bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maturation of social attribution skills in typically developing children: an investigation using the social attribution task
Authors: Hu Zhouyi , Chan Raymond CK , McAlonan Grainne M
Published: February 2010

Background

The assessment of social attribution skills in children can potentially identify and quantify developmental difficulties related to autism spectrum disorders and related conditions. However, relatively little is known about how these skills develop in typically developing children. Therefore the present study aimed to map the trajectory of social attribution skill acquisition in typically developing children from a young age.

Methods

In the conventional social attribution task (SAT) participants ascribe feelings to moving shapes and describe their interaction in social terms. However, this format requires that participants understand both, that an inanimate shape is symbolic, and that its action is social in nature. This may be challenging for young children, and may be a potential confounder in studies of children with developmental disorders. Therefore we developed a modified SAT (mSAT) using animate figures (e.g. animals) to simplify the task. We used the SAT and mSAT to examine social attribution skill development in 154 healthy children (76 boys, 78 girls), ranging in age from 6 to 13 years and investigated the relationship between social attribution ability and executive function.

Results

The mSAT revealed a steady improvement in social attribution skills from the age of 6 years, and a significant advantage for girls compared to boys. In contrast, children under the age of 9 years performed at baseline on the conventional format and there were no gender differences apparent. Performance on neither task correlated with executive function after controlling for age and verbal IQ, suggesting that social attribution ability is independent of cognitive functioning. The present findings indicate that the mSAT is a sensitive measure of social attribution skills from a young age. This should be carefully considered when choosing assessments for young children and those with developmental disorders.
Effect of exogenous circulating anti-bPL antibodies on bovine placental lactogen measurements in foetal samples
Authors: Alvarez-Oxiley Andrea Vivian , de Sousa Noelita Melo , Hornick Jean-Luc , Touati Kamal , van der Weijden Gysbert C , Taverne Marcel AM , Szenci Otto , Beckers Jean-François
Published: February 2010

Background

The involvement of placental lactogen (PL) in the regulation of foetal growth has been investigated in different species by in vivo immunomodulation techniques. However, when circulating antibodies are present together with the hormone, the procedure for hormonal measurement becomes considerably complex. The aim of this study was the immunoneutralization of bovine placental lactogen (bPL) concentrations in bovine foetal circulation by direct infusion of rabbit anti-bPL purified immunoglobulins (IgG) via a foetal catheter (in vivo study). The ability of a RIA based on guinea pig anti-bPL antiserum, for the measurement of bPL concentrations in samples containing exogenous rabbit anti-bPL immunoglobulins, was also analyzed in in vitro and in vivo conditions.

Methods

Six bovine foetuses were chronic cannulated on the aorta via the medial tarsal artery. Infusion of rabbit anti-bPL IgG was performed during late gestation. Pooled rabbit anti-bPL antisera had a maximal neutralization capacity of 25 μg bPL/mL of immunoglobulin. Interference of rabbit anti-bPL immunoglobulin with radioimmunoassay measurement using guinea pig anti-bPL as primary antibody was first evaluated in vitro. Polyclonal anti-bPL antibodies raised in rabbit were added in foetal sera to produce 100 samples with known antibodies titers (dilutions ranging from 1:2,500 till 1:1,280,000).

Result(s)

Assessment of the interference of rabbit anti-bPL antibody showed that bPL concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in samples added with dilutions of rabbit antiserum lower than 1:80,000 (one foetus) or 1:10,000 (four foetuses). It was also shown that the recovery of added bPL (12 ng/mL) was markedly reduced in those samples in which exogenous rabbit anti-bPL were added at dilutions lower than 1:20,000. Concentrations of foetal bPL were determined in samples from cannulated foetuses. In foetuses 1 and 6, bPL concentrations remained almost unchanged (<5 ng/mL) during the whole experimental period. In Foetus 3, bPL concentrations decreased immediately after IgG infusion and thereafter, they increased until parturition.

Conclusion(s)

The use of a bPL RIA using a guinea pig anti-bPL as primary antiserum allowed for the measurement of bPL concentrations in foetal plasma in presence of rabbit anti-bPL IgG into the foetal circulation. Long-term foetal catheterization allowed for the study of the influence of direct infusion of anti-bPL IgG on peripheral bPL concentrations in bovine foetuses.
In silico feasibility of novel biodegradation pathways for 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene
Authors: Finley Stacey D , Broadbelt Linda J , Hatzimanikatis Vassily
Published: February 2010

Background

Bioremediation offers a promising pollution treatment method in the reduction and elimination of man-made compounds in the environment. Computational tools to predict novel biodegradation pathways for pollutants allow one to explore the capabilities of microorganisms in cleaning up the environment. However, given the wealth of novel pathways obtained using these prediction methods, it is necessary to evaluate their relative feasibility, particularly within the context of the cellular environment.

Results

We have utilized a computational framework called BNICE to generate novel biodegradation routes for 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (1,2,4-TCB) and incorporated the pathways into a metabolic model for Pseudomonas putida. We studied the cellular feasibility of the pathways by applying metabolic flux analysis (MFA) and thermodynamic constraints. We found that the novel pathways generated by BNICE enabled the cell to produce more biomass than the known pathway. Evaluation of the flux distribution profiles revealed that several properties influenced biomass production: 1) reducing power required, 2) reactions required to generate biomass precursors, 3) oxygen utilization, and 4) thermodynamic topology of the pathway. Based on pathway analysis, MFA, and thermodynamic properties, we identified several promising pathways that can be engineered into a host organism to accomplish bioremediation.

Conclusions

This work was aimed at understanding how novel biodegradation pathways influence the existing metabolism of a host organism. We have identified attractive targets for metabolic engineers interested in constructing a microorganism that can be used for bioremediation. Through this work, computational tools are shown to be useful in the design and evaluation of novel xenobiotic biodegradation pathways, identifying cellularly feasible degradation routes.
A male presenting with a primary mucinous bladder carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Sigalas Konstantinos , Tyritzis Stavros I , Trigka Eleni , Katafigiotis Ioannis , Kavantzas Nikolaos , Stravodimos Konstantinos G
Published: February 2010

Background

The primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the bladder is an extremely rare urologic entity, which is found in less than 2% of all urinary bladder tumours and is often presented as metastatic.

Case presentation

A 69-year old male patient was diagnosed with a primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the bladder after undergoing a transurethral resection of a bladder tumour and complete examination of the entire gastrointestinal tract to rule out other primary cites. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the nature of the tumour. The patient underwent a radical cystoprostatectomy with en block bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy and urinary diversion with a Bricker ileostomy.

Conclusion

The primary adenocarcinoma creates a diagnostic dilemma, since it cannot be easily differentiated by the adenocarcinoma that originates from the colon and the prostate. We advocate the radical surgical management, after exclusion of any primary malignant sites related to the gastrointestinal tract. The immunohistochemistry has a leading role, assisting with the differential diagnosis.
Insulin resistance and triglyceride/HDLc index are associated with coronary artery disease
Authors: Bertoluci Marcello C , Quadros Alexandre S , Sarmento-Leite Rogério , Schaan Beatriz D
Published: February 2010

Background

Insulin-resistance is associated with cardiovascular disease but it is not used as a marker for disease in clinical practice.

Aims

To study the association between the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) and triglyceride/HDLc ratio (TG/HDLc) with the presence of coronary artery disease in patients submitted to cardiac catheterization.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, 131 patients (57.0 ± 10 years-old, 51.5% men) underwent clinical, laboratory and angiographic evaluation and were classified as No CAD (absence of coronary artery disease) or CAD (stenosis of more than 30% in at least one major coronary artery).

Results

Prevalence of coronary artery disease was 56.7%. HOMA-IR and TG/HDLc index were higher in the CAD vs No CAD group, respectively: HOMA-IR: 3.19 (1.70-5.62) vs. 2.33 (1.44-4.06), p = 0.015 and TG/HDLc: 3.20 (2.38-5.59) vs. 2.80 (1.98-4.59) p = 0.045) - median (p25-75). After a ROC curve analysis, cut-off values were selected based on the best positive predictive value for each variable: HOMA-IR = 6.0, TG/HDLc = 8.5 and [HOMA-IR×TG/HDLc] = 28. Positive predictive value for coronary artery disease for HOMA-IR>6.0 was 82.6%, for TG/HDLc>8.5 was 85.7% and for [HOMA-IR×TG/HDLc]>28 was 88.0%. Adjusted relative risk (age, gender, diabetes, body mass index, systolic blood pressure) for the presence of coronary artery disease was: for HOMA-IR>6.0, 1.47 (95.CI: 1.06-2.04, p = 0.027), for TG/HDLc>8.5, 1.46 (95% CI:1.07-1.98), p = 0.015) and for [HOMA-IR × TG/HDLc] >28, 1.64 (95%CI: 1.28-2.09), p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Increased HOMA-IR, TG/HDLc and their product are positively associated with angiographic coronary artery disease, and may be useful for risk stratification as a high-specificity test for coronary artery disease.
Candidate genes for alcohol preference identified by expression profiling in alcohol-preferring and -nonpreferring reciprocal congenic rats
Authors: Liang Tiebing , Kimpel Mark W , McClintick Jeanette N , Skillman Ashley R , McCall Kevin , Edenberg Howard J , Carr Lucinda G
Published: February 2010

Background

Selectively bred alcohol-preferring (P) and alcohol-nonpreferring (NP) rats differ greatly in alcohol preference, in part due to a highly significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 4. Alcohol consumption scores of reciprocal chromosome 4 congenic strains NP.P and P.NP correlated with the introgressed interval. The goal of this study was to identify candidate genes that may influence alcohol consumption by comparing gene expression in five brain regions of alcohol-naïve inbred alcohol-preferring and P.NP congenic rats: amygdala, nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, caudate putamen, and frontal cortex.

Results

Within the QTL region, 104 cis-regulated probe sets were differentially expressed in more than one region, and an additional 53 were differentially expressed in a single region. Fewer trans-regulated probe sets were detected, and most differed in only one region. Analysis of the average expression values across the 5 brain regions yielded 141 differentially expressed cis-regulated probe sets and 206 trans-regulated probe sets. Comparing the present results from inbred alcohol-preferring vs. congenic P.NP rats to earlier results from the reciprocal congenic NP.P vs. inbred alcohol-nonpreferring rats demonstrated that 74 cis-regulated probe sets were differentially expressed in the same direction and with a consistent magnitude of difference in at least one brain region.

Conclusions

Cis-regulated candidate genes for alcohol consumption that lie within the chromosome 4 QTL were identified and confirmed by consistent results in two independent experiments with reciprocal congenic rats. These genes are strong candidates for affecting alcohol preference in the inbred alcohol-preferring and inbred alcohol-nonpreferring rats.
Genomic and small RNA sequencing of Miscanthus × giganteusshows the utility of sorghum as a reference genome sequence for Andropogoneae grasses
Authors: Swaminathan Kankshita , Alabady Magdy S , Varala Kranthi , De Paoli Emanuele , Ho Isaac , Rokhsar Dan S , Arumuganathan Aru K , Ming Ray , Green Pamela J , Meyers Blake C , Moose Stephen P , Hudson Matthew E
Published: February 2010

Background

Miscanthus × giganteus (Mxg) is a perennial grass that produces superior biomass yields in temperate environments. The essentially uncharacterized triploid genome (3n = 57, x = 19) of Mxg is likely critical for the rapid growth of this vegetatively propagated interspecific hybrid.

Results

A survey of the complex Mxg genome was conducted using 454 pyrosequencing of genomic DNA and Illumina sequencing-by-synthesis of small RNA. We found that the coding fraction of the Mxg genome has a high level of sequence identity to that of other grasses. Highly repetitive sequences representing the great majority of the Mxg genome were predicted using non-cognate assembly for de novo repeat detection. Twelve abundant families of repeat were observed, with those related to either transposons or centromeric repeats likely to comprise over 95% of the genome. Comparisons of abundant repeat sequences to a small RNA survey of three Mxg organs (leaf, rhizome, inflorescence) revealed that the majority of observed 24-nucleotide small RNAs are derived from these repetitive sequences. We show that high-copy-number repeats match more of the small RNA, even when the amount of the repeat sequence in the genome is accounted for.

Conclusions

We show that major repeats are present within the triploid Mxg genome and are actively producing small RNAs. We also confirm the hypothesized origins of Mxg, and suggest that while the repeat content of Mxg differs from sorghum, the sorghum genome is likely to be of utility in the assembly of a gene-space sequence of Mxg.
Matrix elasticity, cytoskeletal forces and physics of the nucleus: how deeply do cells ‘feel’ outside and in?
Authors: Buxboim Amnon , Ivanovska Irena L. , Discher Dennis E.
Published: February 2010

Cellular organization within a multicellular organism requires that a cell assess its relative location, taking in multiple cues from its microenvironment. Given that the extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of the most abundant proteins in animals and contributes both structure and elasticity to tissues, ECM probably provides key physical cues to cells. In vivo, in the vicinity of many tissue cell types, fibrous characteristics of the ECM are less discernible than the measurably distinct elasticity that characterizes different tissue microenvironments. As a cell engages matrix and actively probes, it senses the local elastic resistance of the ECM and nearby cells via their deformation, and — similar to the proverbial princess who feels a pea placed many mattresses below — the cell seems to possess feedback and recognition mechanisms that establish how far it can feel. Recent experimental findings and computational modeling of cell and matrix mechanics lend insight into the subcellular range of sensitivity. Continuity of deformation from the matrix into the cell and further into the cytoskeleton-caged and -linked nucleus also supports the existence of mechanisms that direct processes such as gene expression in the differentiation of stem cells. Ultimately, cells feel the difference between stiff or soft and thick or thin surroundings, regardless of whether or not they are of royal descent.
Sgo1 establishes the centromeric cohesion protection mechanism in G2 before subsequent Bub1-dependent recruitment in mitosis
Authors: Perera David , Taylor Stephen S.
Published: February 2010

Bub1 was one of the first protein kinases identified as a component of the spindle-assembly checkpoint, a surveillance mechanism that delays anaphase onset until all chromosomes are stably attached to spindle microtubules. Whereas the kinase activity of Bub1 is not required for checkpoint function in yeast, its requirement in mammalian cells is still unclear. Using a complementation assay with bona fide BUB1-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts, we show that the kinase activity of Bub1 is not required for checkpoint function or chromosome alignment. Its activity is, however, required for centromeric localisation of Sgo1, a known protector of centromeric cohesion. Despite the absence of Sgo1 from mitotic centromeres in cells devoid of Bub1 activity, centromeric cohesion is still maintained until anaphase. An explanation for this comes from observations showing that Sgo1 is first recruited to centromeric heterochromatin in G2, but then becomes diffusely localised throughout the nucleus in early prophase, before returning to centromeres later in prophase. Importantly, whereas centromeric localisation of Sgo1 in prophase is dependent on the kinase activity of Bub1, its recruitment to centromeric heterochromatin in G2 is not. Rather, the localisation of Sgo1 in G2 is abolished when heterochromatin protein 1 is not bound to centromeric heterochromatin. Thus, it seems that Sgo1 sets up the centromeric protection mechanism in G2, but that its Bub1-dependent localisation to centromeres during mitosis is not required to maintain cohesion.
High stakes testing, accountability, incentives and consequences in English schools
Authors: West Anne
Published: February 2010

This article is concerned with high stakes testing in England, where system-wide marketoriented reforms have been introduced into the school-based education system. It focuses in particular on the consequences of such testing in terms of accountability, teaching, learning and resourcing. The article argues that not only are there serious consequences associated with the testing regime, but there are also doubts about the validity of the test results. Moreover, there are concerns about whether a focus on high stakes test results is meeting the needs of society more generally: there is a strong argument for indicators used for the purposes of accountability to tie in with the wider goals of education.
New immigrants and migrants in social housing in Britain: discursive themes and lived realities
Authors: Robinson David
Published: February 2010

The perception that new immigrants and migrants are unfairly advantaged in the allocation of social housing is one of the most frequently cited injustices of new immigration in Britain. Tapping into dominant notions of the immigrant as folk devil and a long tradition of scapegoating blameworthy groups for problems accessing social housing, this debate has all the hallmarks of a moral panic, with exaggeration and distortion raising public concern to a level disproportionate to any apparent or rational threat. This point is reinforced by a review of the experiences of new immigrants and migrants within the social housing allocation process.
How do public bodies respond to freedom of information legislation? Administration, modernisation and democratisation
Authors: Taylor John , Burt Eleanor
Published: February 2010

This paper reflects on public service behaviour surrounding the early post-implementation period of the 2002 Freedom of Information [Scotland] Act. Drawing from research completed in September 2007 it examines the extent to which freedom of information (FOI) is generating new arrangements for managing information, thereby supporting government’s broader modernisation agenda. By showing how FOI is managed within Scottish public bodies the paper also casts light on the practice of democratic government. It shows, too, how in three key aspects – administration, modernisation and democratisation – the delivery of FOI is infused by political behaviours and constrictions.
Thematic Review: Putting poverty and welfare in place
Authors: Milbourne Paul
Published: February 2010

Recent years have witnessed increased interest in the geographies of poverty and welfare. This article provides a critical review of three important themes emerging from this growing body of literature. First, it explores the spatial unevenness of poverty and the persistence of poverty in particular regions and places. Second, attention is given to the complex relationship between poverty and place, and the ways in which poverty is shaped by the local contexts of place. Third, the shifting relations between central and local welfare systems are examined within the context of recent welfare reform. The article ends by outlining new geographical agendas for research on these themes.
Comparing Outcomes of Meropenem Administration Strategies Based on Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Principles: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Perrott Jerrold , Mabasa Vincent H , Ensom Mary HH
Published: February 2010

Objective:

To systematically review evidence comparing traditional and alternative dosing strategies for meropenem, based on clinical and pharmacoeconomic outcomes.

Data Sources:

MEDLINE (1950–September 2009), EMBASE (1980–September 2009), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–September 2009) were searched, using the terms meropenem, carbapenems, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics. Reference citations from publications identified were reviewed.

Study Selection And Data Extraction:

Articles discussing administration of meropenem to adults with normal renal function and comparing at least 2 regimens, 1 of which included the manufacturer-recommended regimen of 0.5 g or 1 g every 8 hours infused over 30 minutes, with clinical, pharmacodynamic, or pharmacoeconomic endpoints, were included. The pharmacodynamic endpoint of interest was percent time that the unbound drug concentration exceeded the minimal inhibitory concentration for a bacterial pathogen.

Data Synthesis:

Sixteen studies were reviewed, which included 13 pharmacokinetic and dynamic assessments using Monte Carlo simulations, 5 clinical evaluations, and 3 pharmacoeconomic appraisals. Data on clinical and economic outcomes are largely nonrandomized retrospective analyses and case reports. Meropenem via intermittent prolonged infusion potentially increases the likelihood of achieving pharmacodynamic targets. However, a strong link with improved clinical outcomes is lacking. Smaller doses with shorter intervals appear to provide pharmacodynamic target attainment rates and clinical outcomes similar to those with traditional dosing, with potential pharmacoeconomic benefits. Meropenem via continuous infusion appears to increase the likelihood of achieving pharmacodynamic targets, compared with intermittent infusions. The sparsity of clinical evidence supporting this practice limits its broad application to practice. No studies have formally examined adverse effects with alternative dosing regimens.

Conclusions:

Meropenem alternative dosing strategies provide similar pharmacodynamic target attainment rates compared with traditional dosing strategies. Small doses with shorter interval dosing provide additional pharmacoeconomic benefits and similar clinical outcomes. Alternative dosing strategies for meropenem were largely studied in healthy subjects; individuals with pharmacokinetic parameters that differ significantly may be ideal subjects for empiric dose modification.
Probiotics for Maintaining Remission of Ulcerative Colitis in Adults
Authors: Do Vi T , Baird Brian G , Kockler Denise R
Published: February 2010

Objective:

To evaluate evidence for probiotic efficacy for maintaining remission of ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults.

Data Sources:

A MEDLINE search (1948–November 2009) was conducted using ulcerative colitis and probiotics as terms for identifying pertinent studies. Search limits included English language and humans. Additional information was obtained from bibliographies.

Study Selection And Data Extraction:

Prospective trials published in English and conducted in adults were included. Two open-label and 3 double-blind randomized trials evaluated probiotic efficacy for maintaining remission of UC. Clinical and surrogate markers for maintaining remission of UC were assessed.

Data Synthesis:

A relationship between immune response and gastrointestinal microbials appears to be involved in the mechanism of UC. Trial results comparing the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 to mesalazine have reported equivalent rates of UC relapse. Treatment with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain alone or in combination with mesalazine resulted in a nonsignificant odds ratio decrease for relapse and a significant increase in time to relapse compared to treatment with mesalazine alone. Additionally, bifidobacteria-fermented milk-supplemented patients had significant reductions in UC exacerbations when compared to nonsupplemented patients. Probiotics were well tolerated, with adverse event rates similar between treatments.

Conclusions:

Studies evaluating probiotics for maintaining remission of UC are limited by trial design and use of different probiotics with variable bacterial contents. Thus, questions remain regarding optimal probiotic, dosing, specific patient populations, and placement in therapy. To answer these questions, large, randomized, controlled trials need to be conducted before probiotics can be routinely recommended for maintaining remission of UC.
Theory of mind and emotion understanding predict moral development in early childhood
Authors: Lane Jonathan D. , Wellman Henry M. , Olson Sheryl L. , LaBounty Jennifer. , Kerr David C. R.
Published: February 2010

The current study utilized longitudinal data to investigate how theory of mind (ToM) and emotion understanding (EU) concurrently and prospectively predicted young children's moral reasoning and decision making. One hundred twenty‐eight children were assessed on measures of ToM and EU at 3.5 and 5.5 years of age. At 5.5 years, children were also assessed on the quality of moral reasoning and decision making they used to negotiate prosocial moral dilemmas, in which the needs of a story protagonist conflict with the needs of another story character. More sophisticated EU predicted greater use of physical‐ and material‐needs reasoning, and a more advanced ToM predicted greater use of psychological‐needs reasoning. Most intriguing, ToM and EU jointly predicted greater use of higher‐level acceptance‐authority reasoning, which is likely a product of children's increasing appreciation for the knowledge held by trusted adults and children's desire to behave in accordance with social expectations.
Personal characteristics, resources, and environment as predictors of business survival
Authors: Korunka Christian , Kessler Alexander , Frank Hermann , Lueger Manfred
Published: February 2010

Although new venture success is frequently investigated in entrepreneurship, economics, and psychology, the studies published to date vary widely in their theoretical basis, study design, and research methodology. Based on organizational life‐cycle theory and interactional personality theory, this longitudinal study analyses predictors of venture survival. Of 354 small business owners observed over 8 years, 283 (79.9%) still had active businesses at the end of the observation period. A survey instrument was developed to measure the relevant characteristics of the entrepreneurs, their resources, and the environment. Logistic regression models predicting medium‐ and long‐term business survival included these characteristics and the interactions between them entered stepwise as blocks. Startup decisions (line of business, type, and size of planned business) were used as control variables. Much of the variance is explained by our research model (Nagelkerkes R2=.36 for survival at 4 years, and .33 for survival at 8 years). Although long‐term business survival is predicted by the individual variables of startup size and social capital (networks), a larger part of the variance is explained by environment/resource interactions.
Analgesia and other causes of amnesia that mimic post‐traumatic amnesia (PTA): A cohort study
Authors: Kemp Steven , Agostinis Alessio , House Allan , Coughlan Anthony K.
Published: February 2010

Objective. This study explores the possibility that a post‐traumatic amnesia (PTA) like phenomenon is caused by the administration of drugs in hospital following injury and that this may be observed in patients who have not suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This work also explored the possibility for an additional contribution to this phenomenon of demographic and psychological variables.

Method. Sixty‐three orthopaedic patients with no evidence of brain injury were recruited to a two‐phase study. Medication records, demographic, and psychological data were obtained at the phase 1. At follow‐up interviews (phase 2), psychological data (mood and post‐traumatic stress disorder, PTSD) were again obtained and retrospective assessment of PTA using the Rivermead PTA protocol was carried out in 47 patients.

Results. Thirty‐eight per cent (N=18) of the total sample (N=47) reported a PTA‐like phenomenon despite not having suffered TBI. A logistic regression model including the receipt of opioids, surgery, and anxiety‐related variables, was significant in predicting this phenomenon (χ2=22.054, df=4, p≤.01) and accounted for up to 57.5% of variation in the data. Age, either alone or in interaction with opioid use, depression, and PTSD symptoms were not significant predictors. PTA‐like phenomenon did not occur without at least one predictive factor.

Conclusion. Receiving opioids, undergoing surgery, and suffering clinical levels of anxiety at an early stage following injury, can lead patients who have not suffered a TBI to report a PTA‐like phenomenon at follow‐up. This suggests that retrospective PTA assessment on actual brain injury patients may also be influenced by these factors.
Immunohistochemical analysis of kallikrein-related peptidases in the normal kidney and renal tumors: potential clinical implications
Authors: Gabril Manal , White Nicole M. , Moussa Madeleine , Chow Tsz-fung F. , Metias Shereen M. , Fatoohi Eman , Yousef George M.
Published: February 2010

Kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) have been shown to be differentially expressed in various malignancies and shown to be useful tumor markers. Previous immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis demonstrated that KLKs 5, 6, 10, and 11 have a potential prognostic significance in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). To further explore the significance of KLKs, we examined KLKs 1, 6, 7, and 15 in different subtypes of renal tumors. KLK1 has stronger expression in high grade compared to low grade clear cell RCC. However, KLK6 and KLK7 show strong expression in low grade in contrast to high grade clear cell RCC. Furthermore, the expression of KLK7 can distinguish between oncocytoma and chromophobe RCC. Oncocytoma showed diffuse, strong granular cytoplasmic staining, but chromophobe RCC showed focal weak homogeneous cytoplasmic stain. The pattern of staining of different KLKs can also be helpful in differentiating some of the subtypes of renal tumors. Our results show the potential ability of KLKs to serve as diagnostic markers and expand previous data about the prognostic significance of KLKs in kidney cancer. In addition, our study is the first to show the ability of KLK staining to distinguish various types of kidney cancers when morphology is similar.
Signal transduction by the atopy-associated human thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) receptor depends on Janus kinase function
Authors: Wohlmann Andreas , Sebastian Katrin , Borowski Andreas , Krause Sebastian , Friedrich Karlheinz
Published: February 2010

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is an interleukin-(IL)-7-like cytokine with emerging pathological importance for the development of atopic diseases such as allergic asthma bronchiale. The TSLP receptor (TSLPR), a heterodimeric type I cytokine receptor, shares the IL-7R α-subunit with the IL-7 receptor system. The specific TSLPR α-chain shows similarities with the γc receptor chain, but has some unusual features within the receptor family in both its ligand-binding and cytoplasmic domain. The murine TSLPR signals via the signal transducers and activators of transcription STAT5 and STAT3, but is unique among cytokine receptors in that it activates STATs without the involvement of Janus (JAK) tyrosine kinases, but instead utilizes the Src type kinase Tec. Here, we show by Western blotting and reporter gene experiments in combination with the application of a specific JAK inhibitor that the human TSLP receptor, in contrast, requires the function of JAK1 and JAK2 for STAT activation. Moreover, we demonstrate that the human TSLPR mediates gene regulation not only through STAT5 and STAT3 but has also the potential to mediate transcription via STAT1. Our work should help to understand more thoroughly how TSLP triggers inflammatory responses in the course of atopic diseases.
A Non Local Multiaxial Fatigue Approach to Account for Stress Gradient Effect Applied to Crack Initiation in Fretting
Authors: Amargier R. , Fouvry S. , Poupon C. , Chambon L.
Published: February 2010

Although fatigue limits of smooth specimens under various complex loadings have been determined, few models have been proposed to predict well-known experimental results such as size effects and stress gradient effects. This paper addresses the stress gradient effect issue. A new non local multiaxial fatigue approach is proposed and applied to rotating bending and fretting experiments. The proposal takes as a starting point the rotating bending results and stress gradient analysis of a cylinder-plane contact in partial slip sliding regime. Both weight function and “process volume,” used to compute the mean value of the weight function, are introduced in a phenomenological way. The weight function reflects the experimental trend of fatigue limit under rotating bending whereas the connected process volume allows dealing with special stress gradient induced by cylinder-plane contact under partial slip. The proposal shows good capabilities to predict four-point rotating bending fatigue limit and crack initiation of a similar Inconel 718 cylinder/plane contact under partial slip regime.
Corrosion of Fe-Based Nanocrystalline Alloys with Soft Magnetic Properties
Authors: Sousa Carlos Caldas , Kiminami Claudio Shyinti
Published: February 2010

Iron-based nanocrystalline alloys have attracted increasing attention due to their good soft magnetic properties for industrial applications. These alloys combine low magnetic loss, high saturation magnetic flux density, low coercive force, and high permeability, which are important in soft magnetic materials applications. Corrosion not only decreases the service life of soft magnetic materials, creating the need for system replacement, but can also damage the soft magnetic properties of these alloys. This behavior can lead to serious consequences in several applications, e.g., when solenoid valves or magnetic sensors are used for controlling combustible fluids or pressure vessels. Therefore, in the past few years, considerable interest has focused on the effect of microstructure and composition on the corrosion of iron-based amorphous and nanocrystalline alloys and on the effect of corrosion on the magnetic properties of these materials. This paper describes the main families of nanocrystalline Fe-based alloys with soft magnetic properties and discusses their magnetic properties and applications. In addition, the effect of partial crystallization on corrosion resistance is examined, including a critical discussion about the mechanisms reported in the literature. Other points analyzed here are the relationship between nanocrystalline alloy corrosion and composition, the effect of main alloying elements such as Nb, Zr, and No, the effect of corrosion on the magnetic properties of nanocrystalline alloys, and trends for future investigations. The aim of this paper is to review the current body of knowledge about the corrosion of nanocrystalline Fe-based alloys with soft magnetic properties and to highlight the importance of corrosion on the behavior of nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials.
Calibration Surface Design and Validation for Terrain Measurement Systems
Authors: Smith Hurtford , Ferris John B.
Published: February 2010

Traditionally, terrain profilers have been evaluated based on their ability to reproduce measurements made from some reference device (e.g., a rod and level). The measurement error inherent in these reference measurements has become significant as terrain profilers have become more accurate. This work develops the design requirements of a calibration surface that will provide an absolute reference by which to compare measured terrain profiles, and the event is used to test the accuracy of an inertial profiler. Four main requirements must be considered when designing a calibration surface. First, sharp-edged high bandwidth events must be implemented, and the surface must have a varying reflectivity to test the terrain profiler’s ability to measure the relative distance from itself to the terrain. The calibration surface must also gage the profiler’s ability to repeatedly measure longitudinal distance. Finally, the event must be easily transported and reproducible. An implementation example is used to demonstrate a potential calibration surface design and accuracy verification procedure.
Synaptic Mechanisms of Direction Selectivity in Primary Auditory Cortex
Authors: Ye Chang-quan , Poo Mu-ming , Dan Yang , Zhang Xiao-hui
Published: February 2010

Frequency modulation (FM) is a prominent feature in animal vocalization and human speech. Although many neurons in the auditory cortex are known to be selective for FM direction, the synaptic mechanisms underlying this selectivity are not well understood. Previous studies of both visual and auditory neurons have suggested two general mechanisms for direction selectivity: (1) differential delays of excitatory inputs across the spatial/spectral receptive field and (2) spatial/spectral offset between excitatory and inhibitory inputs. In this study, we have examined the contributions of both mechanisms to FM direction selectivity in rat primary auditory cortex. The excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs to each cortical neuron were measured byin vivowhole-cell recording. The spectrotemporal receptive field of each type of inputs was mapped with random tone pips and compared with direction selectivity of the neuron measured with FM stimuli. We found that both the differential delay of the excitatory input and the spectral offset between excitation and inhibition are positively correlated with direction selectivity of the neuron. Thus, both synaptic mechanisms are likely to contribute to FM direction selectivity in the auditory cortex. Finally, direction selectivity measured from the spiking output is significantly stronger than that based on the subthreshold membrane potentials, indicating that the selectivity is further sharpened by the spike generation mechanism.
Medial Frontal Cortex Motivates But Does Not Control Movement Initiation in the Countermanding Task
Authors: Scangos Katherine Wilson , Stuphorn Veit
Published: February 2010

Voluntary control of behavior implies the ability to select what action is performed. The supplementary motor area (SMA) and pre-SMA are widely considered to be of central importance for this ability because of their role in movement initiation and inhibition. To test this hypothesis, we recorded from neurons in SMA and pre-SMA of monkeys performing an arm countermanding task. Temporal analysis of neural activity and behavior in this task allowed us to test whether neural activity is sufficient to control movement initiation or inhibition. Surprisingly, 99% (242 of 243) of movement-related neurons in SMA and pre-SMA failed to exhibit time-locked activity changes predictive of movement initiation in this task. We also found a second group of neurons that was more active during successful response cancelation. Of these putative inhibitory cells, 18% (7 of 40) responded early enough to be able to influence the cancelation of the movement. Thus, when tested with the countermanding task, the SMA/pre-SMA region may play a role in movement inhibition but does not appear to control movement initiation. However, the activity of 76% (202 of 267) of movement-related neurons was contingent on the expectation of reward and 42% of them reflected the amount of expected reward. These findings suggest that the movement-related activity in pre-SMA and SMA might represent the motivation for a specific action but does not determine whether or not that action is performed. This motivational signal in pre-SMA and SMA could provide an essential link between reward expectation and motor execution.
Genetic Fate Mapping Reveals That the Caudal Ganglionic Eminence Produces a Large and Diverse Population of Superficial Cortical Interneurons
Authors: Miyoshi Goichi , Hjerling-Leffler Jens , Karayannis Theofanis , Sousa Vitor H. , Butt Simon J. B. , Battiste James , Johnson Jane E. , Machold Robert P. , Fishell Gord
Published: February 2010

By combining an inducible genetic fate mapping strategy with electrophysiological analysis, we have systematically characterized the populations of cortical GABAergic interneurons that originate from the caudal ganglionic eminence (CGE). Interestingly, compared with medial ganglionic eminence (MGE)-derived cortical interneuron populations, the initiation [embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5)] and peak production (E16.5) of interneurons from this embryonic structure occurs 3 d later in development. Moreover, unlike either pyramidal cells or MGE-derived cortical interneurons, CGE-derived interneurons do not integrate into the cortex in an inside-out manner but preferentially (75%) occupy superficial cortical layers independent of birthdate. In contrast to previous estimates, CGE-derived interneurons are both considerably greater in number (∼30% of all cortical interneurons) and diversity (comprised by at least nine distinct subtypes). Furthermore, we found that a large proportion of CGE-derived interneurons, including the neurogliaform subtype, express the glycoprotein Reelin. In fact, most CGE-derived cortical interneurons express either Reelin or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. Thus, in conjunction with previous studies, we have now determined the spatial and temporal origins of the vast majority of cortical interneuron subtypes.
Selective Electrical Stimulation of the Auditory Nerve Activates a Pathway Specialized for High Temporal Acuity
Authors: Middlebrooks John C. , Snyder Russell L.
Published: February 2010

Deaf people who use cochlear implants show surprisingly poor sensitivity to the temporal fine structure of sounds. One possible reason is that conventional cochlear implants cannot activate selectively the auditory-nerve fibers having low characteristic frequencies (CFs), which, in normal hearing, phase lock to stimulus fine structure. Recently, we tested in animals an alternative mode of auditory prosthesis using penetrating auditory-nerve electrodes that permit frequency-specific excitation in all frequency regions. We present here measures of temporal transmission through the auditory brainstem, from pulse trains presented with various auditory-nerve electrodes to phase-locked activity of neurons in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICC). On average, intraneural stimulation resulted in significant ICC phase locking at higher pulse rates (i.e., higher “limiting rates”) than did cochlear-implant stimulation. That could be attributed, however, to the larger percentage of low-CF neurons activated selectively by intraneural stimulation. Most ICC neurons with limiting rates >500 pulses per second had CFs <1.5 kHz, whereas neurons with lower limiting rates tended to have higher CFs. High limiting rates also correlated strongly with short first-spike latencies. It follows that short latencies correlated significantly with low CFs, opposite to the correlation observed with acoustical stimulation. These electrical-stimulation results reveal a high-temporal-acuity brainstem pathway characterized by low CFs, short latencies, and high-fidelity transmission of periodic stimulation. Frequency-specific stimulation of that pathway by intraneural stimulation might improve temporal acuity in human users of a future auditory prosthesis, which in turn might improve musical pitch perception and speech reception in noise.
Role of Afferents in the Differentiation of Bipolar Cells in the Mouse Retina
Authors: Keeley Patrick W. , Reese Benjamin E.
Published: February 2010

To establish dendritic arbors that integrate properly into a neural circuit, neurons must rely on cues from the local environment. The neurons presynaptic to these arbors, the afferents, are one potential source of these cues, but the particular dendritic features they regulate remain unclear. Retinal bipolar cells can be classified by the type of photoreceptor, cone or rod, forming synaptic contacts with their dendrites, suggesting a potential role of these afferents in shaping the bipolar cell dendritic arbor. In the present investigation, the role of photoreceptors in directing the differentiation of bipolar cells has been studied using two genetically modified “coneless” and “conefull” mice. Single cone (Type 7/CB4a) and rod bipolar cells were labeled with DiI to reveal the entire dendritic arbor and subsequently analyzed for several morphological features. For both cone and rod bipolar cells, the dendritic field area, number of dendritic terminals, and stratification of terminals in the outer plexiform layer were comparable among coneless, conefull, and wild-type retinas, and the overall morphological appearance of each type of cell was essentially conserved, indicating an independence from afferent specification. The presence of normal afferents was, however, found to be critical for the proper spatial distribution of dendritic terminals, exhibiting a clustered distribution for the cone bipolar cells and a dispersed distribution for the rod bipolar cells. These results demonstrate a selectivity in the afferent dependency of bipolar cell differentiation, their basic morphogenetic plan commanded cell intrinsically, and their fine terminal connectivity directed by the afferents themselves.