bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive‐behavioral therapy for bipolar disorders in adolescents: a pilot study
Authors: Feeny Norah C , Danielson Carla Kmett , Schwartz Lisa , Youngstrom Eric A , Findling Robert L
Published: October 2006

Objectives:  To develop a cognitive behavioral intervention for adolescents with bipolar disorders, test its feasibility and preliminary efficacy.

Methods:  Based on existing research, a manualized, individually delivered cognitive behavioral intervention was developed and tested with adolescents with bipolar disorders as an adjunct to pharmacological treatment. Using existing data, baseline characteristics and outcome were compared to a matched group of eight adolescents with bipolar disorders who did not receive any psychosocial intervention.

Results:  Preliminary results support the feasibility and efficacy of this manualized cognitive behavioral intervention.

Conclusions:  Individually delivered cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) as an adjunct to pharmacological treatment is feasible and associated with symptom improvement in adolescents with bipolar disorders. Randomized controlled studies are needed.
PHENOTYPING THE LEVEL OF BLOOD PRESSURE BY TELEMETRY IN MICE
Authors: Van Vliet Bruce N , McGuire John , Chafe Linda , Leonard Allison , Joshi Anand , Montani Jean‐Pierre
Published: October 2006

Using telemetry, arterial blood pressure (BP) can be measured directly over long periods in freely behaving animals without recent anaesthesia or surgery. In the present review, we discuss the strengths and limitations of this method and important considerations in using the method to characterize the BP level in mice.

A variety of informative statistics can be used to describe the BP level and we have made available a spreadsheet template for their calculation on a routine basis. The BP level is well summarized using the average value for an entire 24 h period or for the individual light and dark phases of the day. Such long‐term averages exhibit less statistical variation than those of short recording periods. In addition, averages of the dark and light phases of the day convey information concerning circadian variations of BP.

The frequency distribution of BP samples provides additional information concerning the range of BP values recorded over the course of the day and can be described in terms of percentiles of the distribution that correspond with the minimum and maximum BP values and their span.

In mice, BP can be markedly affected by locomotor activity cycles that occur frequently throughout both the light and dark phases of the day. In addition, BP is strongly affected by ambient temperature and food intake, as well as potentially by other determinants of energy balance. Consideration of these factors may help improve accuracy and precision when phenotyping the BP level in mice.
COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF TULOBUTEROL PATCH AND SALMETEROL IN MODERATE TO SEVERE ASTHMA
Authors: Nishiyama Osamu , Taniguchi Hiroyuki , Kondoh Yasuhiro , Kimura Tomoki , Kato Keisuke , Kume Hiroaki , Shimokata Kaoru
Published: October 2006

Although the clinical effects of the tulobuterol patch have been reported to include an increase in morning peak expiratory flow (PEF) values and a decrease of symptoms and the frequency of the rescue use of inhaled short‐acting b2‐adrenoceptor agonists, no trials comparing the efficacy of the tulobuterol patch to other standard inhaled long‐acting b2‐adrenoceptor agonists have yet been conducted. The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical effects of the patch formulation of tulobuterol with those of inhaled salmeterol in moderate to severe asthma.

Fifty‐four patients with moderate to severe asthma, whose conditions were suboptimally controlled despite receiving inhaled corticosteroids, were recruited. The study was a prospective, randomized trial of cross‐over design comparing the effects of 4 weeks treatment with tulobuterol patch, 2 mg once daily, and salmeterol, 50 mg twice daily. The mean prebronchodilator morning PEF during the last 14 days of each treatment period and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) were the primary outcome variables. The HRQoL was assessed using the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire.

Forty‐four patients (81.5%) completed the trial and were included in the analysis. The mean morning PEF and HRQoL score were significantly improved in both the salmeterol (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.05, respectively) and the tulobuterol patch (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) treatment periods compared with the run‐in period. Although the mean morning PEF was significantly higher in the salmeterol‐treated group than in the tulobuterol‐treated group (P < 0.001), the HRQoL scores were comparable.

The tulobuterol patch may be useful as a controller medication in addition to inhaled corticosteroids in moderate to severe asthma.
REGULATION OF RYANODINE RECEPTORS FROM SKELETAL AND CARDIAC MUSCLE DURING REST AND EXCITATION
Authors: Laver DR
Published: October 2006

In muscle, intracellular calcium concentration, hence skeletal muscle force and cardiac output, is regulated by uptake and release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). The ryanodine receptor (RyR) forms the calcium release channel in the SR.

Calcium release through RyRs is modulated by a wide variety of endogenous molecules, including small diffusible ligands such as ATP, Ca2+ and Mg2+. The regulation of RyR channels by ATP, Ca2+ and Mg2+ is a complex interplay of several regulatory mechanisms, which are still being unravelled. Consequently, it is not clearly known how RyRs are regulated in resting muscle and during contraction.

The present paper reviews factors controlling the activity of RyRs in skeletal and cardiac muscle with an emphasis on mechanistic insights derived from single channel recording methods.

In addition, the nature of dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) control of RyRs in skeletal muscle derived from experiments with peptide fragments of the DHPR II–III loop is reviewed.

Finally, recent experiments on coupled RyRs in lipid bilayers and their potential for resolving the elusive mechanisms controlling calcium release during cardiac contraction are discussed.
Latitudinal changes in larger benthic foraminiferal assemblages in shallow‐water reef sediments along the Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Authors: Sugihara Kaoru , Masunaga Naoto , Fujita Kazuhiko
Published: October 2006

Abstract  The taxonomic diversity of hermatypic corals decreases with increasing latitude, which correlates with sea‐surface temperatures. However, little is known about latitudinal changes in the taxonomic diversity and biogeographic patterns of larger benthic foraminifera, although their physiological requirements are similar to those of hermatypic corals because of their symbiotic relationships with microalgae. The present study examined how the abundance and taxonomic composition of larger foraminiferal assemblages in shallow‐water reef sediments change with latitude along the Ryukyu Islands (Ryukyus), which are located near the northern limit of coral‐reef distributions in the western Pacific Ocean. Three islands from different latitudes in the Ryukyus were selected to investigate latitudinal changes in larger foraminiferal assemblages: Ishigaki Island (24°20′N, 124°10′E), Kudaka Island (26°09′N, 127°54′E) and Tane‐ga‐shima Island (30°20′N, 131°E). Four sediment samples were taken at each of three topographic sites (beach, shallow lagoon and reef crest) on the reef flat of each island. Foraminiferal tests of a 2.0‐ to 0.5‐mm size fraction were selected, identified and counted. The variations in foraminiferal abundance in reef sediments from three latitudinally different islands exhibit two contrasting trends along reef flats: a shoreward decrease on Ishigaki and Tane‐ga‐shima Islands and a shoreward increase on Kudaka Island. A total of 25, 24 and 13 foraminiferal taxa were identified in Ishigaki, Kudaka and Tane‐ga‐shima Islands, respectively. Baculogypsina sphaerulata, Neorotalia calcar and Amphistegina spp. were dominant (i.e. >3% of foraminiferal assemblages) in the three islands. Calcarina gaudichaudii and Calcarina hispida were common on Ishigaki and Kudaka Islands but were absent on Tane‐ga‐shima Island. Larger foraminiferal assemblages from three different reef‐flat environments on Ishigaki Island can be distinguished, whereas those from the three environments on Kudaka and Tane‐ga‐shima Islands are similar in composition. These latitudinal changes in larger foraminiferal assemblages in reef sediments may possibly be caused by variations in the topography of reef flats, distributions and standing crops of living foraminifers on reef flats, and the northern limit of some calcarinid species in the northern Ryukyus.
230Th/234U and 14C dating of a lowstand coral reef beneath the insular shelf off Irabu Island, Ryukyus, southwestern Japan
Authors: Sasaki Keiichi , Omura Akio , Miwa Tetsuo , Tsuji Yoshihiro , Matsuda Hiroki , Nakamori Toru , Iryu Yasufumi , Yamada Tsutomu , Sato Yuri , Nakagawa Hiroshi
Published: October 2006

Abstract  High‐resolution seismic reflection profiles delineated the distribution of mound‐shaped reflections, which were interpreted as reefs, beneath the insular shelf western off Irabu Island, Ryukyus, southwestern Japan. A sediment core through one of the mounded structures was recovered from the sea floor at a depth of −118.2 m by offshore drilling and was dated by radiometric methods. The lithology and coral fauna of the core indicate that the mounded structure was composed of coral–algal boundstone suggesting a small‐scaled coral reef. High‐precision α‐spectrometric 230Th/234U dating coupled with calibrated accelerator mass spectrometric 14C ages of corals obtained reliable ages of this reef ranging from 22.18 ± 0.63 to 30.47 ± 0.98 ka. This proves that such a submerged reef was formed during the lowstand stage of marine oxygen isotope stages 3–2. The existence of low‐Mg calcite in the aragonitic coral skeleton of 22.18 ± 0.63 ka provides evidence that the reef had once been exposed by lowering of the relative sealevel to at least −126 m during the last glacial maximum in the study area. There is no room for doubt that a coral reef grew during the last glacial period on the shelf off Irabu Island of Ryukyus in the subtropical region of western Pacific.
Sleep–wake cycles in obese children with and without binge‐eating episodes
Authors: Tzischinsky Orna , Latzer Yael
Published: October 2006

Aim:  The aim of the study was to assess binge‐eating episodes and to characterise sleep–wake cycles among obese children.

Method:  The obese group consisted of 36 children. All participants received a diagnosis of primary obesity. The obese group was subdivided into two groups: obese with binge eating and without binge eating. A normal‐weight control group was comprised of 25 normal‐weight children. Sleep–wake patterns were monitored for 1 week, using mini‐actigraphs and self‐report questionnaires.

Results:  Thirty‐seven per cent of the obese children reported uncontrolled binge‐eating episodes. Actigraphic monitoring revealed significant differences in sleep quality between all three groups. Self‐report questionnaires presented significantly more sleep disturbances in the obese group with binge eating and obese group without binge eating than in the normal‐weight group.

Conclusion:  Sleep disruption in obese children with binge eating is significantly more severe than in both obese non‐binge‐eating children and normal‐weight controls.
Diagnosis of foetal alcohol syndrome and alcohol use in pregnancy: A survey of paediatricians’ knowledge, attitudes and practice
Authors: Elliott Elizabeth J , Payne Jan , Haan Eric , Bower Carol
Published: October 2006

Aim:  To measure paediatricians’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and alcohol use during pregnancy.

Methods:  Postal survey of paediatricians in Western Australia in 2004. Of 179 eligible paediatricians, 132 (73.7%) responded (90 consultant paediatricians and 42 paediatric trainees).

Results:  Of the 132 respondents, 18.9% identified all four essential diagnostic features for FAS. Only 49.2% had previously diagnosed FAS (range 1–30 cases) but 91.7% had seen children diagnosed by others; 76.5% had suspected but not diagnosed FAS; 12.1% had been convinced of but not recorded the diagnosis; and 31.8% had referred children for diagnostic confirmation. Although 79.6% agreed early diagnosis might be advantageous, 69.6% said diagnosis might be stigmatising and 36.4% thought parents might resist referral for assessment and treatment. Although 78.2% agreed avoiding binge drinking may reduce FAS, only 43.9% believed women should abstain from using alcohol in pregnancy. Only 4.5% felt very prepared to deal with a patient with FAS: most wanted educational materials for themselves (69.7%) and child carers (71.2%). Only 23.3% routinely ask about alcohol use when taking a pregnancy history and 4.2% routinely provide information on the consequences of alcohol use. Only 11.4% had read the current Australian national health guideline regarding alcohol consumption in pregnancy and 9.1% provided advice consistent with the guideline.

Conclusion:  Paediatricians identified the need for educational materials about FAS and alcohol use in pregnancy for themselves and their clients. Lack of knowledge about FAS diagnosis and management will limit opportunities for diagnosis, prevention and early intervention.
Caring for adolescents with mental health problems: Challenges in the emergency department
Authors: Stewart Claire , Spicer Maureen , Babl Franz E
Published: October 2006

Aim:  To explore management issues in adolescents with mental health problems who presented to a children’s hospital emergency department (ED).

Methods:  Retrospective chart review of all mental health presentations of adolescents (12–18 years) to a tertiary children’s hospital ED, over a 1‐year period (2003–2004). Patients were identified based on a search of the electronic ED log. Medical and mental health records were manually abstracted.

Results:  There were 203 presentations during the study period. Eighteen per cent of patients presented more than once. Mean age was 14.7 years, 73% were female and 67% presented after 6 pm. Fifty‐seven per cent presented with non‐accidental overdose, self‐harm or suicide risk. There were 110 security incidents in 26% of presentations during the ED stay. A total of 47% were admitted, 27% to the medical inpatient service and 20% to a psychiatric inpatient facility.

Conclusion:  Adolescent mental health presentations to the ED require a high number of ED, mental health and inpatient service resources. Security incidents occur frequently. We propose changes to address identified problems. These include redesigning the physical structure of the ED, more mental health training and support for ED staff, better access to mental health records and crisis plans for adolescents at risk, and improved after‐hours mental health services for children and adolescents.
Evaluation of renal tubular function in children taking anti‐epileptic treatment
Authors: UNAY BULENT , AKIN RIDVAN , SARICI S UMIT , GOK FAYSAL , KURT ISMAIL , GOKCAY ERDAL
Published: October 2006

Aim:  To assess the effects of anti‐epileptic drugs on renal tubular function.

Methods:  Urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase activity was measured in 114 epileptic children (mean age 5.6 ± 1.1 years) who were undergoing monotherapy with valproate (n = 46), carbamazepine (n = 34), lamotrigine (n = 13) and combined therapy with valproate+carbamazepine (n = 21).

Results:  The urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase index of valproate (P < 0.01), carbamazepine (P < 0.05) and polytherapy group (P < 0.01) were significantly elevated when compared with that of the control group. No significant difference in N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase levels was found between the lamotrigine group and the control subjects. We found that the distribution of the N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase values of patients depended significantly on the length of therapy (P < 0.01). The level of urinary excretion of N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase was significantly higher in the patients who were taking long‐term treatment (>10 years) with valproate, carbamazepine and combined therapy than those taking therapy shorter than 10 years (P < 0.01). The mean serum concentrations of valproate and carbamazepine were 68.7 ± 17.44 µg/mL and 5.41 ± 1.23 µg/mL, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the serum concentration of valproate and urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase levels (r = 0.44, P < 0.01). There was also a significant correlation between the serum concentration of carbamazepine and N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase excretion (r = 0.52, P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  The present study demonstrated that in patients treated with valproate and carbamazepine, an impairment of tubular function can be present, whereas lamotrigine does not cause any significant change.
Primary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the urinary bladder
Authors: Lee Kyung Hwa , Ryu Soo Bang , Lee Min Cheol , Park Chang Soo , Juhng Sang Woo , Choi Chan
Published: October 2006

Primary large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNEC) of the urinary bladder are rare. Reported herein is a case of a primary, pure LCNEC occurring in a man. The patient was a 32‐year‐old man who presented with hematuria of 1 week's duration. On cystoscopic examination, a solitary mass measuring 3 cm in diameter was detected protruding from the anterosuperior wall of the urinary bladder. Two months after the primary transurethral resection, significant regrowth of the remnant mass was noted on CT, and the patient underwent a partial cystectomy. A diagnosis of LCNEC was made based upon histological and immunohistochemical findings. Tumor cells were positive for synaptophysin, chromogranin A, CD56, epithelial membrane antigen, and cytokeratin. Histologically, the tumor penetrated the deep muscle and perivesical fat. In spite of three cycles of chemotherapy, the patient developed multiple metastases in the lung and liver 10 months postoperatively. LCNEC of the urinary bladder are uncommon entities, which have a possible fatal outcome.
Risk factors and independent predictors of survival in patients with pulmonary epithelioid haemangioendothelioma. Review of the literature and a case report
Authors: AMIN Randa M.S. , HIROSHIMA Kenzo , KOKUBO Takeshi , NISHIKAWA Masafumi , NARITA Makoto , KUROKI Motoo , NAKATANI Yukio
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  Pulmonary epithelioid haemangioendothelioma (PEH) is a rare pulmonary neoplasm. A patient with PEH with lymph node and pleural metastases that were discovered incidentally is described. An abnormal left upper lobe shadow was noticed on CXR in a 70‐year‐old woman during an assessment for the sudden onset of nausea and vomiting. Transbronchial lung biopsy did not provide a diagnosis. Lobectomy and lymph node resection were performed. The histological diagnosis of PEH was confirmed immunohistochemically by positive reactions to factor VIII‐related antigen and CD34. Data on 93 patients with PEH including the present case report were analysed by Cox regression analysis using forward stepwise method to identify the risk factors, and the independent predictors of survival in patients with PEH. It revealed that male, symptomatic patients, presence of cough, haemoptysis, chest pain, multiple unilateral nodules, pleural effusion, metastases to more than one site and lymph node metastases were all significant risk factors for PEH (P < 0.05). Symptomatic patients and presence of pleural effusion were the independent predictors of survival in patients with PEH.
Intrapleural heparin or heparin combined with human recombinant DNase is not effective in the treatment of empyema in a rabbit model
Authors: DIKENSOY Oner , ZHU Zhiwen , NA Moon Jun , LIAO Huai , DONNELLY Edwin , LIGHT Richard W.
Published: October 2006

Objective and background:  The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of intrapleural heparin or heparin combined with human recombinant DNase in the treatment of empyema.

Methods:  Empyema was induced in rabbits with an intrapleural injection of 109Pasteurella multicoda organisms in infusion agar via a surgically placed chest tube. Once empyema was verified, a blinded investigator administered drugs via the chest tube. There were three treatment groups each with six rabbits. One group was given 1000 IU heparin, a second group was given 1000 IU heparin plus 1 mg of human recombinant DNase via chest tube and the control group received saline. The rabbits received treatment every 12 h for a total of six treatments and the volume of each treatment was 3 mL. The animals were sacrificed at day 10 and the amount of empyema and pleural thickening was scored macroscopically on a scale of 0–6.

Results:  The total volume of pleural effusion aspirated was significantly higher in the heparin group (25.8 ± 10.7 mL) compared with either saline (8 ± 8.9) or heparin plus human recombinant DNase (6.8 ± 6.1) groups (P = 0.003). The mean empyema and pleural thickening scores did not differ significantly between the groups (P = 0.8, P = 0.5 respectively). A weak correlation was found between total volume of aspirated pleural fluid and pleural parameters of white blood cell counts and LDH levels (r = 0.546 and P = 0.02, r = 0.631 and P = 0.02 respectively).

Conclusion:  The intrapleural administration of 1000 IU heparin alone or in combination with 1 mg of human recombinant DNase is no more effective than saline in the treatment of empyema in rabbits. Intrapleural heparin significantly increased the drainage of pleural fluid compared with the combination and saline group.
The effects of adulthood olanzapine treatment on cognitive performance and neurotrophic factor content in male and female rats neonatally treated with quinpirole
Authors: Thacker Stephanie K. , Perna Marla K. , Ward Jeffery J. , Schaefer Tori L. , Williams Michael T. , Kostrzewa Richard M. , Brown Russell W.
Published: October 2006

Male and female Sprague–Dawley rats were administered quinpirole (1 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline once daily from postnatal day (P)1 to P21. This drug treatment has been shown to produce long‐term priming of the D2 receptor. Beginning on P62, rats were administered the atypical antipsychotic olanzapine (2.5 mg/kg) or saline twice daily (i.p.) for 28 days. One day after olanzapine treatment ceased, rats were tested on the place and match‐to‐place versions of the Morris water maze (MWM) for seven consecutive days. Dopamine D2 receptor priming was verified through a yawning behavioural test, a D2 receptor‐mediated event, before olanzapine was administered as well as after olanzapine treatment and behavioural testing were complete. Results showed that neonatal quinpirole treatment induced D2 priming that was eliminated by olanzapine treatment. On the MWM place version, D2‐primed rats demonstrated a significant impairment that was eliminated by olanzapine treatment, but olanzapine treatment to animals neonatally treated with saline produced a significant deficit on the place version of the MWM. There were no significant deficits on the match‐to‐place version. Brain tissue analyses revealed that neonatal quinpirole treatment produced a significant decrease in hippocampal NGF, BDNF and ChAT that was eliminated by olanzapine treatment. Neonatal quinpirole treatment produced a significant decrease in BDNF and ChAT in the frontal cortex that was unaffected by olanzapine treatment. These results show that olanzapine eliminates D2 receptor priming and cognitive impairment and also alleviates decreases in neurotrophins and acetylcholinergic markers produced by D2 priming in the hippocampus.
5‐HT1B receptor‐mediated presynaptic inhibition at the calyx of Held of immature rats
Authors: Mizutani Haruo , Hori Tetsuya , Takahashi Tomoyuki
Published: October 2006

5‐Hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) inhibits transmitter release via activating GTP‐binding proteins, but the target of 5‐HT receptors in the nerve terminal is not determined. We addressed this question at the calyx of Held synapse in the brainstem slice of immature rats. Bath‐application of 5‐HT attenuated the amplitude of nerve‐evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) associated with an increase in the paired‐pulse ratio, whereas it had no effect on the amplitude of spontaneous miniature EPSCs. The 5‐HT1B receptor agonist CP93129 mimicked the inhibitory effect of 5‐HT, but the 5‐HT1A agonist (R)‐(+)‐8‐hydroxy‐DPAT (8‐OHDPAT) had no effect. The 5‐HT1B receptor antagonist NAS‐181 blocked the inhibitory effect of 5‐HT. These results suggest that 5‐HT activated 5‐HT1B receptors in calyceal nerve terminals, thereby inhibiting transmitter release. In direct whole‐cell recordings from calyceal nerve terminals, 5‐HT attenuated voltage‐dependent Ca2+ currents, but had no effect on voltage‐dependent K+ currents. When EPSCs were evoked by presynaptic Ca2+ currents during simultaneous pre‐ and postsynaptic recordings, the magnitude of the 5‐HT‐induced inhibition of Ca2+ currents fully explained that of EPSCs. Upon repetitive applications, 5‐HT showed tachyphylaxis, with its effect on both EPSCs and presynaptic Ca2+ currents becoming weaker in the second application. 1,2‐bis(o‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N‐N′‐N′‐N′‐tetraacetic acid (BAPTA; 10 mm) loaded into the nerve terminal abolished this tachyphylaxis. The presynaptic inhibitory effect of 5‐HT was prominent at postnatal day 5, but became weaker as animals matured. We conclude that activation of 5‐HT1B receptors inhibits voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels, thereby inhibiting transmitter release at immature calyceal nerve terminals, and that 5‐HT1B receptors undergo Ca2+‐dependent tachyphylaxis on repetitive activations.
Zinc neurotoxicity is dependent on intracellular NAD+ levels and the sirtuin pathway
Authors: Cai Ai‐Li , Zipfel Gregory J. , Sheline Christian T.
Published: October 2006

Zinc neurotoxicity has been demonstrated in ischemic, seizure, hypoglycemic, and trauma‐induced neuronal death where Zn2+ is thought to be synaptically released and taken up in neighbouring neurons, reaching toxic concentrations. We previously demonstrated that toxicity of extracellular Zn2+ depended on entry, elevation in intracellular free Zn2+ ([Zn2+]i), a reduction in NAD+ and ATP levels, and dysfunction of glycolysis and cellular metabolism. We suggested that PARP‐1 activation alone can not explain this loss of neuronal NAD+. NAD+ was recently demonstrated to permeate neurons and glia, and we have now shown that exogenous NAD+ can reduce Zn2+ neurotoxicity, and 3‐acetylpyridine, which generates inactive NAD+, potentiated Zn2+ neurotoxicity. Sirtinol and 2‐hydroxynaphthaldehyde, inhibitors of the sirtuin pathway (SIRT proteins are NAD+‐catabolic protein deacetylases), attenuated both acute and chronic Zn2+ neurotoxicity. Resveratrol and fisetin (sirtuin activators) potentiated NAD+ loss and Zn2+ neurotoxicities. Furthermore, neuronal cultures derived from the Wlds mouse, which overexpress the NAD+ synthetic enzyme nicotinamide mononucleotide adenyl transferase (NMNAT‐1), had reduced sensitivity to Zn2+ neurotoxicity. Finally, nicotinamide was demonstrated to attenuate CA1 neuronal death after 10 min of global ischemia in rat even if administered 1 h after the insult. Together with previous data, these results further implicate NAD+ levels in Zn2+ neurotoxicity.
A distinct anatomical network of cortical areas for analysis of motion in far peripheral vision
Authors: Palmer S. M. , Rosa M. G. P.
Published: October 2006

We defined cortical areas involved in the analysis of motion in the far peripheral visual field, a poorly understood aspect of visual processing in primates. This was accomplished by small tracer injections within and around the representations of the monocular field of vision (‘temporal crescents’) in the middle temporal area (MT) of marmoset monkeys. Quantitative analyses demonstrate that the representation of the far periphery receives specific connections from the retrosplenial cortex (areas 23v and prostriata), as well as comparatively stronger inputs from the primary visual area (V1) and from areas surrounding MT (in particular, the medial superior temporal area, MST). In contrast, the far peripheral representation receives little or no input from most other extrastriate areas, including the second visual area (V2), the densely myelinated areas of the dorsomedial cortex, and ventral stream areas; these areas are shown to have robust projections to other parts of MT. Our results demonstrate that the responses of cells in different parts of a same visual area can be determined by different combinations of synaptic inputs, in terms of areas of origin. They also suggest that the interconnections responsible for motion processing in the far periphery of the visual field convey information that is crucial for rapid‐response aspects of visual function such as orienting, postural and defensive reactions.
Bottom‐up, not top‐down, modulation of imitation by human and robotic models
Authors: Press Clare , Gillmeister Helge , Heyes Cecilia
Published: October 2006

Visual observation of human actions provokes more motor activation than observation of robotic actions. We investigated the extent to which this visuomotor priming effect is mediated by bottom‐up or top‐down processing. The bottom‐up hypothesis suggests that robotic movements are less effective in activating the ‘mirror system’ via pathways from visual areas via the superior temporal sulcus to parietal and premotor cortices. The top‐down hypothesis postulates that beliefs about the animacy of a movement stimulus modulate mirror system activity via descending pathways from areas such as the temporal pole and prefrontal cortex. In an automatic imitation task, subjects performed a prespecified movement (e.g. hand opening) on presentation of a human or robotic hand making a compatible (opening) or incompatible (closing) movement. The speed of responding on compatible trials, compared with incompatible trials, indexed visuomotor priming. In the first experiment, robotic stimuli were constructed by adding a metal and wire ‘wrist’ to a human hand. Questionnaire data indicated that subjects believed these movements to be less animate than those of the human stimuli but the visuomotor priming effects of the human and robotic stimuli did not differ. In the second experiment, when the robotic stimuli were more angular and symmetrical than the human stimuli, human movements elicited more visuomotor priming than the robotic movements. However, the subjects' beliefs about the animacy of the stimuli did not affect their performance. These results suggest that bottom‐up processing is primarily responsible for the visuomotor priming advantage of human stimuli.
Type 1 diabetes as a risk factor for stroke in men and women aged 15–49: a nationwide study from Sweden
Authors: Sundquist K. , Li X.
Published: October 2006

Aims  The main objective was to determine premature stroke risk in men and women in Sweden with previous hospital admission for Type 1 diabetes or without previous hospital admission.

Methods  All individuals in Sweden aged 15–34 years at first hospital admission for Type 1 diabetes and aged 15–49 years at first hospital admission for stroke during the study period (1987–2001) were identified. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated to compare premature stroke risk between individuals admitted to hospital with Type 1 diabetes and individuals without hospital admission, after controlling for age, time period, occupation and geographical region. SIRs were also calculated for individuals with diabetic complications.

Results  The overall SIRs for premature stroke in men and women with hospital admission for Type 1 diabetes were 17.94 [95% confidence interval (CI) 12.87, 24.36] and 26.11 (95% CI 18.81, 35.32), respectively. Men and women with diabetic nephropathy had the highest significant SIRs of premature stroke: 48.87 and 73.53, respectively.

Conclusions  Our data indicate that young to middle‐aged individuals with Type 1 diabetes had a considerably higher risk of premature stroke than those without Type 1 diabetes. This underscores the need to implement vigorous interventions in healthcare settings in order to decrease the risk of premature stroke in individuals with Type 1 diabetes.
How do parents perceive their adolescent's diabetes: a qualitative study
Authors: Carroll Aaron E. , Marrero David G.
Published: October 2006

Background/aims  The developmental tasks of adolescence, combined with physical changes, can interfere with self‐management behaviour. Yet little is known about how parents view these challenges as they attempt to help their children cope with diabetes. Our objective was to understand how living with an adolescent with diabetes influences parents’ perceptions of their child's well‐being, their relationship with their child, and how they perceive the influence of peers and school on their child's diabetes.

Methods  Twenty‐eight parents of adolescents with Type 1 diabetes, aged 13–18 years, participated in focus groups. Transcripts were analysed using qualitative methods to determine dominant themes and incidence density.

Results  Themes included how diabetes negatively influences their adolescent's lifestyle, how diabetes makes it difficult for parents to understand developmental challenges experienced by their child, concerns regarding the potential to develop long‐term complications, perceptions on how diabetes impacts on their relationship with their child and relationships with peers and how their children's school impacts on their diabetes self‐management

Conclusions  This qualitative focus group study provides insight into parental perceptions of adolescents living with Type 1 diabetes, specifically as it relates to lifestyle implications, relationships with parents, peers and physicians, and school experiences.
Food habits, energy and nutrient intake in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lodefalk M. , Åman J.
Published: October 2006

Abstract1

Aims  The aims were to describe the food habits of adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (Type 1 DM) and to compare them with healthy control subjects; to describe the distribution of energy‐providing nutrients in patients and compare it with current recommendations and previous reports; and finally, to investigate associations between dietary intake and glycaemic control.

Methods  One hundred and seventy‐four adolescents with Type 1 DM and 160 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy control subjects completed a validated food frequency questionnaire, and 38 randomly chosen patients completed a prospective 4‐day food record.

Results  Patients ate more regularly, and more often ate fruit and fruit juice, potatoes and root vegetables, meat, fish, egg, offal and sugar‐free sweets than control subjects. Control subjects more often ate ordinary sweets and snacks. Patients chose coarse rye bread and dairy products with less fat to a greater extent than control subjects. Patients were heavier than control subjects. The intake of saturated fat was higher in patients compared with recommendations and, for boys with diabetes, the intake of protein was higher than recommended. Patients with poorer glycaemic control ate vegetables, fruit and fish less often than patients with better control.

Conclusions  The food habits of adolescents with Type 1 DM were healthier than those of control subjects. The intake of energy‐providing nutrients was in line with current recommendations and showed improvements compared with previous reports, with the exception of fibre intake. The association between dietary intake and glycaemic control needs further investigation in prospective studies.
Britain's New White Paper: Making Governance Work for the Poor
Authors: Moore Mick , Unsworth Sue
Published: October 2006

Books reviewed in this article:

Eliminating World Poverty: Making Governance Work for the Poor – A White Paper on International Development. By the Secretary of State for International Development
Towards an Understanding of Gender and Capital in Constituting Biotechnologies in Agriculture
Authors: Bryant Lia , Pini Barbara
Published: October 2006

A compelling body of international literature now exists on the political economy of biotechnology. This work has used capital as a lens through which to view the increasing economic importance of biotechnologies to the agricultural sector. It has, however, given little attention to gender. The purpose of this article is to argue for the significance of gender in studies of agricultural biotechnology, that is, to posit that it is not just capital, but the intersection between capital and gender that informs the application, creation and regulation of agricultural biotechnologies.
PGCE Secondary Trainee Teachers & Effective Behaviour Management: an evaluation and commentary
Authors: BROMFIELD CAROLYN
Published: October 2006

This article addresses the important issue of initial teacher preparation in relation to classroom management. It is based on a study of Post Graduate Certificate of Education (Secondary) students in one university department. The study sought to ascertain the ongoing concerns of trainees during the course of their year's training, and to identify key issues for training providers as a result of this process. Data were gathered both by interview and by questionnaire. Carolyn Bromfield uses the findings to broker a discussion about the nature of behaviour training; her key message is that there is a need to move trainee thinking from a traditional behaviourist approach to one which highlights the relationship between behaviour and learning.
Building relationships for learning: the developing role of the teaching assistant
Authors: GROOM BARRY
Published: October 2006

Over the last ten years the role of the teaching assistant has undergone continued change and development. This article identifies many of the different contexts in which teaching assistants support behaviour for learning and further explores some of the challenges raised by workforce remodelling. Barry Groom argues that this could be an opportunity for reinforcing on the skills and attributes teaching assistants have already demonstrated in supporting pupil behaviour and for providing a sustainable framework for continuing professional development.
To attend or not to attend? Why some students chose school and others reject it
Authors: DAVIES JOHN DWYFOR , LEE JOHN
Published: October 2006

This article considers the issues of attendance and non‐attendance, the latter of which has been recently linked with ‘behaviour’ in a range of policy initiatives in England. John Dwyfor Davies and John Lee review some of the existing material on non‐attendance and then draw on data they have collected in one large English city. The authors summarise their discussions with 13 non‐attending young people and some of their parents, as well as conversations with 35 students who have a satisfactory attendance record, together with a perspective from educational professionals. The authors address the issue of why certain students, who apparently will gain little from school, in terms of certification, continue to attend school. They argue that ignoring the reasons why such students actually attend school is a major oversight in current research.
FRIENDSHIP NETWORKS*
Authors: Brueckner Jan K.
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT This paper develops a model of social networks different from those presented in the recent literature. In contrast to existing models, the level of investment in link formation is a continuous decision variable, and links form stochastically rather than deterministically, with the probability depending on the noncooperative investment choices of both parties. Since the network structure is then stochastic rather than deterministic, the actual pattern of links cannot be specified, as in previous models, with the analysis focusing instead on which links are most likely to form. This alternate approach leads to a much simpler mathematical structure than in previous work. The analysis, which is couched in the context of friendship networks, shows that individual investment in friendship formation is too low. In addition, the analysis shows that, in an asymmetric setting where one individual has personal magnetism or a broad group of acquaintances, friendship links involving this attractive agent are most likely to form.
SPATIAL IMPACTS OF AGGLOMERATION EXTERNALITIES*
Authors: Van Soest Daan P. , Gerking Shelby , Van Oort Frank G.
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT This article examines the extent to which agglomeration economies in one location affect employment growth and establishment births, using data from the Dutch province of South‐Holland. The data are of particular interest because they represent a census, rather than a sample, of all establishments and the location of establishments can be pinpointed to within 416 (postal) zip code areas averaging less than 6 km2 in size. Results suggest that agglomeration economies positively affect employment growth and the location of new establishments, but with the possible exception of manufacturing, this effect dies out quickly with distance. Thus, the main finding is that for many industries, agglomerative forces may well operate at a geographic scale that is smaller than a city.
Neither Romance Nor Regulation: Re‐evaluating Community
Authors: DEFILIPPIS JAMES , FISHER ROBERT , SHRAGGE ERIC
Published: October 2006

As the realm of the community has grown increasingly important in the contemporary political economy, the theoretical debates surrounding community have also grown in importance and volume. Too often this literature has been either celebratory or dismissive; either romanticizing the concept and thereby elevating it to primary rank as the focal point of societal initiatives, or objecting to its regulated limits and contradictions and thereby dismissing its importance and political utility. There are important contributions being made by both those who dismiss community and those who celebrate it. But for those interested in understanding the potential for emancipatory social change in the contemporary political economy of neoliberalism there are also severe limitations imposed by these perspectives. After critiquing these literatures and debates, we put forward an understanding of community that is neither dismissive nor celebratory, but instead argues that communities need to be understood as simultaneously products of both their larger, and largely external, contexts, and the practices, organizations and relations that take place within them. Thus, communities, because of their central place in capitalist political economies, can be vital arenas for social change. But they are also arenas that are constrained in their capacities to host such efforts.
Empowered Participation in Urban Governance: The Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program
Authors: FAGOTTO ELENA , FUNG ARCHON
Published: October 2006

In the early 1990s, the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) allocated $400 million in public funds for Minneapolis neighborhood groups to spend on improvement projects over the coming 20 years. NRP created the most financially empowered structure of neighborhood governance in any American city. This article describes the institutional design of NRP and then explores several of its political, social and economic consequences. In particular, we examine the character of participation, deliberation and conflict in several NRP neighborhoods, the tensions between neighborhood groups and city offices over this decentralization initiative, the effects of decentralization upon neighborhood‐level social capital, and the nature of goods funded under the Program.
Australian Implementation and Evaluation of Active Support
Authors: Stancliffe Roger J. , Harman Anthony D. , Toogood Sandy , McVilly Keith R.
Published: October 2006

Background  The implementation and evaluation of Active Support in Australia is reported, the first such formal evaluation outside the UK.

Method  Residents and staff of five group homes participated. Active Support was introduced by training staff in one home at a time. Effectiveness was assessed using direct observation of resident engagement in activity and of staff help, as well as written assessments of resident outcomes.

Results  Staff help and resident engagement increased in four of five group homes. There was significantly greater participation in a wider variety of domestic activities, as well as more frequent and varied community participation. Change in resident engagement was positively related to change in staff help, but not related to residents’ level of adaptive behaviour.

Conclusions  Most of our findings were consistent with earlier UK studies. There was evidence of the successful transfer of Active Support training skills to an Australian training team. Nonsignificant trends towards reduced depression and increased adaptive behaviour warrant further investigation.
The loss of mass‐independent fractionation in sulfur due to a Palaeoproterozoic collapse of atmospheric methane
Authors: ZAHNLE K. , CLAIRE M. , CATLING D.
Published: October 2006

We use a 1‐D numerical model to study the atmospheric photochemistry of oxygen, methane, and sulfur after the advent of oxygenic photosynthesis. We assume that mass‐independent fractionation (MIF) of sulfur isotopes – characteristic of the Archean – was best preserved in sediments when insoluble elemental sulfur (S8) was an important product of atmospheric photochemistry. Efficient S8 production requires three things: (i) very low levels of tropospheric O2; (ii) a source of sulfur gases to the atmosphere at least as large as the volcanic SO2 source today; and (iii) a sufficiently high abundance of methane or other reduced gas. All three requirements must be met. We suggest that the disappearance of a strong MIF sulfur signature at the beginning of the Proterozoic is better explained by the collapse of atmospheric methane, rather than by a failure of volcanism or the rise of oxygen. The photochemical models are consistent in demanding that methane decline before O2 can rise (although they are silent as to how quickly), and the collapse of a methane greenhouse effect is consistent with the onset of major ice ages immediately following the disappearance of MIF sulfur. We attribute the decline of methane to the growth of the oceanic sulfate pool as indicated by the widening envelope of mass‐dependent sulfur fractionation through the Archean. We find that a given level of biological forcing can support either oxic or anoxic atmospheres, and that the transition between the anoxic state and the oxic state is inhibited by high levels of atmospheric methane. Transition from an oxygen‐poor to an oxygen‐rich atmosphere occurs most easily when methane levels are low, which suggests that the collapse of methane not only caused the end of MIF S and major ice ages, but it may also have enabled the rise of O2. In this story the early Proterozoic ice ages were ended by the establishment of a stable oxic atmosphere, which protected a renewed methane greenhouse with an ozone shield.