bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Africa and World History: From Antipathy to Synergy
Authors: Reynolds Jonathan T.
Published: September 2007

In recent years, the relationship between African and World History has shifted rapidly from one of antipathy to one of engagement and synthesis. This article provides a survey of the changing relationship between African and world histories, with an emphasis on the tension between the Area Studies paradigm and the growing world history emphasis on connections and exchange across regional boundaries. A closer examination of recent exchanges and debates over the merits of this exchange is also featured. The article concludes with an examination of the relationship between African and world history as a measure of the changing nature of historical inquiry over the past century.
Latitudinal Variation in the Prevalence and Intensity of Chytrid (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) Infection in Eastern Australia
Authors: KRIGER KERRY M. , PEREOGLOU FELICIA , HERO JEAN‐MARC
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Chytridiomycosis is a recently emerged, infectious skin disease of amphibians that has been linked directly to mass mortalities, population declines, and species extinctions worldwide. An understanding of the factors that limit the distribution and abundance of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (the etiological agent of chytridiomycosis) is urgently required. We conducted disease surveys at 31 lowland sites distributed north–south along 2315 km of the Australian east coast that encompassed 20.8 degrees of latitude. A total of 863 adult male stony creek frogs (Litoria lesueuri complex) were sampled, and the overall prevalence of B. dendrobatidis infection was 26%. B. dendrobatidis was detected at 77% of the sites, including sites at the northern and southern limits of the latitudinal transect. Frogs from temperate regions, however, had significantly more intense infections than did their tropical counterparts, often carrying an order of magnitude more B. dendrobatidis zoospores, suggesting that at low elevations, temperate frogs are at higher risk of chytridiomycosis‐induced mortality than are tropical frogs. The prevalence and intensity of B. dendrobatidis infections were significantly greater at sites with high rainfall (>33 mm in the 30 days prior to sampling) and cool temperatures (stream temperature 1 h after sunset < 23° C). Although climatic variables explained much of the variation in the prevalence and intensity of B. dendrobatidis infections between infected and uninfected sites, frog snout‐vent length was consistently the best predictor of infection levels across infected sites. Small frogs were more likely to be infected and carried more intense infections than larger frogs, suggesting either that frogs can outgrow their chytrid infections or that the disease induces developmental stress that limits growth. Our results will directly assist amphibian disease researchers and wildlife managers, whose conservation efforts should focus on those amphibian populations living within the B. dendrobatidis climatic envelope that we have described.
Is Current Consumption Excessive? A General Framework and Some Indications for the United States
Authors: EHRLICH PAUL R. , GOULDER LAWRENCE H.
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Many prior studies have explored the implications of human population growth and environmentally problematic technologies for biodiversity loss and other forms of environmental degradation. Relatively few, however, have examined the impacts of the level and composition of consumption. We offer a framework that shows how the level and composition of a society's total consumption relate to the uses of various forms of capital and to the sustainability of natural resources and human well‐being. We relate the framework to two main approaches—top–down macro studies and bottom–up computer models—for measuring whether overall consumption in the United States satisfies a sustainability requirement. Existing top–down studies have shortcomings that bias their results toward optimism, and current computer simulation models, although strong on revealing biophysical outcomes, are limited in their ability to evaluate impacts on human well‐being. Although some ambiguities arise in determining whether overall consumption in the United States is excessive, our conclusions regarding the composition of U.S. consumption are unambiguous. Distorted consumption patterns and associated production methods lead to excessively rapid natural resource depletion; greater conservation would yield gains to current and future generations that more than compensate for the sacrifices involved. Public policies that deal with the composition problem not only would help conserve natural resources and improve current welfare but also would reduce the costs of meeting the goal of sustainability.
Meta‐Analysis Examining the Efficacy and Safety of Almotriptan in the Acute Treatment of Migraine
Authors: Chen Li‐Chia , Ashcroft Darren M.
Published: September 2007

Objective.—To evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of oral almotriptan in treating acute migraine attacks.

Background.—Almotriptan is an oral selective sertonin1B/1D receptor agonist (triptan) with a high bioavailability and short half‐life, developed for the treatment of migraine. In recent years, a number of randomized controlled trials have been published examining the efficacy and safety of almotriptan in the acute treatment of migraine.

Methods.—Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using a random‐effects model to estimate the pooled rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for the proportions of patients achieving headache relief and pain‐free responses at 1 or 2 hours post‐dose, sustained pain‐free response at 2–24 hours post‐dose, and safety outcomes (proportions of patients experiencing any adverse events, dizziness, somnolence, asthenia, and chest tightness) comparing almotriptan against placebo, other triptans, and different dosages of almotriptan. Absolute rate differences (ARDs) for 2‐hour headache relief, pain free, and sustained pain free responses between almotriptan and placebo were also calculated.

Results.—Eight RCTs involving 4995 patients were included in the analysis. Almotriptan 12.5 mg was significantly more effective than placebo for all efficacy outcomes (RRs ranged from 1.47 to 2.15; ARDs ranged from 0.01 to 0.28) and there were no significant differences in any of the safety outcomes. There were also no significant differences in efficacy outcomes comparing almotriptan 12.5 mg against sumatriptan 100 mg and zolmitriptan 2.5 mg, but almotriptan 12.5 mg was associated with significantly fewer adverse events than sumatriptan 100 mg (RR: 0.39, 95%CI: 0.23, 0.67). However, there was no significant difference between almotriptan and sumatriptan in terms of clinically important adverse effects, such as dizziness, somnolence, asthenia, and chest tightness. Almotriptan 12.5 mg was significantly less effective than almotriptan 25 mg for 1‐hour pain‐free response (RR: 0.45, 95%CI: 0.21, 0.95), but associated with significantly fewer patients experiencing adverse events (RR: 0.61, 95%CI: 0.41, 0.91) than almotriptan 25 mg.

Conclusions.—Almotriptan 12.5 mg is an effective treatment for acute attacks of migraine, in particular, it has been found to be as effective as sumatriptan 100 mg and zolmitriptan 2.5 mg. The risk of adverse events associated with almotriptan 12.5 mg was similar to placebo and significantly lower than sumatriptan 100 mg. Further research is required to assess the comparative efficacy of almotriptan against other triptans.
Efficacy of Duloxetine as a Migraine Preventive Medication: Possible Predictors of Response in a Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Taylor Anne P. , Adelman James U. , Freeman Marshall C.
Published: September 2007

Objective.—This case series is a retrospective chart analysis conducted to evaluate the efficacy of duloxetine as a migraine preventive medication and to suggest possible predictors of response.

Background.— Duloxetine, a relatively new selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is FDA‐approved for treatment of depression and diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. The efficacy of duloxetine as a headache preventive medication is currently unknown.

Method.—A retrospective chart review was performed using the electronic medical records of Headache Wellness Center, a headache specialty practice in Greensboro, North Carolina. From January 2004 to December 2006, 65 patients were identified who were prescribed duloxetine for migraine prevention for at least 2 months. Doses ranged from 30 mg qd to 90 mg qd. Frequency, severity, and impact of migraine disability were measured at baseline and compared to values obtained after 2 months of treatment.

Results.—The total patient sample demonstrated a reduction in mean monthly headache frequency from 19.40 (SD=7.1) to 15.70 (SD=8.2) (P= .01). The 50% responder rate was 22%. In subset analysis, individuals with abnormal baseline Zung anxiety scores demonstrated a greater reduction in mean monthly headache frequency (4.28, P= .03) and a greater responder rate (25%) than those in the total patient sample. Non‐statistically significant trends were observed in those patients with abnormal baseline Zung Depression scores exhibiting a less robust mean monthly migraine reduction (2.75, P= .18) than those with normal baseline depression scores (3.42, P= .07).

Conclusions.—Duloxetine demonstrates minimal effectiveness as a headache preventive medication. An interesting trend suggests that the presence of anxiety may be a positive predictor in treatment with duloxetine.
Tongue Necrosis in Temporal Arteritis
Authors: Goicochea Maria , Correale Jorge , Bonamico Lucfas , Dominguez Raúl , Bagg Eleonora , Famulari Arturo , Ameriso Sebastián , Sevlever Gustavo
Published: September 2007

Temporal arteritis is a form of systemic vasculitis that involves branches of the carotid artery. Clinical features are headache, visual loss, ophthalmoplegia, jaw claudication, temporal headache, with tenderness and thickening on the affected temporal artery. We present 3 cases of tongue necrosis due to this granulomatous arteritis. Ischemic necrosis of the tongue is unusual and appears to be an association between its occurrence and high dose steroid tapering.
Is There Hope for Chronic Pain and Headache?
Authors: Romero‐Reyes Marcela , Graff‐Radford Steven
Published: September 2007

Currently the clinical needs for pain and headache management are not met. Despite the numerous and exciting recent advances in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that originate pain, we cannot yet fully explain the mechanism underlying the biology of chronic pain. Pain is a natural mechanism preserving our species survival; however, when the protective quality is lost, physiologic changes to the peripheral and central nervous systems result in the formation of chronic pain states. Once we understand how this chronic pain state is created, either through genetic, environmental, therapeutic, or other triggers we may be able to enhance our species existence, limiting maladaptive pain and suffering. The future therapeutic targets will need to address the genetics, neurophysiologic changes of the neurons and brain as well as help control immune systems including the glia. The key to successful headache and pain therapy is research aimed at prevention and minimizing the plastic changes triggering chronic pain.
PROPELLER MRI visualizes detailed pathology of hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Eriksson Sofia H , Thom Maria , Bartlett Philippa A , Symms Mark R , McEvoy Andrew W , Sisodiya Sanjay M , Duncan John S
Published: September 2007

Summary

Purpose:Hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is the most common cause of refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. Histopathologically, HS is characterized by neuron loss and gliosis. HS can be identified on MRI by signal increase on T2‐weighted images and volume loss on T1‐weighted volume images. The Periodically Rotated Overlapping Parallel Lines with Enhanced Reconstruction (“PROPELLER”) sequence has excellent contrast between grey and white matter and compensates for subjects moving during the scan. The aim of the current report was to explore PROPELLER image quality of the hippocampus compared to routine sequences.

Methods: Routine sequences (T1 volume, T2‐weighted, PD and FLAIR images) and PROPELLER images were acquired in four presurgical patients with HS using a GE 3T Excite HD scanner (General Electric). Resected tissue was stained with LFB, and for GFAP, NeuN and dynorphin immunohistochemistry. Hippocampal sections were compared with PROPELLER images.

Results: PROPELLER images were T2‐weighted and had superior tissue contrast compared to routine sequences. PROPELLER images showed the internal hippocampal structures and tissue changes associated with HS. This corresponded to changes seen on histopathological sections confirming that the sequence could distinguish between different strata and subfields of the hippocampus.

Discussion: The PROPELLER sequence shows promise for detailed in vivo imaging of the hippocampus in patients who did not move overtly, negating the inevitable subtle movements during scans. More detailed in vivo studies of the hippocampal formation, investigating subtle abnormalities such as end folium sclerosis, and the neocortex are now possible and may increase the diagnostic yield of MRI.
Impact of leukapheresis on early death rate in adult acute myeloid leukemia presenting with hyperleukocytosis
Authors: Bug Gesine , Anargyrou Konstantinos , Tonn Torsten , Bialleck Heike , Seifried Erhard , Hoelzer Dieter , Ottmann Oliver G.
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with hyperleukocytosis of at least 100 × 109 per L are at high risk of early death due to pulmonary or cerebral leukostasis. Although the efficacy of leukapheresis in terms of prompt cytoreduction is generally accepted, published data regarding the clinical value of immediate therapeutic leukapheresis are limited and conflicting.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To determine whether leukapheresis has a favorable impact on early mortality, the clinical course of 53 newly diagnosed patients with AML and hyperleukocytosis admitted between 1995 and 2005 was analyzed retrospectively. Before August 2001, 28 patients received chemotherapy without leukoreduction (Cohort A). Thereafter, all AML patients with hyperleukocytosis were scheduled to receive leukapheresis, which was performed in 25 patients (Cohort B).

RESULTS: There were no procedure‐related adverse events. By Day 21 of therapy, 13 of 53 patients had died, resulting in an overall early death rate of 25 percent. In a multivariate logistic regression model, patients in Cohort B had a significantly lower risk of early death than patients in Cohort A (16% vs. 32%, respectively; p = 0.015). Dyspnea (p = 0.005), elevated creatinine (p = 0.028), and higher lactate dehydrogenase serum levels (p = 0.021) were independent risk factors for early death. With a median follow‐up of 24.2 months, the overall survival was similar in both cohorts (Cohort A, 7.5; Cohort B, 6.5 months). Thus, leukapheresis had no impact on patients' long‐term survivals.

CONCLUSIONS: Our experience suggests that AML patients with hyperleukocytosis receiving leukapheresis had a significantly lower risk for early death by Day 21 than patients treated without leukapheresis. We therefore have adopted leukapheresis as a standard procedure in our department.
Management of pregnancies complicated by anti‐Fya alloimmunization
Authors: Hughes Laura H. , Rossi Karen Q. , Krugh David W. , O'Shaughnessy Richard W.
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: The objective was to evaluate the management and outcome of patients with anti‐Fya at the Ohio State University.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A database search for patients with pregnancies complicated only by anti‐Fya from 1959 to 2004. Collected information included maternal testing, fetal therapy, and neonatal outcomes.

RESULTS: The final data set included 18 pregnancies in 15 women where anti‐Fya was the only maternal alloantibody present and the fetus was Fya antigen–positive. Maternal antibody titers of at least 32 and optical density at 450 nm values in modified Liley Zone IIB or III identified all fetuses or neonates with significant hemolytic disease (2/18, 11%). No fetuses had hydrops, and there were no deaths attributed to hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.

CONCLUSION: Anti‐Fya has the potential to lead to significant fetal hemolysis. Management guidelines developed for D sensitization are appropriate for pregnancies complicated by anti‐Fya alloimmunization.
Factor Va, bound to microparticles released during platelet storage, is resistant to inactivation by activated protein C
Authors: Magdeleyns Elke J.P. , Keuren Jeffrey F.W. , Curvers Joyce
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: Microparticles (MPs) support coagulation and can be helpful in restoring the hemostatic system in thrombocytopenic patients. The anticoagulant properties of MPs shed during storage of platelets (PLTs) have not been studied yet.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Storage‐induced MPs were harvested from outdated PLT concentrates. Whether factor (F)Va was present on the surface of these MPs was investigated. The activated protein C (APC)‐catalyzed inactivation of MP‐bound FVa was further determined. Also, inactivation of FVa at the surface of thrombin‐activated PLTs and synthetic vesicles was determined.

RESULTS: MPs in stored PLT products carry FVa at their surface. APC‐catalyzed inactivation of MP‐bound FVa resulted in 42 ± 2 percent residual FVa activity after 20 minutes. The residual activity of FVa on thrombin‐activated PLTs was 25 ± 3 percent. Plasma‐derived FVa was rapidly inactivated in the presence of synthetic vesicles, with 5 ± 4 percent residual FVa activity. When synthetic vesicles were added to the inactivation mixture of MP‐ or thrombin‐activated PLTs, a residual activity of 5 to 10 percent was found. Furthermore, addition of excess plasma‐FVa to storage‐induced MPs resulted in a residual activity of 26 ± 2 percent. Moreover, the APC‐resistant phenotype of MPs was confirmed in plasma in which thrombin generation was measured in the absence and presence of APC. Residual FVa activity in the presence of MPs, PLTs, or synthetic vesicles was 87 ± 6, 65 ± 3, and 8 ± 19 percent, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Together, these results suggest that the MP surface environment renders FVa resistant to APC. It is further concluded that the APC resistance of FVa at the surface of storage‐induced MPs enhances their procoagulant nature.
Bayesian Analysis of Mass Spectrometry Proteomic Data Using Wavelet‐Based Functional Mixed Models
Authors: Morris Jeffrey S. , Brown Philip J. , Herrick Richard C. , Baggerly Keith A. , Coombes Kevin R.
Published: September 2007

Summary In this article, we apply the recently developed Bayesian wavelet‐based functional mixed model methodology to analyze MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry proteomic data. By modeling mass spectra as functions, this approach avoids reliance on peak detection methods. The flexibility of this framework in modeling nonparametric fixed and random effect functions enables it to model the effects of multiple factors simultaneously, allowing one to perform inference on multiple factors of interest using the same model fit, while adjusting for clinical or experimental covariates that may affect both the intensities and locations of peaks in the spectra. For example, this provides a straightforward way to account for systematic block and batch effects that characterize these data. From the model output, we identify spectral regions that are differentially expressed across experimental conditions, in a way that takes both statistical and clinical significance into account and controls the Bayesian false discovery rate to a prespecified level. We apply this method to two cancer studies.
Modeling Longitudinal Data with Nonparametric Multiplicative Random Effects Jointly with Survival Data
Authors: Ding Jimin , Wang Jane‐Ling
Published: September 2007

SummaryIn clinical studies, longitudinal biomarkers are often used to monitor disease progression and failure time. Joint modeling of longitudinal and survival data has certain advantages and has emerged as an effective way to mutually enhance information. Typically, a parametric longitudinal model is assumed to facilitate the likelihood approach. However, the choice of a proper parametric model turns out to be more elusive than models for standard longitudinal studies in which no survival endpoint occurs. In this article, we propose a nonparametric multiplicative random effects model for the longitudinal process, which has many applications and leads to a flexible yet parsimonious nonparametric random effects model. A proportional hazards model is then used to link the biomarkers and event time. We use B‐splines to represent the nonparametric longitudinal process, and select the number of knots and degrees based on a version of the Akaike information criterion (AIC). Unknown model parameters are estimated through maximizing the observed joint likelihood, which is iteratively maximized by the Monte Carlo Expectation Maximization (MCEM) algorithm. Due to the simplicity of the model structure, the proposed approach has good numerical stability and compares well with the competing parametric longitudinal approaches. The new approach is illustrated with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) data, aiming to capture nonlinear patterns of serum bilirubin time courses and their relationship with survival time of PBC patients.
Hard cornification in reptilian epidermis in comparison to cornification in mammalian epidermis
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo , Toni Mattia , Dalla Valle Luisa
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  The structure of reptilian hard (beta)‐keratins, their nucleotide and amino acid sequence, and the organization of their genes are presented. These 13–19 kDa proteins are basic, rich in glycine, proline and serine, and different from cytokeratins. Their mRNAs are expressed in beta‐cells. The central part of beta‐keratins (this region has been previously termed ‘core‐box’ and is peculiar of all sauropsid proteins) is composed of two beta‐folded regions and shows a high identity with avian beta‐keratins. This central part present in all beta‐keratins, including feather keratins, is the site of polymerization to build the framework of beta‐keratin filaments. Beta‐keratins appear cytokeratin‐associated proteins. Their central region might have originated in an ancestral glycine‐rich protein present in stem reptiles from which beta‐keratins evolved and diversified into reptiles and birds. Stem reptiles of the Carboniferous period might have possessed glycine‐rich proteins derived from exons/domains corresponding to the variable, glycine‐rich region of cytokeratins. Beta‐keratins might have derived from a gene coding for small glycine‐rich keratin‐associated proteins. The glycine‐rich regions evolved differently in the lineage leading to modern reptiles and birds versus that leading to mammals. In the reptilian lineage some amino acid regions produced by point mutations and amino acid changes might have given rise to originate the central beta‐pleated region. The latter allowed the formation of filamentous proteins (beta‐keratins) associated with intermediate filament keratins and replaced them in beta‐keratin cells. In the mammalian lineage no beta‐pleated region was generated in their matrix proteins, the glycine‐rich keratin‐associated proteins. The latter evolved as glycine‐tyrosine‐rich, sulphur‐rich, and ultra‐sulphur‐rich proteins that are used for building hairs, horns and nails.
Characterization of the exocuticle a‐layer proteins of wool
Authors: Bringans Scott D. , Plowman Jeffrey E. , Dyer Jolon M. , Clerens Stefan , Vernon James A. , Bryson Warren G.
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  The outermost protein layer of wool cuticle cells is known as the exocuticle a‐layer. This layer is a resistant barrier to the degradation of the fibre and, as a result, little is known of its proteinaceous composition. Merino wool fibres were subjected to both proteolytic and chemical digestion and the resulting material was found by transmission electron microscopy to be highly enriched in a‐layer. Amino acid analysis revealed a high cysteine and glycine content, with a close, but not exact, match to the Allwörden membrane. Subsequent digestion of the a‐layer preparation by 2‐nitro‐5‐thiocyano‐benzoic acid produced a large number of short peptides, and analysis by mass spectrometry revealed peptides with strong homologies to cuticular ultra‐high sulphur proteins of sheep wool and cuticular ultra‐high and high‐sulphur proteins of human hair, thus supporting other evidence for the presence of these sulphur‐rich proteins in the a‐layer.
Temperature‐mediated en route migration mortality and travel rates of endangered Snake River sockeye salmon
Authors: Keefer M. L. , Peery C. A. , Heinrich M. J.
Published: September 2007

Abstract  Conservation efforts for endangered Snake River sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) have been hindered by high en route adult mortality during their ∼1450 km freshwater spawning migration. Identifying causal factors for this mortality has been difficult given very small (often <10 fish) annual returns in recent decades. However, several hundred hatchery‐bred fish returned in 2000 and we intercepted and radio‐tagged 31 in mid‐migration to monitor behaviours and survival. All fish initially migrated at similar rates, but later‐timed fish eventually slowed migration and were far more likely to be unsuccessful. Late‐season mortality was strongly associated with water temperatures near tolerance thresholds (21–24 °C). The data also suggest increased risk for fish in poor initial condition (i.e., with injuries or parasites) and probable recent selection against late‐timed salmon. Results parallel temperature‐ and condition‐related adult mortality in Columbia and Fraser River sockeye salmon populations and demonstrate the potential vulnerability of marginal southern populations to regional climate warming.
Diurnal and nocturnal movements of river blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus) in a south‐eastern Australian upland stream
Authors: Koster W. M. , Crook D. A.
Published: September 2007

Abstract –  We used radio‐telemetry to investigate the movement patterns of river blackfish [Gadopsis marmoratus (Richardson)] in Armstrong Creek, south‐eastern Australia between August and October 2005. Movements of 11 fish were monitored 2–3 times per week during daylight over 48 days and diel movements of six fish monitored hourly for three consecutive days and nights. Most river blackfish displayed little or no movement during the day and were confined to distinct positions in the stream. However, fish moved over significantly larger ranges and moved amongst mesohabitats at night, which would not have been detected using daylight tracking data only. River blackfish most often were located within pools, but they also commonly used riffle and run habitats. We also found that several fish used inundated riparian areas during a flood and two fish made rapid, large movements coinciding with the elevated flows. This study has revealed previously undocumented aspects of the movements and behaviour of river blackfish. The study has also shown the potential for different conclusions regarding the extent of movement by a species depending on the temporal scale and the timing of observations.
Exogenous melatonin administration modifies cutaneous vasoconstrictor response to whole body skin cooling in humans
Authors: Aoki Ken , Zhao Kun , Yamazaki Fumio , Sone Ryoko , Alvarez Guy E. , Kosiba Wojciech A. , Johnson John M.
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Humans and other diurnal species experience a fall in internal temperature (Tint) at night, accompanied by increased melatonin and altered thermoregulatory control of skin blood flow (SkBF). Also, exogenous melatonin induces a fall in Tint, an increase in distal skin temperatures and altered control of the cutaneous active vasodilator system, suggesting an effect of melatonin on the control of SkBF. To test whether exogenous melatonin also affects the more tonically active vasoconstrictor system in glabrous and nonglabrous skin during cooling, healthy males (n = 9) underwent afternoon sessions of whole body skin temperature (Tsk) cooling (water‐perfused suits) after oral melatonin (Mel; 3 mg) or placebo (Cont). Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated from SkBF (laser Doppler flowmetry) and non‐invasive blood pressure. Baseline Tint was lower in Mel than in Cont (P < 0.01). During progressive reduction of Tsk from 35°C to 32°C, forearm CVC was first significantly reduced at Tsk of 34.33 ± 0.01°C (P < 0.05) in Cont. In contrast, CVC in Mel was not significantly reduced until Tsk reached 33.33 ± 0.01°C (P < 0.01). The decrease in forearm CVC in Mel was significantly less than in Cont at Tsk of 32.66 ± 0.01°C and lower (P < 0.05). In Mel, palmar CVC was significantly higher than in Cont above Tsk of 33.33 ± 0.01°C, but not below. Thus exogenous melatonin blunts reflex vasoconstriction in nonglabrous skin and shifts vasoconstrictor system control to lower Tint. It provokes vasodilation in glabrous skin but does not suppress the sensitivity to falling Tsk. These findings suggest that by affecting the vasoconstrictor system, melatonin has a causal role in the nocturnal changes in body temperature and its control.
Melatonin preserves superoxide dismutase activity in hypoglossal motoneurons of adult rats following peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Chang Hung‐Ming , Huang Yi‐Lun , Lan Chyn‐Tair , Wu Un‐In , Hu Ming‐E , Youn Su‐Chung
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) produces functional changes in lesioned neurons in which oxidative stress is considered to be the main cause of neuronal damage. As superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an important antioxidative enzyme involved in redox regulation of oxidative stress, the present study determined whether melatonin would exert its beneficial effects by preserving the SOD reactivity following PNI. Adult rats subjected to hypoglossal nerve transection were intraperitoneally injected with melatonin at ones for 3, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days successively. The potential neuroprotective effects of melatonin were quantitatively demonstrated by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), mitochondrial manganese SOD (Mn‐SOD), and cytosolic copper‐zinc SOD (Cu/Zn‐SOD) immunohistochemistry. The functional recovery of the lesioned neurons was evaluated by choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunohistochemistry along with the electromyographic (EMG) recordings of denervation‐induced fibrillation activity. The results indicate that following PNI, the nNOS immunoreactivity was significantly increased in lesioned neurons peaking at 14 days. The up‐regulation of nNOS temporally coincided with the reduction of ChAT and SOD in which the Cu/Zn‐SOD showed a greater diminution than Mn‐SOD. However, following melatonin administration, the nNOS augmentation was successfully suppressed and the activities of Mn‐SOD, Cu/Zn‐SOD, and ChAT were effectively preserved at all postaxotomy periods. EMG data also showed a decreased fibrillation in melatonin‐treated groups, suggesting a potential effect of melatonin in promoting functional recovery. In association with its significant capacity in preserving SOD reactivity, melatonin is suggested to serve as a powerful therapeutic agent for treating PNI‐relevant oxidative damage.
Melatonin decreases mortality following severe subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Ayer Robert E. , Sugawara Takashi , Chen Wanqiu , Tong Wenni , Zhang John H.
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating disease that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There is substantial evidence to suggest that oxidative stress is significant in the development of acute brain injury following SAH. Melatonin is a strong antioxidant that has low toxicity and easily passes through the blood–brain barrier. Previous studies have shown that melatonin provides neuroprotection in animal models of ischemic stroke. This study hypothesizes that melatonin will provide neuroprotection when administered 2 hr after SAH. The filament perforation model of SAH was performed in male Sprague–Dawley rats weighing between 300 and 380 g. Melatonin (15 or 150 mg/kg), or vehicle was given via intraperitoneal injection 2 hr after SAH. Mortality and neurologic deficits were assessed 24 hr after SAH. A significant reduction in 24‐hr mortality was seen following treatment with high dose melatonin. There was no improvement in neurologic scores with treatment. Brain water content and lipid peroxidation were measured following the administration of high dose melatonin to identify a mechanism for the increased survival. High dose melatonin tended to reduce brain water content following SAH, but had no effect on the lipid peroxidation of brain samples. Large doses of melatonin significantly reduces mortality and brain water content in rats following SAH through a mechanism unrelated to oxidative stress.
Skin and psyche – From the surface to the depth of the inner world
Authors: Beltraminelli Helmut , Itin Peter
Published: September 2007

About 30 % of dermatology patients have signs or symptoms of psychological problems. Dermatologists should be familiar with the basics needed to identify, advise and treat these patients.Because of the complex interaction between skin and psyche, it is difficult to distinguish whether the primary problem is the skin or the psyche. Sometimes the clinical picture is a consequence of interactions between them and other factors.The interactions between skin and psyche are well known in history, art and literature – perhaps better known today because the marked emphasis on such images in our modern multimedia society. Aging is increasingly perceived as an illness and not as a physiological process. Through globalization, many different cultural approaches to the skin have entered in our daily life and influence our communication. This article considers the most important dermatoses which often show primary or secondary interaction with the psyche.
Feeding value of supplemented diet with black tea by‐product silage: Effect of polyethylene glycol addition to the diet on digestibility of protein fractions in goats
Authors: Kondo Makoto , Hidaka Miho , Kita Kazumi , Yokota Hiro‐omi
Published: September 2007

The feeding value of black tea by‐product silage was studied both in vitro and in vivo. To estimate the effect of tannins in black tea by‐product on nutrient digestibility, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was also given to goats as a tannin‐binding agent. Regarding in vitro ruminal fermentation, supplementation of black tea by‐products silage to basal substrates at more than 1% on a dry matter (DM) basis decreased the ammonia‐N (NH3‐N) concentration in the medium, indicating that black tea by‐products suppressed protein degradation in rumen. In the in vivo digestibility trial, six castrated goats were fed diets of timothy hay + soybean meal (control), control + black tea by‐product silage (+BTS), and control + black tea by‐product silage + PEG (+PEG) in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. Black tea by‐product silage was supplemented to the control diet at 5% on a DM basis. Black tea by‐product silage supply significantly decreased crude protein (CP) digestibility compared to the control diet (63.9 vs 67.5%), but the diminished digestibility tended to be improved by PEG addition (66.5%). Acid detergent insoluble N (ADIN) was slightly digested in control (1.5%), but the digestibility was negative (–19.1%) in +BTS. On the other hand, addition of PEG clearly improved the ADIN digestibility (2.9%). Urinary N output and ruminal NH3‐N concentration was altered in neither +BTS nor +PEG. Fecal N output was significantly higher in +BTS than in control, but it tended to be lower in +PEG. The amount of retained N was the highest in +PEG, followed by +BTS and control. This study confirmed indirectly that chemical compound in black tea by‐product silage that lowered protein digestibility was tannins. It was suggested that offering black tea by‐products silage at a 5% rate in a diet was such a high level that fecal N output was increased by tannin‐protein bindings fractionated as ADIN.
Genetic relationship estimation in guineagrass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) assessed on the basis of simple sequence repeat markers
Authors: Ebina Masumi , Kouki Kaori , Tsuruta Shin‐ichi , Akashi Ryo , Yamamoto Toshiya , Takahara Manabu , Inafuku Masahito , Okumura Kenji , Nakagawa Hitoshi , Nakajima Kousuke
Published: September 2007

Estimation of genetic relationship for the efficient genetic resources utilization in the breeding programs of guineagrass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) is of utmost importance. Thirteen simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, developed from genomic and cDNA clones, were successfully employed for estimating genetic relationship in guineagrass based on the analysis of 77 accessions. A genomic library enriched for (AG)/(TC) and expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences were screened for repeat motifs in guineagrass. A total of 13 SSR markers including eight from genomic clones and five from EST, were developed. Of these, eight, four and one SSR markers have perfect, interrupted and compound repeat motifs, respectively. One SSR has trinucleotide repeat motif of AGT, whereas the other 12 markers have dinucleotide motif of AG. The 13 SSR primer sets produced 1–4 amplified fragments within accessions, putatively corresponding to alleles derived from autotetraploidy of guineagrass. One hundred and ninety putative alleles were generated by 13 SSR in the 77 guineagrass accessions assayed. The values of power of discrimination (PD) ranged 0.449–0.968 with an average value of 0.859. Polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged 0.399–0.951. A phenogram of 77 guineagrass accessions obtained based on the genetic similarity with 13 SSR, revealed six major groups. The results suggested that the center of original region of guineagrass is Kenya, which agrees with an earlier study based on morphological analysis. The wide distribution of the guineagrass accessions strongly supports the assumption of intercrossing with the diploid sexual materials in natural habitat.
Local variation in soil microbial community structure in seminatural and artificial grasslands
Authors: Hossain M. Zabed , Okubo Atsushi , Sugiyama Shu‐ichi
Published: September 2007

Although above‐ground and below‐ground biological communities have mutual functional links, less is known about structural relationships between them. This study examines how soil microbial community structure is related to plant vegetation types and soil fertility in seminatural and artificial grasslands of Shiriyazaki, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. Soil microbial community structure was analyzed by profiles of phospholipids fatty acid (PLFA). Soil nitrogen and phosphorus contents were much higher in artificial grasslands than in seminatural grasslands. Seminatural and artificial grasslands showed significant differences between them in relative abundances of six PLFA peaks out of 16 peaks used in this study. Seminatural grasslands consist of two distinctive vegetation types depending on grazing intensity: short‐grass vegetation and tall‐grass vegetation. Although plant species composition largely differed between the short‐grass and tall‐grass vegetation types, the soil microbial community structure did not show a significant difference between them. These results indicate strong influences of human management on the soil microbial community.
THE EFFECT OF SODIUM NITRITE ON THE TEXTURAL PROPERTIES OF COOKED SAUSAGE DURING COLD STORAGE
Authors: DONG QING‐LI , TU KANG , GUO LI‐YANG , YANG JIA‐LI , WANG HAI , CHEN YU‐YAN
Published: September 2007

This study was conducted to determine the effect of sodium nitrite on the textural properties of cooked pork sausage during 0–21 days at 0–4C storage. Frankfurter‐type cooked sausages were prepared at four levels of sodium nitrite (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg). Texture profile analysis (TPA) attributes of cooked sausages changed as a result of different nitrite additions. Nitrite content was negatively correlated significantly with hardness and adhesiveness (P < 0.01), positively with cohesiveness (P < 0.01), springiness and resilience (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a principal component analysis was applied for reducing variables, based on the correlation of nitrite content and TPA parameters. It indicated that principal component 1 accounted for 65% reprehensive of hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness and resilience, and principal component 2 accounted for 16% relating mainly to chewiness. These two factors can explain the instrumental TPA attributes of cooked sausages by different sodium nitrite added during 21‐day cold storage.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The effect of sodium nitrite on the textural properties of cooked sausage could be valuable to the meat industry in order to select the appropriate nitrite addition for improving the texture of sausage. Principal component analysis used in this article may provide a good statistical method in reducing and explaining textural parameters. Moreover, this research could be useful to the further study of the effect of nitrite on cured meat products, and to provide information and experimental results to solve the “nitrite problem” in practice.
MECHANICAL MEASUREMENTS IN PUFFED RICE CAKES
Authors: LAURINDO JOÃO B. , PELEG MICHA
Published: September 2007

Puffed rice cakes of a national brand, plain, chocolate and cinnamon, were compressed with an Instron Universal Testing Machine (Canton, MA) to 80% deformation, dry and after moisture equilibration at 85% relative humidity. The dry cakes' engineering stress–strain relationships all had a sigmoid shape characteristic to solid cellular materials. They could be described mathematically by a double‐power model, which had been originally developed for bread crumb and soft synthetic foams. At strains above about 50%, the stress had noticeable random fluctuations, whose amplitude progressively increased. These stress fluctuations were most probably records of closed cells bursting. Upon moisture sorption, the prominent shoulder in the stress–strain relationship almost completely disappeared, and the recorded overall stress levels dropped considerably. This plasticizing effect of water was also manifested in the stress‐relaxation pattern of the compacted cakes. The wet samples' stress decay rate was much faster than that of the dry, and their residual stresses reached a much lower level. These observations suggest that the compressive properties of rice cakes can be determined and analyzed by the same general methods that are used for synthetic cellular solids, and that the effect of moisture on their texture can be assessed in terms of the overall stress level at comparable strain, modulus of deformability of the “intact specimen” and the compact's “degree of solidity,” which can be derived from its stress relaxation pattern.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Puffed crunchy cereals and snacks, including rice cakes, are popular foods in many countries, “crunchiness” being their unique attraction. Its objective characterization by instrumental methods and how it might be affected by composition and moisture are of great interest to numerous food companies. The compressibility of rice cakes is governed, simultaneously, by solid foam deformation and multifracture mechanics. The result is force–displacement curves that are both irregular and irreproducible, but which still have certain idiosyncratic characteristics. Their identification and interpretation are crucial to quality control and product development. The special tools to do that include mathematical models to characterize the mechanical signature's overall shape, in order to quantify the cakes' stiffness, and time series analysis, in order to assess the role of brittleness. For the methodology implementation, other factors, such as the “averaging effect” on random events and “glass transition,” also had to be taken into account as demonstrated.
Definitional Transgression, or the Revenge of the Vernacular in Hindu Tantric Studies
Authors: Elmore Mark
Published: September 2007

Until recently the concerns of Sanskritists, esotericists, and philosophers have dominated the academic study of Hindu tantra. Now scholars increasingly focus on ritual practice, living traditions, and vernacular texts. These new concerns have radically recast how Hindu tantra and its impact on South Asian history are visualized. Where before scholars represented Hindu tantra as an elite discourse with little social impact, now many understand it as the warp on which South Asian history was woven.
Executive Attention and Effortful Control: Linking Temperament, Brain Networks, and Genes
Authors: Rothbart Mary K. , Sheese Brad E. , Posner Michael I.
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT—
Young children’s increasing ability to regulate their thoughts, feelings, and behavior is a hallmark of development that is of critical importance to their socialization. Recent advances in neuroimaging and molecular genetics hold promise for drawing together different levels of analysis of the emergence and growth of self‐regulation. In this article, we review research relevant to our approach to understanding self‐regulation, beginning with an examination of the temperament construct of Effortful Control (EC). We trace the development of EC and its links to an anatomically defined attentional network and identify genes that may contribute to individual differences in the efficiency of this network. We also report on how intervention may influence a central component of self‐regulation, the executive attention network. Although much more work remains to be done, we believe that the importance of the questions addressed and the recent progress in understanding self‐regulation make this a very exciting area of research.
Infant Feeding and Cognition: Integrating a Developmental Perspective
Authors: Soliday Elizabeth
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT—
For a number of years, many professional organizations have promoted breastfeeding because of its documented health benefits. On the basis of recent evidence, highly influential organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics have also added cognitive enhancement to the list of benefits derived from breastfeeding. However, several unresolved issues related to the relevant research make advocacy of breastfeeding for cognitive benefits appear premature. The purpose of this article was to call for a stronger developmental perspective in considering research on infant feeding practices and cognition. Such a perspective would include precisely defining infant feeding practices, establishing the mechanisms of feeding effect on cognition, and addressing the stability of infants’ cognitive test scores, as well as the clinical significance of test score differences among various feeding groups. Also essential is improving the quality of data, including using more sensitive measures of cognition, integrating laboratory measures, and analyzing for individual differences.
A “Multitude” of Solitude: A Closer Look at Social Withdrawal and Nonsocial Play in Early Childhood
Authors: Coplan Robert J. , Armer Mandana
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT—
It has long been argued that social withdrawal in early childhood is a risk factor for later socioemotional difficulties. However, in recent years, researchers have begun to make distinctions between types of social withdrawal in young children, including shyness, social disinterest, and social avoidance. In this article, we review the literature on multiple forms of social withdrawal in early childhood. In particular, we focus on (a) theoretical and empirical distinctions between shyness, social disinterest, and social avoidance; (b) links between these constructs and children’s social and nonsocial play behaviors with peers; and (c) implications for children’s psychosocial adjustment. As well, we provide suggestions for future research, particularly on the relatively understudied construct of social disinterest and the virtually unexplored phenomenon of social avoidance.