bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Related to Nonadherence to Low Sodium Diet Recommendations in Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Bentley Brooke , De Jong Marla J. , Moser Debra K. , Peden Ann R.
Published: June 2005

Background: A low sodium diet is a cornerstone of nonpharmacologic therapy for heart failure patients. Although nonadherence is common, little is known about why heart failure patients fail to adhere to this diet.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of heart failure patients in following a low sodium diet.

Methods and results: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study with a convenience sample of 20 participants. Interviews were conducted and analyzed for themes. The data reflected three primary themes about nonadherence to the low sodium diet: lack of knowledge, interference with socialization, and lack of food selections. Participants expressed a need for details about low sodium food selection, food preparation, and rationale for the diet. Lack of knowledge also was manifested as diet confusion for participants who required additional dietary restrictions. Interference with socialization was manifested by patients' experiences with family conflict when family members ate high-sodium foods and difficulty eating out. The theme of lack of low sodium food selections was reflected by comments about limited food choices, and lack of palatability.

Conclusion: Researchers and clinicians need to consider patients' perceptions as they generate and evaluate interventions to increase adherence to a low sodium diet.
Upregulation of human mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 in intestinal epithelial cells is modulated by Vibrio cholerae pathogenesis
Authors: Sarkar Madhubanti , Das Soumita , Bandyopadhaya Arunava , Ray Kunal , Chaudhuri Keya
Published: June 2005

Cholera still remains an important global predicament especially in India and other developing countries. Vibrio cholerae, the etiologic agent of cholera, colonizes the small intestine and produces an enterotoxin that is largely responsible for the watery diarrheal symptoms of the disease. Using RNA arbitrarily primed PCR, ND5 a mitochondria encoded subunit of complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain was found to be upregulated in the human intestinal epithelial cell line Int407 following exposure to V. cholerae. The upregulation of ND5 was not observed when Int407 was infected with Escherichia coli strains. Incubation with heat‐killed V. cholerae or cholera toxin or culture supernatant also showed no such upregulation indicating the involvement of live bacteria in the process. Infection of the monolayer with aflagellate non‐motile mutant of V. cholerae O395 showed a very significant (59‐fold) downregulation of ND5. In contrast, a remarkable upregulation of ND5 expression (200‐fold) was observed in a hyperadherent icmF insertion mutant with reduced motility. V. cholerae cheY4 null mutant defective in adherence and motility also resulted in significantly reduced levels of ND5 expression while mutant with the cheY4 gene duplicated showing increased adherence and motility resulted in increased expression of ND5. These results clearly indicate that both motility and adherence to intestinal epithelial cells are possible triggering factors contributing to ND5 mRNA expression by V. cholerae. Interestingly infection with insertion mutant in the gene coding for ToxR, the master regulator of virulence in V. cholerae resulted in significant downregulation of ND5 expression. However, infection with ctxA or toxT insertion mutants did not show any significant changes in ND5 expression compared to wild‐type. Almost no expression of ND5 was observed in case of mutation in the gene coding for OmpU, a ToxR activated protein. Thus, infection of Int407 with virulence mutant strains of V. cholerae revealed that the ND5 expression is modulated by the virulence of V. cholerae in a ToxT independent manner. Although no difference in the mitochondrial copy number could be detected between infected and uninfected cells, the modulation of the expression of other mitochondrial genes were also observed. Incidentally, upon V. cholerae infection, complex I activity was found to increase about 3‐folds after 6 h. This is the first report of alteration in mitochondrial gene expression upon infection of a non‐invasive enteric bacterium like V. cholerae showing its modulation with adherence, motility and virulence of the organism.
Regulation and activity of cytosolic 5′‐nucleotidase II
Authors: Bretonnet A.S. , Jordheim L.P. , Dumontet C. , Lancelin J.M.
Published: June 2005

In many vertebrate tissues, cytosolic 5′‐nucleotidase II (cN‐II) either hydrolyses or phosphorylates a number of purine (monophosphorylated) nucleosides through a scheme common to the Haloacid Dehalogenase superfamily members. It possesses a pivotal role in purine cellular metabolism and it acts on antitumoural and antiviral nucleoside analogues, thus being of potential therapeutic importance. cN‐II is Mg2+‐dependant, regulated and stabilised by several factors such as allosteric effectors ATP and 2,3‐DPG, although these are not directly involved in the reaction stoichiometry. We review herein the experimental knowledge currently available about this remarkable enzymatic activity.
Structural conservation of residues in BH1 and BH2 domains of Bcl‐2 family proteins
Authors: Gurudutta Gangenahalli U. , Verma Yogesh Kr , Singh Vimal Kishor , Gupta Pallavi , Raj H.G. , Sharma R.K. , Chandra Ramesh
Published: June 2005

The sequence of Bcl‐2 homology domains, BH1 and BH2, is known to be conserved among anti‐ and pro‐apoptotic members of Bcl‐2 family proteins. But structural conservation of these domains with respect to functionally active residues playing role in heterodimerization‐mediated regulation of apoptosis has never been elucidated. Here, we have suggested the formation of an active site by structurally conserved residues in BH1 (glycine, arginine) and BH2 (tryptophan) domains of Bcl‐2 family members, which also accounts for the functional effect of known mutations in BH1 (G145A, G145E) and BH2 (W188A) domains of Bcl‐2.
Importance of local structures of second and third repeat fragments of microtubule‐binding domain for tau filament formation
Authors: Tokimasa Mari , Minoura Katsuhiko , Hiraoka Shuko , Tomoo Koji , Sumida Miho , Taniguchi Taizo , Ishida Toshimasa
Published: June 2005

To investigate the importance of the seventh residue of the second and third repeat fragments (R2 and R3 peptides) of the microtubule‐binding domain (MBD) for tau filamentous assembly, the residues Lys and Pro were substituted (R2‐K7P and R3‐P7K). The filament formations of the R2 and R3 peptides were almost lost due to their substitutions despite their overall conformational similarities. The NOE analyses showed the importance of the conformational flexibility for the R2 peptide and the coupled extended and helical conformations for the R3 peptide in their limited N‐terminal regions around their seventh residues. The result shows that the filament formation of MBD is initiated from a short fragment region containing the minimal conformational or functional motif.
Grading of Radiographic Osteolytic Changes after Silastic Metacarpophalangeal Arthroplasty and a Prospective Trial of Osteolysis Following Use of Swanson and Sutter Prostheses
Authors: PARKKILA T. J. , BELT E. A. , HAKALA M. , KAUTIAINEN H. J. , LEPPILAHTI J.
Published: June 2005

The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of radiographic osteolysis following insertion of 89 Swanson and 126 Sutter metacarpophalangeal implants in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The mean follow-up time in the two groups of patients was 57 (40–80) and 55 (36–79) months, respectively. This paper proposes a new method of classifying radiographic osteolysis. The remarkable number of osteolytic changes seen in the bones adjacent to MCP prostheses in this study would suggest that silastic prostheses should only be used when other surgical alternatives cannot be used and that long-term control by radiography be maintained after implantation of silicone prostheses into the MCP joint. In all grades of our classification, osteolysis was more frequent in the Sutter than in the Swanson group in this study, suggesting that use of the Sutter rather than the Swanson implant is questionable.
Carpal Ligament Injuries with Acute Scaphoid Fractures – A Combined Wrist Injury
Authors: WONG T. C. , YIP T. H. , WU W. C.
Published: June 2005

Fifty-two consecutive patients with acute scaphoid fractures were treated by closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation. In addition, all underwent a wrist arthrogram and 22 patients also underwent a wrist arthroscopy. Eighteen patients (34%) had an associated carpal ligament injury (four scapholunate ligament, eight lunotriquetral ligament, two combined, three TFCC and one minor leak from the distal carpal row). These patients had worse Mayo wrist scores (no ligament injury median score = 95: ligament injury median score = 85) at a mean final follow-up of 61 weeks. We advocate that scaphoid fractures with associated carpal ligament injuries should be defined as a combined wrist injury.
Validity and Responsiveness of the Patient Evaluation Measure as an Outcome Measure for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: HOBBY J. L. , WATTS C. , ELLIOT D.
Published: June 2005

The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the Patient Evaluation Measure questionnaire (PEM) as an outcome measure in carpal tunnel syndrome. The PEM was compared to the DASH questionnaire and to objective measurements of hand function. We also compared its responsiveness to changes following carpal tunnel release with that of the DASH score. Twenty-four patients completed the PEM and DASH questionnaires before and 3 months after open carpal tunnel release. Grip strength, static two-point discrimination and the nine-hole peg test were measured. There was a significant correlation between individual items of the PEM and the objective measures. There was also strong correlation between PEM and DASH scores. The PEM showed a greater responsiveness to change (effect size 0.97) than the DASH score (effect size 0.49). The PEM correlates well with objective measures of hand function and the DASH score when used in carpal tunnel syndrome. It is more responsive to change than the DASH score. It is very simple to complete and score and is an appropriate and practical outcome measure in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Does the Absence of the Palmaris Longus Affect Grip and Pinch Strength?
Authors: SEBASTIN S. J. , LIM A. Y. T. , BEE W. H. , WONG T. C. M. , METHIL B. V.
Published: June 2005

The palmaris longus tendon is the most frequently harvested tendon for reconstructive plastic and hand surgical procedures. A question patients often ask is whether loss of the palmaris longus will result in any functional deficit. In order to answer this question, the presence or absence of the palmaris longus muscle was clinically determined in 418 normal Asian subjects. All subjects also had their grip and pinch strengths measured. No statistically significant difference was seen in the grip or pinch strength measurements between subjects who had a palmaris longus tendon and those who did not. This study demonstrates that absence of the palmaris longus is not associated with a decrease of grip or pinch strength.
Compartment Syndrome in the Hand Following an Adder Bite
Authors: TUCKER S. C. , JOSTY I.
Published: June 2005

This paper reports a case of an adder bite to the hand and discusses the literature on adder bites.
Restoration of Function and Sensitivity Utilizing a Homodigital Neurovascular Island Flap after Amputation Injuries of the Fingertip
Authors: VARITIMIDIS S. E. , DAILIANA Z. H. , ZIBIS A. H. , HANTES M. , BARGIOTAS K. , MALIZOS K. N.
Published: June 2005

Sixty-three fingertip amputations in 50 patients were reconstructed using a homodigital neurovascular island flap technique based on a single neurovascular pedicle without further shortening of the distal phalanx. The procedure was carried out under regional anaesthesia, using a tourniquet and magnifying loupes. All of the flaps survived and achieved normal or adequate two-point discrimination without any painful scar or cold hypersensitivity. Fifteen patients had some loss of distal interphalangeal joint extension. The technique is simple and presents an excellent method for fingertip reconstruction in Allen type II, III and IV injuries.
The Ukrainian Orange Revolution brought more than a new president: What kind of democracy will the institutional changes bring?
Authors: Christensen Robert K. , Rakhimkulov Edward R. , Wise Charles R.
Published: June 2005

The authors discuss the institutional changes proposed in Ukraine’s constitutional framework and election laws that could fundamentally alter the separation of powers and the responsiveness of Ukrainian government to the electorate. We analyze the proposed institutional changes from the perspective of what they portend for Ukraine’s democratic transition. Building on the most recent vein of democratization studies examining institutional factors affecting democratic stability, we emphasize that it cannot be assumed that Ukraine is ‘‘in transition to democracy.’’ We conclude that comprehending the likelihood of achieving democratic stability must be contextualized in an understanding of intervening factors— political, economic, and historical—that ultimately influence democratic stability. Our analysis reminds government reform advocates that it is necessary to go beyond the basic institutional framework of proposed governmental changes in order to obtain a more comprehensive picture of democratization.
Morphometric analysis of proposed evolutionary lineages of Early Devonian land plant spores
Authors: BREUER PIERRE , STRICANNE LUDOVIC , STEEMANS PHILIPPE
Published: June 2005

Early Devonian miospore assemblages from ‘La Gileppe’ (Eastern Belgium) include five varieties of trilete spore belonging to the genus Emphanisporites. These five varieties show a continuous variation of their morphological characteristics. The variation in morphological characteristics can be related to the evolution of morphological features and allows us to define the Emphanisporites micrornatus Morphon. A statistical evaluation of this population highlights the interdependence of almost all morphological parameters. This study proves the increase in size of ornamental and structural parameters over several million years. The biometric changes and the progressive replacement of older morphotypes by younger ones indicate that a temporal link exists between these different varieties. Two phylogenetic hypotheses for the E. micrornatus Morphon are proposed. This morphological evolution is so far observed only on the Eastern Old Red Sandstone Continent and defines a palaeophytogeographic sinuosus–zavallatus Province.
Depositional constraints and age of metamorphism in southern India: U–Pb chemical (EMPA) and isotopic (SIMS) ages from the Trivandrum Block
Authors: SANTOSH M. , COLLINS A. S. , MORIMOTO T. , YOKOYAMA K.
Published: June 2005

We report U–Pb electron microprobe (zircon and monazite) and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) U–Pb (zircon) ages from a granulite-facies metapelite and a garnet–biotite gniess from Chittikara, a classic locality within the Trivandrum Block of southern India. The majority of the electron-microprobe data on zircons from the metapelite define apparent ages between 1500 and 2500 Ma with a prominent peak at 2109±22 Ma, although some of the cores are as old as 3070 Ma. Zircon grains with multiple age zoning are also detected with 2500–3700 Ma cores, 1380–1520 mantles and 530–600 Ma outer rims. Some homogeneous and rounded zircon cores yielded late Neoproterozoic ages that suggest that deposition within the Trivandrum Block belt was younger than 610 Ma. The outermost rims of these grains are characterized by early Cambrian ages suggesting metamorphic overgrowth at this time. The apparent ages of monazite grains from this locality reveal multiple provenance and polyphase metamorphic history, similar to those of the zircons. In a typical case, Palaeoproterozoic cores (1759–1967 Ma) are enveloped by late Neoproterozoic rims (562–563 Ma), which in turn are mantled by an outermost thin Cambrian rim (∼515 Ma). PbO v. ThO*2 plots for monazites define broad isochrons, with cores indicating a rather imprecise age of 1913±260 Ma (MSWD=0.80) and late Neoproterozoic/Cambrian cores as well as thin rims yielding a well-defined isochron with an age of 557±19 Ma (MSWD=0.82). SIMS U–Pb isotopic data on zircons from the garnet–biotite gneiss yield a combined core/rim imprecise discordia line between 2106±37 Ma and 524±150 Ma. The data indicate Palaeoproterozoic zircon formation with later partial or non-uniform Pb loss during the late Neoproterozoic/Cambrian tectonothermal event. The combined electron probe and SIMS data from the metapelite and garnet–biotite gneiss at Chittikara indicate that the older zircons preserved in the finer-grained metapelite protolith have heterogeneous detrital sources, whereas the more arenaceous protolith of the garnet–biotite gniess was sourced from a single-aged terrane. Our data suggest that the metasedimentary belts in southern India may have formed part of an extensive late Neoproterozoic sedimentary basin during the final amalgamation of the Gondwana supercontinent.
Petrological evolution in the roof of the high-grade metamorphic Central Zone of the Limpopo Belt, South Africa
Authors: ZEH ARMIN , KLEMD REINER , BARTON JAY M.
Published: June 2005

In this study we present new petrological results from the Endora Klippe in the Central Zone of the Limpopo Belt, which may result from horizontal tectonics during the Proterozoic at c. 2.0Ga. Microstructures, assemblages and garnet zonation patterns observed in metapelitic rocks provide evidence that the Endora Klippe rocks underwent a contemporaneous pressure–temperature increase from c. 600°C/5kbar to 650°C/6.5kbar. This is inferred by the use of conventional geothermobarometry and interpretations based on quantitative phase diagrams in the system MnO–(TiO2)–(CaO)–(Na2O)–K2O–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O. Thus, the petrological results indicate that this part of the Central Zone only underwent a medium-grade metamorphic overprint during a single orogenic event and was never affected by granulite-facies metamorphism, as reported from other parts of the Limpopo Belt. The inferred P–T path, in combination with previous structural and petrological results, leads to the conclusion that the area surrounding the Endora Klippe forms the roof zone of the c. 2.0Ga old granulite-facies rocks forming wide parts of the Limpopo Central Zone.
Corruption–a double-edged sword for conservation? A response to Smith & Walpole
Authors: Katzner Todd E.
Published: June 2005

Conservation is a complex process that is affected by culture, politics, economics and biology. Smith & Walpole (2005) are right to identify corruption as an important influence on conservation, and their goal, to stimulate debate and analysis of this problem, is meritorious. Here, I expand on three points to highlight some further complexities that arise from their work.
Corruption and conservation: the need for empirical analyses. A response to Smith & Walpole
Authors: Ferraro Paul
Published: June 2005

Smith & Walpole (2005) focus on a heretofore little examined issue of unknown importance: the role of corruption in affecting biodiversity conservation outcomes. Unfortunately, there are no well-executed empirical studies of the relationship between corruption and conservation to guide practitioners. As noted by Smith & Walpole, however, the role of corruption in affecting other economic outcomes has been the subject of numerous theoretical and empirical analyses. These other analyses offer useful insights to conservationists precisely because the biodiversity context is representative of a larger class of contexts in which power is delegated to self-interested bureaucrats. Readers interested in the topic would do well to take a close look at the references in Smith & Walpole, as well as visiting the World Bank's website on corruption and governance (World Bank, 2005).
Conservation priorities for harlequin frogs (Atelopus spp.) of Peru
Authors: Lötters Stefan , Schulte Rainer , Córdova Jesús H. , Veith Michael
Published: June 2005

Populations of harlequin frogs Atelopus are declining throughout their geographical range. In Peru six of the 11 nominally described species are Critically Endangered, and there are at least 17 undescribed additional forms (all representing apparently distinct species), the conservation status of which is unknown. Most Atelopus taxa in Peru have relatively small geographical ranges, some known only from single populations, and have only a limited chance of survival. Conservation will require: (1) improvement of the faunistic and taxonomic knowledge of the genus, (2) field surveys, including in remote areas, (3) assessment of all species and populations for chytridiomycosis and research on the agent's biology, (4) ex situ conservation measures to facilitate later reintroduction, and (5) involvement of national and international conservationists and local people.
An outbreak ofCryptosporidium hominisinfection at an Illinois recreational waterpark
Authors: CAUSER L. M. , HANDZEL T. , WELCH P. , CARR M. , CULP D. , LUCHT R. , MUDAHAR K. , ROBINSON D. , NEAVEAR E. , FENTON S. , ROSE C. , CRAIG L. , ARROWOOD M. , WAHLQUIST S. , XIAO L. , LEE Y.-M. , MIREL L. , LEVY D. , BEACH M. J. , POQUETTE G. , DWORKIN M. S.
Published: June 2005

Cryptosporidiumhas become increasingly recognized as a pathogen responsible for outbreaks of diarrhoeal illness in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised persons. In August 2001, an Illinois hospital reported a cryptosporidiosis cluster potentially linked to a local waterpark. There were 358 case-patients identified. We conducted community-based and waterpark-based case-control studies to examine potential sources of the outbreak. We collected stool specimens from ill persons and pool water samples for microscopy and molecular analysis. Laboratory-confirmed case-patients (n=77) were more likely to have attended the waterpark [odds ratio (OR) 16·0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3·8–66·8], had pool water in the mouth (OR 6·0, 95% CI 1·3–26·8), and swallowed pool water (OR 4·5, 95% CI 1·5–13·3) than age-matched controls.Cryptosporidiumwas found in stool specimens and pool water samples. The chlorine resistance of oocysts, frequent swimming exposures, high bather densities, heavy usage by diaper-aged children, and increased recognition and reporting of outbreaks are likely to have contributed to the increasing trend in number of swimming pool-associated outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis. Recommendations for disease prevention include alteration of pool design to separate toddler pool filtration systems from other pools. Implementation of education programmes could reduce the risk of faecal contamination and disease transmission.
Measles virus-specific antibody levels in Sudanese infants: a prospective study using filter-paper blood samples
Authors: IBRAHIM S. A. , ABDALLAH A. , SALEH E. A. , OSTERHAUS A. D. M. E. , DE SWART R. L.
Published: June 2005

We conducted a prospective birth cohort study in rural Sudan to assess measles virus (MV)-specific antibody levels at different time points in infancy. Dried blood spots were collected on filter paper at birth (cord blood) and at ages 6, 12 and 24 months (heel-prick). Maternally derived MV-specific antibody levels were high in cord blood samples, but at the age of 6 months had dropped below cut-off values in half of the infants. By extrapolation it was concluded that the current Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) target age for measles vaccination of 9 months was an appropriate choice for this area. At the age of 24 months acquired MV-specific antibodies were detected in 65–85% of the cohort, which corresponded well with the 79% of infants reported to be vaccinated by this age. This study demonstrates the usefulness of filter paper blood samples for seroepidemiological studies in developing countries.
Telencephalic projections to the nucleus of the basal optic root and
pretectal nucleus lentiformis mesencephali in pigeons
Authors: WYLIE DOUGLAS R.W. , OGILVIE CATHERINE J. , CROWDER NATHAN A. , BARKLEY RYAN R. , WINSHIP IAN R.
Published: June 2005

In birds, the nucleus of the basal optic root (nBOR) of the accessory
optic system (AOS) and the pretectal nucleus lentiformis mesencephali (LM)
are involved in the analysis of optic flow and the generation of the
optokinetic response. In several species, it has been shown that the AOS
and pretectum receive input from visual areas of the telencephalon.
Previous studies in pigeons using anterograde tracers have shown that both
nBOR and LM receive input from the visual Wulst, the putative homolog of
mammalian primary visual cortex. In the present study, we used retrograde
and anterograde tracing techniques to further characterize these
projections in pigeons. After injections of the retrograde tracer cholera
toxin subunit B (CTB) into either LM or nBOR, retrograde labeling in the
telencephalon was restricted to the hyperpallium apicale (HA) of the
Wulst. From the LM injections, retrograde labeling appeared as a discrete
band of cells restricted to the lateral edge of HA. From the nBOR
injections, the retrograde labeling was more distributed in HA, generally
dorsal and dorso-medial to the LM-projecting neurons. In the anterograde
experiments, biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) was injected into HA and
individual axons were reconstructed to terminal fields in the LM and nBOR.
Those fibers projecting to the nBOR also innervated the adjacent ventral
tegmental area. However, tracing of BDA-labeled axons revealed no evidence
that individual neurons project to both LM and nBOR. In summary, our
results suggest that the nBOR and LM receive input from different areas of
the Wulst. We discuss how these projections may transmit visual and/or
somatosensory information to the nBOR and LM.
Heterogeneous expression of voltage-dependent Na+ and
K+ channels in mammalian retinal bipolar cells
Authors: MA YU-PING , CUI JINJUAN , PAN ZHUO-HUA
Published: June 2005

Retinal bipolar cells show heterogeneous expression of
voltage-dependent Na+ and K+ currents. We used
whole-cell patch-clamp recordings to investigate the possible roles of
these currents in the response properties of bipolar cells in rats.
Isolated bipolar cells showed robust spontaneous regenerative activity,
but the regenerative potential of rod bipolar cells reached a more
depolarized level than that of cone bipolar cells. In both isolated cells
and cells in retinal slices, the membrane depolarization evoked by current
injection was apparently capped. The evoked membrane potential was again
more depolarized in rod bipolar cells than in cone bipolar cells.
Application of tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine shifted the
spontaneous regenerative potential as well as the evoked potential to a
more depolarized level. In addition, a subclass of cone bipolar cells
showed a prominent spike in the initial phase of the voltage response when
the cells were depolarized from a relatively negative membrane potential.
The spike was mediated mainly by tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na+
current. The presence of the spike sped up the response kinetics and
enhanced the peak membrane potential. Results of this study raise the
possibility that voltage-dependent K+ currents may play a role
in defining different membrane operating ranges of rod and cone bipolar
cells and that voltage-dependent Na+ currents may enhance the
response kinetics and amplitude of certain cone bipolar cells.
Blockade of amiloride-sensitive sodium channels alters multiple
components of the mammalian electroretinogram
Authors: BROCKWAY LAURA M. , BENOS DALE J. , KEYSER KENT T. , KRAFT TIMOTHY W.
Published: June 2005

Retinal neurons and Müller cells express amiloride-sensitive
Na+ channels (ASSCs). Although all major subunits of these
channels are expressed, their physiological role is relatively unknown in
this system. In the present study, we used the electroretinogram (ERG)
recorded from anesthetized rabbits and isolated rat and rabbit retina
preparations to investigate the physiological significance of ASSCs in the
retina. Based upon our previous study showing expression of α-ENaC and
functional amiloride-sensitive currents in rabbit Müller cells, we
expected changes in Müller cell components of the ERG. However, we
observed changes in other components of the ERG as well. The presence of
amiloride elicited changes in all major components of the ERG; the
a-wave, b-wave, and d-wave (off response) were
enhanced, while there was a reduction in the amplitude of the Müller
cell response (slow PIII). These results suggest that ASSCs play an
important role in retinal function including neuronal and Müller cell
physiology.
Development of the primate area of high acuity, 3: Temporal relationships between pit formation, retinal elongation and cone packing
Authors: SPRINGER A.D. , HENDRICKSON A.E.
Published: June 2005

By establishing an avascular, highly elastic, region within the fetal area of high acuity (AHA), the developing primate eye has created a unique substrate on which the mechanical forces of intraocular pressure (IOP) and growth-induced retinal stretch (stretch) can act. We proposed (Springer & Hendrickson, 2004b) that these forces generate both the pit and high cone density found in the adult AHA. In this paper, we use quantitative measures to determine the temporal relationships between nasal and temporal retinal elongation, changes in pit depth, cone packing, and cone morphology overM. nemestrinaretinal development. Retinal length increased rapidly to about 105 days postconception (dpc; Phase 1) and then elongation virtually ceased (Phase 2) until just after birth (180 dpc). Retinal elongation due to stretch resumed during Phase 3 until approximately 315 dpc (4–5 months), after which time the retina appeared mature (Phase 4). The pit appeared during the quiescent Phase 2, suggesting that IOP acts, in conjunction with molecular changes in the inner retina, on the highly elastic, avascular, AHA to generate a deep, narrow pit and causes inner retinal cellular displacements. Subsequently (Phase 3), the pit widened, became 50% shallower and central inner retinal lamina thinned slightly due to a small amount of retinal stretch occurring in the AHA. Centripetal movement of cones was minimal until just after birth when the pit reached 88% of its maximal depth. Accelerated cone packing during Phase 3 was temporally correlated with increased stretch. A slight stretching of the central inner retina generates “lift” forces that cause the pit to become shallower and wider. In turn, these “lift” forces draw cones toward the center of the AHA (Springer, 1999). Localized changes in cone morphology associated with packing, included smaller cell body size, a change from a monolayer to a multilayered mound of cell bodies, elongation of inner segments and tilting of the apical portion toward the AHA. These changes began in cones overlying the edges of the pit, not its center. Henle cone axons formed initially in association with centrifugal displacement of the inner retina during pit formation, with an additional subsequent elongation due to cones moving centripetally. An integrated, two-factor model of AHA formation is presented. Initially, during the second half of gestation (Phase 2), IOP acts on the hyperelastic avascular zone of the AHA to generate a deep pit in the inner retina. In the first 4 months after birth (Phase 3), central retinal stretch generates tensile “lift” forces that remodel the pit and pack cones by drawing them toward the AHA center.
Functional and cortical adaptations to central vision loss
Authors: CHEUNG SING-HANG , LEGGE GORDON E.
Published: June 2005

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), affecting the retina, afflicts
one out of ten people aged 80 years or older in the United States. AMD
often results in vision loss to the central 15–20 deg of the visual
field (i.e. central scotoma), and frequently afflicts both eyes. In most
cases, when the central scotoma includes the fovea, patients will adopt an
eccentric preferred retinal locus (PRL) for fixation. The onset of a
central scotoma results in the absence of retinal inputs to corresponding
regions of retinotopically mapped visual cortex. Animal studies have shown
evidence for reorganization in adult mammals for such cortical areas
following experimentally induced central scotomata. However, it is still
unknown whether reorganization occurs in primary visual cortex (V1) of AMD
patients. Nor is it known whether the adoption of a PRL corresponds to
changes to the retinotopic mapping of V1. Two recent advances hold out the
promise for addressing these issues and for contributing to the
rehabilitation of AMD patients: improved methods for assessing visual
function across the fields of AMD patients using the scanning laser
ophthalmoscope, and the advent of brain-imaging methods for studying
retinotopic mapping in humans. For the most part, specialists in these two
areas come from different disciplines and communities, with few
opportunities to interact. The purpose of this review is to summarize key
findings on both the clinical and neuroscience issues related to questions
about visual adaptation in AMD patients.
Cloning, immunolocalization, and functional expression of a GABA transporter from the retina of the skate
Authors: BIRNBAUM ANDREA D. , ROHDE SUSAN K. , QIAN HAOHUA , AL-UBAIDI MUAYYAD R. , CALDWELL JOHN H. , MALCHOW ROBERT P.
Published: June 2005

Termination of GABA signals within the retina occurs through high-affinity reuptake of the released neurotransmitter by GABA transporters (GATs) present in neurons and glia surrounding the release site. In the present work, we have cloned a novel GAT from the retina of the skate (Raja erinacea). The clone codes for a 622 amino acid protein whose sequence has highest similarity to the GABA/β-alanine transporter of the electric ray (Torpedo marmorata) (88% identity) and the GAT-3 isolated from rat brain (75% identity). The protein was expressed inXenopusoocytes and characterized using the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique. Application of GABA induced a dose-dependent inward current, with 8 μM GABA producing a half-maximal response. The current required the presence of extracellular sodium and was unaffected by the GABA receptor blocker picrotoxin or the GAT-1 specific antagonist NO-711. The high homology between the cloned skate GABA transporter and the GAT-3 equivalents of other species, coupled with the strikingly similar pharmacological profile to GAT-3s of other species, lead us to conclude that we had cloned the GAT-3 homologue for the skate. Polyclonal antibodies specific to GAT-3 and the previously cloned skate GAT-1 transporter were used to examine the distribution of GAT-3 and GAT-1 immunoreactivity in the retina and in isolated cells of the skate. Antibodies for both transporters showed labeling in the outer and inner plexiform layers, and staining extended from the outer to inner limiting membranes. Both GAT-1 and GAT-3 antibodies labeled enzymatically isolated Müller cells, while bipolar cells and horizontal cells did not appear to express either transporter. These results imply that GAT-1 and GAT-3 are both present in Müller cells of the skate retina where they are likely involved in regulating extracellular concentrations of GABA.
Computing relative motion with complex cells
Authors: DELLEN BABETTE K. , CLARK JOHN W. , WESSEL RALF
Published: June 2005

Contextual influences shape our perception of local visual stimuli.
Relative-motion stimuli represent an important contextual influence, yet
the mechanism subserving relative-motion computation remains largely
unknown. In the present work, we investigated the responses of an
established model for simple and complex cells to relative-motion stimuli.
A straightforward mathematical analysis showed that relative-motion
computation is inherent in the nonlinear transformation of the
complex-cell model. Tuning to relative velocity is achieved by applying a
temporal filter to the complex-cell response. The mathematical inference
is supported by simulations that quantitatively reproduce measured
complex-cell responses in both cat and monkey to a variety of
relative-motion stimuli. Importantly, the posited mechanism for cortical
computation of relative motion does not require an intermediate neural
representation of local velocities and does not require lateral or
feedback interactions within a network.
‘A tale of two cities’: the memory of Ferrol, between the Navy and the working class
Authors: CARDESÍN JOSÉ MARÍA
Published: June 2005

The city of Ferrol was designed ‘ex-novo’ by military engineers to serve the Spanish monarchy and to house its naval base and dockyards. The principles of stratification on which society was based, and the need to defend the city from enemy attacks and to discipline workers led to a spatial plan that segregated the Navy officers and the working classes. In the nineteenth century, the naval base and the enclave economy of Ferrol became obsolete. Furthermore, the new political culture of the nation state and liberal democracy complicated further the task of controlling the working class. The Spanish Civil War allowed for the updating of Ferrol's spatial plan thanks to the identification of a single enemy both inside and outside: the political repression of the working-class became a major issue in the victory against the II República. The Franco regime meant the return of a segregated and militarized Ferrol, whereas in the 1980s, European integration and the transition to democracy made this model obsolete.

It was clearer than crystal to the lords of the State preserves of loaves and fishes, that things in general were settled for ever.
Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

Because I do it with a little ship only, I am called a thief; you, doing it with a great navy, are called an emperor.
Augustinus, De Civitate Dei
Can Simple Group Heuristics Detect Hidden Profiles in Randomly Generated Environments?
Authors: Reimer Torsten , Hoffrage Ulrich
Published: June 2005

Research on the hidden-profile effect ( Stasser, 1992 ) has revealed that groups often fail to detect the choice alternative with the highest sum score if the individual group members’ information points to another alternative. We conducted a simulation study in which we randomly generated distributions of information such that they did or did not contain a hidden profile. The simulated groups solved the tasks by applying a unit weight linear model or a fast and frugal heuristic (Minimalist or Take The Best). Overall, a communication-based lexicographic heuristic performed best across the different environments. This fast and frugal heuristic makes cue-wise comparisons of alternatives while pooling information during group discussion. Moreover, results show that performance depends on whether group members share and exchange information on valid or on invalid cues. Directions for future research are discussed.
L’analyse linguistico-pragma- tique des états mentaux comme méthode d’investigation des discours thérapeutiques
Authors: Lamboy Béatrice , Blanchet Alain , Lecomte Conrad
Published: June 2005

Cette étude présente une nouvelle méthode pour analyser les discours des psychothérapeutes. Construite à partir d’une connaissance formelle des processus langagiers, l’analyse linguistico-pragmatique se démarque des méthodes d’analyses traditionnelles qui se centrent sur les contenus. L’analyse linguistico-pragmatique des états mentaux dans le discours des psychothérapeutes est un exemple d’application de cette méthode d’analyse. Elle permet d’identifier et de dénombrer les indices langagiers renvoyant à l’expression verbale des états mentaux. Cette méthode a été appliquée à 32 retranscriptions d’entretien (16 entretiens thérapeutiques et 16 entretiens de recherche). Les résultats ont montré que les psychothérapeutes utilisent davantage d’indices langagiers d’états mentaux que les chercheurs et qu’ils font référence à tous les types d’états mentaux. Les psychothérapeutes Centrés sur la Personne ont plus recours aux indices langagiers d’impression-sensation; et les thérapeutes d’inspiration psychanalytique à ceux d’émotion. Ces résultats invitent à poursuivre l’investigation des discours thérapeutiques à l’aide de l’analyse linguistico-pragmatique.
Bullying and Delinquency in Adolescence: Victims’ and Perpetrators’ Family and Peer Relations
Authors: Perren Sonja , Hornung Rainer
Published: June 2005

This study investigated (a) the prevalence and co-occurrence of various victimisation and violence experiences among adolescents and examined (b) the quality of peer and family relationships of victims and perpetrators of bullying and violent delinquency. Self-report questionnaires were completed by 1107 Swiss adolescents (grades 7 and 9). Frequency of involvement in bully/victim problems and delinquency was used to classify pupils. Bullies and bully-victims were often also victims and/or perpetrators of violent delinquency. Sex and school type effects were found regarding involvement in bully/victim problems and delinquency. Pupils who were bullied reported lower peer acceptance than bullies and non-involved pupils. Bullies as well as perpetrators and victims of violent delinquency reported lower family support than non-involved adolescents. Implications for prevention and intervention are discussed.
Ion acoustic instability triggered by finite amplitude polarized waves in the solar wind
Authors: Gomberoff L. , Hoyos J. , Brinca A. L.
Published: June 2005

It is shown that ion‐acoustic waves propagating along an external magnetic field and generated by parametric decays of circularly polarized finite amplitude waves have the properties of ion‐acoustic waves observed in the solar wind.
Cluster vision of the magnetotail current sheet on a macroscale
Authors: Petrukovich A. A. , Baumjohann W. , Nakamura R. , Runov A. , Balogh A.
Published: June 2005

With Cluster 2001–2003 observations at ∼20 RE downtail we determine the cross‐tail current sheet configuration via mapping of the neutral sheet positions and direct measurements of the sheet inclination. The warping effect tilts both flanks of the sheet up to 40° in the YZ GSM plane, while the gradual hinging effect tilts the sheet up to 10–20° roughly in the XZ plane. These findings are in agreement with the recent neutral sheet model of Tsyganenko and Fairfield (2004). Nonuniform response of the neutral sheet By to IMF was also revealed. Typical IMF By penetration efficiency was 40–60%. However, efficiency for positive IMF By was below 20% at both flanks. Therefore at the flanks of the neutral sheet the normal magnetic field component (along the normal to the warped sheet) is generally larger than the shear component (along the current).
Dispersion characteristics for plasma resonances of Maxwellian and Kappa distribution plasmas and their comparisons to the IMAGE/RPI observations
Authors: Viñas Adolfo F. , Mace Richard L. , Benson Robert F.
Published: June 2005

The Radio Plasma Imager (RPI) on the IMAGE satellite stimulates short‐range plasma wave echoes and plasma emissions, known as plasma resonances, which are then displayed on plasmagrams. These resonances are used to provide measurements of the local electron density ne and magnetic field strength ∣B∣. The RPI‐stimulated resonances are the magnetospheric analog of plasma resonances stimulated by topside ionospheric sounders. These resonances are stimulated at the harmonic of the electron cyclotron frequency fce, the electron plasma frequency fpe, and the upper‐hybrid frequency fuh (where fuh2 = fpe2 + fce2). They are also observed between the harmonics of fce (i.e., nfce) both above and below fpe, where they are known as Qn and Dn resonances, respectively. Calculations of the Qn resonances in the ionospheric environment, based upon a thermal Maxwellian plasma model, provided confidence in the resonance identification between the observations and the estimated values within the experimental errors. However, there is often an apparent difference between these resonances in the magnetospheric environment and those predicted by calculations based on a Maxwellian plasma model. For example, the Qns are often (and perhaps consistently) observed at frequencies slightly lower than expected for a Maxwellian plasma. We present a new set of resonance calculations using the dispersion characteristics of these resonances based upon a nonthermal kappa distribution. We then compare these calculations and those based on a traditional Maxwellian thermal plasma model with the IMAGE/RPI observations. The calculations based on the kappa distribution model appear to resolve the aforementioned frequency discrepancy. In addition, the results also provide insights into the nature of the electron distribution function in the magnetosphere.
Impact of potential vorticity intrusions on subtropical upper tropospheric humidity
Authors: Waugh Darryn W.
Published: June 2005

The impact of Rossby wave breaking on the subtropical tropopause and intrusions of high potential vorticity air into the tropical upper troposphere (UT) on subtropical humidity is examined using measurements from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) and Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) satellite instruments and trajectory‐based simulations. Both data sets and the simulations show large gradients in humidity in the vicinity of the intrusions, with very dry air within the intrusions (relative humidity (RH) less than 20%) and very moist air ahead (east) of the intrusions (RH around 80%). The dry air within the intrusion is consistent with air from the lowermost stratosphere, while the increase in RH ahead of the intrusions is consistent with the known deep convection and poleward flow in this region, which rapidly transports moist air from the equatorial lower troposphere into the subtropical UT. As the water vapor content of the ambient air in the subtropical UT is already low, the net impact of intrusions is most likely to increase RH in the subtropical UT.
Frequency and extent of bromine oxide formation over the Dead Sea
Authors: Tas E. , Peleg M. , Matveev V. , Zingler J. , Luria M.
Published: June 2005

A study has been performed in an attempt to better understand and characterize BrO formation in the Dead Sea region. The DOAS technique was employed to quantify BrO levels at three sites along the Dead Sea representing three different Br− and pH levels of the water. In order to characterize the spatial extent of BrO formation, measurements were performed at a site south of the Dead Sea itself and also at a site 400 m above the water level. Additionally, measurements were concurrently performed for ozone, nitrogen oxides and meteorological parameters at each of the campaign sites. The results showed that BrO was produced everywhere in the Dead Sea region up to maximum levels of around 200 ppt. The frequency and intensity of BrO production was more intense in the southern part of the Dead Sea corresponding to the increased acidity and bromide content of the water and increased solid salt depositions. Maximum BrO production during the winter was similar to that of BrO produced during summer. BrO was also observed at 4 km inland from the Dead Sea shores and at heights 400 m above the water. However, these levels were less than half the concentration measured at the water level. While it would appear that the Br− content and pH of the Dead Sea water are the two major factors responsible for the elevated BrO levels observed at the Dead Sea, the presence of NO2, up to levels of several parts per billion, might also play an important role in the BrO production. Additional factors influencing BrO production could be the extensive salt deposition at the Dead Sea as well as the high sulfate aerosol levels present in the region.