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Science News for June 1, 2010


Scripps research scientists determine structure of immune molecule that counteracts HIV strains

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have determined the structure of an immune system antibody molecule that effectively acts against most strains of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The study advances the effort to develop an AIDS vaccine by providing insights into how broadly neutralizing antibodies work.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2010

Agatha drenches Guatemala and El Salvador, remnants now in Caribbean

Tropical Storm Agatha brought heavy rains to El Salvador and Guatemala, causing over 100 deaths and forcing 70,000 people to evacuate. The storm's remnants have entered the northwestern Caribbean Sea with only a 10% chance of reforming into a tropical cyclone due to unfavorable atmospheric conditions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 1, 2010
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

What are the most effective strategies for secondary suicide prevention?

The article discusses different interventions for secondary suicide prevention, focusing on high-risk patients with psychiatric illnesses. The authors argue that physicians need to be taught about the association between mental disorders and suicide and should not hesitate to ask people about their thoughts of suicide.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 1, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: June 1, 2010

GSK-3 inhibitors may have adverse effects on the heart, while NMDA molecules could provide nerve cell protection, highlighting the need for careful risk-benefit assessments. These findings have implications for developing new treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 1, 2010

After the oil spill: New research sheds light on coral susceptibility to environmental stress

A new study in the FASEB Journal reveals that different coral species invest varying amounts of resources in immunity and defense, which may explain differences in susceptibility to negative environmental impacts. The research highlights the importance of maintaining favorable environmental conditions on reefs to maximize coral immune ...

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 1, 2010

Health-care economics and policy: It's a perfect storm

The Medicare program is expected to spend over $510 billion on 47 million individuals by 2010, with costs projected to skyrocket. Solutions proposed include preventing hospital readmissions, enhancing communication among healthcare providers and patients, and realigning the physician payment system.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJun 1, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Eliminating tumor suppressor C/EBP alpha explains cancer in aging liver

A study at Baylor College of Medicine found that eliminating tumor suppressor C/EBP alpha is key to cancer development in the aging liver. Another protein, gankyrin, is elevated first, leading to degradation of C/EBP alpha and allowing uncontrolled growth.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 1, 2010

Molecular imaging and CT colonography team up to bring comfort to patients

Researchers developed a non-invasive imaging technique combining PET and CT scans without bowel preparation, detecting all significant polyps found by colonoscopy. Patients preferred this method over colonoscopy due to its comfort and lack of sedation.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 1, 2010

Intrahepatic clear cell cholangiocarcinoma

A rare case of intrahepatic clear cell cholangiocarcinoma was reported in a Japanese man with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The cancer cells were larger than usual and lacked mucin, differing from conventional ICC cases.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJun 1, 2010
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Making enough red blood cells

Researchers at EMBL identified microRNAs MiR144 and MiR451 as crucial regulators of efficient red blood cell formation. These molecules help fine-tune genes involved in haematopoiesis, allowing for stable oxygen transport under challenging conditions.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 1, 2010

ACR task force makes recommendations for improving relationships between radiologists and hospitals

The American College of Radiology's Task Force on Relationships between Radiology Groups and Hospitals proposes steps to improve relationships between radiologists and healthcare systems. Radiologists must re-dedicate themselves to providing value-added services to patients and referring physicians.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateJun 1, 2010

A quick fix for queues

Researchers in Taiwan have devised a formula to reduce queuing time, improving customer loyalty and sales. The 'balking index' predicts the number of frustrated customers who will leave their position in the queue.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Services and Operations Management·DateJun 1, 2010
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

New gecko species identified in West African rain forests

Researchers at University of California - Berkeley have identified four distinct species of the secretive Hemidactylus fasciatus gecko in West African rain forests. The discovery was made using new DNA analysis techniques that distinguish different species even when they appear similar.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateJun 1, 2010

Flies offer insight into human metabolic disease

Scientists have developed flies with genetic changes similar to those found in patients with galactosemia, allowing researchers to study the disease and develop potential treatments. These models can help understand how sugar metabolism leads to disease and open the door to novel drug discovery.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateJun 1, 2010
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

'Little brown balls' tie malaria and algae to common ancestor: UBC research

A new study by UBC researchers has definitively linked the evolutionary histories of malaria and dinoflagellate algae through the genome of Chromera, a symbiotic coral organism. The discovery resolves a long-standing scientific debate and could provide crucial information for tackling diseases.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2010

Hat-trick for University of Montreal scientists

University of Montreal researchers have won major prizes at the 2010 Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Awards. Professor Gilles Brassard received the Gerhard Herzberg Gold Medal for his work on quantum cryptography, while a team led by René Doyon captured the first-ever image of an exoplanet system.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·DateJun 1, 2010

A risk factor of gallstone formation after radical gastrectomy

A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found a significant link between gallstone formation after radical gastrectomy and the X+ allele of the APOB gene. Patients with this allele had higher levels of TC and LDL, leading to increased saturation of bile cholesterol and gallstone formation.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJun 1, 2010
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

MIT chemists design new way to fluorescently label proteins

Researchers design a new technique called PRIME, which tags proteins with smaller probes allowing them to carry out normal functions. This breakthrough sheds light on previously unseen protein activities, offering new insights into cell biology.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2010

Race for new hips

A recent study found that patient treatment preferences play a significant role in racial disparities in total joint replacement utilization. African-American patients were less likely to receive a recommendation for the procedure and undergo surgery compared to white patients, despite similar disease severity.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 1, 2010

One-third of young girls get HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer

According to a new report, only about one in three young women has received the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to help prevent cervical cancer. The vaccination rate is increasing, but there is still a significant disparity in HPV vaccination rates among different racial and ethnic groups.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 1, 2010
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Squirrels show softer side by adopting orphans, study finds

Red squirrels have been found to adopt orphaned pups from related individuals, challenging the assumption that such behavior is common only among extended family groups. Over two decades of study, researchers observed only five cases of adoption out of thousands of litters born, highlighting the rarity of this altruistic behavior.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 1, 2010

Geologist: Fla. ridges' mystery marine fossils tied to rising land, not seas

Researchers have found that marine fossils in Florida's sandy ridges are tied to the land's uplift, rather than rising sea levels. The process is driven by a combination of weather patterns and geology, including karstification and isostatic rebound. As a result, some ridges have been preserved with their ancient marine fossils intact.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalGeology·DateJun 1, 2010

Researchers offer solutions to poisonous well-water crisis in southern Asia

Over 100 million people in rural southern Asia are exposed to unsafe levels of arsenic from their well-water, increasing cancer risks and causing cardiovascular disease. Researchers propose using deeper wells only for individual households and implementing measures to preserve deep wells specifically for drinking water.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience·DateJun 1, 2010
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

TV food advertisements promote imbalanced diets

A new study finds that TV food advertisements promote imbalanced diets, with excessive sugars and fat, but inadequate nutrients like fruits and vegetables. The researchers analyzed 96 hours of TV programming and found that the advertised foods fail to meet nutritional guidelines in every food group except grains.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateJun 1, 2010

Blood-thinning copycat enters malaria fight

Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute identify heparin-like carbohydrates that block malaria parasite's attachment to red blood cells, offering new potential for anti-malarial drugs. The study provides hope for developing effective treatments against the disease, which affects millions worldwide.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalBlood·DateJun 1, 2010

Microbe power as a green means to hydrogen production

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method for enhancing the efficiency of microbial electrochemical cells (MXCs) using specialized bacteria. By creating a mutual relationship between homo-acetogens and anode bacteria, they can improve electron flow and increase hydrogen production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBioresource Technology·DateJun 1, 2010

Lasers help researchers predict birds' preferred habitat

A team of researchers combined satellite data and lidar technology to accurately predict bird habitats. They ranked forest habitats as good, fair, or poor based on canopy structure, matching actual ground data 90% of the time.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalEcology·DateJun 1, 2010
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Body's own proteins may lead the way in global fight against tuberculosis

Scientists have discovered that CCL5 plays a protective role in warding off tuberculosis by attracting immune cells to infection sites. The protein may lead to new therapies that help the immune system resist TB, providing hope for treating this global disease.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJun 1, 2010

Challenges for the next pandemic

The article identifies six key public health challenges and data needs to prepare for future pandemics, including measuring age-specific immunity and accurately quantifying severity. Serological surveys and monitoring time-sources are crucial for gathering valuable pandemic data.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 1, 2010
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Concealed patterns beneath life's variety

A study of biodiversity changes over space and time reveals unexpected trends, contradicting previous assumptions that species mix turns over more in the tropics than closer to the poles. The data suggest that changes in climate over large distances and multi-year periods explain these paradoxical trends.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateJun 1, 2010

Fox Chase researchers to present at American Urological Association

Researchers present studies demonstrating progress in using the R.E.N.A.L. Nephrometry Scoring system to standardize surgical decision-making and improve patient outcomes for patients with kidney cancers. The system captures anatomical features of renal masses, allowing for more accurate evaluation of treatment strategies.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·DateJun 1, 2010

No relaxing for cancer cells

Cancer cells form clusters of centrosomes to distribute chromosomes correctly, a trick that can be targeted for destroying them. Researchers identified 82 genes responsible for this survival strategy and found that silencing specific proteins disrupts tension in spindle fibers, leading to cancer cell death.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 1, 2010

Teens getting creative with Web 2.0 tools

Researchers found that teenagers are adept at using technology to connect with each other socially and creatively, often in innovative ways such as watching video diaries on YouTube or assessing platform features. Teens also demonstrate digital literacy by evaluating online platforms and selecting appropriate privacy settings.

SourceCanadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences·DateJun 1, 2010
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Plants spice up their sex life with defensins

Scientists have found that plants deploy defensin proteins to facilitate the fertilization process, releasing male sperm cells through an explosive mechanism. This groundbreaking discovery provides new insights into the evolution of flowering plants and may lead to breakthroughs in breeding crops with improved fertility.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 1, 2010

Rochester advances understanding of deadly form of malaria

Scientists have discovered that platelets play a crucial role in cerebral malaria, a fatal form of the disease that ravages the brain. By targeting platelets, researchers hope to develop new treatment options for this devastating condition.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 1, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Cognitive ability, not age, predicts risky decisions

Researchers at Duke University found that cognitive ability, not age, is the key factor in predicting risky decisions. The study showed that older adults who scored higher on cognitive tests made similar economic decisions as younger adults.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateJun 1, 2010
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Scientists design a more efficient democratic voting system

A new voting system, standardized bidding, is designed to provide efficiency in common decisions without the presence of money or monetary transfer. The system protects minorities and maximizes social well-being by allowing voters to order alternatives according to their preferences on a numeric scale.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalEuropean Journal of Political Economy·DateJun 1, 2010

Despite efforts, not all Latino immigrants accepted as 'white'

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that many Latino immigrants in the US face discrimination based on skin color, despite efforts to be accepted as 'white'. Darker-skinned Latinos earn significantly less than their lighter-skinned counterparts, with a difference of $2,500 per year.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJun 1, 2010
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Protecting nerve cells the job of the protein NFI-A

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered NFI-A's role in protecting nerve cells from death due to neurologic disorders and stroke. Knocking down NFI-A reduced the neuroprotective effects of sublethal doses of NMDA, supporting its central role in nerve cell survival.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 1, 2010

Aspirin recommendations changed for many younger diabetic patients

Experts now advise against low-dose aspirin therapy for men under 50 and women under 60 with diabetes, citing risks of stomach bleeding and other side effects. Generic medications for high blood pressure and cholesterol control may be more effective in preventing heart attacks.

SourceOregon State University·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJun 1, 2010
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

ADHD linked to low maternal education, lone parents and welfare benefits

A Swedish study found strong links between ADHD medication and limited maternal education, single parent families, and welfare benefits among 1.16 million school children. The study showed that socioeconomic factors accounted for almost half of the cases, highlighting their potent predictive power.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateJun 1, 2010

Revolutionary crane technology may be in Navy's future

The Office of Naval Research has successfully completed multiphase testing of the Large Vessel Interface Lift On/Lift Off Crane technology demonstrator. The demonstration successfully transferred 128 containers in waves of up to 1 meter in height, with only three crew members required for operation.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJun 1, 2010

New automated tool 'debugs' nuclear weapon simulations

Purdue University researchers created an automated program to debug complex nuclear weapon simulations, reducing the time and difficulty of manual debugging. The tool, AutomaDeD, was 90% accurate in identifying errors and has potential applications in other parallel applications like climate modeling and high-energy particle physics.

SourcePurdue University·DateJun 1, 2010

Lucky break: Quit smoking after fracture surgery for better healing

A study published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that patients who quit smoking six weeks after acute fracture surgery have fewer postoperative complications. Smoking cessation reduces risk of wound site infections and promotes faster healing.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJun 1, 2010
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Faith-based groups can aid response to HIV in Central America, study finds

A RAND Corporation study finds that faith-based organizations in Central America can play a crucial role in the HIV response by raising awareness and providing access to healthcare. Researchers recommend building on these groups' existing reach and influence to improve services and support for those affected by the disease.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateJun 1, 2010

Immune system helps transplanted stem cells navigate in central nervous system

A UCI study identifies the body's immune system as a key player in navigating transplanted stem cells to injured areas in the central nervous system. Adult neural stem cells were shown to be guided by CXCR-4 receptors and chemokine proteins to specific sites, where they differentiated into oligodendrocytes to repair damaged tissue.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2010

How New York City is preparing for climate change

The New York City Panel on Climate Change (NPCC) reveals the city's comprehensive plan to adapt to climate change, focusing on energy, transportation, water, and communication systems. The report proposes flexible Adaptation Pathways to mitigate risks and provide win-win opportunities for city managers.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2010
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Calcium consumption may cause prostate cancer in Chinese

A study published in Cancer Research found that high calcium intake, even from non-dairy sources such as soy and green vegetables, may increase prostate cancer risk in Chinese men. The research, which analyzed data from over 27,000 men, showed a 25% increased risk of prostate cancer among those consuming higher amounts of calcium.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 1, 2010

Copper nanowires enable bendable displays and solar cells

Researchers at Duke University have created copper nanowires that are both transparent and conductive, making them ideal for flexible displays and thin-film solar cells. These nanowires are cheaper than silver nanowires and outperform carbon nanotubes, offering a promising solution to the limitations of ITO.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 1, 2010
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

NASA completes critical design review of Landsat data continuity mission

NASA has successfully completed the Mission Critical Design Review (CDR) of its Landsat Data Continuity Mission, paving the way for full-scale fabrication and assembly. The LDCM will extend Landsat's record of Earth's changing landscapes with evolutionary technology improving performance and reliability.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 1, 2010

Sluggish cell division may help explain genital defects

Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered that a gene called Sonic hedgehog controls the speed of cell division, which may contribute to genital defects. The study found that slower cell division rates can lead to underdeveloped and malformed genitalia in mice.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 1, 2010

Synthetic peptide may regenerate brain tissue in stroke victims

Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital successfully treated lab animals with a synthetic version of the naturally occurring peptide Thymosin beta 4, promoting the creation of new blood vessels and repairing damaged nerve cells. The study's findings hold significant promise for treating clot-induced strokes in humans.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateJun 1, 2010
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Targeted immunotherapy shows promise for metastatic breast, pancreatic cancers

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have made significant progress in treating metastatic breast cancer, using a targeted immunotherapy approach that boosts the effectiveness of a therapeutic vaccine. The treatment has shown rapid and marked loss of Tregs without toxicity, resulting in stabilization of dise...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateJun 1, 2010

Use of local anesthetics in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease?

Researchers found some improvement in macroscopic inflammation with local anesthetics, but microscopic findings did not support these results. Local anesthetics may have potential therapeutic effects on inflammatory bowel disease based on their ability to reduce neuronal activity and subsequent inflammation.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJun 1, 2010

Uncovering the mystery of a major threat to wheat

Stripe rust fungus, threatening the world's wheat supply, can adapt to resistant varieties through sexual recombination with barberry, a common ornamental. Researchers found that fungal spores from infected barberry can infect wheat within 10 days.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalPhytopathology·DateJun 1, 2010

Blocking DNA repair protein could lead to targeted, safer cancer therapy

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have discovered that inhibiting a key molecule in a DNA repair pathway could make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation therapy while protecting healthy cells. This approach could provide a new means to target and treat cancer more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalScience Signaling·DateJun 1, 2010
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Calcium supplements: too much of a good thing?

The incidence of calcium-alkali syndrome is rising due to widespread use of over-the-counter calcium supplements. Limiting daily intake to 1.2-1.5 grams can prevent the condition.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 1, 2010