Abstract: Population pyramid is a very popular presentation of the age-sex distribution of the human population of a particular region. Its shape is influenced not only by demographical indicators, but also by many other social and political characteristics, such as birth control policy, wars, life-style etc. In the paper Clustering of population pyramids (Korenjak-C erne, Kejzar, Batagelj, Informatica, 2008) clusters of world countries with similar pyramidal shapes were obtained using Wards hierarchical clustering. The corresponding clusters shapes can offer additional insight about countries to field-related researchers. In order to get clusters where the gender and size of population are also taken into account we present data as histogram symbolic data (Billard, Diday, 2006). For their analysis we adapt the generalized Wards hierarchical clustering procedure (Batagelj, 1988). The changes of the pyramids shapes, and also changes of the countries inside main clusters will be examined for the years 1996, 2001, and 2006.

Abstract: The human mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) is a multicopy compact circular double stranded genome, that encodes for tRNAs, rRNAs and only a small portion of mitochondrial proteins. Mitochondria have increased rates of mutations compared to nuclear DNA (nDNA); over 150 mutations in mtDNA are associated with genetic disorders. Inheritance of these is almost exclusively maternal, and is complicated due to involvement of nDNA, and the occurrence of heteroplasmy, penetrance, expressivity, phenocopies, and genocopies. Currently accounted factors are often not sufficient for explaining the type and severity of clinical symptoms observed. The main focus of molecular diagnosis has been mainly qualitative: The detection of point mutations and large indels. However; neglecting the quantitative aspects, related to mutant load, may actually debase prediction of the phenotype. Quantifying mutant load can be performed accurately, sensitively and fast using real time quantitative PCR. This technique provides apparently for a better alternative to the current gold standard: the southern blot analysis, and introduces a valuable research tool for establishing more accurate genotype/ phenotype correlations that will foster improved genetic counseling, clinical diagnosis, and patient management.

Abstract: Preventing the introduction of AIS is the first line of defense against invasions. However, even the best prevention efforts do not stop all AIS introductions. While it is recognized that early detection increases the likelihood that invasions will be addressed successfully while populations are still localized and can be contained and eradicated, more needs to be done in combining the the expertise of scientists into a cohesive Science Advisory Committee that can provide advice for responding authorities prior to, during, and after a response is taken. Response agency need to perform operational, planning, logistical, financial, and administrative functions. The guidance scientists, researchers, and policy advisors can provide is not in close alignment these functions. This alignment is critical to provide key governmental officials the information they need to direct their authories to respond to a newly discovered or spreading Invasive Species. As an interim step toward improving AIS response capability, this presentation will introduce "Incident Command System" (ICS) concepts for the benefit of scientist who might participate in rapid response events, but who have not typically operated under such ICS structures.

Abstract: Environmental Defenses Center for Conservation Incentives aims to improve Lake Erie water quality by significantly reducing Maumee watershed agricultural runoff. The project enlists farmers, state and federal agencies, for-profit entities and non-profit groups as partners, and encompasses northwestern Ohio, eastern Indiana and southern Michigan. The WLEB project utilizes tools like the Lake Erie Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) ? a USDA program administered by the Farm Services Agency, and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) which provides financial and technical assistance to farmers for implementing conservation practices in the field. Through CREP, farmers volunteering to help improve water quality by taking ecologically sensitive land along rivers and streams out of production and planting them to grass and tree buffers can get financial and technical help. Key to program delivery are the on-the-ground experts under contract with EDF ? soil and water supervisors, retired NRCS employees, and Certified Crop Advisors ? who have instant credibility with farmers and understand the ins and outs of these sometimes complex programs. For maximum participation and ecological benefits, the project team is focusing much of its effort on the Tiffin and the Blanchard watersheds in Ohio.

Abstract: Cervical cancer is rated the second most common malignant tumor globally, and is an etiologically linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Interleukin-10 are a cytokines with anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of difference alleles of IL-4 and IL-10 genes with passive smokers and use of oral contraceptives to risk of cervical cancer. We investigated the association of cervical cancer with two anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10) cytokine genes in a case-control study. The study sample comprised 200 cases of cervical cancer and equal number of matched controls by variables number of tandem repeat (VNTR) and PCR-RFLP analysis. In this study, we observed Rp1/ Rp2 genotype of IL-4 borderline increase risk of developing cervix cancer (OR-1.3, 95%CI-0.45-3.64, p=0.8). In case of passive smokers, we also found marginal increase risk of cervical cancer with AC and combined AC+CC genotypes (OR-1.7, 95%CI-0.90-3.34, p=0.1 and OR-1.7, 95%CI- 0.90-3.17, p=0.1, respectively). However, non-significant association was observed between use of oral contraceptive and risk of cervical cancer with these two anti?inflammatory cytokines with different genotypes. The present study suggested in case of passive smokers having IL-4 Rp1/ Rp2 and IL-10 (AC) genotypes increased risk of developing cervix cancer in North Indian women.

Abstract: Mapping the Huron River is a video recording from a multimedia performance done as collaboration among artists and scientists on the cycle of water and the relationship of water and culture. The project was implemented as part of Art on Earth, a program intended to bring together science and art across University of Michigan academic units. During 2008 the program was oriented to Arts and the Environment and promoted projects around the four elements as themes. ?Mapping the Huron River? was conceived by the water group as an environmental education outreach piece. The performance includes videography, poetry, dance, acting, music, photography and painting within a scientific context. It takes the audience into an immersive experience: from rain replenishing the ground water at the Huron River headwaters to downstream towards Lake Erie, the Atlantic Ocean and back into rain. The piece describes the river journey from pristine to less desirable conditions as water flows through urban areas through images, sound and spoken words. A start celebrating nature ends on a dark note on the extermination of native freshwater mussels in segments of the rivers within the University of Michigan campus, and cautions about the consequences of unsustainable environmental

Abstract: We report the first known cases of late infantile neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis (LINCL) in the Arab population caused by a mutation in the CLN5 gene. The clinical manifestations of the disease largely resemble those of the Finnish LINCL variant and include mental decline, visual deterioration, ataxia and epileptic seizures, although the age of onset was 3 years. Sequencing of the genes that cause vLINCL (CLN5, 6 and 8) in the probands revealed a novel homozygous c.613C>T change in exon 3 of CLN5, corresponding to a missense mutation of the conserved amino acid proline 205 to serine. This description of variant of LINCL in an Arab family further demonstrates the clinical and molecular diversity of LINCL, which have mainly been reported in European populations.