Caucasian youths (10 male and 11 female) on ARV treatment containing lamivudine, efavirenz and TDF were enrolled (age range 4.9–17.9 years at baseline). BMD was measured at the lumbar spine and in the whole skeleton by DXA. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) was measured as a bone formation marker and urinary N-telopeptide of type-I collagen (NTx) was measured as a bone resorption index.

Results

Baseline mean (±sd) BMD measurements of HIV-infected patients expressed as z-scores were -0.7 (±0.9) for lumbar spine and -0.13 (±1.0) for the whole skeleton. BMD measurements did not change significantly during the 60-month observation period. Both BAP and NTx concentrations were higher than a reference group of controls at baseline and remained unchanged throughout the study.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that a TDF-containing regimen does not decrease the BMD of HIV-infected youths.
La Iejovschina en Ukraine (1936-1938)
Authors: Šapoval Iouri
Published: August 2010

Résumé Les étapes clés de la politique de la Grande Terreur en Ukraine en 1936-1938 font l’objet de cet article. Selon l’auteur, lorsque Nikolai Iejov devient commissaire du peuple de l’URSS à l’Intérieur, en septembre 1936, l’Ukraine avait cela de spécifique qu’elle avait déjà connu des opérations de terreur de masse et une purge de ses élites. À partir de 1935 avaient été menées en Ukraine des « opérations de masses » fondées sur des critères ethniques – la déportation des familles de Polonais et d’Allemands des zones frontières. Enfin, la direction stalinienne ayant fait de la famine un instrument de politique nationale, avait commencé une chasse frontale contre les « partisans de Petlioura », les « agents de Piłsudski » et les « nationalistes ukrainiens » latents, catégories dans lesquelles tombaient déjà certains représentants de l’intelligentsia procommuniste et des structures du parti et de l’État. Pour autant, l’arrivée de Iejov au pouvoir a signifié une nouvelle étape de purges et le début des « opérations de masses », qui ont pris en Ukraine une dimension toute particulière. Cet article analyse ces opérations ainsi que l’action de trois commissaires du peuple d’Ukraine à l’intérieur, ayant dirigé les répressions jusqu’à la chute de Iejov.
Journal intime, identité et espaces communicationnels pendant la Grande Terreur
Authors: Griesse Malte
Published: August 2010

Résumé Dans les journaux intimes de l’époque stalinienne les manifestations d’isolement et de déprime sont légion. Les diaristes de l’époque ont souvent tendance à culpabiliser et à chercher la faute dans leur for intérieur. Le fait de critiquer le régime et de mettre en cause sa légitimité contribue à les isoler, surtout s’ils ne partagent pas leurs pensées. Cet article examine d’abord la fragilisation du moi par le non-dit et l’impact de l’isolement sur une identification sans bornes avec le pouvoir en place. Il présente ensuite les espaces communicationnels informels, amicaux, voire intimes, qui se dessinent dans les journaux, leur ambiguïté et leurs limites, ainsi que l’impact qu’ils ont sur une prise de distance par rapport au discours officiel. Sont enfin émises des hypothèses sur le point de vue du régime et sur les stratégies qui en découlent dans les interactions concrètes de celui-ci avec les individus.
Protection de la nation et construction de la nature
Authors: Blanc Guillaume
Published: August 2010

Résumé Cet article s’intéresse aux trois parcs nationaux français des Cévennes, Pyrénées et Vanoise. Il propose d’étudier la façon dont ces parcs entretiennent et valorisent un paysage qui symbolise la perpétuation d’une identité française traditionnelle. S’efforçant en premier lieu d’associer au milieu naturel divers éléments représentatifs d’une culture nationale atemporelle, les gestionnaires des parcs agissent ensuite de façon à ce que celle-ci apparaisse comme une donnée aussi naturelle que le dit milieu. Une fois façonné dans sa matérialité, ses pratiques et ses représentations, l’espace lui-même prolonge alors les termes d’un discours visant à susciter un sentiment d’appropriation et d’appartenance au territoire national. Des années 1960 au temps présent, ce processus de patrimonialisation de la nature participe ainsi à l’édification de la nation-mémoire française, autant qu’il nous en révèle sa crise actuelle.
Deep-water Mangeliinae, Taraninae and Clathurellinae (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Conoidea: Turridae) from the Campos Basin, southeast Brazil
Authors: Medeiros Andrade Figueira Raquel , Silva Absalão Ricardo
Published: August 2010

During the program “Environmental Characterization of the Campos Basin, RJ, Brazil”, from 2001 to 2003, samples were taken of soft bottoms from the continental slope of Campos Basin (off southeast Brazil) by the Research Vessel “Astro-Garoupa” with a 0.25 m2 box corer or by dredging with a Charcot dredge; 117 stations with depths from 700 to 1950 m were sampled. There were molluscs in all samples, and among Gastropoda the Turridae showed the highest diversity. Here we present the results obtained for the subfamilies Mangeliinae, Taraninae and Clathurellinae. Two species were found within Mangeliinae: Benthomangelia cf. macra (Watson, 1881) and Benthomangelia enceladus n. sp. Within Taraninae only one undescribed species was found: Taranis tanata n. sp. Within Clathurellinae we found four species: Corinnaeturris leucomata (Dall, 1881), recorded for the first time in the South Atlantic; Corinnaeturris rhysa (Watson, 1881), extending its described depth range; Corinnaeturris angularis n. sp., Typhlomangelia nivalis (Lovén, 1846), expanding its known distribution farther south; and Drilliola pulchella (Verrill, 1880). The type material of Drilliola loprestiana (Calcara, 1841), previously considered lost, has been located and is illustrated here. Drilliola crispata (Cristofori and Jan, 1832) is considered to be a nomen dubium.
Investigación arqueológica en las estepas de Eurasia
Authors: Parzinger Hermann
Published: August 2010

Este artículo presenta las actividades de la 'Eurasien-Abteilung', del Instituto Arqueológico Alemán, en los distintos países de la ex-URSS. Como muchos de estos proyectos han empezado hace poco tiempo, no pretendemos adelantar resultados, sino planteamientos científicos. El área que abarcan se extiende desde el Mar Negro hasta el Noreste de China. Sus principales temas de investigación son: el cambio del Bronce Final a la primera Edad del Hierro en el norte del Mar Negro, la colonización griega en esta zona, las actividades de los Escitas y de los Sasánidas en Transcaucasia, el urbanismo y la metalurgia de la Edad del Bronce en Asia Central y, finalmente, el desarrollo cultural desde el Bronce Antiguo hasta la época de los Escitas y Hunos en el sur de Siberia.
Técnicas digitales para la elaboración de calcos de arte rupestre
Authors: Montero Ruiz Ignacio , Rodríguez Alcalde Ángel L. , Vicent García Juan Manuel , Cruz Berrocal María
Published: August 2010

La correcta documentación del arte rupestre ha sido una preocupación constante por parte de los investigadores. En el desarrollo de nuevas técnicas de registro, directas e indirectas, la fotografía ha ido adquiriendo mayor protagonismo. La imagen digital y su tratamiento permiten nuevas posibilidades de observación de las figuras representadas y, en consecuencia, una lectura mediante la realización de calcos indirectos de tanta o mayor fiabilidad que la observación directa. Este sistema evita los riesgos de deterioro que provocan los calcos directos. Se incluyen las bases matemáticas que sustentan el método.