bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Number and sex ratio of children and impact of parental diabetes in individuals with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Holstein A. , Patzer O. , Tiemann T. , Vortherms J. , Kovacs P.
Published: February 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1268–1271 (2012)

Objective  To assess the number and sex ratio of children in individuals with Type 1 diabetes mellitus and the influence of parental diabetes on age at onset of Type 1 diabetes in our cohort.

Methods  In a cross‐sectional study in a German region comprising 350 000 inhabitants, 697 subjects with Type 1 diabetes (364 women, 333 men) underwent a standardized assessment regarding the number and sex of their children and the family history of diabetes.

Results  Compared with 1.36 children per woman in the German background population, the total fertility rate in the calendar year of 2010 in our female cohort with Type 1 diabetes (age 18–49 years) was 0.88. Men with Type 1 diabetes had a fertility rate of 0.65. More men (51.1%) than women (35.7%; P < 0.0001) were childless. Twenty per cent of all women aged 41–45 years in the background population were childless compared with 36.2% of all women and 52% of all men in this specific age group from our cohort. The sex ratio of female vs. male offspring of individuals with Type 1 diabetes did not differ significantly from the expected 1:1 ratio. Maternal Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes increased the age at onset of Type 1 diabetes from 22.9 ± 13.7 (no maternal diabetes) to 28.6 ± 16.8 and 30.1 ± 15.1 years (p < 0.0001), respectively.

Conclusions  Compared with the German reference population, individuals with Type 1 diabetes had significantly fewer children and were more often childless. The sex ratio female vs. male offspring of women and men with Type 1 diabetes was unaffected. Maternal history of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes was associated with a significant later onset of Type 1 diabetes.
DO LABOUR SOCIETIES PERFORM DIFFERENTLY TO COOPERATIVES? EVIDENCE FROM THE SPANISH BUILDING INDUSTRY
Authors: SÁEZ‐FERNÁNDEZ Francisco J. , PICAZO‐TADEO Andrés J. , LLORCA‐RODRÍGUEZ Carmen M.
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT:  Labour Societies and Cooperatives are both Social Economy enterprises, but with noticeable differences, some of which are imposed by legislation in Spain. The aim of this paper is to study whether such differences affect their management capacity and, in particular, efficiency. In doing so, Data Envelopment Analysis techniques and the metafrontier approach proposed by O’Donnell et al. (2008) are used on a sample of Spanish Labour Societies and Cooperatives belonging to the building industry. Scores of technical efficiency and metafrontier ratios are computed at firm level and, as a novel contribution to existing literature in this field of research, at input‐specific level. The main finding shows that Cooperatives enjoy some technological advantages over Labour Societies, particularly in regard to the management of labour, fixed assets and current assets.
The Case for Metaphor in Political Reasoning and Cognition
Authors: Bougher Lori D.
Published: February 2012

Metaphor is a central component of human cognition. Research on metaphor's role in politics has thus far focused predominately on metaphors used by the political elite. While these metaphors are important, they provide limited insight on metaphor's capacity as a reasoning tool for citizens. Metaphor as a cognitive mechanism enables citizens to make sense of the political world by drawing from previous knowledge and experience in nonpolitical domains. Because metaphors shape and constrain understanding by framing it within existing knowledge structures, they generate important predispositions. As a result, the study of metaphor offers an opportunity to enrich our descriptive understanding of the political cognition of citizens. The implicit nature of metaphorical reasoning means that empirical investigation will be a challenge for future research, but previous studies on metaphor suggest some productive avenues. Metaphor offers not only the chance to better explain how citizens view the political world and why they hold the preferences they do, but its criteria and processes hold wider relevance for political psychology and public opinion research.
Power/knowledge and impact assessment: creating new spaces for expertise in international development
Authors: Hayes Niall , Westrup Chris
Published: February 2012

Impact assessment is an important methodology in information and communication technologies for development. It presents the potential to change power knowledge relations between donors, non‐governmental organizations and beneficiaries. Impact assessment offers a new and subtle form of control—shaped by and shaping expertise—influencing how we understand and undertake development.
SONG CHINA'S WATER TRANSPORT REVISITED: A STUDY OF THE 1077 COMMERCIAL TAX DATA
Authors: LIU GUANGLIN WILLIAM
Published: February 2012

This paper provides an overall assessment of water transport in Song China based on the 1077 commercial tax data. The analysis demonstrates that the extension of waterway networks, especially the major waterways that linked the north and the south, greatly reduced transportation costs. Development of 11th century water transportation was due to two reasons: the emergence of a national market during the Tang–Song transition and the massive construction of canals by the government.
RURAL HOUSEHOLDS' PRODUCTION CAPACITY AND SOCIAL CHANGES: A COMPARISON BETWEEN ENGLAND DURING INDUSTRIALIZATION AND THE YANGZI DELTA IN MODERN TIMES
Authors: GUO AIMIN
Published: February 2012

The growth of rural households' production ability is the key factor in the transformation from a traditional society based on a small‐scale peasant economy to a non‐agricultural dominated society based mainly on social production and trading on a large scale. From this perspective, this article examines England and the Yangzi Delta, both at one stage considered the most developed districts in their own countries, to investigate how England accomplished social change during the period of industrialization and why the Yangzi Delta failed to industrialize in modern times.
ASIAN FINANCIAL LINKAGE: MACRO‐FINANCE DISSONANCE
Authors: FUJIWARA IPPEI , TAKAHASHI KOJI
Published: February 2012

How are Asian financial markets interlinked and how are they linked to markets in developed countries? What is the main driver of fluctuations in Asian financial markets as well as real economic activity? To answer these questions, we estimate the spillover index proposed by Diebold and Yilmaz and gauge the degree of interaction in both financial markets and real economic activity among Asian economies. We first show that the degree of the international spillover in stock markets is uniform, irrespective of the groups of countries concerned, such as the G3 and ASEAN4. This suggests the importance of global common shocks in stock markets. We then discuss the macro‐finance dissonance. In stock and bond markets, the United States has been the main driver of fluctuations. However, China has emerged as an important source of fluctuations in real economic activity.
Relaxed selection and environmental change decrease reintroduction success in simulated populations
Authors: McPhee M. E. , McPhee N. F.
Published: February 2012

Previous work has shown that captive environments can relax selective pressures on various traits, resulting in significantly more trait variance in captive‐bred versus wild populations. This increased variance could be one cause of the high mortality rates observed when captive‐bred populations are released into the wild, because a significant proportion of the released population exhibits traits that are no longer adapted to the wild. Here we use evolutionary simulation to examine the effects of relaxed selection on trait variance and population persistence when populations are reintroduced into static and changing environments. Our simulations show that when wild environments remained stable and selective pressures on given traits were quite strong (1) relaxation of selective pressures led to significant increases in trait variance; (2) trait variance rapidly decreased when pressures were restored; (3) the smaller the population size, the lower the probability of persistence; and (4) there was often a significant lag time between reintroduction and eventual extinction, reinforcing the importance of long‐term monitoring after release. When captive‐bred populations were reintroduced into changing environments, strength of selection in the release habitat was the factor that most influenced survivorship. Amount of change between the source and release habitat and the population's carrying capacity also influenced survivorship, but to a lesser extent.
Response: rarity, trophy hunting and ungulates
Authors: Palazy L. , Bonenfant C. , Gaillard J. M. , Courchamp F.
Published: February 2012

Read the Feature Paper: Rarity, trophy hunting and ungulates and the Commentaries on this Feature Paper: Rarity, willingness to pay and conservation; Trophy hunting with uncertain role for population dynamics and extinction of ungulates
The effect of payment type on product‐related emotions: evidence from an experimental study
Authors: Hahn Luise , Hoelzl Erik , Pollai Maria
Published: February 2012

Consumption and payments have been shown to be closely associated in consumers' minds. Based on the idea of ‘coupling’, it is hypothesized that product‐related emotions will differ depending on payment type (i.e. repayment and prepayment). Moreover, it has been suggested that forecasted emotions do not always correspond to experienced emotions. This is tested in a longitudinal experiment, which simulated a saving and credit situation, and assessed forecasted and experienced product‐related emotions. As hypothesized, prepayment led to more positive product‐related emotions than repayment. Moreover, participants showed some inconsistencies between forecasted and experienced emotions. Implications for marketing and consumer education are discussed.
Over‐the‐counter vs. prescription medications: are consumer perceptions of the consequences of drug instruction non‐compliance different?
Authors: Bower Amanda B. , Grau Stacy Landreth , Taylor Valerie A.
Published: February 2012

Over‐the‐counter (OTC) medications are widely available and are extensively used by consumers to treat a range of health maladies. These medications are viewed as both safe and effective when used appropriately. However, the US Food and Drug Administration cautions that very serious adverse reactions frequently result from overdose of common OTC medications. The frequency and severity of these adverse reactions stemming from non‐compliance with OTC usage suggest that these medications may not be treated with the same level of care by consumers as those afforded to prescription drugs. Consequently, the purpose of the present research is to investigate the different perceptions consumers may have regarding the importance of complying with the drug instructions for prescription vs. OTC medications. Results suggest that when considering compliance attitudes and intentions towards the usage instructions of a new and unfamiliar medication, subjects do not perceive there to be an initial difference in the consequences of non‐compliance with drug instructions across the two classification conditions. However, when thinking about OTC and prescription drug instructions in general, subjects tend to take the prescription drug instructions more seriously. While further studies are obviously needed, these preliminary results provide insight into consumer perception of non‐compliance with different classes of medications.
Role of outer membrane c‐type cytochromes MtrC and OmcA in Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 cell production, accumulation, and detachment during respiration on hematite
Authors: MITCHELL A. C. , PETERSON L. , REARDON C. L. , REED S. B. , CULLEY D. E. , ROMINE M. R. , GEESEY G. G.
Published: February 2012

The iron‐reducing bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 has the capacity to contribute to iron cycling over the long term by respiring on crystalline iron oxides such as hematite when poorly crystalline phases are depleted. The ability of outer membrane cytochromes OmcA and MtrC of MR‐1 to bind to and transfer electrons to hematite has led to the suggestion that they function as terminal reductases when this mineral is used as a respiratory substrate. Differences in their redox behavior and hematite‐binding properties, however, indicate that they play different roles in the electron transfer reaction. Here, we investigated how these differences in cytochrome behavior with respect to hematite affected biofilm development when the mineral served as terminal electron acceptor (TEA). Upon attachment to hematite, cells of the wild‐type (WT) strain as well as those of a ΔomcA mutant but not those of a ΔmtrC mutant replicated and accumulated on the mineral surface. The results indicate that MtrC but not OmcA is required for growth when this mineral serves as TEA. While an OmcA deficiency did not impede cell replication and accumulation on hematite prior to achievement of a maximum surface cell density comparable to that established by WT cells, OmcA was required for efficient electron transfer and cell attachment to hematite once maximum surface cell density was achieved. OmcA may therefore play a role in overcoming barriers to electron transfer and cell attachment to hematite imposed by reductive dissolution of the mineral surface from cell respiration associated with achievement of high surface cell densities.
Temporal requirements of heat shock factor‐1 for longevity assurance
Authors: Volovik Yuli , Maman Moria , Dubnikov Tatyana , Bejerano‐Sagie Michal , Joyce Derek , Kapernick Erik A , Cohen Ehud , Dillin Andrew
Published: February 2012

Reducing the activity of the insulin/IGF‐1 signaling pathway (IIS) modifies development, elevates stress resistance, protects from toxic protein aggregation (proteotoxicity), and extends lifespan (LS) of worms, flies, and mice. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, LS extension by IIS reduction is entirely dependent upon the activity of the transcription factors DAF‐16 and the heat shock factor‐1 (HSF‐1). While DAF‐16 determines LS exclusively during early adulthood, it is required for proteotoxicity protection also during late adulthood. In contrast, HSF‐1 protects from proteotoxicity during larval development. Despite the critical requirement for HSF‐1 for LS extension, the temporal requirements for this transcription factor as a LS determinant are unknown. To establish the temporal requirements of HSF‐1 for longevity assurance, we conditionally knocked down hsf‐1 during larval development and adulthood of C. elegans and found that unlike daf‐16, hsf‐1 is foremost required for LS determination during early larval development, required for a lesser extent during early adulthood and has small effect on longevity also during late adulthood. Our findings indicate that early developmental events affect LS and suggest that HSF‐1 sets during development of the conditions that enable DAF‐16 to promote longevity during reproductive adulthood. This study proposes a novel link between HSF‐1 and the longevity functions of the IIS.
The Ties That Divide: Bonding Social Capital, Religious Friendship Networks, and Political Tolerance among Evangelicals*
Authors: Rhodes Jeremy
Published: February 2012

Previous research has overwhelmingly found that Evangelical Protestants are generally less tolerant of outsiders than those of other religious traditions such as Catholics or Mainline Protestants. Using data from the 2005 Baylor Religion Survey, I examine the extent to which political tolerance is related to a bonding type of social capital that is typical of Evangelical Protestantism. Findings support most of the previous research into the relationship between religion and political tolerance, and support the hypothesis that social embeddedness within one’s congregation predicts intolerance among Evangelical Protestants, but not among those of other religious traditions. Implications for research into religious friendship networks and their potential dysfunctions are discussed.
A study on the exhaust dyeing of various synthetic fibres with indigo
Authors: Baig Gulzar A
Published: February 2012

Various synthetic fibres, namely, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon 6.6, acrylic and spandex fabrics, were dyed with indigo blue using an exhaust technique. The factors studied were sodium dithionite and sodium hydroxide concentrations, liquor/material ratio, dyeing temperatures and process times. The pH levels of the dyebaths were achieved by controlling the ratios of sodium dithionite and sodium hydroxide concentrations. Dyebath analysis at the end of dyeing showed that, in different pH regions, different forms of the indigo existed and each one exhibited different degrees of substantivity for synthetic fibres. The nonionic form exhibited substantivity for all the synthetic fibres, while the mono‐sodium phenolate form showed substantivity only in the acidic range. Synthetic fibres could best be dyed in the pH range of 5.5–6. Reflections spectra showed that indigo in synthetic fibres and when dissolved in dimethyl formamide absorbed maximally at 610 nm, while in cotton indigo absorbed at 660 nm. The fastness properties were measured and the results showed that washing and rubbing were good, while light and sublimation were moderate to poor.
Discovery of an oak gall wasp (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) inducing galls on deciduous oak trees in India
Authors: ABE Yoshihisa , BHUYAN Mantu , MECH Jiten , BHATTACHARYYA Pranab R. , IDE Tatsuya , MISHIMA Misako , SUYAMA Chika , SATO Shinsuke , MATSUO Kazunori , WACHI Nakatada
Published: February 2012

We report for the first time the occurrence of an oak gall wasp Andricus mukaigawae (Mukaigawa) (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) on the deciduous oak Quercus griffithii Hook. F & Thomson ex Miq. in India. Andricus mukaigawae is the only cynipid species that has been observed to induce galls on deciduous oak species in India to date. In addition, this is the first record of a gall wasp species with a distribution extending all the way from the eastern Palearctic region to the Indian subcontinent, suggesting the existence of a close relationship between cynipid faunas on deciduous oak trees in the two regions.
Effects of forest disturbances on aquatic insect assemblages
Authors: YOSHIMURA Mayumi
Published: February 2012

Natural and human‐made disasters such as floods and logging occur in and around rivers. Stream‐dwelling aquatic insects respond to these disturbances in various ways. Primary consumers among them rely greatly on algae and leaf litter from riparian vegetation as food. Therefore, once a disturbance such as a flood has occurred, insects may find it difficult to find food in a stream, and the aquatic insect assemblage can be impacted greatly as a result. Disturbances in riparian areas also increase fine sediment loads into streams, damaging habitat and altering the aquatic insect assemblage. Deforestation impacts not only terrestrial but also aquatic animals. In this review paper, aquatic insect assemblages are assessed according to alterations in land use in and around streams. Following this paper, it is expected that clarification of aquatic insect fauna and their life cycles will progress and that the distribution and habitat use of aquatic insects will be afforded greater attention in forest management.
Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of quartzite cobbles from the Tapada do Montinho archaeological site (east‐central Portugal)
Authors: Sohbati Reza , Murray Andrew S. , Buylaert Jan‐Pieter , Almeida Nelson A. C. , Cunha Pedro P.
Published: February 2012

The burial age of an alluvially deposited cobble pavement at the Tapada do Montinho archaeological site (east‐central Portugal) is investigated using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating. Measurements on the cobbles (quartzite clasts) were carried out on intact slices and large aliquots (∼8 mm) of quartz grains (63–300 μm), both recovered from the outer 1.5‐mm surface of the cobbles. The recycling ratio, recuperation and dose‐recovery tests show that the single‐aliquot regenerative‐dose (SAR) protocol is applicable to both rock slices and quartz grains; both have similar luminescence characteristics. The variation in the natural OSL signal with depth below the cobble surface using intact slices from two different cobbles shows that both were bleached to a depth of at least ∼2 mm before deposition. A model of the variation of dose with depth fitted to data from one of the cobbles gives a burial age of ∼19 ka and also predicts the dose‐depth variation at the time of deposition. Ages based on rock slices suggest that one cobble surface, and the inner parts of two other cobbles experienced a resetting event at ∼45 ka, consistent with the age control. However, the surfaces of the other cobbles all record light‐exposure events in the range 26 to 14 ka, suggesting that some of the cobbles were exposed to daylight perhaps more than once in this period. Given the shallow burial depth and unexpectedly young ages of the surrounding and overlying finer‐grained sediment, it is suggested that phases of light exposure following surficial erosion are probably responsible for this underestimate. Nevertheless, it is remarkable that we can identify and quantify four events (two light exposures of different durations and two sequential burial periods) in the dose record contained within a single clast, and this suggests that the luminescence dating of rock surfaces may prove, in the future, to be at least as important as sand/silt sediment dating.
Interaction of Angiogenically Stimulated Intermediate CD163+ Monocytes/Macrophages With Soft Hydrophobic Poly(n‐Butyl Acrylate) Networks With Elastic Moduli Matched to That of Human Arteries
Authors: Mayer Anke , Kratz Karl , Hiebl Bernhard , Lendlein Andreas , Jung Friedrich
Published: February 2012

The cell population of peripheral blood monocytes/macrophages (MO) is heterogeneous: The majority of the MO are CD14++ CD16‐ and named “classical” (= MO1). Furthermore, two other subpopulations were described: CD14++ CD16+ (“intermediate” = MO2) and CD14+ CD16++ (“non‐classical” = MO3). It is reported that MO2 possess anti‐inflammatory properties and express the MO lineage marker CD163. On a hydrophilic neutrally charged acrylamide‐based hydrogel human intermediate (CD14++ CD16+), angiogenically stimulated CD163++ monocytes/macrophages (aMO2) maintained a proangiogenic and noninflammatory status for at least 14 days. Here, we explored whether this aMO2 subset adhered to hydrophobic poly(n‐butyl acrylate) networks (cPnBA) and also remained in its proangiogenic and noninflammatory status. Because substrate elasticity can impact adherence, morphology, and function of cells, cPnBAs with different Young's modulus (250 and 1100 kPa) were investigated, whereby their elasticity was tailored by variation of the cross‐linker content and matched to the elasticity of human arteries. The cPnBAs exhibited similar surface properties (e.g., surface roughness), which were maintained after ethylene oxide sterilization and exposure in serum‐free cell culture medium for 18 h at 37°C. aMO2 were seeded on cPnBA samples (1.7 × 105 cells/1.33 cm2) in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM high glucose) supplemented with vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF‐A165, 10 ng/mL) and fetal calf serum (10 vol%) for 3 and 72 h. On both polymeric samples (n = 3 each), the numbers of adherent cells per unit area were significantly higher (P < 0.01; cPnBA0250: 3 h 13 ± 5 cells/mm2, 72 h 234 ± 106 cells/mm2; cPnBA1100: 3 h 14 ± 3 cells/mm2, 72 h 198 ± 113 cells/mm2) compared to control cultures (glass, 3 h: 6 ± 3 cells/mm2, 72 h: 130 ± 83 cells/mm2) and showed a typically spread morphology. The mRNA expression profile of the aMO2 was not influenced by the substrate elasticity. In the supernatant of aMO2 on cPnBA0250, significantly less VEGF‐A165 product was found than expected based on the mRNA level measured (P < 0.01). Tests with recombinant VEGF‐A165 then demonstrated that significantly more VEGF‐A165 was adhered on cPnBA0250 than on cPnBA1100 (P < 0.01). Seeded on cPnBA, aMO2—unaffected by the elastic moduli of both substrates—seemed to remain in their subset status and secreted VEGF‐A165 without release of proinflammatory cytokines. These in vitro results might indicate that this MO subset can be used as cellular delivery system for proangiogenic and noninflammatory mediators to support the endothelialization of cPnBA.
White matter microstructural changes of thalamocortical networks in photosensitivity and idiopathic generalized epilepsy
Authors: Groppa Sergiu , Moeller Friederike , Siebner Hartwig , Wolff Stephan , Riedel Christian , Deuschl Günther , Stephani Ulrich , Siniatchkin Michael
Published: February 2012

Purpose:  Photosensitivity or photoparoxysmal response (PPR) is an electroencephalography trait that is highly associated with idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs) and characterized by changes in cortical excitability in response to photic stimulation. Studying functional and structural changes of PPR might provide important insights into the pathogenesis of IGE. Recent studies revealed a functional network consisting of occipital, parietal, and precentral areas that might be implicated in PPR. Herein, we investigate the microstructural changes associated with PPR.

Methods:  Twelve healthy subjects with PPR, nine patients with IGE and PPR (IGE‐PPR group), and 18 healthy controls were studied with diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. Tract‐based spatial statistics were used to test for regional differences in fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity between groups.

Key Findings:  Subjects with PPR exhibited higher FA in the right precentral juxtacortical white matter and higher MD in lateral occipital areas relative to controls. Patients with IGE‐patients showed additional increases in regional FA in the thalamus and juxtacortical precentral and parietal areas. Both subjects with PPR and patients with IGE‐PPR presented axial and radial diffusivity changes in the occipital regions.

Significance:  Our results show that PPR is associated with subcortical microstructural changes in precentral, parietal, and occipital regions. The coexistence of PPR and IGE is associated with white matter abnormalities in the thalamus and precuneus. PPR and epilepsy share similar functional and structural networks in widespread cortical and subcortical areas.
Focal epilepsies in adult patients attending two epilepsy centers: Classification of drug‐resistance, assessment of risk factors, and usefulness of “new” antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Gilioli Isabella , Vignoli Aglaia , Visani Elisa , Casazza Marina , Canafoglia Laura , Chiesa Valentina , Gardella Elena , La Briola Francesca , Panzica Ferruccio , Avanzini Giuliano , Canevini Maria Paola , Franceschetti Silvana , Binelli Simona
Published: February 2012

Purpose:  To classify the grade of antiepileptic drug (AED) resistance in a cohort of patients with focal epilepsies, to recognize the risk factors for AED resistance, and to estimate the helpfulness of “new‐generation” AEDs.

Methods:  We included 1,155 adults with focal epilepsies who were observed consecutively after 1990 and followed regularly at two epilepsy centers. We systematically collected the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic data using a custom‐written database. We classified the patients as seizure‐free or AED resistant according to the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) criteria, and we evaluated the risk factors associated with AED resistance using logistic regression analysis. We further grouped AED‐resistant patients in different grades (I, II, and III) according to the number of AEDs already tried as proposed by Perucca.

Key Findings:  AED resistance occurred in 57.8% of the 729 patients with symptomatic focal epilepsies and was positively associated with electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities, seizure type, and the presence of mesial temporal sclerosis. Among 426 patients without detectable causes, the percentage of AED resistance was significantly lower (39.2%) and correlated with EEG abnormalities and psychiatric symptoms. Among AED‐resistant patients, the majority (64.6%) had tried three or more AEDs, which fit the more severe grade III proposed by Perucca. Among seizure‐free patients, more than one‐half (57%) needed to try two or more AEDs before reaching seizure control (14.9% needed three or more AEDs). Furthermore, among seizure‐free patients who could be previously classified as resistant to two or more AEDs, 52.2% reached seizure freedom while receiving treatment with “new generation” AEDs.

Significance:  The ILAE classification of AED resistance, as well the graded classification proposed by Perucca, was easily exploitable in our patients, although these classifications systems appear to have a limited value in predicting seizure outcome. Actually, a small but not negligible percentage of patients reached seizure freedom after trying several AEDs (including “new” AEDs), suggesting repeated trials may be necessary for seizure control.
A NOVEL ASSAY OF ACYL‐COA:DIACYLGLYCEROL ACYLTRANSFERASE ACTIVITY UTILIZING FLUORESCENT SUBSTRATE1
Authors: Sanderson Matthew C. , Venable Mark E.
Published: February 2012

Common methods for assaying acyl‐CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) enzymatic activity rely upon radiolabeled substrates or product assay. We developed a novel assay that directly quantifies endogenous DGAT activity through the use of a fluorescently labeled substrate. We performed this assay with microsomal protein, 2‐(6‐(7‐nitrobenz‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazol‐4‐yl)amino)hexanoyl‐1‐hexadecanoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐diacylglycerol (NBD‐DAG), and oleoyl‐CoA substrates. DGAT activity was analyzed in three species of algae as well as rat liver. The protocol proved to be sensitive and reliable. This assay may be used to facilitate research in the areas of biodiesel, oilseed crops, and triacylglycerol‐related human pathologies.
Dynamic gravity: endogenous country size and asset accumulation
Authors: Olivero María Pía , Yotov Yoto V.
Published: February 2012

Abstract Numerous gravity applications have resorted to panel data econometric techniques over the past decade. However, with the theory of gravity being so far only static, these estimations lack solid structural dynamic foundations. As a consequence, a consensus on a unified dynamic gravity estimation approach is yet to be reached. In this paper, (i) we build the theoretical foundations for a dynamic gravity model, (ii) we provide guidance for gravity‐type estimations with panel data and we consider applications, and (iii) we calibrate and simulate our model to compare its properties with those of the standard, static gravity setup.
Should income transfers be targeted or universal? Insights from public pension influences on elderly mortality in Canada, 1921–1966
Authors: Emery J.C. Herbert , Matheson Jesse A.
Published: February 2012

Abstract.  We investigate the impact of Canada's means‐tested and universal public pension programs on the mortality rates of age groups eligible for pension benefits for the period 1921–1966. We find that only the universal program significantly reduced pension eligible age group mortality rates. The implied social value of the mortality risk reduction from this program is one‐tenth of the value per statistical life associated with contemporary government policy, meaning that Canadians did not need to place a high value on the life of a senior to justify the higher cost of the universal program. JEL classification: I3, J1
A spatial network approach to urban configurations
Authors: Kung Fan‐chin , Wang Ping
Published: February 2012

Abstract We propose a spatial network approach to studying urban configurations by modelling explicitly knowledge transmission, aggregation and spillovers via links formed, as well as by allowing the population and the locality role (‘core’ versus ‘periphery’) in each location to be endogenously determined in equilibrium. We establish conditions for the commonly assumed monocentric configuration to arise as the unique and efficient equilibrium outcome. We also illustrate under what circumstances a spatial equilibrium may feature multicentric, urban‐rural, or multiple (disconnected) urban areas and under what conditions each configuration is socially efficient. We further characterize the spatial equilibrium by performing various comparative statics.
Intraatrial Reentrant Circuit in a Patient with Isomerism of the Left Atrial Appendages and Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Authors: SAKAGUCHI HEIMA , MIYAZAKI AYA , TAMAKI WATARU , SATOMI KAZUHIRO
Published: February 2012

An intraatrial reentrant circuit was identified using an electroanatomical mapping system and evaluation of postpacing intervals in a patient with isomerism of the left atrial appendages and atrioventricular septal defect. Intraatrial reentrant tachycardia was eliminated on the basis of our interpretation of the reentry circuit being dependent on a new anatomical obstacle consisting of a right‐sided atrioventricular annulus and atrial septation patch. We must consider the possibility of arrhythmogenic obstacles changing, as a patient grows, long after congenital heart disease surgery. (PACE 2012; 35:e299–e301)
Successful Reduction of a High Defibrillation Threshold by a Combined Implantation of a Subcutaneous Array and Azygos Vein Lead
Authors: YAMADA TAKUMI , ROBERTSON PETER G. , MCELDERRY H. THOMAS , DOPPALAPUDI HARISH , PLUMB VANCE J. , KAY G. NEAL
Published: February 2012

A 72‐year‐old man with nonischemic cardiomyopathy was referred because his implantable cardioverter defibrillator had failed to terminate spontaneous ventricular fibrillation (VF). Defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing confirmed that 830‐V shocks failed to defibrillate VF despite optimization of the biphasic waveform and reversal of shock polarity. The placement of a new right ventricular lead and the addition of a subcutaneous array failed to defibrillate VF at 830 V. The combination of a subcutaneous array and azygos vein coil successfully defibrillated VF. The mechanism for successful DFT reduction was likely greater current supplied to the posterior basal left ventricle by the azygos vein lead. (PACE 2012; 35:e173–e176)
Reflections on Giving Bad News
Authors: Gilmore Thomas
Published: February 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:356–358 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Death in the emergency department (ED) is fairly common. Giving bad news can be difficult, but it is a skill that is vitally important for the emergency physician. In the past it may have been difficult to find good resources on the subject, but now there are many reviews and guidelines; the SPIKES and GRIEV_ING protocols are two such guidelines. Furthermore, giving bad news is now taught in medical school and residency. This reflection is about giving the news of the death of a family member over the telephone. Little literature addresses giving bad news over the telephone.
Discrimination of basal cell carcinoma from benign lesions based on extraction of ulcer features in polarized‐light dermoscopy images
Authors: Kefel Serkan , Guvenc Pelin , LeAnder Robert , Stricklin Sherea M. , Stoecker William V.
Published: February 2012

Background

Ulcers are frequently visible in magnified, cross‐polarized, dermoscopy images of basal cell carcinoma. An ulcer without a history of trauma, a so‐called ‘atraumatic’ ulcer, is an important sign of basal cell carcinoma, the most common skin cancer. Distinguishing such ulcers from similar features found in benign lesions is challenging. In this research, color and texture features of ulcers are analyzed to discriminate basal cell carcinoma from benign lesions.

Methods

Ulcers in polarized‐light dermoscopy images of 49 biopsy‐proven basal cell carcinomas were identified and manually selected. For 153 polarized‐light dermoscopy images of benign lesions, those areas that most closely mimicked ulcers were similarly selected. Fifteen measures were analyzed over the areas of ulcers and ulcer mimics. Six of those measures were texture measures: energy, variance, smoothness, skewness, uniformity, and entropy. Nine of those measures were color measures: relative measures of red, green, and blue; chromaticity of red, green, and blue; and the ratios blue‐to‐green, blue‐to‐red, and green‐to‐red.

Results

A back‐propagation artificial neural network was able to discriminate most of the basal cell carcinoma from benign lesions, with an area under the ROC curve as high as 92.46%, using color and texture features of ulcer areas.

Conclusion

Separation of basal cell carcinoma from benign cutaneous lesions using image analysis techniques applied to ulcers is feasible. As ulcers are a critical feature in malignant lesions, this finding may have application in the automatic detection of basal cell carcinoma.
Differentiation of subgroups of monosymptomatic enuresis according to prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex
Authors: Eggert Paul , Freischmidt Sönke , Bismarck Phillip v. , Schulz‐Jürgensen Sebastian
Published: February 2012

Aim:  Monosymptomatic enuresis (ME) is a common disorder in children with serious social and psychological consequences. Treatment is usually initiated with desamino‐arginine vasopressin (dDAVP) and/or alarm therapy as first‐line treatment and imipramine as second‐line. All treatments have proven efficacy, but are not successful with all patients. Therefore, a differentiation into subgroups according to treatment efficacy would be beneficial.

Methods:  A group of patients resistant to first‐line treatment was treated with imipramine and compared with matched controls successfully treated with dDAVP and/or alarm therapy. Prepulse inhibition (PPI) to acoustic startle reflexes was measured in all patients.

Results:  In a group of 23 nonresponders, the median PPI was 72% (range 43–94%) compared with the matched dDAVP/alarm – responders with a median PPI of 26% (range 0–61%) (p < 0.0001). The response rate to imipramine was 87%.

Conclusion:  The presented data provide evidence that PPI allows to identify two subgroups of ME. The results offer further insight into (at least) two different pathomechanisms involved in ME: (i) a maturational delay of reflex inhibition with reduced PPI and (ii) a normal PPI, possibly with abnormal sleep patterns, that can be influenced by imipramine.
Historical control data on prenatal developmental toxicity studies in rabbits
Authors: Ema Makoto , Aoyama Hiroaki , Arima Akihiro , Asano Yuzo , Chihara Kazuhiro , Endoh Katsumi , Fujii Sakiko , Hara Hiroaki , Higuchi Hashihiro , Hishikawa Atsuko , Hojo Hitoshi , Horimoto Masao , Hoshino Nobuhito , Hosokawa Yoshinori , Inada Hiroshi , Inoue Ayumi , Itoh Keiichi , Izumi Hiroyuki , Maeda Maki , Matsumoto Kiyoshi , Matsuo Seiki , Matsuura Ikuo , Mineshima Hiroshi , Miwa Yoji , Miyata Hidenori , Mizoguchi Yasumoto , Nakano Nao , Naya Masato , Nishizawa Hanako , Noritake Ken‐ichi , Noyori Hiroko , Ohta Takafumi , Oku Harutaka , Shimizu Tatsuya , Shimomura Kazuhiro , Shiozawa Kei , Takakura Ikuro , Tanaka Ryota , Uesugi Tohru , Yabe Kaoru , Yamauchi Toshiaki , Yokoi Ryohei
Published: February 2012

Historical control data on rabbit prenatal developmental toxicity studies, performed between 1994–2010, were obtained from 20 laboratories, including 11 pharmaceutical and chemical companies and nine contract laboratories, in Japan. In this paper, data were incorporated from a laboratory if the information was based on 10 studies or more. Japanese White rabbits and New Zealand White rabbits were used for prenatal developmental toxicity studies. The data included maternal reproductive findings at terminal cesarean sections and fetal findings including spontaneous incidences of morphological alterations. No noticeable differences between strains or laboratories were observed in the maternal reproductive and fetal developmental data. The inter‐laboratory variations in the incidences of fetal external, visceral, and skeletal alterations seem to be due to differences in the selection of observation parameters, observation criteria, and classification of the findings, and terminology of fetal alterations.
The Wages of Competence: Obama, the Economy, and the 2010 Midterm Elections
Authors: WEATHERFORD M. STEPHEN
Published: February 2012

The financial crisis, the deep recession, and the Democrats' huge losses in the 2010 midterm election, have focused attention on President Barack Obama's economic policy leadership and the framing of the economy as a campaign issue. In this article, I evaluate three alternative explanations for the Democrats' showing on the economy: the severity of the financial meltdown and the resulting recession; the president's key economic initiatives, the stimulus and the banking reform; and the actions of the Republican opposition in Congress and the highly mobilized conservative populism at the grass roots. In a presidential system, the attention of the public and media naturally focuses on the chief executive, and the temptation is strong to blame the president if the voters reject his party in a referendum election. The detailed case histories of Obama's economic policies, however, reveal only a few missed opportunities, and overall the administration's program delivered consistently positive economic results in the face of the exceptionally severe challenges of financial crisis and potential Depression. That the policies did not make a clear impression on the public and command a correspondingly positive electoral response is attributable less to the mistakes of the administration than to the strategic success of its opponents at limiting the president's legislative accomplishments and framing the public's interpretation of his program.
The PP1 binding code: a molecular‐lego strategy that governs specificity
Authors: Heroes Ewald , Lesage Bart , Görnemann Janina , Beullens Monique , Van Meervelt Luc , Bollen Mathieu
Published: February 2012

Ser/Thr protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) is a single‐domain hub protein with nearly 200 validated interactors in vertebrates. PP1‐interacting proteins (PIPs) are ubiquitously expressed but show an exceptional diversity in brain, testis and white blood cells. The binding of PIPs is mainly mediated by short motifs that dock to surface grooves of PP1. Although PIPs often contain variants of the same PP1 binding motifs, they differ in the number and combination of docking sites. This molecular‐lego strategy for binding to PP1 creates holoenzymes with unique properties. The PP1 binding code can be described as specific, universal, degenerate, nonexclusive and dynamic. PIPs control associated PP1 by interference with substrate recruitment or access to the active site. In addition, some PIPs have a subcellular targeting domain that promotes dephosphorylation by increasing the local concentration of PP1. The diversity of the PP1 interactome and the properties of the PP1 binding code account for the exquisite specificity of PP1 in vivo.
Review article: Late post‐hysterectomy ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Saad Aldin Ehab , Saadeh Joanna , Ghulmiyyah Labib , Hitti Eveline
Published: February 2012

Ectopic pregnancy after hysterectomy is a rare but potentially life‐threatening condition requiring prompt diagnosis to prevent the increased mortality associated with rupture. Twenty‐seven cases of late post‐hysterectomy ectopic pregnancy reported in the English literature since 1918 were reviewed and analysed for presenting symptoms, missed diagnosis rate at initial presentation, location of ectopic and rupture rate at diagnosis. The presenting symptoms were found to be non‐specific. The diagnosis in this population is twice more likely to be missed than in women with intact uteri. The rupture rate is 63%, compared with 37% in women with intact uteri. The majority of late post‐hysterectomy ectopic pregnancies (62%) were located in the fallopian tubes. Because of the potential risk of mortality, emergency physicians should always consider the possibility of ectopic pregnancy in childbearing women whose surgical history includes hysterectomy without oophorectomy. Evaluation of abdominal pain in this population should include a pregnancy test to ensure prompt diagnosis when the possibility of pregnancy exists clinically.
The History in “Critical Legal Histories”: Robert W. Gordon. 1984. Critical Legal Histories. Stanford Law Review 36:57–125
Authors: Edwards Laura F.
Published: February 2012

This commentary explores Robert Gordon's “Critical Legal Histories” from the perspective of the discipline of history. It argues that we are still stalled at the intellectual juncture that Gordon described so well twenty-five years ago because functionalism and the resulting problems that Gordon addresses in the area of sociolegal studies also pervade the discipline of history. The results reinforce the divide between sociolegal studies and other kinds of historical studies that tend to inhibit the conceptual transformation that Gordon advocates and to marginalize legal studies within the discipline of history.
Spectroscopic and Photophysical Properties of dUTP and Internally DNA Bound Fluorophores for Optimized Signal Detection in Biological Formats
Authors: Linck Lena , Kapusta Peter , Resch‐Genger Ute
Published: February 2012

Efficient signal generation in DNA‐based assays requires understanding of the influence of fluorophore’s interactions on the spectroscopic properties. The resulting changes in fluorescence intensity, quantum yield, emission anisotropy, and fluorescence lifetime provide straightforward tools for the study of molecular dynamics and interaction between labels and nucleic acids. Searching for bright fluorescent reporters for rolling circle amplification (RCA) as efficient signal enhancement strategy for biological formats, we investigated the spectroscopic properties of seven dyes: cyanines, rhodamines, and BODIPYs. They spectrally resemble Cy3, the most frequently used fluorophore in biodetection formats, and are measured in six samples (free dye, dye‐dUTP, internally labeled ssDNA and dsDNA—single‐ and triple‐labeled) using steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorometry. Special emphasis was dedicated to characterizing the nature of the interaction of these fluorophores differing in dye class, charge, and rigidity. Our results suggest dye charge and structure as main factors governing the dye’s interactions, with DY‐555 and Cy3B presenting the best candidates for our envisaged signal amplification strategy. This label comparison underlines the importance of a proper understanding of structure‐property relations and dye–biomolecule interactions for reporter choice and presents a road map towards the design and interpretation of experiments using these labels on DNA of known sequence.