bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of neural stem/progenitor cells from post‐stroke cerebral cortex in mice
Authors: Nakagomi Takayuki , Taguchi Akihiko , Fujimori Yoshihiro , Saino Orie , Nakano‐Doi Akiko , Kubo Shuji , Gotoh Akinobu , Soma Toshihiro , Yoshikawa Hiroo , Nishizaki Tomoyuki , Nakagomi Nami , Stern David M. , Matsuyama Tomohiro
Published: April 2009

The CNS has the potential to marshal strong reparative mechanisms, including activation of endogenous neurogenesis, after a brain injury such as stroke. However, the response of neural stem/progenitor cells to stroke is poorly understood. Recently, neural stem/progenitor cells have been identified in the cerebral cortex, as well as previously recognized regions such as the subventricular or subgranular zones of the hippocampus, suggesting that a contribution of cortex‐derived neural stem/progenitor cells may repair ischemic lesions of the cerebral cortex. In the present study, using a highly reproducible murine model of cortical infarction, we have found nestin‐positive cells in the post‐stroke cerebral cortex, but not in the non‐ischemic cortex. Cells obtained from the ischemic core of the post‐stroke cerebral cortex formed neurosphere‐like cell clusters expressing nestin; such cells had the capacity for self‐renewal and differentiated into electrophysiologically functional neurons, astrocytes and myelin‐producing oligodendrocytes. Nestin‐positive cells from the stroke‐affected cortex migrated into the peri‐infarct area and differentiated into glial cells in vivo. Although we could not detect differentiation of nestin‐positive cells into neurons in vivo, our current observations indicate that endogenous neural stem/progenitors with the potential to become neurons can develop within post‐stroke cerebral cortex.
The scientific evidence: vildagliptin and the benefits of islet enhancement
Authors: Mathieu C.
Published: April 2009

Vildagliptin is an oral incretin enhancer that acts to increase active levels of the incretin hormone glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) by inhibiting the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 enzyme responsible for the rapid deactivation of GLP‐1 in vivo. This activity results in improved glucose‐dependent functioning of pancreatic islet β and α cells, addressing two central deficits in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Vildagliptin treatment improves β‐cell sensitivity to glucose, producing increased insulin secretory rate relative to glucose in both postprandial and fasting states. Improved α‐cell function is shown as restoration of appropriate glucose‐related suppression of glucagon and, therefore, reduced endogenous glucose production during both postprandial and fasting periods. There is evidence that long‐term vildagliptin treatment may slow underlying deterioration of β‐cell function in T2DM. There is also a potential synergistic effect of vildagliptin and metformin in increasing active GLP‐1 levels, and this activity may contribute to the long‐term improvements in β‐cell function observed in patients with T2DM who have vildagliptin added to ongoing metformin therapy. Vildagliptin treatment has also been associated with beneficial extrapancreatic effects, including improved peripheral insulin sensitivity and improved postprandial triglyceride‐rich lipoprotein metabolism. Improvement of β‐ and α‐cell function through incretin enhancement with vildagliptin results in more physiologic meal‐related and fasting glycaemia profiles.
Predicting diabetes distress in patients with Type 2 diabetes: a longitudinal study
Authors: Fisher L. , Mullan J. T. , Skaff M. M. , Glasgow R. E. , Arean P. , Hessler D.
Published: April 2009

Aims  Diabetes distress (DD) is a condition distinct from depression that is related to diabetes outcomes. In those without distress initially, little is known about what indicators place patients at risk for subsequent distress over time.

Methods  From a community‐based, three‐wave, 18‐month study of Type 2 diabetic patients (n = 506), we identified patients with no DD at T1 who displayed DD at T2, T3 or both (n = 57). Using logistic regression with full and trimmed models, we compared them with patients with no DD at all three time points (n = 275) on three blocks of variables: patient characteristics (demographics, depression, extra‐disease stress), biological (HbA1c, body mass index, comorbidities, complications, blood pressure, non‐high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol), and behavioural variables (diet, exercise). Selected interactions with stress and major depressive disorder (MDD) were explored.

Results  The odds of becoming distressed over time were higher for being female, previously having had MDD, experiencing more negative events or more chronic stress, having more complications, and having poor diet and low exercise. Negative life events increased the negative effects of both high HbA1c and high complications on the emergence of distress over time.

Conclusions  We identified a list of significant, independent direct and interactive predictors of high DD that can be used for patient screening to identify this high‐risk patient cohort. Given the impact of high DD on diabetes behavioural and biological indicators, the findings suggest the usefulness of regularly appraising both current life and disease‐related stressors in clinical care.
A high‐oleic‐acid and low‐palmitic‐acid soybean: agronomic performance and evaluation as a feedstock for biodiesel
Authors: Graef George , LaVallee Bradley J. , Tenopir Patrick , Tat Mustafa , Schweiger Bruce , Kinney Anthony J. , Van Gerpen Jon H. , Clemente Tom E.
Published: April 2009

Phenotypic characterization of soybean event 335‐13, which possesses oil with an increased oleic acid content (> 85%) and reduced palmitic acid content (< 5%), was conducted across multiple environments during 2004 and 2005. Under these conditions, the stability of the novel fatty acid profile of the oil was not influenced by environment. Importantly, the novel soybean event 335‐13 was not compromised in yield in both irrigated and non‐irrigated production schemes. Moreover, seed characteristics, including total oil and protein, as well as amino acid profile, were not altered as a result of the large shift in the fatty acid profile. The novel oil trait was inherited in a simple Mendelian fashion. The event 335‐13 was also evaluated as a feedstock for biodiesel. Extruded oil from event 335‐13 produced a biodiesel with improved cold flow and enhanced oxidative stability, two critical fuel parameters that can limit the utility of this renewable transportation fuel.
Antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties of tomato fruits synthesizing different amounts of stilbenes
Authors: D’Introno Annalisa , Paradiso Annalisa , Scoditti Egeria , D’Amico Leone , De Paolis Angelo , Carluccio M. Annunziata , Nicoletti Isabella , DeGara Laura , Santino Angelo , Giovinazzo Giovanna
Published: April 2009

Resveratrol, a plant phenolic compound, is found in grapes and red wine, but is not widely distributed in other common food sources. The pathway for resveratrol biosynthesis is well characterized. Metabolic engineering of this compound has been achieved in tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) in order to improve their nutritional value. Tomato plants synthesizing resveratrol were obtained via the heterologous expression of a grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cDNA encoding for the enzyme stilbene synthase (StSy), under the control of the fruit‐specific promoter TomLoxB. The resulting LoxS transgenic plants accumulated trans‐resveratrol and trans‐piceid, in particular in the skin of the mature fruits. Quantitative analyses carried out on LoxS fruits were compared with those of a tomato line constitutively expressing the stsy gene (35SS). The LoxS fruits contained levels of trans‐resveratrol that were 20‐fold lower than those previously reported for the 35SS line. The total antioxidant capability and ascorbate content in transformed fruits were also evaluated, and a significant increase in both was found in the LoxS and 35SS lines. These results could explain the higher capability of transgenic fruits to counteract the pro‐inflammatory effects of phorbol ester in monocyte–macrophages via the inhibition of induced cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 enzyme.
Prelinguistic Infants, but Not Chimpanzees, Communicate About Absent Entities
Authors: Liszkowski Ulf , Schäfer Marie , Carpenter Malinda , Tomasello Michael
Published: April 2009

One of the defining features of human language is displacement, the ability to make reference to absent entities. Here we show that prelinguistic, 12-month-old infants already can use a nonverbal pointing gesture to make reference to absent entities. We also show that chimpanzees—who can point for things they want humans to give them—do not point to refer to absent entities in the same way. These results demonstrate that the ability to communicate about absent but mutually known entities depends not on language, but rather on deeper social-cognitive skills that make acts of linguistic reference possible in the first place. These nonlinguistic skills for displaced reference emerged apparently only after humans' divergence from great apes some 6 million years ago.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and risk for primary adult‐onset cranial‐cervical dystonia
Authors: Martino D. , Muglia M. , Abbruzzese G. , Berardelli A. , Girlanda P. , Liguori M. , Livrea P. , Quattrone A. , Roselli F. , Sprovieri T. , Valente E. M. , Defazio G.
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose:  Adult‐onset dystonia may be related, amongst other factors, to abnormal neuronal plasticity in cortical and subcortical structures. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor is a major modulator of synaptic efficiency and neuronal plasticity. Recent works documented that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the BDNF gene, the Val66Met SNP, modulates short‐term plastic changes within motor cortical circuits. In this study we aimed at exploring the effect of this SNP upon the risk of developing common forms of primary adult‐onset dystonia.

Methods:  We explored the influence of the Val66Met SNP of the BDNF gene on the risk of cranial and cervical dystonia in a cohort of 156 Italian patients and 170 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy control subjects drawn from the same population.

Results:  The presence of the rare Met allele was not significantly associated with the diagnosis of dystonia (age‐ and gender‐adjusted odds ratios of 1.22, P = 0.38). The study had a >90% power to detect a 50% change in the risk of developing cranial‐cervical dystonia associated with the presence of the Met allele. Moreover, there was no relationship between Val66Met SNP and age at dystonia onset or type of dystonia.

Conclusion:  Our data do not support the common variant Val66Met of the BDNF gene as an etiologic factor shared by the various forms of primary adult‐onset dystonia.
Metabolic syndrome and cognitive impairment amongst elderly people in Chinese population: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Liu C.‐Y. , Zhou H.‐D. , Xu Z.‐Q. , Zhang W.‐W. , Li X.‐Y. , Zhao J.
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose:  Recent studies have demonstrated an association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cognitive impairment in elderly individuals, however a relationship between MetS and cognitive impairment in the Chinese population has been less frequently reported. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the relationship between MetS and cognitive impairment in an elderly Chinese population.

Methods:  Of 3216 participants (1740 men and 1476 women), aged 60 years old and over were selected from three districts of Chongqing City. The presence of MetS was defined according to the updated Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, and cognitive function was measured by Mini‐Mental State Examination and the Activity of Daily Living tests.

Results:  Of the 3216 participants, 733 (22.8%) fulfilled the criteria for MetS, and 470 participants (14.6%; 236 men and 234 women) fulfilled the criteria for cognitive impairment. Amongst those with MetS, 183 participants (25%) also had cognitive impairment. In univariate analysis, MetS was significantly associated with cognitive impairment [odds ratio (OR) 2.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.07–3.13]. Taking age, current smoking, hypertension and diabetes into account, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that MetS was significantly associated with cognitive impairment (OR 2.31; 95% CI 1.91–2.95).

Conclusion:  MetS is associated with cognitive impairment amongst elderly people in the Chinese population.
Anticipatory postural adjustments prior to step initiation are hypometric in untreated Parkinson’s disease: an accelerometer‐based approach
Authors: Mancini M. , Zampieri C. , Carlson‐Kuhta P. , Chiari L. , Horak F. B.
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose:  Anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs), prior to step initiation, are bradykinetic in advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) and may be one of the factors associated with ‘start hesitation’. However, little is known about APAs in the early stage of PD. In this study, we determined whether body‐worn accelerometers could be used to characterize step initiation deficits in subjects with early‐to‐moderate, untreated PD.

Methods:  Eleven PD and 12 healthy control subjects were asked to take two steps. Postural adjustments were compared from center of pressure (COP) and from acceleration of the trunk at the center of mass level (L5).

Results:  Our findings show that APAs measured from the peak COP displacement toward the swing leg and the peak trunk acceleration toward the stance leg were smaller in untreated PD compared with control subjects. The magnitude of APAs measured from peak COP displacements and accelerations were correlated.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that quantitative analysis of step initiation from one accelerometer on the trunk could provide useful information for the characterization of patients in early stages of PD, when clinical evidence of start hesitation may not be detectable. Ambulatory monitoring of step initiation is also promising for monitoring patient progression in the home environment, and eventually providing feedback for preventing freezing of gait episodes.
Abnormal spatial asymmetry of selective attention in ADHD
Authors: Chan Edgar , Mattingley Jason B , Huang‐Pollock Cynthia , English Therese , Hester Robert , Vance Alasdair , Bellgrove Mark A.
Published: April 2009

Background:  Evidence for a selective attention abnormality in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been hard to identify using conventional methods from cognitive science. This study tested whether the presence of selective attention abnormalities in ADHD may vary as a function of perceptual load and target lateralisation. Given evidence of right‐hemisphere dysfunction in ADHD we predicted increased interference effects for right, but not left‐sided target displays, particularly under low perceptual load.

Method:  Fourteen children with ADHD‐C and 14 typically developing children were tested on a modified flanker task under low and high perceptual load. We also sought evidence for our hypothesis in a re‐analysis of an independent data set (42 ADHD; 34 typically developing) in which load effects on selective attention in ADHD were previously examined (Huang‐Pollock, Nigg, & Carr, 2005).

Results:  As predicted, all children showed evidence of greater interference by flankers under low compared with high perceptual load conditions. Crucially, however, children with ADHD showed the greatest interference effect for right‐sided target displays under low but not high perceptual load. In contrast, typically developing children showed the greatest interference for left‐sided target displays. The magnitude of interference for right‐sided targets was also positively correlated with ADHD symptom levels. Re‐analysis of an independent data set (Huang‐Pollock et al., 2005) further confirmed our findings.

Conclusions:  This study demonstrates that interference effects in children with ADHD and typically developing children are spatially asymmetrical but opposite in direction. The pattern of right‐sided interference effects in children with ADHD suggests disruption within right hemisphere attentional networks in ADHD.
Sexual selection is not the origin of long necks in giraffes
Authors: Mitchell G. , Van Sittert S. J. , Skinner J. D.
Published: April 2009

The evolutionary origin of the long neck of giraffes is enigmatic. One theory (the ‘sexual selection’ theory) is that their shape evolved because males use their necks and heads to achieve sexual dominance. Support for this theory would be that males invest more in neck and head growth than do females. We have investigated this hypothesis in 17 male and 21 female giraffes with body masses ranging from juvenile to mature animals, by measuring head mass, neck mass, neck and leg length and the neck length to leg length ratio. We found no significant differences in any of these dimensions between males and females of the same mass, although mature males, whose body mass is significantly (50%) greater than that of mature females, do have significantly heavier (but not longer) necks and heavier heads than mature females. We conclude that morphological differences between males and females are minimal, that differences that do exist can be accounted for by the larger final mass of males and that sexual selection is not the origin of a long neck in giraffes.
Hunting for Sustainability in Tropical Secondary Forests
Authors: PARRY LUKE , BARLOW JOS , PERES CARLOS A.
Published: April 2009

Abstract: The interaction between land‐use change and the sustainability of hunting is poorly understood but is critical for sustaining hunted vertebrate populations and a protein supply for the rural poor. We investigated sustainability of hunting in an Amazonian landscape mosaic, where a small human population had access to large areas of both primary and secondary forest. Harvestable production of mammals and birds was calculated from density estimates. We compared production with offtake from three villages and used catch‐per‐unit‐effort as an independent measure of prey abundance. Most species were hunted unsustainably in primary forest, leading to local depletion of the largest primates and birds. The estimated sustainable supply of wild meat was higher for primary (39 kg · km−2· yr−1) than secondary forest (22 kg · km−2· yr−1) because four species were absent and three species at low abundance in secondary forests. Production of three disturbance‐tolerant mammal species was 3 times higher in secondary than in primary forest, but hunting led to overexploitation of one species. Our data suggest that an average Amazonian smallholder would require ≥3.1 km2of secondary regrowth to ensure a sustainable harvest of forest vertebrates. We conclude that secondary forests can sustainably provide only 2% of the required protein intake of Amazonian smallholders and are unlikely to be sufficient for sustainable hunting in other tropical forest regions.
Early onset myoclonic epilepsy and 15q26 microdeletion: Observation of the first case
Authors: Veredice Chiara , Bianco Flaviana , Contaldo Ilaria , Orteschi Daniela , Stefanini Maria Chiara , Battaglia Domenica , Lettori Donatella , Guzzetta Francesco , Zollino Marcella
Published: April 2009

The authors report the study of a 30‐month‐old girl with refractory myoclonic epilepsy associated with mental retardation, growth delay, peculiar facial appearance, and minor physical anomalies. Extensive genetic studies were performed, including an array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (array‐CGH) that showed a cryptic interstitial deletion of 15q (5 Mb) affecting the 15q26.1–26.2 region. Partial deletions of the long arm of chromosome 15, including the 15q26 region, were observed in syndromic associations that typically include congenital diaphragmatic hernia, but neurologic features were poorly described and epileptic seizures were never reported. Our findings suggest that genes for seizures could be included in the 15q26.1q26.2 deletion interval.
Excitatory effects of gap junction blockers on cerebral cortex seizure‐like activity in rats and mice
Authors: Voss Logan J. , Jacobson Gregory , Sleigh James W. , Steyn‐Ross Alistair , Steyn‐Ross Moira
Published: April 2009

Purpose:  The role of gap junctions in seizures is an area of intense research. Many groups have reported anticonvulsant effects of gap junction blockade, strengthening the case for a role for gap junctions in ictogenesis. The cerebral cortex is underrepresented in this body of research. We have investigated the effect of gap junction blockade on seizure‐like activity in rat and mouse cerebral cortex slices.

Methods:  Seizure‐like activity was induced by perfusing with low‐magnesium artificial cerebrospinal fluid. The effect of three gap junction blockers was investigated in rat cortical slices; quinine (200 and 400 μm), quinidine (100 and 200 μm), and carbenoxolone (100 and 200 μm). In addition, the effect of mefloquine was investigated in wild‐type mice and connexin36 knockout mice. The data were analyzed for the effect on frequency and amplitude of seizure‐like events.

Results:  Paradoxical excitatory effects on seizure‐like activity were observed for all three agents in rat cortical slices. Quinine (200 μm) and carbenoxolone (100 μm) increased both the frequency and amplitude of seizure‐like events. Quinidine (100 μm) increased the frequency of events. Higher doses of quinine (400 μm) and carbenoxolone (200 μm) had biphasic excitatory–inhibitory effects. Similar excitatory effects were observed in adult wild‐type mouse cortical slices perfused with mefloquine (5 μm or 10 μm), but were absent in slices from connexin36‐deficient mice.

Discussion:  In conclusion, we have shown a paradoxical proseizure effect of pharmacologic gap junction blockade in a cortical model of seizure‐like activity. We suggest that this effect is probably due to a disruption of inhibitory interneuron coupling secondary to connexin36 blockade.
Exploring the Synergy Between Industrial Ecology and System of Systems to Understand Complexity
Authors: DeLaurentis Daniel A. , Ayyalasomayajula Sricharan
Published: April 2009

Two objectives are pursued in this article. First, from a methodological perspective, we explore the relationships among the constructs of complex adaptive systems, systems of systems, and industrial ecology. Through examination of central traits of each, we find that industrial ecology and system of systems present complementary frameworks for posing systemic problems in the context of sociotechnical applications. Furthermore, we contend that complexity science (the basis for the study of complex adaptive systems) provides a natural and necessary foundation and set of tools to analyze mechanisms such as evolution, emergence, and regulation in these applications. The second objective of the article is to illustrate the use of two tools from complexity sciences to address a network transition problem in air transportation framed from the system‐of‐systems viewpoint and shaped by an industrial ecology perspective. A stochastic simulation consisting of network theory analysis combined with agent‐based modeling to study the evolution of an air transport network is presented. Patterns in agent behavior that lead to preferred outcomes across two scenarios are observed, and the implications of these results for decision makers are described. Furthermore, we highlight the necessity for future efforts to combine the merits of both system of systems and industrial ecology in tackling the issues of complexity in such large‐scale, sociotechnical problems.
Integration of Life Cycle Assessment Into Agent‐Based Modeling
Authors: Davis Chris , Nikolić Igor , Dijkema Gerard P. J.
Published: April 2009

A method is presented that allows for a life cycle assessment (LCA) to provide environmental information on an energy infrastructure system while it evolves. Energy conversion facilities are represented in an agent‐based model (ABM) as distinct instances of technologies with owners capable of making decisions based on economic and environmental information. This simulation setup allows us to explore the dynamics of assembly, disassembly, and use of these systems, which typically span decades, and to analyze the effect of using LCA information in decision making.

We were able to integrate a simplified LCA into an ABM by aligning and connecting the data structures that represent the energy infrastructure and the supply chains from source to sink. By using an appropriate database containing life cycle inventory (LCI) information and by solving the scaling factors for the technology matrix, we computed the contribution to global warming in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalents in the form of a single impact indicator for each instance of technology at each discrete simulation step. These LCAs may then serve to show each agent the impact of its activities at a global level, as indicated by its contribution to climate change. Similar to economic indicators, the LCA indicators may be fed back to the simulated decision making in the ABM to emulate the use of environmental information while the system evolves. A proof of concept was developed that is illustrated for a simplified LCA and ABM used to generate and simulate the evolution of a bioelectricity infrastructure system.
Differing Expansion Contributions of Three Investment Materials Used for Casting Titanium
Authors: Low Danny
Published: April 2009

Purpose: This laboratory study aimed at investigating the effect of setting expansion (SE), which could enlarge a wax pattern by concurrent exothermic reaction.

Materials and Methods: Two phosphate‐bonded investment materials (Rematitan Plus, T‐invest C & B) and alumina‐magnesia‐based investment material (Titavest CB) were subjected to setting temperature and SE measurements (n = 10). Full‐crown wax patterns were prepared from metal dies having the same design. Crown castings (n = 6) were made using a one‐chamber high‐pressure casting machine. Commercially pure titanium ingot (Japanese Industrial Standard Class II) was used for each casting. Dimensional accuracy of the cast crowns was expressed by marginal discrepancy for a pair of wax pattern and casting prepared from the same die. All results were then subjected to regression analysis.

Results: Rematitan Plus gave the highest setting temperature (about 70°C) and the highest SE (1.16 ± 0.01%) almost concurrently. The result was that Rematitan Plus produced oversized crowns from the lowest thermal expansion (TE) value (0.53 ± 0.05%) reducing the linear correlation to 0.80 (p < 0.05). No significant linear relationship was found between SE of investment material and crown‐casting accuracy.

Conclusions: The almost concurrent occurrence of high SE and high setting temperature generation in Rematitan Plus enlarged the wax pattern and effectively supplemented its low TE to produce oversized crowns. Despite this adverse effect, the correlation between TE and crown accuracy was still high. It is generally expected that the TE values given by manufacturers predict crown accuracy, when uniform TE, small SE, and minimum heat generation during setting are assured.
DNA Preservation in Skeletal Elements from the World Trade Center Disaster: Recommendations for Mass Fatality Management*,†
Authors: Mundorff Amy Z. , Bartelink Eric J. , Mar‐Cash Elaine
Published: April 2009

Abstract:  The World Trade Center (WTC) victim identification effort highlights taphonomic influences on the degradation of DNA from victims of mass fatality incidents. This study uses a subset of the WTC‐Human Remains Database to evaluate differential preservation of DNA by skeletal element. Recovery location, sex, and victim type (civilian, firefighter, or plane passenger) do not appear to influence DNA preservation. Results indicate that more intact elements, as well as elements encased in soft tissue, produced slightly higher identification rates than more fragmented remains. DNA identification rates by element type conform to previous findings, with higher rates generally found in denser, weight‐bearing bones. However, smaller bones including patellae, metatarsals, and foot phalanges yielded rates comparable to both femora and tibiae. These elements can be easily sampled with a disposable scalpel, and thus reduce potential DNA contamination. These findings have implications for DNA sampling guidelines in future mass fatality incidents.
A Clinical Study of Competency to Consent to Hospitalization and Treatment in Geriatric Inpatients*
Authors: Billick Stephen B. , Perez Dolores R. , Garakani Amir
Published: April 2009

Abstract:  This study used a Competency Questionnaire modified for medical surgical patients (CQ‐Med). Twenty‐nine patients (ages 65–94 years) admitted to a geriatric medicine unit were studied. Along with the CQ‐Med, patients were administered several WAIS‐R subtests, the Blessed Dementia Scale (BDS), and Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE). Additionally, a blind forensic evaluation for competency to consent to hospitalization and treatment was performed for the purpose of validation of the CQ‐Med. Results of the study found that, as expected, increased age was correlated with decreasing performance on the CQ‐Med and decreased findings of competence by clinical exam. However, there was great variability within each age group, demonstrating individual differences in the progress of declining competency. CQ‐Med scores also correlated well with the WAIS‐R subtest raw and scaled scores. Scores on the MMSE and BDS were less well correlated. The CQ‐Med may be a useful adjunct in assessing declining competency in geriatric patients.
Subaortic Pseudoaneurysm of the Left Ventricle Complicating Staphyloccal Endocarditis*
Authors: Saint‐Martin Pauline , Rogers Christopher , Carpenter Eugene , Fishbein Michael C. , Lau Stanley , Sathyavagiswaran Lakshmanan
Published: April 2009

Abstract:  Subaortic pseudoaneurysms are rare but can be a cause of sudden death in young individuals. This case report involves a 20‐year‐old Vietnamese male who died suddenly from rupture of a subaortic pseudoaneurysm with resultant hemopericardium with tamponade. He had a history of bicuspid aortic valve with recent but healed Staphylococcal endocarditis. A review of the literature reveals few similar cases and enlightens the association between aortic bicuspid valve, endocarditis, and subvalvular aortic aneurysm. The pathogenesis as well as recent studies that identified aneurysm predisposing genes in patients with bicuspid aortic valve will be discussed.
Testing Anatomical Methods for Stature Estimation on Individuals from the W. M. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection
Authors: Maijanen Heli
Published: April 2009

Abstract:  This study compared eight versions of the anatomical method for stature estimation on a white male sample (n = 34) from the W. M. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection. The aim was to evaluate errors in the estimates and to discuss how useful the methods are in forensic context. The average error estimating living stature was less than 1 cm for six of the methods. The correlations between the estimates were high (r = 0.982–0.999). In practice, differences between the versions as well as those between long bone‐based equations and anatomical methods were small. Anatomical method is nevertheless more accurate than long bone regressions when individuals with atypical body proportions are examined.
Methods of Choice in Completed Suicides: Gender Differences and Review of Literature
Authors: Kanchan Tanuj , Menon Anand , Menezes Ritesh G.
Published: April 2009

Abstract:  Suicide is an important public health hazard worldwide. A 4‐year retrospective study from January 2000 to December 2003 was conducted to identify the favored methods in realized suicides among males and females in the west coastal region of India. During the study period, a total of 539 cases of suicidal deaths were autopsied. Males were predominantly affected (male: female—1.9:1). The age of the victims ranged from 13 to 90 years in males (mean = 40.1 years, median = 37.0 years) and 15 to 85 years in females (mean = 36.6 years, median = 32.0 years). Most favored method of suicide amongst males and females was hanging (36.9%, n = 199) followed by poisoning (34.7%, n = 187). Male dominance was apparent for each method of suicide except for self‐immolation. Males were relatively more likely to use hanging and poisoning while females were more likely to prefer drowning and self‐immolation as methods of suicide. Relatively younger females (mean = 33.0 years, median = 32.0 years) preferred hanging as a method of suicide when compared to males (mean = 42.4 years, median = 40.0 years). Among females, significantly younger females resorted to hanging when compared to older females who preferred drowning. On investigating the various theories proposed for choice of suicide methods in males and females in different regions we conclude that preference of method of suicide in men and women is complexly determined. In this region, availability, accessibility, popularity, and socioacceptability seem to be the major determinants in the choice of methods among males and females rather than violence associated and lethality of the method. Females were as likely to use lethal and violent methods as males in this region.
Developmental Validation of RSID™‐Saliva: A Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Strip Test for the Forensic Detection of Saliva
Authors: Old Jennifer B. , Schweers Brett A. , Boonlayangoor Pravat W. , Reich Karl A.
Published: April 2009

Abstract:  Current methods for forensic identification of saliva generally assay for the enzymatic activity of α‐amylase, an enzyme long associated with human saliva. Here, we describe the Rapid Stain IDentification (RSID™‐Saliva), a lateral flow immunochromatographic strip test that uses two antisalivary amylase monoclonal antibodies to detect the presence of salivary amylase, rather than the activity of the enzyme. We demonstrate that RSID™‐Saliva is accurate, reproducible, and highly sensitive for human saliva; RSID™‐Saliva detects less than 1 μL of saliva. The sensitivity of RSIDTM‐Saliva allows investigators to sample a fraction of a questioned stain while retaining the majority for DNA‐STR analysis. We demonstrate that RSID™‐Saliva identifies saliva from a variety of materials (e.g., cans, bottles, envelopes, and cigarette‐butts) and it does not cross‐react with blood, semen, urine, or vaginal fluid. RSID™‐Saliva is a useful forensic test for determining which evidentiary items contain saliva and thus may yield a DNA profile.
Towards the earliest history of Kinda
Authors: Bukharin M.D.
Published: April 2009

In the second century AD Rome could not protect the caravan trade in north‐west Arabia to the south of Dedan with its own military detachments, stationed in Madā’in and al‐’Ulā. Rome seems to have attracted Aksum for the subjugation of the Arab nomads of north‐west Arabia and protection of the ‘Incense Road’. At the end of the second century AD Rome, Aksum and Saba’ shared common interests: Aksum helped Rome to restore peace on the caravan routes, in which Saba’ seemed to have been interested as well, and Rome provided a market for East African and South Arabian products. During the west Arabian campaign, described in the inscription RIÉ 277 (Monumentum Adulitanum II), which is to be dated to the very end of the second century AD, the unnamed Aksumite king, presumably Gadūrat, conquered the lands of Kinaidokolpites and Arrabites. The former name represents a combination of two names, the first of which seems to be derived from the name of Kinda (identification of the entire name with Kinda is taken for ‘somewhat unlikely’ in Retsö 2003: 450, n. 60). The Kinda seem to have been also known in the earlier classical tradition under the name of Kanraitai — the inhabitants of Ghamr dhī‐Kinda — and thus were the most aggressive and dangerous obstacle for the Roman traders on the land routes in north‐west Arabia and in the northern Red Sea in the first–second century AD. The Aksumite invasion forced the resettlement of the Kinda on the other branch of the ‘Incense road’— through modern Qaryat al‐Fāw — and its blockade, consequently followed at the beginning of the third century by the campaigns of the Sabaean king Šā’ir ‘Awtar against them.
Multi‐disciplinary research on the past human ecology of the east Arabian coast: excavations at Hamriya and Tell Abraq (Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates)
Authors: Magee Peter , Uerpmann Hans‐Peter , Uerpmann Margarethe , Jasim Sabah Abboud , Händel Marc , Barber Don , Fritz Crystal , Hammer Emily
Published: April 2009

The results of two seasons of research at Hamriya and Tell Abraq (Sharjah, UAE) by an international team of researchers are presented. The research has revealed extensive evidence for occupation from c. 5000 BC to the recent past adjoining lagoon areas that face the Arabian Gulf. C14 analysis of shells has contributed to understanding the chronology of settlement and also assisted our understanding of species‐specific deviation from the global reservoir effect.
Settlement history in the eastern Rub al‐Khali: Preliminary Report of the Dubai Desert Survey (2006–2007)
Authors: Casana Jesse , Herrmann Jason T. , Qandil Hussein Suleiman
Published: April 2009

Regional archaeological survey in desert areas of Dubai, U.A.E., has identified numerous archaeological sites in this rapidly changing landscape. Subsurface geophysical surveys have been undertaken in concert with surface collection and test excavation to document the extent and chronology of each site. Contrary to expectations that deserts were permanently abandoned following the end of the mid‐Holocene pluvial phase around 4000 BC, two sites, Al‐Ashoosh and Saruq al‐Hadid, show evidence of substantial occupation during the late third and early first millennia respectively. These findings suggest that the Rub al‐Khali supported human settlement much later than is generally thought, challenging traditional understandings of the region’s cultural and environmental histories.
Molecular and behavioral analysis of the intron 2 repeat polymorphism in the canine dopamine D4 receptor gene
Authors: Hejjas K. , Kubinyi E. , Ronai Z. , Szekely A. , Vas J. , Miklósi Á , Sasvari‐Szekely M. , Kereszturi E.
Published: April 2009

Genetic polymorphisms in the human dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) gene, especially the exon 3 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR), have been related to several psychiatric disorders and personality traits. A homologous exon 3 VNTR has been described in dogs, and we previously showed an association between the DRD4 exon 3 polymorphism and activity/impulsivity trait in German shepherds. In this study, we present a detailed analysis of the intron 2 VNTR of the DRD4 gene. A short and a long form of the intronic variation were identified in 678 unrelated dogs from five breeds and in 22 wolves. For molecular analysis, the intron 2 region was cloned into a promoterless luciferase reporter vector that led to an elevation in transcriptional activity. Moreover, an allelic difference in promoter activity was detected, and a repressive effect of the long allele was observed. Behavioral analysis of 96 unrelated German shepherds showed a significant association between the social impulsivity endophenotype of the Greeting Test and both the exonic (P = 0.002) and the intronic (P = 0.003) VNTRs of the DRD4 gene. Moreover, an additive effect of the two polymorphisms was also shown (Spearman’s rho = 0.356, P = 0.0004). In conclusion, these results give further support to our previous findings that the DRD4 gene is associated with dog behavior. We also present molecular evidence for the functional role of the intron 2 VNTR in the canine DRD4 gene.
Role of Marginal Vitamin C Deficiency in Atherogenesis: In Vivo Models and Clinical Studies
Authors: Frikke‐Schmidt Henriette , Lykkesfeldt Jens
Published: April 2009

Abstract:  Vitamin C is a pivotal redox modulater in many biological reactions of which several remain poorly understood. Naturally, vitamin C has been the subject of many investigations over the past decades in relation to its possible beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease primarily based on its powerful yet general antioxidant properties. However, growing epidemiological, clinical and experimental evidence now suggests a more specific role of ascorbate in vasomotion and in the prevention of atherosclerosis. For example, in contrast to most other biological antioxidants, administration of vitamin C can apparently induce vasodilation. Millions of people worldwide can be diagnosed with vitamin C deficiency according to accepted definitions. In this perspective, the present review examines the evidence for a specific link between vitamin C deficiency and increased risk of atherosclerosis as well as the possible mechanisms by which vitamin C may exert its protective function.
Mechanical and Bioactive Behavior of Hydroxyapatite–Wollastonite Sintered Composites
Authors: Encinas‐Romero Martín A. , Aguayo‐Salinas Salvador , Valenzuela‐García Jesús L. , Payán Sandra R. , Castillón‐Barraza Felipe F.
Published: April 2009

The effect of wollastonite amount on the mechanical and bioactive properties of several hydroxyapatite‐wollastonite sintered composites was evaluated. The wollastonite reinforcement effect was assessed by measuring hardness and reduced elastic modulus on the materials, using nanoindentation methods. Bioactive properties were analyzed by soaking these materials in a simulated body fluid (SBF) for various periods of time. The analyses reveal an enhancement of hardness and reduced elastic modulus with the addition of wollastonite. In addition, the interaction of these materials with an SBF produces a bone‐like apatite layer on their surfaces, which is thicker when the wollastonite is in a higher proportion.
Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship and Classification Analysis of Diaryl Ureas Against Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor‐2 Kinase Using Linear and Non‐Linear Models
Authors: Sun Min , Chen Junqing , Wei Hongtao , Yin Shuangqing , Yang Yan , Ji Min
Published: April 2009

Quantitative structure–activity relationship analysis has been carried out for 74 diaryl ureas including aminobenzoisoxazole ureas, aminoindazole ureas, aminopyrazolopyridine ureas against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 kinase using both linear and non‐linear models. Considering simplicity and predictivity, multivariate linear regression was first employed in combination with various variable selection methods, including forward selection, genetic algorithm and enhanced replacement method based on descriptors generated by e‐dragon software. Another model using support vector regression has also been constructed and compared. Performances of these models are rigorously validated by leave‐one‐out cross‐validation, fivefold cross‐validation and external validation. The enhanced replacement method model significantly outperforms the others with R 2 = 0.813 and  = 0.809. Robustness and predictive ability of this model is prudently evaluated. Moreover, to find out the most significant features associated with the difference between highly active compounds and moderate ones, two classification models using linear discriminant analysis and support vector machine were further developed. The performance of support vector machine significantly outperforms linear discriminant analysis, with leave‐one‐out cross‐validation and external validation prediction accuracy reaching 0.838 and 0.857, respectively. The resulting models could act as an efficient strategy for estimating the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 inhibiting activity of novel diaryl ureas and provide some insights into the structural features related to the biological activity of these compounds.
The Complexities of Internal Conflict in the Third World: Beyond Ethnic and Religious Conflict
Authors: KIM HAE S.
Published: April 2009

There are many patterns of internal conflict identified in the Third World—“economically vulnerable,” “politically vulnerable,”“heterogeneous‐parochial,” and “egalitarian–distributive”—and the sheer variety of these indicates that internal conflict is a complex phenomenon. Yet the literature tends to categorize the major sources of internal conflict in a rather monocausal fashion, often emphasizing its ethnic or religious dimensions. This study argues that internal conflict in the Third World needs to be analyzed beyond singular explanations and shows that if sufficient attention is paid to the variables that comprise each pattern of internal conflict, a more nuanced understanding of internal conflict is possible. National governments in conflict‐stricken countries need to first identify the “correct” pattern of conflict as well as interrelations among the variables that build up each pattern. When and if international or regional organizations address their respective economic and/or political assistance to the conflict‐stricken countries, such organizations should follow suit.
Thermal Marangoni Instability and Magnetic Pressure for a Thin Ferrofluid Layer
Authors: Hennenberg Marcel , Slavtchev Slavtcho , Weyssow Boris
Published: April 2009

We study the linear coupling between the Marangoni and Cowley–Rosensweig instabilities for a thin layer of ferrofluid subjected to a temperature gradient and a magnetic field. Both are perpendicular to the reference horizontal boundaries, one of which is a rigid plate, while the other is a free surface remaining flat as long as the magnetic field is smaller than the critical value of the onset of the static isothermal Cowley–Rosensweig instability. Our study considers at first a ferrofluid layer resting on the rigid border. In the stationary case, when heating is directed from the rigid side, a magnetic field, smaller than the Cowley–Rosensweig critical one, can induce a new pattern: the critical Marangoni number is much lower than in the nonmagnetic undeformable case, for a dimensionless wavenumber of less than 1.992, its Newtonian classical value. When heating from the gaseous phase, an oscillatory marginal case exists theoretically, but for unphysical conditions. We consider also the case when the ferrofluid is hanging down from the rigid side. Only the wavelength critical value of the Rayleigh–Taylor instability that separates a stable region from an unstable one changes.
Structure, Dynamic Properties, and Phase Transitions of Tethered Membranes
Authors: Popova Hristina , Milchev Andrey
Published: April 2009

A coarse‐grained model of a self‐avoiding tethered membrane with hexagonal coordination, embedded in three‐dimensional space, is studied by means of extensive Monte Carlo computer simulations. The simulations are performed at various temperatures for membranes with linear size 5 ≤L≤ 30. We find that the membrane undergoes several folding transitions from a high‐temperature flat phase to multiple‐folded structure as the temperature is steadily decreased. Using a suitable order parameter and finite size scaling analysis, these phase transitions are shown to be of first order. The equilibrium shape of the membranes is analyzed by calculating the eigenvalues λ2max≥λ2med≥λ2min of the inertia tensor. We present a systematic finite size scaling analysis of the radius of gyration and the eigenvalues of the inertia tensor at different phases of the observed folding transitions. In the high temperature flat phase, the radius of gyration Rg grows with the linear size of the membrane L as Rg∝Lν, where the exponent ν≈ 1.0. The eigenvalues of the inertia tensor scale as whereby the roughness exponent νmin≈ 0.7. We also find that the Rouse relaxation time τR of a self‐avoiding membrane scales as τR∝L2ν+2, in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.