bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of Metabotropic Glutamate 2/3 Receptors Reverses the Effects of NMDA Receptor Hypofunction on Prefrontal Cortex Unit Activity in Awake Rats
Authors: Homayoun Houman , Jackson Mark E. , Moghaddam Bita
Published: March 2005

Systemic exposure to N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists can lead to psychosis and prefrontal cortex (PFC)–dependent behavioral impairments. Agonists of metabotropic glutamate 2/3 (mGlu2/3) receptors ameliorate the adverse behavioral effects of NMDA antagonists in humans and laboratory animals, and are being considered as a novel treatment for some symptoms of schizophrenia. Despite the compelling behavioral data, the cellular mechanisms by which potentiation of mGlu2/3 receptor function attenuates the effects of NMDA receptor hypofunction remain unclear. In freely moving rats, we recorded the response of medial PFC (prelimbic) single units to treatment with the NMDA antagonist MK801 and assessed the dose-dependent effects of pre- or posttreatment with the mGlu2/3 receptor agonist LY354740 on this response. NMDA receptor antagonist-induced behavioral stereotypy was measured during recording because it may relate to the psychotomimetic properties of this treatment and is dependent on the functional integrity of the PFC. In most PFC neurons, systemic administration of MK801 increased the spontaneous firing rate, decreased the variability of spike trains, and disrupted patterns of spontaneous bursts. Given alone, LY354740 (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg) decreased spontaneous activity of PFC neurons at the highest dose. Pre- or posttreatment with LY354740 blocked MK801-induced changes on firing rate, burst activity, and variability of spike activity. These physiological changes coincided with a reduction in MK801-induced behavioral stereotypy by LY354740. These data indicate that activation of mGlu2/3 receptors reduces the disruptive effects of NMDA receptor hypofunction on the spontaneous spike activity and bursting of PFC neurons. This mechanism may provide a physiological basis for reversal of NMDA antagonist-induced behaviors by mGlu2/3 agonists.
Presynaptic Inhibition of Corticothalamic Feedback by Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors
Authors: Alexander Georgia M. , Godwin Dwayne W.
Published: March 2005

The thalamus relays sensory information to cortex, but this information may be influenced by excitatory feedback from cortical layer VI. The full importance of this feedback has only recently been explored, but among its possible functions are influences on the processing of sensory features, synchronization of thalamic firing, and transitions in response mode of thalamic relay cells. Uncontrolled, corticothalamic feedback has also been implicated in pathological thalamic rhythms associated with certain neurological disorders. We have found a form of presynaptic inhibition of corticothalamic synaptic transmission that is mediated by a Group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) and activated by high-frequency corticothalamic activity. We tested putative retinogeniculate and corticogeniculate synapses for Group II mGluR modulation within the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the ferret thalamus. Stimulation of optic-tract fibers elicited paired-pulse depression of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs), whereas stimulation of the optic radiations elicited paired-pulse facilitation. Paired-pulse responses were subsequently used to characterize the pathway of origin of stimulated synapses. Group II mGluR agonists (LY379268 and DCG-IV) applied to thalamic neurons under voltage-clamp conditions reduced the amplitude of corticogeniculate EPSCs. Stimulation with high-frequency trains produced a facilitating response that was reduced by Group II mGluR agonists, but was enhanced by the selective antagonist LY341495, revealing a presynaptic, mGluR-mediated reduction of high-frequency corticogeniculate feedback. Agonist treatment did not affect EPSCs from stimulation of the optic tract. NAAG (reported to be selective for mGluR3) was ineffective at the corticogeniculate synapse, implicating mGluR2 in the observed effects. Our data are the first to show a synaptically elicited form of presynaptic inhibition of corticothalamic synaptic transmission that is mediated by presynaptic action of mGluR2. This presynaptic inhibition may partially mute sensory feedback and prevent reentrant excitation from initiating abnormal thalamic rhythms.
Subjective impact of osteoarthritis flare-ups on patients' quality of life
Authors: Majani Giuseppina , Giardini Anna , Scotti Aurelio
Published: March 2005

Background

Clinical trials on osteoarthritis (OA) flare-ups treatment usually focus only on objective measures of health status, albeit recent literature suggestions on the importance of patients' subjectivity. Aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of OA and of its different types of medical treatment(s) on Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in terms of both subjective satisfaction and functional status.

Methods

An observational study on prospective data collected from the Evaluation of Quality of life in OA (EQuO) clinical trial (April 1999-November 2000) was conducted; outpatients from 70 participating centers (Orthopedy or Rheumatology Departments in Italy) with a diagnosis of OA of the hip or knee were consecutively enrolled. Patients were observed at OA flare-ups (baseline) and at follow up 4 weeks after treatment. Patients' objective and subjective HRQoL were assessed by means of the SF-36 and the Satisfaction Profile (SAT-P, which focuses on subjective satisfaction); Present Pain at baseline and Pain Relief at follow up were also evaluated.

Results

Among the 1323 patients, 1138 (86%) were prescribed one drug/treatment of osteoarthritis, 169 (13%) 2 drugs/treatments, and 16 (1%) 3 drugs/treatments; most of treatments involved the prescription of NSAIDs; non-coxib, COX2 selective NSAIDs were prescribed in about 50% of patients. Follow-up visits were performed after 29.0 days on average (± 7.69 SD). For all SF-36 domains, all SAT-P items and factors, the differences between baseline and follow up scores resulted statistically significant (p < 0.001), enlighting an improvement both in health status and in subjective HRQoL.

Conclusion

Besides the classic health status measures, the assessment of patients' subjective satisfaction provides important clues on treatments efficacy of OA within the patient-centered medicine model. In clinical practice this could lead to a better doctor-patient communication and to higher levels of treatment adherence.
The pro-apoptotic activity of a vertebrate Bar-like homeobox gene plays a key role in patterning theXenopusneural plate by limiting the number ofchordin- andshh-expressing cells
Authors: Offner Nicolas , Duval Nathalie , Jamrich Milan , Durand Béatrice
Published: March 2005

Targeted disruption of effectors molecules of the apoptotic pathway have demonstrated the occurrence and magnitude of early programmed cell death(EPCD), a form of apoptosis that affects proliferating and newly differentiated cells in vertebrates, and most dramatically cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Little is known about the molecular pathways controlling apoptosis at these early developmental stages, as the roles of EPCD during patterning of the developing nervous system. We describe a new function, in Xenopus neurodevelopment, for a highly conserved homeodomain protein Barhl2. Barhl2 promotes apoptosis in the Xenopusneuroectoderm and mesoderm, acting as a transcriptional repressor, through a mechanism that cannot be attributed to an unspecific cellular stress response. We show that the pro-apoptotic activity of Barhl2 is essential during normal neural plate formation as it limits the number of chordin- and Xshh-expressing cells in the prospective notochord and floorplate,which act as organizing centers. Our findings show that Barhl2 is part of a pathway regulating EPCD. They also provide evidence that apoptosis plays an important role in regulating the size of organizing centers.
Transcriptional control of early tract formation in the embryonic chick midbrain
Authors: Schubert Frank R. , Lumsden Andrew
Published: March 2005

The earliest step in establishing the complex neuronal networks in the vertebrate brain is the formation of a scaffold of axon tracts. How the formation of the early axon scaffold is controlled at the molecular level is unclear. Forming part of the scaffold, neurons located at the ventral midbrain-forebrain border (MFB) give rise to the medial longitudinal fascicle(mlf) and the posterior commissure (pc). We demonstrate that the homeobox genes Sax1, Six3, Emx2 and Pax6 are expressed in distinct domains in this area, suggesting that the specification of mlf and pc neurons might be controlled by the combinatorial activity of these transcription factors. We have tested this hypothesis by analysing the function of Sax1 in the embryonic chick brain. Gain-of-function experiments with Sax1 result in alterations to the early axon scaffold, most prominently an enlargement of the mlf at the expense of the pc. Ectopic expression of Sax1 also affects the expression of other ventral homeobox genes, particularly Six3 and Emx2. Our results indicate that the specification of neurons forming the early axon scaffold is governed by a homeobox code, thus resembling the mechanism of neuronal specification in the spinal cord.
Wnt/β-catenin regulation of the Sp1-related transcription factor sp5l promotes tail development in zebrafish
Authors: Thorpe Chris J. , Weidinger Gilbert , Moon Randall T.
Published: March 2005

Tail formation in vertebrates involves the specification of a population of multipotent precursors, the tailbud, which will give rise to all of the posterior structures of the embryo. Wnts are signaling proteins that are candidates for promoting tail outgrowth in zebrafish, although which Wnts are involved, what genes they regulate, and whether Wnts are required for initiation or maintenance steps in tail formation has not been resolved. We show here that both wnt3a and wnt8 are expressed in the zebrafish tailbud and that simultaneous inhibition of both wnt3a and wnt8 using morpholino oligonucleotides can completely block tail formation. In embryos injected with wnt3a and wnt8morpholinos, expression of genes in undifferentiated presomitic mesoderm is initiated, but not maintained. To identify genes that might function downstream of Wnts in tail formation, a DNA microarray screen was conducted,revealing that sp5l, a member of the Sp1 family of zinc-finger transcription factors, is activated by Wnt signaling. Moreover, we show that sp5l expression in the developing tail is dependent on both wnt3a and wnt8 function. Supporting a role for sp5lin tail formation, we find that inhibition of sp5l strongly enhances the effects of wnt3a inhibition, and overexpression of sp5l RNA is able to completely restore normal tail development in wnt3a morphants. These data place sp5l downstream of wnt3a and wnt8 in a Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway that controls tail development in zebrafish.
XenopusId3 is required downstream of Myc for the formation of multipotent neural crest progenitor cells
Authors: Light William , Vernon Ann E. , Lasorella Anna , Iavarone Antonio , LaBonne Carole
Published: March 2005

Neural crest cells, a population of proliferative, migratory,tissue-invasive stem cells, are a defining feature of vertebrate embryos. These cells arise at the neural plate border during a time in development when precursors of the central nervous system and the epidermis are responding to the extracellular signals that will ultimately dictate their fates. Neural crest progenitors, by contrast, must be maintained in a multipotent state until after neural tube closure. Although the molecular mechanisms governing this process have yet to be fully elucidated, recent work has suggested that Myc functions to prevent premature cell fate decisions in neural crest forming regions of the early ectoderm. Here, we show that the small HLH protein Id3 is a Myc target that plays an essential role in the formation and maintenance of neural crest stem cells. A morpholino-mediated `knockdown' of Id3 protein results in embryos that lack neural crest. Moreover, forced expression of Id3 maintains the expression of markers of the neural crest progenitor state beyond the time when they would normally be downregulated and blocks the differentiation of neural crest derivatives. These results shed new light on the mechanisms governing the formation and maintenance of a developmentally and clinically important cell population.
The Gas-Phase Rearrangement of HCCBCCH to a Trans Pentacyclic Isomer. A Joint Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: McAnoy Andrew M. , Bowie John H.
Published: March 2005

A theoretical study has reported that CCBCC will rearrange to planar cyclo-C4B if the excess energy of CCBCC is ≥ 67 kJ mol−1 [calculations at the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ//B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory]. Cyclo-C4B lies only 4.5 kJ mol−1 above CCBCC. Although we were unable to prepare an ionic precursor (of CCBCC) in sufficient yield to allow the production of neutral CCBCC by neutralisation–reionisation, the analogue HCCBCCH can be prepared by one-electron vertical (Franck–Condon) reduction of cation [HCCBCCH]+. Some of the HCCBCCH neutrals formed in this way are stable for the microsecond duration of the +NR+ experiment, whereas others rearrange. Calculations indicate that energised HCCBCCH may rearrange over a barrier of 203 kJ mol−1 to cyclo-C4H2B, which lies 105 kJ mol−1 above HCCBCCH. The cyclic isomer is not planar like cyclo-C4B, but has trans geometry. The cyclic species is formed with an excess energy of 98 kJ mol−1, and may undergo facile and degenerate formation of the alternative trans structure through a planar C4H2B transition state (+17 kJ mol−1). If the cyclic isomer has an excess energy of ≥ 133 kJ mol−1, it may ring open to give an open chain C4H2B isomer containing a terminal B atom.
The C3H7+ Appearance Energy from 2-Iodopropane and 2-Chloropropane Studied by Threshold Photoelectron Photoion Coincidence
Authors: Brooks Adam , Lau Kai-Chung , Ng C.Y. , Baer Tomas
Published: March 2005

The dissociation onset for halogen atom loss was investigated for 2-iodo and 2-chloropropane ions using a newly developed threshold photoelectron photoion coincidence (TPEPICO) technique that suppresses the effects of hot electrons. This study was undertaken in order to resolve current discrepancies concerning these onsets in the literature. The 0 K dissociation thresholds were determined to be 9.818 ± 0.010 and 11.036 ± 0.010 eV for 2-C3H7I and 2-C3H7Cl, respectively. These numbers agree quite well with photoionization and a mass analyzed threshold ionization (MATI) study, but are significantly lower than onsets measured by the much higher resolution pulsed field ionization PEPICO method. The derived C3H7+ heat of formation at 298 K is 803.9 ± 1.5 kJ mol−1, and a more precise value for the 298 K 2-iodopropane heat of formation is −40.8 ± 1.3 kJ mol−1. The derived proton affinity of propene is 746.1 kJ mol−1. We have also performed a high-level ab initio calculation on the 0 K dissociation limit, E0, for C3H7+ from C3H7Cl at the CCSD(T)/CBS level of theory with high-level corrections. The theoretical prediction of 11.048–11.061 eV for E0 (C3H7+) from C3H7Cl is found to be consistent with the current experimental value.
Evidence for the Participation of Excited Electronic States in the Unimolecular Dissociation Reactions of Ionic Complexes between NO and Aromatic Compounds
Authors: Grabowy Julie A.D. , Mayer Paul M.
Published: March 2005

The nitrosation of aromatic molecules A (where A=benzonitrile, benzene, pyridine, furan and thiophene) has been investigated by tandem mass spectrometry. The unimolecular dissociation of metastable ionic complexes generated by NO chemical ionization of benzonitrile changes as a function of ion source pressure. As the NO concentration in the source increases, the metastable ion (MI) mass spectrum goes from being dominated by NO+ to one dominated by ionized benzonitrile and its fragmentation products. This can only be explained by the formation of an excited-state complex in the source [formed when NO+ (a 3Σ+) binds to benzonitrile] that can dissociate to form high internal energy ionized benzonitrile. A similar result is observed when A=pyridine. When A=benzene, the MI mass spectrum is dominated by ionized benzene, a result that is consistent with the adiabatic dissociation of the ground singlet-state of the complex, provided that electron transfer between the two members of the complex is slow compared with the microsecond timescale of the experiments. If fast exchange does occur, as is suggested by theoretical calculations of the complex, then the lowest energy triplet-state must be co-produced in the ion source. The MI mass spectra of the complexes involving furan and thiophene are consistent with the dissociation of the lowest energy singlet-state.
The Decarbonylation of the Acetamide Radical Cation and the Enolization of its Dimer by Self-Catalysis
Authors: Trikoupis Moschoula A. , Ruttink Paul J.A. , Burgers Peter C. , Terlouw Johan K.
Published: March 2005

The acetamide radical cation, CH3C(=O)NH2•+, and its enol, CH2=C(OH)NH2•+, undergo several unimolecular reactions in the μs time-frame of which decarbonylation is predominant. This reaction produces the ylid ion CH2NH3•+, rather than CH3NH3•+ [ J. Am. Chem. Soc. 109, 4819 (1987)]. A previously proposed mechanism via ion–dipole complexes is confirmed by the present CBS-QB3 calculations. These calculations reveal the existence of a second mechanism which proceeds via the enol ion and the distonic ion •CH2C(=O)NH3+. Both mechanisms can account for previously reported isotopic labeling experiments. Tandem mass spectrometry based experiments do not provide evidence that the non-decomposing acetamide ions rearrange to any significant extent to the more stable enol form. However, this transformation occurs smoothly by interaction with a neutral acetamide molecule (“self-catalysis”). By integration of experimental data (MS/MS/MS and labeling experiments) and ab initio calculations [CBS-Q (RHF/DZP)] three mechanisms for this assisted tautomerization have been traced. In the first mechanism the neutral acetamide component of the dimer ion accepts a C–H proton from its ionic partner and then donates the proton back to the oxygen atom. This is an example of “proton-transport catalysis”. In the second mechanism, isomerization takes place within the ionic partner via a conventional 1,3-H shift. The neutral partner serves only to lower the energy of the transition state by ion–dipole attractions. This is an example of the “Spectator” mechanism. In the third mechanism, proton transfer from the ionic partner to its neutral counterpart is followed by back-donation of a hydrogen atom. This is an example of the “Quid-pro-Quo” mechanism. The behavior of the acetamide dimer ion is compared to that of the acetone dimer ion which undergoes only proton-transport catalysis.
Comparison of Methods Used to Predict the Burn Injuries in Tests of Thermal Protective Fabrics
Authors: Song G , Barker R , Grimes DR , Thompson D
Published: March 2005

A study was conducted to compare the two methods, Henriques Burn Integral and Stoll criteria, in thermal protective performance evaluation on firefighter clothing composites exposed to various thermal hazards. The thermal hazards that the firefighter may encounter during fire fighting are low level thermal radiation and high intensity flashover fire. With the simulation of these thermal hazards in the lab, the heat flux behind exposed clothing composites are characterized with flux rise rate and peak heat flux. Comparisons were performed on the prediction differences of clothing system made using Henriques Burn integral and Stoll criteria under different conditions. The study demonstrated that in some cases less difference is predicted by the two methods, while in other cases a significant difference is observed. Several recommendations were made for the qualitative prediction of garment and fabric thermal protective performance under different situations.
Hydration Behavior of Portland Cements with Different Hemihydrate/Gypsum Ratios in the Presence of Common Chemical Admixtures
Authors: Farrington SA , Christensen BJ
Published: March 2005

Interactions that take place between hydrating portland cement and chemical admixtures during the early hydration period affect the performance of concrete. Many of the early hydration reactions involve sulfate phases. Cement manufacturers intergrind calcium sulfate with clinker in the finish mill to provide control for the aluminate reactions during hydration. The calcium sulfate is typically added as gypsum, but some of this gypsum can dehydrate to calcium sulfate hemihydrate or soluble anhydrite, depending on the conditions in the finish mill. The final form of the calcium sulfate may affect the hydration characteristics of the cement in the presence of various chemical admixtures.

This paper reports the results of studies of the performance of cement paste and mortar. Three cement samples were manufactured from a single clinker with the same amount of interground calcium sulfate but different relative ratios of gypsum and calcium sulfate hemihydrate. The clinker was manufactured to produce low-alkali Type V cement. The total calcium sulfate addition was approximately 3.7 %, and the amount remaining in the cement as gypsum was 47 %, 31 %, or 11 % of the total amount of gypsum and hemihydrate. Common chemical admixtures were studied, including lignosulfonate, naphthalene sulfonate, polycarboxylate, formulated Type A (non-lignosulfonate), and formulated non-chloride accelerator. Cement pastes that were prepared using the cements and admixtures were tested for workability, workability retention, and hydration profile with isothermal conduction calorimetry. Mortars that were prepared from the cements and admixtures were tested for workability, workability retention, air content, setting time, and early and late-age compressive strength. Initial indications are that the initial workability and workability retention of cement paste in the presence of admixtures are affected by the form of the calcium sulfate. The time of setting and strength development of mortar are affected by the form of the calcium sulfate as well.
Doing It in Cyberspace: Cultural Sensitivity in Applied Anthropology
Authors: LeValley Janet
Published: March 2005

This paper examines cultural boundary issues and computer‐mediated consciousness, focusing on the emergence and allocation of cultural, intercultural, and transcultural choices in a global cybercommunity. Based on ethnographic research data specific to Fujitsu Software Corporations Worlds Away Dreamscape, an online virtual community drawing from 147 countries, cultural choices and conflicts in the areas of cybercommunication patterns, avatar etiquette, vendo item availability and usage, celebrations and events, mythology and ritual, territory and identity, government, and ratava gatherings are examined. Conflict is grounded in a me‐or‐you cultural competition. Respectful intercultural communication, with high intentionality, negotiates satisfactory me‐and‐you resolution. Embracing an emphasis on the coordination and integration of multiple cultural realities results in a continual recontextualization of cultural meaning in the virtual community. This engenders a consciousness of the whole, a sense of us‐ness that is the essence of successful transcultural global community.
The Evolution of Cyborg Consciousness
Authors: Laughlin Charles D.
Published: March 2005

Inspired by Donna Haraway's essay, "A Manifesto for Cyborgs," numerous "cyborg" studies in anthropology, sociology, history and literary criticism have looked at the relationship between humans and technology. A problem with many of these studies is that they use the term "cyborg" metaphorically and fuzzily without an appreciation of the history of cybernetics. This paper will critique both the profound insights and non‐trivial distortions engendered by the cyborg polemic. A neuroanthropological model of human technics is presented that allows a scientifically useful discrimination to be made between cyborg and non‐cyborg (i.e., robot, android, AI, etc.) technologies. Technology is seen as a nonlinear, bidirectional process of penetration in which the body is physically extended outward into the world and the world is physically interjected inward into the body. Four stages of the evolution of the cyborg are defined. Grounded extrapolations are made about the future development of cyborg consciousness and its implications for culture and extraterrestrial anthropology.
Body paint, feathers, and vcrs: aesthetics and authenticity in Amazonian activism
Authors: Conklin Beth A.
Published: March 2005

In this article I seek to motivate critical reflection on the centrality of exotic body images in defining cultural authenticity for Western audiences and to raise questions about the political implications of replicating these constructs in indigenous identity politics. Focusing on Amazonian Indian activism in Brazil, I examine how the rise of environmentalism and the spread of new communications technologies in the 1980s transformed Amazonian interethnic politics and the self‐representations of native activists. Indigenous images constructed in relation to Western concepts of primitivism, exoticism, and authenticity proved to be strategically effective political tools, but there are contradictions and liabilities in using such symbolic constructs to pursue indigenous goals of self‐determination.
Narrating selfhood and personality in South Korea: women and social mobility
Authors: Abelmann Nancy
Published: March 2005

In this article I analyze the constitution of selfhood by exploring those narratives about personality that are at the heart of middle‐aged South Korean women's social mobility stories. In this project I consider agency as a discursive phenomenon: it is not an asset but is instead a particular narrative convention. Thus selfhoods are variously fortified by agency or overdetermined by larger social and historical forces. This article thereby contributes to a narrative understanding of social transformation and the rendering of social justice over periods of rapid social change such as the recent past in post‐Korean War South Korea.
The burden of heritage: claiming a place for a West Indian culture
Authors: Olwig Karen Fog
Published: March 2005

The cultural construction of the past is of increasing interest to anthropologists, as well as to the people they study. Many of the most forceful and visible expressions of the past are fueled by the so‐called heritage movement, which is becoming a worldwide concern, born of an uneasy combination of national ideology, ethnic politics, and tourist industry interests. I explore the cultural politics of heritage in relation to the different ways in which the people of the Caribbean island of St. John, the U.S. Virgin Islands, have made a place for themselves in time and space. An exploration of the role of oral tradition in constructing different versions of the past shows that the islanders themselves feel considerable ambivalence toward the expectations of the promulgators of heritage, including anthropologists. I raise questions both about the construction of historical identity in the Caribbean and, more generally, about the witting or unwitting role of anthropologists in the creation of heritage.
Cultural polyphony and identity formation: negotiating tradition in Attica
Authors: Gefou‐Madianou Dimitra
Published: March 2005

Over the past century the Messogitic communities of Attica have been seen by the Athenian elite as degenerate and marginal groups because of two elements central to their culture: the Arvanitic language and retsina wine. These elements were perceived as undermining the elite's project of constructing a homogenous Creek nation‐state based on links to the ancient Greek language, a classical spirit, and a glorified vision of the folk. This dismissive discourse has influenced the ways Messogites have viewed themselves as well as the Athenians, and has given rise to a counterdiscourse. In this article, I attempt to follow the dialogue between the dominant Athenian discourse and the Messogitic counterdiscourse as these have been transformed over time. Arguing that traditions and I'dentities are not only constantly invented in an ongoing negotiation process, I also seek to show how symbolic elements can be appropriated by different groups and invested with novel meanings and significance in what I call a double dialectic of tradition. However, I contend, this process does not necessarily improve the subordinates' position, but may lead to their further marginalization.
Open spaces and dwelling places: being at home on hill farms in the Scottish borders
Authors: Gray John
Published: March 2005

In this article, I highlight the spatial dimension of social life. I analyze the shepherding practice of "going around the hill," a practice central to sheep farming in the Scottish borderlands. I distinguish between, on the one hand, the more rationalized space of fields and the commoditized sheep raised in them, and, on the other hand, the wild but meaningful hills and the sheep living on them. Using Heidegger's concept of "dwelling/' I describe how, through the practice of going around the hill, sheep farming people in the Scottish borders create an attachment to the land that defines the farm, the farming way of life, and the historically formulated borders region as places in which they "feel at home/' Together these places comprise the spatial dimensions of locality and identity for sheep farmers,
Return to Sumatra: 1957,1997
Authors: Bruner Edward M.
Published: March 2005

In this article, I reflect on how ethnography has changed between my 1957 fieldwork in a Toba Batak village in Sumatra, Indonesia, and my return visit in 1997. I argue that current issues of transnationalism and globalization are as significant in what is seemingly the most traditional of anthropological sites, a mountain village in Southeast Asia, as in more modern worldly settings. I discuss culture and ethnography, and I explore different experiential meanings of the term village.
Optimization of an Acoustic Telemetry Array for Detecting Transmitter-Implanted Fish
Authors: Clements Shaun , Jepsen David , Karnowski Mark , Schreck Carl B.
Published: March 2005

The development of miniature acoustic transmitters and economical, robust automated receivers has enabled researchers to study the movement patterns and survival of teleosts in estuarine and ocean environments, including many species and age-classes that were previously considered too small for implantation. During 2001–2003, we optimized a receiver mooring system to minimize gear and data loss in areas where current action or wave action and acoustic noise are high. In addition, we conducted extensive tests to determine (1) the performance of a transmitter and receiver (Vemco, Ltd.) that are widely used, particularly in North America and Europe and (2) the optimal placement of receivers for recording the passage of fish past a point in a linear-flow environment. Our results suggest that in most locations the mooring system performs well with little loss of data; however, boat traffic remains a concern due to entanglement with the mooring system. We also found that the reception efficiency of the receivers depends largely on the method and location of deployment. In many cases, we observed a range of 0–100% reception efficiency (the percentage of known transmissions that are detected while the receiver is within range of the transmitter) when using a conventional method of mooring. The efficiency was improved by removal of the mounting bar and obstructions from the mooring line.
An Evaluation of Coded Wire and Elastomer Tag Performance in Juvenile Common Snook under Field and Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Brennan Nathan P. , Leber Kenneth M. , Blankenship H. Lee , Ransier John M. , DeBruler Roger
Published: March 2005

From 1997 to 2002, retention of coded wire tags (CWTs) and visible implant elastomer (VIE) tags was evaluated in a series of stock enhancement studies with common snook Centropomus undecimalis (60–230 mm fork length (FL)). These experiments were conducted in both field and laboratory settings in Sarasota, Florida. Retention rates of CWTs were stable after 30 d and remained greater than 97% even 1 year after tagging. Retention of VIE tags was compared among different body implant locations, implant techniques, and fish sizes. Body location had the strongest influence on VIE retention, and tags implanted in the fins (anal and caudal) had significantly higher retention rates (mean ± SE = 76 ± 9%) than those implanted in the head (adipose eyelid, jaw, and preorbital nose tissue; 5.6 ± 1.8%, P = 0.038) 1 year after tagging. After 1 year, however, most VIE tags—regardless of body location—were nearly indistinguishable or lost. Fish implanted with two VIE marks had consistently higher mean tag retention rates and visibility than those with single marks (86% versus 64% mean retention in the caudal fins 7–12 months after tagging). Fish size at tagging was not a significant contributor to tag loss. Tagging rates were slowest with VIEs: 250–400 fish per hour and 200–300 fish per hour when one and two VIE marks, respectively, were injected per fish. Tagging mortality was less than 1.6%. No significant differences in tag retention or mortality were found between field and laboratory trials. Overall, we recommend CWTs implanted in cheek muscle and at least two VIE marks implanted in the caudal fin as tagging methods and locations for juvenile common snook because of the ability to tag large numbers of fish, high tag retention, and low tagging mortality.
Accuracy and Precision of Age Estimation of Crappies
Authors: Ross Jeff R. , Crosby Jeffery D. , Kosa Jarrad T.
Published: March 2005

A collection of known-age black crappies Pomoxis nigromaculatus and white crappies P. annularis (ages 1–5) was used to evaluate the accuracy and precision of ages estimated from otoliths and scales by readers of varying experience levels. Age estimation accuracy for black crappie otoliths averaged 99.6%, whereas accuracy for scales was 77.6%. Accuracy of age estimates from white crappie otoliths averaged 98.5%, whereas accuracy of estimates from scales averaged 80.4%. For both species, age estimation precision was higher for otoliths than for scales. Reader bias (e.g., difference between true age and estimated age) tended to be greater for scales than otoliths in both species. Bias in otolith age estimation was minimal and only apparent for age-5 crappies, which were consistently underaged. Bias in scale age estimation was most apparent for age-4 and age-5 crappies, which were also typically underaged. Reader experience influenced the degree of precision and bias; experienced readers produced more precise and less biased age estimates. The use of otoliths to improve crappie age estimate precision and bias has been well documented. Through the use of known-age fish, we provide evidence that age estimate accuracy can also be improved.
Prescription Opioid Exposure During Pregnancy and Risk of Spontaneous Preterm Delivery
Authors: Bosworth Olivia M. , Padilla-Azain Maria C. , Adgent Margaret A. , Spieker Andrew J. , Wiese Andrew David , Pham Amelie , Leech Ashley A. , Grijalva Carlos G. , Osmundson Sarah S.
Published: February 2024

Importance

Opioid exposure during pregnancy has been associated with preterm birth, but prior studies have not differentiated between spontaneous and indicated preterm birth or fully investigated these associations as functions of opioid dose.

Objective

To determine whether prescription opioid use during pregnancy is associated with spontaneous preterm birth and whether the association is dose-dependent.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This case-control study examined a retrospective cohort of pregnant patients enrolled in Tennessee Medicaid. Enrollment files were linked to health care encounters, hospital discharge information, birth certificate data, and prescription fills. Eligible participants were pregnant people ages 15 to 44 years without opioid use disorder who experienced birth of a single fetus at 24 weeks gestation or greater between 2007 and 2019 with linked birth certificate data. Cases of spontaneous preterm birth were matched with up to 10 controls based on pregnancy start date, race, ethnicity, age at delivery within 2 years, and history of prior preterm birth. Cases and matched controls were continuously enrolled in TennCare for at least 90 days prior to the index date (case delivery date).

Exposure

Total opioid MME filled during the 60 days prior to the index date.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was spontaneous preterm birth determined by a validated algorithm using birth certificate data. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the association between spontaneous preterm birth and total opioid morphine milligram equivalents (MME) dispensed, adjusting for parity, prepregnancy body mass index, education level, tobacco use, hepatitis infections, and pain indications.

Results

A total of 25 391 cases (median [IQR] age, 23 [20-28] years; 127 Asian [0.5%], 9820 Black [38.7%], 664 Hispanic [2.6%]; 14 748 non-Hispanic White [58.1%]) with spontaneous preterm birth were identified and matched with 225 696 controls (median [IQR] age, 23 [20-27] years; 229 Asian [0.1%], 89 819 Black [39.8%], 3590 Hispanic [1.6%]; 132 002 non-Hispanic White [58.5%]) (251 087 patients total), with 18 702 patients (7.4%) filling an opioid prescription in the 60 days prior to the index date. Each doubling of nonzero opioid MME was associated with a 4% increase in the odds of spontaneous preterm birth compared with no opioid exposure (adjusted odds ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this case-control study, a positive association was found between total prescription opioid dose dispensed and the odds of spontaneous preterm birth. These findings support guidance to minimize opioid exposure during pregnancy and prescribe the lowest dose necessary.
Resolution of Crystalline Retinopathy After Kidney Transplant for Hyperoxaluria
Authors: Kiryakoza Lauren C. , Sengillo Jesse D. , Berrocal Audina M.
Published: February 2024

This case report discusses the evolution of crystalline retinopathy secondary to systemic hyperoxalosis after kidney transplant for hyperoxaluria was performed.
Access to Burn Care in the US
Authors: Hur Dong Gi , Yao Jacqueline , Yue Tiffany M. , Sheckter Clifford C. , Choi Jeff
Published: February 2024

This cross-sectional study examines burn incidence rates and accessibility of American Burn Association–verified or self-designated burn centers from 2013 to 2019.
Reversibly Adhesive, Anti‐Swelling, and Antibacterial Hydrogels for Tooth‐Extraction Wound Healing
Authors: Li Siyu , Zhi Lunhao , Chen Qin , Zhao Weifeng , Zhao Changsheng
Published: February 2024

Oral wound treatment faces challenges due to the complex oral environment, thus, sealing the wound quickly becomes necessary. Although some materials have achieved adhesion and sterilization, how to effectively solve the contradiction between strong adhesion and on‐demand removal remains a challenge. Herein, a reversibly adhesive hydrogel is designed by free radical copolymerization of cationic monomer [2‐(acryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride (ATAC), hydrophobic monomer ethylene glycol phenyl ether acrylate (PEA) and N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm). The cationic quaternary ammonium salts provide electrostatic interactions, the hydrophobic groups provide hydrophobic interactions, and the PNIPAAm chain segments provide hydrogen bonding, leading to strong adhesion. Therefore, the hydrogel obtains an adhesion strength of 18.67 KPa to oral mucosa and can seal wounds fast within 10 s. Furthermore, unlike pure PNIPAAm, the hydrogel has a lower critical solution temperature of 40.3 °C due to the contribution of ATAC and PEA, enabling rapid removal with 40 °C water after treatment. In addition, the hydrogel realizes excellent anti‐swelling ratio (≈80%) and antibacterial efficiency (over 90%). Animal experiments prove that the hydrogel effectively reduces inflammation infiltration, promotes collagen deposition and vascular regeneration. Thus, hydrogel as a multi‐functional dressing has great application prospects in oral wound management.
Decomposable Nanoagonists Enable NIR‐Elicited cGAS‐STING Activation for Tandem‐Amplified Photodynamic‐Metalloimmunotherapy
Authors: Guo Xun , Tu Peng , Wang Xiaoting , Du Chier , Jiang Weixi , Qiu Xiaoling , Wang Jingxue , Chen Liang , Chen Yu , Ren Jianli
Published: February 2024

Activation of the cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase‐stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS‐STING) pathway has emerged as an efficient strategy to improve the therapeutic outcomes of immunotherapy. However, the “constantly active” mode of current STING agonist delivery strategies typically leads to off‐target toxicity and hyperimmunity. To address this critical issue, herein a metal‐organic frameworks‐based nanoagonist (DZ@A7) featuring tumor‐specific and near‐infrared (NIR) light‐enhanced decomposition is constructed for precisely localized STING activation and photodynamic‐metalloimmunotherapy. The engineered nanoagonist enabled the generation of mitochondria‐targeted reactive oxygen species under NIR irradiation to specifically release mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and inhibit the repair of nuclear DNA via hypoxia‐responsive drugs. Oxidized tumor mtDNA serves as an endogenous danger‐associated molecular pattern that activates the cGAS‐STING pathway. Concurrently, NIR‐accelerated zinc ions overloading in cancer cells further enhance the cGAS enzymatic activity through metalloimmune effects. By combining the synergistically enhanced activation of the cGAS‐STING pathway triggered by NIR irradiation, the engineered nanoagonist facilitated the maturation of dendritic cells and infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes for primary tumor eradication, which also established a long‐term anti‐tumor immunity to suppress tumor metastasis. Therefore, the developed nanoagonist enabled NIR‐triggered, agonist‐free, and tandem‐amplified activation of the cGAS‐STING pathway, thereby offering a distinct paradigm for photodynamic‐metalloimmunotherapy.
Injectable and Self‐Curing Single‐Component Hydrogel for Stem Cell Encapsulation and In Vivo Bone Regeneration
Authors: Cheon Seo Young , Park Ji Sun , Lee Yeeun , Lee Chaehyun , Jeon Hayoung , Lee Donghyun , Kim Se Hee , Lim Seong Gi , Koo Heebeom
Published: February 2024

An ideal hydrogel for stem cell therapy would be injectable and efficiently promote stem cell proliferation and differentiation in body. Herein, an injectable, single‐component hydrogel with hyaluronic acid (HA) modified with phenylboronic acid (PBA) and spermidine (SM) is introduced. The resulting HAps (HA‐PBA‐SM) hydrogel is based on the reversible crosslinking between the diol and the ionized PBA, which is stabilized by the SM. It has a shear‐thinning property, enabling its injection through a syringe to form a stable hydrogel inside the body. In addition, HAps hydrogel undergoes a post‐injection “self‐curing,” which stiffens the hydrogel over time. This property allows the HAps hydrogel to meet the physical requirements for stem cell therapy in rigid tissues, such as bone, while maintaining injectability. The hydrogel enabled favorable proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and promoted their differentiation and mineralization. After the injection of hMSCs‐containing HAps into a rat femoral defect model, efficient osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs and bone regeneration is observed. The study demonstrates that simple cationic modification of PBA‐based hydrogel enabled efficient gelation with shear‐thinning and self‐curing properties, and it would be highly useful for stem cell therapy and in vivo bone regeneration.
Quantifying Non‐Radiative Recombination in Passivated Wide‐Bandgap Metal Halide Perovskites Using Absolute Photoluminescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Remmerswaal Willemijn H. M. , van Gorkom Bas T. , Zhang Dong , Wienk Martijn M. , Janssen René A. J.
Published: February 2024

Wide‐bandgap (>1.6 eV) mixed‐halide perovskites tend to experience notable open‐circuit voltage losses in solar cells due to non‐radiative recombination. Here, the effects of defects and their passivation on the non‐radiative recombination of charge carriers in mixed‐halide perovskite solar cells are studied. By determining the quasi‐Fermi level splitting via absolute photoluminescence measurements of perovskite layers with and without charge transport layers, bulk and interface contributions are disentangled and compared to the radiative open‐circuit voltage. For wide‐bandgap perovskites, non‐radiative recombination present in the pristine perovskite layers increases with increasing bandgap. The most prominent loss, located at the perovskite – electron transport layer interface (ETL), can be reduced by interface passivation for the different bandgaps studied (1.58 to 1.82 eV) to a level close to that of the intrinsic losses. By combining light‐intensity‐dependent absolute photoluminescence spectroscopy with sensitive spectral photocurrent measurements it is found that different passivation agents result in a similar decrease of the non‐radiative recombination for different bandgaps. This suggests that the gained open‐circuit voltage is not due to an improved energy level alignment at the perovskite – ETL interface. Instead, passivation involves eliminating the direct contact between the perovskite semiconductor and the ETL.
Low‐Temperature Sodium‐Ion Batteries: Challenges and Progress
Authors: Bai Zhongchao , Yao Qian , Wang Mingyue , Meng Weijia , Dou Shixue , Liu Hua kun , Wang Nana
Published: February 2024

As an ideal candidate for the next generation of large‐scale energy storage devices, sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have received great attention due to their low cost. However, the practical utility of SIBs faces constraints imposed by geographical and environmental factors, particularly in high‐altitude and cold regions. In these areas, the low‐temperature (LT) performance of SIBs presents a pressing technological challenge that requires significant breakthroughs. In LT environments, the electrochemical reaction kinetics of SIBs are sluggish, the electrode/electrolyte interface is unstable, and the diffusion of sodium ions in electrode materials is slow, leading to a decrease in battery performance. Therefore, the reasonable design of electrolyte and electrode materials is of great significance for optimizing the LT performance of SIBs. In this review, the research progress of LT SIBs electrolytes, cathode, and anode materials, as well as sodium metal batteries and solid‐state electrolytes is systematically summarized in recent years, aiming to understand the design principles of LT SIBs, clarify the basic research and development of high‐performance SIBs in practical applications, and promote the development of SIBs technology in the full temperature range.
Simplifying Access to Targeted Protein Degraders via Nickel Electrocatalytic Cross‐Coupling
Authors: Neigenfind Philipp , Massaro Luca , Péter Áron , Degnan Andrew P. , Emmanuel Megan A. , Oderinde Martins S. , He Chi , Peters David , El‐Hayek Ewing Tamara , Kawamata Yu , Baran Phil S.
Published: February 2024

C−C linked glutarimide‐containing structures with direct utility in the preparation of cereblon‐based degraders (PROTACs, CELMoDs) can be assessed in a single step from inexpensive, commercial α‐bromoglutarimide through a unique Brønsted‐acid assisted Ni‐electrocatalytic approach. The reaction tolerates a broad array of functional groups that are historically problematic and can be applied to the simplified synthesis of dozens of known compounds that have only been procured through laborious, wasteful, multi‐step sequences. The reaction is scalable in both batch and flow and features a trivial procedure wherein the most time‐consuming aspect of reaction setup is weighing out the starting materials.