bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuropathy Target Esterase Is Required for Adult Vertebrate Axon Maintenance
Authors: Read David J. , Li Yong , Chao Moses V. , Cavanagh John B. , Glynn Paul
Published: September 2009

The enzyme neuropathy target esterase (NTE) is present in neurons and deacylates the major membrane phospholipid, phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho). Mutation of theNTEgene or poisoning by neuropathic organophosphates—chemical inhibitors of NTE—causes distal degeneration of long spinal axons in humans. However, analogous neuropathological changes have not been reported innestin-cre:NTEfl/flmice with NTE-deficient neural tissue. Furthermore, altered PtdCho homeostasis has not been detected in NTE-deficient vertebrates. Here, we describe distal degeneration of the longest spinal axons in ∼3-week-oldnestin-cre:NTEfl/flmice and in adult C57BL/6J mice after acute dosing with a neuropathic organophosphate: in both groups early degenerative lesions were followed by swellings comprising accumulated axoplasmic material. In mice dosed acutely with organophosphate, maximal numbers of lesions, in the longest spinal sensory axon tract, were attained within days and were preceded by a transient rise in neural PtdCho. Innestin-cre:NTEfl/flmice, sustained elevation of PtdCho over many months was accompanied by progressive degeneration and massive swelling of axons in sensory and motor spinal tracts and by increasing hindlimb dysfunction. Axonal lesion distribution closely resembled that in hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). The importance of defective membrane trafficking in HSP and the association of NTE with the endoplasmic reticulum—the starting point for the constitutive secretory pathway and transport of neuronal materials into axons—prompted investigation for a role of NTE in secretion. Cultured NTE-deficient neurons displayed modestly impaired secretion, consistent with neuronal viability and damagein vivoinitially restricted to distal parts of the longest axons.
Orbitofrontal and Anterior Cingulate Cortex Neurons Selectively Process Cocaine-Associated Environmental Cues in the Rhesus Monkey
Authors: Baeg Eun Ha , Jackson Mark E. , Jedema Hank P. , Bradberry Charles W.
Published: September 2009

Encounters with stimuli associated with drug use are believed to contribute to relapse. To probe the neurobiology of environmentally triggered drug use, we have conducted single-unit recordings in rhesus monkeys during presentation of two distinct types of drug paired cues that differentially support drug-seeking. The animals were highly conditioned to these cues via exposure during self-administration procedures conducted over a 4 year period. The cues studied were a discriminative cue that signaled response-contingent availability of cocaine, and a discrete cue that was temporally paired with the cocaine infusion (0.1 or 0.5 mg/kg). Two cortical regions consistently activated by cocaine-associated cues in human imaging studies are the orbitofrontal (OFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), though little is known about cortical neuronal activity responses to drug cues. We simultaneously recorded single-unit activity in OFC and ACC as well as in dorsal striatum in rhesus monkeys during cocaine self-administration. Dorsal striatal neurons were less engaged by drug cues than cortical regions. Between OFC and ACC, distinct functionality was apparent in neuronal responses. OFC neurons preferentially responded to the discriminative cue, consistent with a role in cue-induced drug-seeking. In contrast, the ACC did not respond more to the discriminative cue than to the discrete cue. Also distinct from the OFC, ACC showed sustained firing throughout the 18 s duration of the discrete cue. This pattern of sustained activation in ACC is consistent with a role in reward expectation and/or in mediating behavioral effects of discrete cues paired with drug infusions.
NAMPT (visfatin) in the chicken testis: influence of sexual maturation on cellular localization, plasma levels and gene and protein expression
Authors: Ocón-Grove Olga M , Krzysik-Walker Susan M , Maddineni Sreenivasa R , Hendricks Gilbert L , Ramachandran Ramesh
Published: September 2009

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is a cytokine hormone and rate-limiting enzyme involved in production of NAD and therefore affects a variety of cellular functions requiring NAD. Spermatogenesis and testicular steroidogenesis are likely to depend on NAD-dependent reactions and may therefore be affected by changes in testicular NAMPT expression. The objectives of the present study are to investigate testicular NAMPT expression as well as plasma NAMPT levels in prepubertal and adult chickens. By RT-PCR,NAMPTcDNA expression was detected in prepubertal and adult chicken testes. Using immunohistochemistry, NAMPT was predominantly localized in the nucleus of myoid cells, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells in the prepubertal chicken testis. In adult chickens, however, NAMPT-immunostaining was observed in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, round spermatids, and elongated spermatids, but not in the spermatogonial cells. Using real-time quantitative PCR, adult chicken testis was found to contain fourfold greaterNAMPTmRNA quantity compared with prepubertal chickens. Testicular NAMPT protein quantities determined by western blotting were not significantly different between adult and prepubertal chicken testes. Using immunoblotting, NAMPT was detected in the seminal plasma and sperm protein extracts obtained from chicken semen. Plasma NAMPT levels, determined by enzyme immunoassay, were at least 28-fold higher in the adult chickens compared with prepubertal male chickens. Taken together, sexual maturation is associated with several changes in testicular NAMPT expression indicating that NAMPT is likely to play a significant role in testicular functions such as spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.
Reproductive traits in captive and free-ranging males of the critically endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)
Authors: Gañán Natalia , Sestelo Adrián , Garde J Julián , Martínez Fernando , Vargas Astrid , Sánchez Iñigo , Pérez-Aspa María José , López-Bao José Vicente , Palomares Francisco , Gomendio Montserrat , Roldan Eduardo R S
Published: September 2009

The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is the most endangered felid in the world. Adequate genetic management of in situ and ex situ populations, and linkage between both, require knowledge on male reproductive biology and factors influencing it. We examined the influence of age, free-ranging versus captive conditions and seasonality on phenotypic, endocrine and semen traits, and links between reproductive traits and male fertility. Males had relatively small testes, produced low sperm numbers, a low proportion of normal sperm, and a high proportion of motile sperm. Young (2-year-old) males had lower testosterone levels, fewer sperm, and a lower proportion of motile and normal sperm than ≥4-year-old males. No major differences were found in semen traits before and after the mating season or between free-ranging and captive males, although the latter had better sperm motility. Males with larger relative testes weight and more sperm copulated more frequently, whereas males that produced more sperm with higher motility produced more cubs per female. In conclusion, small relative testes size and low sperm quality could indicate either low levels of sperm competition or high levels of inbreeding. Young males are probably subfertile; there is a slight trend for males in the captive breeding programme to have better semen quality than wild males, and males with higher sperm production are sexually more active and more fertile. These findings have major implications for decisions regarding which males should breed, provide samples for the genetic resource bank, or participate in programmes involving the use of assisted reproductive techniques.
PEDS and ASQ Developmental Screening Tests May Not Identify the Same Children
Authors: Sices Laura , Stancin Terry , Kirchner H. Lester , Bauchner Howard
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE: In analyzing data from a larger study, we noticed significant disagreement between results of 2 commonly used developmental screening tools (Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status [PEDS; parent concern questionnaire] and Ages & Stages Questionnaires [ASQ; parent report of developmental skills]) delivered to children at the same visit in primary care. The screens have favorable reported psychometric properties and can be efficient to use in practice; however, there is little comparative information about the relative performance of these tools in primary care. We sought to describe the agreement between the 2 screens in this setting.

METHODS: Parents of 60 children aged 9 to 31 months completed PEDS and ASQ screens at the same visit. Concordance (PEDS and ASQ results agree) and discordance (results differ) for the 2 screens were determined.

RESULTS: The mean age of children was 17.6 months, 77% received Medicaid, and 50% of parents had a high school education or less. Overall, 37% failed the PEDS and 27% failed the ASQ. Thirty-one children passed (52%) both screens; 9 (15%) failed both; and 20 (33%) failed 1 but not the other (13 PEDS and 7 ASQ). Agreement between the 2 screening tests was only fair, statistically no different from agreement by chance.

CONCLUSIONS: There was substantial discordance between PEDS and ASQ developmental screens. Although these are preliminary data, clinicians need to be aware that in implementing revised American Academy of Pediatrics screening guidelines, the choice of screening instrument may affect which children are likely to be identified for additional evaluation.
Prenatal Consultation With a Neonatologist for Congenital Anomalies: Parental Perceptions
Authors: Miquel-Verges Franscesca , Woods S. Lee , Aucott Susan W. , Boss Renee D. , Sulpar Leslie J. , Donohue Pamela K.
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVES: To investigate parental expectations of a prenatal consultation with a neonatologist for a prenatally diagnosed congenital anomaly, to identify parents' values and unmet needs, and to obtain recommendations for improving physician–parent communication in a prenatal consultation.

METHODS: Parents referred to neonatology for prenatal consultation after the diagnosis of a congenital anomaly. Completed 2 qualitative interviews: the first within 1 week of the consultation and the second 1 week after delivery. Interviews were analyzed for themes by using the constant comparative method associated with the grounded theory method.

RESULTS: Thematic saturation was achieved after 42 interviews (22 women); only mothers participated. Five main themes emerged: (1) preparation; (2) knowledgeable physician; (3) caring providers; (4) allowing hope; and (5) time. Mothers believed that a consultation with a neonatologist helped them prepare for the perinatal course. They wished to know the management plan and all possible outcomes. Mothers wanted information specific to their situation and tailored to their knowledge base. Receiving conflicting information from physicians increased anxiety and eroded confidence. Seeing the NICU during the consultation was emotionally difficult but valuable. Mothers wanted realistic information, regardless of how grim, yet wanted to retain hope. All mothers would recommend a prenatal consultation with a neonatologist.

CONCLUSIONS: Mothers perceived that a consultation with a neonatologist, which included a NICU tour, prepared them for the perinatal course. Parents want realistic medical information, specific to their situation, provided in an empathetic manner and want to be allowed to hope for the best possible outcome.
Pediatric Pain After Ambulatory Surgery: Where's the Medication?
Authors: Fortier Michelle A. , MacLaren Jill E. , Martin Sarah R. , Perret-Karimi Danielle , Kain Zeev N.
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this controlled study was to provide a description of children's postoperative pain, including pain intensity and analgesic consumption.

METHODS: Participants included 261 children, 2 to 12 years of age, undergoing routine tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgery. Baseline and demographic data were collected before surgery, and a standardized approach to anesthesia and surgical procedures was used. Pain and analgesic consumption were recorded for 2 weeks at home.

RESULTS: On the first day at home, although parents rated 86% of children as experiencing significant overall pain, 24% of children received 0 or just 1 medication dose throughout the entire day. On day 3 after surgery, although 67% of children were rated by parents as experiencing significant overall pain, 41% received 0 or 1 medication dose throughout the entire day.

CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a large proportion of children receive little analgesic medication after surgery and research efforts should be directed to the discrepancy between high ratings of postoperative pain provided by parents and the low dosing of analgesics they use for their children.
Identifying Learning Problems in Children Evaluated for ADHD: The Academic Performance Questionnaire
Authors: Bennett Amanda E. , Power Thomas J. , Eiraldi Ricardo B. , Leff Stephen S. , Blum Nathan J.
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of the Academic Performance Questionnaire (APQ) to identify low reading and math achievement in children who are being evaluated for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

METHODS: Charts of 997 patients who were seen in a multidisciplinary ADHD evaluation program were reviewed. Patients who were in first- through sixth-grade and had complete APQ and Wechsler Individual Achievement Test II Basic Reading and Numerical Operations subtests were enrolled in this study. The 271 eligible patients were randomly assigned to a score-development group (n = 215) and a validation group (n = 56). By using data from the score-development sample, APQ questions that predicted low academic achievement were identified and the scores for these questions were entered into a logistic regression to identify the APQ questions that independently predicted low achievement.

RESULTS: Only 2 APQ questions, 1 about reading and 1 about math, independently predicted low achievement. By using these 2 questions, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.834, and the optimal combination of sensitivity and specificity occurred when the total score for the 2 items was >4. This cutoff had a sensitivity of 0.86 and a specificity of 0.63 in the score-development group and a sensitivity of 1.0 and a specificity of 0.53 in the validation sample.

CONCLUSIONS: The APQ may be a useful screening tool to identify children being evaluated for ADHD who need additional testing for learning problems. Although the predictive value of a negative screen on the APQ is good, the predictive value of a positive test is relatively low.
Psychotropic Drug Use During Breastfeeding: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: Fortinguerra Filomena , Clavenna Antonio , Bonati Maurizio
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to review the existing literature on the use of various classes of psychotropic medications during breastfeeding to provide information about infant exposure levels and reported adverse events in breastfed infants.

METHODS: A bibliographic search in the Medline (1967 through July 2008), Embase (1975 through July 2008), and PsycINFO (1967 through July 2008) databases was conducted for studies on breastfeeding and psychotropic medications for a total of 96 drugs. References of retrieved articles, reference books, and dedicated Web sites were also checked. The manufacturers were contacted for drugs without published information. Original articles and review articles that provide pharmacokinetic data on drug excretion in breast milk and infant safety data were considered, to estimate the “compatibility level” of each drug with breastfeeding.

RESULTS: A total of 183 original articles were eligible for analysis. Documentation was retrieved for 62 (65%) drugs. In all, 19 (31%) psychotropic drugs can be used during lactation according to an evidence-based approach. For 28 drugs, the available data do not permit an evaluation of the drug's safety profile during breastfeeding and, for an additional 15 drugs, the exposure dose or observed adverse effects make their use unsafe.

CONCLUSIONS: Although most drugs are considered safe during breastfeeding, compatibility with breastfeeding has not been established for all psychotropic drugs. There is a need for additional research and accumulation of experience to guarantee a more rational use of psychotropic drugs during breastfeeding.
Efficacy of Interventions to Improve Motor Development in Young Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Riethmuller Annaleise M. , Jones Rachel A. , Okely Anthony D.
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to systematically review evidence from controlled trials on the efficacy of motor development interventions in young children.

METHODS: A literature search of interventions was conducted of 14 electronic databases. Three reviewers independently evaluated studies to determine whether they met the inclusion criteria. Studies were compared on 5 components: design, methodologic quality, intervention components, efficacy, and alignment with the Consolidated Standard of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and Transparent Reporting of Evaluation with Nonrandomized Designs (TREND) statements.

RESULTS: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. More than half (65%) were controlled trials and delivered at child care settings or schools (65%). Three studies had high methodologic quality. Studies were ∼12 weeks in duration and delivered by teachers, researchers, and students. Parents were involved in only 3 studies. Nearly 60% of the studies reported statistically significant improvements at follow-up. Three studies aligned with the CONSORT and TREND statements.

CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the limited quantity and quality of interventions to improve motor development in young children. The following recommendations are made: (1) both teachers and researchers should be involved in the implementation of an intervention; (2) parental involvement is critical to ensuring transfer of knowledge from the intervention setting to the home environment; and (3) interventions should be methodologically sound and follow guidelines detailed in the CONSORT or TREND statement.
Dramatic Increase in Venous Thromboembolism in Children's Hospitals in the United States From 2001 to 2007
Authors: Raffini Leslie , Huang Yuan-Shung , Witmer Char , Feudtner Chris
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVES: The goals were to determine whether there has been an increase in the rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pediatric tertiary care hospitals and to evaluate the use of anticoagulants in the treatment of hospitalized pediatric patients with VTE.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients <18 years of age who were discharged from 35 to 40 children's hospitals (depending on the year) across the United States in 2001–2007 was performed. By using the Pediatric Health Information System administrative database, cases were assessed for discharge diagnosis codes for VTE; the use of anticoagulants was assessed by using patient-specific pharmacy files.

RESULTS: During the 7-year study period, in which 11337 hospitalized patients were diagnosed with VTE, the annual rate of VTE increased by 70%, from 34 to 58 cases per 10000 hospital admissions (P < .001). This increase was observed in neonates, infants, children, and adolescents. The majority (63%) of children with VTE had ≥1 coexisting chronic complex medical condition. Pediatric malignancy was the medical comorbid condition associated most strongly with recurrent VTE (P < .001). The proportion of children with VTE who were treated with enoxaparin increased from 29% to 49% during this time period (P < .001); the use of warfarin decreased slightly from 11.4% to 9.6% (P = .02). Increasing age was associated with increased likelihood of patients with VTE being treated with either enoxaparin or warfarin.

CONCLUSION: This multicenter study demonstrates a dramatic increase in the diagnosis of VTE at children's hospitals from 2001 to 2007.
Modified Recommendations for Use of Palivizumab for Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections
Authors:   Committee on Infectious Diseases
Published: September 2009

This Policy Statement was retired January 2013.

Palivizumab was licensed in June 1998 by the US Food and Drug Administration for prevention of serious lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in pediatric patients who are at increased risk of severe disease. Safety and efficacy have been established for infants born at or before 35 weeks' gestation with or without chronic lung disease of prematurity and for infants and children with hemodynamically significant heart disease. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a policy statement on the use of palivizumab in November 1998 (American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Infectious Diseases and Committee on Fetus and Newborn. Pediatrics. 1998;102[5]:1211–1216) and revised it in December 2003 (American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Infectious Diseases and Committee on Fetus and Newborn. Pediatrics. 2003;112[6 pt 1]:1442–1446), and an AAP technical report on palivizumab was published in 2003 (Meissner HC, Long SS; American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Infectious Diseases and Committee on Fetus and Newborn. Pediatrics. 2003;112[6 pt 1]:1447–1452). On the basis of the availability of additional data regarding seasonality of RSV disease as well as the limitations in available data on risk factors for identifying children who are at increased risk of serious RSV lower respiratory tract disease, AAP recommendations for immunoprophylaxis have been updated in an effort to ensure optimal balance of benefit and cost from this expensive intervention. This statement updates and replaces the 2003 AAP statement and the 2006 Red Book and is consistent with the 2009 Red Book recommendations.
World Music and the global music industry
Authors: Laing Dave
Published: September 2009

This article provides a sketch of the main features of the global macro-economy of music followed by comments on World Music and its relation to the macro-economy. The article contains key financial data of the worldwide music industry in 2006 and an estimate of the royalty flows between global regions. The corporate structures of the major international music companies are analysed. The main characteristics of World Music as a ‘genre-market’ and as a sub-set of the global music industry are discussed.
National versus regional, many versus few
Authors: Hardy Phil
Published: September 2009

National authors’ collection societies play a central role in the music copyright economy. Throughout most of the twentieth century, they operated a successful reciprocal system which enabled composers’ foreign earnings to be efficiently repatriated. In the last two decades, this system has been under pressure from international record companies, competition authorities and the online digital market, each of which has undermined the national basis of copyright licensing administration. This article traces the key events involved in these processes between 1996 and 2006, and the responses of authors’ societies to them.
Globalization and commercialization of Caribbean music
Authors: Alleyne Mike
Published: September 2009

This article discusses the impact of globalization on Anglophone Caribbean popular music—calypso and reggae—chronologically addressing its aesthetic and economic transformations from the early 1900s through to the twenty-first century. It explores the artistic and commercial consequences of unequal transcultural interaction in both aural and visual realms, and also assesses the implications surrounding the recent international impact of performers from Barbados.
Ghana and the World Music Boom
Authors: Collins John
Published: September 2009

Ghana was not able to initially benefit from the growth of the commercial World Music sector due to the collapse of its live popular music scene during the military coups of the late 1970s and 80s. However with the 1990s return of civilian rule and growth of tourism this is now changing. There are currently numerous collaborations between Ghanaian and foreign musicians and literally thousands of cultural tourists, African Americans visitors and World Music’aficionados coming to enjoy local popular and folkloric performances and festivals, and study traditional music and dance at the scores of private cultural schools that are springing up. This has led to the proliferation of many neo-traditional performance groups, re-awakened an interest in ‘classic’ highlife—and has also led to the Ghanaian government to upgrade the popular entertainment sector.
Traditional music and the World Music marketplace
Authors: Boyd Joe
Published: September 2009

The piece uses the career of Youssou N’Dour as a template for studying the conflicts between tradition and modernity in the World Music marketplace. Contrary to expectation, preservation of tradition is usually proposed by ‘First World’ producers while the artists mistakenly support technological distortions of traditional rhythms in the hope of reaching a modern international market.
Improvised performance in World Music
Authors: Feig Jonathan
Published: September 2009

This article examines the careers as well as the personal and musical styles of six violinists across a spectrum of World Music during the second half of the twentieth century. The article argues that producers, promoters and managers should find ways to support virtuoso live performers in presenting their personal relationship to tradition and its transformation and fusion. This includes identifying the roles in which each individual musician feels most at ease and creative on the bandstage and in the recording studio, that is, whether he or she performs best as a leader, collaborator or sideman.
The Archive of Contemporary Music, New York
Authors: Linehan Andy
Published: September 2009

The Archive of Contemporary Music (ARC) in New York has announced a cooperative partnership with Columbia University to integrate the resources of the archive into arts programming and other educational and scholarly activities at the university. The ARC is a not-for-profit archive, music library and research centre located in New York City. It collects, preserves and provides information on the popular music of all cultures and races throughout the world from 1950 to the present. The Archive was founded in 1985 by its current director, B. George and the late David Wheeler and currently consists of 2 million sound recordings and approximately 3 million photographs, books, press kits, videos, memorabilia and related ephemera, making it the largest popular music collection in the United States. The collection continues to be enlarged by donations from record companies, related businesses and private individuals.
Effective conservation planning requires learning and adaptation
Authors: Grantham Hedley S , Bode Michael , McDonald-Madden Eve , Game Edward T , Knight Andrew T , Possingham Hugh P
Published: September 2009

Conservation decisions often involve uncertainty about the underlying ecological and social systems and, in particular, how these systems will respond to the implementation of conservation actions. Future decision making can be improved by learning more about these systems and their responses to past conservation actions, by evaluating the performance of the actions being undertaken. This is a “passive” adaptive management approach to conservation. However, the purposeful and experimental application of different conservation actions can yield greater knowledge through more rapid and targeted learning. This is an “active” adaptive management approach to conservation. Improving future management decisions through learning should be viewed as essential to all conservation plans. Unfortunately, the incorporation of explicit learning processes within the greater framework of conservation planning processes is rare. Here, we provide an overview of factors to consider when attempting the implementation of an adaptive approach to conservation planning, along with ideas for future research.
Brominated flame retardants in aquatic organisms from the North Sea in comparison with biota from the high Arctic marine environment
Authors: Sørmo Eugen G. , Jenssen Bjørn M. , Lie Elisabeth , Skaare Janneche U.
Published: September 2009

The extent of trophic transfer of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), including hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and seven polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), were examined in pelagic and benthic aquatic animals (invertebrates and fish) in a near-shore estuary environment of the southeastern North Sea (Norway; 59°N). Whole-body burdens of HBCD and several of the most abundant PBDEs biomagnified with increasing trophic position in the food web. Biomagnification of HBCD was particularly strong, resulting in whole-body burdens of this compound comparable to those of total PBDEs in the higher-trophic-level species. Body burdens of PBDEs were higher in pelagic than in benthic aquatic organisms. This was particularly evident for the lesserbrominated and volatile PBDE congeners. Atmospheric gas–water–phytoplankton exchange of these volatile compounds over the water surface may account for this observation. The PBDE burdens in pelagic zooplankton from the North Sea were more than 60-fold greater than those in corresponding pelagic zooplankton from the colder high Arctic latitudes (>78°N) of Norway (Svalbard). This great difference may relate to reduced chemical gas–water exchange over open waters at the colder Arctic latitudes. However, previously measured whole-body burdens of BFRs in other aquatic marine organisms from the high Arctic were comparable or even exceeded those in the North Sea samples of the present study. These include sympagic (sea ice–associated) invertebrates and fish accumulating high burdens of particle-associated BFRs. The present study provides new insight regarding the distribution of BFRs in ecologically different compartments of marine ecosystems, essential information for understanding the food-web transfer and geographical dispersal of these compounds.
Cryopreservation and genetic stability of Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev in vitro cultures
Authors: MARTÍN C. , GONZÁLEZ-BENITO M.E.
Published: September 2009

Shoots apices of different chrysanthemum species and varieties have been cryopreserved following different procedures, which are reviewed and compared in this paper. The results obtained are not only methoddependant but also cultivar-dependant. When several methods were compared with a cultivar best results were generally obtained with vitrification procedures than with encapsulation-dehydration. Not much attention has been given to the stability of the recovered chrysanthemum shoots but there are indications of appearance of somaclonal variants, which in some cases has been explained as being due to the chimeric nature of the cultivar employed. Molecular-based stability studies have also shown the appearance of variants.;
Use of secondary somatic embryos promotes genetic fidelity in cryopreservation of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)
Authors: FANG J-Y. , WETTEN A. , ADU-GYAMFI R.
Published: September 2009

The inability to conserve cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) germplasm via seed storage and the vulnerability of field collections make the establishment of cryopreserved genebanks for the crop a priority. An effective encapsulation-dehydration based cryopreservation system has been developed for cocoa but because the somatic embryos used for freezing arise after a protracted period of callus culture there is concern about maintenance of genetic fidelity during the process. Microsatellite markers for seven of the 10 cocoa linkage groups were used to screen a population of 189 primary somatic embryo-derived emblings and the 43 secondary somatic embryos they gave rise to. Of the primary somatic embryos, 38.1% exhibited polymorphic microsatellite profiles while for secondary somatic embryos the frequency was 23.3%. The same microsatellite markers used to screen another population of 44 secondary somatic embryos cryopreserved through encapsulation-dehydration revealed no polymorphisms. Scanning electron microscopy showed the secondary somatic embryos were derived from cotyledonary epidermal cells rather than callus. The influence of embryo ontogeny on somaclonal variation is discussed.;
Development of Drug Resistance in Trichomonas vaginalis and its Overcoming with Natural Products
Authors: Gehrig Stefanie , Efferth Thomas
Published: September 2009

Trichomoniasis is an infectious disease afflicting women worldwide. The protozoan parasite Trichomonasvaginalisis the causative agent of this sexually-transmitted disease, including also men in its infection cycle. The disease is usually not life-threatening, but has been associated with the development of cervical cancer and increased susceptibility to HIV. Approved drugs are 5-nitroimidazoles, with metronidazole being the drug of first choice. These drugs act via induction of oxidative stress and DNA-damage, leading to cell death in the parasite. Nevertheless, with the development of resistantT. vaginalisstrains the treatment of the disease becomes exceedingly difficult. Mechanisms of drug resistance are characterized by reduced expression or even loss of proteins necessary for drug activation and a decreased reductive nature in the parasite. A promising strategy for research into new drugs and moreover, to overcome drug resistance, are compounds derived from natural sources. The present study provides a summary of all so far investigated small molecules with antitrichomonal activity; promisingly, some also show efficacy against resistant strains. Whereas the list of chemically characterized compounds derived from plants is rather short, literature provides immense applications of crude plant extracts tested againstT. vaginalis. This demonstrates the absence of studies in this field aimed to identify and isolate single natural products exhibiting antitrichomonal features. Likewise, elucidating their mode of action on a molecular basis is of paramount importance
Innovation in Community Clinical Placements: A Canadian Survey
Authors: Hoe Harwood Catherine , Reimer-Kirkham Sheryl , Sawatzky Richard , Terblanche Landa , Van Hofwegen Lynn
Published: September 2009

Ongoing restructuring within the health care system juxtaposed with mandated increased seats in nursing programs have taxed traditional clinical practice settings beyond their capacity. In the search for suitable clinical placements to meet learning objectives and fulfill required clinical hours, nursing program administrators are turning to various non-traditional settings. Yet limited research exists to describe the prevalence and types of 'innovative' clinical placements (ICPs) or the nature and quality of student learning in such settings. Described in this article are findings from a national survey of Canadian baccalaureate nursing programs completed by nurse educators and clinical placement coordinators regarding nursing student placements within ICPs. Participant survey responses provide a national snap-shot of ICPs, along with perspectives on pedagogy, strengths and weaknesses, capacity and sustainability issues, and ethical, legal and academic considerations associated with student placements in these settings.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Diabetic Hearts Abolishes Erythropoietin-Induced Myocardial Protection by Impairment of Phospho–Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β–Mediated Suppression of Mitochondrial Permeability Transition
Authors: Miki Takayuki , Miura Tetsuji , Hotta Hiroyuki , Tanno Masaya , Yano Toshiyuki , Sato Takahiro , Terashima Yoshiaki , Takada Akifumi , Ishikawa Satoko , Shimamoto Kazuaki
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVE

Alteration in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in diabetic hearts and its effect on cytoprotective signaling are unclear. Here, we examine the hypothesis that ER stress in diabetic hearts impairs phospho–glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β–mediated suppression of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, compromising myocardial response to cytoprotective signaling.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A rat model of type 2 diabetes (OLETF) and its control (LETO) were treated with tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) (100 mg · kg−1 · day−1 for 7 days), an ER stress modulator. Infarction was induced by 20-min coronary occlusion and 2-h reperfusion.

RESULTS

Levels of ER chaperones (GRP78 and GRP94) in the myocardium and level of nonphoshopho–GSK-3β in the mitochondria were significantly higher in OLETF than in LETO rats. TUDCA normalized levels of GRP78 and GRP94 and mitochondrial GSK-3β in OLETF rats. Administration of erythropoietin (EPO) induced phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β and reduced infarct size (% risk area) from 47.4 ± 5.2% to 23.9 ± 3.5% in LETO hearts. However, neither phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β nor infarct size limitation was induced by EPO in OLETF rats. The threshold for mPTP opening was significantly lower in mitochondria from EPO-treated OLETF rats than in those from EPO-treated LETO rats. TUDCA restored responses of GSK-3β, mPTP opening threshold, and infarct size to EPO receptor activation in OLETF rats. There was a significant correlation between mPTP opening threshold and phospho–GSK-3β–to–total GSK-3β ratio in the mitochondrial fraction.

CONCLUSIONS

Disruption of protective signals leading to GSK-3β phosphorylation and increase in mitochondrial GSK-3β are dual mechanisms by which increased ER stress inhibits EPO-induced suppression of mPTP opening and cardioprotection in diabetic hearts.
Two-year Clinical Effectiveness of Adhesives and Retention Form on Resin Composite Restorations of Non-carious Cervical Lesions
Authors: Kim S-Y. , Lee K-W. , Seong S-R. , Lee M-A. , Lee I-B. , Son H-H. , Kim H-Y. , Oh M-H. , Cho B-H.
Published: September 2009

Clinical Relevance

Over a two–year observation period, ScotchBond Multi-Purpose was found to have significantly superior marginal adaptation compared to Adper Prompt. Restorations using retention forms showed a significantly higher retention rate in an experimental adhesive and significantly less marginal discoloration in all three adhesives.
Effect of Phosphoric Acid Etching of Enamel Margins on the Microleakage of a Simplified All-in-One and a Self-etch Adhesive System
Authors: Khosravi K. , Ataei E. , Mousavi M. , Khodaeian N.
Published: September 2009

Clinical Relevance

This study evaluates the effect of phosphoric acid etching of enamel margins on the microleakage of a simplified all-in-one and a self-etching adhesive system in comparison to a conventional total-etch system.
Fracture Strength of Minimally Prepared Resin Bonded CEREC Inlays
Authors: Tsitrou E. , Helvatjoglou-Antoniades M. , Pahinis K. , van Noort R.
Published: September 2009

Clinical Relevance

Minimal preparation designs for inlay restorations are a viable option for CAD/CAM systems (CEREC) and could potentially strengthen the restored tooth.
Effect of Light Activation Mode on the Incompatibility Between One-bottle Adhesives and Light-cured Composites: An In Vitro Shear Bond Strength Study
Authors: Shafiei F. , Safarpoor I. , Moradmand M. , Alavi A. A.
Published: September 2009

Clinical Relevance

Low dentin bond strength has been previously documented when one-bottle adhesives are used with self-cured resin-based composites. Low dentin bond strength may also occur when one-bottle adhesives are used with light-cured resin-based composites that are activated by soft-start or pulse-delay curing strategies.
Effect of Double Layering and Prolonged Application Time on MTBS of Water/Ethanol-based Self-etch Adhesives to Dentin
Authors: Erhardt M. C. , Osorio R. , Pisani-Proenca J. , Aguilera F. S. , Osorio E. , Breschi L. , Toledano M.
Published: September 2009

Clinical Relevance

Problems related to the chemical formulation and/or chemical dispersion of hydrophilic/hydrophobic components in one-step self-etch adhesives limit their efficacy and are not easily solved by changing the different bonding application parameters.
Influence of Cervical Finish Line Type on the Marginal Adaptation of Zirconia Ceramic Crowns
Authors: Comlekoglu M. , Dundar M. , Özcan M. , Gungor M. , Gokce B. , Artunc C.
Published: September 2009

Clinical Relevance

Cervical finish line type has an influence on the marginal adaptation of Y-TZP restorations. Both shoulder and mini-chamfer exhibited the least marginal opening values for zirconia crowns and can be recommended for clinical applications.
Influence of Potentially Remineralizing Agents on Bleached Enamel Microhardness
Authors: Borges A. B. , Samezima L. Y. , Fonseca L. P. , Yui K. C. K. , Borges A. L. S. , Torres C. R. G.
Published: September 2009

Clinical Relevance

Dentists should be aware of the enamel demineralization potential of 35% hydrogen peroxide. The addition of fluoride and calcium can enhance remineralization of surface and subsurface bleached enamel.
Student Versus Faculty Performance Using a New Visual Criteria for the Detection of Caries on Occlusal Surfaces: An In Vitro Examination with Histological Validation
Authors: Zandona A. G. F. , Al-Shiha S. , Eggertsson H. , Eckert G.
Published: September 2009

Clinical Relevance

One of the first actions that needs to be taken to disseminate the new visual caries detection criteria ICDAS is to assess how it is assimilated by different groups and levels of experience.
A Case Report of a 20-year Clinical Follow-up of Porcelain Laminate Veneer Restorations
Authors: Katoh Y. , Taira Y. , Kato C. , Suzuki M. , Shinkai K.
Published: September 2009

Clinical Relevance

Porcelain laminate veneer restorations of tetracycline-stained teeth had sufficient longevity in vivo. But, in long-term clinical cases, re-exposure of the discolored cervical tooth surface is inevitable due to the gingival recession of aging.
Keys to Clinical Success with Pulp Capping: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Hilton T. J.
Published: September 2009

Clinical Relevance

Confusion and misconceptions surround direct and indirect pulp capping. This review of the literature provides evidence-based recommendations to guide clinicians in their decision-making process when they encounter a situation requiring pulp capping.
Population Ecology and Evolutionary Economics: Toward an Integrative Model
Authors: Bataglia Walter , Silva E. Meirelles Dimária
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this paper is to identify complementarities between the approaches of population ecology and evolutionary economics in order to contribute to a synthesis of organizational evolutionary dynamics and its implications for a strategic management research model. Using the metatriangulation technique to construct theories, we attempt to entwine these two perspectives. The proposed model is structured in two dimensions: the environmental selective system and the corporate adaptation process. The environmental selective system gathers together the complementary factors presented by evolutionary economics and ecology: technological innovation, demographic processes, environmental dynamism, population density and other institutional processes, and interpopulation dynamics. As ecology does not encompass the corporate adaptation process (generation, selection, and propagation of variations), the proposed model adopts the theoretical grounds underpinning evolutionary economics. The model offers three main contributions for future research into strategic management. First, it allows the development of descriptive and normative studies of the relationship among the environmental selection factors and the different types of enterprise strategies. Second, the proposed conceptual framework may be very beneficial for studies of interorganizational learning. Third, the model has the advantage of responding to the criticism of strategy theories in terms of their inability to generalize.
Exploring a Five‐Factor Model of Organizational Justice
Authors: Rego Arménio , Pina E Cunha Miguel , Pinho Carlos
Published: September 2009

We suggest that, in some specific settings, individuals may distinguish and be sensitive not only to the distributive, procedural, social, and informational dimensions of justice, but also subdivide the distributive justice dimension into two facets‐reward and task distributive justice. Results of three studies with Portuguese public university teachers reveal that a five‐factor model of justice (distribution of tasks, distribution of rewards, procedural, interpersonal, informational) is adequate, although factor analyses are not categorical in distinguishing interpersonal and informational justice. Results also show that individuals who work with high autonomy and outside close supervisory control in performing their jobs may be very sensitive to the way they feel treated by their superiors, even accepting as normal that the superiors make decisions with no participation, a finding that may be due to the feminine, affiliative, and high power distance cultural context.
Featured-Based Algorithm for the Automated Registration of Multisensorial / Multitemporal Oceanographic Satellite Imagery
Authors: Eugenio Francisco , Marcello Javier
Published: September 2009

Spatial registration of multidate or multisensorial images is required for many applications in remote sensing. Automatic image registration, which has been extensively studied in other areas of image processing, is still a complex problem in the framework of remote sensing. In this work we explore an alternative strategy for a fully automatic and operational registration system capable of registering multitemporal and multisensorial remote sensing satellite images with high accuracy and avoiding the use of ground control points, exploiting the maximum reliable information in both images (coastlines not occluded by clouds), which have been coarsely geometrically corrected only using an orbital prediction model. The automatic feature-based approach is summarized as follows: i) Reference image coastline extraction; ii) Sensed image gradient energy map estimation and iii) Contour matching, mapping function estimation and transformation of the sensed images. Several experimental results for single sensor imagery (AVHRR/3) and multisensorial imagery (AVHRR/3-SeaWiFS-MODIS-ATSR) from different viewpoints and dates have verified the robustness and accuracy of the proposed automatic registration algorithm, demonstrating its capability of registering satellite images of coastal areas within one pixel.
Energy Subsidies in Argentina Lead to Inequalities and Low Thermal Efficiency
Authors: González Alejandro  D.
Published: September 2009

Natural gas is the main energy resource for buildings in Argentina. Since 2002, subsidies have kept the prices of this fuel between 9 and 26 times lower than regular prices in other countries. The lowest prices are the result of climate-related subsidies. In cold areas, heating uses several times more energy than locations in Europe with a similar climate. A potential for consumption reductions of up to 70% suggests a very low building thermal performance. The main barriers to finding a solution are the heavy subsidies and public unawareness. Users, government officials, and construction professionals do not identify the very low thermal efficiency. Energy policies to encourage improvements are proposed.
Motivations for Alcohol Use among Men Aged 16-30 Years in Sri Lanka
Authors: Perera Bilesha , Torabi Mohammad
Published: September 2009

Psychometric properties of a new scale that measures motivations towards alcohol use were examined using a sample of 412 male alcohol users in Sri Lanka aged 16-30 years. In addition, associations between drinking motives and drinking frequency were explored. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that a 3-factor model consisting of the factors personal enjoyment, tension reduction, and social pressure fit the data well. Overall, tension-reduction motivation was found to be prominent in the context of young males’ drinking behavior in Sri Lanka. Associations between stress and alcohol use among young males warrant further investigations.