bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential effects of αCaMKII mutation on hippocampal learning and changes in intrinsic neuronal excitability
Authors: Ohno Masuo , Sametsky Evgeny A. , Silva Alcino J. , Disterhoft John F.
Published: April 2006

α‐Calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (αCaMKII) is central to synaptic plasticity but it remains unclear whether this kinase contributes to neuronal excitability changes, which are a cellular correlate of learning. Using knock‐in mice with a targeted T286A mutation that prevents the autophosphorylation of αCaMKII (αCaMKIIT286A), we studied the role of αCaMKII signaling in regulating hippocampal neuronal excitability during hippocampus‐dependent spatial learning in the Morris water maze. Wild‐type control mice showed increased excitability of CA1 pyramidal neurons, as assessed by a reduction in the postburst afterhyperpolarization (AHP), after spatial training in the water maze. Importantly, wild‐type mice did not show AHP changes when they were exposed to the water maze without the escape platform and swam the same amount of time as the trained mice (swim controls), thus manifesting learning‐specific increases in hippocampal CA1 excitability associated with spatial training. Meanwhile, αCaMKIIT286A mice showed impairments in spatial learning but exhibited reduced levels of AHP that were similar to wild‐type controls after water‐maze training. Notably, both trained and swim‐control groups of αCaMKIIT286A mutants showed similar increased excitability, indicating that swimming by itself is enough to induce changes in excitability in the absence of normal αCaMKII function. This result demonstrates dissociation of αCaMKII‐independent changes in intrinsic neuron excitability from learning and synaptic plasticity mechanisms, suggesting that increases in excitability per se are not perfectly correlated with learning. Our findings suggest that αCaMKII signaling may function to suppress learning‐unrelated changes during training, thereby allowing hippocampal CA1 neurons to increase their excitability appropriately for encoding spatial memories.
How Do Political Changes Influence US Bilateral Aid Allocations? Evidence from Panel Data
Authors: Fleck Robert K. , Kilby Christopher
Published: April 2006

This paper examines the role of US domestic politics in aid allocation using panel data on 119 countries from 1960 to 1997. Employing proxies for four allocation criteria (development concerns, strategic importance, commercial importance, and democratization), we find evidence that each has influence, although the evidence is stronger for some criteria (development, commercial) than for others (strategic, democratization). Their influence depends on the composition of the US government. When the president and Congress are liberal, development concerns receive more weight than when the president and/or Congress are more conservative. When the Congress is more conservative, commercial concerns have more weight than when the Congress is liberal. These findings are important in light of current attempts to overhaul the allocation of aid.
Contests, NGOs, and Decentralizing Aid
Authors: Epstein Gil S. , Gang Ira N.
Published: April 2006

International donors usually have particular goals they want to achieve with their foreign aid, e.g., poverty alleviation. In the international aid story lobbying by potential recipient groups attempting to capture the donor's support plays a potentially important role for non‐governmental organizations. We model this situation as a hierarchical contest and compare the implications of a centralized allocation process with a decentralized allocation process with non‐governmental organizations as intermediaries.
Lateralizing value of memory tests in drug‐resistant temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Grammaldo L. G. , Giampà T. , Quarato P. P. , Picardi A. , Mascia A. , Sparano A. , Meldolesi G. N. , Sebastiano F. , Esposito V. , Di Gennaro G.
Published: April 2006

Our aim was to test the lateralizing value of a neuropsychological battery including several memory tests on a large sample of consecutive patients with drug‐resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) evaluated for epilepsy surgery. We studied 73 right‐handed patients (56% males, mean age 35.3 ± 11.2 years, 49% left TLE) aged 16 years or older with normal IQ who underwent a preoperative neuropsychological assessment including several memory tests and were seizure‐free after at least 1 year of follow‐up. Forty‐seven had TLE due to hippocampal sclerosis, whilst 26 had TLE secondary to tumors or other lesions. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis and discriminant function analysis were used to evaluate the lateralization value of selected tests and of the battery as a whole, respectively. In patients with TLE secondary to tumors or other lesions, no test showed significant lateralizing value. In patients with TLE due to hippocampal sclerosis, the immediate (P < 0.01) and delayed (P < 0.001) Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) displayed substantial discriminatory ability. The battery as a whole correctly classified 82% of patients with respect to side of epileptogenesis. Our findings suggest that a non‐invasive, relatively short and unexpensive neuropsychological battery based on memory tests may profitably complement other well‐established diagnostic procedures such as video‐EEG or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), at least in patients with drug‐resistant TLE due to hippocampal sclerosis.
The search for cerebral biomarkers of Huntington's disease: a review of genetic models of age at onset prediction
Authors: Squitieri F. , Ciarmiello A. , Di Donato S. , Frati L.
Published: April 2006

The mutation causing Huntington's disease is an expanded CAG trinucleotide repeat number beyond 35 in the 5′ translated region of the gene. The mutation penetrance varies widely and depends on the CAG expansion length, the low pathological triplet range (36–41) showing a very low penetrance, possibly associated with late ages at onset. No research has so far yielded biomarkers for accurately predicting either age at onset or disease progression in at risk individuals. Specific markers able to follow‐up mutation carrier subjects from the pre‐symptomatic stages of life are crucial for testing experimental neuroprotective preventive therapies. Nevertheless, the factor accounting for the largest percentage of age at onset variation is the expanded repeat number within the gene. Over the years, this factor has helped in setting up models for genetically predicting age at onset. Once available for practical application in clinics, such models allowed phenotype‐genotype correlations that were hitherto inconceivable. In this review, we discuss how these genetic models have been applied in clinical practice and comment on their potential value in searching for cerebral biomarkers of disease onset and severity and in designing trials of therapeutic drugs.
EFNS guidelines on the use of neuroimaging in the management of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Filippi M. , Rocca M. A. , Arnold D. L. , Bakshi R. , Barkhof F. , De Stefano N. , Fazekas F. , Frohman E. , Wolinsky J. S.
Published: April 2006

Magnetic resonance (MR)‐based techniques are widely used for the assessment of patients with suspected and definite multiple sclerosis (MS). However, despite the publication of several position papers, which attempted to define the utility of MR techniques in the management of MS, their application in everyday clinical practice is still suboptimal. This is probably related, not only, to the fact that the majority of published guidelines focused on the optimization of MR technology in clinical trials, but also to the continuing development of modern, quantitative MR‐based techniques, that have not as yet entered the clinical arena. The present report summarizes the conclusions of the ‘EFNS Expert Panel of Neuroimaging of MS’ on the application of conventional and non‐conventional MR techniques to the clinical management of patients with MS. These guidelines are intended to assist in the use of conventional MRI for the diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring of patients with MS. In addition, they should provide a foundation for the development of more widespread but rational clinical applications of non‐conventional MR‐based techniques in studies of MS patients.
Anti‐Racist Practice in NOMS: Reconciling Managerialist and Professional Realities1
Authors: BHUI HINDPAL SINGH
Published: April 2006

Abstract: This article considers the implications for anti‐racist practice2 in probation and prisons of the development of the National Offender Management Service (NOMS). The development of anti‐racist work is considered in the context of an increasingly managerialist approach to criminal justice. Essentially, it is argued that the histories of racism and anti‐racist work in the prison and probation services, and the underpinnings of such work – that is, the individual and organisational characteristics that have influenced the respective identities of those agencies – are critical and undervalued factors in the current change process. This in turn has concerning implications for the development of an anti‐racist identity for NOMS.
The detection of human herpesvirus‐8 DNA in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells in adult patients with pityriasis rosea by polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Chuh AAT , Chan PKS , Lee A
Published: April 2006

Background  Herpesvirus‐like particles have been reported to be detectable by electron microscopy in lesional biopsy of patients with pityriasis rosea (PR). We report a study investigating the association of PR with human herpesvirus‐8 (HHV‐8) infection.

Methods  Our setting is a teaching clinic affiliated to a university. We recruited eight patients aged 28–47 years (mean: 34.5 years) diagnosed with PR during a one‐year period. We collected acute blood specimens at presentation and convalescent blood specimens three to four weeks later. We also collected skin scrapings from the herald patch where present and from truncal secondary lesions.

Results  We detected HHV‐8 DNA by a nested PCR (polymerase chain reaction) targeting, respectively, a 233‐bp and a 160‐bp fragment of ORF 26. PCR for HHV‐8 DNA was negative in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma of acute and convalescent specimens of all patients, and negative in all skin scrapings. We detected anti‐HHV‐8 IgG and IgM antibodies by the indirect immunofluorescence. Four patients had IgG antibodies against HHV‐8, but with no significant rise of titre. None were positive for anti‐HHV‐8 IgM antibody.

Conclusion  We conclude that PR is not associated with HHV‐8 infection.
Effects of acitretin on spermatogenesis of rats
Authors: Sengör B , Bayramgürler D , Müezzinoglu B , Altintas L , Bilen N , Apaydin R
Published: April 2006

In this experimental study the possible effects of the acitretin on the spermatogenesis of the rats were investigated histopathologically. Thirty‐nine male adult Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups as two experimental groups and one control group. The first group consisting 14 rats were applied orally standard dose (0.75 mg/kg/day) acitretin and the second group consisting 16 rats were applied high dose (1.5 mg/kg/day) acitretin. Acitretin was given within dimetil sulphoxide (DMSO), which was diluted with saline solution as a ratio of 1/10, in order to increase its solubility. The control group consisting 9 rats were given only saline solution including DMSO for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks of the administration, half of the rats in the first and second groups and the entire control group were sacrificed under deep ether anaesthesia and bilateral orchiectomy was made. The remaining rats were compared with the control group using a similar method at the end of 8 weeks of wash‐off period. The orchiectomy materials were histopathologically evaluated under the light microscope for spermatogenesis according to parameters including spermatogenetic activity, spermatogenetic organization, seminiferous tubular diameter, interstitial Leydig cells and fibroblasts. The groups, which were evaluated at the end of the 8th and 16th weeks, were compared with the control group regarding the mentioned parameters and no statistical significance was observed among the groups. In our study it was concluded that the standard and high doses of acitretin do not have any effect on the spermatogenesis of the rats.
Bilateral inguinal hernia with dislocation of great saphenous vein as complication of long‐standing granulomatous slack skin: a case report
Authors: Benedetti M , Niebel T , Tinozzi FP , Vassallo C , Brazzelli V , Paulli M , Borroni RG , Borroni G
Published: April 2006

Granulomatous slack skin (GSS) represents a rare variant of mycosis fungoides, histologically characterized by a variably deep T helper lymphocytes infiltrate with alteration of the dermal elastic tissue and consequent elastolysis, elastophagocytosis and numerous giant cells. Clinically, a development of unelastic, slack skin, especially on flexural areas, is observed. Hereby, we describe a man with a 12‐year history of GSS. In 2002, for practical (limitation of movement, deambulation) and cosmetic reasons, he underwent the surgical excision of loose and sagging skinfold over inguinal area, and, afterwards, of the opposite affected inguinal skin. The surgical treatment of bilateral inguinal hernia with reposition of inguinal dislocated vasculature is also reported. In both cases the excised material confirmed the former diagnosis of GSS and revealed a very deep, muscular infiltrate of neoplastic lymphocytes. One year later, a new excision of GSS on the axillae was made. Now, after 2 years, deambulation keeps improving, although an initial relapse of the inguinal slack skin has been observed.
Calciphylaxis associated with alcoholic cirrhosis
Authors: Ferreres JR , Marcoval J , Bordas X , Moreno A , Muniesa C , Prat C , Peyrí J
Published: April 2006

Calciphylaxis is an uncommon disease characterized by calcification of dermal vessels that determines skin necrosis. Calciphylaxis has been almost exclusively reported in association with renal failure and altered phosphor–calcium metabolism. Only a few cases have been described in hyperparathyroidism, malignancies, and, recently, cirrhosis. We report a patient that developed calciphylaxis related to end‐stage alcoholic cirrhosis, without any alteration in the phosphocalcic and parathyroid hormone metabolisms. Possible contributing factors were repeated albumin infusions and low levels of protein C and S.
The development of a new integrated mental health service for people with learning disabilities
Authors: Hall Ian , Higgins Alan , Parkes Charles , Hassiotis Angela , Samuels Sarah
Published: April 2006

Accessible summary

• People with learning disabilities can have mental health problems like anyone else.

• People with learning disabilities should be able to use the same mental health services as anyone else.

• In this article we say how we have tried to make this happen.

It is now well recognized that people with learning disabilities experience the full range of psychiatric disorders. Public policy in the United Kingdom advocates that people with learning disabilities should access mainstream mental health services. Here we discuss the challenges this policy presents, and then describe the somewhat tortuous and unpredictable processes we went through to set up a service that properly enabled such access. We describe the service model in some detail, then reflect on overcoming barriers to implementation, and how we maintain the service model. Finally we draw some lessons for future service development initiatives.
Working with the support network: applying systemic practice in learning disabilities services
Authors: Jenkins Rosemary , Parry Rhonwen
Published: April 2006

The purpose of this paper is to present a model of practice termed ‘Network Training’ which describes a structured approach to working with the network of support around an individual with learning disabilities. Within learning disability services there are many contexts in which the support system has opportunities to come together. For example, care management review meetings; person centred planning meetings and a multitude of clinical and service forums. However, each would have its own purpose and agenda ultimately impacting on the extent to which people within to system can contribute to resolving issues pertinent to the person with learning disabilities. We describe a model of practice we have developed over several years. Systemic theory has influenced the way in which we practice. Using a case example, a model of the Network Training process is outlined. Reference is made to the role of the facilitator and the authors’ clinical experiences of using this approach. Issues of evaluation are also discussed.
Extended shelf life milk—advances in technology
Authors: RYSSTAD GUNNAR , KOLSTAD JENS
Published: April 2006

This paper describes trends and technological advances in the dairy industry for extended shelf life milk. Demands for longer shelf life and wider distribution of milk and milk products have resulted in the development of processes and packaging concepts to increase the shelf life of these products in cold chain distribution. Factors important for the shelf life of milk are described in detail, and changes necessary from normal pasteurized production are suggested. Various processing methods such as microfiltration, injection and infusion heat treatments are described, and advantages and disadvantages of the different methods explained. In addition, the contamination sources from process to package are discussed, and the prevention of such recontamination in the filling machine is proposed. The paper describes existing and novel methods for sterilization of packaging material in the filling machine and points to possible future developments in this important market segment in the dairy industry.
Operational cost savings in dairy plant water usage†
Authors: WILLIAMS P J , ANDERSON P A
Published: April 2006

Public awareness and concern over food safety, together with intensified regulatory control over the impact of food processing operations on the environment, present new challenges to the industry. This paper outlines a systematic approach to water management that addresses both cost‐reduction strategies and environmental performance improvement, which can enhance industry image while maintaining product and brand integrity. Many companies already operate a well‐defined environmental management system (EMS), and some have already sought accreditation to ISO 14001. However, the implementation of, among others, the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive, the Water Directive and the Climate Change Levy (CCL) are raising new and important questions.
Quinolinic acid modulates the activity of src family kinases in rat striatum: in vivo and in vitro studies
Authors: Metere Alessio , Mallozzi Cinzia , Minetti Maurizio , Domenici Maria Rosaria , Pèzzola Antonella , Popoli Patrizia , Di Stasi A. M. Michela
Published: April 2006

Quinolinic acid (QA) has been shown to evoke neurotoxic events via NMDA receptor (NMDAR) overactivation and oxidative stress. NMDARs are particularly vulnerable to free radicals, which can modulate protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) and phosphotyrosine phosphatase (PTP) activities. The src family of tyrosine kinases are associated with the NMDAR complex and regulate NMDA channel function. Because QA is an NMDAR agonist as well as a pro‐oxidant agent, we investigated whether it may affect the activity of PTKs and PTPs in vivo and in vitro. In synaptosomes prepared from striata dissected 15 min, 30 min or 15 days after bilateral injection of QA we observed modulation of the phosphotyrosine pattern; a significant decrease in PTP activity; and a sustained increase in c‐src and lyn activity at 15 and 30 min after treatment with QA, followed by a decrease 2 weeks later. Striatal synaptosomes treated in vitro with QA showed time‐ and dose‐dependent modulation of c‐src and lyn kinase activities. Moreover, the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine‐methyl ester, the NMDAR antagonist d‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonovaleric acid and pyruvate suppressed the QA‐induced modulation of c‐src activity. These findings suggest a novel feature of QA in regulating src kinase activity through the formation of reactive radical species and/or NMDAR overactivation.
Neuropilin1 is a direct downstream target of Nurr1 in the developing brain stem
Authors: Hermanson Elisabet , Borgius Lotta , Bergsland Maria , Joodmardi Eliza , Perlmann Thomas
Published: April 2006

The orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1 is expressed in the developing and adult central nervous system. Previous studies have shown that Nurr1 is essential for the generation of midbrain dopamine neurons. Furthermore, Nurr1 is critical for respiratory functions associated with the brain stem. Very few Nurr1 regulated genes have been identified and it remains unclear how Nurr1 influences the function and development of neurons. To identify novel Nurr1 target genes we have searched for regulated genes in the dopaminergic MN9D cell line. These experiments identified Neuropilin‐1 (Nrp1), a receptor protein involved in axon guidance and angiogenesis, as a novel Nurr1 target gene. Nrp1 expression was rapidly up‐regulated by Nurr1 in MN9D cells and in situ hybridization analysis showed that Nrp1 was coexpressed with Nurr1 in the brain stem dorsal motor nucleus. Importantly, Nrp1 expression was down‐regulated in this area in Nurr1 null mice. Moreover, two functional Nurr1 binding sites were identified in the Nrp1 promoter and Nurr1 was found to be recruited to these sites in MN9D cells, further supporting that Nrp1 is a direct downstream target of Nurr1. Taken together, our findings suggest that Nurr1 might influence the processes of axon guidance and/or angiogenesis via the regulation of Nrp1 expression.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α activates signal transduction in hypothalamus and modulates the expression of pro‐inflammatory proteins and orexigenic/anorexigenic neurotransmitters
Authors: Amaral Maria E. , Barbuio Raquel , Milanski Marciane , Romanatto Talita , Barbosa Helena C. , Nadruz Wilson , Bertolo Manoel B. , Boschero Antonio C. , Saad Mario J. A. , Franchini Kleber G. , Velloso Licio A.
Published: April 2006

Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) is known to participate in the wastage syndrome that accompanies cancer and severe infectious diseases. More recently, a role for TNF‐α in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity has been shown. Much of the regulatory action exerted by TNF‐α upon the control of energy stores depends on its action on the hypothalamus. In this study, we show that TNF‐α activates canonical pro‐inflammatory signal transduction pathways in the hypothalamus of rats. These signaling events lead to the transcriptional activation of an early responsive gene and to the induction of expression of cytokines and a cytokine responsive protein such as interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐10 and suppressor of cytokine signalling‐3, respectively. In addition, TNF‐α induces the expression of neurotransmitters involved in the control of feeding and thermogenesis. Thus, TNF‐α may act directly in the hypothalamus inducing a pro‐inflammatory response and the modulation of expression of neurotransmitters involved in energy homeostasis.
Identification of Miltirone as Active Ingredient of Salvia miltiorrhiza Responsible for the Reducing Effect of Root Extracts on Alcohol Intake in Rats
Authors: Colombo Giancarlo , Serra Salvatore , Vacca Giovanni , Orrù Alessandro , Maccioni Paola , Morazzoni Paolo , Bombardelli Ezio , Riva Antonella , Gessa Gian Luigi , Carai Mauro A.M.
Published: April 2006

Background: Previous work found that extracts from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza, a Chinese medicinal herb, reduced alcohol intake in selectively bred Sardinian alcohol‐preferring (sP) rats. The present study was designed to evaluate whether miltirone, one of the possible active constituents of S. miltiorrhiza, might be responsible for the reducing effect of the extracts on alcohol intake.

Methods: An initial experiment assessed the effect of 100 mg/kg (intragastric, i.g.) of 4 extracts of S. miltiorrhiza, differing in miltirone content (0, 2, 3, and 7%, respectively), on alcohol intake in alcohol‐experienced sP rats exposed to the 2‐bottle “alcohol (10%, volume in volume) versus water” choice regimen. Subsequently, the effect of pure miltirone (2.5–10 mg/kg, i.g., i.e., a dose range comparable to its content in the effective doses of the active extracts) on acquisition and maintenance of alcohol‐drinking behavior was evaluated in alcohol‐naive and alcohol‐experienced sP rats exposed to the 2‐bottle choice regimen. The effect of miltirone (10 mg/kg, i.g.) on blood alcohol levels was assessed after the i.g. and intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of alcohol. Finally, the effect of miltirone (30–100 mg/kg, i.g.) on the severity of alcohol withdrawal syndrome was evaluated in Wistar rats made physically dependent on alcohol by the repeated administration of intoxicating doses of alcohol.

Results: The reducing effect of 4 different extracts of S. miltiorrhiza on alcohol intake was positively and significantly correlated with their miltirone content. Pure miltirone reduced alcohol intake in alcohol‐experienced rats and delayed acquisition of alcohol‐drinking behavior in alcohol‐naive rats. Similar to S. miltiorrhiza extracts, miltirone markedly reduced blood alcohol levels when alcohol was administered i.g. but not i.p., suggesting that miltirone hampered alcohol absorption from the gastrointestinal system. Finally, miltirone failed to affect the severity of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in alcohol‐dependent rats.

Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that miltirone is the likely active constituent of S. miltiorrhiza responsible for the reducing effect of its extracts on alcohol intake in different experimental models of excessive alcohol consumption.
Ethanol‐Related Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum Dilation in Purkinje Dendrites of Aging Rats
Authors: Dlugos Cynthia A.
Published: April 2006

Background: Long‐term ethanol consumption in aging rats results in degeneration and regression of the Purkinje neuron (PN) dendritic arbor. One marked ethanol‐related change in Purkinje dendrite ultrastructure is dilation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) within PN dendritic shafts. The purpose of this study was to determine a time course for ethanol‐related dendritic regression in PN dendritic shafts and spines.

Methods: One‐hundred eighty aging, male Fischer 344 rats were used. Four durations of treatment (5, 10, 20, and 40 weeks) and 3 dietary treatment groups (60 rats/treatment group) were studied. Ethanol‐fed rats received a liquid ethanol diet (35% of dietary calories from ethanol). Pair‐fed rats received an isocaloric liquid control diet and chow‐fed rats received rat chow and water ad libitum. After each duration of treatment, 45 rats (15/treatment) were euthanized and 2 posterior cerebellar lobules/rat were viewed with electron microscopy and photographed. Diameters of SER profiles within PN shafts and spines were measured with image analysis.

Results: Ethanol‐related SER dilation in dendritic shafts occurred following 40 weeks of treatment. Ethanol‐related SER dilation was not detected in PN dendritic spines.

Conclusions: These results confirm that ethanol‐related dilation of SER profiles in PN dendritic shafts occurs following the same duration of treatment as the dendritic regression previously reported in other studies. Degenerating bodies that may be linked to dendritic regression were also identified in PN dendrites.
Cognitive Function of Older Patients Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Pilot Prospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Hurria Arti , Rosen Carol , Hudis Clifford , Zuckerman Enid , Panageas Katherine S. , Lachs Mark S. , Witmer Matthew , Van Gorp Wilfred G. , Fornier Monica , D'Andrea Gabriella , Moasser Mark , Dang Chau , Van Poznak Catherine , Hurria Anju , Holland Jimmie
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES: To report on the longitudinal cognitive functioning of older women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.

DESIGN: Neuropsychological and functional status testing were performed before chemotherapy and 6 months after chemotherapy.

SETTING: Cancer center.

PARTICIPANTS: Thirty‐one patients aged 65 and older with Stage I to III breast cancer. Of the 31 patients enrolled, three refused posttesting, and 28 were evaluable.

MEASUREMENTS: The following domains of cognitive function were examined: attention; verbal memory; visual memory; and verbal, spatial, psychomotor, and executive functions.

RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 71 (range 65–84): 39% Stage I, 50% Stage II, and 11% Stage III. The number of scores 2 standard deviations (SDs) below the norm were calculated for each patient before and 6 months after chemotherapy; 14 (50%) had no change, 11 (39%) worsened, and three (11%) improved (P=.05). Seven patients (25%) experienced a decline in cognitive function, defined as a 1‐SD decline from pre‐ to posttesting in two or more neuropsychological domains. Exploratory analyses revealed no significant difference between functional status, comorbidity, and depression scale scores and change in overall quality‐of‐life scores before and after chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION: In this cohort of older women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, a subset experienced a decline in cognitive function from before chemotherapy to 6 months after chemotherapy. Further prospective study is needed to confirm these observations and to identify the subgroup at special risk.
An Emergency Medical Services Program to Promote the Health of Older Adults
Authors: Shah Manish N. , Clarkson Lindsay , Lerner E. Brooke , Fairbanks Rollin J. , McCann Robert , Schneider Sandra M.
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and effect of an emergency medical services (EMS) program that screened, educated, and referred older adults with unmet needs.

DESIGN: A cluster sample design evaluation of an intervention conducted by EMS in one of two communities.

SETTING: Two rural communities in upstate New York.

PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred fifty‐eight intervention‐group and 143 control‐group community‐dwelling older adults receiving emergency care from participating EMS agencies between February 2004 and June 2005.

INTERVENTION: EMS providers screened intervention group patients to identify those at risk for falls, influenza, and pneumococcal infections and provided patients educational materials. Patients' physicians were notified of screening results to provide interventions. Control group patients were provided usual care.

MEASUREMENTS: Variables included patient demographic and clinical characteristics, the proportion of eligible patients screened, patient risk during EMS care and 14 days later, and patient recollection of receiving educational materials and conversations with physicians regarding needs.

RESULTS: Follow‐up was successful in 245 (61%) patients. Approximately 80% of intervention‐group patients were successfully screened for each item. No differences were identified for characteristics collected at the time of EMS care, but a notable number of patients were at risk for each item. No differences existed between the control or intervention group for process measures such as recollection of receiving educational materials. For outcome measures, only an improvement in pneumococcal vaccination levels was found.

CONCLUSION: EMS screening of older adults during emergency responses is feasible, but a simple intervention of providing educational materials to patients during emergency responses and faxing notifications to physicians appears insufficient to address patients' needs.
ATX‐II Effects on the Apparent Location of M Cells in a Computational Model of a Human Left Ventricular Wedge
Authors: DOS SANTOS RODRIGO WEBER , OTAVIANO CAMPOS FERNANDO , NEUMANN CIUFFO LEANDRO , NYGREN ANDERS , GILES WAYNE , KOCH HANS
Published: April 2006

Introduction:The apparent location of the myocytes (M cells) with the longest action potential duration (APD) in a canine left ventricular (LV) wedge have been reported to shift after application of a sea anemone toxin, ATX‐II. This toxin slows inactivation ofINaand thus prolongs APD. Thus, M cells may exhibit dynamic functional states, rather than being a static, anatomically discrete, myocyte population. In this study, we attempted to further define and understand this phenomenon using a mathematical model of the human ventricular myocyte action potential incorporated into an in silico “wedge” preparation. Our simulations demonstrate that even under conditions of a fixed population and ratio of epicardial, M, and endocardial myocytes, the apparent anatomical position (transmural location) of the myocytes with the longest APD can shift following ATX‐II treatment. This arises because the ATX‐II effect, modeled as a small increase in the late or persistent Na+current, and consequent prolongation of APD significantly changes the electrotonic interactions between ventricular myocytes in this LV wedge preparation.

Methods and Results:This LV wedge model is based on bidomain equations. It corresponds to a rectangular tissue immersed in a passive and isotropic medium that represents the superfusion bath. In this theoretical work, the three known different and discrete populations of myocytes in the human left ventricle have been included: the epicardial, M, and endocardial cells. The effects of ATX‐II onINawere simulated by altering the voltage‐dependent steady‐state inactivation of the parameters h (fast gate) and j (slow gate). As a result, in these ATX‐II simulations a persistent late Na+current was generated in all three types of ventricular myocytes. However, the APDs were prolonged in a heterogeneous pattern. Our simulations demonstrate that after the ATX‐II effects develop, alterations in transmural electrotonic interactions can produce changes in the transmural location of myocytes with the longest APD.

Conclusions:The combination of intercellular electrotonic interactions, which tend to reduce and smooth out the discrete transmural APD variations, and the heterogeneous effects of ATX‐II, which preferentially prolong the APD of M cells, can shift the location of the ventricular myocytes. This shift results in significantly altered transmural patterns of action potential durations, which would be expected to change localized refractory period and excitability. These cellular changes give rise to alterations in the corresponding surface electrograms and may change the overall substrates for conduction and rhythm disturbances.
Contribution of Protons to Post‐Ischemic Na+ and Ca2+ Overload and Left Ventricular Mechanical Dysfunction
Authors: CLANACHAN ALEXANDER S.
Published: April 2006

The intracellular accumulation of Na+ and Ca2+ plays a key role in ischemia‐induced myocardial injury that may be manifest as left ventricular (LV) mechanical dysfunction, dysrhythmias, or infarction. This review considers the potential contributions of protons (H+) produced during ischemia as well as reperfusion to intracellular Na+ and Ca2+ homeostasis. ATP hydrolysis produces H+ and the resulting intracellular acidosis directly impairs LV contractility. However, it is the accumulation of intracellular H+ and the activation of Na+‐dependent pH regulatory mechanisms, including the Na+‐H+ exchanger (NHE‐1) and the Na+‐HCO3− cotransporter, which contribute to Na+ accumulation. Intracellular Na+ accumulation, coupled with the NHE‐1, then causes Ca2+ overload and further LV mechanical dysfunction. As glycolysis uncoupled from glucose oxidation is an important determinant of the rate of H+ production, factors that affect glucose metabolism, including degree of ischemia, myocardial workload, and competition from other energy substrates, are expected to influence Na+ and Ca2+ accumulation, and hence the recovery of post‐ischemic LV mechanical function. Whereas an increase in the uncoupling of glycolysis from glucose oxidation accelerates H+ production and worsens the recovery of LV mechanical function, inhibition of H+ production improves recovery of post‐ischemic LV mechanical function. Thus, alteration of glucose metabolism, either by inhibition of an excessive rate of glycolysis or by stimulation of glucose oxidation, is an attractive drug target to reduce H+ production and limit Na+ and Ca2+ accumulation and thereby prevent post‐ischemic LV dysfunction.
Reinforcement of a Reticulated Porous Ceramic by a Novel Infiltration Technique
Authors: Jun In‐Kook , Kong Young‐Min , Lee Su‐Hee , Kim Hyoun‐Ee , Kim Hae‐Won , Goretta Kenneth C.
Published: April 2006

The strength of a reticulated porous ZrO2 ceramic was improved significantly by applying a novel infiltration technique. In a conventional reticulated porous ZrO2 cellular ceramic, a polymer foam is coated with the ceramic. Heat treatment produces triangularly shaped pore channels within most of the ceramic struts of the reticulated body. These channels are detrimental to mechanical strength. In an infiltration process under vacuum, a ZrO2 slurry was filled partially into the triangular pore channels of the ZrO2 body. Accordingly, the tips of these triangular pore channels became rounded and previously cracked strut walls were mended. As a result, the compressive strength of the reticulated ZrO2 was more than doubled compared with that obtained from specimens not subjected to the infiltration process.
Sol–Gel Processing and Characterization of Phase‐Pure Lead Zirconate Titanate Nano‐Powders
Authors: Faheem Yasir , Shoaib M.
Published: April 2006

The present research describes a modified sol–gel technique used to obtain nano‐crystalline lead zirconate titanate (PZT) powders by using triethanolamine (TEA) as a polymerizing agent. The metal ions chemically interacted with TEA in the precursor sol and gel under refluxing conditions. Drying and aging treatments led to development of a precursor–polymeric gel network. A single‐phase perovskite structure was formed at 470°C. The PZT gel and powders were characterized by using X‐ray diffraction, simultaneous thermal analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic techniques. The nano‐crystalline morphology was examined by using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The average particle size determined from TEM was less than 15 nm.
Multiscale Modeling of GeSe2 Glass Structure
Authors: Mauro John C. , Varshneya Arun K.
Published: April 2006

We present a multiscale model of GeSe2 glass structure, where interatomic potentials are calculated using Møller–Plesset perturbation theory and a cluster expansion approach. The ab initio calculations are fit to continuous functions and used in a classical Monte Carlo simulation of 1200 atoms. The resulting GeSe2 glass structure accurately captures the defect characteristics recently observed by a neutron diffraction experiment incorporating isotopic substitution. Our simulation results allow for further elaboration on the structure of deformed Ge‐centered tetrahedra occurring in GeSe2 glass. This level of detail has not been captured by previous modeling efforts using density functional theory.
Genetic Structure Among 38 Populations from the United States Based on 11 U.S. Core Y Chromosome STRs*
Authors: Redd Alan J. , Chamberlain Veronica F. , Kearney Veronica F. , Stover Daryn , Karafet Tatiana , Calderon Karl , Walsh Bruce , Hammer Michael F.
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT: A DNA database consisting of the 11 Y chromosome short‐tandem‐repeat (Y‐STR) recommended by the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods is constructed for 2517 individuals from 38 populations in the United States. The population samples derive from five ethnic groups currently living in 10 states. A multidimensional scaling (MDS) plot places the populations into four discrete clusters (African Americans (AA), European Americans (EA), Hispanic Americans (HA), and Asian Americans (SA)) and one dispersed cluster of Native Americans. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicates that a large proportion of the total genetic variance is partitioned among ethnic groups (24.8%), whereas only a small amount (1.5%) is found among‐populations within ethnic groups. Separate AMOVA analyses within each ethnic group show that only the NA sample contains statistically significant among‐population variation. Pair wise population differentiation tests do uncover heterogeneity among EA and among HA populations; however, this is due to only a single sample within each group. The analyses support the creation of AA, EA, HA, and Asian American databases in which samples from different geographic regions within the United States are pooled. We recommend that separate databases be constructed for different NA groups.
Amended Cause and Manner of Death Certification: A Six‐Year Review of the New Mexico Experience*
Authors: Croft Philip R. , Lathrop Sarah L. , Zumwalt Ross E.
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT: Little is known about the amendment of death certificates (DCs) issued by medical examiners and coroners. This retrospective study examined why, how, and with what frequency cause and manner of death were amended on DCs issued by forensic pathologists over a 6‐year period at the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. Approximately 1% of DCs had either cause or manner of death amendments, with arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease and intoxicants the most commonly amended and resulting causes of death, respectively. There was a significant association between manner of death and number of DCs amended (p<0.001). By percent, natural and suicide DCs were the most frequently amended. The way in which manner of death changed was significantly associated with the amount of time elapsed between DCs (p=0.04). Toxicology was the most common reason for DC amendment.
Evaluation of Variation in Control Region Sequences for Hispanic Individuals in the SWGDAM mtDNA Data Set
Authors: Allard Marc W. , Polanskey Deborah , Wilson Mark R. , Monson Keith L. , Budowle Bruce
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT: The Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) Hispanic data set was analyzed to determine the diversity, phylogeny, and relevant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that describe haplogroup patterns for Hispanic Americans (N=686), and to assess the degree of admixture regarding mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The largest component of admixture based on mtDNA analysis derives from the four major haplogroups previously observed in Native American ancestry, including A (29.3%), B (15.7%), C (20.6%), and D (4.8%). European (17.8%) and African (11.8%) haplogroups also were observed within this data set. Hispanic SWGDAM samples from the southwest, compared with other SWGDAM Hispanic samples, were observed to have a greater percent of Native American haplogroups present (79.9%), and fewer African American haplogroups (4.5%). A total of 234 SNPs were observed in the data set, including 36 newly reported variable positions. These SWGDAM Hispanic data set SNPs ranged from having 1 to 31 changes (Length=L) on the phylogenetic tree, with site 16519 being the most variable. On average, there were 3.9 character changes for each variable position on the tree. The most variable sites (with 13 or more changes each listed from fastest to slowest) observed were 16519 (L=31), 16189 (L=23), 152 (L=23), 16311 (L=19), 146 (L=17), 195 (L=17), 16093 (L=15), 16362 (L=14), 16129 (L=13), 150 (L=13), and 153 (L=13). These sites are consistent with other reports on highly variable positions. A total of 27 SNPs were chosen to identify all clusters containing 1% (N=7) or more individuals in the SWGDAM Hispanic data set. The descriptive analyses revealed that the SWGDAM Hispanic data set is similar to published Native American and Hispanic data sets.
Efficiency effects of agricultural economics research in the United States
Authors: Schimmelpfennig David E. , O'Donnell Christopher J. , Norton George W.
Published: April 2006

Allocations of research funds across programs are often made for efficiency reasons. Social science research is shown to have small, lagged but significant effects on U.S. agricultural efficiency when public agricultural R&D and extension are simultaneously taken into account. Farm management and marketing research variables are used to explain variations in estimates of allocative and technical efficiency using a Bayesian approach that incorporates stylized facts concerning lagged research impacts in a way that is less restrictive than popular polynomial distributed lags. Results are reported in terms of means and standard deviations of estimated probability distributions of parameters and long‐run total multipliers. Extension is estimated to have a greater impact on both allocative and technical efficiency than either R&D or social science research.
Incentives to managers or participation of farmers in China's irrigation systems: which matters most for water savings, farmer income, and poverty?
Authors: Wang Jinxia , Xu Zhigang , Huang Jikun , Rozelle Scott
Published: April 2006

The overall goal of our article is to better understand which matters for water savings, farmer income and poverty in China's irrigation systems: incentives to managers or participation of farmers. To pursue this goal, the article has three objectives. First, we track the evolution of water management reform, examining the practice of providing incentives to managers, and increasing the participation of farmers. Second, we identify the impact of water management reform on crop water use. Specifically, we want to measure whether or not incentives to managers and farmer participation in water management institutions affect the performance of the irrigation system. Because we also are interested in the potential results of water management reform, the article explores how changes in incentives and farmer participation affect farmer income and poverty. Based on a random sample of 51 villages and 189 farmers in four large irrigation districts in Ningxia and Henan provinces, both in China's Yellow River Basin, our results show that the two major forms of water management reform, water users' associations (WUAs) and contracting, have begun to systematically replace traditional forms of collective management. Our analysis demonstrates, however, that it is not the nominal implementation of the reform that matters, but rather it is the creation of new management institutions that offer water managers monetary incentives that lead to water savings. In contrast to the original design of China's reform policies, participation of farmers has not played a role in saving water. Importantly, given China's concerns about national food production and poverty alleviation, the reductions in water, at least in our sample sites, do not lead to reductions in income and do not increase the incidence of poverty.
An unusual developmental disturbance of an unerupted permanent incisor due to trauma to its predecessor – a case report
Authors: Turgut Melek D. , Tekçiçek Meryem , Canoǧlu Harun
Published: April 2006

Abstract –  Developmental disturbances of unerupted permanent tooth result from trauma to primary tooth as there is a close proximity between the root of the primary tooth and its permanent successor. The damage to the unerupted permanent tooth occurs by the transmission of traumatic forces to the permanent tooth germ. In the present case, however, a developmental disturbance on the permanent maxillary central incisor resulting from a direct effect of the inversely intruded primary maxillary central incisor is presented. The intruded tooth was extracted under general anesthesia. Upon eruption of the permanent central incisor, a localized crown malformation along with enamel hypoplasia which was not classified as a developmental disturbance before was observed. The damaged sites were restored with a light‐cured composite resin.