bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deleterious effects by mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) on the endangered fire salamander (Salamandra infraimmaculata)
Authors: Segev O. , Mangel M. , Blaustein L.
Published: November 2008

Invasive fishes, via competition and predation, may be an important factor in endangering populations of amphibians and other aquatic fauna. The mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, commonly stocked into amphibian breeding sites for mosquito control worldwide, has recently been found in some breeding sites of the endangered fire salamander Salamandra infraimmaculata in northern Israel. A comparison of Salamandra larvae in natural pools varying in Gambusia densities suggested that Gambusia negatively affects Salamandra by causing damage to its appendages, in particular, its tailfin (as manifested in a smaller tail:body ratio). Comparison of the same pool before and after mosquitofish introduction suggested strong negative effects on larval performance and number of emerging metamorphs. To explicitly test the hypothesis that Gambusia negatively affects Salamandra larval development, growth and survival, we conducted a replicated outdoor mesocosm experiment. In this experiment, we also tested how habitat structural complexity, in the form of radiating cords simulating artificial vegetation, might mediate damage caused by Gambusia. We used a two‐by‐two factorial design: the presence or absence of increased structural complexity crossed with the presence or absence of mosquitofish. After a short period, mosquitofish strongly reduced larval wet weight and survival, and increased body damage in the form of a reduced larval tail:body ratio and partially missing gills and limbs. No Salamandra larvae exposed to mosquitofish survived to metamorphosis in either habitat type. We conclude that Gambusia strongly and negatively affects Salamandra larvae and that the introduction of Gambusia into sites containing Salamandra is inconsistent with the goal of preserving this endangered urodele.
Limited role of the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase pathway in a neonatal rat model of cerebral hypoxia–ischemia
Authors: Ginet Vanessa , Puyal Julien , Magnin Guylène , Clarke Peter G. H. , Truttmann Anita C.
Published: November 2008

D‐JNKI1, a cell‐permeable peptide inhibitor of the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, has been shown to be a powerful neuroprotective agent after focal cerebral ischemia in adult mice and young rats. We have investigated the potential neuroprotective effect of D‐JNKI1 and the involvement of the JNK pathway in a neonatal rat model of cerebral hypoxia–ischemia (HI). Seven‐day‐old rats underwent a permanent ligation of the right common carotid artery followed by 2 h of hypoxia (8% oxygen). Treatment with D‐JNKI1 (0.3 mg/kg intraperitoneally) significantly reduced early calpain activation, late caspase 3 activation and, in the thalamus, autophagosome formation, indicating an involvement of JNK in different types of cell death: necrotic, apoptotic, and autophagic. However, the size of the lesion was unchanged. Further analysis showed that neonatal HI induced an immediate decrease in JNK phosphorylation (reflecting mainly JNK1 phosphorylation) followed by a slow progressive increase (including JNK3 phosphorylation 54 kDa), whereas c‐jun and c‐fos expression were both strongly activated immediately after HI. In conclusion, unlike in adult ischemic models, JNK is only moderately activated after severe cerebral HI in neonatal rats and the observed positive effects of D‐JNKI1 are insufficient to give neuroprotection. Thus, for perinatal asphyxia, D‐JNKI1 can only be considered in association with other therapies.
Hybrid property, path dependence, market segmentation and financial exclusion: the case of the banking industry in China
Authors: Yeung Godfrey
Published: November 2008

This paper investigates the role of the state in the liberalisation of the banking industry in China and the implications for the conventional convergence thesis of market segmentation and financial exclusion. I argue that the usefulness of the convergence thesis is constrained because it does not take region‐specific institutional systems into consideration. This limitation is clearly illustrated by the experience of Chinese banking reforms. As China is still undergoing a series of institutional reforms to create a functioning market economy, the banking reforms implemented in China have created a ‘hybrid property’. ‘Hybrid property’ refers to a mixed public–private ownership structure that has been adopted for previously wholly state‐owned commercial banks (SOCBs). This transformation of the property structure blurs the conventional boundaries between public and private property, while the state still plays an important role in the regulation and operation of these banks. I further argue that financial geographers have to account for the institutional path dependency of non‐market economies and the consequent state response to public–private initiatives of ‘hybrid property’ in transitional economies. The ‘region‐specific segmentation’ policy implemented by the Chinese state is a response to these public–private initiatives of ‘hybrid property’. Under this de facto rural–urban market segmentation policy, the state has to open up the banking industry to foreign banks in lucrative urban markets while maintaining much stronger control in rural areas to lower the level of financial exclusion. This intervention policy is inefficient but it is an acceptable compromise between the needs of corporate governance and private initiatives, and socio‐economic and political stability in China. This is an indication of the institutional path dependency of the planned economy. Therefore, liberalisation in the Chinese banking industry and the resultant rural–urban market segmentation is spatially contingent on the public–private initiatives of ‘hybrid property’ in the transitional economy.
Extensions of the Penalized Spline of Propensity Prediction Method of Imputation
Authors: Zhang Guangyu , Little Roderick
Published: November 2008

Summary Little and An (2004, Statistica Sinica 14, 949–968) proposed a penalized spline of propensity prediction (PSPP) method of imputation of missing values that yields robust model‐based inference under the missing at random assumption. The propensity score for a missing variable is estimated and a regression model is fitted that includes the spline of the estimated logit propensity score as a covariate. The predicted unconditional mean of the missing variable has a double robustness (DR) property under misspecification of the imputation model. We show that a simplified version of PSPP, which does not center other regressors prior to including them in the prediction model, also has the DR property. We also propose two extensions of PSPP, namely, stratified PSPP and bivariate PSPP, that extend the DR property to inferences about conditional means. These extended PSPP methods are compared with the PSPP method and simple alternatives in a simulation study and applied to an online weight loss study conducted by Kaiser Permanente.
Differential Expression and Network Inferences through Functional Data Modeling
Authors: Telesca Donatello , Inoue Lurdes Y.T. , Neira Mauricio , Etzioni Ruth , Gleave Martin , Nelson Colleen
Published: November 2008

Summary Time course microarray data consist of mRNA expression from a common set of genes collected at different time points. Such data are thought to reflect underlying biological processes developing over time. In this article, we propose a model that allows us to examine differential expression and gene network relationships using time course microarray data. We model each gene‐expression profile as a random functional transformation of the scale, amplitude, and phase of a common curve. Inferences about the gene‐specific amplitude parameters allow us to examine differential gene expression. Inferences about measures of functional similarity based on estimated time‐transformation functions allow us to examine gene networks while accounting for features of the gene‐expression profiles. We discuss applications to simulated data as well as to microarray data on prostate cancer progression.
Automated SEM/EDS Analysis of Airbag Residue. II: Airbag Residue as a Source of Percussion Primer Residue Particles
Authors: Berk Robert E.
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Automated scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy has been used to analyze airbag residue particles. Analysis of airbag residue from some passenger side airbags revealed some residue particles which are consistent with gunshot residue (GSR) samples. The source of these particles was determined to be percussion primers used to initiate the chemical reaction for deployment. This article identifies some vehicles which contain this type of airbag and demonstrates the types of particles which could be misidentified as being GSR. The low numbers of GSR particles in among the large particle populations of zirconium and/or copper–cobalt particles, which are clearly airbag residue, allow the trained analysts to distinguish the correct source of this residue. Particles containing high aluminum levels, elevated levels of allowable elements in GSR particles, or the presence of elements that are rare in GSR particles stand out as indications that the particles are not GSR in origin. This study serves as a guide to analysts who perform particle analysis in forensic investigations.
Dendritic cells in the skin – potential use for melanoma treatment
Authors: El Marsafy Sanaa , Bagot Martine , Bensussan Armand , Mauviel Alain
Published: November 2008

Melanoma is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis. Eradication of tumor cells requires an effective interaction between melanoma cells and different players of the immune system. As the most potent professional antigen‐presenting cells, dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in mounting a specific immune response where their intratumoral and peritumoral density as well as their functional status are correlated with clinical staging of the disease and with patients’ survival. Under steady‐state conditions, internalization of apoptotic cells by immature DCs designates a state of tolerance to self‐antigens. Nevertheless, pathogens and necrotic cells interacting with pattern recognition receptors trigger downstream signaling pathways that evoke maturation of DCs, leading to the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. These mature DCs are essential for T‐cell priming and subsequent development of a specific immune response. Altered functions of DCs have an impact on the development of various disorders including autoimmune diseases and cancers. Herein, we focus on the checkpoints created throughout DCs antigen capturing and presentation to T cells, with subsequent development of either tolerance or immune response, with an emphasis on the role played by DCs in melanoma tumorigenesis and their therapeutic potential.
Absence of the SRC-2 Coactivator Results in a Glycogenopathy Resembling Von Gierke's Disease
Authors: Chopra Atul R. , Louet Jean-Francois , Saha Pradip , An Jie , DeMayo Franco , Xu Jianming , York Brian , Karpen Saul , Finegold Milton , Moore David , Chan Lawrence , Newgard Christopher B. , O'Malley Bert W.
Published: November 2008

Hepatic glucose production is critical for basal brain function and survival when dietary glucose is unavailable. Glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) is an essential, rate-limiting enzyme that serves as a terminal gatekeeper for hepatic glucose release into the plasma. Mutations in
G6Pase
result in Von Gierke's disease (glycogen storage disease–1a), a potentially fatal genetic disorder. We have identified the transcriptional coactivator SRC-2 as a regulator of fasting hepatic glucose release, a function that SRC-2 performs by controlling the expression of hepatic
G6Pase
. SRC-2 modulates
G6Pase
expression directly by acting as a coactivator with the orphan nuclear receptor RORα. In addition, SRC-2 ablation, in both a whole-body and liver-specific manner, resulted in a Von Gierke's disease phenotype in mice. Our results position SRC-2 as a critical regulator of mammalian glucose production.
Expression of the A56 and K2 Proteins Is Sufficient To Inhibit Vaccinia Virus Entry and Cell Fusion
Authors: Wagenaar Timothy R. , Moss Bernard
Published: November 2008

Many animal viruses induce cells to fuse and form syncytia. For vaccinia virus, this phenomenon is associated with mutations affecting the A56 and K2 proteins, which form a multimer (A56/K2) on the surface of infected cells. Recent evidence that A56/K2 interacts with the entry/fusion complex (EFC) and that the EFC is necessary for syncytium formation furnishes a strong connection between virus entry and cell fusion. Among the important remaining questions are whether A56/K2 can prevent virus entry as well as cell-cell fusion and whether these two viral proteins are sufficient as well as necessary for this. To answer these questions, we transiently and stably expressed A56 and K2 in uninfected cells. Uninfected cells expressing A56 and K2 exhibited resistance to fusing with A56 mutant virus-infected cells, whereas expression of A56 or K2 alone induced little or no resistance, which fits with the need for both proteins to bind the EFC. Furthermore, transient or stable expression of A56/K2 interfered with virus entry and replication as determined by inhibition of early expression of a luciferase reporter gene, virus production, and plaque formation. The specificity of this effect was demonstrated by restoring entry after enzymatically removing a chimeric glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored A56/K2 or by binding a monoclonal antibody to A56. Importantly, the antibody disrupted the interaction between A56/K2 and the EFC without disrupting the A56-K2 interaction itself. Thus, we have shown that A56/K2 is sufficient to prevent virus entry and fusion as well as formation of syncytia through interaction with the EFC.
Effects of Acid Water and Aluminum on Parr–Smolt Transformation and Seawater Tolerance in Atlantic Salmon, Salmo salar
Authors: Staurnes Magne , Blix Per , Reite Ola B.
Published: November 2008

Smolting Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, were kept from 11 April to 24 May in soft water of pH 5 or in soft water of pH 5 and 50 μg aluminum (Al)∙L−1. Control fish were kept in soft water of pH 6.3–6.5. Water temperature was 8–14 °C. In mid-May, some of the control smolts were transferred to the test conditions for 8 d. Exposure to acid water resulted in osmoregulatory failure and high mortality rate. Al strongly enhanced toxicity. Sensitivity to low pH or low pH/Al exposure greatly increased when fish had developed to seawater tolerant smolts. In control and acid-exposed fish, gill carbonic anhydrase activity remained unchanged throughout the experiment whereas in Al-exposed fish, carbonic anhydrase activity decreased. Gill Na+K+-ATPase activity in control fish peaked in mid-May simulanteously with development of seawater tolerance. Fish from both acid-exposed groups had low seawater tolerance. Na+,K+-ATPase activity declined to 60% of start value in acid-exposed fish and to parr level in Al-exposed fish. Hypoosmoregulatory ability was linearly correlated with gill Na+K+-ATPase activity. Reduction in plasma Na+concentration in acid-exposed fish was linearly correlated with the reduction in gill Na+,K+-ATPase activity.
NOVEL DESIGN PROCEDURE FOR CLASS DE AMPLIFIER
Authors: SEKIYA HIROO , OSHIKAWA SATOKI , YAHAGI TAKASHI
Published: November 2008

This paper presents a novel design procedure for class DE amplifier. And design curves of class DE amplifier with switch on resistance as functions of output Q, duty ratio, and load resistance are clarified. The feature of the proposed design procedure is that the waveform equations are never required. The design procedure requires only circuit equations and the design specifications. When circuit equations are derived, the other procedures for computations of design values are carried out with aid of computer. Therefore, it is possible to design class DE amplifier at any conditions, namely, at any output Q, any duty ratio, any switch on resistance and so on. By carrying out the circuit experiments, we denote that the experimental results agree with the calculation results quantitatively, and show the validity of the proposed design procedure.
BLIND SOURCE SEPARATION FOR TWO-DIMENSION SPREAD SPECTRUM SYSTEM BASED ON TRILINEAR DECOMPOSITION
Authors: ZHANG XIAOFEI , XU DAZHUAN
Published: November 2008

This paper links the two-dimension-spread-spectrum-system source separation problem to the trilinear model, which is an analysis tool rooted in psychometrics and chemometrics. Exploiting this link, it derives a blind source separation algorithm. The proposed algorithm capitalizes on time-domain spread, frequency-domain spread and temporal diversity-combining. The simulation results reveal that the performance of the blind source separation algorithm for two-dimension spread spectrum system is very close to nonblind minimum mean-squared error method, and this algorithm works well for small sample size. The blind source separation algorithm does not require channel fading information and spread codes, so it has blind and robust characteristics.
PARTICULAR MECHANISMS ON INSERTION OF ETHYLENE INTO Zr–H BOND OF Cp2ZrH2: A DFT STUDY
Authors: KONG XIAOJIAN , BI SIWEI , ZHAO XIAORAN , XIE QINGMING , ZHAO YANYUN
Published: November 2008

The mechanistic study on the insertion of ethylene into the Zr – H bond of Cp2 ZrH 2 to give Cp 2 Zr ( H )( CH 2 CH 3) is performed with the aid of density functional theory calculations. Two possible insertion pathways are proposed. One is the side-insertion and the other is the central-insertion. The rate-determining step is the ethylene insertion in the former path and formation of the adduct in the latter path. Our results of calculations predicted that the central-insertion path is preferred kinetically over the side-insertion path. Two types of Zr ⋯ H – C agostic interactions having different stabilities are described.
AB INITIO AND DFT THEORETICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON NOVEL PORPHYRIN–FULLERENE SUPRAMOLECULAR DYADS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES
Authors: MANNA TAPAS , BHATTACHARYA SUMANTA
Published: November 2008

The conformational stability and electronic structures of novel H 2-(1) and Zn-tetraphenylporphyrin–[60]fullerene (2) dyads, in which the [60]fullerene is directly linked to the tetrapyrrolic rings by ethynylenephenylene subunits, have been studied by ab initio and density functional theory calculations. From the investigation on frontier molecular orbitals, it was found that the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital state of these supramolecules is localized on the fullerene and that the highest occupied molecular orbital state is localized on the porphyrin moiety. Molecular electrostatic potential maps clearly demonstrate the electron transfer phenomena from the porphyrin moiety to the fullerene in dyads 1 and 2.
EFFECTS OF RED LIGHT AT 640 nm FROM LIGHT EMITTING DIODES ON THE RESPIRATORY BURST OF HUMAN NEUTROPHILS
Authors: WU MIN , ZHU LING , HU BINA , LIU TIMON CHENG-YI , RONG DONG-LIANG , CHEN TONG-SHENG
Published: November 2008

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been reported to have effects on respiratory burst of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), but little focus was on the individual differences of human PMNs. The latter was investigated in this study. The PMNs were isolated from peripheral blood of 13 volunteers (10 ordinary persons, 3 athletes) and treated by red light (640 ± 15 nm) from light emitting diodes (RLED) at 50, 100, 300, 500 and 1000 J/m2for 100 seconds, respectively. Blood samples of athletes were extracted at different running stages in 10 km non-interrupted long-distance running, before running, 1 hour after running began, just finishing the running, resting for 1 hour and 2 hours after running. The PMN respiratory burst was assessed by the nitroblue tetrazolium test. It was found that there were three types of RLED PBM on the respiratory burst of 3 types of PMNs, respectively, inducing for the subactivated PMNs, inhibiting for the overactivated PMNs and none for the PMNs in homeostasis. It was then concluded that there may be RLED PBM on dysfunctional human PMNs while none on those in homeostasis, and RLED at 300 J/m2for 100 seconds may have bi-direction modulation on PMN respiratory burst.
SURFACE-ENHANCED RAMAN SCATTERING: PRINCIPLES, NANOSTRUCTURES, FABRICATIONS, AND BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS
Authors: YUEN CLEMENT , ZHENG WEI , HUANG ZHIWEI
Published: November 2008

This article gives an overview of the development and applications of the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) techniques in biomedicine. We first introduce the fundamental principles of the SERS mechanisms. We also present the different fabrication techniques of SERS nanostructures and substrates. Finally, the importance and potential roles of the SERS nanostructures and substrates in biomedical applications are summarized.
Effect of thyroid hormone on mitochondrial properties and oxidative stress in cells from patients with mtDNA defects
Authors: Menzies Keir J. , Robinson Brian H. , Hood David A.
Published: November 2008

Mitochondrial (mt)DNA mutations contribute to various disease states characterized by low ATP production. In contrast, thyroid hormone [3,3′,5-triiodothyronine (T3)] induces mitochondrial biogenesis and enhances ATP generation within cells. To evaluate the role of T3-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis in patients with mtDNA mutations, three fibroblast cell lines with mtDNA mutations were evaluated, including two patients with Leigh's syndrome and one with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Compared with control cells, patient fibroblasts displayed similar levels of mitochondrial mass, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam), and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) protein expression. However, patient cells exhibited a 1.6-fold elevation in ROS production, a 1.7-fold elevation in cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels, a 1.2-fold elevation in mitochondrial membrane potential, and 30% less complex V activity compared with control cells. Patient cells also displayed 20–25% reductions in both cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity and MnSOD protein levels compared with control cells. After T3 treatment of patient cells, ROS production was decreased by 40%, cytoplasmic Ca2+ was reduced by 20%, COX activity was increased by 1.3-fold, and ATP levels were elevated by 1.6-fold, despite the absence of a change in mitochondrial mass. There were no significant alterations in the protein expression of PGC-1α, Tfam, or UCP2 in either T3-treated patient or control cells. However, T3 restored the mitochondrial membrane potential, complex V activity, and levels of MnSOD to normal values in patient cells and elevated MnSOD levels by 21% in control cells. These results suggest that T3 acts to reduce cellular oxidative stress, which may help attenuate ROS-mediated damage, along with improving mitochondrial function and energy status in cells with mtDNA defects.
Endothelial injury due to eNOS deficiency accelerates the progression of chronic renal disease in the mouse
Authors: Nakayama Takahiro , Sato Waichi , Kosugi Tomoki , Zhang Li , Campbell-Thompson Martha , Yoshimura Ashio , Croker Byron P. , Johnson Richard J. , Nakagawa Takahiko
Published: November 2008

The vascular endothelium expresses endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) that generates nitric oxide (NO) to help maintain vascular integrity due to its anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antithrombogenic effects. Pharmacological blockade of NO production has been shown to exacerbate renal injury in chronic renal disease and induces endothelial cell loss. However, pharmacological inhibition of NO nonspecifically blocks other types of NOS and therefore does not define the specific role of eNOS in kidney disease. We hypothesized that a lack of endothelial eNOS can induce a loss of glomerular and peritubular capillary endothelium and exacerbate renal injury in progressive renal disease. We tested out this hypothesis using remnant kidney (RK) in eNOS knockout (eNOS KO) mice. Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher, and renal function was worse in RK-eNOS KO mice compared with those in RK-C57BL6 mice. eNOS deficiency resulted in more severe glomerulosclerosis, mesangiolysis, and tubular damage. Glomerular and tubular macrophage infiltration and collagen deposition were also greater in RK-eNOS KO mice. Renal injuries in the RK-eNOS KO mice were accompanied by a greater loss of endothelial cells that was shown to be due to both a decrease in endothelial cell proliferation and an increase in apoptosis. A lack of eNOS accelerates both glomerular and tubulointerstitial injury with a loss of glomerular capillaries and peritubular capillaries. Impaired endothelial function is likely a direct risk factor for renal disease.
Differential regulation of gene expression in isolated tendon fascicles exposed to cyclic tensile strain in vitro
Authors: Maeda Eijiro , Shelton Julia C. , Bader Dan L. , Lee David A.
Published: November 2008

Mechanical stimulus is a regulator of tenocyte metabolism. The present study investigated temporal regulation of the expression of selected genes by tenocytes in isolated fascicles subjected to tensile strain in vitro. Cyclic tensile strain with a 3% amplitude superimposed on a 2% static strain was provided for 10 min, followed by either an unstrained period or continuous cyclic strain until the end of a 24-h incubation period. mRNA expression of selected anabolic and catabolic genes were evaluated with quantitative PCR at 10 min, 1 h, 6 h, and 24 h. The application of 6-h cyclic strain significantly upregulated type III collagen mRNA expression in strained fascicles compared with unstrained controls, but no alterations were observed in mRNA expression of type I collagen and biglycan. Significant downregulation in the expression of the decorin core protein was observed in fascicles subjected to 24-h cyclic strain. MMP3 and MMP13 expression levels were upregulated by the application of 10 min of cyclic strain, followed by a progressive downregulation until the end of the incubation period in both the absence and the presence of the continuing cyclic strain. Accordingly, alterations in the expression of anabolic genes were limited to the upregulation of type III collagen by prolonged exposure to cyclic strain, whereas catabolic genes were upregulated by a small number of strain cycles and downregulated by a prolonged cyclic strain. These findings demonstrate distinctive patterns of mechanoregulation for anabolic and catabolic genes and help our understanding of tenocyte response to mechanical stimulation.
Exercise training and protein metabolism: influences of contraction, protein intake, and sex-based differences
Authors: Burd Nicholas A. , Tang Jason E. , Moore Daniel R. , Phillips Stuart M.
Published: November 2008

Muscle contraction during exercise, whether resistive or endurance in nature, has profound affects on muscle protein turnover that can persist for up to 72 h. It is well established that feeding during the postexercise period is required to bring about a positive net protein balance (muscle protein synthesis − muscle protein breakdown). There is mounting evidence that the timing of ingestion and the protein source during recovery independently regulate the protein synthetic response and influence the extent of muscle hypertrophy. Minor differences in muscle protein turnover appear to exist in young men and women; however, with aging there may be more substantial sex-based differences in response to both feeding and resistance exercise. The recognition of anabolic signaling pathways and molecules are also enhancing our understanding of the regulation of protein turnover following exercise perturbations. In this review we summarize the current understanding of muscle protein turnover in response to exercise and feeding and highlight potential sex-based dimorphisms. Furthermore, we examine the underlying anabolic signaling pathways and molecules that regulate these processes.
A Biologically Realistic Network Model of Acquisition and Extinction of Conditioned Fear Associations in Lateral Amygdala Neurons
Authors: Li Guoshi , Nair Satish S. , Quirk Gregory J.
Published: November 2008

The basolateral amygdala plays an important role in the acquisition and expression of both fear conditioning and fear extinction. To understand how a single structure could encode these “opposite” memories, we developed a biophysical network model of the lateral amygdala (LA) neurons during auditory fear conditioning and extinction. Membrane channel properties were selected to match waveforms and firing properties of pyramidal cells and interneurons in LA, from published in vitro studies. Hebbian plasticity was implemented in excitatory AMPA and inhibitory GABAA receptor-mediated synapses to model learning. The occurrence of synaptic potentiation versus depression was determined by intracellular calcium levels, according to the calcium control hypothesis. The model was able to replicate conditioning- and extinction-induced changes in tone responses of LA neurons in behaving rats. Our main finding is that LA activity during both acquisition and extinction can be controlled by a balance between pyramidal cell and interneuron activations. Extinction training depressed conditioned synapses and also potentiated local interneurons, thereby inhibiting the responses of pyramidal cells to auditory input. Both long-term depression and potentiation of inhibition were required to initiate and maintain extinction. The model provides insights into the sites of plasticity in conditioning and extinction, the mechanism of spontaneous recovery, and the role of amygdala NMDA receptors in extinction learning.
Different Neural Frequency Bands Integrate Faces and Voices Differently in the Superior Temporal Sulcus
Authors: Chandrasekaran Chandramouli , Ghazanfar Asif A.
Published: November 2008

The integration of auditory and visual information is required for the default mode of speech–face-to-face communication. As revealed by functional magnetic resonance imaging and electrophysiological studies, the regions in and around the superior temporal sulcus (STS) are implicated in this process. To provide greater insights into the network-level dynamics of the STS during audiovisual integration, we used a macaque model system to analyze the different frequency bands of local field potential (LFP) responses to the auditory and visual components of vocalizations. These vocalizations (like human speech) have a natural time delay between the onset of visible mouth movements and the onset of the voice (the “time-to-voice” or TTV). We show that the LFP responses to faces and voices elicit distinct bands of activity in the theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–14 Hz), and gamma (>40 Hz) frequency ranges. Along with single neuron responses, the gamma band activity was greater for face stimuli than voice stimuli. Surprisingly, the opposite was true for the low-frequency bands—auditory responses were of a greater magnitude. Furthermore, gamma band responses in STS were sustained for dynamic faces but not so for voices (the opposite is true for auditory cortex). These data suggest that visual and auditory stimuli are processed in fundamentally different ways in the STS. Finally, we show that the three bands integrate faces and voices differently: theta band activity showed weak multisensory behavior regardless of TTV, the alpha band activity was enhanced for calls with short TTVs but showed little integration for longer TTVs, and finally, the gamma band activity was consistently enhanced for all TTVs. These data demonstrate that LFP activity from the STS can be segregated into distinct frequency bands which integrate audiovisual communication signals in an independent manner. These different bands may reflect different spatial scales of network processing during face-to-face communication.
Gene Transfer of Redox Factor-1 Inhibits Neointimal Formation
Authors: Lee Hwan Myung , Jeon Byeong Hwa , Won Kyung-Jong , Lee Chang-Kwon , Park Tae-Kyu , Choi Wahn Soo , Bae Young Min , Kim Hyo Shin , Lee Sang Ki , Park Seung Hwa , Irani Kaikobad , Kim Bokyung
Published: November 2008

The role of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease-1/redox factor-1 (Ref-1) in vascular smooth muscle cells has yet to be clearly elucidated. Therefore, we attempted to determine the roles of Ref-1 in the migration induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and in its signaling in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs). Cellular migration, superoxide (O
2
−·
) production, Rac-1 activity, and neointima formation were determined in cells transfected with adenoviruses encoding for Ref-1 (AdRef-1) and small interference RNA of Ref-1. Overexpression of Ref-1 induced by treatment with RASMCs coupled with AdRef-1 inhibited the migration induced by PDGF-BB. PDGF-BB also increased the phosphorylation of the PDGFβ receptor, spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), mitogen-activated protein kinase, and heat shock protein 27, but these increases were significantly inhibited by AdRef-1 treatment. PDGF-BB increased O
2
−·
production and Rac-1 activity, and these were diminished in cells transfected with AdRef-1. In contrast, RASMC migration, phosphorylation of Syk and O
2
−·
production in response to PDGF-BB were increased by the knock down of Ref-1 with small interference RNA. The phosphorylation of PDGFβ receptor in response to PDGF-BB was inhibited completely by the Syk inhibitor and was partly attenuated by a NADPH oxidase inhibitor. PDGF-BB increased the sprout outgrowth of the aortic ring ex vivo, which was inhibited in the AdRef-1–infected RASMCs as compared with the controls. Balloon injury–induced neointimal formation was significantly attenuated by the gene transfer of AdRef-1. These results indicate that Ref-1 inhibits the PDGF-mediated migration signal via the inhibition of reactive oxygen species–mediated Syk activity in RASMCs.
On The Decoupling Approximation in Damped Linear Systems
Authors: Morzfeld M. , Ma F. , Ajavakom N.
Published: November 2008

The principal coordinates of a non-classically damped linear system are coupled by non-zero off-diagonal elements of the modal damping matrix. In the analysis of non-classically damped systems, a common approximation is to ignore the off-diagonal elements of the modal damping matrix. This procedure is termed the decoupling approximation. It is widely believed that if the modal damping matrix is diagonally dominant, then errors due to the decoupling approximation must be small. In addition, it is intuitively accepted that the more diagonal the modal damping matrix, the smaller will be the errors due to the decoupling approximation. Two numerical indices are proposed in this paper to measure quantitatively the degree of being diagonal in modal damping. It is demonstrated that, over a finite range, errors due to the decoupling approximation can continuously increase while the modal damping matrix becomes more and more diagonal with its off-diagonal elements decreasing in magnitude continuously. An explanation for this unexpected behavior is offered. Within a practical range of engineering applications, diagonal dominance of the modal damping matrix may not be sufficient for neglecting modal coupling in a damped system.
Within/Without: Awareness and the Practice of Seeing
Authors: Robinson Mary
Published: November 2008

My practice seeks to give visual expression to the experience of an inner world as it relates to the outer world. This experience has been explored through parallel practices of contemplation, including art making, meditation, and yoga asana. In this article, I describe art making as recording the experience of movement through space and time. I explore the themes of impermanence and interdependence as they have surfaced through contemplation. I also briefly discuss ethical implications and social responsibility as they relate to the notions of impermanence and interdependence.
Simple reaction times to chromatic stimuli: Luminance and chromatic contrast
Authors: O'Donell BM , Colombo EM
Published: November 2008

This paper examines the effect of colour on reaction times for variations in both luminance and chromatic contrast. Results confirm the idea that reaction times are determined by a cone-opponent mechanism: Reaction times generated in response to S-cone isolating stimuli are the longest, whereas the shortest reaction times are generated by L—M-cone isolating stimuli. In addition, an asymmetry between ON and OFF opponent channels is observed for stimuli modulated on the blue—yellow axis. Reaction time (RT) is influenced by hue and chromatic contrast at isoluminant condition. In the isoluminant condition, RT decreases as luminance contrast increases. At luminance contrasts of approximately 20%, RT approaches an asymptotic value, thus becoming independent of colour for further luminance contrast increases. This asymptotic value is achieved for lower luminance contrasts as chromatic contrast increases.
Journalists, war crimes and international justice
Authors: Tumber Howard
Published: November 2008

The examination of the ethical and moral issues surrounding the reporting of war crimes signals one of the outstanding problems facing journalism in the contemporary era. As the nature of war has changed, so has the nature of the journalism mandated to cover it, and the selection of war crimes trials, tribunals and truth commissions are key places in which to analyse these changes. Journalists and news organizations are divided over the merits of testifying at international war crimes tribunals. To some degree, the debate about appearing before war crimes courts has split along European and US lines. A number of European journalists and documentary film makers willingly testified before the war crimes tribunal in The Hague whilst US journalists tend to see the subpoena power of the tribunals as a threat to First Amendment freedoms. Based on interviews conducted with journalists, editors, lawyers and humanitarian aid workers, this article explores questions of journalistic objectivity and impartiality; the verification of journalists' stories; the safety repercussions for journalists participating in international trials; and the implications for the erosion of confidentiality of journalists' sources.
The future impact of population growth and aging on coronary heart disease in China: projections from the Coronary Heart Disease Policy Model-China
Authors: Moran Andrew , Zhao Dong , Gu Dongfeng , Coxson Pamela , Chen Chung-Shiuan , Cheng Jun , Liu Jing , He Jiang , Goldman Lee
Published: November 2008

Background

China will experience an overall growth and aging of its adult population in coming decades. We used a computer model to forecast the future impact of these demographic changes on coronary heart disease (CHD) in China.

Methods

The CHD Policy Model is a validated state-transition, computer simulation of CHD on a national scale. China-specific CHD risk factor, incidence, case-fatality, and prevalence data were incorporated, and a CHD prediction model was generated from a Chinese cohort study and calibrated to age-specific Chinese mortality rates. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to CHD were calculated using standard methods. The projected population of China aged 35–84 years was entered, and CHD events, deaths, and DALYs were simulated over 2000–2029. CHD risk factors other than age and case-fatality were held at year 2000 levels. Sensitivity analyses tested uncertainty regarding CHD mortality coding, the proportion of total deaths attributable to CHD, and case-fatality.

Results

We predicted 7.8 million excess CHD events (a 69% increase) and 3.4 million excess CHD deaths (a 64% increase) in the decade 2020–2029 compared with 2000–2009. For 2030, we predicted 71% of almost one million annual CHD deaths will occur in persons ≥65 years old, while 67% of the growing annual burden of CHD death and disability will weigh on adults <65 years old. Substituting alternate CHD mortality assumptions led to 17–20% more predicted CHD deaths over 2000–2029, though the pattern of increases in CHD events and deaths over time remained.

Conclusion

We forecast that absolute numbers of CHD events and deaths will increase dramatically in China over 2010–2029, due to a growing and aging population alone. Recent data suggest CHD risk factor levels are increasing, so our projections may underestimate the extent of the potential CHD epidemic in China.
Robust model fitting for the non linear structural equation model under normal theory
Authors: Xia Ye‐Mao , Song Xin‐Yuan , Lee Sik‐Yum
Published: November 2008

Structural equation modelling has been widely applied in behavioural, educational, medical, social, and psychological research. The classical maximum likelihood estimate is vulnerable to outliers and non‐normal data. In this paper, a robust estimation method for the nonlinear structural equation model is proposed. This method gives more weight to data that are likely to occur based on the structure of the posited model, and effectively downweights the influence of outliers. An algorithm is proposed to obtain the robust estimator. Asymptotic properties of the proposed method are investigated, which include the asymptotic distribution of the estimator, and some statistics for hypothesis testing. Results from a simulation study and a real data example show that our procedure is effective.
Souvenirs and cultural politics in Santiago de Compostela
Authors: Roseman Sharon R , Fife Wayne
Published: November 2008

This article focuses on the visual landscape created by displays of souvenirs for sale in the Galician capital of Santiago de Compostela. It demonstrates that images of St. James and other Catholic symbols compete with more recent representations of the pilgrimage to Santiago, including
the modernist mascot O Peregrn created for the 1993 Holy Year. Equally prevalent are souvenirs that constitute reflections on Galician culture, ranging from folklorized images of rural areas as well as kitsch and camp objects commenting on a range of topics from witchcraft to vernacular
architecture. The article concludes with a discussion of the expanded presence in recent years of message T-shirts that aim to raise people's consciousness about both local and international matters, including the need to defend the Galician language, environmental protection and fair trade.
Through its analysis of the multifaceted role of souvenirs, this article demonstrates that while tourism is linked to cultural appropriation and commoditization, it can also be an avenue for political activism in defence of local cultures and translocal concerns.
BOTULISM
Authors: Dickson Ernest C.
Published: November 2008

Much that has been written about botulism is not true and truths have been so distorted as to convey false impressions. This paper presents truths plainly and without bias. Two things are important—canned foods that show any signs of spoilage must be destroyed, so that neither animals nor man can eat them, and boiling “ready to serve” canned foods will always make them safe.
COMPARISON OF THE BACTERIAL COUNTS FROM MACHINE AND HAND WASHED DISHES AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE
Authors: Dearstyne Roy S.
Published: November 2008

More and more it becomes evident that carelessly washed dishes and utensils in eating places and at soda fountains are potential disseminators of infections. Principles like this, however, need to be confirmed by observation. This paper furnishes practical facts that point to the health value of machine dish washing.
A CLASSIFICATION OF DIPHTHERIA BACILLI BASED ON THE TOLUIDIN BLUE-IODINE METHOD OF STAINING
Authors: Albert Henry
Published: November 2008

Differential diagnosis of diphtheria bacilli has always been puzzling. This author discusses a special staining process which develops granules or bars, not visible with other stains. The new morphology affords criteria for determining non-virulent forms of bacilli. The author suggests and illustrates a convenient classification.
MOTHERCRAFT INSTRUCTION FOR SCHOOL GIRLS
Authors: Dickinson May Bliss
Published: November 2008

Mothercraft, now introduced into twenty-five states and several foreign countries, is a very recent development in public health education. It seeks to utilize the maternal instinct of young girls and build on it a knowledge of simple hygiene and sanitation. The child carries this instruction to the home and the standard of home health is raised.
SANITATION IN BAKERIES
Authors: Barnard Harry E.
Published: November 2008

The modern bakery has deserted the cellar and the back street and does its work in modern buildings and even in the broad light with the consumer for a spectator. Industry is frequently in opposition to legislation, but here the bakers have demanded laws for bettered conditions of construction, maintenance and health of employees.
FOOD INSPECTION IN CLEVELAND
Authors: Perkins Roger G.
Published: November 2008

A municipality calls to its aid the scientific resources and responsibility of a university in carrying on departments sometimes subject to political interference. Western Reserve University cares for Cleveland's food and drug inspection, milk and meat expected. This coöperation means excellent service for the city and a high standard of laboratory work for the college.
COMPARISON OF TWO METHODS OF ADJUSTING THE HEMOLYTIC SYSTEM FOR USE IN THE COMPLEMENT FIXATION TEST FOR SYPHILIS
Authors: Langworthy H. V. , Willson F. L.
Published: November 2008

In a series of comparative complement fixation tests the daily adjustment of the hemolytic system based on the titration of complement was found to give more accurate results than the adjustment based on the titration of amboceptor.
THE FAMILY DOCTOR AND THE GENERAL HOSPITAL IN THE ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS CAMPAIGN
Authors: Smith F. C.
Published: November 2008

What has been done in 38 years of treatment of tuberculosis, according to this author, is merely to care for some of the sick. We have utterly failed in prevention. The problem is not to be solved by the few specialists, but by enlisting the many medical practitioners and opening the general hospitals to cases of tuberculosis.
Seasonal Variation in Multiplication Rate of Micro-organisms Within the Body
Authors: Wells Wm. Firth
Published: November 2008

That the curve of typhoid incidence, the B. coli content of a polluted stream and the B. coli output of the observer follow the same seasonal variations is shown. There is apparently a variation in the biological equilibrium of the body and a changed rate of multiplication of organisms. There is opportunity here for interesting bacteriological investigation.
Office System in Public Health Administration
Authors: Britten Rollo
Published: November 2008

Failure to locate papers in an office is a symptom of careless thinking, states this writer. If, as a health officer, you have not established efficient office methods and trained the personnel to see that these methods “carry on,” perhaps such failure is due to the kind of thinking you have been doing.
LABOR CAMP SANITATION—A BASIS FOR EDUCATION AND CITIZENSHIP
Authors: Miller R. Justin
Published: November 2008

Labor camps in California have proved a new and substantial basis for citizenship on the part of a class heretofore scarcely considered in the problem of government. With camps having proper sanitation the lower type of labor and the agitator are eliminated. Campers of today aid the inspectors by giving notice of bad sanitary conditions.
BACTERICIDAL ACTION OF WATER TREATED BY ULTRA VIOLET RAYS
Authors: Walker W. F. , Pryer R. W.
Published: November 2008

Ultra violet ray sterilization of water acts in an unusual manner. Exposure to the rays not only kills bacteria then present in the water, but more than this, there is imparted to the water a potential sterilizing power which kills bacteria subsequently added to the water.
MEASURING RODS OF MORTALITY RATES
Authors: Lewis Dwight M.
Published: November 2008

Determination of constant factors is of fundamental importance in vital statistics. Possibilities of measuring the role of filthborne and respiratory diseases in crude death rates are here shown. The relative values of the constants of these two types of disease offer food for thought in preventive health administration.