bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schizophrenia: a review of the contemporary literature and implications for mental health nursing theory, practice and education
Authors: GOURNAY K.
Published: February 2008

Contemporary research in the aetiology, neuropsychology and epidemiology of schizophrenia is reviewed. The picture coming from this work is of a group of brain diseases of neurodevelopmental origin which manifest themselves in a variety of ways. In turn, there are a range of cognitive deficits associated with the schizophrenias which may, in the extreme, produce major functional handicap. This new knowledge has obvious implications for nurse education and a priority is to place this in undergraduate programmes. However, more importantly, it is argued that we need to alter conceptual frameworks. For example, in some cases we should care for people with schizophrenia in the same way as one would care for an individual suffering the after‐effects of a head injury. In the more severe forms of the illness we should take into account the probability that our patients may have significant problems of memory and attention, and thus modify interventions accordingly. It seems clear that our current nursing theories are not underpinned by relevant knowledge of the nature of schizophrenia and this problem warrants urgent attention.
The Strategy for Action on Farmers' Emotions (SAFE): working to address the mental health needs of the farming community
Authors: HUGHES H. W. , KEADY J.
Published: February 2008

Within the United Kingdom farmers are considered to be the fourth highest occupation group at risk of committing suicide. However, the mental health needs of the farming community are currently poorly understood or addressed by mental health nurses and community mental health teams. This is unacceptable both in terms of the presented level of risk, and in the direction of the most recent mental health review, which suggests that mental health nurses have unique skills in identifying and responding to suicidal behaviour. By building upon the practice of the first author, this paper outlines the Strategy for Action on Farmers' Emotions (SAFE), which develops a comprehensive strategy to respond to the mental health needs of the farming community. Where it is applicable, it is vital that these needs are brought from the margins to the mainstream of policy and service provision. This paper suggests that this position will only be achieved once an increased understanding of farming life and culture is gained.
Reasons for non‐attendance at a day hospital for people with enduring mental illness: the clients' perspective
Authors: MCGONAGLE I. M. , GENTLE J.
Published: February 2008

This paper describes a research project which aimed to discover the reasons clients give for failing to attend a mental health day hospital. There was concern that this service provision, for people with enduring mental illness, had a high level of non‐attendance and therefore might not be meeting the needs of the people for whom it is targeted. Over a period of 6 months 36 people failed to attend, despite assessment and apparent agreement to attend. Of the 36, 14 agreed to talk about their reasons for not attending. An open interview format was used which enabled the clients to talk in depth about their experiences, which they felt led to the decision to stop attending. Content analysis of the interview data resulted in the identification of common themes. Main findings suggest a lack of partnership in decisions on choice of therapy, particularly the emphasis on groupwork, which 86% found unhelpful. Other main factors for non‐attendance were a lack of an individual approach to care, not being listened to, and a lack of warmth from the staff. Recommendations for future practice are given, with particular attention to the need to develop a partnership with clients aimed at meeting individual needs.
Arabidopsis proteins important for modulating defense responses to Pseudomonas syringae that secrete HopW1‐1
Authors: Lee Min Woo , Jelenska Joanna , Greenberg Jean T.
Published: February 2008

Plant infection responses result from the interaction of pathogen‐derived molecules with host components. For the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae, these molecules are often effector proteins (Hops) that are injected into plant cells. P. syringae carrying hopW1‐1 have restricted host range on some Arabidopsis thaliana accessions. At least two Arabidopsis genomic regions are important for the natural variation that conditions resistance to P. syringae/hopW1‐1. HopW1‐1 elicits a resistance response, and consequently the accumulation of the signal molecule salicylic acid (SA) and transcripts of HWI1 (HopW1‐1‐Induced Gene1). This work identified three HopW1‐1‐interacting (WIN) plant proteins: a putative acetylornithine transaminase (WIN1), a protein phosphatase (WIN2) and a firefly luciferase superfamily protein (WIN3). Importantly, WIN2 and WIN3 are partially required for HopW1‐1‐induced disease resistance, SA production and HWI1 expression. The requirement for WIN2 is specific for HopW1‐1‐induced resistance, whereas WIN3 is important for responses to several effectors. Overexpression of WIN2 or WIN3 confers resistance to virulent P. syringae, which is consistent with these proteins being defense components. Several known genes important for SA production or signaling are also partially (EDS1, NIM1/NPR1, ACD6 and ALD1) or strongly (PAD4) required for the robust resistance induced by HopW1‐1, suggesting a key role for SA in the HopW1‐1‐induced resistance response. Finally, WIN1 is an essential protein, the overexpression of which over‐rides the resistance response to HopW1‐1 (and several other defense‐inducing effectors), and delays SA and HWI1 induction. Thus, the WIN proteins have different roles in modulating plant defense.
The roles of the cytoskeleton during cellulose deposition at the secondary cell wall
Authors: Wightman Raymond , Turner Simon R.
Published: February 2008

During secondary cell wall formation, developing xylem vessels deposit cellulose at specific sites on the plasma membrane. Bands of cortical microtubules mark these sites and are believed to somehow orientate the cellulose synthase complexes. We have used live cell imaging on intact roots of Arabidopsis to explore the relationship between the microtubules, actin and the cellulose synthase complex during secondary cell wall formation. The cellulose synthase complexes are seen to form bands beneath sites of secondary wall synthesis. We find that their maintenance at these sites is dependent upon underlying bundles of microtubules which localize the cellulose synthase complex (CSC) to the edges of developing cell wall thickenings. Thick actin cables run along the long axis of the cells. These cables are essential for the rapid trafficking of complex‐containing organelles around the cell. The CSCs appear to be delivered directly to sites of secondary cell wall synthesis and it is likely that transverse actin may mark these sites.
Characterization of a type A response regulator in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in response to phosphate starvation
Authors: Camacho Yolanda , Martínez‐Castilla León , Fragoso Selene , Vázquez Sonia , Martínez‐Barajas Eleazar , Coello Patricia
Published: February 2008

Type A response regulators are a family of genes in Arabidopsis thaliana involved primarily in cytokinin signal transduction. A member of this family was isolated from a cDNA library constructed from bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris) grown under conditions of phosphate starvation. The complete cDNA sequence showed the presence of the DDK domain, which is the hallmark of the response regulator family. Expression of the P. vulgaris response regulator 1 (PvRR1) showed clear regulation based on phosphate availability because transcript levels increased during phosphate starvation and returned to basal levels after resupplementation with phosphorus. Nitrogen and potassium starvation also upregulated PvRR1, indicating that cross talk with other nutrient signaling pathways might occur. Addition of cytokinins to plants growing under phosphate‐sufficient conditions stimulated PvRR1 transcript levels both in detached leaves and in roots. However, cytokinins strongly inhibited PvRR1 expression in phosphate‐starved plants after 24 h of incubation. At the protein level, subcellular localization of PvRR1 indicated that it is a nuclear protein and that phosphate starvation modified protein levels but not the localization.
Role of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase in heat pretreatment‐induced chilling tolerance in banana fruit
Authors: Chen Jian‐ye , He Li‐hong , Jiang Yue‐ming , Wang Yong , Joyce Daryl C. , Ji Zuo‐liang , Lu Wang‐jin
Published: February 2008

Increasing evidence suggests that phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.5) is associated with low temperature stress in plant tissues. Banana fruit are highly susceptible to chilling injury. However, little is known about the role of PAL (i.e. gene expression, protein level and activity) in fruit chilling. In this work, the involvement of PAL induced by heat treatment (38°C for 3 days) prior to storage (8°C) in chilling tolerance was investigated. The PAL inhibitor 2‐aminoindan‐2‐phosphonic acid (AIP) was also used to further study the role of PAL in the chilling tolerance. The results showed that mRNA transcripts (MaPAL1 and MaPAL2) and PAL protein levels increased during storage at chilling temperature. Heat treatment prior to storage alleviated chilling injury and enhanced PAL activity, protein amount and MaPAL1 and MaPAL2 transcript levels. The increases in parameters of PAL upon heat pretreatment were all inhibited by AIP treatment, which resulted in aggravation of chilling injury. Thus, these findings indicate that the induction of PAL by heat pretreatment was regulated at both the transcriptional and the translational levels and that PAL may play a role in heat pretreatment‐induced chilling tolerance of banana fruit.
Bioenergetic changes in the microalgal photosynthetic apparatus by extremely high CO2 concentrations induce an intense biomass production
Authors: Papazi Aikaterini , Makridis Pavlos , Divanach Pascal , Kotzabasis Kiriakos
Published: February 2008

Unicellular green alga Chlorella minutissima, grown under extreme carbon dioxide concentrations (0.036–100%), natural temperature and light intensities (Mediterranean conditions), strongly increase the microalgal biomass through photochemical and non‐photochemical changes in the photosynthetic apparatus. Especially, CO2 concentrations up to 10% enhance the density of active reaction centers (RC/CSo), decrease the antenna size per active reaction center (ABS/RC), decrease the dissipation energy (DIo/RC) and enhance the quantum yield of primary photochemistry (Fv/Fm). Higher CO2 concentrations (20–25%) combine the above‐mentioned photochemical changes with enhanced non‐photochemical quenching of surplus energy, which leads to an enhanced steady‐state fraction of ‘open’ (oxidized) PSII reaction centers (qp), and minimize the excitation pressure of PSII (1 − qp) under very high light intensities (approximately 1700 μmol m−2 s−1 maximal value), avoiding the photoinhibition and leading to an enormous biomass production (approximately 2500%). In conclusion, these extreme CO2 concentrations – about 1000 times higher than the ambient one – can be easily metabolized from the unicellular green alga to biomass and can be used, on a local scale at least, for the future development of microalgal photobioreactors for the mitigation of the factory‐produced carbon dioxide.
Two tomato α‐expansins show distinct spatial and temporal expression patterns during development of nematode‐induced syncytia
Authors: Fudali Sylwia , Janakowski Slawomir , Sobczak Miroslaw , Griesser Michaela , Grundler Florian M. W. , Golinowski Wladyslaw
Published: February 2008

Cyst nematodes induce specific syncytial feeding structures within the root which develop from an initial cell by successive incorporation of neighbouring cells through local cell wall dissolutions followed by hypertrophy of included cells. Expansins are known to induce cell wall relaxation and extension in acidic pH, and they are involved in many processes requiring wall modification from cell expansion to cell wall disassembly. We studied the expression pattern of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L., cv. Money Maker) expansins during development of syncytia induced by the potato cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis Woll.). Based on semi‐quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, two expansin genes, LeEXPA4 and LeEXPA5, were selected for detailed examinations because their expression was either elevated in infected roots (LeEXPA4) or specifically induced in the root upon nematode infection (LeEXPA5). Both genes have distinct spatial and temporal expression patterns that may reflect their different roles in syncytium development. LeEXPA4 transcripts were localized predominantly in parenchymatous vascular cylinder cells surrounding syncytia. This finding suggests that LeEXPA4 might be involved in cell wall disassembly or relaxation, mediating syncytium expansion and/or development of conductive tissues. By contrast, LeEXPA5 transcripts were localized in enlarging syncytial elements. Similarly, in immunogold localization experiments, polyclonal antibodies localized the LeEXPA5 protein in cell walls of syncytial elements. This expression pattern suggests that LeEXPA5 gene is specifically involved in enlargement of cells incorporated into syncytium.
Prospective study of progression of kidney dysfunction in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: SESSO RICARDO , PRADO FERNANDO , VICIOSO BELINDA , RAMOS LUIZ R
Published: February 2008

Aim:  Few prospective studies have assessed renal dysfunction in older persons. We sought to define kidney dysfunction among a community‐based cohort of elderly subjects and to determine the factors for its progression.

Mehtods:  The Epidemiologia do Idoso (EPIDOSO) Study is a prospective study of individuals ≥65 years old (mean 72.6 ± 0.3), living in the community in the city of São Paulo. The creatinine clearance (CrCl) of 269 individuals of this cohort was estimated during 8 years of follow‐up. The rate of decline in CrCl was calculated using linear regression analysis and dividing the group into tertiles of CrCl change.

Results:  Overall mean change in CrCl was −2.37 ± 0.23 mL/min per year. Mean age increased with the greatest degree of decline in renal function (71.1 ± 0.59, 72.5 ± 0.54 and 74.3 ± 0.58, for the first, second and third CrCl change tertiles, respectively, P < 0.01). A higher value of baseline CrCl was associated with progressive decline in CrCl (P < 0.01). Diastolic BP was greater in the second versus the first estimated glomerular filtration rate tertile (83 ± 1 vs 80 ± 1 mmHg, P < 0.05). High‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was inversely associated with CrCl decline (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Progression of kidney dysfunction occurs in most community‐dwelling elderly. Strategies aimed at slowing the progression should be considered for possible risk factors of older age, baseline CrCl, BP and HDL.
Role of the primary motor and sensory cortex in precision grasping: a transcranial magnetic stimulation study
Authors: Schabrun S. M. , Ridding M. C. , Miles T. S.
Published: February 2008

Human precision grip requires precise scaling of the grip force to match the weight and frictional conditions of the object. The ability to produce an accurately scaled grip force prior to lifting an object is thought to be the result of an internal feedforward model. However, relatively little is known about the roles of various brain regions in the control of such precision grip‐lift synergies. Here we investigate the role of the primary motor (M1) and sensory (S1) cortices during a grip‐lift task using inhibitory transcranial magnetic theta‐burst stimulation (TBS). Fifteen healthy individuals received 40 s of either (i) M1 TBS, (ii) S1 TBS or (iii) sham stimulation. Following a 5‐min rest, subjects lifted a manipulandum five times using a precision grip or completed a simple reaction time task. Following S1 stimulation, the duration of the pre‐load phase was significantly longer than following sham stimulation. Following M1 stimulation, the temporal relationship between changes in grip and load force was altered, with changes in grip force coming to lag behind changes in load force. This result contrasts with that seen in the sham condition where changes in grip force preceded changes in load force. No significant difference was observed in the simple reaction task following either M1 or S1 stimulation. These results further quantify the contribution of the M1 to anticipatory grip‐force scaling. In addition, they provide the first evidence for the contribution of S1 to object manipulation, suggesting that sensory information is not necessary for optimal functioning of anticipatory control.
The evolutionarily conserved gene LNP‐1 is required for synaptic vesicle trafficking and synaptic transmission
Authors: Ghila Luiza , Gomez Marie
Published: February 2008

The control of vesicle‐mediated transport in nerve cells is of great importance in the function, development and maintenance of synapse. In this paper, we characterize the new Caenorhabditis elegans gene, lnp‐1. The lnp‐1 gene is broadly distributed in many neuronal structures and its localization is dependent of the UNC‐104/kinesin protein. Deletion mutations in lnp‐1 result in increased resistance to aldicarb, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and in locomotor defects. However, sensitivity to levamisole, a nicotinic agonist which, unlike aldicarb, only affects postsynaptic function, was similar to that of wild‐type animals, suggesting a presynaptic function for LNP‐1 in neurotransmission. The mislocalization of presynaptic proteins, such as synaptobrevin‐1 or RAB‐3, in lnp‐1 mutants further supports this hypothesis. In summary, our studies suggest that LNP‐1 plays a role in synaptogenesis by regulating vesicular transport or localization.
Prospects: A Missing Piece of Current Selling Price Reporting
Authors: ROSENFIELD PAUL
Published: February 2008

This article seeks to provide insights about a conceptual objection to current selling price reporting: that, in its determination of asset amounts, such reporting ignores the reporting entity's prospects (potential, promise, outlook) for achievement of possession of or of access to consumer general purchasing power beyond its achievement to date of such possession or access. The article argues that financial reports should provide (a) information that is helpful to the users to evaluate the prospects of the reporting entity, including financial statement information based on current selling price reporting, (b) a section of the income statement presenting amounts spent during the reporting period to enhance the reporting entity's prospects, and (c) various kinds of supplementary information to aid the evaluations, such as the kinds discussed in this article.
Multiple Dimensions of Accounting in the Development of GAAP
Authors: STAUNTON J. J.
Published: February 2008

The phrase ‘accepted accounting principles’ underlying financial statements is a forerunner of today's accounting standards. Here, it is argued that history shows that the term ‘principles’ is often most vague in debates on the development of those standards. The reasons for and consequences of that vague use are varied and complex. This article provides insights not highlighted in earlier analyses of the periods reviewed. While debates like the rule‐ versus principle‐based standards are set up as two‐dimensional, the many dimensions of accounting often allow argument to be easily diverted. The debate/argument thus remains unresolved. For progress to be achieved in the establishment of accounting standards the many dimensions of accounting must be acknowledged and attempts to divert debate minimized. Those with a stake in the development of accounting standards need to consider the total scene of the related accounting. In a particular debate, dimensions under scrutiny must be stated, with any others in that total scene being acknowledged even if kept constant.
THE NEW ZEALAND PRESS ASSOCIATION 1880–2006: THE RISE AND FALL OF A CO‐OPERATIVE MODEL FOR NEWS GATHERING
Authors: Hannis Grant
Published: February 2008

The establishment of New Zealand's press agency, the New Zealand Press Association (NZPA), as a co‐operative news gathering agency in 1880 has traditionally been regarded as reflecting a pioneering spirit of newspaper unity or as being largely determined by the political situation of the time. But these explanations are insufficient. Applying economic and organisational theories of co‐operatives to the history of NZPA, this paper reveals it was market conditions that led to the creation of NZPA as a co‐operative news gathering service. Following profound changes in those market conditions, NZPA recently abandoned this co‐operative news gathering model.
A tale of two books: Bessarion's In Calumniatorem Platonis and George of Trebizond's Comparatio Philosophorum Platonis et Aristotelis1
Authors: Monfasani John
Published: February 2008

The two central Latin works of the Plato‐Aristotle Controversy of the Fifteenth Century were George of Trebizond's Comparatio Philosophorum Platonis et Aristotelis and Cardinal Bessarion's In Calumniatorem Platonis in response to George. The Renaissance fortuna of Bessarion's work is well known and reflects the relative success it enjoyed. George's Comparatio, however, had a much harder time of it. The story of its eventually printing in 1523 involves us tracing the history of MS Vat. Lat. 3382 of the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana through Central Europe until its arrival in Venice. The key figure in the printing proved to be the imperial official Jacopo Bannisio. A marginal note by the Englishman Robert Ridley in a copy of Bessarion's work now at Yale University reporting a conversation he had with Jacques Lefèvre d’Etaples in Paris provides interesting insights on how Lefèvre and others viewed the conflict between Bessarion and George as well as on the fortuna of George's Comparatio.
Presence, obligation and memory in John Donne's texts for the Countess of Bedford
Authors: Brown Cedric C.
Published: February 2008

In the context of gift theory and the range of epistolary and text presentation practice in the period, this article analyses all the extant texts written by John Donne for Lucy, Countess of Bedford, in a male‐to‐female, client‐patron relationship. Using an inclusive policy, eighteen texts are analysed from the most prominent exponent in England of ‘social authorship’ in manuscript form, embracing letters, verse letters, and other occasional presentational texts. The series includes a problematic and generally unpopular set of poems about deaths in the family and household, for all of which Lady Bedford is the prime reader. Particular attention is paid to the material features of the texts, and all are interpreted as transactional in the developing or fluctuating relationship between the two correspondents. Various new readings are suggested, and it is demonstrated how one text may provide the terms of reference for another, and how the appeal to memories of earlier services may dictate the terms of later exchanges. The series is understood as a series, within a code of mutual obligation. It is suggested that many features can be seen in other cases, both within the Donne oeuvre and more widely in early modern society.
Biofuels and Biodiversity: Principles for Creating Better Policies for Biofuel Production
Authors: GROOM MARTHA J. , GRAY ELIZABETH M. , TOWNSEND PATRICIA A.
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Biofuels are a new priority in efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels; nevertheless, the rapid increase in production of biofuel feedstock may threaten biodiversity. There are general principles that should be used in developing guidelines for certifying biodiversity‐friendly biofuels. First, biofuel feedstocks should be grown with environmentally safe and biodiversity‐friendly agricultural practices. The sustainability of any biofuel feedstock depends on good growing practices and sound environmental practices throughout the fuel‐production life cycle. Second, the ecological footprint of a biofuel, in terms of the land area needed to grow sufficient quantities of the feedstock, should be minimized. The best alternatives appear to be fuels of the future, especially fuels derived from microalgae. Third, biofuels that can sequester carbon or that have a negative or zero carbon balance when viewed over the entire production life cycle should be given high priority. Corn‐based ethanol is the worst among the alternatives that are available at present, although this is the biofuel that is most advanced for commercial production in the United States. We urge aggressive pursuit of alternatives to corn as a biofuel feedstock. Conservation biologists can significantly broaden and deepen efforts to develop sustainable fuels by playing active roles in pursuing research on biodiversity‐friendly biofuel production practices and by helping define biodiversity‐friendly biofuel certification standards.
The three stages of epilepsy in patients with CDKL5 mutations
Authors: Bahi‐Buisson Nadia , Kaminska Anna , Boddaert Nathalie , Rio Marlène , Afenjar Alexandra , Gérard Marion , Giuliano Fabienne , Motte Jacques , Héron Delphine , Morel Marie Ange N'Guyen , Plouin Perrine , Richelme Christian , Des Portes Vincent , Dulac Olivier , Philippe Christophe , Chiron Catherine , Nabbout Rima , Bienvenu Thierry
Published: February 2008

Summary

Mutations in the X‐linked cyclin‐dependent kinase‐like 5 (CDKL5) gene are responsible for a severe encephalopathy with early epilepsy. So far, the electroclinical phenotype remains largely unknown and no clear genotype–phenotype correlations have been established.

Purpose: To characterize the epilepsy associated with CDKL5 mutations and to look for a relationship between the genotype and the course of epilepsy.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the electroclinical phenotypes of 12 patients aged from 2.5 to 19 years diagnosed with pathogenic CDKL5 mutations and one patient with a novel intronic sequence variation of uncertain pathogenicity and examined whether the severity of the epilepsy was linked to the type and location of mutations.

Results: The epilepsy course reveals three successive stages: (Stage I) early epilepsy (onset 1–10 weeks) with normal interictal electroencephalogram (EEG) (10/13) despite frequent convulsive seizures; (Stage II) epileptic encephalopathy with infantile spasms (8/8) and hypsarrhythmia (8/8). At the age of evaluation, seven patients were seizure free and six had developed refractory epilepsy (stage III) with tonic seizures and myoclonia (5/6).

 Interestingly, the patients carrying a CDKL5 mutations causing a truncation of the catalytic domain tended to develop a more frequent refractory epilepsy than patients with mutations located downstream (4/6, 66.6% versus 1/6, 16%) although, these trends are not yet significant.

Discussion: Our data contribute to a better definition of the epileptic phenotype in CDKL5 mutations, and might give some clues to a potential relationship between the phenotype and the genotype in these patients.
Human Rights Violations, Corruption, and the Policy of Repression
Authors: Bohara Alok K. , Mitchell Neil J. , Nepal Mani , Raheem Nejem
Published: February 2008

Quantitative cross‐national research on human rights violations and repression has made considerable progress in identifying and eliminating economic and political factors that influence the use of torture and killing by governments. Warfare tends to increase violations, democracy—notably full democracy—and trade tends to inhibit violations. Where motives have been considered, this research has generally assumed a strategic motivation for government use of repression. Repression is employed to counter threats from the opposition as represented by the presence of warfare. Less attention has been given to the effect of implementation on levels of repression. Theory suggests that agents are likely to make a substantial independent contribution to the level of repression, if given the opportunity. In this article we develop this argument and present cross‐country comparative evidence that suggests that agents’ opportunities for hidden action measured by perceived levels of financial corruption substantially influences the incidence of torture in a political system, after controlling for the strategic motive of governments and the other factors found influential in earlier research. We show that the results are robust and not sensitive to alternative modeling, measurement, and research‐design decisions.
Real‐time imaging of the pancreas during development of diabetes
Authors: Martinic Marianne M. , Von Herrath Matthias G.
Published: February 2008

Summary: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is the most common autoimmune disease affecting almost 20 million people worldwide. T1D is thought to be caused by autoaggressive T cells infiltrating pancreatic islets and destroying insulin‐producing β cells. Because insulin therapy, the current treatment for T1D, does not protect against all late complications and because life expectancy is affected, researchers are searching for preventive or curative approaches that block or prevent immune‐mediated islet destruction. However, the precise in vivo events that take place in islets during T1D development remain unknown. During the past decade, 2‐photon microscopy (2PM) has emerged as a new technique to assess cell–cell interactions in real‐time and at high resolution in vivo. This technique has been demonstrated recently to be a promising tool to study the progressive development of T1D pathogenesis at the cellular level. In this review, we propose a new surgical and immunological approach so that 2PM can be utilized to monitor the duration that effector cells reside within an islet, determine the number of effector cells needed for elimination of β cells, and follow the fate of β cells when regulatory cells are present. Understanding the cellular dynamics during T1D development is critical for the rational design of immunotherapies.
Viewing the antigen‐induced initiation of B‐cell activation in living cells
Authors: Tolar Pavel , Won Sohn Hae , Pierce Susan K.
Published: February 2008

Summary: The binding of antigen to the B‐cell receptor (BCR) induces BCR clustering and signaling cascades that lead to the activation of a variety of genes associated with B‐cell activation. Over the last several years, our understanding of the molecular details of the BCR signaling pathways have been considerably advanced; what remains only poorly understood are the molecular events that initiate BCR clustering and how clustering leads to activation. Here, we review our progress using live cell imaging technologies to view the earliest events that follow the B cell's binding of antigen. We provide a model for BCR clustering and B‐cell activation that involves an intrinsic tendency of the BCR to cluster and does not require direct crosslinking of the BCR by multivalent antigens. We suggest that local membrane topology and lipid composition play key roles in BCR clustering and initiation of signaling. We believe that our model for B‐cell activation, in which receptor interactions with monovalent antigens on membrane surfaces lead to receptor clustering, may be highly relevant to the mechanisms by which other immune receptors cluster including the T‐cell receptor in response to monovalent peptide–major histocompatibility complex complexes.
T‐cell activation through immunological synapses and kinapses
Authors: Dustin Michael L.
Published: February 2008

Summary: T‐cell activation requires ‘contact’ with antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) to bring the T‐cell receptor (TCR) and antigenic major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐peptide complex together. Contact is defined by the size of the TCR and MHC–peptide complex, which at approximately 13 nm requires extensive interdigitation of the glycocalyx of the T cell and APC. T cells may be activated through formation of a stable T cell–APC junction, referred to as an immunological synapse. It has also been shown in vitro that T cells can integrate signals from APCs without a stable interaction. In vivo imaging studies supported the importance of both motile and stable T cell–APC interactions in T‐cell priming. We have found that stability depends not upon turning off motile machinery but by symmetrization of force‐generating structures to balance forces and hold the cell in place. Motility is induced by breaking this symmetry, which may be necessary to maintain the differentiation potential of the T cell. Recently, we also discovered a mode of T‐cell signaling leading to tolerance in vivo based purely on motile interactions. Because this entire process takes place in a state of continuous T‐cell kinesis, I propose the term ‘kinapse’ for motile T cell–APC contacts leading to signaling. Synapses and kinapses are inter‐convertible by symmetrization/symmetry breaking processes, and both modes appear to be involved in normal T‐cell priming. Imbalance of synapse/kinapse states may lead to immunopathology.
Patients’ satisfaction with a community‐based, nurse‐led benign prostatic hyperplasia assessment clinic
Authors: McCaughan Eilis , Parahoo Kader , Thompson Kathryn , Reid Stuart
Published: February 2008

The increase in the prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is putting pressure on existing general practitioners’ and urologists’ services. Nurses are rising to the challenge by taking an active part in the assessment of this condition. It is important, however, to know users’ views of these services. The aims of this study were to explore users’ experience and perceptions of a community‐based, nurse‐led BPH clinic and to evaluate their satisfaction with the services provided. Out of a target population of 65 users, a random sample of 10 were interviewed and the rest (n = 55) were sent a questionnaire developed for the purpose of this study. The findings from both methods were consistent in showing an overwhelmingly positive evaluation of the appointment procedures, the environment of the clinic, the consultation process and the way they were treated. Users’ concerns about the condition were addressed, as were their health promotion needs. This evaluation shows that specialist urology nurses have an important part in assessing, educating and reassuring users with BPH symptoms.
Solvochromic Effects in Model Eumelanin Compounds†
Authors: Nighswander‐Rempel Stephen P. , Mahadevan Indumathy B. , Bernhardt Paul V. , Butcher Jessica , Meredith Paul
Published: February 2008

We have created an indolic compound which is ideally suited to the study of the relationship between structure and function in eumelanin formation. N‐methyl‐5‐hydroxy‐6‐methoxyindole (MHMI) is stable in solid and liquid states, highly soluble in a variety of solvents and forms a dimer only through the 4‐4′ positions. The limited binding possibilities are due to functional groups strategically placed to inhibit chemical interactions through the 2 and 7 positions. It forms a crystal structure with a remarkable packing arrangement, with four monomers grouped in parallel pairs spaced 3.5 Å apart within each unit cell. Optical spectra reveal a multi‐peaked absorbance profile similar to 5,6‐dihydroxyindole (DHI) and N‐acetyl‐tryptophanamide (NATA), and strong fluorescence emission with radiative quantum yields of 29% and 33% in benzene and acetonitrile, respectively. The quantum yield is similar to that of 5,6‐dihydroxyindole‐2‐carboxylic acid (DHICA) and shows that solvent aromaticity by itself does not affect the yield. Solution in chloroform results in an almost complete quenching of the fluorescence but an increase in emission is observed with photoactivation. Crystallographic results shown here suggest new structural possibilities for eumelanin and the controlled binding possibilities make this an excellent model for monitoring changes in function with increasing oligomer size in eumelanin formation.
Insight in first episode psychosis: who is measuring what?
Authors: Tranulis Constantin , Lepage Martin , Malla Ashok
Published: February 2008

Aims: To compare different self‐administered or clinician‐rated insight scales in an FEP population.

Methods: A self‐administered measure (Beck Cognitive Insight Scale – BCIS) and clinician‐rated scales (Scale of Unawareness of Mental Disorder – SUMD and Positive And Negative Symptoms Scale – PANSS‐G12 insight item) were completed by 38 patients with a diagnosis of FEP.

Results: The scales had good internal consistency and only the clinician‐rated scales were intercorrelated (SUMD – awareness of mental disorder and PANSS‐G12 items (r = 0.657, P < 0.001)). Moreover, we observed a significant association of SUMD and PANSS positive and general subscales and a trend association for BCIS and PANSS negative subscale.

Conclusion: Differential associations observed between insight and symptoms may suggest different clinical predictive values for each measure. Our results suggest the necessity to qualify the term ‘insight’ when discussing research results, most notably with respect to who is rating and what aspect of insight is being rated.
Reasons for using substances in adolescents with and without psychosis
Authors: Pencer Alissa , Addington Jean
Published: February 2008

Aim: To increase our understanding of substance use among adolescents with psychosis by comparing their reasons for use with those of typically developing adolescents.

Methods: Participants were 35 outpatient adolescents, recently admitted for a first episode of psychosis to an early psychosis programme, and 35 typically developing adolescents. Measures used included the Personal Experience Screening Questionnaire and Reasons for Use Scale.

Results: Adolescents with psychosis used significantly more substances than adolescents without psychosis (P < 0.01). Reasons for use in the two groups were similar.

Conclusions: Although adolescents with psychosis report using substances for the same reasons as other adolescents, they may also use to self‐medicate secondary morbidity associated with psychosis. These results have a number of implications for prevention and treatment.
Immunohistochemical expressions of E‐cadherin and β‐catenin correlate with the invasion, metastasis and prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kitahara H. , Kawashiri S. , Kato K. , Ohara T. , Yoshizawa K. , Nozaki S. , Nakagawa K.
Published: February 2008

Aim:  E‐cadherin is an adhesion molecule playing the central role in adhesion between epithelial cells by binding to the same type of cadherin located adjacently. β‐Catenin directly binds to E‐cadherin in cells to connect cadherin to the cytoskeleton. In cancer development and invasion, this adhesive function between cancer cells is considered to decrease in the early step. We investigated expressions of cell adhesion molecules, E‐cadherin and β‐catenin, in oral squamous cell carcinoma, and their associations with invasion, metastasis and prognosis.

Material and methods:  The sections of 80 biopsy specimens that were formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded were immunostained to assess the expressions of E‐cadherin and β‐catenin in the tumour‐advancing region using histological preparations of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Result:  Regarding the association with the degree of histopathological differentiation, mode of cancer invasion and the presence or absence of regional lymph node metastasis, both E‐cadherin and β‐catenin positivity rates tended to decrease in poorly differentiated and highly invasive cases. The positivity rates were also low in cases with regional lymph node metastasis. Low positivity rates were associated with regional lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis.

Conclusion:  These findings suggested that the expressions of E‐cadherin and β‐catenin in cancer cells in the tumour‐advancing region are involved in the invasion and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma, and affect the prognosis.
Surgical management of ameloblastomas: conservative or radical approach? A critical review of the literature
Authors: Adeyemo W.L. , Bamgbose B.O. , Ladeinde A.L. , Ogunlewe M.O.
Published: February 2008

Aim:  The aim of this study is to review the pertinent literature and determine the most appropriate method of treatment for ameloblastomas.

Methods:  A computerized literature search using MEDLINE was conducted for published articles on treatment of ameloblastomas. Mesh phrases used in the search were: ameloblastoma AND treatment; ameloblastoma AND surgical management. An attempt was made to conduct a systematic review on the subject, but due to inconsistency in terminology, treatment protocol, lack of randomised controlled trial and inadequate follow‐up assessment in most of the articles assessed, a narrative critical review of selected relevant literature regarding treatment of ameloblastoma was undertaken.

Results:  It is widely reported that the recurrence of an ameloblastoma in large part reflects the inadequacy or failure of the primary surgical procedure. Recent studies have unequivocally showed that when a diagnosis of ameloblastoma is made, the treatment must be aggressive and radical to avoid recurrence. The recurrence rates of 55% to 90% for solid or multicystic lesions treated by conservative approach (enucleation or curettage) and even metastases have been reported. Regarding unicystic ameloblastoma, systematic review of the literature has shown that radical approach to treatment resulted in lowest recurrence rate. For ameloblastomas, the first operation (especially radical) affords the best chance for cure.

Conclusions:  There is a lack of consensus on the most appropriate treatment modality for ameloblastomas. However, a more radical approach (whenever possible) appears to be the best method for the management of these benign, but locally aggressive, lesions with propensity for multiple recurrences.
Strawberry gums in Wegener's granulomatosis: a rare presentation
Authors: Paul R. , Moran N.
Published: February 2008

Wegener's granulomatosis is a multisystem disease characterised by necrotising granulomatosis of the upper and lower respiratory tracts, disseminated vasculitis and glomerulonephritis. However, the clinical manifestations and organs involved in the disease vary widely. This case report documents the importance of considering Wegener's granulomatosis in patients with unique oral lesions. Failure to recognise clinical lesions can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment, with potentially fatal results.
Facteurs epsilon p-adiques
Authors: Marmora Adriano
Published: February 2008

We develop and study the epsilon factor of a ‘local system’ of p-adic coefficients over the spectrum of a complete discrete valuation field K with finite residue field of characteristic p>0. In the equal characteristic case, we define the epsilon factor of an overconvergent F-isocrystal over Spec(K), using the p-adic monodromy theorem. We conjecture a global formula, the p-adic product formula, analogous to Deligne’s formula for étale ℓ-adic sheaves proved by Laumon, which explains the importance of this local invariant. Namely, for an overconvergent F-isocrystal over an open subset of a projective smooth curve X, the constant of the functional equation of the L-series is expressed as a product of the local epsilon factors at the points of X. We prove the conjecture for rank-one overconvergent F-isocrystals and for finite unit-root overconvergent F-isocrystals. In the mixed characteristic case, we study the behavior of the epsilon factor by deformation to the field of norms.
A dynamical version of the Mordell–Lang conjecture for the additive group
Authors: Ghioca D. , Tucker T. J.
Published: February 2008

We prove a dynamical version of the Mordell–Lang conjecture in the context of Drinfeld modules. We use analytic methods similar to those employed by Skolem, Chabauty, and Coleman for studying diophantine equations.
Young's Modulus of a Marshmallow
Authors: Pestka Kenneth A.
Published: February 2008

When teaching the subject of elasticity, it is often difficult to find a straightforward quantitative laboratory that can give a “hands-on” feel for the subject. This paper presents an experiment that demonstrates the essentials of elasticity by observing the behavior of marshmallows under a compressive load. Like other marshmallow-based activities,1,2 this experiment is straightforward, fun, and readily extendable to more complicated and advanced topics.
Speed of Wave Pulses in Hooke's Law Media
Authors: Huggins Elisha
Published: February 2008

As students watched a compressional pulse bounce back and forth on the horizontally suspended Slinky™, shown in Fig. 1, we wrote down the formula for the speed of the pulse and promised that later in the course we would derive the formula. The problem is we did not keep our promise in the course. Here is where we are keeping the promise. As part of our introduction to Einstein's special theory of relativity, we emphasized that the formula was for the pulse's speed relative to the Slinky medium. It would predict the pulse's speed past us only if we were at rest relative to that medium.
Teaching Nuclear Radiation and the Poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko
Authors: Lapp David R.
Published: February 2008

The recent international story about the death of the former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko has more than just a few wondering about radiation poisoning and the sinister sounding polonium-210. I was preparing to begin a nuclear radiation unit the Monday after Thanksgiving 2006. As it turned out, Litvinenko died Thanksgiving Day after a short and terrible three-week illness. Having the story continue to unfold throughout the next two weeks of the new unit provided a daily opportunity for students to see the relevance of what we were doing in class. My students were able to have meaningful and informed conversations with their peers and parents over an important international event. They even began to feel a bit like authorities themselves when listening to experts respond to media questions about polonium-210 and nuclear radiation in general. This paper discusses some of the ways that the story of Litvinenko was used while presenting the topic of nuclear radiation.
Response to Comment on "Clustering by Passing Messages Between Data Points"
Authors: Frey Brendan J. , Dueck Delbert
Published: February 2008

Affinity propagation (AP) can be viewed as a generalization of the vertex substitution heuristic (VSH), whereby probabilistic exemplar substitutions are performed concurrently. Although results on small data sets (≤900 points) demonstrate that VSH is competitive with AP, we found VSH to be prohibitively slow for moderate-to-large problems, whereas AP was much faster and could achieve lower error.
Modulation of β-Catenin and E-Cadherin Interaction by Vpu Increases Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Particle Release
Authors: Salim Aneeza , Ratner Lee
Published: February 2008

Vpu (viral protein U) is a 17-kDa human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) accessory protein that enhances the release of particles from the surfaces of infected cells. Vpu recruits β-transducin repeat-containing protein (β-TrCP) and mediates proteasomal degradation of CD4. By sequestering β-TrCP away from other cellular substrates, Vpu leads to the stabilization of β-TrCP substrates such as β-catenin, IκBα, ATF4, and Cdc25A, but not of other substrates such as Emi1. This study shows that in addition to stabilizing β-catenin, Vpu leads to the depression of both total and β-catenin-associated E-cadherin levels through β-TrCP-dependent stabilization of the transcriptional repressor Snail. We showed that both downregulation of overall E-cadherin levels and dissociation of E-cadherin from β-catenin result in enhanced viral release. By contrast, the overexpression of E-cadherin or the prevention of the dissociation of E-cadherin from β-catenin results in depressed levels of virus release. Since E-cadherin is expressed only in dendritic cells and macrophages, and not in T cells, our data suggest that the HIV-1vpugene may have evolved to counteract different restrictions to assembly in different cells.