bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three metamorphic events recorded in a single garnet: Integrated phase modelling, in situ LA‐ICPMS and SIMS geochronology from the Moine Supergroup, NW Scotland
Authors: CUTTS K. A. , KINNY P. D. , STRACHAN R. A. , HAND M. , KELSEY D. E. , EMERY M. , FRIEND C. R. L. , LESLIE A. G.
Published: February 2010

In situ LA‐ICP‐MS monazite geochronology from a garnet‐bearing diatexite within the Moine Supergroup (Glenfinnan Group) NW Scotland records three temporally distinct metamorphic events within a single garnet porphyroblast. The initial growth of garnet occurred in the interval c. 825–780 Ma, as recorded by monazite inclusions located in the garnet core. Modelled P–T conditions based on the preserved garnet core composition indicate an initially comparatively high geothermal gradient regime and peak conditions of ∼650 °C and 7 kbar. Monazite within a compositionally distinct second shell of garnet has an age of 724 ± 6 Ma. This is indistinguishable from a SIMS age of 725 ± 4 Ma obtained from metamorphic zircon in the sample, which is interpreted to record the timing of migmatization. This second stage of garnet growth occurred on a P–T path from ∼6 kbar and 650 °C rising to ∼9 kbar and 700 °C, with the peak conditions associated with partial melting. A third garnet zone which forms the rim contains monazite with an age of 464 ± 3 Ma. Monazite in the surrounding matrix has an age of 462 ± 2 Ma. This corresponds well with a U–Pb SIMS zircon age of 463 ± 4 Ma obtained from a deformed pegmatite that was emplaced during widespread folding and reworking of the migmatite fabric. The P–T conditions associated with the final phase of garnet growth were ∼7 kbar and 650 °C. The monazite ages coupled with the phase relations modelled from this multistage garnet indicate that it records two Neoproterozoic tectonothermal events as well as the widespread Ordovician Grampian event associated with Caledonian orogenesis. Thus, this single garnet records much of the Neoproterozoic to Ordovician thermal history in NW Scotland, and highlights the long history of porphyroblast growth that can be revealed by in situ isotopic dating and associated P–T modelling. This approach has the potential to reveal much of the thermal architecture of Neoproterozoic events within the Moine Supergroup, despite intense Caledonian reworking, if suitable textural and mineralogical relationships can be indentified elsewhere.
Altered white matter integrity in temporal lobe epilepsy: Association with cognitive and clinical profiles
Authors: Riley Jeffrey D. , Franklin David L. , Choi Vicky , Kim Ronald C. , Binder Devin K. , Cramer Steven C. , Lin Jack J.
Published: February 2010

Purpose:  Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have reported substantial white matter abnormalities in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). However, limited data exist regarding the extent of white matter tract abnormalities, cognitive effects of these abnormalities, and relationship to clinical factors. The current study examined these issues in subjects with chronic TLE.

Methods:  DTI data were obtained in 12 TLE subjects and 10 age‐matched healthy controls. Voxel‐wise statistical analysis of fractional anisotropy (FA) was carried out using tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS). White matter integrity was correlated with cognitive performance and epilepsy‐related clinical parameters.

Results:  Subjects with TLE, as compared to healthy controls, demonstrated four clusters of reduced FA, in anterior temporal lobe, mesial temporal lobe, and cerebellum ipsilateral, as well as frontoparietal lobe contralateral to the side of seizure onset. Mean FA was positively correlated with delayed memory, in anterior temporal lobe; and immediate memory, in mesial temporal lobe. Lower FA values in the posterior region of corpus callosum were related to earlier age of seizure onset.

Conclusion:  TLE is associated with widespread disturbances in white matter tracts and these changes have important cognitive and clinical consequences.
Impaired gist memory in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Chiu Ming‐Jang , Lin Ching‐Wei , Chen Chih‐Chuan , Chen Ta‐Fu , Chen Ya‐Fang , Liu Hon‐Man , Chu Chih‐Pang , Liou Horng‐Huei , Hua Mau‐Sun
Published: February 2010

Purpose:  Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common focal epilepsy and frequently causes memory problems. It is often associated with hippocampal sclerosis (HS) and is useful in exploring memory functions. We aimed to examine the effect of restricted hippocampal lesions on gist memory function in patients with TLE.

Methods:  Forty‐five patients with TLE and HS (16 left, 15 right, and 14 bilateral lesions) and 22 control subjects were recruited. Patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or electroencephalography (EEG) evidence of extratemporal lesions were excluded. All participants performed a gist‐based recognition task following the Deese‐Roediger‐McDermott paradigm and were tested for verbal IQ and memory functions. We conducted hippocampal volumetry on MRI of all the participants.

Results:  Patients showed multidomain memory impairments. Gist memory was impaired in patients with bilateral HS and probably in patients with right HS. Hippocampal volumetry supported such findings that total volume of hippocampi and volume of right hippocampus correlated positively with gist memory function.

Discussion:  HS has a dose effect and a probable right dominance effect on gist memory; good item memory supports gist memory performance; and a disproportionate deficit was noted in tasks with high relational demand but not in tasks with simple association. We should develop memory skills for patients with TLE by enhancing performance of gist memory related to simple association task.
WAG/Rij rats show a reduced expression of CB1 receptors in thalamic nuclei and respond to the CB1 receptor agonist, R(+)WIN55,212‐2, with a reduced incidence of spike‐wave discharges
Authors: Van Rijn Clementina M. , Gaetani Silvana , Santolini Ines , Badura Aleksandra , Gabova Aleksandra , Fu Jin , Watanabe Masashiko , Cuomo Vincenzo , Van Luijtelaar Gilles , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Ngomba Richard T.
Published: February 2010

Purpose:  Genetically epileptic WAG/Rij rats develop spontaneous absence‐like seizures after 3 months of age. We used WAG/Rij rats to examine whether absence seizures are associated with changes in the expression of type‐1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptors.

Methods:  Receptor expression was examined by in situ hybridization and western blot analysis in various brain regions of “presymptomatic” 2‐month old and “symptomatic” 8‐month‐old WAG/Rij rats relative to age‐matched nonepileptic control rats. Furthermore, we examined whether pharmacologic activation of CB1 receptor affects absence seizures. We recorded spontaneous spike‐wave discharges (SWDs) in 8‐month old WAG/Rij rats systemically injected with the potent CB1 receptor agonist, R(+)WIN55,212‐2 (3–12 mg/kg, s.c.), given alone or combined with the CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, AM251 (12 mg/kg, s.c.).

Results:  Data showed a reduction of CB1 receptor mRNA and protein levels in the reticular thalamic nucleus, and a reduction in CB1 receptor protein levels in ventral basal thalamic nuclei of 8‐month‐old WAG/Rij rats, as compared with age‐matched ACI control rats. In vivo, R(+)WIN55,212‐2 caused a dose‐dependent reduction in the frequency of SWDs in the first 3 h after the injection. This was followed by a late increase in the mean SWD duration, which suggests a biphasic modulation of SWDs by CB1 receptor agonists. Both effects were reversed or attenuated when R(+)WIN55,212‐2 was combined with AM251.

Discussion:  These data indicate that the development of absence seizures is associated with plastic modifications of CB1 receptors within the thalamic‐cortical‐thalamic network, and raise the interesting possibility that CB1 receptors are targeted by novel antiabsence drugs.
Characteristics of a large population of patients with refractory epilepsy attending tertiary referral centers in Italy
Authors: Alexandre Veriano , Capovilla Giuseppe , Fattore Cinzia , Franco Valentina , Gambardella Antonio , Guerrini Renzo , La Briola Francesca , Ladogana Marianna , Rosati Eleonora , Specchio Luigi Maria , Striano Salvatore , Perucca Emilio ,   on behalf of the SOPHIE Study Group
Published: February 2010

The characteristics of 1,124 consecutive adults and children with refractory epilepsy attending 11 tertiary referral centers in Italy were investigated at enrollment into a prospective observational study. Among 933 adults (age 16–86 years), the most common syndromes were symptomatic (43.7%) and cryptogenic (39.0%) focal epilepsies, followed by idiopathic (8.1%) and cryptogenic/symptomatic generalized (6.2%) epilepsies. The most common syndrome among 191 children was symptomatic focal epilepsy (35.1%), followed by cryptogenic focal (18.8%), cryptogenic/symptomatic generalized (18.3%), undetermined whether focal or generalized (16.8%), and idiopathic generalized (7.3%). Primarily and secondarily generalized tonic–clonic seizures were reported in 27.8% of adults and 16.8% of children. The most commonly reported etiologies were mesial temporal sclerosis (8.0%) and disorders of cortical development (6.2%) in adults, and disorders of cortical development (14.7%) and nonprogressive encephalopathies (6.8%) in children. More than three‐fourths of subjects in both age groups were on antiepileptic drug (AED) polytherapy.
Ictal hypoventilation contributes to cardiac arrhythmia and SUDEP: Report on two deaths in video‐EEG–monitored patients
Authors: Bateman Lisa M. , Spitz Mark , Seyal Masud
Published: February 2010

Sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a common cause of death in patients with epilepsy, with cardiorespiratory dysfunction and a primary cessation of cerebral function proposed as causes. We report two cases of SUDEP in patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy undergoing video‐EEG (electroencephalography) telemetry at two centers. Both had secondarily generalized convulsions. EEG, electrocardiography (ECG), and respiratory changes in these two patients are reported herein. Ictal/postictal hypoventilation may contribute to SUDEP with the resulting hypoxemia and acidosis leading to failure of recovery of cortical function and eventual cardiac failure.
Infant Looking Behavior in Ambiguous Situations: Social Referencing or Attachment Behavior?
Authors: Stenberg Gunilla , Hagekull Berit
Published: February 2010

Is infant looking behavior in ambiguous situations best described in terms of information seeking (social referencing) or as attachment behavior? Twelve‐month‐old infants were assigned to 1 of 2 conditions (Study 1); each infant's mother provided positive information about an ambiguous toy and an experimenter provided positive information. In Study 2, 12‐month‐old infants were assigned to 1 of 3 conditions: mother provided positive information about the toy, mother was inattentive, or mother provided negative information; the experimenter was inattentive. The infants preferred to look at the experimenter in almost all conditions and they regulated their behavior in accordance with information obtained from the experimenter. None of the studies lends support for an explanation in terms of behaviors deriving from the attachment system, and they raise questions concerning social referencing interpretations of infants' looking behavior. Other alternatives for explaining infant looking behavior in social referencing situations (e.g., associative learning) are discussed.
Fine‐Grained Analysis of Motionese: Eye Gaze, Object Exchanges, and Action Units in Infant‐Versus Adult‐Directed Action
Authors: Brand Rebecca J. , Shallcross Wendy L. , Sabatos Maura G. , Massie Kara Phaedra
Published: February 2010

Mothers modify their actions when demonstrating objects to infants versus adults. Such modifications have been called infant‐directed action (IDA) or motionese (Brand, Baldwin, & Ashburn, 2002). We investigated the IDA features of interactiveness and simplification by quantifying eye gaze, object exchanges, and action units enacted between exchanges in 42 mothers' demonstrations of novel objects to infants (6–8 months or 11–13 months) or adults. We found more eye gaze, more object exchanges, and fewer action types per turn in demonstrations to infants relative to adults. Unlike prior research using global measurements, we detected differences in behavior directed at infants of different ages: Shorter, more frequent gazes and more exchanges characterized demonstrations to older versus younger infants. These findings indicate the fruitfulness of fine‐grained analysis of IDA, and further clarify how adults may support infants' processing of human motion.
Linguistic Labels and Categorization in Infancy: Do Labels Facilitate or Hinder?
Authors: Robinson Christopher W. , Sloutsky Vladimir M.
Published: February 2010

Although it is generally accepted that labels facilitate categorization in infancy, recent evidence suggests that infants and young children are more likely to process visual input when presented in isolation than when paired with nonlinguistic sounds or linguistic labels. These findings suggest that auditory input (when compared to a no‐auditory baseline) may hinder rather than facilitate categorization. This study assessed 8‐month‐olds' (n = 191) and 12‐month‐olds' (n = 81) abilities to form categories when images were paired with nonlinguistic sounds, linguistic labels, and when presented in isolation. Overall, infants accumulated more looking when visual stimuli were accompanied by sounds or labels; however, infants were more likely to categorize when the visual images were presented without an auditory stimulus.
The Development of Parenting Efficacy Among New Mothers and Fathers
Authors: Leerkes Esther M. , Burney Regan V.
Published: February 2010

Predictors of prenatal and postnatal parenting efficacy were examined in a sample of 115 primiparous mothers and 73 fathers in an effort to examine the association between preexisting parental characteristics and prenatal efficacy and the association between prenatal characteristics and postnatal efficacy when aspects of the current parenting context are taken into account. The most robust predictors of maternal postnatal efficacy included both prenatal efficacy, which significantly predicted postnatal efficacy independent of all other predictors including the current parenting context, and perceived infant temperamental reactivity as both a main effect and as buffered by social support. This was not the case for fathers, whose postnatal efficacy was primarily a function of their amount of involvement in parenting tasks and social support. The differential predictors of mother and father efficacy as well as their implications for future research are discussed.
A New Perspective on Neonatal Smiling: Differences Between the Judgments of Expert Coders and Naive Observers
Authors: Dondi Marco , Messinger Daniel , Colle Marta , Tabasso Alessia , Simion Francesca , Barba Beatrice Dalla , Fogel Alan
Published: February 2010

To better understand the form and recognizability of neonatal smiling, 32 newborns (14 girls; M = 25.6 hr) were videorecorded in the behavioral states of alertness, drowsiness, active sleep, and quiet sleep. Baby Facial Action Coding System coding of both lip corner raising (simple or non‐Duchenne) and lip corner raising with cheek raising (Duchenne smile) was followed by a smile recognition task using 48 naive observers. Both types of smiles were detected in all behavioral states. Lip corner raising with cheek raising (Duchenne smiling) tended to predominate in active (rapid eye movement) sleep, suggesting a potential tie to early constituents of emotion. A significant portion of the typically briefer lip corner raising distinguished by expert coders was not recognized as smiling by the naive observers. These briefer actions may represent a motor phenomenon idiosyncratic to the neonatal period.
Sex Differences in Infants' Mapping of Complex Occlusion Sequences: Further Evidence
Authors: Wilcox Teresa
Published: February 2010

Recently, infant researchers have reported sex differences in infants' capacity to map their representation of an occlusion sequence onto a subsequent no‐occlusion display. The research reported here sought to identify the extent to which these sex differences are observed in event‐mapping tasks and to identify the underlying basis for these differences. Two experiments were conducted with 9.5‐, 10.5‐, and 11.5‐month‐olds using the following task. First, infants were shown an occlusion event in which a box and a ball emerged successively to opposite sides of a screen. Then, the screen was lowered and infants saw a single ball on the platform. Boys first showed prolonged looking to the 1‐ball display at 10.5 months, suggesting that at 10.5 months, boys detected the inconsistency between the box‐ball occlusion sequence and the final 1‐ball display. In contrast, girls first showed prolonged looking to the 1‐ball display at 11.5 months. However, girls did show prolonged looking at 10.5 months if they were shown an outline of the box‐ball occlusion sequence prior to the test trials. These results provide converging evidence for the conclusion that boys are more likely than girls to successfully map complex occlusion sequences onto no‐occlusion displays. These results also suggest that boys perform better on event‐mapping tasks because they are more adept at extracting the simple structure of complex occlusion sequences that they can then retrieve and compare to the final display, but that girls can extract the simple structure under more supportive conditions. Possible reasons for these robust, albeit transient, sex differences are suggested.
Uptake, Modified Output, and Learner Perceptions of Recasts: Learner Responses as Language Awareness
Authors: EGI TAKAKO
Published: February 2010

Recent research has shown that certain learners' responses to feedback, specifically repair and modified output, are predictive of subsequent second language (L2) development. Yet, little is understood about why these responses are associated with second language acquisition (SLA). The current study investigated this question by exploring the cognitive processes underlying learner responses. Learners of Japanese (n = 24) engaged in task‐based interactions during which they received recasts of their errors. Each learner then watched video clips of the recast episodes and commented on them. The learners' stimulated recall reports were analyzed in relation to their responses to the recasts: uptake, repair, and modified output. In recast episodes where they produced uptake, their reports indicated that they perceived the recasts as corrective feedback significantly more frequently compared to cases where they did not produce uptake. In episodes where learners correctly repaired their errors, they were significantly more likely to report not only recognizing corrective recasts but also noticing the interlanguage–L2 mismatch. Modified output was also significantly related both to learners' recognition of corrective recasts and to their noticing of the gap (Schmidt & Frota, 1986). Given the developmental benefits commonly associated with noticing the gap, these findings may partly explain why repair and modified output have been found to be predictive of SLA.
The Influence of Penetrative Trauma on the Rate of Decomposition*†
Authors: Cross Peter , Simmons Tal
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  An understanding of the factors affecting decomposition is important for the accurate estimation of postmortem interval. An experimental study on the influence of penetrating trauma on decomposition rate was carried out using the domestic pig, Sus scrofa. The results of this study were: (i) Diptera were preferentially attracted to and oviposited at natural orifices. Trauma sites were not preferentially selected for oviposition; (ii) no differences between trauma and non‐trauma groups were found in time to skeletonization, weight loss (p = 0.906), total body score (p = 0.824), body temperature (p = 0.967), or changes in soil pH (p = 0.684); and (iii) the effect of investigator disturbance was significant when decomposition was measured as weight loss (p = 0.000). This study suggests that penetrating trauma of the type used in this study cannot be considered a major factor in the rate of decomposition and time to skeletonization of a gunshot trauma victim.
Forensic Discrimination of Dyed Hair Color: I. UV‐Visible Microspectrophotometry*†
Authors: Barrett Julie A. , Siegel Jay A. , Goodpaster John V.
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  Current protocols for examining hair do not attempt to differentiate hair color using instrumental analysis. In this study, hair samples treated with 55 different red hair dyes were analyzed using UV‐visible microspectrophotometry between 200 and 700 nm. Using air as a background reference gave the best results, although mounting media such as glycerin could also be used. The contribution of the hair substrate is predominantly observed in the range of 300–400 nm while the dye peak is evident in the range of 425–550 nm. It was found that the presence of hair dye reduces the overall intrasample variability of the hair color. In addition, visual inspection and spectral interpretation showed that dyed hair exhibits distinct and discernable shades. The color of all samples was stable during storage and while all hair dyes fade with washing, significant fading of the color was only evident after daily washing for 3 weeks.
An Animal Model to Investigate Effectiveness and Safety of Conducted Energy Weapons (Including TASER® Devices)*
Authors: Jauchem James R.
Published: February 2010

Abstract: Conducted energy weapons (CEWs) are used by law‐enforcement personnel to incapacitate individuals quickly and effectively, without causing lethality. CEWs have been deployed for relatively long or repeated exposures during law‐enforcement operations. The purpose of this technical note is to describe, in detail, some aspects of an anesthetized swine model used in our laboratory and to answer specific questions related to the model. In particular, tiletamine/zolazepam‐induced, propofol‐maintained anesthesia appears to be a useful technique for studying effects of CEW applications on muscle contraction and blood factors such as muscle enzymes. Because effects of CEWs on breathing have not been fully elucidated, a spontaneously breathing model is preferable to one in which mechanical ventilation is supplied. Placement of the swine in a supine position may facilitate measurement of muscle contractions, without compromising other physiological parameters.
Comparison of Frequentist Methods for Estimating the Total Weight of Consignments of Drugs
Authors: Alberink Ivo , Bolck Annabel , Stoel Reinoud D.
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  A topic in forensic statistics is the estimation of the total weight of consignments of drugs based on subsamples of which a certain fraction may not contain drugs at all. The frequentist approach to this concentrates on obtaining confidence intervals for the total weight, based on estimation of the fraction of drugs and the mean and variance of the weights of drug units. The current study shows that the resulting confidence intervals are basically unreliable, since they are based on an underestimation of the variation of the underlying statistical process. Two alternatives are given that yield asymptotically correct results. These are not reliable for small subsamples either, though, because of the inherent multimodal behaviour of the sample mean. In cases where a relatively large fraction of the consignment contains no drugs, the confidence intervals reported in the literature should not be used in practice.
Phenotypic compromise in the face of conflicting ecological demands: an example in red knots Calidris canutus
Authors: Vézina François , Dekinga Anne , Piersma Theunis
Published: February 2010

Phenotypic flexibility is a phenomenon where physiological functions in animals are reversibly adjusted in response to ecological constraints. Research usually focuses on effects of single constraints, but under natural conditions animals face a multitude of restrictions acting simultaneously, and potentially generating conflicting demands on the phenotype. We investigated the conflicting demands of low temperatures and a low quality diet on the phenotype of a shorebird, the red knot Calidris canutus. We tested the effects of switching diet from a high quality trout food to low quality hard‐shelled bivalves in captive birds acclimated to temperatures reflecting natural winter conditions. Feeding on bivalves generated a digestive constraint forcing the birds to increase the height and width of their gizzard by 66% and 71%, respectively, over 30 days. The change in gizzard size was associated with an initial 15% loss of body mass and a reduction in size of the pectoral muscles by 11%. Because pectoral muscle size determines summit metabolic rate (Msum, an indicator of cold endurance), measured Msum declined by 9%. Therefore, although the birds were acclimated to cold, gizzard growth led to a loss of cold endurance. We propose that cold‐acclimated knots facing a digestive constraint made a phenotypic compromise by giving‐up cold hardiness for digestive capacity. Field studies suggest that phenotypic compromises occur in free‐living red knots as well and help improve survival.
Effects of a 12‐week intervention period with football and running for habitually active men with mild hypertension
Authors: Knoepfli‐Lenzin C. , Sennhauser C. , Toigo M. , Boutellier U. , Bangsbo J. , Krustrup P. , Junge A. , Dvorak J.
Published: February 2010

The present study examined the effect of football (F, n=15) training on the health profile of habitually active 25–45‐year‐old men with mild hypertension and compared it with running (R, n=15) training and no additional activity (controls, C, n=17). The participants in F and R completed a 1‐h training session 2.4 times/week for 12 weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased in all groups but the decrease in diastolic blood pressure in F (−9 ± 5 (± SD) mmHg) was higher than that in C (−4 ± 6 mmHg). F was as effective as R in decreasing body mass (−1.6 ± 1.8 vs−1.5 ± 2.1 kg) and total fat mass (−2.0 ± 1.5 vs −1.6 ± 1.5 kg) and in increasing supine heart rate variability, whereas no changes were detected for C. Maximal stroke volume improved in F (+13.1%) as well as in R (+10.1%) compared with C (−4.9%). Total cholesterol decreased in F (5.8 ± 1.2 to 5.5 ± 0.9 mmol/L) but was not altered in R and C. We conclude that football training, consisting of high‐intensity intermittent exercise, results in positive effects on blood pressure, body composition, stroke volume and supine heart rate variability, and elicits at least the same cardiovascular health benefits as continuous running exercise in habitually active men with mild hypertension.
Assessment of traumatic injuries to primary teeth in general practise and specialized paediatric dentistry
Authors: Rasmusson Carl Gösta , Koch Göran
Published: February 2010

Abstract –  Aim:  The aim of this prospective study was to compare diagnosis, severity of trauma and treatment of traumatic injuries to the primary dentition in two groups of children, the first recommended for treatment by general practitioners and the second referred for treatment by a specialist paediatric dentist.

Materials and methods:  A total of 323 children with traumatic injuries, 184 boys and 139 girls aged 7–83 months, participated in the study. All the children had first presented at a Public Dental Service clinic where they were examined by general dentists who decided, based on the severity of the trauma, to assign each child to one of the following two groups: Group A – recommended for treatment at the general practise (166 children with 257 traumatized incisor teeth). Group B – recommended for referral to a specialist in paediatric dentistry (157 children with 261 traumatized incisor teeth). Even in Group A, the specialist controlled the treatment decisions. The clinical diagnose and follow‐up followed the recommendations presented by Andreasen & Andreasen.

Results:  The distribution of trauma by age was similar in both groups, with about 60% occurring between 1 and 3 years. More injured teeth were extracted in children in Group B (n = 111) than in Group A (n = 33). A higher percentage of intruded primary incisors were recorded in Group B (24%) compared with Group A (16%). Similarly, the percentage of concussions/subluxations, lateral luxations and complicated crown fractures was higher in Group B than in Group A.

Conclusions:  The group referred for specialist treatment had more severe injuries and needed more complicated treatment than the group recommended for care by general dentists. However, the rate of sequelae in permanent successors was the same in both.
Does low birthweight influence the nutritional status of children at school age? A cohort study in northeast Brazil
Authors: de Jesus Machado Amorim Rosemary , de Carvalho Lima Marilia , Cabral de Lira Pedro Israel , Emond Alan Martin
Published: February 2010

Birthweight is recognized to be a determinant of a full term infant's early growth pattern; however, few studies have explored whether this effect is sustained into school age, especially in developing countries. We have used a cohort study from North East Brazil to investigate factors determining the anthropometric status of eight‐year‐old children born at full‐term with low or appropriate weight. A cohort of 375 full‐term infants was recruited at birth in six maternity hospitals between 1993 and 1994, in a poor region of the interior of the State of Pernambuco. At the age of 8 years, 86 born with low birthweight and 127 with appropriate birthweight were traced. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to identify the net effect of socioeconomic conditions, maternal nutritional status and child factors on weight‐for‐age and height‐for‐age. An enter approach was used to estimate the contribution of different factors on child anthropometry. Birthweight had little influence on child nutritional status at school age. Maternal BMI and height together were the biggest contributors to variation in child weight‐for‐age (12.3%) and height‐for‐age (13.2%), followed by family socioeconomic conditions. Maternal height as a proxy of maternal constraint was the single factor that best explained the variation in both indices (6.2% for weight‐for‐age and 11.1% for height‐for‐age). Haemoglobin level measured at eight years made a small but significant contribution to variation in height‐for‐age (5.6%) and weight for age (1.4%). Maternal nutritional status, reflecting genetic inheritance and the poor socioeconomic conditions of this population, was the most important determinant of the nutritional status of children at school age, rather than birthweight.
The Effect of Statin Therapy on Testosterone Levels in Subjects Consulting for Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Boddi Valentina , Balercia Giancarlo , Rastrelli Giulia , De Vita Giulia , Sforza Alessandra , Forti Gianni , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario
Published: February 2010

Introduction

Previous clinical studies on effect of statins treatment on testosterone (T) levels have produced mixed results.

Aim

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the association between statin therapy and hormonal parameters in a large series of subjects seeking medical care at our unit for erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

A consecutive series of 3,484 (mean age 51.6 ± 13.1 years) patients with ED was studied.

Main Outcome Measures

Several hormonal and biochemical parameters were investigated, along with ANDROTEST structured interview measuring hypogonadism-related symptoms.

Results

Among the patients studied, 244 (7%) patients were being treated with statins. After adjustment for confounding factors (including body mass index and Progetto Cuore cardiovascular (CV) risk engine score), both total and calculated free testosterone levels were significantly lower in subjects taking statins, when compared to the rest of the sample (hazard ratio [HR]=0.93 [0.90; 0.96] and 0.26 [0.01; 0.18] for each decrement of total T and calculated free T, respectively; both P <0.0001). The use of statins was also associated with a reduced testis volume and a higher prevalence of hypogonadism-related symptoms and signs, as assessed by higher ANDROTEST score (HR=1.12 [1.03; 1.21]; P <0.01 after adjustment for confounders). Follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly higher in subjects treated with statins when compared to the rest of the sample, while there was a trend toward higher luteinizing hormone levels, but this did not reach statistical significance. The lower levels of total and calculated free T observed in subjects treated with statins were also confirmed comparing them with age-waist circumference and CV risk score matched controls. Finally, subjects being treated with statins showed lower prolactin levels when compared to the rest of the sample.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrated that statin therapy might induce an overt primary hypogonadism and should be considered as a possible confounding factor for the evaluation of testosterone levels in patients with ED.
PROCESS‐MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE AND HUMIDITY PARAMETERS FOR HIGH‐QUALITY SLICED MUSHROOMS (AGARICUS BISPORUS L.)
Authors: CLIFFE‐BYRNES VALERIE , O'BEIRNE DAVID
Published: February 2010

Mushrooms received one of the following four treatments: washed with water, sliced with a blunt blade and stored in air (AIR) at 4 and 8C, or were treated with H2O2/isoascorbate, then gently sliced with a razor blade, followed by storage in controlled humidity and modified atmosphere (HMA) chambers (96% relative humidity, and 3% O2, 3% CO2 bal N2) at 4 or 8C. Sensory analysis showed that more severe processing with water washing and air storage resulted in an overall poor sensory quality with a greater loss of appearance, increased mushroom maturity, surface browning with tissue softening and a loss of aroma acceptability. Microbial loads were greater, particularly at 8C. By contrast, mild slicing and an antibacterial/anti‐browning treatment combined with high HMA storage had beneficial effects on quality. These conditions resulted in better sensory scores, less cap development and lower microbial loads. Increasing storage temperature from 4 to 8C resulted in a shorter shelf life under both storage atmospheres.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study highlights the effects of different preparation and storage practices on the quality of sliced mushrooms to determine processing and storage conditions that improved quality. The results support the use of low impact slicing combined with an H2O2/isoascorbate treatment, followed by humidity and modified atmosphere storage at 4C as an effective strategy for extending the shelf life of sliced mushrooms. These data from chamber experiments illustrate the challenges faced in supplying packaging materials, which provide ideal storage environments. This work can be relevant for producers and processors who want a mushrom product with maximum quality, safe and has an extended shelf life.
TRAF6 knockdown promotes survival and inhibits inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharides in rat primary renal proximal tubule cells
Authors: Liu S. , Lutz J. , Chang J. , Liu D. , Heemann U. , Baumann M.
Published: February 2010

Aim: TRAF6 is a unique adaptor protein of the tumour necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor family that mediates both tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) and interleukin‐1 receptor/Toll‐like receptor (IL‐1R/TLR) signalling. Activation of IL‐1R/TLR and TNFR pathways in renal tubular cells contributes to renal injury. This study aimed to investigate if blockade of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐triggered TLR4 signalling by small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting TRAF6 protects survival and inhibits inflammatory response in isolated rat renal proximal tubular cells (PTCs).

Methods: PTCs isolated from F344 rat kidneys were transfected with chemically synthesized siRNA targeting TRAF6 mRNA. Real‐time quantitative PCR was applied to measure mRNA level of TRAF6, TNF‐α, IL‐6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1). Protein levels of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), c‐jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase, caspase 3 and cleaved caspase 3 were evaluated by Western blotting. Cell viability was analysed with XTT reagents.

Results: We found that the TRAF6 gene was effectively silenced in PTCs using siRNA. TRAF6 knockdown resulted in reduced TNF‐α and IL‐6 mRNA expression upon LPS challenge. LPS‐induced phosphorylation of JNK and p38 was attenuated in TRAF6 siRNA‐transfected cells while the change in the phosphorylation of ERK was not remarkable. TRAF6 knockdown was associated with increased cell viability and reduced protein level of cleaved caspase‐3, both, in the absence and presence of LPS.

Conclusion: Our studies suggest that TRAF6 knockdown may inhibit inflammatory response and promote cell survival upon LPS challenge in primary rat proximal renal tubular cells.
Perceptions of older people on disaster response and preparedness
Authors: Duggan Seana , Deeny Pat , Spelman Ruth , Vitale Catherine T.
Published: February 2010

Duggan S., Deeny P., Spelman R. & Vitale C.T. (2010) Perceptions of older people on disaster response and preparedness. International Journal of Older People Nursing5, 71–76 doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2009.00203.x

Most disasters occur in developing countries but in the last decade due to the increasing threat of floods, air disasters and terrorist threat, disaster response and preparedness is a growing global concern. Due to an ageing population across the world, older people now constitute a significant proportion of those at risk from disasters. This paper reports on a qualitative study carried out in Sri Lanka and in the United States where a group of older people were asked about aspects of disaster response and preparedness. The group from Sri Lanka (n = 9) who had direct experience of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami were asked how they perceived international aid relief and a group of white Caucasians from East Coast USA (n = 8) were asked about disaster preparedness. Findings indicate that both groups had similar issues albeit that they were looking at different phases of the disaster cycle and from different cultural perspectives. Both groups identified issues related to, protecting the rights of the older person and preventing loss of independence in responding and preparing for a disaster, mistrust of government and access to resources and all expressed strong feelings of self‐responsibility.
The Elephant in the Corner? Reviewing India‐Africa Relations in the New Millennium
Authors: Mawdsley Emma , McCann Gerard
Published: February 2010

As countries of the ‘global South’ seek to challenge existing uneven architectures of economic, political and institutional power, now under different circumstances to those prevailing during the Cold War, relations between African countries and various ‘Rising Powers’ have drawn a great deal of academic and public attention. This scrutiny has been heavily tilted towards analysis of China’s African activities. This paper aims to partially redress this balance with an introductory review of India’s contemporary relations with sub‐Saharan Africa. A number of analysts suggest that in the longer term, India may well achieve a more prosperous and stable economy than China, while in the shorter term, its economic and political profile may result in a more productive relationship for many different African countries, sectors and constituencies. But India will also bring its own challenges in its African commercial interactions, bilateral relations and through its part in shaping the multilateral polity and global economy. This paper therefore aims to critically review contemporary India‐Africa relations on four broad thematic points.

Changing geographies of Indo‐African relations;

Trade and foreign direct investment;

Development cooperation; and

Geopolitics and diplomacy. India’s confidence as a global political and economic actor is apparent in its African diplomacy and economic engagements, but claims to exceptionalism (relative both to Chinese and Western actors) in such relations are not as self‐evident as some have asserted. Whether recent shifts in relations between African nations and India will work in the interests of less privileged citizens, workers and consumers in Africa and in India also remain unclear.
Effects of Olive Maturation and Stoning on Quality Indices and Antioxidant Content of Extra Virgin Oils (cv. Coratina) during Storage
Authors: Gambacorta G. , Faccia M. , Previtali M.A. , Pati S. , Notte E. La , Baiano A.
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT:  Quality indices, antioxidant compounds, and antioxidant activities of extra‐virgin oils from Coratina olives were evaluated during a 12‐mo storage. Whole and stoned olives, picked at 2 different maturation index (MI), were submitted to malaxation for 45 min and extracted by a 3‐phase continuous system. A 90‐min malaxation trial was also performed for the stoned olives. The following parameters were monitored: free acidity, peroxide value, K232 and K270 indices, sensory profile, total phenolic content (TPC), phenolic profiles, tocopherol compounds, and antioxidant activity (AA). The highest TPC, AA, and sensory score were found for the oils obtained by olives picked at low MI and by stoned olives. After 12 mo, all the oils were still included into the “extra‐virgin” category, and those deriving from whole olives picked at the lowest MI showed the best sensory characteristics due to high fruity and well‐balanced pungent and bitter tastes.

Practical Application: This study could represent a helpful tool for oil‐makers to improve the marketing of extra‐virgin olive oils produced from cultivars with very high phenolic contents, such as Coratina, generally not adequately appreciated by consumers because of their excessive bitterness and pungent taste. These oils, when extracted from whole olives, are generally consumed after a certain period of time (at least 6 mo) during which a decrease in the phenolic content occurs. The results of the present work demonstrate that oils extracted from olives picked at low maturation index can be marketed immediately after production if subjected to stoning and malaxed for a short time. This procedure allows to adjust the phenolic content and to obtain a high flavor and a well‐balanced taste.
Involvement of VDAC1 and Bcl‐2 family of proteins in VacA‐induced cytochrome c release and apoptosis of gastric epithelial carcinoma cells
Authors: LAN Chun Hui , SHENG Jian Qiu , FANG Dian Chun , MENG Qing Zhuang , FAN Li Lin , HUANG Zeng Rong
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:  It is known that the vacuolating cytotoxin (VacA) could induce apoptosis. However, the mechanism remained to be elucidated. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Bcl family of proteins (Bcl‐2 and Bax) and the mitochondrial voltage‐dependent anion channel (VDAC) in VacA‐induced apoptosis of AGS cells.

METHODS:  Plasmid pGBKT7‐VacA p58 was constructed and transfected into the AGS cells. RT‐PCR and Western blotting were used to determine the expressions of cytochrome c, caspase‐3, Bax, Bcl‐2 and VDAC1 mRNA and proteins.

RESULTS:  VacA p58 can induce cytochrome c release and activate caspase‐3 in AGS cells. It up‐regulated the expressions of Bax and VDAC1 mRNA and proteins, and decreased the expression of Bcl‐2 in AGS cells.

CONCLUSION:  VacA p58 induces apoptosis in AGS cells. This apoptotic process is associated with the up‐regulation of Bax/VDAC1 and downregulation of Bcl‐2. These findings suggest that the release of cytochrome c by VacA p58 is mainly through VDAC‐dependent and Bcl‐2 family‐dependent pathways.
A Model for Positively Correlated Count Variables
Authors: Møller Jesper , Rubak Ege
Published: February 2010

An α‐permanental random field is briefly speaking a model for a collection of non‐negative integer valued random variables with positive associations. Though such models possess many appealing probabilistic properties, many statisticians seem unaware of α‐permanental random fields and their potential applications. The purpose of this paper is to summarize useful probabilistic results, study stochastic constructions and simulation techniques, and discuss some examples of α‐permanental random fields. This should provide a useful basis for discussing the statistical aspects in future work.
Comparison of central and peripheral airway involvement before and during methacholine, mannitol and eucapnic hyperventilation challenges in mild asthmatics
Authors: Aronsson David , Tufvesson Ellen , Bjermer Leif
Published: February 2010

Introduction:  Testing for airway hyperresponsiveness with indirect stimuli as exercise or mannitol has been proposed to better reflect underlying airway inflammation, as compared with methacholine (MCh), believed to act directly on airway smooth muscle cells.

Objective:  To investigate whether different direct and indirect stimuli induces different patterns of obstruction, recorded as central and peripheral resistance, and to see whether baseline resistance could predict a positive response to direct or indirect provocation.

Methods:  Thirty‐four mild asthmatics and 15 controls underwent MCh, mannitol and eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation (EVH) challenge tests. The response was evaluated with spirometry and impulse oscillometry (IOS).

Results:  Twenty‐three out of 34 asthmatics were positive to either EVH (22) or mannitol (13). Those positive to mannitol had a significant increased baseline value of IOS parameters such as ΔR5‐R20 and AX. Twelve of the asthmatics had a 10% fall or more in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in all three challenge tests. However, the response pattern measured by IOS did not differ between the tests. When the limit for a positive mannitol provocation was set to 10% fall in FEV1, 16 out of 19 mannitol‐positive patients were also positive to EVH.

Conclusion:  Even in mild asthmatics, a substantial number had a positive indirect test. Mannitol FEV1 provocative dose to decrease FEV1 by 10% from baseline (PD10) was closely associated to EVH10%. No difference in bronchoconstrictive pattern could be seen between the different provocation tests, but those positive to mannitol had more peripheral airway involvement at baseline. This supports the idea that peripheral airway involvement is an important predictor of asthma airway reactivity.

Please cite this paper as: Aronsson D, Tufvesson E, Bjermer L. Comparison of central and peripheral airway involvement before and during methacholine, mannitol and eucapnic hyperventilation challenges in mild asthmatics. Clin Respir J 2011; 5: 10–18.
Differentiated intramucosal gastric carcinoma without ulceration showing extensive lymph node metastasis
Authors: Lee So‐Young , Park Young‐Soo , Jang Se‐Jin , Oh Sung‐Tae , Huh Joo‐Ryung
Published: February 2010

Early gastric cancer is defined as gastric cancer confined to the mucosa or submucosa. For the majority of early gastric cancers without nodal involvement, endoscopic mucosal removal (EMR) is safer and more cost‐effective than are other treatment methods. Here we report a rare case of differentiated mucosal carcinoma with extensive lymphovascular invasion and lymph node metastasis. Endoscopy showed a 5.5 cm non‐ulcerated slightly elevated and depressed lesion without indication of submucosal involvement. Although the tumor met the extended criteria for EMR, D2 gastrectomy was performed. The resected specimen showed a 5.5 cm intramucosal carcinoma with extensive lymphovascular invasion of the submucosa, and metastasis to two perigastric nodes, indicating that metastasis can occur in patients with non‐ulcerated differentiated mucosal tumors. Although these tumors are extremely rare, the risks and limitations of EMR should be fully considered in choosing an optimal surgical procedure.