bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blimp1 SuppressesChx10Expression in Differentiating Retinal Photoreceptor Precursors to Ensure Proper Photoreceptor Development
Authors: Katoh Kimiko , Omori Yoshihiro , Onishi Akishi , Sato Shigeru , Kondo Mineo , Furukawa Takahisa
Published: May 2010

The zinc finger transcription factor Blimp1 plays fundamentally important roles in many cell lineages and in the early development of several cell types, including B and T lymphocytes and germ cells. AlthoughBlimp1expression in developing retinal photoreceptor cells has been reported, its function remains unclear. We identifiedBlimp1as a downstream factor of Otx2, which plays an essential role in photoreceptor cell fate determination. To investigate Blimp1 function in the mouse retina, we ablatedBlimp1in the developing retina by conditional gene targeting. In theBlimp1conditional knockout (CKO) retina, the number of photoreceptor cells was markedly reduced in the differentiated retina. We found that the numbers of both bipolar-like cells and proliferating retinal cells increased noticeably, with ectopic localizations in the postnatal developing retina. In contrast, a reduction of the number of photoreceptor precursors was observed during development. Forced expression ofBlimp1byin vivoelectroporation suppressed bipolar cell genesis in the developing retina. Multiple genes involved in bipolar development, includingChx10, were upregulated in theBlimp1CKO retina. Furthermore, we showed that Blimp1 can bind to theChx10enhancer and repressChx10enhancer activity. These results suggest that Blimp1 plays a crucial role in photoreceptor development by repressing genes involved in bipolar cell fate specification and retinal cell proliferation in differentiating photoreceptor precursors.
A Relative Position Code for Saccades in Dorsal Premotor Cortex
Authors: Pesaran Bijan , Nelson Matthew J. , Andersen Richard A.
Published: May 2010

Spatial computations underlying the coordination of the hand and eye present formidable geometric challenges. One way for the nervous system to simplify these computations is to directly encode the relative position of the hand and the center of gaze. Neurons in the dorsal premotor cortex (PMd), which is critical for the guidance of arm-reaching movements, encode the relative position of the hand, gaze, and goal of reaching movements. This suggests that PMd can coordinate reaching movements with eye movements. Here, we examine saccade-related signals in PMd to determine whether they also point to a role for PMd in coordinating visual–motor behavior. We first compared the activity of a population of PMd neurons with a population of parietal reach region (PRR) neurons. During center-out reaching and saccade tasks, PMd neurons responded more strongly before saccades than PRR neurons, and PMd contained a larger proportion of exclusively saccade-tuned cells than PRR. During a saccade relative position-coding task, PMd neurons encoded saccade targets in a relative position code that depended on the relative position of gaze, the hand, and the goal of a saccadic eye movement. This relative position code for saccades is similar to the way that PMd neurons encode reach targets. We propose that eye movement and eye position signals in PMd do not drive eye movements, but rather provide spatial information that links the control of eye and arm movements to support coordinated visual–motor behavior.
Dominant Vertical Orientation Processing without Clustered Maps: Early Visual Brain Dynamics Imaged with Voltage-Sensitive Dye in the Pigeon Visual Wulst
Authors: Shien Wei Ng Benedict , Grabska-Barwińska Agnieszka , Güntürkün Onur , Jancke Dirk
Published: May 2010

The pigeon is a widely established behavioral model of visual cognition, but the processes along its most basic visual pathways remain mostly unexplored. Here, we report the neuronal population dynamics of the visual Wulst, an assumed homolog of the mammalian striate cortex, captured for the first time with voltage-sensitive dye imaging. Responses to drifting gratings were characterized by focal emergence of activity that spread extensively across the entire Wulst, followed by rapid adaptation that was most effective in the surround. Using additional electrophysiological recordings, we found cells that prefer a variety of orientations. However, analysis of the imaged spatiotemporal activation patterns revealed no clustered orientation map-like arrangements as typically found in the primary visual cortices of many mammalian species. Instead, the vertical orientation was overrepresented, both in terms of the imaged population signal, as well as the number of neurons preferring the vertical orientation. Such enhanced selectivity for the vertical orientation may result from horizontal motion vectors that trigger adaptation to the extensive flow field input during natural behavior. Our findings suggest that, although the avian visual Wulst is homologous to the primary visual cortex in terms of its gross anatomical connectivity and topology, its detailed operation and internal organization is still shaped according to specific input characteristics.
The Fusiform Face Area is Enlarged in Williams Syndrome
Authors: Golarai Golijeh , Hong Sungjin , Haas Brian W. , Galaburda Albert M. , Mills Debra L. , Bellugi Ursula , Grill-Spector Kalanit , Reiss Allan L.
Published: May 2010

Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic condition characterized by atypical brain structure, cognitive deficits, and a life-long fascination with faces. Face recognition is relatively spared in WS, despite abnormalities in aspects of face processing and structural alterations in the fusiform gyrus, part of the ventral visual stream. Thus, face recognition in WS may be subserved by abnormal neural substrates in the ventral stream. To test this hypothesis, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging and examined the fusiform face area (FFA), which is implicated in face recognition in typically developed (TD) individuals, but its role in WS is not well understood. We found that the FFA was approximately two times larger among WS than TD participants (both absolutely and relative to the fusiform gyrus), despite apparently normal levels of face recognition performance on a Benton face recognition test. Thus, a larger FFA may play a role in face recognition proficiency among WS.
IP3Receptor Sensitization duringIn VivoAmphetamine Experience Enhances NMDA Receptor Plasticity in Dopamine Neurons of the Ventral Tegmental Area
Authors: Ahn Kee-Chan , Bernier Brian E. , Harnett Mark T. , Morikawa Hitoshi
Published: May 2010

Synaptic plasticity in the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system is critically involved in reward-based conditioning and the development of drug addiction. Ca2+signals triggered by postsynaptic action potentials (APs) drive the induction of synaptic plasticity in the CNS. However, it is not clear how AP-evoked Ca2+signals and the resulting synaptic plasticity are altered duringin vivoexposure to drugs of abuse. We have recently described long-term potentiation (LTP) of NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated transmission onto DA neurons that is induced in a manner dependent on bursts of APs. LTP induction requires amplification of burst-evoked Ca2+signals by preceding activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) generating inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). In this study, using brain slices prepared from male rats, we show that repeatedin vivoexposure to the psychostimulant amphetamine (5 mg/kg, i.p., 3–7 d) upregulates mGluR-dependent facilitation of burst-evoked Ca2+signals in DA neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Protein kinase A (PKA)-induced sensitization of IP3receptors mediates this upregulation of mGluR action. As a consequence, NMDAR-mediated transmission becomes more susceptible to LTP induction after repeated amphetamine exposure. We have also found that the magnitude of amphetamine-conditioned place preference (CPP) in behaving rats correlates with the magnitude of mGluR-dependent Ca2+signal facilitation measured in VTA slices prepared from these rats. Furthermore, the development of amphetamine CPP is significantly attenuated by intra-VTA infusion of the PKA inhibitor H89. We propose that enhancement of mGluR-dependent NMDAR plasticity in the VTA may promote the learning of environmental stimuli repeatedly associated with amphetamine experience.
Muscarinic Signaling in the Cochlea: Presynaptic and Postsynaptic Effects on Efferent Feedback and Afferent Excitability
Authors: Maison Stéphane F. , Liu Xiao-Ping , Vetter Douglas E. , Eatock Ruth Anne , Nathanson Neil M. , Wess Jürgen , Liberman M. Charles
Published: May 2010

Acetylcholine is the major neurotransmitter of the olivocochlear efferent system, which provides feedback to cochlear hair cells and sensory neurons. To study the role of cochlear muscarinic receptors, we studied receptor localization with immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-PCR and measured olivocochlear function, cochlear responses, and histopathology in mice with targeted deletion of each of the five receptor subtypes. M2, M4, and M5were detected in microdissected immature (postnatal days 10–13) inner hair cells and spiral ganglion cells but not outer hair cells. In the adult (6 weeks), the same transcripts were found in microdissected organ of Corti and spiral ganglion samples. M2protein was found, by immunohistochemistry, in olivocochlear fibers in both outer and inner hair cell areas. M3mRNA was amplified only from whole cochleas, and M1message was never seen in wild-type ears. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were unaffected by loss of Gq-coupled receptors (M1, M3, or M5), as were shock-evoked olivocochlear effects and vulnerability to acoustic injury. In contrast, loss of Gi-coupled receptors (M2and/or M4) decreased neural responses without affecting DPOAEs (at low frequencies). This phenotype and the expression pattern are consistent with excitatory muscarinic signaling in cochlear sensory neurons. At high frequencies, both ABRs and DPOAEs were attenuated by loss of M2and/or M4, and the vulnerability to acoustic injury was dramatically decreased. This aspect of the phenotype and the expression pattern are consistent with a presynaptic role for muscarinic autoreceptors in decreasing ACh release from olivocochlear terminals during high-level acoustic stimulation and suggest that muscarinic antagonists could enhance the resistance of the inner ear to noise-induced hearing loss.
The Power of Natural Selection: A Guided Investigation of Three Case Studies
Authors: Beachly William
Published: May 2010

I describe a quantitative approach to three case studies in evolution that can be used to challenge college freshmen to explore the power of natural selection and ask questions that foster a deeper understanding of its operation and relevance. Hemochromatosis, the peppered moth, and hominid cranial capacity are investigated with a common algebraic formula that illustrates the application of mathematics in biology.
Were Australopithecines Ape— Human Intermediates or Just Apes? A Test of Both Hypotheses Using the “Lucy” Skeleton
Authors: Senter Phil
Published: May 2010

Mainstream scientists often claim that australopithecines such as the specimen nicknamed “Lucy” exhibit anatomy intermediate between that of apes and that of humans and use this as evidence that humans evolved from australopithecines, which evolved from apes. On the other hand, creationists reject evolution and claim that australopithecines are “just apes.” Here, a point-by-point visual comparison with the skeletons of a chimpanzee, “Lucy,” and a human is presented in order to evaluate both claims, treating them as testable hypotheses. The results support the hypothesis that australopithecines are anatomically intermediate between apes and humans. Classroom applications of this test of hypotheses are also discussed.
PopGen Fishbowl: A Free Online Simulation Model of Microevolutionary Processes
Authors: Jones Thomas C. , Laughlin Thomas F.
Published: May 2010

Natural selection and other components of evolutionary theory are known to be particularly challenging concepts for students to understand. To help illustrate these concepts, we developed a simulation model of microevolutionary processes. The model features all the components of Hardy-Weinberg theory, with population size, selection, gene flow, nonrandom mating, and mutation all being demonstrated in the simulations. By using this freely available computer model, students can develop and test hypotheses with replicated virtual experiments. Because the model is an agent-based simulation, there is biologically realistic variability in the results. Students using the model see results both numerically and graphically, and these are reinforced by an animation of the virtual fish in the simulated experiment.
Environmental Education & Ecology in a Life Science Course for Preservice K—8 Teachers Using Project Wildlife in Learning Design
Authors: Nelson Allan
Published: May 2010

During laboratory sessions devoted to ecology, 182 preservice K—8 teachers participated in a Project Wildlife in Learning Design (WILD) workshop. Participants rated the workshop highly, indicated they would use more inquiry-based activities, and were more interested in teaching ecology following the workshop. Post-test scores indicated an increased content knowledge of ecology.
Using Pipe Cleaners to Bring the Tree of Life to Life
Authors: Halverson Kristy L.
Published: May 2010

Phylogenetic trees, such as the ““Tree of Life,”” are commonly found in biology textbooks and are often used in teaching. Because students often struggle to understand these diagrams, I developed a simple, inexpensive classroom model. Made of pipe cleaners, it is easily manipulated to rotate branches, compare topologies, map complete lineages, identify informative phylogenetic features, and examine the effects of superficial structural changes.
Big Science and Big Data in Biology: From the International Geophysical Year through the International Biological Program to the Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network, 1957–Present
Authors: Aronova Elena , Baker Karen S. , Oreskes Naomi
Published: May 2010

This paper discusses the historical connections between two large-scale undertakings that became exemplars for worldwide data-driven scientific initiatives after World War II: the International Geophysical Year (1957–1958) and the International Biological Program (1964–1974). The International Biological Program was seen by its planners as a means to promote Big Science in ecology. As the term Big Science gained currency in the 1960s, the Manhattan Project and the national space program became paradigmatic examples, but the International Geophysical Year provided scientists with an alternative model: a synoptic collection of observational data on a global scale. This new, potentially complementary model of Big Science encompassed the field practices of ecologists and suggested a model for the natural historical sciences to achieve the stature and reach of the experimental physical sciences. However, the program encountered difficulties when the institutional structures, research methodologies, and data management implied by the Big Science mode of research collided with the epistemic goals, practices, and assumptions of many ecologists. By 1974, when the program ended, many participants viewed it as a failure. However, this failed program transformed into the Long-Term Ecological Research program. Historical analysis suggests that many of the original incentives of the program (the emphasis on Big Data and the implementation of the organizational structure of Big Science in biological projects) were in fact realized by the program's visionaries and its immediate investigators. While the program failed to follow the exact model of the International Geophysical Year, it ultimately succeeded in providing a renewed legitimacy for synoptic data collection in biology. It also helped to create a new mode of contemporary science of the Long Term Ecological Research (LTER Network), used by ecologists today.
History's Lobbyist: An Interview with Page Putnam Miller
Authors: Miller Page Putnam , Ritchie Donald
Published: May 2010

From 1980 to 2000, Page Putnam Miller headed the National Coordinating Committee for the Promotion of History (NCC) and served as the liaison between the federal government and the NCC's member associations. Beginning in 1995, her electronic newsletter, NCC Washington Update, kept historians informed about developments in the legislative, judicial, and executive branches and rallied their support behind such pressing issues as freedom of information, an independent National Archives, and the preservation of historical sites in the national parks. She reflected on the personal experiences that she brought to the job, and the challenges that she faced, in an interview with Donald A. Ritchie on December 22, 2008.
Sculpted Radicals: The Problem of Sacco and Vanzetti in Boston's Public Memory
Authors: Yuhl Stephanie E.
Published: May 2010

On August 23, 1927, Italian anarchists Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were executed for robbery and murder in Massachusetts. This essay examines the echoes of that event in Boston's commemorative landscape as a means to discuss the relationship between official and vernacular expressions of public memory as well as some of the limitations that interpreting ideological radicalism reveals in public historical practice. It examines the history and discourses surrounding the Sacco and Vanzetti Memorial at the Boston Public Library, the Sacco and Vanzetti Memorial Day Proclamation (1977), and a 2007 anarchist/radical parade and rally in Boston commemorating the eightieth anniversary of the executions.
The diagnosis of GH deficiency in obese patients: a reappraisal with GHRH plus arginine testing after pharmacological blockade of lipolysis
Authors: Scacchi Massimo , Orsini Federica , Cattaneo Agnese , Grasso Alice , Filippini Barbara , Pecori Giraldi Francesca , Fatti Letizia Maria , Moro Mirella , Cavagnini Francesco
Published: May 2010

Background

The diagnosis of GH deficiency (GHD) in obese patients is complicated by the reduced GH secretion associated with overweight. A GH response to GHRH+arginine lower than 4.2 μg/l is currently considered indicative of GHD in obesity. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of acute pharmacological blockade of lipolysis on the GH response to GHRH+arginine in obese patients.

Patients and methods

Two groups of patients were studied: 12 obese patients with proven GHD and 14 patients with essential obesity. On separate occasions, two tests were carried out in each patient: GHRH+arginine and GHRH+arginine preceded by acipimox.

Results

The mean GH peak after GHRH+arginine was significantly lower in hypopituitary patients than in subjects with essential obesity. Acipimox significantly increased the mean GH response in patients with essential obesity, but not in hypopituitary subjects. All hypopituitary patients and 7/14 patients with essential obesity displayed GH peaks lower than 4.2 μg/l after GHRH+arginine: the GH response to the test increased after acipimox pretreatment in five of these seven essentially obese subjects. After acipimox administration, free fatty acids (FFAs) significantly fell in both groups with comparable mean absolute decreases. All IGF1 values were normal in both groups of subjects.

Conclusions

Our study has demonstrated that the acipimox-induced acute reduction of circulating FFA levels increases mean somatotropin response to GHRH+arginine in patients with essential obesity, whereas it has no effect in hypopituitary subjects. The current criterion for the diagnosis of GHD in obese patients may be misleading. Indeed, subjects affected by third degree obesity, like most of our patients, may be erroneously classified as really GH-deficient and started on an expensive unjustified treatment. It appears therefore that the current criteria for the diagnosis of GHD in obesity should be reconsidered in the light of further studies also taking into account different body mass index groups.
Intraepidermal nerve fiber density reduction as a marker of preclinical asymptomatic small-fiber sensory neuropathy in hypothyroid patients
Authors: Magri Flavia , Buonocore Michelangelo , Oliviero Antonio , Rotondi Mario , Gatti Anna , Accornero Silvia , Camera Antonella , Chiovato Luca
Published: May 2010

Aim

To evaluate, by using skin biopsy technique, the intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) density in a group of untreated patients with hypothyroidism, either overt (OH) or subclinical (SH), who did not complain of neurologic symptoms.

Methods

We evaluated 18 neurologically asymptomatic patients newly diagnosed with OH or SH. Fifteen healthy, age-matched, controls were also studied. A nerve conduction study was performed. Skin biopsy was carried out from the skin of upper thigh and distal leg. Nerve fiber density was measured using an immunofluorescence technique. The density of innervation was calculated by counting only fibers crossing the basement membrane.

Results

Electroneurographic parameters were similar in patients and controls. When compared with healthy controls, patients with OH or SH showed a significantly lower IENF density. As assessed by the proximal/distal fiber density ratio, the hypothyroid neuropathy was length dependent. When individually considered, an abnormally reduced IENF was observed in 60% of patients with OH at the distal leg and in 20% at the proximal site. In patients with SH, an abnormal IENF density was found at the distal leg in 25% of cases and at the proximal thigh in 12.5% of cases.

Conclusions

Our study provides the first direct demonstration of reduced IENF density in patients with OH or SH. In all patients, the IENF density reduction was length dependent. These findings suggest that a considerable number of untreated hypothyroid patients may have preclinical asymptomatic small-fiber sensory neuropathy.
Optimisation of reverse transcription can improve the sensitivity of RT-PCR for detection of classical swine fever virus
Authors: Podgórska Katarzyna , Stadejek Tomasz
Published: May 2010

Classical swine fever is a highly contagious, notifiable disease of pigs and wild boars listed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Therefore, methods employed in the diagnosis of CSF should be fast, sensitive and specific. The aim of this study was optimisation of the reverse transcription reaction to increase the sensitivity of real-time RT-PCR for the detection of classical swine fever virus, the aetiological agent of the disease. The efficiency of reverse transcription reaction was compared including a range of reverse transcriptases, thermal conditions and priming methods based on results obtained in the following realtime PCR. Depending on catalysis and the priming method used in the study a significant diversity of results was observed. The best efficacy of reverse transcription was obtained using SuperScript II reverse transcriptase and priming with random nonamers and reverse, gene-specific primer. This combination improved the sensitivity of RT-PCR nearly 1000 times as compared to the method with AMV reverse transcriptase coupled with random hexamers. In summary, this study has demonstrated that the optimisation of reverse transcription can contribute to a higher sensitivity of RT-PCR diagnostic methods.
Effect of dietary calcium deficiency on the cardiac function of broiler chickens based on electro- and echocardiography
Authors: Zamani Moghaddam Abdol , Hassanpour Hossein , Soroori Sarang , Yadegari Mehrdad , Tajeri Ghodsieh
Published: May 2010

To determine the effects of dietary calcium deficiency on the heart function of broiler chickens based on electro- and echocardiography, chicks were reared for 42 days and fed rations with different amounts of calcium. At 28 and 42 days of age, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters were assessed. There were significant reductions of R wave amplitude (leads II and aVR) in the Ca-deficient group II at 42 day of age as compared to the control. S wave amplitudes were decreased in most leads but the decrease was significant (P < 0.05) only at 28 days (lead aVL, Ca-deficient group I) and 42 days (leads III, aVR, aVF, Ca-deficient groups I and II). T wave amplitudes were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased at 42 days (leads II, aVR and aVF) in the Ca-deficient group II compared to the control group. Variations in QT, ST and RR intervals were insignificant in the Ca-deficient groups compared with the control. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in left ventricular diameter at end-systole and a reduction of left ventricular fractional shortening in the Ca-deficient group II at 28 and 42 days as compared to the controls. Right ventricular fractional shortening was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased only in the Ca-deficient group II at 42 days of age. These results suggest that dose-dependent dietary calcium deficiency alters variations in electro- and echocardiographic parameters which could reflect decreased cardiac function in growing broiler chickens.
Influence of pH on the growth, laccase activity and RBBR decolorization by tropical basidiomycetes
Authors: Moreira Neto Sérgio Luiz , Matheus Dácio Roberto , Machado Kátia Maria Gomes
Published: May 2010

The basidiomycete fungi Lentinus crinitus and Psilocybe castanella are being evaluated in a bioremediation process of soils contaminated with organochlorine industrial residues in the Baixada Santista, São Paulo. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of pH on the fungal growth, in vitro decolorization of anthraquinonic dye Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) and laccase activity. The pH of the culture medium influenced the growth of L. crinitus and P. castanella, which presented less growth at pH 5.9 and pH 2.7, respectively. The fungi were able to modify the pH of the culture medium, adjusting it to the optimum pH for growth which was close to 4.5. Decolorization of the RBBR was maximal at a pH of 2.5 to 3.5. Higher laccase activity was observed at pH 3.5 and pH 4.5 for L. crinitus and P. castanella, respectively. pH was found to be an important parameter for both the growth of these fungi and the enzymatic system involved in RBBR decolorization.
Soil flood tolerance of seven genotypes of Panicum maximum Jacq.
Authors: Silva Adriane Schio , Laura Valdemir Antônio , Jank Liana
Published: May 2010

The soil flood tolerance of seven genotypes of Panicum maximum Jacq. (PM11, PM34, PM40 and PM45, and the commercial cultivars Massai, Mombaça and Tanzânia) was evaluated in plants subjected to two conditions: flooded and not flooded, during a period of 14 days. Flooding significantly decreased the total and above ground biomass of PM40 and PM45. For cultivar Tanzânia, flooding decreased these two variables and also root biomass. The root, total and above ground relative growth rates were significantly reduced by flooding in cultivar Tanzânia, while in PM45 only the above ground relative growth rate was reduced. Cultivar Tanzânia showed significant differences for all variables analyzed, thus was not flood tolerant, as well as PM40 and PM45. It could be concluded that Massai, PM34, Mombaça and PM11 were the most flood tolerant genotypes.
ACTH is a potent regulator of gene expression in human adrenal cells
Authors: Xing Yewei , Parker C Richard , Edwards Michael , Rainey William E
Published: May 2010

The adrenal glands are the primary source of minerocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and the so-called adrenal androgens. Under physiological conditions, cortisol and adrenal androgen synthesis are controlled primarily by ACTH. Although it has been established that ACTH can stimulate steroidogenesis, the effects of ACTH on overall gene expression in human adrenal cells have not been established. In this study, we defined the effects of chronic ACTH treatment on global gene expression in primary cultures of both adult adrenal (AA) and fetal adrenal (FA) cells. Microarray analysis indicated that 48 h of ACTH treatment caused 30 AA genes and 84 FA genes to increase by greater than fourfold, with 20 genes common in both cell cultures. Among these genes were six encoding enzymes involved in steroid biosynthesis, the ACTH receptor and its accessory protein, melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein (ACTH receptor accessory protein). Real-time quantitative PCR confirmed the eight most upregulated and one downregulated common genes between two cell types. These data provide a group of ACTH-regulated genes including many that have not been previously studied with regard to adrenal function. These genes represent candidates for regulation of adrenal differentiation and steroid hormone biosynthesis.
Long-Term Pancreas Allograft Survival in Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation by Era
Authors: Waki Kayo , Terasaki Paul I. , Kadowaki Takashi
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether short-term improvement in pancreas graft survival with simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplants translated into improved long-term survival, then to examine the implications of that determination.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed data for 14,311 diabetic patients who received a first SPK transplant between October 1987 and November 2007, using Kaplan-Meier analysis for graft survival rates and Cox regression analysis for year-of-transplant effect.

RESULTS

Overall, from 1995 to 2004, 5-year pancreas graft survival stayed about the same (70–71%). Limiting analysis to grafts that survived more than 1 year, 5-year survival from 1987 to 2004 ranged from 80 to 84%. With 1987–1989 as reference, the adjusted hazard ratio for graft failure by year of transplant increased to 1.49 (95% CI 0.97–2.30) in 2000–2004.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term pancreas graft survival has remained unchanged despite the dramatic decreases in technical failures and early acute rejection rates that have contributed to prolonged SPK graft survival.
Associations of Visceral and Subcutaneous Fat Areas With the Prevalence of Metabolic Risk Factor Clustering in 6,292 Japanese Individuals
Authors: Matsushita Yumi , Nakagawa Toru , Yamamoto Shuichiro , Takahashi Yoshihiko , Yokoyama Tetsuji , Noda Mitsuhiko , Mizoue Tetsuya
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVE

We examined the relationships of visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area, and waist circumference, determined using computed tomography (CT), and BMI with metabolic risk factors in a large Japanese population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Study subjects comprised 6,292 men and women who participated in the Hitachi Health Study and received CT examinations in 2007 and 2008.

RESULTS

Regarding the clustering of metabolic risk factors, the odds ratios (ORs) for the VFA quintiles were 1.0 (ref.), 2.4, 3.4, 5.0, and 9.7 for men and 1.0 (ref.), 1.5, 2.6, 4.6, and 10.0 for women (P < 0.001 for trends in both sexes). For the highest quintiles, the OR for VFA was 1.5 to 2 times higher than those of the other anthropometric indexes in both sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated a superior performance of VFA to predict the clustering of metabolic risk factors compared with other anthropometric indexes.
On the sparse set topology
Authors: Das Pratulananda , Banerjee Amar
Published: May 2010

In this paper we examine the regularity and pseudo-completeness of the sparse set topology introduced in [EAMES, W.: Local property of measurable sets, Canad. J. Math. 12 (1960), 632–640].
Layer and unlayer solutions for some singularly perturbed semilinear elliptic systems
Authors: Duan Zhi-Wen
Published: May 2010

In this paper the existence of a transition layer and unlayer solution for the stationary system ɛ
2Δu = f(u, υ), Δυ = g(u, υ) with x ∈ Ω ⊂ RN (N ≥ 2) is studied by using the degree-theoretical argument.
Oscillation of higher order neutral functional difference equations with positive and negative coefficients
Authors: Rath R. , Barik B. , Rath S.
Published: May 2010

Sufficient conditions are obtained so that every solution of the neutral functional difference equation $$
\Delta ^m (y_n - p_n y_{\tau (n)} ) + q_n G(y_{\sigma (n)} ) - u_n H(y_{\alpha (n)} ) = f_n ,
$$ oscillates or tends to zero or ±∞ as n → ∞, where Δ is the forward difference operator given by Δx
n = x
n+1 − x
n, p
n, q
n, u
n, f
n are infinite sequences of real numbers with q
n > 0, u
n ≥ 0, G,H ∈ C(ℝ,ℝ) and m ≥ 2 is any positive integer. Various ranges of {p
n} are considered. The results hold for G(u) ≡ u, and f
n ≡ 0. This paper corrects, improves and generalizes some recent results.
Some topological and geometric properties of generalized Euler sequence space
Authors: Kara Emrah , Öztürk Mahpeyker , Bašarir Metin
Published: May 2010

In this paper, we introduce the Euler sequence space e
r(p) of nonabsolute type and prove that the spaces e
r(p) and l(p) are linearly isomorphic. Besides this, we compute the α-, β- and γ-duals of the space e
r(p). The results proved herein are analogous to those in [ALTAY, B.—BASŠAR, F.: On the paranormed Riesz sequence spaces of non-absolute type, Southeast Asian Bull. Math. 26 (2002), 701–715] for the Riesz sequence space r
q(p). Finally, we define a modular on the Euler sequence space e
r(p) and consider it equipped with the Luxemburg norm. We give some relationships between the modular and Luxemburg norm on this space and show that the space e
r(p) has property (H) but it is not rotund (R).
Conflict Management and Resolution among Beja Pastoralists: Elements and Procedures of the (Salif) Customary Law
Authors: Ati Hassan Abdel
Published: May 2010

Sudan has recently been plagued with conflicts, particularly in pastoral areas, mostly due to competition over resources. Many of these conflicts have developed into civil wars, resulting in the disintegration of the social fabric and disruption of the coexistence among those societies. Peace agreements were signed, reconciliation conferences held and models for conflict transformation tried, but all failed. This paper provides a model for the indigenous patterns of conflict prevention, management and resolution. Despite the scarcity of natural resources, the adverse environmental conditions and the heterogeneity of the inhabitants of Eastern Sudan, the frequency of conflict was the lowest in the country. The main reason seems to be the commitment to the salif (code of behaviour), which constitutes the reference for settling disputes and is the measure for belonging to the group. The merits of the Beja customary system and the reasons for its success in preventing and resolving conflicts is, unlike the formal justice system, its valuing of human life, its preference for compensation as opposed to revenge and retaliation, and its acceptance by all pastoral Beja communities.
Transformed Livelihoods in the Lower Atbara Area: Pastoral Rashâyda Responses to Crisis
Authors: Calkins Sandra
Published: May 2010

External dynamics and processes have long affected the Lower Atbara area of Sudan, and have irreversibly transformed nomadic pastoral livelihood systems. In the context of resource scarcity and recurring conflicts, this paper analyses how Rashâyda pastoralists from Um Sayâla responded to challenges to their pastoral production. As relative newcomers to Sudan, the Rashâyda represent a peculiar case because their access to pastoral resources has been challenged since their arrival in Sudan. But in times of crisis, such as the drought of 1985, their traditionally strong ties to the Gulf States served them as a buffer, mitigating the negative effects of the crisis. This paper highlights five biographies, which reveal individual responses to the catastrophic drought and their outcomes. It concludes by discussing how the Rashâyda tackled the competition for sparse resources and resource contractions in times of crisis, and reveals some internal and external consequences for the group.
Transforming Pastoralism: A Case Study of the Rufa'a Al-Hoi Ethnic Group in the Blue Nile State of Sudan
Authors: Ahmed Abdel Ghaffar M.
Published: May 2010

The pastoral sector in the Blue Nile State (Sudan) has been marginalized and impoverished as a result of detrimental state policies, deteriorating environmental conditions and an encroaching civil war. To survive these assaults, poor households among the Rufa'a Al-Hoi group had to settle and engage in activities remotely related to the pastoral sector. However, they found that their circumstances actually improved by gaining access to a number of social and other types of services previously unavailable. Contrary to conventional wisdom, these particular Rufa'a households found their quality of life improving under their new circumstances and did not attempt to return to pastoralism. Recently, such choices attracted other well-to-do pastoral households from the same ethnic group to settle, engage in agriculture and small business and keep some of their livestock on the move with herders, thus transforming their system of livelihood in order to both cope and reap the benefits from the changing situation.
Municipal Wastewater Effluents as a Source of Listerial Pathogens in the Aquatic Milieu of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: A Concern of Public Health Importance
Authors: Odjadjare Emmanuel E.O. , Obi Larry C. , Okoh Anthony I.
Published: May 2010

We evaluated the effluent quality of an urban wastewater treatment facility in South Africa and its impact on the receiving watershed for a period of 12 months. The prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of potential Listeria pathogens (L. ivanovii and L. innocua) and the physicochemical quality of the treated wastewater effluent was assessed, with a view to ascertain the potential health and environmental hazards of the discharged effluent. Total listerial density varied between 2.9 × 100 and 1.2 × 105 cfu/mL; free living Listeria species were more prevalent (84%), compared to Listeria species attached to planktons (59–75%). The treated effluent quality fell short of recommended standards for turbidity, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, nitrite, phosphate and Listeria density; while pH, temperature, total dissolved solids and nitrate contents were compliant with target quality limits after treatment. The Listeria isolates (23) were sensitive to three (15%) of the 20 test antibiotics, and showed varying (4.5–91%) levels of resistance to 17 antibiotics. Of seven resistance gene markers assayed, only sulII genes were detected in five (22%) Listeria strains. The study demonstrates a potential negative impact of the wastewater effluent on the receiving environment and suggests a serious public health implication for those who depend on the receiving watershed for drinking and other purposes.
Chiral Pt/ZrO2 Catalysts. Enantioselective Hydrogenation of 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione
Authors: Urbina Claudia , Campos Cristian , Pecchi Gina , Claver Carmen , Reyes Patricio
Published: May 2010

The enantioselective hydrogenation of 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedioneover Pt colloids stabilized with (R,S)-4,5-dihydro-4,5-diphenyl-2-(6-cyanopyridinyl)imidazoline (CI) supported on a meso-structured ZrO2 under a pressure of 40 bar of H2 at 298 K has been investigated. The metal loading in all catalysts was 1 wt%. The effect of the amount of chiral modifier on the metal particle size and on the catalytic behavior was analyzed. It was found that as the CI/Pt molar ratio increases from 2.5 to 3.5 the Pt crystal size decreases from 3.0 to 1.8 nm. All catalysts were very active in the studied reaction, with the most active one being the catalyst with smaller Pt particles, whereas the selectivity is higher in those catalysts with larger chiral modified Pt metal particles.
Supramolecular Coordination Assemblies Constructed From Multifunctional Azole-Containing Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Deng Yuheng , Liu Hao , Yu Bo , Yao Min
Published: May 2010

This paper provides a brief review of recent progress in the field of metal coordination polymers assembled from azole-containing carboxylic acids and gives a diagrammatic summary of the diversity of topological structures in the resulting infinite metal-organic coordination networks (MOCNs). Azole-containing carboxylic acids are a favorable kind of multifunctional ligand to construct various metal complexes with isolated complexes and one, two and three dimensional structures, whose isolated complexes are not the focus of this review. An insight into the topology patterns of the infinite coordination polymers is provided. Analyzed topologies are compared with documented topologies and catalogued by the nature of nodes and connectivity pattern. New topologies which are not available from current topology databases are described and demonstrated graphically.
Natural Products in Epilepsy—the Present Situation and Perspectives for the Future
Authors: Ekstein Dana , Schachter Steven C.
Published: May 2010

More efficacious and better tolerated treatments for epilepsy are clearly needed. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has a long history of use in certain parts of the world and has gained increasing interest over the last decades in Western countries. In countries with a Western-based type of medical system, people with epilepsy (PWE) take natural products or engage in other forms of CAM mainly to enhance general health, but also to prevent seizures or to alleviate symptoms of comorbidities or side effects of antiepileptic medications. In other countries, well developed medical systems, such as traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, are often the basis for treating PWE. Based on anecdotal reports of efficacy in PWE, natural products from these and other traditions are increasingly being studied in animal models of epilepsy, and candidates for further clinical development have been identified. It is likely, therefore, that natural products will be further evaluated for safety, tolerability and efficacy in PWE with drug-resistant seizures.
Use of Remote Sensing Data and GIS Tools for Seismic Hazard Assessment for Shallow Oilfields and its Impact on the Settlements at Masjed-i-Soleiman Area, Zagros Mountains, Iran
Authors: Safari Hojjat Ollah , Pirasteh Saied , Pradhan Biswajeet , Gharibvand Ladan Khedri
Published: May 2010

Masjed-i-Soleiman (MIS) is situated in the northern part of the Dezful embayment, which is in the Zagros fold–thrust belt with high seismic activities. MIS faces a shallow buried anticline, formed by the shallowest oilfield with a thick gas cap. The cap rocks of this oilfield are highly fractured, which has resulted in leakages from the gas cap. In this paper, we have used remote sensing techniques and image interpretation for the identification of the Niayesh, Lahbari, Andika and MIS fault zones in the studied area. Further, the study exploited seismic potential mapping using the remote sensing techniques. The relationships between the structural controls and localized gas leakage are assessed within the GIS environment. Additionally, field observation data corroborated that the leakages (and seepages) are smashed within the intersection of Niayesh and MIS fault zone, which belongs to the high fractured hinge zone of the MIS anticline. As a result, the reactivation of these active faults may cause large earthquakes with a maximum magnitude of between 6.23 < Ms < 7.05 (Richter scale) and maximum horizontal acceleration 0.26 < a < 0.55 g. Finally, the authors concluded that this anticipated earthquake may cause large scale fracturing of cap rocks, releasing a large volume of H2S gas from the uppermost layer of the reservoir.
Solvent Vapour Detection with Cholesteric Liquid Crystals—Optical and Mass-Sensitive Evaluation of the Sensor Mechanism
Authors: Mujahid Adnan , Stathopulos Helen , Lieberzeit Peter A. , Dickert Franz L.
Published: May 2010

Cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) are used as sensitive coatings for the detection of organic solvent vapours for both polar and non-polar substances. The incorporation of different analyte vapours in the CLC layers disturbs the pitch length which changes the optical properties, i.e., shifting the absorption band. The engulfing of CLCs around non-polar solvent vapours such as tetrahedrofuran (THF), chloroform and tetrachloroethylene is favoured in comparison to polar ones, i.e., methanol and ethanol. Increasing solvent vapour concentrations shift the absorbance maximumto smaller wavelengths, e.g., as observed for THF. Additionally, CLCs have been coated on acoustic devices such as the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to measure the frequency shift of analyte samples at similar concentration levels. The mass effect for tetrachloroethylene was about six times higher than chloroform. Thus, optical response can be correlated with intercalation in accordance to mass detection. The mechanical stability was gained by combining CLCs with imprinted polymers. Therefore, pre-concentration of solvent vapours was performed leading to an additional selectivity.
APPLICATION OF NEW DRUGS IN CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA
Authors: Robak Tadeusz
Published: May 2010

Over the last few years, several new agents have been under evaluation in preclinical studies as well as in early clinical trials, and have shown promise in treating CLL. These treatments include new  monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), immunomodulating agents, novel purine nucleoside analogs, Bcl-2 inhibitors and other agents. The most promising are a new mAbs targeted CD20 molecule or CD23, anti-CD40 mAbs and anti-CD37 antibody. Oblimersen , flavopiridol, and lenalidomide are also being evaluated both in pre-clinical studies and in early clinical trials. However,  available therapies are only partially efficient and there is an obvious need to develop better strategies and new, more specific and active drugs
The impact of social motivation on cooperative learning and assessment preferences
Authors: Selvarajah Christopher , Chelliah John , Meyer Denny , Pio Edwina , Anurit Pacapol
Published: May 2010

This study explores the assessment preferences of 453 postgraduate business students in New Zealand, Australia, and Thailand using a survey linking motivational and educational preferences. This study compares the needs of Western students (Australian and New Zealand), Asian (Thai) and international students (predominantly Chinese and Indian students) in Australia and New Zealand (ANZAC). One major finding is that students from these three countries who are socially motivated prefer ‘cooperative learning’. Further, the study specifically shows that students from Thailand are more socially motivated than students from Australia and New Zealand (ANZAC) while International ANZAC students have the greatest desire for cooperative learning. It also shows that group assessment poses quite significant challenges for local ANZAC students and therefore, remedial intervention from universities is essential if group assessments are to remain relevant and useful in achieving meaningful teaching and learning outcomes.
Personality trait inferences about organizations and organizational attraction: An organizational-level analysis based on a multi-cultural sample
Authors: Anderson Marc H , Haar Jarrod , Gibb Jenny
Published: May 2010

Research has shown that people make inferences about the personality traits organizations possess, and that these inferences affect their perceptions of organizational attraction. The nature of the relationship between personality trait inferences and organizational attraction is unclear, however, as the results of prior studies have been somewhat inconsistent, have had several distinct limitations, and have only been conducted using US samples. We present new evidence regarding the nature of this relationship, with data on a much larger number of firms, using a multi-cultural sample. Our exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses find a seven-factor structure of personality trait inferences that includes the five factors identified by previous researchers, suggesting that while the five factors have some generalizability outside the US, there may also be important differences. Our results also provide additional support that personality trait inferences are related to perceptions of organizational attraction.