bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ABCB1‐1Δ (MDR1‐1Δ) genotype is associated with adverse reactions in dogs treated with milbemycin oxime for generalized demodicosis
Authors: Barbet Joy L. , Snook Tara , Gay John M. , Mealey Katrina L.
Published: December 2008

Twenty‐two dogs diagnosed with generalized demodicosis were treated with milbemycin oxime (MO) because of poor response to previous therapies or because the dog was a breed known to be susceptible to ivermectin toxicosis. Fifteen of the 22 dogs were herding breeds. Doses of MO ranged from 1.0 to 2.2 mg kg−1day−1per os. Cheek swab samples were obtained in order to determine each dog'sABCB1 genotype. Adverse drug reactions were recorded for each dog by the owners and/or veterinarians. TheABCB1‐1Δ genotype was significantly associated with the development of an adverse reaction (neurological toxicity) after treatment with MO. None of the 19 dogs with the wild‐type ABCB1 allele experienced adverse reactions, whereas two dogs homozygous for the ABCB1‐1Δ mutation developed ataxia. Assessing the ABCB1‐1Δ genotype prior to MO administration may prevent neurological toxicity in these patients.
TheABCB1‐1Δmutation is not responsible for subchronic neurotoxicity seen in dogs of non‐collie breeds following macrocyclic lactone treatment for generalized demodicosis
Authors: Bissonnette Stéphane , Paradis Manon , Daneau Isabelle , Silversides David W.
Published: December 2008

P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), encoded by the multiple drug resistance geneABCB1(also known asMDR1), is an integral component of the blood brain barrier crucial in limiting drug uptake into the central nervous system. Altered expression or function of P‐gp, as seen in dogs of the collie lineage homozygous for the nt228(del4) mutation of theABCB1gene (ABCB1‐1Δ), can result in potentially fatal neurotoxicosis, especially following administration of systemic macrocyclic lactones (SML). Occasionally, dogs from unrelated breeds develop subchronic signs of neurotoxicity when receiving SML to treat generalized demodicosis. It is possible that these dogs are heterozygous carriers of theABCB1‐1Δmutation, resulting in decreased P‐gp activity and central neurotoxicosis. Cheek swabs were collected from 28 dogs with generalized demodicosis that had shown subchronic signs of neurotoxicity following daily oral administration of ivermectin or other SML. Ten of these animals received concurrent systemic treatment with other confirmed or putative P‐gp substrates. After DNA extraction, the relevant portion of theABCB1gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and sequenced. Twenty‐seven dogs were homozygous normal while one dog was heterozygous for theABCB1‐1Δmutation. Therefore, with the exception of one dog, the observed neurotoxicity could not be attributed to theABCB1‐1Δmutation. Possible explanations for the adverse reactions observed include pharmacological interactions (administration of SML with other P‐gp substrates or inhibitors), excessively high doses, polymorphisms in P‐gp expression, uncharacterized mutations in theABCB1gene or in another gene, or phenomena unrelated to the SML–P‐gp interaction.
Diversity of killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor genes in Indonesian populations of Java, Kalimantan, Timor and Irian Jaya
Authors: Velickovic M. , Velickovic Z. , Panigoro R. , Dunckley H.
Published: December 2008

Killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) regulate the activity of natural killer and T cells through interactions with specific human leucocyte antigen class I molecules on target cells. Population studies performed over the last several years have established that KIR gene frequencies (GFs) and genotype content vary considerably among different ethnic groups, indicating the extent of KIR diversity, some of which have also shown the effect of the presence or absence of specific KIR genes in human disease. We have determined the frequencies of 16 KIR genes and pseudogenes and genotypes in 193 Indonesian individuals from Java, East Timor, Irian Jaya (western half of the island of New Guinea) and Kalimantan provinces of Indonesian Borneo. All 16 KIR genes were observed in all four populations. Variation in GFs between populations was observed, except for KIR2DL4, KIR3DL2, KIR3DL3, KIR2DP1 and KIR3DP1 genes, which were present in every individual tested. When comparing KIR GFs between populations, both principal component analysis and a phylogenetic tree showed close clustering of the Kalimantan and Javanese populations, while Irianese populations were clearly separated from the other three populations. Our results indicate a high level of KIR polymorphism in Indonesian populations that probably reflects the large geographical spread of the Indonesian archipelago and the complex evolutionary history and population migration in this region.
HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, and ‐DRB1 allele and haplotype frequencies distinguish Eastern European Americans from the general European American population
Authors: Mack S. J. , Tu B. , Lazaro A. , Yang R. , Lancaster A. K. , Cao K. , Ng J. , Hurley C. K.
Published: December 2008

Sequence‐based typing was used to identify human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A, ‐B, ‐C, and ‐DRB1 alleles from 558 consecutively recruited US volunteers with Eastern European ancestry for an unrelated hematopoietic stem cell registry. Four of 31 HLA‐A alleles, 29 HLA‐C alleles, 59 HLA‐B alleles, and 42 HLA‐DRB1 alleles identified (A*0325, B*440204, Cw*0332, and *0732N) are novel. The HLA‐A*02010101g allele was observed at a frequency of 0.28. Two‐, three‐, and four‐locus haplotypes were estimated using the expectation‐maximization algorithm. The highest frequency extended haplotypes (A*010101g–Cw*070101g–B*0801g–DRB1*0301 and A*03010101g–Cw*0702–B*0702–DRB1*1501) were observed at frequencies of 0.04 and 0.03, respectively. Linkage disequilibrium values () of the constituent two‐locus haplotypes were highly significant for both extended haplotypes (Pvalues were less than 8 × 10−10) but were consistently higher for the more frequent haplotype. Balancing selection was inferred to be acting on all the four loci, with the strongest evidence of balancing selection observed for the HLA‐C locus. Comparisons of the A–C–B haplotypes and DRB1 frequencies in this population with those for African, European, and western Asian populations showed high degrees of identity with Czech, Polish, and Slovenian populations and significant differences from the general European American population.
Ethnic variability in human leukocyte antigen‐E haplotypes
Authors: Antoun A. , Jobson S. , Cook M. , Moss P. , Briggs D.
Published: December 2008

Human leukocyte antigen‐E (HLA‐E) is an important nonclassical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (Ib) molecule that acts as the ligand for NKG2A/B/C receptors expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and T cells. Unlike the classical class I molecules, HLA‐E is highly conserved in evolution and the biological significance of polymorphism is therefore unclear. Our aim was to investigate the polymorphism in HLA‐E gene in three ethnic groups in the UK and to obtain population data relating to any variations observed at this locus. We developed a polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐specific primer (PCR‐SSP) method for identifying HLA‐E single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genomic DNA. This was used to investigate the genotype distribution and allele frequency of nine published SNPs in the coding region of HLA‐E in 223 Euro‐Caucasoid, 60 Afro‐Caribbean and 52 Asian healthy individuals. Genotype frequencies were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. No polymorphism was observed for seven previously reported SNPs and these should not be considered polymorphic. However, positions 1114 and 1446 were confirmed as polymorphic and different genotype frequencies were identified at nucleotide position 1114 between the three studied ethnic groups. We present these data together with the intragene haplotype frequencies in these populations. To our knowledge, this is the first description of population frequencies of nine different SNPs in HLA‐E in three main large ethnic groups. The data generated from this study will be of importance in the context of describing the effect of HLA‐E polymorphism in clinical settings such as transplantation and autoimmune diseases.
Two novel MICA alleles, MICA*054 and MICA*056
Authors: Cox S. T. , Stephens H. A. F , Fernando R. , Grant J. , Madrigal J. A. , Little A.‐M.
Published: December 2008

We report the identification of two novel major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I‐related chain A (MICA) alleles. MICA*054 has a nucleotide substitution of A to G at position 871 (codon 268), encoding an amino acid change of serine to glycine in the α‐3 domain. MICA*056 has a nucleotide substitution at position 758 of G to C resulting in the substitution of tryptophan for serine at codon 230, also in the α‐3 domain.
Characterization of new HLA‐B and ‐DRB1 alleles from Singapore
Authors: Lazaro A. M. , Hwang W. Y. K. , Yeoh A. E. J. , Ng J. , Posch P. E.
Published: December 2008

Six novel alleles, three human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B and three HLA‐DRB1 alleles, are described. Five of the variants are single nucleotide substitutions from their most homologous allele, of which three result in amino acid changes (B*3572, *9509 and DRB1*1157) and two are silent substitutions (B*370103 and DRB1*150204). DRB1*0462 differs by three nucleotide substitutions that alter two amino acids.
Social context predicts recognition systems in ant queens
Authors: DREIER S. , D’ETTORRE P.
Published: December 2008

Recognition of group‐members is a key feature of sociality. Ants use chemical communication to discriminate nestmates from intruders, enhancing kin cooperation and preventing parasitism. The recognition code is embedded in their cuticular chemical profile, which typically varies between colonies. We predicted that ants might be capable of accurate recognition in unusual situations when few individuals interact repeatedly, as new colonies started by two to three queens. Individual recognition would be favoured by selection when queens establish dominance hierarchies, because repeated fights for dominance are costly; but it would not evolve in absence of hierarchies. We previously showed that Pachycondyla co‐founding queens, which form dominance hierarchies, have accurate individual recognition based on chemical cues. Here, we used the ant Lasius niger to test the null hypothesis that individual recognition does not occur when co‐founding queens do not establish dominance hierarchies. Indeed, L. niger queens show a similar level of aggression towards both co‐foundresses and intruders, indicating that they are unable of individual recognition, contrary to Pachycondyla. Additionally, the variation in chemical profiles of Lasius and Pachycondyla queens is comparable, thus informational constraints are unlikely to apply. We conclude that selection pressure from the social context is of crucial significance for the sophistication of recognition systems.
Diet and social conditions during sexual maturation have unpredictable influences on female life history trade‐offs
Authors: BARRETT E. L. B. , MOORE A. J. , MOORE P. J.
Published: December 2008

The trade‐off between gametes and soma is central to life history evolution. Oosorption has been proposed as a mechanism by which females can redirect nutrients invested in oocytes into survival when conditions for reproduction are poor. Although positive correlations between oocyte degradation and lifespan have been documented in oviparous insects, the adaptive significance of this process in species with more complex reproductive biology has not been explored. Further, environmental condition is a multivariate state, and combinations of environmental stresses may interact in unpredictable ways. Previous work on the ovoviviparous cockroach, Nauphoeta cinerea, revealed that females manipulated to mate late relative to sexual maturation experience age‐related loss in fecundity because of loss of viable oocytes via apoptosis. This loss in fecundity is correlated with a reduction in female mate choice. Food deprivation while mating is delayed further increases levels of oocyte apoptosis, but the relationship between starvation‐induced apoptosis and life history are unknown. To investigate this, virgin females were either fed or starved from eclosion until provided with a mate at a time known to be suboptimal for fertility. Following mating, females were fed for the duration of their lifespan. We measured lifetime reproductive performance. Contrary to predictions, under conditions of delayed mating opportunity, starved females had greater fecundity, gave birth to more high‐quality offspring and had increased longevity compared with that of fed females. We suggest that understanding proximal mechanisms underlying life history trade‐offs, including the function of oocyte apoptosis, and how these mechanisms respond to varied environmental conditions is critical.
Selection efficiency and effective population size in Drosophila species
Authors: PETIT N. , BARBADILLA A.
Published: December 2008

A corollary of the nearly neutral theory of molecular evolution is that the efficiency of natural selection depends on effective population size. In this study, we evaluated the differences in levels of synonymous polymorphism among Drosophila species and showed that these differences can be explained by differences in effective population size. The differences can have implications for the molecular evolution of the Drosophila species, as is suggested by our results showing that the levels of codon bias and the proportion of adaptive substitutions are both higher in species with higher levels of synonymous polymorphism. Moreover, species with lower synonymous polymorphism have higher levels of nonsynonymous polymorphism and larger content of repetitive sequences in their genomes, suggesting a diminished efficiency of selection in species with smaller effective population size.
Production of Antiserum to Recombinant Coat Protein for Detecting Lily mottle virus in Yunnan, China
Authors: Kong Baohua , Yu Jialin , Chen Hairu , Li Dawei , Han Chenggui , Wang Jihua
Published: December 2008

Lily mottle virus (LMoV), Potyvirus genus, is very difficult to purify for the preparation of diagnostic antisera. The coat protein (CP) gene of LMoV was amplified by RT‐PCR from infected plants and cloned into the prokaryotic pET‐30a vector to generate the recombinant plasmid pET‐CP. The resulting carboxy‐terminal His‐tagged CP was over‐expressed in Escherichia coli BL 21 cells by Isopropyl‐β‐d‐thiogalactoside (IPTG) induction and purified over Ni‐NTA affinity columns. The purified CP was used to elicit a polyclonal antiserum in rabbits. The antiserum had a titre of 1 : 128 in double diffusion tests, and specifically recognized LMoV in Western blots, Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assays and Immuno‐Electron Microscopy. The CP antiserum was also used to evaluate LMoV infection of lily bulbs used for commercial production in Yunnan, China. Substantial levels of infection were found in both imported and native bulbs, and provide the basis to implement flexible, rapid and large‐scale virus indexing of lily plants for use in propagation and to meet virus‐free quarantine regulations.
Molecular markers for detection, surveillance and prognostication of bladder cancer
Authors: Vrooman Olaf PJ , Witjes J Alfred
Published: December 2008

Many markers for the detection of bladder cancers have been tested and almost all urinary markers reported are better than cytology with regard to sensitivity, but they score lower in specificity. Currently molecular and genetic changes play an important role in the discovery of new molecular markers for detection, prognostication and surveillance. The purpose of this review is to highlight the most important urinary molecular biomarker developments that have been studied and reported recently. In the current review we have summarized the most recent and relevant published reports on molecular urinary markers. The results of this review show that the first generation of urinary markers did not add much to urinary cytology. The current generation of markers is better, but additional clinical trials are needed. Our knowledge of molecular pathways in bladder cancer is growing and new methods of marker development emerge, but the perfect marker is still to be found. Currently, there are not clinically usable molecular markers that can guide us in diagnosis or surveillance, nor guide us in lowering the frequency of urethrocystoscopy in bladder cancer.
MONETARY TRANSMISSION MECHANISM IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE: SURVEYING THE SURVEYABLE
Authors: Égert Balázs , MacDonald Ronald
Published: December 2008

Abstract This paper surveys recent advances in empirical studies of the monetary transmission mechanism, with special attention to Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Our results indicate that the strength of the exchange rate pass‐through substantially declined over time mainly due to a fall in inflation rates and to some extent due to the so‐called composition effect. The asset price channel is weak and is likely to remain weak because of shallow stock and private bond markets and because of low stock and bond holdings of domestic households. House prices may become an exception with booming mortgage lending and with high owner occupancy ratios. While the credit channel could be a powerful channel of monetary transmission – as new funds raised on capital markets are close to zero in CEE – it is actually not, as both commercial banks and non‐financial corporations can escape domestic monetary conditions by borrowing from their foreign mother companies. The moderately good news, however, is that those banks and firms are influenced by monetary policy in the euro area because their parent institutions are themselves subjected to the credit channel in the euro area.
A MONUMENT TO INTIMACY: JOSHUA REYNOLDS'S THE MARLBOROUGH FAMILY
Authors: HALLETT MARK
Published: December 2008

This article offers a fresh reading of Sir Joshua Reynolds's celebrated portrait of the Marlborough Family (1777–79), in which the painting is interpreted in relation to the themes of dynasty, connoisseurship, parental tenderness, childhood and intimacy, and as an ambitious assemblage of interacting pictorial elements. The article is designed to suggest new, historically informed ways of approaching and interpreting Reynolds's own work, and hopes to indicate the interpretive richness of the Georgian family portrait as a pictorial genre. It also makes a case for the benefits that continue to accrue from the practice and skill of looking in a concentrated, questioning and patient way at a single work of art.
Property rights and the public trust doctrine in environmental protection and natural resource conservation*
Authors: Brewer Jedidiah , Libecap Gary D.
Published: December 2008

We examine the implications of the public trust doctrine in natural resource protection and conservation. A model of litigation and settlement among disputing parties suggests that the public trust doctrine introduces more costs and is more time consuming than would be the case with alternative approaches, such as the purchase of private rights through market transactions or application of eminent domain powers to reallocate the resource. Because the doctrine allows for uncompensated redistribution, it is resisted by current resource owners. Furthermore, by providing open standing to members of the public in challenging existing uses, public trust disputes encourage excessive demands, increasing the incidence of trial over settlement. This outcome is exacerbated if the plaintiffs derive utility from the ‘cause’ and provide litigation services at below‐market rates, leading to greater investment in litigation. The costs of the public trust doctrine appear to have limited its application beyond the level anticipated by proponents. We present a case study of Mono Lake, part of the well‐known 1983 litigation, National Audubon v. Superior Court to illustrate our arguments.
The Growth of Gambling and Prediction Markets: Economic and Financial Implications
Authors: PATON DAVID , SIEGEL DONALD S. , VAUGHAN WILLIAMS LEIGHTON
Published: December 2008

In recent years, there has been a substantial global increase in gambling and prediction markets, including casinos, sports betting, lotteries, elections and wagering on financial instruments. This trend has heightened interest in numerous economic and financial issues related to this sector. These include questions relating to the efficiency of these markets, heterogeneity in risk attitudes among economic agents, and the use of prediction markets in policy analysis. The papers in this special issue provide a mix of theoretical and empirical evidence on these issues.
A case of late onset leukoencephalopathy with cerebral calcifications and cysts in a 59‐year‐old woman
Authors: Kaffenberger T. , Valko P. O. , Von Meyenburg J. , Baráth K. , Hewer E. , Heppner F. L. , Jagella C. E. , Horst A. , Siccoli M. M.
Published: December 2008

Background:  Leukoencephalopathy with cerebral calcifications and cysts (LCC) is a recently described, very rare entity, clinically characterized by progressive neurological deficits such as cognitive decline, epileptic seizures, pyramidal, extrapyramidal and cerebellar symptoms/signs. With the exception of two patients with adult onset, in all previously described cases symptoms onset occurred between early infancy and adolescence.

Results:  We report a case of late onset LCC in a 59‐year‐old woman presenting with urinary and fecal incontinence and behavioural changes, then rapid progression with hemianopia, hemiparesis, ataxia and cognitive decline. Extensive work‐up was performed, including brain magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, cyst fluid analysis and brain biopsy, confirming the final diagnosis of LCC.

Conclusion:  Our case supports the existence of a late onset adult form of LCC.
Spinal cord sarcoidosis: report of seven cases
Authors: Varron L. , Broussolle C. , Candessanche J.‐P. , Marignier R. , Rousset H. , Ninet J. , Sève P.
Published: December 2008

Background:  Spinal cord involvement in sarcoidosis is rare, occurring in <1% of patients with sarcoidosis.

Methods:  We report seven cases of spinal cord sarcoidosis, seen in two French hospitals over a 13‐year period. Presentation of disease, methods of diagnosis and response to treatment, with quantification according to the reduction of the modified Rankin scale (MRS), were noted.

Results:  Six patients presented insidious paresthesias or weakness and one a sudden paraplegia. Average MRS at diagnosis was to 2. Spine MRI showed one or several intramedullary lesions in all cases. Diagnosis was confirmed by extra‐neural tissue biopsies in all cases, including mediastinoscopy (two patients), coelioscopy (one patient), bronchoscopy (one patient), salivary gland biopsy (one patient) and skin biopsy (two patients). The average follow‐up for the group was 49.4 months. All patients responded to corticosteroid therapy with a median reduction of MRS of one point. Five patients received immunosuppressive therapy: cyclophosphamide (two patients), methotrexate (two patients), azathioprine (one patient), mycophenolate mofetyl (one patient), with an inconstant benefit. Patients who received cyclophosphamide presented severe fungaemia.

Conclusion:  Based on our study and literature analysis, we propose an algorithm for treatment of spinal cord sarcoidosis.
Age of puberty and the risk of multiple sclerosis: a population based study
Authors: Ramagopalan S. V. , Valdar W. , Criscuoli M. , DeLuca G. C. , Dyment D. A. , Orton S.‐M. , Yee I. M. , Ebers G. C. , Sadovnick A. D. ,   for the Canadian Collaborative Study Group
Published: December 2008

Background and purpose:  Genetic and environmental factors have important roles in multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility. Given a potential role for sex hormones in MS, we have investigated whether or not the age of puberty influences the risk of developing MS in a population‐based cohort.

Methods:  We identified 5493 MS index cases and 1759 spousal controls with age of puberty information from the Canadian Collaborative Project on Genetic Susceptibility to MS. Age of puberty was compared between index cases and controls, and any effect of age of puberty on the age of onset of MS was also investigated.

Results:  There were no significant differences between male index cases and controls with respect to age of puberty, P = 0.70. However, a significant difference was observed between female index cases and female controls, with average age of puberty being 12.4 and 12.6 years respectively, P = 0.00017, providing a relative risk decrease of 0.9 per year increase of age of puberty. There was no effect of the age of puberty on the age of MS onset in either sex.

Conclusions:  Earlier age at menarche increases the risk of MS in women. Whether this association is a surrogate for a disease causative factor or directly involved in MS disease aetiology needs to be uncovered.
Separation of phasic arousal and expectancy effects in a speeded reaction time task via fMRI
Authors: Hackley Steven A. , Langner Robert , Rolke Bettina , Erb Michael , Grodd Wolfgang , Ulrich Rolf
Published: December 2008

Sixteen neurologically normal volunteers performed a 2‐choice speeded reaction time (RT) task in which the imperative was the change in color of a clock hand. During trial blocks with low temporal uncertainty (good clock condition), this imperative stimulus occurred at a fixed location (e.g., 2:00). In the bad clock condition, the clock was unpredictive of imperative onset. On half of both good and bad clock trials, a task‐irrelevant, cutaneous accessory stimulus accompanied the imperative. The speeding of reactions by the accessory was associated with activation primarily in and near the supramarginal gyrus of the parietal lobe. Contrasts of good‐ versus bad‐clock conditions revealed activation in a variety of perceptual, motor, and executive control regions. Apart from interactions within the cerebellum and left anterior insula, there was little overlap between structures influenced by the arousal and expectancy manipulations.
Gamma‐band activity in the human superior temporal sulcus during mentalizing from nonverbal social cues
Authors: Cohen Michael X , David Nicole , Vogeley Kai , Elger Christian E.
Published: December 2008

The posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) is a key structure for our ability to infer others' mental states based on social cues including facial expressions, body posture, and gestures (“mentalizing”), but the neural mechanisms of this ability remain largely unknown. We recorded electrocorticogram directly from the pSTS in humans to show that enhanced neural oscillations in the gamma frequency range (35–55 Hz) accompany mentalizing. One patient with a lesion in pSTS was tested behaviorally on this task; he was unable to infer a virtual character's preferences from nonverbal social cues. Enhanced coherent gamma oscillations in the patients with intact pSTS may reflect a process by which social signals are bound into a unified representation to support mentalizing. This may be relevant for other social cognitive processes, as well as to the study of autism spectrum disorders, for which both mentalizing deficits and abnormal gamma activity have been reported.
Potential distribution of orchid bees outside their native range: The cases of Eulaema polychroma (Mocsáry) and Euglossa viridissima Friese in the USA (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Hinojosa‐Díaz Ismael A. , Feria‐Arroyo Teresa P. , Engel Michael S.
Published: December 2008

Aim  This study aimed to evaluate the probability of suitable habitats in the USA for two adventive orchid bee species (Eulaema polychroma (Mocsáry) and Euglossa viridissima Friese), one of which has become established in southern Florida despite the absence of its associated orchid hosts.

Location  North and Central America, northern South America and the Caribbean.

Methods  Using positive occurrence data within the native range of both orchid bee species, Maxent species distribution modelling was employed to evaluate the probability of suitable habitats in the USA. The power of predictability for the model was tested using partitions of the data.

Results  Our results show the absence of suitable habitat in southern Arizona for E. polychroma to maintain populations there, as well as establishing the northernmost limit for the species at around 29°N in north‐western Mexico. Suitable habitat was found for E. viridissima in various locations throughout southern Florida. This species is predicted to spread to occupy roughly the southern half of the Florida Peninsula.

Main conclusions  The findings indicate that species distribution modelling is useful for evaluating records of species occurrence outside of their native range. Our results indicate that the isolated record of a male of E. polychroma from southern Arizona should not be considered representative of an established population in the absence of further males and females from the same region. Conversely, E. viridissima has successfully become established in south‐eastern Florida after a seemingly accidental introduction first noticed in the summer of 2003. We discuss the naturalization of E. viridissima in Florida, the probability of suitable habitat across the Caribbean (where orchid bees are otherwise natively absent today) and the absence of perfume orchids (Orchidaceae). Lastly, we discuss the implications of these results for understanding the biology and biogeography of Euglossini.
Avian productivity in urban landscapes: a review and meta‐analysis
Authors: CHAMBERLAIN D. E. , CANNON A. R. , TOMS M. P. , LEECH D. I. , HATCHWELL B. J. , GASTON K. J.
Published: December 2008

There is an urgent need to thoroughly review and comprehend the effects of urbanization on wildlife in order to understand both the ecological implications of increasing urbanization and how to mitigate its threat to biodiversity globally. We examined patterns in comparative productivity of urban and non‐urban passerine birds, using published estimates from paired comparisons, and by reviewing and developing explanations in terms of resources, competitors, predators and other specifically urban environmental factors. The most consistent patterns were for earlier lay dates, lower clutch size, lower nestling weight and lower productivity per nesting attempt in urban landscapes; these were supported by a formal meta‐analysis. Nest failure rates did not show consistent patterns across the species considered. We suggest that food availability is a key driver of differences in passerine demography between landscapes. In urban habitats, human‐provided food may improve adult condition over winter, leading to earlier lay dates and, in some species, to higher survival and higher breeding densities, but paucity of natural food may lead to lower productivity per nesting attempt. We demonstrate that additional comparative research is needed on a wider range of species, on the effects of natural and human‐provided food availability, and on the differences in survival and dispersal between urban and non‐urban populations. Importantly, better‐targeted research and monitoring is needed in areas that are at greatest threat from urbanization, especially in the developing world.
Women in the Singing Business, Women in Songs
Authors: Lagrange Frédéric
Published: December 2008

This paper is part of aHistory Compassconference cluster tracing the formation of national culture in Egypt. Guest edited by Walter Armbrust, this cluster of articles was originally part of a conference in Oxford on January 12–13, 2007, organized by Walter Armbrust, Ronald Nettler, and Lucie Ryzova, and funded by the Middle East Centre (St. Antony's), The Faculty of Oriental Studies, The Khalid bin ‘Abdullah Al‐Sa’ud Professorship (Professor Clive Holes), and The Centre for Political Ideologies.

The cluster is made up of the following articles:

Guest Editor: Walter Armbrust

‘The Formation of National Culture in Egypt in the Interwar Period: Cultural Trajectories’, Walter Armbrust,History Compass6 (2008), 10.1111/j.1478‐0542.2008.00571.x

‘Repackaging the Egyptian Monarchy: Faruq in the Public Spotlight, 1936–1939’, Matthew Ellis,History Compass6 (2008), 10.1111/j.1478‐0542.2008.00572.x

‘HowZaynabBecame the First Arabic Novel’, Elliott Colla,History Compass6 (2008), 10.1111/j.1478‐0542.2008.00573.x

‘Women in the Singing Business, Women in Songs’, Frédéric Lagrange,History Compass6 (2008), 10.1111/j.1478‐0542.2008.00574.x

‘Long Live Patriarchy: Love in the Time of ‘Abd al‐Wahhab’, Walter Armbrust,History Compass6 (2008), 10.1111/j.1478‐0542.2008.00575.x

‘Football as National Allegory:Al‐Ahramand the Olympics in 1920s Egypt’, Shaun Lopez,History Compass6 (2008), 10.1111/j.1478‐0542.2008.00576.x

‘The Professional Worldview of theEffendiHistorian’, Yoav Di‐Capua,History Compass6 (2008), 10.1111/j.1478‐0542.2008.00577.x
Football as National Allegory: Al‐Ahram and the Olympics in 1920s Egypt
Authors: Lopez Shaun
Published: December 2008

This paper is part of a History Compass conference cluster tracing the formation of national culture in Egypt. Guest edited by Walter Armbrust, this cluster of articles was originally part of a conference in Oxford on January 12–13, 2007, organized by Walter Armbrust, Ronald Nettler, and Lucie Ryzova, and funded by the Middle East Centre (St. Antony's), The Faculty of Oriental Studies, The Khalid bin ‘Abdullah Al‐Sa’ud Professorship (Professor Clive Holes), and The Centre for Political Ideologies.
The Professional Worldview of the Effendi Historian
Authors: Di‐Capua Yoav
Published: December 2008

This paper is part of a History Compass conference cluster tracing the formation of national culture in Egypt. Guest edited by Walter Armbrust, this cluster of articles was originally part of a conference in Oxford on January 12–13, 2007, organized by Walter Armbrust, Ronald Nettler, and Lucie Ryzova, and funded by the Middle East Centre (St. Antony's), The Faculty of Oriental Studies, The Khalid bin ‘Abdullah Al‐Sa’ud Professorship (Professor Clive Holes), and The Centre for Political Ideologies.

The cluster is made up of the following articles:

Guest Editor: Walter Armbrust ‘The Formation of National Culture in Egypt in the Interwar Period: Cultural Trajectories’, Walter Armbrust, History Compass 6 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00571.x‘Repackaging the Egyptian Monarchy: Faruq in the Public Spotlight, 1936–1939’, Matthew Ellis, History Compass 6 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00572.x‘How Zaynab Became the First Arabic Novel’, Elliott Colla, History Compass 6 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00573.x‘Women in the Singing Business, Women in Songs’, Frédéric Lagrange, History Compass 6 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00574.x‘Long Live Patriarchy: Love in the Time of ‘Abd al‐Wahhab’, Walter Armbrust, History Compass 6 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00575.x‘Football as National Allegory: Al‐Ahram and the Olympics in 1920s Egypt’, Shaun Lopez, History Compass 6 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00576.x‘The Professional Worldview of the Effendi Historian’, Yoav Di‐Capua, History Compass 6 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00577.x
The Use of an Approved Biodegradable Polymer Scaffold as a Solid Support System for Improvement of Islet Engraftment
Authors: Kin Tatsuya , O'Neil John J. , Pawlick Rena , Korbutt Gregory S. , Shapiro A.M. James , Lakey Jonathan R.T.
Published: December 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of a medically approved biodegradable scaffold as a solid support system would enhance graft survival following transplantation into the omental pouch in a preclinical large animal model. Six beagle dogs underwent total pancreatectomy followed by islet autotransplantation into the omental pouch. Four dogs received islets seeded in a biodegradable polymer scaffold and two received free islets without a scaffold. All four animals that received islets in the scaffold became normoglycemic without exogeneous insulin injection. One dog, transplanted with the largest number of islets, maintained a normal metabolic state until the graft was removed at 5 months posttransplant. In two out of the three that received a marginal islet mass, insulin independence was sustained up to 2 months. In contrast, two dogs transplanted with a similar marginal mass without the scaffold never became normoglycemic. Histological examination of the grafts in the scaffold showed numerous well‐granulated, insulin‐containing cells as well as glucagon‐positive cells. These results indicate that biodegradable scaffolds may enhance survival and function of islet grafts. Manipulation of the microenvironment of transplanted islets may constitute the basis for new approaches to enhance islet engraftment.
Identification of an optimal concentration of platelet gel for promoting angiogenesis in human endothelial cells
Authors: Giusti Ilaria , Rughetti Anna , D'Ascenzo Sandra , Millimaggi Danilo , Pavan Antonio , Dell'Orso Luigi , Dolo Vincenza
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have supported the use of topical blood components to improve wound healing and tissue regeneration. Platelet gel (PG), a hemocomponent obtained from mix of activated platelets (PLTs) and cryoprecipitate, is currently being used clinically in an attempt to improve tissue healing. The present study sought to define the most effective PG concentration to promote angiogenesis in vitro.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The effects of PG‐released supernatant at different concentrations on human endothelial cells were studied using different in vitro assays (proliferation, migration, invasion, cord formation, and wound healing).

RESULTS: The concentration of PG‐released supernatant had a significant influence on the angiogenic potential of endothelial cells. The optimal concentration for the stimulation of angiogenesis was 1.5 × 106 PLTs per µL in most of the in vitro experiments used in this study. Lower or higher concentrations of PG displayed a lower angiogenic potential.

CONCLUSION: An optimal concentration of PG to promote angiogenesis in human endothelial cells was identified. Excessively high PG concentrations may inhibit the angiogenic process, thereby being counterproductive for wound healing in a clinical setting.
Comparison of Time‐Domain Short‐Term Heart Interval Variability Analysis Using a Wrist‐Worn Heart Rate Monitor and the Conventional Electrocardiogram
Authors: PORTO LUIZ GUILHERME GROSSI , JUNQUEIRA Jr LUIZ F.
Published: December 2008

Background: Wrist‐worn heart rate monitors have not been extensively validated for heart rate variability analysis. The purpose of this study was to compare time‐domain variability of heart interval series (R‐Ri) recorded by the Polar S810 monitor (Polar Electro Oy, Kempele, Finland) and the conventional electrocardiogram (ECG).

Methods: Agreement was verified between variability indices of 5‐minute R‐Ri simultaneously recorded by both devices and processed by unique software, from 33 subjects aged 18 to 42 years, normal or with different clinical conditions, in rest supine and active standing. ECG minus Polar differences were quantified by the Bland‐Altman analysis, and tested by the one‐sample t‐test or Wilcoxon test.

Results: In the supine position, the Polar overestimates (P < 0.0001) the absolute and percentage mean or median of the number (−2.00; −0.49%) and mean of R‐Ri (–1.85 ms; –0.20%) and pNN50 (−2.20%; −8.68%), and underestimates the standard deviation (SDNN) (0.32 ms; 0.59%) (P = 0.08; P = 0.02) and root mean square successive difference (RMSSD) (0.90 ms; 1.56%) (P = 0.0008; P < 0.0001). The coefficient of variation (CV) showed null difference. On standing, differences were overestimated for the number (−2.61 intervals; −0.64%) and mean of R‐Ri (−0.70 ms; −0.09%), and underestimated for rMSSD (1.70 ms; 10.84%) (P < 0.0001 to < 0.02). The SDNN, CV, and pNN50 indices did not show differences (P = 0.12 to 0.73).

Conclusions: The Polar S810 monitor was feasible and reliable for recording short‐term R‐R interval series, showing excellent agreement with the ECG in providing the time‐domain indexes of heart interval variability with differences functionally not relevant. The CV showed the higher agreement in both postures, and the SDNN and pNN50 in the standing posture.
ECG Leads I and II to Evaluate Diuresis of Patients with Congestive Heart Failure Admitted to the Hospital via the Emergency Department
Authors: LUMLERTGUL SUTHAPORN , CHENTHANAKIJ BORIBOON , MADIAS JOHN E.
Published: December 2008

Background: Attenuation of electrocardiogram (ECG) QRS complexes is observed in patients with a variety of illnesses and peripheral edema (PERED), and augmentation with alleviation of PERED. Serial ECGs in stable individuals display variation in the amplitude of QRS complexes in leads V1–V6, stemming from careless placement of recording electrodes on the chestwall. Electrocardiographs record only leads I and II, and mathematically derive the other four limb leads in real time. This study evaluated the sum of the amplitudes of ECG leads I and II, along with other sets of ECG leads in the monitoring of diuresis in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).

Methods: Twenty patients with CHF had ECGs and weights recorded on admission and at discharge. The amplitude of the QRS complexes in all ECG leads were measured and sums of I and II, all limb leads, V1–V6, and all 12 leads were calculated.

Results: There was a good correlation between the weight loss and the increase in the sums of the amplitudes of the QRS complexes from leads I and II (r = 0.55, P = 0.012), and the six limb leads (r = 0.68, P = 0.001), but a poor correlation with the V1–V6 leads (r = 0.04, P = 0.85) and all 12 leads (r = 0.1, P = 0.40).

Conclusions: Sums of the amplitudes of the ECG QRS complexes from leads I and II constitute a reliable, easily obtainable, ubiquitously available, bedside clinical index, which can be employed in the diagnosis, monitoring of management, and follow‐up of patients with CHF.
Atrial Flutter with Spontaneous 1:1 Atrioventricular Conduction in Adults: An Uncommon but Frequently Missed Cause for Syncope/Presyncope
Authors: TURITTO GIOIA , AKHRASS PHILIPPE , LEONARDI MARINO , SAPONIERI CESARE , SETTE ANTONELLA , EL‐SHERIF NABIL
Published: December 2008

Aims: To compare patients with atrial flutter (AFl) and 1:1 atrioventricular conduction (AVC) with patients with AFl and higher AVC.

Methods: The characteristics of 19 patients with AFl and 1:1 AVC (group A) were compared with those of 116 consecutive patients with AFl and 2:1 AVC or higher degree AV block (group B).

Results: Age, gender, and left ventricular function were similar in the two groups. In group A versus group B, more patients had no structural heart disease (42% vs 17%, P < 0.05) and syncope/presyncope (90% vs 12%, P < 0.05). The AFl cycle length (CL) in group A was longer than in group B (265 ± 24 ms vs 241 ± 26 ms, P < 0.01). The transition from AFl with 1:1 to 2:1 AVC or vice versa was associated with small but definite changes in AFl CL, which showed larger variations in response to sympathetic stimulation. In group A patients who were studied off drugs, the atrial‐His interval was not different from group B, but maximal atrial pacing rate with 1:1 AVC was faster. In group A, five patients were misdiagnosed as ventricular tachyarrhythmias, and three with a defibrillator received inappropriate shocks. Four patients had ablation of AVC and six had ablation of AFl circuit.

Conclusions: The main difference between groups A and B may be an inherent capacity of the AV node for faster conduction, especially in response to increased sympathetic tone. The latter affects not only AVC but also the AFl CL. One should be aware of the different presentations of AFl with 1:1 AVC to avoid misdiagnosis/mismanagement and to consider the diagnosis in patients with narrow or wide QRS tachycardia and rates above 220/min.
Scaffolding Imitation in Capoeira: Physical Education and Enculturation in an Afro‐Brazilian Art
Authors: DOWNEY GREG
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT Imitation plays a crucial role in apprenticeship in the Afro‐Brazilian performance genre capoeira, as in many skills across cultures. In this article, I examine the interactional dynamics of imitative pedagogy in capoeira to better understand physical education as a form of bodily enculturation. The ability to learn through imitation is widely considered a hallmark of our species. Imitative ability, however, is a social accomplishment rather than a capacity of the learner in isolation. Human models often provide assistance to novices seeking to imitate, including a variety of forms of what educational theorists call “scaffolding,” which are astutely structured to a novice's ability, perceptions, and even neurology. Scaffolding techniques vary. I here examine how instructors reduce students' degrees of movement freedom, reorient their model in perceptual space, and parse complex sequences into component gestures. Close analysis of pedagogical interaction highlights the divergence between forms of instruction and practical skills being taught.
The Healing Arts of the Malay Mystic
Authors: FARRER D. S.
Published: December 2008

The legacy of Alfred Gell offers a rich stock of ingenious ideas to apply and extend to the thought‐provoking artwork of Mohammad Din Mohammad, who combines the skills (ilmu) of the Malay martial artsilatwith the knowledge of the traditional Malay healer, to press life, breath, and divine power into his painting and sculpture. The artist's agency is said to open a gateway to the unseen realm. By painting calligraphic motifs derived from the Quran with his bare hands, the artist channels Allah's energy from within, energy that is embodied and suspended within his artworks, to protect the patient from spiritual attack. The artwork serves as a protective talisman during spiritually vulnerable moments, such as birth, marriage, fasting, and death. During crisis, the power stored within the artwork may be unleashed to counter attacks from ghosts, vampires, or other nefarious creatures.
SANA Race and Justice Plenary I: No Justice, No Peace?
Authors: Williams Brett
Published: December 2008

Abstract: The inequality that fueled the 1960s uprisings has grown worse, but where has the anger gone? This paper builds on the work of historian Michael Katz to suggest blending the political economy and ethnographic of a debt‐based society, and to explore the ways in which over‐investing in selling debt ravages poor communities, the coping strategies based in the informal economy, and the harsh incarceration of young men of color to explain why in the United States we have no justice but a semblance of peace.
Higher FoxP3 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of GAD65 or IA‐2 autoantibody‐positive compared with autoantibody‐negative persons
Authors: LINK MAIRE , SALUR LIINA , RAJASALU KAI KISAND , TILLMANN VALLO , UIBO RAIVO
Published: December 2008

The role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in type 1 diabetes has been studied extensively. The most prevalent way to define Tregs has been by their surface expression of CD4 and CD25. As currently the transcription factor FoxP3 and the low expression of CD127 are regarded to be the most specific markers of Tregs, we analysed the number of Tregs defined by these molecules in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of diabetic patients and healthy controls. The gene expression of transforming growth factor β and two isoforms of FoxP3 was measured as well. There were no significant differences between diabetic patients and healthy controls regarding the number of Tregs, or the expression of FoxP3 isoforms and TGFβ in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, we found significantly higher expression of both full‐length and Δ2FoxP3 in study subjects, positive for either GAD65 or IA‐2 autoantibodies. The ratio of the expression of different isoforms was not changed. This study shows the possible role of FoxP3 in the development of tissue characteristic humoral immunity in type 1 diabetes.