bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Islet inflammation and CXCL10 in recent-onset type 1 diabetes
Authors: Roep B O , Kleijwegt F S , Van Halteren A G S , Bonato V , Boggi U , Vendrame F , Marchetti P , Dotta F
Published: January 2010

Type 1 diabetes results from a T cell-mediated destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic β cells. Little is known on local factors contributing to migration of T cells to pancreatic tissue. We recently demonstrated evidence of viral infection in β cells in several recent-onset type 1 diabetes patients. Islet inflammation was analysed in a series of new- or recent-onset type 1 diabetic patients and non-diabetic control subjects. Autoimmune T cell reactivity was studied in lymphocytes derived from pancreas-draining lymph nodes of one recent-onset type 1 diabetes patient in partial clinical remission. Insulitic lesions were characterized by presence of β cells, elevated levels of the chemokine CXCL10 and infiltration of lymphocytes expressing the corresponding chemokine receptor CXCR3 in all pancreatic lesions of type 1 diabetes patients, regardless of enterovirus infection of β cells. CXCR3 and CXCL10 were undetectable in pancreata of non-diabetic control subjects. T cells isolated from draining lymph nodes of a recent-onset patient with virally infected β cells and in clinical remission reacted with multiple islet autoantigens and displayed a mixed interferon (IFN)-γ/interleukin (IL)-10 cytokine pattern. Our data point to CXCL10 as an important cytokine in distressed islets that may contribute to inflammation leading to insulitis and β cell destruction, regardless of local viral infection. We demonstrate further pro- and anti-inflammatory islet autoreactivity, indicating that different adaptive and innate immune responses may contribute to insulitis and β cell destruction.
Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration cytology: a state of the art review
Authors: Cameron S. E. H. , Andrade R. S. , Pambuccian S. E.
Published: January 2010

S. E. H. Cameron, R.S. Andrade and S.E. Pambuccian Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration cytology: a state of the art review

Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) is a recently developed, accurate, safe and cost‐effective technique that allows sampling of mediastinal lymph nodes and peribronchial lesions including pulmonary and mediastinal lesions. Its major indications are the nodal staging of non‐small cell carcinomas of the lung, their restaging after chemotherapy and/or radiation, the diagnosis of sarcoidosis and of metastases from extrathoracic malignancies, and the diagnosis of mediastinal lymphadenopathy and masses of unknown aetiology. From our experience at the University of Minnesota and a comprehensive review of the literature, we discuss technical aspects of the procedure, its advantages and limitations in comparison with other methods of sampling mediastinal lymph nodes, focusing on the role of the cytopathologist in ensuring the effectiveness of the procedure. An algorithmic approach to the cytological diagnosis, starting with the determination of the adequacy of the sample, is also presented.
Climate change effects on plant biomass alter dominance patterns and community evenness in an experimental old‐field ecosystem
Authors: KARDOL PAUL , CAMPANY COURTNEY E. , SOUZA LARA , NORBY RICHARD J. , WELTZIN JAKE F. , CLASSEN AIMEE T.
Published: January 2010

Atmospheric and climatic change can alter plant biomass production and plant community composition. However, we know little about how climate change‐induced alterations in biomass production affect plant species composition. To better understand how climate change will alter both individual plant species and community biomass, we manipulated atmospheric [CO2], air temperature, and precipitation in a constructed old‐field ecosystem. Specifically, we compared the responses of dominant and subdominant species to our climatic treatments, and explored how changes in plant dominance patterns alter community evenness over 2 years. Our study resulted in four major findings: (1) all treatments, elevated [CO2], warming, and increased precipitation increased plant community biomass and the effects were additive rather than interactive, (2) plant species differed in their response to the treatments, resulting in shifts in the proportional biomass of individual species, which altered the plant community composition; however, the plant community response was largely driven by the positive precipitation response of Lespedeza, the most dominant species in the community, (3) precipitation explained most of the variation in plant community composition among treatments, and (4) changes in precipitation caused a shift in the dominant species proportional biomass that resulted in lower community evenness in the wet relative to dry treatments. Interestingly, compositional and evenness responses of the subdominant community to the treatments did not always follow the responses of the whole plant community. Our data suggest that changes in plant dominance patterns and community evenness are an important part of community responses to climatic change, and generally, that such compositional shifts can alter ecosystem biomass production and nutrient inputs.
Public Internet‐connected cameras used as a cross‐continental ground‐based plant phenology monitoring system
Authors: GRAHAM ERIC A. , RIORDAN ERIN C. , YUEN ERIC M. , ESTRIN DEBORAH , RUNDEL PHILIP W.
Published: January 2010

Plant phenology is highly sensitive to changes in environmental conditions and can vary widely across landscapes. Current observation methods are either manual for small‐scale, high precision measurements or by satellite remote sensing for large‐scale, low spatial resolution measurement. The development of inexpensive approaches is necessary to advance large scale, high precision phenology monitoring. The use of publicly available, Internet‐connected cameras, often associated with airports, national parks, and roadway conditions, for detecting and monitoring plant phenology at a continental scale can augment existing ground and satellite‐based methodologies. We collected twice‐daily images from over 1100 georeferenced public cameras across North America from February 2008 to 2009. Using a test subset of these cameras, we compared modeled spring ‘green‐up’ with that from co‐occurring remote sensing products. Although varying image exposure and color correction introduced noise to camera measurements, we were able to correlate spring green‐up across North America with visual validation from images and detect a latitudinal trend. Public cameras had an equivalent or higher ability to detect spring compared with satellite‐based data for corresponding locations, with fewer numbers of poor quality days, shorter continuous bad data days, and significantly lower errors of spring estimates. Manual image segmentation into deciduous, evergreen, and understory vegetation allowed detection of spring and fall onset for multiple vegetation types. Additional advantages of a public camera‐based monitoring system include frequent image capture (subdaily) and the potential to detect quantitative responses to environmental changes in organisms, species, and communities. Public cameras represent a relatively untapped and freely available resource for supporting large‐scale ecological and environmental monitoring.
Trophic level asynchrony in rates of phenological change for marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments
Authors: THACKERAY STEPHEN J. , SPARKS TIMOTHY H. , FREDERIKSEN MORTEN , BURTHE SARAH , BACON PHILIP J. , BELL JAMES R. , BOTHAM MARC S. , BRERETON TOM M. , BRIGHT PAUL W. , CARVALHO LAURENCE , CLUTTON‐BROCK TIM , DAWSON ALISTAIR , EDWARDS MARTIN , ELLIOTT J. MALCOLM , HARRINGTON RICHARD , JOHNS DAVID , JONES IAN D. , JONES JAMES T. , LEECH DAVID I. , ROY DAVID B. , SCOTT W. ANDY , SMITH MATT , SMITHERS RICHARD J. , WINFIELD IAN J. , WANLESS SARAH
Published: January 2010

Recent changes in the seasonal timing (phenology) of familiar biological events have been one of the most conspicuous signs of climate change. However, the lack of a standardized approach to analysing change has hampered assessment of consistency in such changes among different taxa and trophic levels and across freshwater, terrestrial and marine environments. We present a standardized assessment of 25 532 rates of phenological change for 726 UK terrestrial, freshwater and marine taxa. The majority of spring and summer events have advanced, and more rapidly than previously documented. Such consistency is indicative of shared large scale drivers. Furthermore, average rates of change have accelerated in a way that is consistent with observed warming trends. Less coherent patterns in some groups of organisms point to the agency of more local scale processes and multiple drivers. For the first time we show a broad scale signal of differential phenological change among trophic levels; across environments advances in timing were slowest for secondary consumers, thus heightening the potential risk of temporal mismatch in key trophic interactions. If current patterns and rates of phenological change are indicative of future trends, future climate warming may exacerbate trophic mismatching, further disrupting the functioning, persistence and resilience of many ecosystems and having a major impact on ecosystem services.
Safety and efficacy of investigator‐prescribed BeneFIX® prophylaxis in children less than 6 years of age with severe haemophilia B
Authors: MONAHAN P. E. , LIESNER R. , SULLIVAN S. T. , RAMIREZ M. E. , KELLY P. , ROTH D. A.
Published: January 2010

Summary.  Prophylaxis is increasingly prescribed in treatment of haemophilia and its benefit is believed to be most significant for the youngest patients as haemophilic arthropathy may be prevented if prophylaxis is initiated prior to recurrent haemarthroses. While clinical prophylaxis data are readily available for haemophilia A, analogous data for haemophilia B are relatively limited. A prospective clinical study of recombinant factor IX (BeneFIX®; rFIX), designed to allow investigator prescribed prophylaxis according to customary practices, was conducted in children <6 years old with severe haemophilia B. Nearly all children were prescribed prophylaxis (22/25; 88%) for all or part of their study participation. Favourable efficacy and safety profiles were reported. Routine prophylaxis with 1 or 2 rFIX infusions per week over an average of greater than 6 months of therapy resulted in near complete prevention of spontaneous breakthrough haemorrhages (<1 per year), with most children (77%) having none, including seven patients (32%) who had no bleeding episodes at all. Haemorrhages in joints were less common than those outside joints (27% vs. 73% of haemorrhages). In a patient population that included children with multiple prior haemarthroses, 68% of children had no joint bleeding. Breakthrough haemorrhages resolved with 1 or 2 infusions in 89% of episodes. The absence of changes in prophylaxis infusion schedules suggests that 1 or 2 rFIX infusion(s) per week were well‐tolerated by these young patients, including those with (41%) and without (59%) central venous access devices. Safety was established by the low incidence of treatment‐related adverse events.
Ectodomain shedding of Fcα receptor is mediated by ADAM10 and ADAM17
Authors: Peng Min , Guo Sha , Yin Na , Xue Jing , Shen Lian , Zhao Qing , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2010

FcαR (CD89) plays important roles in immunoglobulin A (IgA)‐mediated immune responses. Soluble forms of FcαR (sFcαR) are found in the culture supernatants of FcαR‐expressing cells, in human serum and in the serum of FcαR transgenic mice, and have been suggested to be produced through a proteolytic process. However, little is known about the mechanism involved in the proteolytic release of sFcαR. In this study, we investigated the shedding mechanism of FcαR and determined the nature of the proteinase involved in FcαR shedding. In chemical inhibitor assays, shedding of FcαR was dramatically inhibited by EDTA, EGTA and a broad‐spectrum metalloproteinase inhibitor, GM6001, suggesting that a metalloproteinase was responsible for FcαR shedding. Overexpression of dominant‐negative mutants of ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) 10 and ADAM17 markedly inhibited the production of sFcαR. Finally, knockdown of both endogenous ADAM10 and endogenous ADAM17 inhibited FcαR shedding, demonstrating that ADAM10 and ADAM17 were involved in the shedding of FcαR. The characterization of ADAM10 and ADAM17 as sFcαR‐releasing enzymes provides a novel insight into the molecular mechanism of sFcαR production and will help in further elucidation of the physiological and pathological roles of sFcαR.
Evaluation of erectile dysfunction and associated cardiovascular risk using structured questionnaires in Chinese type 2 diabetic men
Authors: Yu L. W. , Kong A. P. , Tong P. C. , Tam C. , Ko G. T. , Ho C.‐S. , So W.‐Y. , Ma R. C. , Chow C.‐C. , Chan J. C.
Published: January 2010

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not uncommon, but frequently underdiagnosed in type 2 diabetic men. In this study, we aimed to explore the frequency and severity of ED in Chinese type 2 diabetic men using a structured questionnaire. We furthermore sought to investigate the associations of ED with diabetes‐related complications and metabolic indices. A consecutive cohort of 313 Chinese type 2 diabetic men aged between 25 and 76 years attending a diabetic centre were recruited between October 2006 and June 2007. Of the study population, the frequency of ED was 39.3% according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference criteria, compared with 84.3% (41.7% of them having moderate to severe ED) as diagnosed by International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) questionnaire. After adjusting for potential confounding factors by multivariable logistic regression, ED defined by NIH criterion was associated with advanced age [OR = 1.05 (95% CI 1.01–1.09), p = 0.012], the presence of diabetic retinopathy [OR = 2.43 (95% CI 1.27–4.66), p = 0.008] and coronary heart disease [OR = 2.63 (95% CI 1.21–5.70), p = 0.015]. ED defined by IIEF‐5 was associated with advanced age [OR = 1.12 (95% CI 1.06–1.17), p < 0.0001], use of insulin therapy [OR = 2.94 (95% CI 1.12–7.73), p = 0.029] and urinary albumin‐creatinine ratio [OR = 2.29 (95% CI 1.05–5.01), p = 0.037]. In conclusion, ED was highly prevalent in Chinese type 2 diabetic men and was associated with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and complications. Advanced age, use of insulin therapy, the existence of microvascular complications such as retinopathy, albuminuria and coronary heart disease were associated with ED. NIH criteria diagnosed a much lower rate of ED compared with IIEF‐5. Overall, structured questionnaires are useful and objective tools to detect ED, which should prompt a comprehensive risk assessment in these subjects.
Survival benefits of post‐fledging care: experimental approach to a critical part of avian reproductive strategies
Authors: Grüebler Martin U. , Naef‐Daenzer Beat
Published: January 2010

1. Caring for offspring beyond leaving the nest is an important but under‐studied part of avian life histories. Theory predicts that prolonged post‐fledging parental care should yield fitness benefits such as increased fledgling survival. Post‐fledging care is also costly in terms of time and energy available for subsequent reproduction, moult or migration. So far, direct measurements of the fitness effects of the duration of post‐fledging parental care are lacking.

2. In a partial cross‐fostering experiment, barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) chicks were exchanged among broods close to fledging. Thereby, we separated the effects of post‐fledging care from those of pre‐fledging origin on juvenile survival.

3. Prolonging post‐fledging care substantially increased juvenile survival up to 3 weeks post‐fledging. Juvenile mortality was maximal in the days following the termination of parental care, and prolonging care delayed and reduced this peak mortality. Survival of fledglings experiencing 6 days of care was Φ = 0·227, whereas fledglings experiencing 14 days of care showed a survival of Φ = 0·571.

4. Offspring from pairs providing short care showed lower post‐fledging survival than did offspring from pairs providing long care, irrespective of the actual duration of care experienced. This gives evidence for an additional survival effect of pre‐fledging factors associated with the parental duration of care.

5. The results suggest that differential survival in relation to post‐fledging parental care is a major fitness component. This relationship has profound effects on the reproductive trade‐offs underlying the evolution of avian life histories.
Structural characterization of nano‐sized Ce0.5Ln0.5O1.75 (Ln = Yb, Lu) mixed oxides
Authors: MAŁECKA M.A. , KĘPIŃSKI L.
Published: January 2010

This work presents results of HRTEM and XRD studies on microstructure of ceria‐based mixed oxides subjected to high‐temperature heat treatment in air. Nano‐sized (4–5 nm) crystallites of Ce0.5Ln0.5O1.75 oxides (Ln = Yb, Lu) with narrow size distribution were prepared by a microemulsion method (W/O). Presence of an intermediate cubic phase, with oxygen vacancy ordering, was found for the Ce0.5Ln0.5O1.75 mixed oxides. A simple model of the intermediate phase has been proposed and tested.
The significance of repeat testing in Turkish blood donors screened with HBV, HCV and HIV immunoassays and the importance of S/CO ratios in the interpretation of HCV/HIV screening test results and as a determinant for further confirmatory testing
Authors: Acar Ali , Kemahli Sabri , Altunay Husnu , Kosan Erdogan , Oncul Oral , Gorenek Levent , Cavuslu Saban
Published: January 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the intra‐assay correlations amongst initial reactive and repeat screening results used in enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV in blood donors. This study evaluated the value of using the power of the signal to cut‐off (S/CO) ratio index for confirming anti‐HCV/HIV reactive screening results, thereby touching upon the utility of S/CO indices in determining whether further confirmatory testing was necessary. Screening test results of the 72 695 blood donors were evaluated over a 1‐year period. Correlation analysis among each initial test and retests was done by Pearson r test. Appropriate S/CO values to determine the need of the confirmation testing was investigated by ROC analyses. EIA intra‐assay correlations were of statistical significance and were determined as follows: 0·948 for anti‐HCV, 0·827 for anti‐HIV and 0·948 for HBsAg. The threshold S/CO ratio values which predicted more than 95% of the confirmation test result were 3·8 for HCV and 5·6 for HIV. We were able to demonstrate a strong level of intra‐assay correlation amongst EIAs, thereby eliminating the need for repetition of the screening test. Hence, we suggest that repeat screening should only be limited to HBV and HIV tests with low EIA S/CO ratios. Thus, using the power of the S/CO ratio in determining the need for HCV confirmation testing can be a cost‐effective measure, especially if the S/CO value is ≥3·8.
Do common in silico tools predict the clinical consequences of amino‐acid substitutions in the CFTR gene?
Authors: Dorfman R , Nalpathamkalam T , Taylor C , Gonska T , Keenan K , Yuan XW , Corey M , Tsui L‐C , Zielenski J , Durie P
Published: January 2010

Dorfman R, Nalpathamkalam T, Taylor C, Gonska T, Keenan K, Yuan XW, Corey M, Tsui L‐C, Zielenski J, Durie P. Do common in silico tools predict the clinical consequences of amino‐acid substitutions in the CFTR gene?

Computational methods are used to predict the molecular consequences of amino‐acid substitutions on the basis of evolutionary conservation or protein structure, but their utility in clinical diagnosis or prediction of disease outcome has not been well validated. We evaluated three popular computer programs, namely, PANTHER, SIFT and PolyPhen, by comparing the predicted clinical outcomes for a group of known CFTR missense mutations against the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) and clinical manifestations in cohorts of subjects with CF‐disease and CFTR‐related disorders carrying these mutations. Owing to poor specificity, none of tools reliably distinguished between individual mutations that confer CF disease from mutations found in subjects with a CFTR‐related disorder or no disease. Prediction scores for CFTR mutations derived from PANTHER showed a significant overall statistical correlation with the spectrum of disease severity associated with mutations in the CFTR gene. In contrast, PolyPhen‐ and SIFT‐derived scores only showed significant differences between CF‐causing and non‐CF variants. Current computational methods are not recommended for establishing or excluding a CF diagnosis, notably as a newborn screening strategy or in patients with equivocal test results.
microRNAs in diseases: from candidate to modifier genes
Authors: Bandiera S , Hatem E , Lyonnet S , Henrion‐Caude A
Published: January 2010

Bandiera S, Hatem E, Lyonnet S, Henrion‐Caude A. microRNAs in diseases: from candidate to modifier genes.

Until recently, the search for genetic factors predisposing or causing Mendelian diseases focused almost exclusively on protein coding sequences. As essential components of the regulatory system of gene expression, microRNAs (miRNAs) hold great promises into elucidating a number of inherited diseases. The herein review focuses on the genetic variations, whether copy number variation (CNV) or single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), alternatively at the levels of the miRNA gene itself and of its target genes. We consider miRNA as the candidate gene, or the regulator of a disease‐causing gene, or the modifier gene. The best paradigms of the field are presented in both monogenic diseases and complex traits. The computational tools, which are essential into identifying miRNAs and characterizing miRNA targets, are overviewed.
Simultaneous expression of choline oxidase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase in potato plant chloroplasts provides synergistically enhanced protection against various abiotic stresses
Authors: Ahmad Raza , Kim Yun‐Hee , Kim Myoung‐Duck , Kwon Suk‐Yoon , Cho Kwangsoo , Lee Haeng‐Soon , Kwak Sang‐Soo
Published: January 2010

Plants synthesize compatible solutes such as glycinebetaine (GB) in response to abiotic stresses. To evaluate the synergistic and protective effect of GB, transgenic potato plants expressing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) targeting to chloroplasts (referred to as SSA plants) were retransformed with a bacterial choline oxidase (codA) gene to synthesize GB in chloroplast in naturally occurring non‐accumulator potato plants (including SSA) under the control of the stress‐inducible SWPA2 promoter (referred to as SSAC plants). GB accumulation resulted in enhanced protection of these SSAC plants and lower levels of H2O2 compared with SSA and non‐transgenic (NT) plants after methyl viologen (MV)‐mediated oxidative stress. Additionally, SSAC plants demonstrated synergistically enhanced tolerance to salt and drought stresses at the whole‐plant level. GB accumulation in SSAC plants helped to maintain higher activities of SOD, APX and catalase following oxidative, salt and drought stress treatments than is observed in SSA and NT plants. Conclusively, GB accumulation in SSAC plants along with overexpression of antioxidant genes rendered the plants tolerant to multiple environmental stresses in a synergistic fashion.
Phylogenetic, Carbendazim Sensitivity and Mycotoxin Genotype Analyses of Fusarium graminearum Complex Species Isolated from Wheat Fusarium Head Blight in China
Authors: Wang Xuli , Cui Yunfeng , Fan Feiyu , Song Yuli , Ren Jingping , Meng Qinglin , Xu Weijun , Jiang Linghuo
Published: January 2010

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a worldwide devastating disease of wheat, caused primarily by species in the Fusarium graminearum (Fg) complex. In this study, we obtained 55 Fusarium isolates from wheat with FHB collected from seven provinces along the north of the Yangtze River. One additional phylogenetic species of Fg complex, Fusarium meridionale, was identified for the first time from China in addition to two known ones, Fusarium asiaticum and F. graminearum. In addition, Fusarium acuminatum, distantly related to Fg complex, was for the first time identified in Northern China. Sensitivities of these isolates to carbendazim were examined and appeared to vary both within and between species. Mycotoxin genotype analyses indicated that F. asiaticum isolates were potential 3‐AcDON and NIV mycotoxin producers, while all F. graminearum isolates might be 15‐AcDON producers. These findings would provide useful information for developing management strategies for the control of FHB in Northern China.
A fresh look at NASH pathogenesis. Part 1: The metabolic movers
Authors: Larter Claire Z , Chitturi Shiv , Heydet Déborah , Farrell Geoffrey C
Published: January 2010

The strong relationship between over‐nutrition, central obesity, insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) suggest pathogenic interactions, but key questions remain. NAFLD starts with over‐nutrition, imbalance between energy input and output for which the roles of genetic predisposition and environmental factors (diet, physical activity) are being redefined. Regulation of energy balance operates at both central nervous system and peripheral sites, including adipose and liver. For example, the endocannabinoid system could potentially be modulated to provide effective pharmacotherapy of NAFLD. The more profound the metabolic abnormalities complicating over‐nutrition (glucose intolerance, hypoadiponectinemia, metabolic syndrome), the more likely is NAFLD to take on its progressive guise of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Interactions between steatosis and insulin resistance, visceral adipose expansion and subcutaneous adipose failure (with insulin resistance, inflammation and hypoadiponectinemia) trigger amplifying mechanisms for liver disease. Thus, transition from simple steatosis to NASH could be explained by unmitigated hepatic lipid partitioning with failure of local adaptive mechanisms leading to lipotoxicity. In part one of this review, we discuss newer concepts of appetite and metabolic regulation, bodily lipid distribution, hepatic lipid turnover, insulin resistance and adipose failure affecting adiponectin secretion. We review evidence that NASH only occurs when over‐nutrition is complicated by insulin resistance and a highly disordered metabolic milieu, the same ‘metabolic movers’ that promote type 2 diabetes and atheromatous cardiovascular disease. The net effect is accumulation of lipid molecules in the liver. Which lipids and how they cause injury, inflammation and fibrosis will be discussed in part two.
Modelling the Appearance and Behaviour of Urban Spaces
Authors: Vanegas C. A. , Aliaga D. G. , Wonka P. , Müller P. , Waddell P. , Watson B.
Published: January 2010

Urban spaces consist of a complex collection of buildings, parcels, blocks and neighbourhoods interconnected by streets. Accurately modelling both the appearance and the behaviour of dense urban spaces is a significant challenge. The recent surge in urban data and its availability via the Internet has fomented a significant amount of research in computer graphics and in a number of applications in urban planning, emergency management and visualization. In this paper, we seek to provide an overview of methods spanning computer graphics and related fields involved in this goal. Our paper reports the most prominent methods in urban modelling and rendering, urban visualization and urban simulation models. A reader will be well versed in the key problems and current solution methods.
The Voting Motivations of Conservative Parliamentarians in the Conservative Party Leadership Election of 2001
Authors: Heppell Timothy , Hill Michael
Published: January 2010

This article examines the voting motivations of Conservative parliamentarians in the final parliamentary ballot of the Conservative party leadership election of 2001. By constructing a data set of the voting behaviour of Conservative parliamentarians in the final parliamentary party ballot, this article seeks to test a series of hypotheses relating to the ideological disposition and political characteristics of the candidates vis-à-vis their electorate. The article examines how and why the eliminative parliamentary ballot ensured that the party membership was presented with a face-off between the europhile, Kenneth Clarke, and the eurosceptic, Iain Duncan Smith, and why the modernising and socially liberal Michael Portillo was rejected. It will demonstrate that while arguments based on ideological factors are valid, the political characteristics of age and career status were also significant motivational influences that contributed to the rejection of Portillo and the delaying of the modernisation of the Conservative party.
Conceptualising the Multi-Level Party: Two Complementary Approaches
Authors: Moon David S. , Bratberg Øivind
Published: January 2010

While party research has seen a number of conceptual developments in recent years, it has not kept pace with parties becoming more territorial as a result of the increasing importance of sub-national and supranational governance. This article lays down a framework for conceptualising and analysing multi-level parties (MLPs). We propose a synthesis of the formal and non-formal aspects of power; the former highlighting party rules and procedures, the latter focusing upon the ideational structures – norms and competing ideologies/discourses – within which party members operate. For empirical research on the MLP we propose to focus on autonomy and influence to measure the extent of (formal and non-formal) multi-levelness and to grasp better the strategies of regional branches vis-à-vis the centre.
Increasing Turnout: A Compelling Case?
Authors: Saunders Ben
Published: January 2010

Recently several thinkers have endorsed compulsion or other measures to increase turnout and revitalise democracy. This article argues that such measures are misguided, because lower turnout (even if unequal across social groups) is not necessarily undemocratic – indeed, it may serve democratic values by, for example, making it more likely that decisions really are made by the relevant constituency, with those most affected getting more say. Encouraging others to vote, or even to turn out, runs the risk of distorting electoral outcomes. If there is no clear democratic case for compulsion, then we should not risk even small limits on individual liberty.
Mode of delivery in HIV‐infected pregnant women and prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission: changing practices in Western Europe
Authors:   European Collaborative Study
Published: January 2010

Objectives

The aim of the study was to examine temporal and geographical patterns of mode of delivery in the European Collaborative Study (ECS), identify factors associated with elective caesarean section (CS) delivery in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era and explore associations between mode of delivery and mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT).

Methods

The ECS is a cohort study in which HIV‐infected pregnant women are enrolled and their infants prospectively followed. Data on 5238 mother–child pairs (MCPs) enrolled in Western European ECS sites between 1985 and 2007 were analysed.

Results

The elective CS rate increased from 16% in 1985–1993 to 67% in 1999–2001, declining to 51% by 2005–2007. In 2002–2004, 10% of infants were delivered vaginally, increasing to 34% by 2005–2007. During the HAART era, women in Belgium, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands were less likely to deliver by elective CS than those in Italy and Spain [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.07; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04–0.12]. The MTCT rate in 2005–2007 was 1%. Among MCPs with maternal HIV RNA<400 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL (n=960), elective CS was associated with 80% decreased MTCT risk (AOR 0.20; 95% CI 0.05–0.65) adjusting for HAART and prematurity. Two infants born to 559 women with viral loads <50 copies/mL were infected, one of whom was delivered by elective CS (MTCT rate 0.4%; 95% CI 0.04–1.29).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that elective CS prevents MTCT even at low maternal viral loads, but the study was insufficiently powered to enable a conclusion to be drawn as to whether this applies for viral loads <50 copies/mL. Diverging mode of delivery patterns in Europe reflect uncertainties regarding the risk–benefit balance of elective CS for women on successful HAART.
Genetic causes of syndromic and non‐syndromic autism
Authors: CAGLAYAN AHMET O
Published: January 2010

Aims  Over the past decade, genetic tests have become available for numerous heritable disorders, especially those whose inheritance follows the Mendelian model. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) represent a group of developmental disorders with a strong genetic basis. During the past few years, genetic research in ASDs has been successful in identifying several vulnerability loci and a few cytogenetic abnormalities or single‐base mutations implicated in the causation of autism.

Method  In this study the literature was reviewed to highlight genotype–phenotype correlations between causal gene mutations or cytogenetic abnormalities and behavioural or morphological phenotypes.

Results  Based on this knowledge, practical information is offered to help clinicians pursue targeted genetic testing of individuals with autism whose clinical phenotype is suggestive of a specific genetic or genomic aetiology.

Interpretation  Comprehensive research into the molecular mechanism of autism is required to aid the development of disease‐specific targeted therapies. In order to transfer this recently acquired knowledge into clinical practice, it is critical to define a set of phenotypic inclusion criteria that must be met by affected probands to justify their enrolment in a specific genetic testing programme.
How Do Patients Aged 85 and Older Fare with Abdominal Surgery?
Authors: Mirbagheri Naseem , Dark Jonathan G. , Watters David A. K.
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVES: To review the outcomes of patients aged 85 and older after abdominal surgery in terms of mortality, morbidity, and change in residential status and to analyze factors predicting such outcomes.

DESIGN: Retrospective clinical cohort study.

SETTING: A tertiary regional hospital in Victoria, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS: One hundred seventy‐nine patients aged 85 and older who had abdominal surgery between 1998 and 2008.

MEASUREMENTS: Mortality, complications (morbidity), and change in residential status.

RESULTS: The patient sample had a mean age of 88.6, a mortality rate of 17.3%, and a morbidity rate of 62.8%. Approximately two‐thirds (64%) of all abdominal surgeries were emergency surgeries. Factors predicting mortality included American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and premorbid residential status. Risk factors predicting severity of complications were ASA score and emergency surgery. Significant factors contributing to change in residential status were ASA score and severity of complications. Age, sex, and number of comorbidities were not significant factors.

CONCLUSION: Patients aged 85 and older experienced mortality rates of 17.3% after abdominal surgery. ASA score and premorbid residential status appear to be more important than age in determining risk for abdominal surgery in older persons.
Effects of a Restraint Minimization Program on Staff Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice: A Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Pellfolk Tony J.‐E. , Gustafson Yngve , Bucht Gösta , Karlsson Stig
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of a restraint minimization education program on staff knowledge and attitudes and use of physical restraints.

DESIGN: Cluster‐randomized controlled trial with nursing units as the basis for randomization.

SETTING: Forty group dwelling units for people with dementia.

PARTICIPANTS: At baseline, there were 184 staff and 191 residents in the intervention group and 162 staff and 162 residents in the control group. At the 6‐month follow‐up, there were 156 staff and 185 residents (36 newly admitted) in the intervention group and 133 staff and 165 residents (26 newly admitted) in the control group.

INTERVENTION: A 6‐month education program for all nursing staff.

MEASUREMENTS: Staff knowledge and attitudes and physical restraint use were measured before and after the education program.

RESULTS: In the intervention group, staff knowledge about and attitudes toward restraint use changed, and the overall use of physical restraints decreased. A comparison including only residents present during the whole study period showed that the level of use was similar between the groups at baseline, whereas it was significantly lower in the intervention group at follow‐up. Adjusted analyses showed that the odds of being restrained at follow‐up were lower in the intervention group than in the control group. There was no significant change in the number of falls or use of psychoactive medication.

CONCLUSION: The results indicate that staff education can increase knowledge, change attitudes, and reduce the use of physical restraints without any change in the incidence of falls or use of psychoactive drugs.
A comprehensive test of the ‘limiting resources’ framework applied to plant tolerance to apical meristem damage
Authors: Banta Joshua A. , Stevens Martin H. H. , Pigliucci Massimo
Published: January 2010

Tolerance to apical meristem damage (AMD) is a form of plant defense against herbivory. Theoretical models come to different conclusions about the effects of inorganic soil nutrient levels on tolerance to AMD, and different plants have shown different relationships between these variables. To assign some order to these disparate patterns and to resolve conflicts among the models, the ‘limiting resources model’ (LRM) was developed. However, we believe that the LRM is actually comprised of several different models, which we describe. Our study marks the first comprehensive and simultaneous test of the entire LRM framework, treating it explicitly as separate models, which also evaluates the models’ underlying assumptions. We studied tolerance to AMD in laboratory‐reared natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana from three different regions of Europe, spanning a wide latitudinal gradient. We show that, in different populations of this species, basic responses to nutrients and damage are best described by different models, which are based on different assumptions and make different predictions. This demonstrates the need for complexity in our explanations, and suggests that no one existing model can account for all relationships between tolerance to AMD and nutrients. Our results also demonstrate that fruit production can provide a misleading approximation of fitness in A. thaliana, contrary to the common assumption in the literature.
The influence of cognitive impairment on health-related quality of life in neurological disease
Authors: Mitchell Alex J. , Kemp Steven , Benito-León Julián , Reuber Markus
Published: January 2010

Mitchell AJ, Kemp S, Benito-León J, Reuber M. The influence of cognitive impairment on health-related quality of life in neurological disease.

Background:

Cognitive impairment is the most consistent neurological complication of acquired and degenerative brain disorders. Historically, most focus was on dementia but now has been broadened to include the important construct of mild cognitive impairment.

Methods:

Systematic search and review of articles linked quality of life (QoL) and cognitive complications of neurological disorders. We excluded QoL in dementia.

Results:

Our search identified 249 publications. Most research examined patients with brain tumours, stroke, epilepsy, head injury, Huntington's disease, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. Results suggested that the majority of patients with epilepsy, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke and head injury have subtle cognitive deficits early in their disease course. These cognitive complaints are often overlooked by clinicians. In many cases, the cognitive impairment is progressive but it can also be relapsing-remitting and in some cases reversible. Despite the importance of severe cognitive impairment in the form of dementia, there is now increasing recognition of a broad spectrum of impairment, including those with subclinical or mild cognitive impairment. Even mild cognitive difficulties can have functional and psychiatric consequences–especially when they are persistent and untreated. Specific cognitive deficits such an inattention, dysexecutive function and processing speed may affect a number of quality of life (QoL) domains. For example, cognitive impairment influences return to work, interpersonal relationships and leisure activities. In addition, fear of future cognitive decline may also impact upon QoL.

Conclusions:

We recommend further development of simple tools to screen for cognitive impairments in each neurological condition. We also recommend that a thorough cognitive assessment should be a part of routine clinical practice in those caring for individuals with neurological disorders.
MAGIC ANGLE EFFECT IN NORMAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENTS OF THE DISTAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT IN HORSES IMAGED WITH A HIGH‐FIELD MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING SYSTEM
Authors: WERPY NATASHA M. , HO CHARLES P. , KAWCAK CHRISTOPHER E.
Published: January 2010

Distal forelimb specimens of eight skeletally mature horses were imaged using proton density turbo spin echo, T1‐weighted spoiled gradient echo, T2*‐weighted gradient echo, short tau inversion recovery and T2‐weighted fast spin echo sequences with the limb parallel to the main magnetic field, and with angulation of the limb relative to the main magnetic field. The magic angle effect can be identified in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint when imaged in a high‐field magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system with a horizontally oriented main magnetic field. This effect has previously been described in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint in a low‐field system with a vertically oriented main magnetic field. The curvature of the ligaments places the fibers at the magic angle in both horizontally and vertically orientated main magnetic fields. This effect can be identified on short time of echo sequences and impacts the signal pattern of the ligaments at the level of the middle phalanx with the limb in a neutral position and with angulation of the limb. Magic angle effect should be considered as a possible cause of an asymmetrical signal pattern, depending on the positioning of the limb and the sequences used for imaging, when evaluating the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint on images acquired with a high‐field MR imaging system that has a horizontally oriented main magnetic field.
CLINICAL, MAGNETIC RESONANCE, AND SONOGRAPHIC IMAGING FINDINGS IN HORSES WITH PROXIMAL PLANTAR METATARSAL PAIN
Authors: LABENS RAPHAEL , SCHRAMME MICHAEL C. , ROBERTSON IAN D. , THRALL DONALD E. , REDDING W. RICH
Published: January 2010

Sonography is commonly used for diagnosis of desmopathy of the proximal part of the suspensory ligament in horses. However, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has been stated to be superior for detecting disease and localizing lesions. In this retrospective study of 39 horses or 46 hind limbs with lameness due to proximal plantar metatarsal pain, the clinical and diagnostic findings are discussed and sonography and MR imaging compared for examination of the proximal part of the suspensory ligament. With MR imaging interpreted as the clinical gold standard, desmopathy of the proximal part of the suspensory ligament was diagnosed in 21 hind limbs, proximal plantar metatarsal pain of unknown cause in 12, an osseous injury at the origin of the suspensory ligament in four and a condition unrelated to the suspensory ligament in nine. Based on these findings, sonography had a sensitivity of 0.77 and 0.66 and specificity of 0.33 and 0.31 for diagnosing proximal suspensory desmopathy and for accurately localizing lesions, respectively. MR imaging changes consistent with proximal suspensory desmopathy were signal hyperintensities and an increase in cross‐sectional area compared with the contralateral limb. Anesthesia of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve is not specific neither for proximal suspensory desmopathy, as conditions unrelated to the suspensory ligament were diagnosed, nor for diagnosis of proximal plantar metatarsal pain, as conditions outside the proximal plantar metatarsal region were also diagnosed.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—DUODENAL DIVERTICULUM IN A DOG
Authors: POLF HOLLY , POTEET BRIAN
Published: January 2010

A young female Boxer had a history of chronic soft stool. Survey abdominal radiographs were unremarkable. A duodenal diverticulum was identified in abdominal ultrasound and barium upper‐gastrointestinal contrast examinations. Before surgery a99mTc‐pertechnetate study was performed to evaluate for ectopic gastric mucosa in the duodenal diverticulum. Focal abnormal increased radioactivity was identified in the right caudal abdominal quadrant. The diverticulum was excised. Upon histopathologic examination of the duodenal diverticulum, ectopic gastric mucosa was not identified but ectopic pancreatic tissue was found. Mild eosinophilic inflammation within the diverticulum was suspected to be the cause of the mild99mTc uptake seen in this dog.
ULTRASONOGRAPHIC OBSERVATION OF SECRETIN‐INDUCED PANCREATIC DUCT DILATION IN HEALTHY CATS
Authors: BARON MATTHEW L. , HECHT SILKE , MATTHEWS ANDREA R. , STOKES JENNIFER E.
Published: January 2010

Secretin is a polypeptide hormone that stimulates secretion of bicarbonate from the exocrine pancreas and, in healthy human subjects, causes transient pancreatic duct dilation observable sonographically. In humans with chronic pancreatitis, secretin administration fails to cause pancreatic duct dilation, theoretically due to the restrictive effects of periductal fibrosis. We characterized the effect of exogenous secretin administration on the width of the pancreatic duct in nine healthy domestic cats. Cats were given a commercially available secretin product (ChiRho Stim™) while the pancreatic duct was monitored sonographically. Mean pancreatic duct diameter increased from 0.77±0.33 to 1.42±0.40 mm after secretin administration (P=0.0017). The mean percent increase in pancreatic duct diameter over basal diameter for all time points up to 15 min postsecretin administration was 101.9±58.8%. Applicability of this technique to diagnose chronic pancreatitis in cats will need to be investigated.