bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal Sensitivity and Child Responsiveness: Associations with Social Context, Maternal Characteristics, and Child Characteristics in a Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Bornstein Marc H. , Hendricks Charlene , Haynes O. Maurice , Painter Kathleen M.
Published: February 2010

This study examined unique associations of multiple distal context variables (family socioeconomic status [SES], maternal employment, and paternal parenting) and proximal maternal (personality, intelligence, and knowledge; behavior, self‐perceptions, and attributions) and child (age, gender, representation, language, and sociability) characteristics with maternal sensitivity and child responsiveness in 254 European American mothers and their firstborn 20‐month‐olds. Specific unique relations emerged in hierarchical regression analyses. Mothers who worked fewer hours per week and reported less dissonance in their husbands' didactic parenting, whose children spoke using more vocabulary, and who reported less limit setting in their parenting and attributed their parenting failures to internal causes were observed to be more sensitive in their interactions with their children. Children in higher SES families, whose mothers worked fewer hours and attributed their parenting failures to internal causes, and who themselves used more vocabulary were observed to be more responsive in their interactions with their mothers. Although potential associations are many, when considered together, unique associations with maternal sensitivity and child responsiveness are few, and some are shared whereas others are unique.
Contribution of Motion Information to Maternal Face Discrimination in Infancy
Authors: Layton Derek , Rochat Philippe
Published: February 2010

The contribution of motion and feature invariant information in infants' discrimination of maternal versus female stranger faces was assessed. Using an infant controlled habituation–dishabituation procedure, 4‐ and 8‐month‐old infants (N = 62) were tested for their ability to discriminate between their mother and a female stranger in 4 different conditions varying whether motion or feature information about the faces was available. The faces were presented in a still or dynamic video image with either a positive or a negative contrast. In each condition, infants habituated to a stranger's face and then viewed, in 3 pairs of alternating novelty test trials, either a new stranger or their mother's face. Results show that motion information contributes to the 8‐month‐old infants', but not the 4‐month‐old infants' discrimination of maternal faces. These results are interpreted in relation to recent findings and models in the adult literature suggesting that there is an enhanced contribution of dynamic information in face recognition when the face is familiar. Our data confirm that from the outset, there is a complex interplay of feature and motion information in the discrimination of the mother's face when the viewing condition is not optimal.
Transfer of Pragmatic Competences: A Bi‐Directional Perspective
Authors: SU I–RU
Published: February 2010

This study investigated the bi‐directionality of language transfer (first language [L1] to second language [L2] and L2 to L1) at the pragmatic level with a focus on the speech act of request. The L2 participants were Chinese English as a foreign language (EFL) learners at the intermediate and advanced levels. Data were collected via discourse completion tests and coded according to the Cross‐Cultural Speech Act Realization Project coding scheme (Blum‐Kulka, House, & Kasper, 1989). The results indicated that EFL learners at both levels used conventionally indirect strategies significantly less often than English native speakers in making English requests but more often than Chinese native speakers did when requesting in Chinese. Moreover, within‐group comparisons indicated that both groups of EFL learners, especially the advanced learners, exhibited a differentiated pattern of requesting behavior in their 2 languages; they adopted conventionally indirect strategies significantly more often in English than in Chinese, and the advanced learners also used more supportive moves in English than in Chinese. Taken together, this study showed that bi‐directional transfer can occur at the pragmatic level in foreign language learners.
Identifying Strategies That Facilitate EFL Learners' Oral Communication: A Classroom Study Using Multiple Data Collection Procedures
Authors: NAKATANI YASUO
Published: February 2010

This article considers whether the use of specific communication strategies can improve learners' English proficiency in communicative tasks. Japanese college students (n = 62) participated in a 12‐week course of English lessons using a communicative approach with strategy training. To investigate the influence of specific strategy use, their performance on a posttraining conversation test was analyzed through multiple data collection procedures. Transcripts of the test were made and then analyzed in terms of production rate, the number of errors, and actual strategy use. An Oral Communication Strategy Inventory was introduced to elicit participants' communication strategy use for a self‐report questionnaire procedure. These results were compared with participants' retrospective protocol data regarding their oral test performance. The findings confirmed that strategies for maintaining discourse and negotiation of meaning could enhance learners' communicative ability. Yet the students used a relatively small number of examples of modified output, which indicated that they might not have enough opportunities to improve the form of their utterances.
The dynamics of energy allocation in adult arrhenotokous and thelytokousVenturia canescens
Authors: Pelosse Perrine , Amat Isabelle , Bernstein Carlos , Desouhant Emmanuel
Published: February 2010

The ability to adjust resource allocation to the quality of the environment has broad implications for animal reproductive success. Organisms with complex life cycles that may experience various selection pressures during their lifetime are expected to evolve mechanisms to modulate the resource allocation strategies adopted during ontogeny to the conditions encountered by the adult. In the parasitoidVenturia canescensGravenhorst (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), thelytoky appears to have been selected for in anthropogenic habitats, where hosts are relatively numerous and food is absent, and arrhenotoky in natural habitats where hosts are more scarce and food is present. A previous study postulated that during their juvenile stage, females of both reproductive modes adopt strategies of energy allocation in accordance with these conditions, possibly providing a direct short‐term advantage to arrhenotokous forms, which partially co‐occur with thelytokous forms under natural conditions. To test this assumption, we provided daily adult thelytokous and arrhenotokous females with a small number of hosts together with food. To compare their lifetime resource allocation strategies, we recorded wasp longevities, egg loads, and carbohydrate reserves in wasps of different ages. Our analysis indicates that thelytokous females are able, to a certain extent, to cope with these conditions, because they reached the same longevity as arrhenotokous females. Nevertheless, thelytokous females suffered from a higher degree of time limitation compared with arrhenotokous ones, and arrhenotokous wasps appeared to maintain their energetic advantage over the adult stage. These results provide new insights, and point to the consideration of other activities, such as flight performance and/or ability to reach food and hosts, in the understanding of the role of resource allocation strategies in the maintenance of sex in this species.
Minichromosome maintenance‐7 and geminin are reliable prognostic markers in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma: immunohistochemical study
Authors: Tamura Takayuki , Shomori Kohei , Haruki Tomohiro , Nosaka Kanae , Hamamoto Yuki , Shiomi Tatsushi , Ryoke Kazuo , Ito Hisao
Published: February 2010

J Oral Pathol Med (2010) 39: 328–334

Background:  Minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins act as the origin licensing machinery that regulates initiation of DNA replication. Geminin is a licensing repressor and prevents reinitiation of DNA replication by blocking reloading of MCM proteins at replication origins. Recent studies have proposed that MCM7 and geminin may be sensitive proliferative and prognostic markers of various malignant tumors. This study aimed to analyze the expression of MCM7 and geminin to clarify pathobiological significance in human oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs).

Methods:  We performed immunohistochemical analysis on 10 specimens of normal oral epithelia, 50 lesions with dysplasia and 113 OSCCs. Labeling indices (LIs) for MCM7, geminin and Ki‐67 were evaluated, comparing with clinicopathological profiles.

Results:  The mean LIs for MCM7 were 29.2% for normal epithelia, 32.2% for dysplasias, and 51.1% for OSCCs; the value was significantly higher in the last than in the former two (P < 0.01). The mean LIs for geminin were 6.8% for normal epithelia, 9.2% for dysplasias, and 21.3% for OSCCs; the value was significantly higher in the OSCCs (P < 0.01). The MCM7 LIs were correlated with the histological grade of OSCCs, in which the highest LIs were noted in the poorly differentiated type (P < 0.01). The survival rate was significantly lower in patients with a higher MCM7 LI (>49.5%) than in those with a lower LI (P < 0.05) at stage III‐IV. However, the survival rate in the patients with a higher geminin LI (>19.5%) was significantly higher than in those with a lower LI (P < 0.05) at stage IV.
Tooth agenesis patterns in bilateral cleft lip and palate
Authors: Bartzela Theodosia N. , Carels Carine E.L. , Bronkhorst Ewald M. , Rønning Elisabeth , Rizell Sara , Kuijpers‐Jagtman Anne Marie
Published: February 2010

Bartzela TN, Carels CEL, Bronkhorst EM, Rønning E, Rizell S, Kuijpers‐Jagtman AM. Tooth agenesis patterns in bilateral cleft lip and palate. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 47–52. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation© 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

Individuals with cleft lip and palate present significantly more dental anomalies, even outside the cleft area, than do individuals without clefts. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of tooth agenesis and patterns of hypodontia in a large sample of patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). Serial panoramic radiographs (the first radiograph was taken at 10.5–13.5 yr of age) of 240 patients with BCLP (172 male patients, 68 female patients) were examined. Third molars were not included in the evaluation. Agenesis of at least one tooth was present in 59.8% of patients. Upper laterals and upper and lower second premolars were missing most frequently. Using the tooth agenesis code (TAC), 52 different agenesis patterns were identified, of which simultaneous agenesis of 12, 22, 15, 25, 35, and 45 was the most frequent pattern. Nine of the 240 patients showed combined BCLP and oligodontia.
Finite element and Weibull analyses to estimate failure risks in the ceramic endocrown and classical crown for endodontically treated maxillary premolar
Authors: Lin Chun‐Li , Chang Yen‐Hsiang , Chang Chia‐Yu , Pai Che‐An , Huang Shao‐Fu
Published: February 2010

Lin C‐L, Chang Y‐H, Chang C‐Y, Pai C‐A, Huang S‐F. Finite element and Weibull analyses to estimate failure risks in the ceramic endocrown and classical crown for endodontically treated maxillary premolar. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 87–93. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation© 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

The present study evaluated the failure risks of an endodontically treated premolar with severely damaged coronal hard tissue and restored with either a computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) ceramic endocrown or a classical crown configuration. Two, three‐dimensional finite element maxillary premolar models were designed with endodontic treatment and restored with either a chairside economic reconstruction of esthetic ceramic (CEREC) ceramic endocrown or a classical crown. The Weibull function was incorporated with finite element analysis to calculate the long‐term failure probability relative to different load conditions. Additionally, an in vitro fatigue‐load fracture experiment was performed to validate the numerical simulation results. The results indicated that the stress values on the dentin and luting cement for the endocrown restoration were lower than those for the crown configuration. Weibull analysis revealed that the individual failure probability in the endocrown dentin and luting cement diminished more than those for the crown restoration. While the overall failure probabilities for the endocrown and the classical crown were similar, fatigue fracture testing revealed that the endocrown restoration had higher fracture resistance than the classical crown configuration (1,446 vs. 1,163 MPa). This investigation implies that the endocrown can be considered as a conservative, aesthetic, and clinically feasible restorative approach for endodontically treated maxillary premolars.
Partially erupted third molars as a potential source of infection in patients receiving peripheral stem cell transplantation for malignant diseases: a retrospective study
Authors: Öhman David , Björk Yvonne , Bratel John , Kristiansson Camilla , Johansson Peter , Johansson Jan‐Erik , Brune Mats , Hasséus Bengt
Published: February 2010

Öhman D, Björk Y, Bratel J, Kristiansson C, Johansson P, Johansson J‐E, Brune M, Hasséus B. Partially erupted third molars as a potential source of infection in patients receiving peripheral stem cell transplantation for malignant diseases: a retrospective study. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 53–58. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation© 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

Forty‐four patients with malignant diseases for which they received peripheral stem cell transplant therapy (PSCT) were retrospectively studied regarding local and systemic infection originating from around partially erupted third molars (PEMs). Twenty‐two patients had one or more PEMs, while 22 patients had none. Data were retrieved from medical and dental records. Systemic and local signs of infection and treatment were assessed. We recorded the number of transplanted CD34+ blood stem cells, days with white blood cell counts < 0.5 × 109 l−1, days until engraftment, maximum level of C‐reactive protein (CRP), days with fever, positive blood cultures, days taking antibiotics, days drinking < 0.5 l, days of total parenteral nutrition, days receiving intravenously administered analgesics, and number of admission days. No statistically significant difference was detected between patients with PEMs and those without PEMs regarding any of the studied parameters. Of patients with PEMs, 36% (8 of 22) developed local infections around PEMs during the PSCT period. The study indicates that PEMs pose no significant risk of causing systemic infection in patients receiving PSCT for malignant diseases but increase the risk of developing a local infection, justifying close supervision and early treatment in cases of local infection during PSCT treatment.
Increased vitamin D‐driven signalling and expression of the vitamin D receptor, MSX2, and RANKL in tooth resorption in cats
Authors: Booij‐Vrieling Henriëtte E. , Ferbus Didier , Tryfonidou Marianna A. , Riemers Frank M. , Penning Louis C. , Berdal Ariane , Everts Vincent , Hazewinkel Herman A. W.
Published: February 2010

Booij‐Vrieling HE, Ferbus D, Tryfonidou MA, Riemers FM, Penning LC, Berdal A, Everts V, Hazewinkel HAW. Increased vitamin D‐driven signalling and expression of the vitamin D receptor, MSX2, and RANKL in tooth resorption in cats. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 39–46. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation© 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

Tooth resorption occurs in 20–75% of cats (Felis catus). The aetiology is not known, but vitamin D is suggested to be involved. Vitamin D acts through a nuclear receptor (VDR) and increases the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (rankl) and muscle segment homeobox 2 (msx2) genes. Mice lacking the muscle segment homeobox 2 (msx2) gene show decreased levels of rankl, suggesting an interaction among VDR, MSX2, and RANKL. Here, we investigated the expression of VDR, MSX2, and RANKL proteins, and the activity of the VDR‐mediated signalling pathway (using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction on VDR target genes), in tooth resorption, and measured the serum levels of vitamin D metabolites in cats. Tooth resorption was categorized into either resorptive or reparative stages. In the resorptive stage, odontoclasts expressed MSX2 and RANKL (100% and 88%, respectively) and fibroblasts expressed VDR and MSX2 (both at 100%), whereas fibroblasts expressed RANKL in only 29% of the sites analysed. In the reparative stage, cementoblasts expressed VDR, MSX2, and RANKL, whereas fibroblasts expressed VDR and MSX2, but not RANKL. The vitamin D status did not differ between the groups, based on the serum levels of 25‐hydroxycholecalciferol. However, increased expression of VDR protein, and the relative gene expression levels of 1α‐hydroxylase and the VDR‐target gene, 24‐hydroxylase, indicated the involvement of an active vitamin D signalling in the pathophysiology of tooth resorption in cats.
Football to tackle overweight in children
Authors: Faude O. , Kerper O. , Multhaupt M. , Winter C. , Beziel K. , Junge A. , Meyer T.
Published: February 2010

The present study aimed at analyzing the efficacy of a 6‐month football training program compared with a standard exercise program on health and fitness parameters in overweight children. The study design was a 6‐month, two‐arm, parallel‐group randomized trial. Twenty‐two overweight children were randomly assigned to two groups (age=10.8±1.2 years, height=1.56±0.08 m, weight= 65.1±11.4 kg). One group conducted a football training program, and the other group an established standard sports program. Both interventions took place three times per week from mid‐May to mid‐November. Before, after 3 months and after the training period, comprehensive testing was conducted: anthropometric characteristics, cycling ergometry, psychometric monitoring as well as several motor ability tests. Maximal performance capacity increased and submaximal heart rate during cycling ergometry decreased significantly. Several motor skills as well as self‐esteem also improved considerably. Body composition and other psychometric variables remained nearly unchanged. No relevant differences were observed between both exercise programs. It can be concluded that a 6‐month football training is as efficacious in improving the physical capacity, health‐related fitness parameters and self‐esteem of overweight children as a standard exercise program. These results provide further evidence that playing football has significant health effects.
Improvement of systolic and diastolic heart function after physical training in sedentary women
Authors: Andersen L. J. , Hansen P. R. , Søgaard P. , Madsen J. K. , Bech J. , Krustrup P.
Published: February 2010

The present study examined the cardiac effects of football training and running for inactive pre‐menopausal women by standard echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging. Thirty‐seven subjects were randomized to two training groups (football: FG; n=19; running; RG; n=18) training 1 h with equal average heart rates twice a week for 16 weeks and compared with a matched inactive control group (CG; n=10). During the training period, left ventricular end‐diastolic volume increased by 13% in FG and 11% in RG (P<0.05). Left ventricular posterior wall thickness increased in FG from 8.5±1.4 to 9.0±1.3 mm (P<0.05). Right ventricle diameter increased by 12% in FG and 10% in RG (P<0.05). Tissue Doppler imaging demonstrated increased left ventricular systolic and diastolic performances in both training groups. Peak systolic velocity increased by 26% in FG and 17% in RG (P<0.05) and left ventricular longitudinal displacement increased in both groups by 13% (P<0.05). Isovolumetric relaxation time decreased significantly more in FG than in RG (26% vs 14%, respectively P<0.05). In conclusion, 16 weeks of football and running exercise training induced significant changes of cardiac dimensions and had favorable effects on both left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. These training‐induced cardiac adaptations appeared to be more consistent after football training compared with running.
Preoperative Diagnostic for Palatal Implants: Is CT or CBCT Necessary?
Authors: Jung Britta A. , Wehrbein Heinrich , Wagner Wilfried , Kunkel Martin
Published: February 2010

Objective: To evaluate (a) the diagnostic value of lateral radiographs and (b) whether computed tomography (CT) or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is necessary in preoperative diagnostics for orthodontic anchorage implants.

Patients and Methods: We reviewed all patients who had presented for insertion of a palatal implant between January 2003 and December 2007 at the University Hospital Mainz. On the basis of lateral radiographs, the palatal bone was assessed as follows: (a) sufficient (bone height > 4 mm in the implant axis), (b) ambiguous, or (c) insufficient (bone height < 4 mm in the implant axis). In group A the surgical insertion procedure was performed without further radiological investigation. Group C required other types of anchorage. In cases of an ambiguous bone situation (group B), further diagnostic procedures (CT/CBCT) were performed.

Results: During the observation period, 105 patients were screened. Fourteen patients opted for alternative treatment leaving 91 patients for final evaluation. In 89 patients (97.8%), the lateral radiographs showed sufficient bone in the vertical dimension. In all of these cases, the availability of sufficient bone was confirmed intraoperatively. Further investigations were performed in two patients (2.2%) of group B (one CT, one CBCT). Finally, one patient had insufficient bone whereas the second had sufficient bone.

Conclusions: Nearly 98% of the patients included in this study had sufficient bone for palatal implant insertion. Lateral radiographs permit correct and reliable evaluation of the quantity of bone in preoperative diagnosis of palatal implants. Additional imaging (CT or CBCT) is only required in rare cases of borderline dimensions.
The ubiquitin ligase Itch mediates the antiapoptotic activity of epidermal growth factor by promoting the ubiquitylation and degradation of the truncated C‐terminal portion of Bid
Authors: Azakir Bilal A. , Desrochers Guillaume , Angers Annie
Published: February 2010

The truncated C‐terminal portion of Bid (tBid) is an important intermediate in ligand‐induced apoptosis. tBid has been shown to be sensitive to proteasomal inhibitors and downregulated by activation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) pathway. Here, we provide evidence that tBid is a substrate of the ubiquitin ligase Itch, which can specifically interact with and ubiquitinate tBid, but not intact Bid. Consistently, overexpression of Itch increases cell survival and inhibits caspase 3 activity, whereas downregulation of Itch by RNA interference has the opposite effect, increasing cell death and apoptosis. Treatment with EGF increases Itch phosphorylation and activity, and Itch expression is important for the ability of EGF to increase cell survival after tumour necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand treatment. Our findings identify Itch as a key molecule between EGF signalling and resistance to apoptosis through downregulation of tBid, providing further details on how EGF receptor and proteasome inhibitors can contribute to the induction of apoptosis and the treatment of cancer.

Structural digital abstract

MINT‐7542954: ITCH (uniprotkb:Q96J02) physically interacts (MI:0915) with tBid (uniprotkb:P70444) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

MINT‐7542970: tBid (uniprotkb:P70444) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Ubiquitin (uniprotkb:P62988) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

MINT‐7542986: ITCH (uniprotkb:Q96J02) physically interacts (MI:0915) with tBid (uniprotkb:P70444) by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (MI:0012)
Animal models of amyloid‐β‐related pathologies in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Philipson Ola , Lord Anna , Gumucio Astrid , O’Callaghan Paul , Lannfelt Lars , Nilsson Lars N.G.
Published: February 2010

In the early 1990s, breakthrough discoveries on the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease led to the identification of missense mutations in the amyloid‐β precursor protein gene. Research findings quickly followed, giving insights into molecular pathogenesis and possibilities for the development of new types of animal models. The complete toolbox of transgenic techniques, including pronuclear oocyte injection and homologous recombination, has been applied in the Alzheimer’s disease field, to produce overexpressors, knockouts, knockins and regulatable transgenics. Transgenic models have dramatically advanced our understanding of pathogenic mechanisms and allowed therapeutic approaches to be tested. Following a brief introduction to Alzheimer’s disease, various nontransgenic and transgenic animal models are described in terms of their values and limitations with respect to pathogenic, therapeutic and functional understandings of the human disease.
Pronounced adipogenesis and increased insulin sensitivity caused by overproduction of prostaglandin D2in vivo
Authors: Fujitani Yasushi , Aritake Kosuke , Kanaoka Yoshihide , Goto Tsuyoshi , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Fujimori Ko , Kawada Teruo
Published: February 2010

Lipocalin‐type prostaglandin (PG) D synthase is expressed in adipose tissues and involved in the regulation of glucose tolerance and atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes. However, the physiological roles of PGD2 in adipogenesis in vivo are not clear, as lipocalin‐type prostaglandin D synthase can also act as a transporter for lipophilic molecules, such as retinoids. We generated transgenic (TG) mice overexpressing human hematopoietic PGDS (H‐PGDS) and investigated the in vivo functions of PGD2 in adipogenesis. PGD2 production in white adipose tissue of H‐PGDS TG mice was increased approximately seven‐fold as compared with that in wild‐type (WT) mice. With a high‐fat diet, H‐PGDS TG mice gained more body weight than WT mice. Serum leptin and insulin levels were increased in H‐PGDS TG mice, and the triglyceride level was decreased by about 50% as compared with WT mice. Furthermore, in the white adipose tissue of H‐PGDS TG mice, transcription levels of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ, fatty acid binding protein 4 and lipoprotein lipase were increased approximately two‐fold to five‐fold as compared with those of WT mice. Finally, H‐PGDS TG mice showed clear hypoglycemia after insulin clamp. These results indicate that TG mice overexpressing H‐PGDS abundantly produced PGD2 in adipose tissues, resulting in pronounced adipogenesis and increased insulin sensitivity. The present study provides the first evidence that PGD2 participates in the differentiation of adipocytes and in insulin sensitivity in vivo, and the H‐PGDS TG mice could constitute a novel model mouse for diabetes studies.
Cytological Events during Zygote Formation of the Fern Ceratopteris thalictroides
Authors: Cao Jian‐Guo , Wang Quan‐Xi , Yang Nai‐Ying , Bao Wen‐Mei
Published: February 2010

The cytological events, including nuclear fusion, digestion of male organelles and rebuilding of the plasmalemma and cell wall, during zygote formation of the fern Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.) Brongn. are described based on the observations of transmission electron microscopy. When the spermatozoid enters the egg and contacts the cytoplasm, the male chromatin relaxes continually. The microtubular ribbon (MTr) is separated from the male nucleus and then an envelope reappears around the male nucleus. During nuclear fusion, the egg nucleus becomes highly irregular and extends some nuclear protrusions. It is proposed that the protrusions fuse with the male nucleus actively. After nuclear fusion the irregular zygotic nucleus contracts gradually. It becomes spherical before the zygote divides. The male chromatin is identifiable as fibrous structure in the zygotic nucleus in the beginning, but it gradually becomes diffused completely. The male organelles, including the MTr, multilayered structure, flagella and the male mitochondria are finally digested in the zygotic cytoplasm. Finally a new plasmalemma and cell wall are formed outside the protoplast. The organelles in the zygote are rearranged, which produces a horizontal polarity zygote. The zygote divides with an oblique‐vertical cell plate facing the apical notch of the gametophyte.
Repolarization of the cardiac action potential. Does an increase in repolarization capacity constitute a new anti‐arrhythmic principle?
Authors: Grunnet M.
Published: February 2010

The cardiac action potential can be divided into five distinct phases designated phases 0–4. The exact shape of the action potential comes about primarily as an orchestrated function of ion channels. The present review will give an overview of ion channels involved in generating the cardiac action potential with special emphasis on potassium channels involved in phase 3 repolarization. In humans, these channels are primarily Kv11.1 (hERG1), Kv7.1 (KCNQ1) and Kir2.1 (KCNJ2) being the responsible α‐subunits for conductingIKr,IKsandIK1. An account will be given about molecular components, biophysical properties, regulation, interaction with other proteins and involvement in diseases. Both loss and gain of function of these currents are associated with different arrhythmogenic diseases. The second part of this review will therefore elucidate arrhythmias and subsequently focus on newly developed chemical entities having the ability to increase the activity ofIKr,IKsandIK1. An evaluation will be given addressing the possibility that this novel class of compounds have the ability to constitute a new anti‐arrhythmic principle. Experimental evidence fromin vitro,ex vivoandin vivosettings will be included. Furthermore, conceptual differences between the short QT syndrome andIKractivation will be accounted for.
Palestinian Water II: Climate Change and Land Use
Authors: Hassan Marwan A. , Shahin Khaled , Klinkenberg Brian , McIntyre Graham , Diabat Mousa , Al‐Rahman Tamimi Abed , Nativ Ronit
Published: February 2010

Future predictions regarding the effects of climate change on water resources are complex and therefore inherently uncertain. However, the conclusions presented in most studies on the subject indicate that current water‐poor regions such as the Middle East will experience even greater water stress with climate change. In this article we find that Palestinian and Israeli water managers must plan for future water crises that will likely result from the combined effects of climate change and increasing urbanization that results from an exponential population growth. Climate change will likely increase water stress in the region through the processes of increasing temperature, decreasing and erratic precipitation and reduced overall aquifer replenishment. Urbanization will further strain freshwater supplies by negatively impacting the quality and quantity of available freshwater in an increasingly populated urban environment. In spite of any inherent uncertainty, water managers in the region need to consider the long‐term effects of both urbanization and climate change in any future water management scheme.
The Geographies of Poverty and Welfare
Authors: Milbourne Paul
Published: February 2010

This article provides a critical review of recent geographical work on the themes of poverty and welfare. It begins with a discussion of the historical development of welfare geography and the recent resurgence of interest in welfare geographies within and beyond the discipline. Attention then shifts to the definitional complexities of poverty and, in particular, some of the difficulties associated with conventional labellings of poverty, poor people and poor places. The next section of the paper explores the relations between poverty, space and place with reference to recent work on the changing spatial distributions of poverty, socio‐spatial forms of polarisation and the complex relations between poverty and place. This is followed by a discussion of welfare geographies, within which the spatial underpinnings and impacts of recent programmes of welfare reform are considered. The article ends by pointing to some new geographical agendas for welfare research.
Geographies of International Trade: Theory, Borders, and Regions
Authors: Andresen Martin A.
Published: February 2010

As old as civilization itself, international trade is fundamentally important to the economic well‐being of nations and their regions. As with any other economic activity, international trade has a geography. Despite this geographic nature of international trade, it is a relatively unexplored topic by economic geographers. This is not to say that economic geographers do not investigate international economic activity, only that they do not study the more general processes of international trade. In this paper, I review three facets of international trade that imply the importance of geography undertaken by economists and geographers: theory, borders, and regions. Recent theoretical research implicates the importance of geography as an integral component of trade theory; the political geography of trade (borders) is shown to have differential effects in different regions; and the formation of regional trading blocs reveals that geography is still important for understanding international relationships. All three of these facets are fundamentally geographical. It is argued here that the discipline of economic geography must broaden its scope in order to apply a geographical imagination to the understanding of international trade.
To Bravo or not? A comparison of wireless esophageal pH monitoring and conventional pH catheter to evaluate non‐erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease in a multiracial Asian cohort
Authors: ANG Daphne , TEO Eng Kiong , ANG Tiing Leong , ONG Jeannie , POH Choo Hean , TAN Jessica , FOCK Kwong Ming
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:  Non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD) constitutes the majority of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Esophageal pH monitoring is useful in distinguishing patients with NERD from functional heartburn. The gastroenterologist often faces the dilemma of choosing the most appropriate investigative modality. The wireless Bravo® capsule allows prolonged 48 hour monitoring with improved patient tolerance, but concerns regarding its reduced sensitivity compared to conventional pH catheter have been raised. We compared the prevalence of high esophageal acid exposure and positive symptom correlation profiles (using the symptom index [SI] and symptom association probability [SAP]) in patients who underwent Bravo® compared to patients who underwent conventional pH catheter, and evaluated the efficacy of Bravo® monitoring in a multiracial Asian cohort.

METHODS:  Retrospective analysis of all pH studies performed between January 2004 and February 2009 for patients with persistent reflux symptoms and a normal gastroscopy.

RESULTS:  66 (27 Male, 42.4 ± 13.4 years) and 55 (24 Male, 47.1 ± 13.3 years) patients underwent wireless and pH catheter evaluation respectively. “True NERD” (abnormal acid exposure) was diagnosed in 26 (39.4%) and 20 (36.4%) patients (pNS) while “acid‐sensitive esophagus” (SI ≥ 50% and/or SAP ≥ 95%) occurred in 14 (21.2%) and 12 (21.8%) patients (pNS) using the wireless and pH catheter respectively. Extended recording time with Bravo® led to an incremental diagnostic yield of 30%.

CONCLUSION:  The wireless capsule was well tolerated. The diagnostic yield was similar using both modalities. With the increasing availability of impedance‐pH technology, it is uncertain if devices that detect only acid‐reflux events will be surpassed.
Ca2+-dependent induction of conidiation in submerged cultures of Trichoderma viride
Authors: Šimkovič Martin , Ditte Peter , Kurucová Anita , Lakatoš Boris , Varečka L’udovít
Published: February 2010

The presence of Ca2+ (up to 0.1 mol/L) in the cultivation media was found to induce the formation of conidia in submerged mycelia of Trichoderma viride in a concentration-dependent manner. Ca2+ dramatically stimulated conidiation after 70 h of cultivation. The effect was present in the dark, and illumination stimulated it only marginally. Low (less than 100 μmol/L) Ca2+ concentrations induced the formation of chlamydospores. Sr2+ could substitute Ca2+ in conidiogenesis with lower efficiency (almost 2 orders of magnitude), while the efficiency of Mg2+, Mn2+, or Ba2+ was lower by almost 3 orders of magnitude. Our results demonstrate that mycelial Ca2+ homeostasis has powerful effects on the conidiation and mycelial morphogenesis in T. viride, and they suggest that there is an additional mechanism of conidiation in addition to those induced by light and starvation.
Effect of Acupressure and Trigger Points in Treating Headache: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hsieh Lisa Li-Chen , Liou Horng-Huei , Lee Liang-Huei , Chen Tony Hsiu-Hsi , Yen Amy Ming-Fang
Published: February 2010

The efficacy of acupressure in relieving pain has been documented; however, its effectiveness for chronic headache compared to the muscle relaxant medication has not yet been elucidated. To address this, a randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted in a medical center in Southern Taiwan in 2003. Twenty-eight patients suffering chronic headache were randomly assigned to the acupressure group ( n = 14) or the muscle relaxant medication group ( n = 14). Outcome measures regarding self-appraised pain scores (measured on a visual analogue scale; VAS) and ratings of how headaches affected life quality were recorded at baseline, 1 month after treatment, and at a 6-month follow-up. Pain areas were recorded in order to establish trigger points. Results showed that mean scores on the VAS at post-treatment assessment were significantly lower in the acupressure group (32.9±26.0) than in the muscle relaxant medication group (55.7±28.7) ( p = 0.047). The superiority of acupressure over muscle relaxant medication remained at 6-month follow-up assessments ( p = 0.002). The quality of life ratings related to headache showed similar differences between the two groups in the post treatment and at six-month assessments. Trigger points BL2, GV20, GB20, TH21, and GB5 were used most commonly for etiological assessment. In conclusion, our study suggests that 1 month of acupressure treatment is more effective in reducing chronic headache than 1 month of muscle relaxant treatment, and that the effect remains 6 months after treatment. Trigger points help demonstrate the treatment technique recommended if a larger-scale study is conducted in the future.
Daurisoline Suppressed Early Afterdepolarizations and Inhibited L-Type Calcium Current
Authors: Liu Qiang-Ni , Zhang Li , Gong Pei-Li , Yang Xiao-Yan , Zeng Fan-Dian
Published: February 2010

Our previous studies have shown that daurisoline (DS) exerted antiarrhythmic effects on various experimental arrhythmias. In this study, the effects of DS on early afterdepolarizations (EADs) and its possible mechanisms have been investigated. Cardiac hypertrophy was induced in rabbits by coarctating the abdominal aorta. The effects of DS on action potential duration (APD) and the incidences of EADs were studied in hypertrophied papillary muscles of rabbits in the conditions of low external K+concentration ([ K+] o ) and dofetilide (dof) by using standard microelectrode technique. The whole-cell patch clamp was used to record the L-type calcium current ( ICa-L) in isolated left ventricular cells of rabbits. The results showed that in hypertrophied papillary muscles of rabbits with low [ K+] o ([ K+]o = 2.7 mM ), 1 µM dof prolonged APD50and APD90markedly and the incidence of EADs was 66.7% (4/6, p < 0.01); when 15 µM DS was applied, the incidence of EADs was 0% (0/4, p < 0.01) and the prolonged APD was shortened (p < 0.01). In a single myocyte, DS could also inhibit EADs induced by dof, low [ K+] o and low external Mg2+concentration ([ Mg2+] o ) ([ Mg2+]o= 0.5 mM ). DS could decrease the triangulation. In a single myocyte, DS could make the I-V curve upward, shift the steady-state activation curves to the right and the steady-state inactivation curves to the left and prolong the τ value of recovery curve obviously. These results suggested that DS could inhibit EADs which may be associated with its blockade effects on ICa-L.
Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity: Protective Effect of 'Rocket'Eruca sativaL. in Rats
Authors: Alqasoumi Saleh
Published: February 2010

The hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect of an ethanolic extract of 'Rocket' Eruca sativa L. (EER), on liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride ( CCl4) was investigated. Wistar albino rats were administered 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight extract orally for 10 consecutive days. Marker enzymes GOT, GPT, ALP, GGT and bilirubin were estimated in serum. Whereas, non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH), total protein (TP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated in liver tissue as markers for oxidative stress. Histopathological assessment was also done on liver tissue. CCl4induced liver poisoning in all treated animals was evident by elevated serum GOT, GPT, ALP, GGT and bilirubin levels. Induction of oxidative stress in the liver tissue by CCl4was evidenced by a fall in the levels of NP-SH and TP; and an increased level of MDA concentration. EER administration for 10 days prevented the CCl4induced hepatic injury and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the extract also reduced the pentobarbital-induced prolongation of sleeping time in mice. The ability of rocket extract to protect the liver toxicity in rats was further confirmed by histological findings in the liver tissue. In conclusion, it was observed that Eruca sativa L. extract protects the liver against CCl4induced hepatic injury through its potent antioxidant activity in rats.
Estrogenic Activity Produced by Aqueous Extracts of Silkworm (Bombyx mori) Pupae in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Yang Hyo-Jung , Lee Jeong-Woong , Lee So-Hyun , Ryu Jae-Sung , Kwak Dong-Hoon , Nam Kyung-Su , Park Yong-Il , Lee Young-Choon , Jung Kyu-Yong , Choo Young-Kug
Published: February 2010

This study examined the estrogenic activity produced by aqueous extracts of silkworm (Bombyx mori) pupae in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The components of silkworm pupae were extracted in distilled water at room temperature for 6 hours. The ovaries of six-week old female rats were then bilaterally removed. One week after OVX, the animals were treated with 200, 400 or 600 mg/kg/day of silkworm pupae extracts. The body weights of the OVX rats increased remarkably compared to the control rats, however their relative uterus weights to body weights decreased significantly. Treatment with the aqueous extracts of silkworm pupae dramatically improved the decreased uterus weights of OVX rats, with the highest increase observed in treatment with 200 mg/kg/day of the aqueous extracts. Additionally, treatment with aqueous extracts (200 mg/kg/day) of silkworm pupae significantly elevated the serum 17β-estradiol contents of OVX rats when compared to the control animals. To examine the toxic effects of silkworm pupae on the hepatic functions of OVX rats, the levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) were measured. The serum GOT and GPT levels did not change in response to the administration of aqueous extracts (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg/day) for 4-weeks. Taken together, these results suggest that the aqueous extracts of silkworm pupae may have estrogenic activity, which suggests that silkworm pupae may be useful in the prevention and/or treatment of menopausal disorders caused by deficiencies in female sexual hormones, including estrogen.
Curcumin and Saikosaponin A Inhibit Chemical-Induced Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis in Rats
Authors: Wu Shu-Ju , Tam Ka-Wai , Tsai Ya-Hui , Chang Chun-Chao , Chao Jane C.-J.
Published: February 2010

Curcumin and saikosaponin A as antioxidants improve antioxidant status. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic actions of curcumin and saikosaponin A on CCl4 -induced liver damage. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, CCl4 , CCl4+ curcumin (0.005%; CU), CCl4 + saikosaponin A (0.004%; SS), and CCl4 + curcumin + saikosaponin A (0.005% + 0.004%; CU + SS) groups. Carbon tetrachloride (40% in olive oil) at a dose of 0.75 ml/kg was injected intraperitoneally once a week. Curcumin and saikosaponin A were supplemented alone or in combination with diet 1 week before CCl4 injection for 8 weeks. After 8-week supplementation, histopathological results showed hepatic collagen deposition was significantly reduced in the CU and SS groups, and activated nuclear factor-κ B expression induced by CCl4 in the liver was significantly inhibited by curcumin and/or saikosaponin A. Hepatic proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 were significantly inhibited, and anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 was significantly increased by supplementation with curcumin and/or saikosaponin A. Additionally, curcumin and/or saikosaponin A significantly reduced the increased levels of hepatic transforming growth factor-β1 and hydroxyproline after CCl4 treatment. Therefore, supplementation with curcumin and/or saikosaponin A suppress inflammation and fibrogenesis in rats with CCl4 -induced liver injury. However, the combination has no additive effects on anti-inflammation and antifibrosis.
Icariin Inhibits the Increased Inward Calcium Currents Induced by Amyloid-β25-35 Peptide in CA1 Pyramidal Neurons of Neonatal Rat Hippocampal Slice
Authors: Li Li , Tsai Hao-Jan , Li Lin , Wang Xue-Mei
Published: February 2010

Overload of intracellular calcium caused by amyloid-β peptide has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neuronal damage in Alzheimer's disease. Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) provide one of the major sources of Ca2+ entry into cells. Here, we investigated whether icariin had effect on the changes of calcium currents induced by Aβ25-35 in hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Using whole-cell patch-clamp, we showed that Aβ25-35 enhanced the inward Ba2+ and Ca2+ currents. The currents were partially inhibited by Ni2+ and completely suppressed by Cd2+ , indicating that Aβ25-35 disrupts intracellular calcium homeostasis via the modulation of both L- and T-type channels. Furthermore, icariin nearly complete suppressed the abnormal inward calcium currents induced by Aβ25-35 in a dose-dependant manner. Our findings suggest that the potential neuroprotective effect of icariin on Aβ25-35-induced neurotoxicity via the balance intracelluar calcium homeostasis.