University of New South Wales

About: University of New South Wales is a education organization based out in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 51197 authors who have published 153634 publications receiving 4880608 citations. The organization is also known as: UNSW & UNSW Australia.

Periacinar stellate shaped cells in rat pancreas: identification, isolation, and culture

Abstract: Background—The pathogenesis of pancreatic fibrosis is unknown. In the liver, stellate cells (vitamin A storing cells) play a significant role in the development of fibrosis. Aims—To determine whether cells resembling hepatic stellate cells are present in rat pancreas, and if so, to compare their number with the number of stellate cells in the liver, and isolate and culture these cells from rat pancreas. Methods—Liver and pancreatic sections from chow fed rats were immunostained for desmin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Pancreatic stellate shaped cells were isolated using a Nycodenz gradient, cultured on plastic, and examined by phase contrast and fluorescence microscopy, and by immunostaining for desmin, GFAP, and α-SMA. Results—In both liver and pancreatic sections, stellate shaped cells were observed; these were positive for desmin and GFAP and negative for α-SMA. Pancreatic stellate shaped cells had a periacinar distribution. They comprised 3.99% of all pancreatic cells; hepatic stellate cells comprised 7.94% of all hepatic cells. The stellate shaped cells from rat pancreas grew readily in culture. Cells cultured for 24 hours had an angular appearance, contained lipid droplets manifesting positive vitamin A autofluorescence, and stained positively for desmin but negatively for α-SMA. At 48 hours, cells were positive for α-SMA. Conclusions—Cells resembling hepatic stellate cells are present in rat pancreas in a number comparable with that of stellate cells in the liver. These stellate shaped pancreatic cells can be isolated and cultured in vitro. Keywords: pancreas; fibrosis; stellate cells

The evolution of mate choice and mating biases

Abstract: We review the current status of three well-established models (direct benefits, indirect benefits and sensory drive) and one newcomer (antagonistic chase-away) of the evolution of mate choice and the biases that are expressed during choice. We highlight the differences and commonalities in the underlying genetics and evolutionary dynamics of these models. We then argue that progress in understanding the evolution of mate choice is currently hampered by spurious distinctions among models and a misguided tendency to test the processes underlying each model as mutually exclusive alternatives. Finally, we suggest potentially fruitful directions for future theoretical and empirical research.

Bäcklund and Darboux transformations : geometry and modern applications in soliton theory

Abstract: This book describes the remarkable connections that exist between the classical differential geometry of surfaces and modern soliton theory. The authors also explore the extensive body of literature from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries by such eminent geometers as Bianchi, Darboux, Backlund, and Eisenhart on transformations of privileged classes of surfaces which leave key geometric properties unchanged. Prominent amongst these are Backlund-Darboux transformations with their remarkable associated nonlinear superposition principles and importance in soliton theory. It is with these transformations and the links they afford between the classical differential geometry of surfaces and the nonlinear equations of soliton theory that the present text is concerned. In this geometric context, solitonic equations arise out of the Gaus-Mainardi-Codazzi equations for various types of surfaces that admit invariance under Backlund-Darboux transformations. This text is appropriate for use at a higher undergraduate or graduate level for applied mathematicians or mathematical physics.

Sociality Through Social Network Sites

Abstract: This chapter reports authoritative insights into one of the most significant developments related to social interaction – social network sites – and offers an analytic framework for exploring these new sites, while underscoring the centrality of social interaction since the Internet's earliest days, such as through email. Social network sites (SNSs) presented several characteristics that made it possible for individuals to easily update their profiles. The implicit role of communication and information sharing has become the driving motivator for participation. The concept of ‘Web 2.0’ was an industry-driven phenomenon, hyped by the news media and by business analysts alike. Social network sites emerged out of the Web 2.0 and social media phenomena, mixing new technologies and older computer-mediated communication practices infused by tech industry ideals. Server-level data offer a unique opportunity to access elaborated behavioural data about what people are doing on SNSs.

Nonpharmacological therapies in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review of efficacy

Abstract: Introduction: Nonpharmacological therapies (NPTs) can improve the quality of life (QoL) of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and their carers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the best evidence on the effects of NPTs in AD and related disorders (ADRD) by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of the entire field. Methods: Existing reviews and major electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The deadline for study inclusion was September 15, 2008. Intervention categories and outcome domains were predefined by consensus. Two researchers working together detected 1,313 candidate studies of which 179 RCTs belonging to 26 intervention categories were selected. Cognitive deterioration had to be documented in all participants, and degenerative etiology