bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal patterns in microsatellite DNA variation of wild Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, in Irish rivers
Authors: DILLANE E. , CROSS M. C. , MCGINNITY P. , COUGHLAN J. P. , GALVIN P. T. , WILKINS N. P. , CROSS T. F.
Published: May 2007

Abstract  Two sequential year classes of Atlantic salmon parr, Salmo salar L., from 13 rivers throughout Ireland, genotyped at four widely used microsatellite loci, displayed comparable levels of intra‐sample genetic variability to elsewhere in the species range. Temporal allele frequency differences were observed in only one riverine sample, whereas significant spatial differences were evident in all cases, with an overall FST value of 0.03. These spatial differences imply a high degree of natal homing. Two tributaries of a single major river system displayed variability comparable with that within the entire study, suggesting that large rivers may contain several separate tributary populations. Isolation‐by‐distance analysis suggests the presence of regional structure, which may have been obscured by inclusion of samples from some smaller rivers in Donegal Bay in the north west that are probably affected by incursions of cultured salmon from a nearby ranching operation. Although limited by the small number of loci screened, individual assignment analysis gave levels of self‐assignment which would suggest that mixed stock analysis would be feasible as a management tool in Irish salmon fisheries, given the inclusion of larger numbers of microsatellite loci and more extensive coverage of salmon producing rivers.
Consequences of maternal yolk testosterone for offspring development and survival: experimental test in a lizard
Authors: ULLER T. , ASTHEIMER L. , OLSSON M.
Published: May 2007

Hormone‐mediated maternal effects and developmental plasticity are important sources of phenotypic variation, with potential consequences for trait evolution. Yet our understanding of the importance of maternal hormones for offspring fitness in natural populations is very limited, particularly in non‐avian species.

We experimentally elevated yolk testosterone by injection of a physiological dose into eggs of the lizardCtenophorus fordiStorr, to investigate its roles in offspring development, growth and survival.

Yolk testosterone did not influence incubation period, basic hatchling morphology or survival under natural conditions. However, there was evidence for increased growth in hatchlings from testosterone‐treated eggs, suggesting that maternal hormones have potential fitness consequences in natural populations.

The positive effect of prenatal testosterone exposure on postnatal growth could represent a taxonomically widespread developmental mechanism that has evolved into an adaptive maternal effect in some taxa, but remains deleterious or selectively neutral in others.

A broader taxonomic perspective should increase our understanding of the role of physiological constraints in the evolution of endocrine maternal effects.
Hypogammaglobulinaemia secondary to cow‐milk allergy in children under 2 years of age
Authors: Bezrodnik Liliana , Raccio Andrea C. Gómez , Canil Laura M. , Rey Maria Amanda , Carabajal Patricia C. , Fossati Carlos A. , Docena Guillermo H.
Published: May 2007

Symptomatic hypogammaglobulinaemia in children younger than 2 years of age was studied to rule out a primary immunodeficiency. Thirty‐four patients were referred to the Immunology Service to study the hypogammaglobulinaemia‐associated clinical picture. Food allergy was documented in 10 patients by personal and familial history, presence of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and elevated total serum IgE levels. Coeliac disease and human immunodeficiency virus infection were also ruled out. Protein loss through stools was assessed by clearance of α1‐antitrypsin (AAT). Serum immunoglobulin levels were determined by nephelometry and functional antibodies were studied by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The cellular immune response was assessed by in vitro lymphocyte proliferation in response to mitogens and cell subsets were analysed by flow cytometry. In five patients of the 10 patients we suspected a protein loss through the mucosa. Four of these five patients showed an increased AAT and the other showed an extensive cutaneous lesion. Immunological studies revealed normal antibody function, in vitro lymphoproliferative responses and cell numbers in four of the 5 patients. One patient showed abnormally low numbers of CD4+ T cells as well as a defective proliferative response to mitogens. After diagnosis of cow milk allergy, milk was replaced with infant milk formula containing hydrolysed proteins. Recovery of immunoglobulin values and clinical resolution were achieved. Hypogammaglobulinaemia during early childhood in some children may be secondary to cow milk allergy, and immunoglobulins and cells may leak through the inflamed mucosa. Resolution of symptoms as well as normalization of immunoglobulin values may be easily achieved by avoidance of the offending allergen.
Changes in Insulin, Glucose and Ketone Bodies, But Not Leptin or Body Fat Content Precede Restoration of Luteinising Hormone Secretion in Ewes
Authors: Szymanski L. A. , Schneider J. E. , Friedman M. I. , Ji H. , Kurose Y. , Blache D. , Rao A. , Dunshea F. R. , Clarke I. J.
Published: May 2007

The reproductive system, including pulsatile luteinising hormone (LH) secretion, is inhibited by deficits in energy availability and restored by energy surfeits. Plasma LH, insulin, leptin, ghrelin, glucose, ketone body, and nonesterified fatty acid concentrations were measured in ovariectomised, food‐restricted ewes before and after return to ad libitum feeding to determine the factors that change in time to account for the restoration of pulsatile LH secretion. At 07.00 h, blood was sampled every 10 min for 5 h from ovariectomised, hypogonadotrophic, chronically food‐restricted and ad libitum‐fed ewes (Fed). At 12.00 h, four of the food‐restricted sheep were given ad libitum access to food (Re‐Fed), while three ewes continued to be food restricted (Restricted). Sampling continued for 5 h and resumed again on the mornings of days 2, 4, and 9. A pulse of LH was seen within 1 h of re‐feeding in all Re‐Fed ewes, and interpulse interval (IPI) was significantly shorter in Re‐Fed compared to Restricted ewes and longer than in Fed ewes during the period after re‐feeding. Re‐Fed LH IPI was not restored to that of Fed ewes until sometime between days 4 and 9. The first pulse occurred within minutes, whereas restoration of IPI occurred after 4–8 days. Prior to the initial LH pulses seen in Re‐Fed ewes, plasma ketone bodies first fell and then rose to levels significantly above those in Restricted ewes. Significant changes in circulating insulin, ghrelin, glucose, and total ketone body concentrations, daily food intake and lean body mass preceded restoration of Re‐Fed LH IPI some time between days 4 and 9, but there were no significant changes in adiposity or circulating leptin concentrations, consistent with the hypothesis that LH pulses are reinitiated by changes in the availability of oxidisable metabolic fuels and possibly insulin, but not leptin concentrations.
Aplasia cutis congenita, congenital heart lesions, and frontonasal cysts in four successive generations
Authors: Rodrigues RG
Published: May 2007

We report a family with four known generations of individuals in the maternal family tree with aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) of the scalp, congenital heart lesions, brachydactyly, and frontonasal cysts. This is the first reported finding of craniofacial, digital, and cardiac abnormalities associated with ACC, likely representing a new variant of the autosomal dominant hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia subtype. These rare disorders are characterized by common anomalies of at least two elements of the ectoderm and its appendages, namely the skin, teeth, hair, nails, and sweat glands. These patients also frequently have chronic dental problems with early loss of teeth, and recurrent lung, ear, and nose infections secondary to a defect in mucous membrane function. The clinical findings in these patients are delineated and compared to patients with other forms of ectodermal dysplasia in the literature.
CT evaluation of congenital choanal atresia: Our experience and review of the literature
Authors: Petkovska L , Petkovska I , Ramadan S , Aslam MO
Published: May 2007

Congenital choanal atresia (CCA) is the developmental failure of the nasal cavity to communicate with the nasopharynx. The aim of this study was to investigate and analyse the CT findings in such cases. Seven patients with CCA were included in our study over a 3‐year period (2001–2004). All had a CT scan of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx to establish the diagnosis and to define the extent and type of atresia. The choanal atresia was found to be more commonly bilateral and more of the mixed (membranous–osseous) type. Bilateral CCA in the neonate is a medical emergency that should be treated as early as possible. Computed tomography is a valuable and easily accessible diagnostic tool.
Normal measurement of orbital structures: Implications for the assessment of Graves’ ophthalmopathy
Authors: Sheikh M , Abalkhail S , Doi SAR , Al‐Shoumer KAS
Published: May 2007

Compute tomography anatomy of the orbits is well described, but only a few reports are available on normal measurements of the extraocular muscles (EOM) and globe position (GP). We obtained CT images from patients who were referred to our department for CT of the paranasal sinuses using a standard protocol for evaluation of normal orbital measurements. Our study suggests that optimum results are attained with the use of a coronal scan at a window level and width setting that results in an optimum image at the maximum muscle width for assessment of EOM and an axial scan at the mid‐GP for GP and interzygomatic line. Based on our normal values, a right‐to‐left ratio of more than 1.4 for EOM diameter or 1.2 for GP is indicative of asymmetry. An absolute diameter of EOM > 8 mm and GP < 2 mm are abnormal.
MR shoulder arthrography in patients younger than 40 years of age: Frequency of rotator cuff tear versus labroligamentous pathology
Authors: Rowan KR , Andrews G , Spielmann A , Leith J
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency of rotator cuff pathology versus labroligamentous pathology in patients younger than 40 years and to determine whether routine MR arthrography is justified in all patients in this age group, regardless of the clinical symptoms. The MR arthrography was carried out on 332 patients 40 years of age and younger. Two hundred and forty‐three patients had clinical history of instability and possible labroligamentous pathology. Eighty‐nine patients had no history or physical signs of instability and were referred for reasons other than instability, such as assessment for rotator cuff tear. In the 243 patients younger than 40 years with clinical history of potential labral pathology, 39% (95/243) showed a labral tear and 2.1% (5/243) had a full‐thickness rotator cuff tendon tear. In the 89 patients with no history suggesting labral pathology, 19% (17/89) showed an unsuspected labral tear and 4.5% (4/89) had a full‐thickness rotator cuff tear. These findings suggest that, regardless of the clinical indication for referral, patients aged 40 and less referred for shoulder MRI should be imaged using MR arthrography because of the significant risk that symptoms are related to unsuspected labral pathology.
Differences in toxicity across gender in patients treated with chemoradiation for rectal cancer
Authors: Kaminski A , Joseph D , Elsaleh H
Published: May 2007

The primary objective was to prospectively investigate the efficacy and toxicity of bolus 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) chemotherapy compared with the infusional 5‐FU in combination with preoperative radiation in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Furthermore, in light of previous reports, toxicity profiles between men and women were also compared. Eighty‐four consecutive patients with rectal adenocarcinoma were prospectively treated. There were no differences in tumour response, local recurrence or survival between bolus versus infusional groups or gender groups. In locally advanced rectal cancer, preoperative infusional chemotherapy combined with radiation was found to be less toxic than bolus chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Both regimens produced more toxic effects in women compared with men.
Factors affecting the serum gastrin 17 level: an evidence‐based analysis of 3906 serum samples among Chinese
Authors: ZHANG Zhong , SUN Li ping , GONG Yue Hua , WANG Xu Guang , ZHANG Meng , YUAN Yuan
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the influence of gender, age, site of lesion, disease type and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection on the human serum gastrin‐17 level and to study the diagnostic value of serum gastrin‐17 in gastric precancerous lesions and gastric cancer.

METHODS:  Serum gastrin‐17 and serum H. pylori IgG antibody were detected by the ELISA method. The different gastric disease groups were confirmed by endoscopy and histopathology.

RESULTS:  Among the 3906 serum samples according to the gender, age, site of lesion and the data of different gastric disease groups, the serum gastrin‐17 level was markedly higher in people ≥60 years old than that in younger age groups. The serum gastrin‐17 level increased progressively in the following order: healthy control group, nonatrophic gastritis group, gastric ulcer group, and the serum gastrin‐17 level was higher in the atrophic gastritis with dysplasia group than that without it, the lowest level being in the gastric cancer group. Among the 2946 serum samples matched with the site of the lesion, the serum gastrin‐17 level was higher in those with antral diseases than in those with gastric corpus diseases. Among the 3805 serum samples matched with the H. pylori infection data, the serum gastrin‐17 level was higher in the H. pylori‐positive group than in the H. pylori‐negative group.

CONCLUSIONS:  In people over 60 years of age, the serum gastrin‐17 level tends to increase. In subjects with precancerous gastric lesions, it may increase significantly with the progression of gastric disease, and ultimately decrease in gastric cancer. Serum gastrin‐17 is a good biomarker to differentiate benign from malignant gastric diseases. The site of the gastric lesions is an important factor affecting the serum gastrin‐17 level, whereas H. pylori infection is usually associated with its increment.
Targeting specificity and pharmacokinetics of asialoorosomucoid, a specific ligand for asialglycoprotein receptor on hepatocyte
Authors: YANG Dong Ye , OUYANG Chun Hui , LU Fang Gen , LIU Xiao Wei , HUANG Lai Qiang
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE:  To testify that the asialoorosomucoid (ASOR) prepared by us has liver‐targeting specificity and to investigate its pharmacokinetic characteristics.

METHODS:  The distribution of 125I‐ASOR in vivo was determined by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and immunohistochemical technique after 125I‐ASOR was injected into Sprague‐Dawley (S–D) rats through their caudal veins. In vitro, different doses of pEGFP‐N1 plasmid were transfected into both HepG2 cells and HT1080 cells with the use of ASOR‐poly‐L‐lysine. At 24 and 48 h after transfection, the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) was determined under fluorescent microscope. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated according to two‐compartment open system model with first‐order kinetics.

RESULTS:  SPECT images showed that 125I‐ASOR was located only in liver/stomach and root of caudal vein / bladder at 10 min after injection. The 125I‐ASOR radioactivities of organs taken out from S–D rats were different at different times, and about 63% of 125I‐ASOR was located in the liver at 10 min after injection. At 30 min after injection a peak of radioactivity was seen in stomach. The times of these two radioactivity peaks were different. Immunohistochemical study of liver frozen sections showed that ASOR was combined mainly with hepatocyte membrane, especially in areas with rich blood flow. In vitro study showed that ASOR targeted specifically cells with asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGr). GFP expression was detected in HepG2 cells but not in HT1080 cells. Furthermore, the more quantity of pEGFP‐N1 transfected and the longer expression time, the higher GFP expression level was in HepG2 cells. The 125I‐ASOR pharmacokinetics equation for liver was Ct = 662216e−3.362t + 8896e−2343t. 125I‐ASOR was excreted from liver slowly after an initial rapid decrease. The pharmacokinetic equation for stomach was Ct = –114815e−1.7t + 1148153e−15t and the half‐life of 125I‐ASOR in stomach was 4.62 h.

CONCLUSIONS:  ASOR prepared by us could be an efficient gene transfer vector, ASOR was distributed mainly in the liver and stomach and had high targeting specificity to hepatocytes or hepatic originating cells.
Spatio‐Temporal Short‐Term Urban Traffic Volume Forecasting Using Genetically Optimized Modular Networks
Authors: Vlahogianni Eleni I. , Karlaftis Matthew G. , Golias John C.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Current interest in short‐term traffic volume forecasting focuses on incorporating temporal and spatial volume characteristics in the forecasting process. This article addresses the problem of integrating and optimizing predictive information from multiple locations of an urban signalized arterial and proposes a modular neural predictor consisting of temporal genetically optimized structures of multilayer perceptrons (MLP) that are fed with volume data from sequential locations to improve the accuracy of short‐term forecasts. The results show that the proposed methodology provides more accurate forecasts compared to the conventional statistical methodologies applied, as well as to the static forms of neural networks.
A Risk‐Cost Optimized Maintenance Strategy for Corrosion‐Affected Concrete Structures
Authors: Li Chun‐Qing , Ian Mackie Robert , Lawanwisut Wimon
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete is the dominant cause for premature failures of reinforced concrete structures located in chloride‐laden environments. It is also observed that some severely deteriorated concrete structures survive for many years without maintenance. This raises the question of why and how to maintain corrosion‐affected concrete structures, in particular in the climate of an increasing scarcity of resources. The present article attempts to formulate a maintenance strategy based on risk‐cost optimization of a structure during its whole service life. A time‐dependent reliability method is employed to determine the probability of exceeding a limit state at each phase of the service life. To facilitate practical application of the formulated maintenance strategy, an algorithm is developed and programmed in a user‐friendly manner with a worked example. A merit of the proposed maintenance strategy is that models used in risk assessment for corrosion‐affected concrete structures are related to some of the design criteria used by practitioners. It is found in the article that there exists an optimal number of maintenances for cracking and delamination that returns the minimum total cost for the structure in its whole life. The maintenance strategy presented in the article can help structural engineers, operators, and asset managers develop a cost‐effective management scheme for corrosion‐affected concrete structures.
Estimating a Rail Passenger Trip Origin‐Destination Matrix Using Automatic Data Collection Systems
Authors: Zhao Jinhua , Rahbee Adam , Wilson Nigel H. M.
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Automatic data collection (ADC) systems are becoming increasingly common in transit systems throughout the world. Although these ADC systems are often designed to support specific fairly narrow functions, the resulting data can have wide‐ranging application, well beyond their design purpose. This article illustrates the potential that ADC systems can provide transit agencies with new rich data sources at low marginal cost, as well as the critical gap between what ADC systems directly offer and what is needed in practice in transit agencies. To close this gap requires data processing and analysis methods with support of technologies such as database management systems (DBMS) and geographic information systems (GIS). This research presents a case study of the automatic fare collection (AFC) system of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) rail system and develops a method for inferring rail passenger trip origin‐destination (OD) matrices from an origin‐only AFC system to replace expensive passenger OD surveys. A software tool is developed to facilitate the method implementation and the results of the application in CTA are reported.
A THEORETICAL APPRECIATION OF THE ETHIC OF SOLIDARITY IN POLAND TWENTY‐FIVE YEARS AFTER
Authors: Beyer Gerald J.
Published: May 2007

The remarkable movement known as Solidarity recently celebrated its twenty‐fifth anniversary in Poland. This essay provides a theoretical appreciation of the values and principles that guided and undergirded the movement, which greatly contributed to the fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe. This systematic overview of the ethic of the Solidarity movement fills a lacuna in the field of ethics because ethicists who are interested in the concept of solidarity have largely overlooked the Polish experience of the 1980s. This essay attempts to describe the key ingredients of the Polish ethic of solidarity by analyzing both Polish treatises on the subject and accounts of events on the ground. It elaborates conceptual categories and describes characteristic features of the movement in order to provide a phenomenological account of the nature of solidarity embodied in Poland during this era. These categories and characteristics include unity among differences, the foundation of hope at the movement's roots, self‐sacrifice and heroism, promoting the equality and dignity of all, the centrality of participation, the affirmation of “bread and freedom,” an option for the poor, and the insistence on life in truth. Although this essay does not attempt to demonstrate the relevance of this “thick” ethic of solidarity to capitalist, democratic societies today, by way of conclusion it raises questions pertaining to the contemporary significance of the Polish ethic of solidarity.
FROM PRUDENCE TO MORALITY: A Case for the Morality of Some Forms of Nondualistic Mysticism
Authors: Zelinski Daniel
Published: May 2007

Several contemporary philosophers have charged that there is a conceptual tension between nondualistic types of mystical awareness—an awareness of some particular conception of the divine as an all‐pervasive unity within which there are no distinct substances—and the social character of morality. However, some nondualistic mystics have conceptualized enlightenment not only as being compatible with moral virtue—specifically, compassion and care—but as providing a foundation for it. I here offer a conceptual model for this grounding, at least according to Dōgen Zenji and Meister Eckhart. Briefly, the model suggests that some forms of nondualistic mystical awareness are accompanied by the mystics' prudential concerns extending to include the well‐being of “others” under their scope. Finally, utilizing this model, I suggest possible responses to two common arguments for the claim that nondualistic mysticism is essentially amoral.
WHAT ABOUT ISAAC?: Rereading Fear and Trembling and Rethinking Kierkegaardian Ethics
Authors: Simmons J. Aaron
Published: May 2007

In this essay I offer a reading of Fear and Trembling that responds to critiques of Kierkegaardian ethics as being, as Brand Blanshard claims, “morally nihilistic,” as Emmanuel Levinas contends, ethically violent, and, as Alasdair MacIntyre charges, simply irrational. I argue that by focusing on Isaac's singularity as the very condition for Abraham's “ordeal,” the book presents a story about responsible subjectivity. Rather than standing in competition with the relation to God, the relation to other people is, thus, inscribed into this very relation. Fear and Trembling, I contend, advocates a bidirectional responsibility that is constitutive of subjectivity itself and, as such, actually resonates with certain aspects of Levinasian ethics. I conclude by suggesting that Abraham's ordeal is not due to the conflict between a nonreligious duty and the duty to God, but instead reflects a tension that is internal to the life of faith itself.
BALD‐FACED LIES! LYING WITHOUT THE INTENT TO DECEIVE
Authors: SORENSEN ROY
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Surprisingly, the fact that the speaker is lying is sometimes common knowledge between everyone involved (the addressee, the general audience, bystanders, etc.). Strangely, we condemn these bald‐faced lies more severely than disguised lies. The wrongness of lying springs from the intent to deceive – just the feature missing in the case of bald‐faced lies. These puzzling lies arise systematically when assertions are forced. Intellectual duress helps to explain another type of non‐deceptive false assertion: lying to yourself. In the end, I conclude that the apparent intensity of our disapproval of non‐deceptive lies is a rhetorical illusion.
Muskoxen in the high Arctic‐temporal and spatial differences in body size
Authors: Lyberth B. , Landa A. , Nagy J. , Loison A. , Olesen C. R. , Gunn A. , Forchhammer M. C.
Published: May 2007

The life history of ungulates is affected by factors such as climate, population density and resource availability. With focus on the muskoxen Ovibos moschatus living in Kangerlussuaq in western Greenland, Jameson Land in north‐eastern Greenland and on Banks and Victoria Islands in northern Canada, we tested spatial variation in life‐history traits measured by mandibular growth. In accordance with expectations, we found that muskoxen in the southernmost and low Arctic area (Kangerlussuaq) grew faster, matured earlier, reproduced earlier, reached larger adult size and additionally had a higher reproduction than muskoxen living in the more northern areas. In the Kangerlussuaq population, mandible lengths in adult males changed temporally with density, with significant smaller adult males present in high population densities in western Greenland. It was especially the male mandible lengths that responded to environmental factors. In females, spatial differences were less pronounced than in males and is probably explained by females facing a trade‐off between investment in own growth and reproduction, whereas a large body size is more important for the males, which are exposed to sexual selection. This explanation was, furthermore, supported by the fact that the calf percentage was higher in western Greenland than in any of the other studied areas in spite of the density‐dependent effects detected within the male gender.
Parent–offspring associations in wintering brent geese: parental investment or mutual assistance?
Authors: Tinkler E. , Montgomery W. I. , Elwood R. W.
Published: May 2007

The continued parent–offspring associations in the Eastern Canadian High Arctic light‐bellied brent goose Branta bernicla hrota was examined to determine whether this is an example of continued parental investment or mutual assistance. Adults with juveniles spend more than twice as much time being vigilant and aggressive than do those without offspring. The loss of a partner, however, does not result in the remaining parent increasing parental care but does result in increased ‘self‐care’ by the juveniles. Neither parents nor single‐parent juveniles appear to pay an energetic cost relative to non‐parental adults and two‐parent juveniles, respectively. Differences in the feeding distribution of parents and non‐parents and equivalent or better physical condition suggests that families are able to maintain access to a superior food supply over the winter. Passive ‘assistance’ by juveniles may assist in maintaining this position in favoured areas, and this is achieved with little overt aggression. The present study thus provides no data that show a net cost to parents by remaining with their juveniles over the winter period. Thus, mutual assistance might be a better explanation of the prolonged association rather than a period of parental investment with an overall cost.
Semantic transparency and masked morphological priming: An ERP investigation
Authors: Morris Joanna , Frank Tiffany , Grainger Jonathan , Holcomb Phillip J.
Published: May 2007

The role of semantics in the segmentation of morphologically complex words was examined using event‐related potentials (ERPs) recorded to target words primed by semantically transparent (hunter–hunt,) opaque (corner–corn), and orthographically related (scandal–scan) masked primes. Behavioral data showed that only transparent items gave rise to priming. The ERP data showed both N250 and the N400 effects with transparent items generating greater priming than orthographic or opaque. Furthermore, priming effects across conditions revealed the existence of a significant linear trend, with transparent items showing the greatest effects and orthographic items the smallest, suggesting that these priming effects vary as a function of morphological structure and semantic transparency. The results are discussed in terms of a model of morphological processing.
Intracellular ascorbic acid inhibits transport of glucose by neurons, but not by astrocytes
Authors: Castro Maite A. , Pozo Miguel , Cortés Christian , García María de los Angeles , Concha Ilona I. , Nualart Francisco
Published: May 2007

It has been demonstrated that glutamatergic activity induces ascorbic acid (AA) depletion in astrocytes. Additionally, different data indicate that AA may inhibit glucose accumulation in primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons. Thus, our hypothesis postulates that AA released from the astrocytes during glutamatergic synaptic activity may inhibit glucose uptake by neurons. We observed that cultured neurons express the sodium‐vitamin C cotransporter 2 and the facilitative glucose transporters (GLUT) 1 and 3, however, in hippocampal brain slices GLUT3 was the main transporter detected. Functional activity of GLUTs was confirmed by means of kinetic analysis using 2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose. Therefore, we showed that AA, once accumulated inside the cell, inhibits glucose transport in both cortical and hippocampal neurons in culture. Additionally, we showed that astrocytes are not affected by AA. Using hippocampal slices, we observed that upon blockade of monocarboxylate utilization by α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamate and after glucose deprivation, glucose could rescue neuronal response to electrical stimulation only if AA uptake is prevented. Finally, using a transwell system of separated neuronal and astrocytic cultures, we observed that glutamate can reduce glucose transport in neurons only in presence of AA‐loaded astrocytes, suggesting the essential role of astrocyte‐released AA in this effect.
Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers, isolated from ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)
Authors: LEE SOK‐YOUNG , FAI WAN KAH , ZAKARIA MYRIANA , IBRAHIM HALIJAH , OTHMAN ROFINA YASMIN , GWAG JAE‐GYUN , RAO V. RAMANATHA , PARK YONG‐JIN
Published: May 2007

The present study reports isolation and characterization of eight polymorphic microsatellite markers for Zingiber officinale Rosc. (Ginger). A total of 34 alleles were detected across the 20 accessions, with an average of 4.3 alleles per locus. Values for observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0 to 1.0 and from 0.23 to 0.67, respectively. The heterozygote deficits were observed at three loci. At the significance threshold (P < 0.05) of the eight loci, seven were found to have deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, whereas significant linkage disequilibria were observed between 10 pairs of loci. Our data indicate the existence of moderate level of genetic diversity among the ginger accessions genotyped with eight markers.
Incidence and characterization of esophagitis following esophageal foreign body removal in dogs: 60 cases (1999–2003)
Authors: Rousseau Alexandre , Prittie Jennifer , Broussard John D. , Fox Philip R. , Hoskinson James
Published: May 2007

Objective: To characterize the presence of esophagitis in dogs after esophagoscopy for diagnosis and treatment of esophageal foreign body and to relate the degree of esophageal injury to clinical signs and outcome.

Design: Retrospective study.

Animals, intervention, and measurements: Medical records of 60 dogs with esophageal foreign bodies diagnosed between January 1999 and December 2003 were reviewed. Information obtained from the medical records included age, breed, and sex; type and duration of clinical signs; physical examination, radiographic, and esophagoscopy findings; type and location of foreign body; surgical intervention; morbidity, and outcome. Animals were divided into 2 cohorts based upon the degree of esophageal injury detected during esophagoscopy: mild esophagitis or moderate‐to‐severe esophagitis. Data were then compared between the groups.

Results: Dogs with moderate‐to‐severe esophagitis had a longer duration of clinical signs, were more likely to present for lethargy and regurgitation/vomiting, and had a longer time to recovery. This cohort had significantly greater morbidity including esophageal stricture, perforation, necrosis, and diverticulum formation, as well as aspiration pneumonia, pneumothorax, severe tracheal compression, and death. Dogs with mild esophagitis were more likely to present to the hospital for gagging.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated a wide range of injury associated with esophageal foreign bodies. The degree of esophagitis appears to relate to the duration and severity of some of the clinical signs.
Relationships between Plant and Animal Species Richness at a Regional Scale in China
Authors: QIAN HONG
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Important questions in conservation biology and ecology include whether species diversities of different groups of organisms are correlated and, in particular, whether plant diversity influences animal diversity. I used correlation and partial regression analyses to examine the relationships between species richness of vascular plants and four major groups of terrestrial vertebrates (mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds) in 28 provinces in China. Species richness data were obtained from the literature. Environmental variables included normalized difference vegetation index, mean January temperature, mean annual temperature, annual precipitation, May through August precipitation, actual evapotranspiration, potential evapotranspiration, and elevation range. Species richness was strongly and positively correlated among the five groups of organisms. Plant richness was correlated with animal richness more strongly than the richness of different animal groups correlated with each other except for reptile richness, which had a slightly higher correlation with amphibian richness than with plant richness. Plant richness uniquely explained 41 times more variance in the species richness of the four vertebrate groups combined than environmental variables uniquely did, suggesting that plant richness influences terrestrial vertebrate richness at the regional scale examined. Because of strong correlations between the diversity of vascular plants and vertebrates, the diversity of vascular plants may be used as a surrogate for the diversity of terrestrial animals in China. My results have implications for selection of areas to be protected at both regional and local scales.
Analysis of Heat Generation of Lithium Ion Rechargeable Batteries Used in Implantable Battery Systems for Driving Undulation Pump Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Okamoto Eiji , Nakamura Masatoshi , Akasaka Yuhta , Inoue Yusuke , Abe Yusuke , Chinzei Tsuneo , Saito Itsuro , Isoyama Takashi , Mochizuki Shuichi , Imachi Kou , Mitamura Yoshinori
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  We have developed internal battery systems for driving an undulation pump ventricular assist device using two kinds of lithium ion rechargeable batteries. The lithium ion rechargeable batteries have high energy density, long life, and no memory effect; however, rise in temperature of the lithium ion rechargeable battery is a critical issue. Evaluation of temperature rise by means of numerical estimation is required to develop an internal battery system. Temperature of the lithium ion rechargeable batteries is determined by ohmic loss due to internal resistance, chemical loss due to chemical reaction, and heat release. Measurement results of internal resistance (Rcell) at an ambient temperature of 37°C were 0.1 Ω in the lithium ion (Li‐ion) battery and 0.03 Ω in the lithium polymer (Li‐po) battery. Entropy change (ΔS) of each battery, which leads to chemical loss, was −1.6 to −61.1 J/(mol·K) in the Li‐ion battery and −9.6 to −67.5 J/(mol·K) in the Li‐po battery depending on state of charge (SOC). Temperature of each lithium ion rechargeable battery under a discharge current of 1 A was estimated by finite element method heat transfer analysis at an ambient temperature of 37°C configuring with measured Rcell and measured ΔS in each SOC. Results of estimation of time‐course change in the surface temperature of each battery coincided with results of measurement results, and the success of the estimation will greatly contribute to the development of an internal battery system using lithium ion rechargeable batteries.
Wound Healing Effect of Acellular Artificial Dermis Containing Extracellular Matrix Secreted by Human Skin Fibroblasts
Authors: Seo Young‐Kwon , Song Kye‐Yong , Kim Young‐Jin , Park Jung‐Keug
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  In this study, an acellular artificial dermis, composed of human collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) secreted by cultured human fibroblasts on a bovine collagen sponge, was developed. Much of the newly secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) remained after the cell removal process. The main theme of this study focused on the matrix, rather than the viable cell components of the skin, as the major dermal deficit in the wound. Both the acellular artificial and bioartificial dermises, containing viable cells with ECM, were significantly less soluble than the collagen sponge, and the relative GAG content in the bioartificial and acellular artificial dermises was approximately 115–120% of the chondroitin‐6‐sulfate (CS) content found in the collagen sponge. In the group receiving the collagen sponge, the wound area gradually decreased to approximately 10% of its original area, while in the groups receiving the bioartificial and acellular artificial dermises, the wound area also gradually decreased to approximately 60 and 50%, respectively, of the original size over the 5 weeks after grafting. Both the bioartificial and acellular artificial dermises formed thicker, denser collagen fibers; more new blood vessel formation was observed in both cases. The basement membrane of the regenerated epidermal–dermal junction was thicker and more linear in the acellular artificial dermis graft than in the collagen sponge graft. In conclusion, the wound healing effects of acellular artificial dermis are no less than those of the bioartificial dermis, and much better than the collagen sponge graft with respect to wound contraction, angiogenesis, collagen formation, and basement membrane repair.
Enhancement of Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Using Bioabsorbable Polymer Tubes Packed With Fibrin Gel
Authors: Nakayama Kazuya , Takakuda Kazuo , Koyama Yoshihisa , Itoh Soichiro , Wang Wei , Mukai Tomokazu , Shirahama Noriaki
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Nerve conduit tubes were developed using bioabsorbable polymer membranes, and the effects of tube shape—straight or bellows‐shaped tubes—and the fibrin gel filling were investigated. The mechanical properties of the tubes were examined by in vitro tests, and their effectiveness for peripheral nerve regeneration was determined by grafting into experimentally transected sciatic nerves of rats. The bellows tube showed mechanically superior properties, and when used with the fibrin gel, it induced superior tissue formation of myelinated nerve fibers as compared to other tube types. The total area of myelinated axons regenerated in the fibrin‐filled bellows tube was comparable to that of an isograft control, whereas those of the other tubes demonstrated inferior regeneration. This result suggests that the mechanically superior bellows tube filled with fibrin gel is an effective graft alternative for peripheral nerve regeneration.
Differences in Performance Between Students with Learning Disabilities and Mild Mental Retardation: Implications for Categorical Instruction
Authors: Caffrey Erin , Fuchs Douglas
Published: May 2007

We reviewed eight studies that described learning differences between students with learning disabilities (LD) and students with mild mental retardation (MMR). A total of 639 students, 6–20 years old, participated in these studies. Study authors examined students' inductive reasoning and their performance during guided inquiry and more lengthy interventions in reading and math. Students with LD and students with MMR were assessed in terms of learning ease, pre‐ to posttreatment gains, and the maintenance, transfer, and application of knowledge acquisition. Students with LD statistically significantly outperformed students with MMR on both inductive reasoning and guided inquiry tasks. They made reliably larger gains following interventions in reading and math. Across all learning tasks and contexts, students with LD displayed greater consistency transferring and applying conceptual knowledge to new tasks. Regarding maintenance, results were mixed. Implications for categorical instruction are discussed.
What We Need to Know About Responsiveness To Intervention (and Shouldn't Be Afraid to Ask)
Authors: Fuchs Douglas , Deshler Donald D.
Published: May 2007

During the past several years, one of the most frequently addressed topics at conferences and in professional journals is responsiveness to intervention (RTI). This is because it is viewed by many as a new way to think about both early intervention and disability identification. Despite its relative newness, a subset of RTI proponents contend researchers and practitioners know everything they need to know to implement it effectively. We disagree and argue that the smartest and most responsible way to move forward with RTI implementation is to recognize what all of us collectively do know and do not know. In this article, we identify unresolved issues—general and specific—important to RTI implementation, teacher effectiveness, and student achievement.
How Should Reading Disabilities Be Operationalized? A Survey of Practicing School Psychologists
Authors: Machek Greg R. , Nelson Jason M.
Published: May 2007

School psychologists' perceptions of how reading disabilities (RD) should be operationalized were examined and compared to those of journal editorial board members in the learning disabilities field (Speece & Shekitka, 2002). Participants were practicing school psychologists drawn from the membership directory of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). The sample consisted of 549 participants and was generally representative of the demographic characteristics of NASP membership at large. Results indicated that over 75% of participants endorsed using treatment validity/response to intervention (RTI), cognitive processing, and phonemic awareness as components of RD operationalization. A large percentage (61.9%) also endorsed use of an IQ‐achievement discrepancy criterion. Statistically significant differences were found between the endorsements of this study's participants and those in the Speece and Shekitka (2002) study, with our participants reporting higher endorsement of RTI, cognitive processing, and IQ‐achievement discrepancy criteria.
Is the Distinction Between Superficial Pressure Ulcers and Moisture Lesions Justifiable? A Clinical‐Pathologic Study
Authors: Houwing Ronald H. , Arends Jan Willem , Dijk Marijke R. Canninga‐van , Koopman Eddy , Haalboom Jeen R.E.
Published: May 2007

Objective. Pressure ulcers are classified into 4 distinct stages, which allows comparisons between institutions and even countries. Recently, attempts have been made to single out so‐called moisture lesions from the early stages of pressure ulcer lesions as a distinct entity.

Methods. To investigate the justification for this development, 14 histopathologic samples from patients with both incontinence and pressure ulcer lesions were studied in an attempt to delineate differences in the pathophysiology and histopathology.

Results. Two distinct histopathologic pictures emerged: an ischemic pattern and a pattern of irritation. The latter appeared to be associated with lesions that clinically fit the description of moisture lesions, but this association was not absolute.

Conclusions. There is no justification for singling out moisture lesions from pressure ulcer lesions. The distinction may even be dangerous when proper preventive measures for the development of pressure ulcers are not taken because of the existence of a possible moisture lesion.
Oxidation of Leucine by Leishmania donovani
Authors: BLUM J. J.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT. The metabolism of leucine by Leishmania donovani was investigated. Washed promastigotes were incubated with (1‐14C]‐or [U‐14C]leucine or [1 ‐14C]α‐ketoisocaproate (KIC) and 14C02 release was measured. The amount of KIC‐derived acetyl‐CoA oxidized in the citric acid cycle was computed. Promastigotes from mid‐stationary phase cultures oxidized each of these labeled substrates less rapidly than cells from late log phase cultures, and significantly less acetyl‐CoA derived from KIC oxidation was oxidized in the citric acid cycle. Glucose was a stronger inhibitor than was acetate of CO2 formation in the citric acid cycle in log phase promastigotes, but the reverse was observed in cells from mid‐stationary phase. Alanine also inhibited leucine catabolism, but glutamate had little effect. Acute hypo‐osmotic stress did not affect leucine catabolism, but hyper‐osmotic stress caused appreciable inhibition of leucine oxidation. Cells grown under hypo‐or hyper‐osmotic conditions showed no changes in the effects of hypo‐or hyper‐osmotic stress on leucine catabolism, i.e. L. donovani is not an osmoconformer with respect to leucine metabolism. Leucine utilization in L. donovani was insensitive to a number of drugs that affect leucine metabolism in mammalian cells, indicating that the leucine pathway in L. donovani is not regulated in the same manner as in mammalian cells.