bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of burning and high temperature on survival of Xanthomonas translucens pv. pistaciae in infected pistachio branches and twigs
Authors: Vu Thanh T. A. , Sosnowski M. R. , Giblot‐Ducray D. , Taylor C. , Scott E. S.
Published: February 2012

This paper reports the efficacy of burning and heat‐treating pistachio branches and twigs as a means of disposing of prunings from trees infected with Xanthomonas translucens pv. pistaciae (Xtp). Burning of pistachio wood, naturally infected with Xtp, was conducted twice under field conditions. Viable Xtp was detected in some non‐burned wood, but not in charcoal, ash or partially burned wood. Controlled laboratory experiments were conducted with pure cultures of Xtp and naturally and artificially infected pistachio wood. In liquid culture, 65°C was lethal to Xtp, whereas survival at 60°C or less varied with culture medium and duration of exposure. Xtp survived in infected wood exposed to 40–55°C for at least 60 min but was killed by exposure to 60°C for 15 min or more. Overall, the results of burning and heat treatment were consistent, and confirmed that burning was a reliable eradication technique to dispose of infected wood, such as prunings, providing the pathogen was exposed to a temperature of 60°C or greater for at least 15 min.
Narcissism and Adjustment in Preadolescence
Authors: Pauletti Rachel E. , Menon Madhavi , Menon Meenakshi , Tobin Desiree D. , Perry David G.
Published: February 2012

Narcissism—a strong need to be admired for a grandiose self—is a problematic personality trait for children as well as adults. This study of 236 preadolescents (M age = 11.3 years; 129 girls, 107 boys) evaluated 2 intrapersonal (cognitive) pathways by which narcissism might contribute to maladjustment. The first was that narcissism combines with salient self‐serving gender stereotypes to encourage aggressive and selfish behavior. The second was that narcissism places children who perceive that they are failing to realize their grandiose self at risk for aggression and depression. Although concurrent‐correlational, the data support the pathways, illuminate the content and dynamics of narcissistic children’s minds, and suggest directions for future investigation.
Gender, the Work‐Life Interface and Wellbeing: A Study of Hospital Doctors
Authors: Walsh Janet
Published: February 2012

Long and unsociable hours and intensive work pressure have been dominant features of the medical profession, especially in hospital work. The increased presence of women in medical occupations, however, has stimulated debate about the nature and consequences of such work practices on doctors' wellbeing. Against the backdrop of this debate the article explores how factors relating to the work–lfe interface affect the wellbeing of a sample of hospital doctors. A key aim is to assess whether gender differences are discernible in the pattern of factors associated with perceptions of job burnout and intentions to quit. The research suggests that female doctors were more likely to experience job burnout than male doctors. It also shows that aspects of the work–life interface affect the wellbeing of all doctors but women tend to rely on different forms of social support from men to alleviate burnout and reduce the likelihood of leaving their job.
Gesture comprehension, knowledge and production in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Rousseaux M. , Rénier J. , Anicet L. , Pasquier F. , Mackowiak‐Cordoliani M. A.
Published: February 2012

Background and purpose:  Although apraxia is a typical consequence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the profile of apraxic impairments is still subject to debate. Here, we analysed apraxia components in patients with AD with mild‐to‐moderate or moderately severe dementia.

Methods:  Thirty‐one patients were included. We first evaluated simple gestures, that is, the imitation of finger and hand configurations, symbolic gestures (recognition, production on verbal command and imitation), pantomimes (recognition, production on verbal command, imitation and production with the object), general knowledge and complex gestures (tool–object association, function–tool association, production of complex actions and knowledge about action sequences). Tests for dementia (Mini Mental State Examination and the Dementia Rating Scale), language disorders, visual agnosia and executive function were also administered.

Results:  Compared with controls, patients showed significant difficulties (P ≤ 0.01) in subtests relating to simple gestures (except for the recognition and imitation of symbolic gestures). General knowledge about tools, objects and action sequences was less severely impaired. Performance was frequently correlated with the severity of dementia. Multiple‐case analyses revealed that (i) the frequency of apraxia depended on the definition used, (ii) ideomotor apraxia was more frequent than ideational apraxia, (iii) conceptual difficulties were slightly more frequent than production difficulties in the early stage of AD and (iv) difficulties in gesture recognition were frequent (especially for pantomimes).

Conclusion:  Patients with AD can clearly show gesture apraxia from the mild–moderate stage of dementia onwards. Recognition and imitation disorders are relatively frequent (especially for pantomimes). We did not find conceptual difficulties to be the main problem in early‐stage AD.
Identifying Gaps in Health Research among Refugees Resettled in Canada
Authors: Patil Crystal L. , Maripuu Tiina , Hadley Craig , Sellen Daniel W.
Published: February 2012

While the global number of resettled refugees rises annually, the summaries of research on refugee health needs in countries of asylum remain sparse. We conducted a systematic review of published research on refugee health in Canada in order to: (i) identify studies addressing health outcomes among refugees recently resettled in Canada; (ii) identify general trends in health research conducted in Canada among refugee populations; (iii) identify significant gaps in current knowledge of health‐related issues among refugees recently resettled in Canada; (iv) evaluate the quality and consistency of available information; (v) develop a summary of available research results; and (vi) identify priorities for future research. A search of several major citation indices resulted in the analysis of 196 research reports after reviewing more than 5,000 articles. This review is timely, systematic and inclusive; furthermore, potential biases in methodology are clearly assessed. The results indicate an immediate need to address specific gaps in health knowledge for refugee populations and lead us to draw five primary conclusions. First, mental health outcomes dominate the research landscape. Second, cross‐sectional studies are most commonly the study design of choice. Third, studies examining some aspect of health among refugees from Asia dominate the literature. Fourth, there is a notable lack of information on cardiovascular diseases and its antecedents. Fifth, indications show that screenings for pre‐existing conditions are biased towards communicable diseases. These findings have implications for health monitoring, evaluation and policy affecting the health of refugees resettled in Canada and elsewhere.
Beyond Guilt and Stigma: Changing Attitudes among Israeli Migrants in Canada
Authors: Harris Brent David
Published: February 2012

Over 60 years ago, the Jewish nationalist movement known as Zionism culminated in the creation of the State of Israel. Millions of Jews immigrated to Israel over the twentieth century, a process known as aliya (literally, “going up”). Yet over the years, thousands of Israelis have also chosen to leave Israel in a movement termed yerida (“going down”). As the term suggests, this reverse migration has been highly stigmatized. During the 1960s and 1970s, emigrants were publicly disparaged in the Israeli media for having abandoned a struggling state. Consequently, Israeli migrants suffered strong feelings of guilt that often, hampered their integration process abroad, a phenomenon observed as late as the 1990s. This paper, however, reveals that feelings of stigmatization have greatly decreased among Israeli migrants in recent years. The study is based on research that I conducted in 2008–2009, involving nine months of participant observation in Vancouver’s Israeli community and 34 in‐depth interviews. Unlike in previous studies, most of my informants expressed no feelings of guilt over having left Israel. Of those who did, most framed their guilt as a longing for family and friends rather than the patriotic longing for the land as expressed by previous generations. Previous studies have also found that Israelis harbour a “myth of return”– a continuously expressed desire to return to Israel and a reluctance to accept their stay abroad as permanent. However, I have not found that the myth of return is still strong today, despite the continued prevalence of a strong sense of Israeli identity among Israelis abroad. I suggest that these changing attitudes are the product of shifting ideals in Israeli society that have developed as the state of Israel has matured. This paper thus serves to update the outdated image of Israeli migrants as it exists in the prevailing literature.
Stability of heart rate variability indices reflecting parasympathetic activity
Authors: Bertsch Katja , Hagemann Dirk , Naumann Ewald , Schächinger Hartmut , Schulz André
Published: February 2012

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of autonomic influences on heart rate that has frequently been used as a transsituationally consistent biomarker for cardiovascular health and emotional or cognitive functions. The psychometric properties of HRV however remain unclear. In the present study, we examined the reliability and temporal stability of parasympathetic HRV measures and estimated the portion of variance explained by transsituationally consistent trait variance and by effects of the situation and person–situation interaction with structural equation modeling. The results show good reliability of indices reflecting central parasympathetic control over heart rate and that about 40% of the variance of a single HRV measurement can be explained by effects of the situation and person–situation interaction. An aggregation across at least two measurements may be recommended when using HRV as a transsituationally consistent biomarker or trait.
Genetic variation in dopamine moderates neural response during reward anticipation and delivery: Evidence from event‐related potentials
Authors: Foti Dan , Hajcak Greg
Published: February 2012

Neuroimaging studies have found moderating effects of dopamine genes during both the anticipation and delivery of rewards, particularly the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) genotype. Event‐related potential studies, meanwhile, have focused on the stimulus‐preceding negativity (SPN) and the feedback negativity (FN) during reward anticipation and delivery, respectively. In anticipation of uncertain outcomes, we observed an increased SPN among Met homozygotes. We also observed an increased FN among Met homozygotes in response to outcome delivery, an effect that was driven primarily by an increased response to monetary gains. The COMT genotype moderates event‐related potential responses during both the anticipation and delivery of uncertain reward, suggesting that the SPN and FN are sensitive to dopaminergically mediated and reward‐related neural activity.
Cortical and autonomic responses to noxious stimulation during anesthesia in cardiac surgery patients are moderated by preanesthetic blood pressure levels
Authors: Messerotti Benvenuti Simone , Ring Christopher , Palomba Daniela , Baldanzi Fabrizio , Zanatta Paolo
Published: February 2012

Evidence has revealed that elevated blood pressure is associated with reduced sensitivity to noxious stimulation. The current study investigated the association between resting blood pressure and nociception during anesthesia in 32 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Pain‐related middle latency cortical somatosensory evoked potentials (MLCEPs) elicited by noxious 50 mA median nerve stimulation were used to assess intraoperative nociception and algesia. Noxious stimulation elicited MLCEPs in 18 (56%) patients. Resting blood pressure was significantly higher in patients without MLCEP than those with MLCEP. Moreover, systolic blood pressure responses to intraoperative electrical stimulation of median nerve were blunted in the group without MLCEP compared to those with MLCEP. The current findings extend the hypertensive hypoalgesia phenomenon to the operating theatre.
Attenuated modulation of brain activity accompanies emotion regulation deficits in alexithymia
Authors: Pollatos Olga , Gramann Klaus
Published: February 2012

The personality trait alexithymia has been associated with deficits in emotion regulation; nevertheless, experimental investigations on this research question are sparse. We investigated reappraisal as one emotion regulation strategy in 44 healthy participants with high (HDA) versus low (LDA) degrees of alexithymia. High density EEG and spatiotemporal current density reconstruction were used to characterize the time course of emotion regulation and to identify brain regions involved. Main results were that reappraisal was accompanied by reduced arousal and significant amplitude reduction of P3 and slow wave in the LDA group only. In contrast to the LDA group, reappraisal was not associated with an increase of activation in fusiform gyrus and inferior temporal gyrus in the HDA group. We demonstrate profound deficits in emotion regulation, which might contribute to everyday problems of social functioning in alexithymia.
Purine nucleosides: endogenous neuroprotectants in hypoxic brain
Authors: Thauerer Bettina , zur Nedden Stephanie , Baier‐Bitterlich Gabriele
Published: February 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 329–342.

Even a short blockade of oxygen flow in brain may lead to the inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation and depletion of cellular ATP, which results in profound deficiencies in cellular function. Following ischemia, dying, injured, and hypoxic cells release soluble purine‐nucleotide and ‐nucleoside pools. Growing evidence suggests that purine nucleosides might act as trophic factors in the CNS and PNS. In addition to equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENTs) regulating purine nucleoside concentrations intra‐ and extracellularly, specific extracellular receptor subtypes for these compounds are expressed on neurons, glia, and endothelial cells, mediating stunningly diverse effects. Such effects range from induction of cell differentiation, apoptosis, mitogenesis, and morphogenetic changes, to stimulation of synthesis and/or release of cytokines and neurotrophic factors under both physiological and pathological conditions. Multiple signaling pathways regulate the critical balance between cell death and survival in hypoxia–ischemia. A convergent pathway for the regulation of multiple modalities involved in O2 sensing is the mitogen activated protein kinase (p42/44 MAPK) or (ERK1/2 extracellular signal‐regulated kinases) pathway terminating in a variety of transcription factors, for example, hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α. In this review, the coherence of purine nucleoside‐related pathways and MAPK activation in the endogenous neuroprotective regulation of the nervous system’s development and neuroplasticity under hypoxic stress will be discussed.
Adenosine A3 receptor is involved in ADP‐induced microglial process extension and migration
Authors: Ohsawa Keiko , Sanagi Tomomi , Nakamura Yasuko , Suzuki Eri , Inoue Kazuhide , Kohsaka Shinichi
Published: February 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 217–227.

The extension of microglial processes toward injured sites in the brain is triggered by the stimulation of the purinergic receptor P2Y12 by extracellular ATP. We recently showed that P2Y12 stimulation by ATP induces microglial process extension in collagen gels. In the present study, we found that a P2Y12 agonist, 2‐methylthio‐ADP (2MeSADP), failed to induce the process extension of microglia in collagen gels and that co‐stimulation with adenosine, a phosphohydrolytic derivative of ATP, and 2MeSADP restored the chemotactic process extension. An adenosine A3 receptor (A3R)‐selective agonist restored the chemotactic process extension, but other receptor subtype agonists did not. The removal of adenosine by adenosine deaminase and the blocking of A3R by an A3R‐selective antagonist inhibited ADP‐induced process extension. The A3R antagonist inhibited ADP‐induced microglial migration, and an A3R agonist promoted 2MeSADP‐stimulated migration. ADP and the A3R agonist activated Jun N‐terminal kinase in microglia, and a Jun N‐terminal kinase inhibitor inhibited the ADP‐induced process extension. An RT‐PCR analysis showed that A1R and A3R were expressed by microglia sorted from adult rat brains and that the A2AR expression level was very low. These results suggested that A3R signaling may be involved in the ADP‐induced process extension and migration of microglia.
Uncoupling of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase by N‐arachidonoyl dopamine. Members of the endocannabinoid family as thermogenic drugs
Authors: Mahmmoud YA , Gaster M
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA) plays a role in thermogenesis. The exogenous compound capsaicin increased SERCA‐mediated ATP hydrolysis not coupled to Ca2+ transport. Here, we have sought to identify endogenous compounds that may function as SERCA uncoupling agents.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using isolated SR vesicles from rabbits, we have screened for endogenous compounds that uncouple SERCA. We have also studied their ability to deplete cytoplasmic ATP from human skeletal muscle cells in culture.

KEY RESULTS Studies on SR vesicles showed that the endogenous lipid metabolite N‐arachidonoyl dopamine (NADA) was a potent stimulator of SERCA uncoupling. NADA stabilized an E1‐like pump conformation that had a lower dephosphorylation rate, low affinity for Ca2+ at the luminal sites and a specific proteinase K cleavage pattern involving protection of the C‐terminal p83C fragment from further cleavage. Moreover, we found a significantly decreased cytoplasmic ATP levels following treatment of skeletal muscle cells with 100 nM NADA. This effect was dependent on the presence of glucose and abolished by pretreatment with the specific SERCA inhibitor thapsigargin, regardless of the presence of glucose.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS NADA is an endogenous molecule that may function as SERCA uncoupling agent in vivo. Members of the endocannabinoid family exert concerted actions on several Ca2+‐handling proteins. Uncoupling of SERCA by exogenous compounds could be a novel post‐mitochondrial strategy for reduction of cellular ATP levels. In addition, signalling networks leading to SERCA uncoupling can be explored to study the importance of this ion pump in pathophysiological conditions related to metabolism.
Secondhand Smoking in Swedish Municipal Home Nursing: A Qualitative Pilot Study
Authors: Berg Agneta , Clausson Eva K. , Bökberg Christina
Published: February 2012

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore licensed practical nurses’ (LPNs’) views of being exposed to secondhand smoke in municipal home nursing care.

Design and sample

Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through three focus group interviews with 15 LPNs, smokers, and nonsmokers. Qualitative content analysis was used to interpret the interview text.

Results

Exposure to secondhand smoke during working hours, which presents a risk to the health and wellbeing of the LPNs, is a consequence of placing the interests of the smoking care recipients first and the employers’ reluctance to take action on behalf of the LPNs. These factors prompted LPNs to propose solutions aimed at resolving a major dilemma in routine home nursing care.

Conclusions

A combination of actions, particularly by managers, is required to improve the working environment for LPNs while concurrently respecting the care recipients’ right to take decisions in their own homes.
Green City
Authors: Ferrer Geraldo , Cortezia Sandro , Neumann Jaqueline Morbach
Published: February 2012

This research analyzes the Green City project in the town of Três Coroas, Brazil. We describe its management system, evaluating the change process and the economic, social, and environmental benefits since the recycling center has been in service. We demonstrate a successful case of operational and cultural change in the disposal of industrial waste, describing the key points that helped the adoption of a new set of procedures, and illustrating the role of the champion in the implementation of a symbiotic cluster.
An Examination of the Relationship Among High School Size, Social Capital, and Adolescents' Mathematics Achievement
Authors: Carolan Brian V.
Published: February 2012

In an effort to enhance both adolescents' social capital and increase achievement, public school districts across the United States have created small high schools. Using data derived from a longitudinal and nationally representative study of U.S. high school students, the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002, results show that when adolescents' parents know their friends' parents math achievement is significantly predicted. This association, however, is nonsignificant when conditioned on standard measures of prior achievement and family background, among others. In addition, while this relationship is also strong and significant within small high schools, it, too, is eliminated when conditioned on select confounding variables. These findings are discussed in terms of current efforts to improve achievement through reductions in school size.
Dosing Pattern Comparison Between Duloxetine and Pregabalin among Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Sun Peter , Zhao Yang , Zhao Zhenxiang , Bernauer Mark , Watson Peter
Published: February 2012

Objective:  To compare medication dosing patterns of duloxetine and pregabalin among patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP).

Methods:  Applying a retrospective cohort study design on a large U.S. healthcare claims database, we examined the dosing patterns of duloxetine and pregabalin among commercially insured patients with DPNP aged 18 to 64 who initiated (a 90‐day medication gap) duloxetine or pregabalin therapy in 2006. Selected patients had continuous enrollment during the 12‐month pre‐ and post‐index periods. The index mediation was used to classified individuals into the duloxetine or pregabalin cohorts. Initial daily dose, average daily dose over the first post‐index year, and average daily dose of the first several prescriptions were estimated and compared across the cohorts.

Results:  The study sample included 828 duloxetine and 1934 pregabalin‐treated patients with a mean age of 50 years. Cardiovascular diseases, neuropathic pain other than DPNP, osteoarthritis, and diabetic retinopathy were the most common comorbid conditions. The average initial daily doses were 54.3 and 171.8 mg for duloxetine and pregabalin, respectively. The average daily dose over the first post‐index year was 55.2 mg for duloxetine and 173.8 mg for pregabalin. The average daily dose for the first 10 duloxetine prescriptions ranged between 54.3 and 61.9 mg, but increased from 171.8 to 264.3 mg for pregabalin.

Conclusions:  The commercially insured patients with DPNP who initiated duloxetine or pregabalin therapy had different dosing patterns. The average daily dose for duloxetine was relatively stable over time, while pregabalin‐treated patients had significant dose increase over the 12‐month post‐index period.
First Report of the Epiphytic Benthic Dinoflagellates Coolia canariensis and Coolia malayensis in the Waters off Jeju Island, Korea: Morphology and rDNA Sequences
Authors: Jeong Hae Jin , Yih Wonho , Kang Nam Seon , Lee Sung Yeon , Yoon Eun Young , Yoo Yeong Du , Kim Hyung Seop , Kim Jong Hyeok
Published: February 2012

Coolia spp. are epiphytic and benthic dinoflagellates. Herein, we report for the first time, the occurrence of Coolia canariensis and Coolia malayensis in Korean waters. The morphology of the Korean strains of C. canariensis and C. malayensis isolated from the waters off Jeju Island, Korea was similar to that of the original Canary lslands strains and Malaysian strains, respectively. We found several pores and a line of small knobs on the pore plate, and perforations within the large pores of both C. canariensis and C. malayensis. The plates of the Korean strains of C. canariensis and C. malayensis were arranged in a Kofoidian series of Po, 3′, 7′′, 6c, 6s, 5′′′, and 2′′′′, and Po, 3′, 7′′, 7c, 6–7s, 5′′′, and 2′′′′, respectively. When properly aligned, the large subunit (LSU) rDNA sequence of the Korean strain of C. canariensis was identical to that of the Biscayan strains, but it was 2–3% different from the Canary lslands strain VGO0775 and the Australian strain. In addition, the sequences of small subunit (SSU) and/or LSU rDNA from the two Korean strains of C. malayensis were < 1% different from the Malaysian strains of C. malayensis and the Florida strain CCMP1345 and New Zealand strain CAWD39 (“Coolia monotis”). In phylogenetic trees based on LSU rDNA sequences, the Korean strains of C. malayensis belonged to a clade including the Malaysian strains and these two strains. Therefore, based on genealogical analyses, we suggest that the Korean strain of C. canariensis is closely related to two Atlantic strains and the Australian strain, whereas the Korean strains of C. malayensis are related to the Malaysian strains of C. malayensis and the Florida and New Zealand strains.
Bi‐layered collagen nano‐structured membrane prototype (collagen matrix 10826®) for oral soft tissue regeneration: an “in vitro” study
Authors: Nocini Pier Francesco , Zanotti Guglielmo , Castellani Roberto , Grasso Silvia , Cristofaro Maria Giulia , De Santis Daniele
Published: February 2012

Aim

To evaluate fundamental cell functions, such as adhesion, IL‐6 production and proliferation of human gingival keratinocytes cultured on a newly engineered collagen matrix (CM‐10826) and to assess the degree of specific biocompatibility of this new device.

Materials and methods

Primary cultures of human keratinocytes were derived “in vitro” from biopsies of independent donors. Their true epithelial origin was ensured by the expression of cytokeratin 14. Adhesion, proliferation and production of IL‐6 cytokine was then measured in the presence or absence of CM‐10826 activity or of its relevant components.

Results

Functional tests revealed that keratinocytes adhered to CM‐10826 and up‐regulated their basal IL‐6 production. The type of keratinocytes used expressed cytokeratin 14. Proliferation experiments demonstrated that the best cellular response was observed in the presence of Collagen I, the main component of CM‐10826. No undesired effects were observed as for keratinocyte viability, morphology or differentiation.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that CM‐10826 has a favourable biological effect on the “in vitro” response of gingival keratinocytes in terms of IL‐6 production, cell growth and adhesion. These findings may encourage a possible use of this collagen membrane as a tissue which, alone, may substitute for autologous gingival grafts thereby overcoming the limitations of autologous tissue.
Hereditary mucoepithelial dysplasia: unique histopathological findings in skin lesions
Authors: Leithauser Laurel A. , Mutasim Diya F.
Published: February 2012

Hereditary mucoepithelial dysplasia (HMD) is a rare, autosomal dominantly inherited, multisystem disease thought to be caused by abnormalities in desmosomes and gap junctions. HMD affects the skin, mucosae, hair, eyes and lungs. Nearly all patients clinically display the triad of non‐scarring alopecia, well‐demarcated mucosal erythema and erythematous intertriginous plaques. Although histopathological findings of mucous membrane epithelium have been well characterized, only three reports have described histopathologic findings in the skin. We report a case with unique histopathological findings not previously reported in HMD.

Leithauser LA, Mutasim DF. Hereditary mucoepithelial dysplasia: unique histopathological findings in skin lesions.
Incidentally discovered distant cutaneous metastasis of sacral chordoma: a case with variation in S100 protein expression (compared to the primary tumor) and review of the literature
Authors: Collins George R. , Essary Lydia , Strauss James , Hino Peter , Cockerell Clay J.
Published: February 2012

Chordomas represent rare malignant primary bone tumors most often occurring in the sacral area. These tumors uncommonly involve the skin and often follow a progressive course with multiple recurrences, metastases and eventual death. Reports of cutaneous metastases from chordoma are very rare. The immunohistochemical staining characteristics of these cutaneous metastases with comparison to the primary tumors are similarly rarely addressed in the literature. We report a rare case of incidentally discovered, small, solitary distant cutaneous metastasis of sacral chordoma that developed on the right upper back of a 44‐year‐old man with a history of multiple completely excised melanomas who had also been previously diagnosed with chordoma involving the sacrum 12 years earlier. We describe its pathologic features with comparison to the primary tumor and briefly review the literature. Immunohistochemically, the cutaneous metastasis and primary tumor both stained positively for pancytokeratin and vimentin, as expected. However, the cutaneous metastasis unexpectedly lacked S100 protein expression, whereas the primary tumor was S100 positive. This phenomenon has only been documented in one other case report. We demonstrate that late, incidentally discovered cutaneous metastasis with unexpected immunohistochemical staining features rarely occur and can present a diagnostic challenge

Collins GR, Essary L, Strauss J, Hino P, Cockerell CJ. Incidentally discovered distant cutaneous metastasis of sacral chordoma: a case with variation in S100 protein expression (compared to the primary tumor) and review of the literature.
Melatonin inhibits matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) activation in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 and BV2 cells and a mouse model of meningitis
Authors: Chang Che‐Chao , Tien Chih‐Hao , Lee E‐Jian , Juan Wei‐Sheng , Chen Ying‐Hsin , Hung Yu‐Chang , Chen Tsung‐Ying , Chen Hung‐Yi , Wu Tian‐Shung
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  We explored anti‐inflammatory potential of melatonin against the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation in vivo and in vitro. RAW 264.7 and BV2 cells were stimulated by LPS, followed by the treatment with melatonin or vehicle at various time intervals. In a mouse model of meningitis induced by LPS, melatonin (5 mg/kg) or vehicle was intravenously injected at 30 min postinsult. The activity of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) was determined by gelatin zymography. Nuclear factor‐kappa B (NFκB) translocation and binding activity were determined by immunocytochemistry and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Our results showed that either pretreatment or cotreatment with melatonin at 50–500 μm effectively inhibited the LPS‐induced proMMP‐9 activation in the RAW 264.7 and BV2 cells, respectively (P < 0.05). This melatonin‐induced proMMP‐9 inhibition remained effective when treatment was delayed up to 2 and 6 hr postinsult for RAW 264.7 and BV2 cells, respectively (P < 0.05 for both groups). Additionally, melatonin significantly attenuated the rises of circulatory and cerebral MMP‐9 activity, respectively (P < 0.05) and reduced the loss of body weight (P < 0.05) in mice with meningitis. Moreover, melatonin (50 μm) effectively inhibited nuclear factor‐kappa B (NFκB) translocation and binding activity in the LPS‐treated RAW 264.7 and BV2 cells, respectively (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate direct inhibitory actions of melatonin against postinflammatory NFκB translocation and MMP‐9 activation and highlight its ability to inhibit systemic and cerebral MMP‐9 activation following brain inflammation.
FluxEXPLORER: a new high‐speed laser Doppler imaging system for the assessment of burn injuries
Authors: Erba Paolo , Espinoza Daniel , Koch Nathalie , Christen Thierry , Serov Alexandre , Raffoul Wassim
Published: February 2012

Background

Deep burn assessment made by clinical evaluation has an accuracy varying between 60% and 80% and will determine if a burn injury will need tangential excision and skin grafting or if it will be able to heal spontaneously. Laser Doppler Imaging (LDI) techniques allow an improved burn depth assessment but their use is limited by the time‐consuming image acquisition which may take up to 6 min per image.

Methods

To evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of a newly developed full‐field LDI technology, 15 consecutive patients presenting with intermediate depth burns were assessed both clinically and by FluxExplorer LDI technology. Comparison between the two methods of assessment was carried out.

Results

Image acquisition was done within 6 s. FluxEXPLORER LDI technology achieved a significantly improved accuracy of burn depth assessment compared to the clinical judgement performed by board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons (P < 0.05, 93% of correctly assessed burns injuries vs. 80% for clinical assessment).

Conclusion

Technological improvements of LDI technology leading to a decreased image acquisition time and reliable burn depth assessment allow the routine use of such devices in the acute setting of burn care without interfering with the patient's treatment. Rapid and reliable LDI technology may assist clinicians in burn depth assessment and may limit the morbidity of burn patients through a minimization of the area of surgical debridement. Future technological improvements allowing the miniaturization of the device will further ease its clinical application.
Electron Tomography Reveals Rab6 Is Essential to the Trafficking of trans‐Golgi Clathrin and COPI‐Coated Vesicles and the Maintenance of Golgi Cisternal Number
Authors: Storrie Brian , Micaroni Massimo , Morgan Garry P. , Jones Nick , Kamykowski Jeffrey A. , Wilkins Ngozi , Pan Timothy H. , Marsh Brad J.
Published: February 2012

We have shown previously that Rab6, a small, trans‐Golgi‐localized GTPase, acts upstream of the conserved oligomeric Golgi complex (COG) and ZW10/RINT1 retrograde tether complexes to maintain Golgi homeostasis. In this article, we present evidence from the unbiased and high‐resolution approach of electron microscopy and electron tomography that Rab6 is essential to the trans‐Golgi trafficking of two morphological classes of coated vesicles; the larger corresponds to clathrin‐coated vesicles and the smaller to coat protein I (COPI)‐coated vesicles. On the basis of the site of coated vesicle accumulation, cisternal dilation and the normal kinetics of cargo transport from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to Golgi followed by delayed Golgi to cell surface transport, we suggest that Golgi function in cargo transport is preferentially inhibited at the trans‐Golgi/trans‐Golgi network (TGN). The >50% increase in Golgi cisternae number in Rab6‐depleted HeLa cells that we observed may well be coupled to the trans‐Golgi accumulation of COPI‐coated vesicles; depletion of the individual Rab6 effector, myosin IIA, produced an accumulation of uncoated vesicles with if anything a decrease in cisternal number. These results are the first evidence for a Rab6‐dependent protein machine affecting Golgi‐proximal, coated vesicle accumulation and probably transport at the trans‐Golgi and the first example of concomitant cisternal proliferation and increased Golgi stack organization under inhibited transport conditions.
Selected to Serve: An Analysis of Lifetime Jury Participation
Authors: Rose Mary R. , Diamond Shari Seidman , Musick Marc A.
Published: February 2012

Using a survey of a random sample of 1,380 Texas adults, we consider what factors distinguish those who have ever had an opportunity to serve on a jury from those who have not (“lifetime participation”). Residential stability and willingness to serve distinguished former jurors from those who had never been summoned or had never been questioned for a case. After controlling for age, neither race nor ethnicity accounted for participation, a finding replicated in data from another state. No factors differentiated former jurors from people who have been questioned but never selected. Our results strongly indicate that improvements to participation should focus on attrition that occurs before potential jurors reach the courtroom.
Consensus, Disorder, and Ideology on the Supreme Court
Authors: Edelman Paul H. , Klein David E. , Lindquist Stefanie A.
Published: February 2012

Ideological models are widely accepted as the basis for many academic studies of the Supreme Court because of their power in predicting the justices' decision‐making behavior. Not all votes are easily explained or well predicted by attitudes, however. Consensus in Supreme Court voting, particularly the extreme consensus of unanimity, has often puzzled Court observers who adhere to ideological accounts of judicial decision making. Are consensus and (ultimately) unanimity driven by extreme factual scenarios or extreme lower court rulings such that even the most liberal and most conservative justice can agree on the case disposition? Or are they driven by other, nonattitudinal influences on judicial decisions? In this article, we rely on a measure of deviations from expected ideological patterns in the justices' voting to assess whether ideological models provide an adequate explanation of consensus on the Court. We find that case factors that predict voting disorder also predict consensus. Based on that finding, we conclude that consensus on the Court cannot be explained by ideology alone; rather, it often results from ideology being outweighed by other influences on justices' decisions.
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE ORIGIN AND BODY OF THE NORMAL EQUINE REAR SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT USING ULTRASONOGRAPHY, MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, AND HISTOLOGY
Authors: Schramme Michael , Josson Anne , Linder Keith
Published: February 2012

The suspensory ligament is difficult to image accurately, partly because it contains ligamentous fibers, as well as noncollagenous adipose and muscle tissue in the normal horse. Our hypothesis was that magnetic resonance (MR) imaging would be more accurate than ultrasonography in identifying the size of the suspensory ligament and the presence and size of noncollagenous tissues within the ligament. Eleven horses were used for ultrasonographic andMRimaging and histologic evaluation of the rear suspensory ligament. The origin and body of the normal suspensory ligament had a heterogenous appearance onMRimages with two separate islands of mixed signal intensity evident throughout its otherwise hypointense cross‐sectional area. Histologically, there were isolated islands of muscle, adipose, loose connective tissue and dense collagenous partitions, organized in two separate bundles that extended through the full length of the suspensory ligament origin and body to the level of its bifurcation. Comparison ofMRimages with corresponding histologic sections confirmed that islands of heterogenous signal intensity in normal suspensory ligaments correlated well with these bundles. Using ultrasonography, it was impossible to distinguish these islands from surrounding dense collagenous tissue consistently.MRimaging determined the cross‐sectional area of the suspensory ligament more accurately than ultrasonography. Based upon these results,MRimaging is superior to ultrasonography for assessment of the suspensory ligament. The appearance associated with normal ligament anatomy needs to be understood beforeMRsignal variation can be considered as indicative of disease in the suspensory ligament.
Older Australians and physical activity levels: Do we know how many are meeting guidelines?
Authors: Hill Robert L , Brown Wendy J
Published: February 2012

Aim:  Current recommendations suggest that older Australians (defined here as ≥65 years of age) should, for health benefits, accumulate 30 minutes of at least moderate intensity physical activity on most days each week. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion who meets this recommendation.

Method:  Systematic review of scholarly journals published between 1 January 2000 and 5 October 2010.

Results:  Of 357 potentially relevant papers, 22 met the study criteria. Estimates from the 15 studies with samples >500 suggest that between 25% and 55% of Australians ≥65 years were meeting guidelines, but in these studies definitions, measures and age ranges of participants varied widely.

Discussion:  Because of the heterogeneity of samples, measures and definitions, it is not possible to estimate with confidence the proportion of older adults in Australia who meet current physical activity recommendations.
Evaluation of a Single Cell and Candidate Materials with High Water Content Hydrogen in a Generic Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stack Test Fixture, Part II: Materials and Interface Characterization
Authors: Chou Yeong‐Shyung , Stevenson Jeffry W. , Choi Jung‐Pyung
Published: February 2012

A generic solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) test fixture was developed to evaluate candidate materials under realistic operating conditions. A commercial 50 mm × 50 mm NiO‐YSZ anode‐supported thin YSZ electrolyte cell with lanthanum strontium manganite (LSM)/YSZ cathode was tested to evaluate the stability of candidate materials. The cell was tested in two stages at 800°C: stage I with low (~3% H2O) humidity and stage II with high (~30% H2O) humidity hydrogen fuel in constant voltage or constant current mode. Part I of the work, published previously, provided information regarding the generic test fixture design, materials, cell performance, and optical post‐mortem analysis. In part II, detailed microstructure and interfacial characterizations are reported regarding the SOFC candidate materials: (Mn,Co)‐spinel conductive coating, alumina coating for sealing area, ferritic stainless steel interconnect, refractory sealing glass, and their interactions with each other. Overall, the (Mn,Co)‐spinel coating was very effective in minimizing Cr migration. No Cr was identified in the cathode after 1720 h at 800°C. Aluminization of metallic interconnects also proved to be chemically compatible with alkaline‐earth silicate sealing glass. The details of interfacial reaction and microstructure development are discussed.
The politics of de‐delegation: Regulatory (in)dependence in Turkey
Authors: Ozel Isik
Published: February 2012

This essay explores the rise and decline of regulatory independence in Turkey. Framing the ongoing process of limiting independence of these agencies as the politics of de‐delegation, it raises the question of why Turkish regulatory agencies have become subject to increasing political intervention. Contending that institutional legacies and mounting illiberal predispositions of the Turkish state facilitate the politics of de‐delegation, the essay focuses on centralization, executive discretion, and politicization of bureaucracy as the major institutional legacies. Then it briefly discusses formal and informal mechanisms of political intervention, which have impaired the independence of the regulatory agencies.
Comparison of incidence of postoperative seroma between flapless and conventional techniques for thyroidectomy: a case–control study
Authors: Sheahan P. , O’Connor A. , Murphy M.S.
Published: February 2012

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2012, 37, 130–135

Objectives:  The incidence of seroma after thyroidectomy has been reported between 1.3% and 7%. We hypothesised that a flapless thyroidectomy technique would reduce the incidence of seroma.

Design:  Observational case–control study with comparison between retrospective cohort of patients undergoing thyroidectomy with raising of conventional skin flaps and prospective cohort undergoing flapless surgery.

Setting:  Academic Teaching Hospital.

Participants:  Hundred and seventy‐five consecutive patients undergoing thyroidectomy performed by a single surgeon. After the first 85 cases, a change in practice took place, from raising of conventional skin flaps to performing flapless surgery wherever feasible.

Main outcome measures:  Occurrence of postoperative seroma, defined as central neck swelling in postoperative period, confirmed by aspiration of serous fluid, and other complications.

Results:  Eight patients who underwent concomitant lateral (jugular) neck dissection were excluded. Among the remaining 167 patients, there were eight seromas (5%). Following the change in practice to flapless surgery, there was a significant reduction in the incidence of seroma (P = 0.025). There was no significant difference in other complications (haematoma; recurrent laryngeal nerve injury; and hypocalcaemia). Among the entire group, the association between seroma and flapless surgery tended towards significance (P = 0.07). Other variables studied, including use of drain and concomitant central compartment neck dissection, had no effect on seroma.

Conclusion:  Flapless technique for thyroid surgery may reduce the incidence of postoperative seroma.
Deletion of Beta‐2‐Microglobulin Ameliorates Spinal Cord Lesion Load and Promotes Recovery of Brainstem NAA Levels in a Murine Model of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Denic Aleksandar , Pirko Istvan , Wootla Bharath , Bieber Allan , Macura Slobodan , Rodriguez Moses
Published: February 2012

We used genetic deletion of β2‐microglobulin to study the influence of CD8+ T cells on spinal cord demyelination, remyelination, axonal loss and brainstem N‐acetyl aspartate levels during the acute and chronic phases of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection. We used β2m−/− and β2m+/+ B10.Q mice (of H‐2q background) normally susceptible to TMEV‐induced demyelination. Over the disease course, β2m+/+ mice had increasing levels of demyelination and minimal late‐onset remyelination. In contrast, β2m−/− mice had steady levels of demyelination from 45–390 dpi and remyelination was extensive and more complete. Early in the disease, brainstem NAA levels drop in both strains, but accordingly with remyelination and axonal preservation, NAA recover in β2m−/− mice despite equivalent brainstem pathology. At 270 dpi, β2m+/+ mice had significantly fewer spinal cord axons than β2m−/− mice (up to 28% less). In addition, β2m+/+ mice lost axons of all calibers, whereas β2m−/− mice had a modest loss of only medium‐ and large‐caliber axons. This study further supports the hypothesis that CD8+ T cells are involved in demyelination, and axonal loss following Theiler's virus‐induced demyelination.