bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlled Release of Doxorubicin from Doxorubicin/γ‐Polyglutamic Acid Ionic Complex
Authors: Manocha Bhavik , Margaritis Argyrios
Published: May 2010

Formation of drug/polymer complexes through ionic interactions has proven to be very effective for the controlled release of drugs. The stability of such drug/polymer ionic complexes can be greatly influenced by solution pH and ionic strength. The aim of the current work was to evaluate the potential ofγ‐polyglutamic acid (γ‐PGA) as a carrier for the anticancer drug, Doxorubicin (DOX). We investigated the formation of ionic complexes betweenγ‐PGA and DOX using scanning electron microscopy, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and X‐ray diffraction. Our studies demonstrate that DOX specifically interacts withγ‐PGA forming random colloidal aggregates and results in almost 100% complexation efficiency. In vitro drug release studies illustrated that these complexes were relatively stable at neutral pH but dissociates slowly under acidic pH environments, facilitating a pH‐triggered release of DOX from the complex. Hydrolytic degradation ofγ‐PGA and DOX/γ‐PGA complex was also evaluated in physiological buffer. In conclusion, these studies clearly showed the feasibility ofγ‐PGA to associate cationic drug such as DOX and that is may serve as a new drug carrier for the controlled release of DOX in malignant tissues.
Nonlinear Filtering of Oscillatory Measurements in Cardiovascular Applications
Authors: Vepa Ranjan
Published: May 2010

An array of nonidentical and locally connected chaotic biological neurons is modelled by a single representative chaotic neuron model based on an extension of the Hindmarsh‐Rose neuron. This model is then employed in conjunction with the unscented Kalman filter to study the associated state estimation problem. The archetypal system, which was deliberately chosen to be chaotic, was corrupted with noise. The influence of noise seemed to annihilate the chaotic behaviour. Consequently it was observed that the filter performs quite well in reconstructing the states of the system although the introduction of relatively low noise had a profound effect on the system. Neither the noise‐corrupted process model nor the filter gave any indications of chaos. We believe that this behaviour can be generalised and expect that unscented Kalman filtering of the states of a biological neuron is completely feasible even when the uncorrupted process model exhibits chaos. Finally the methodology of the unscented Kalman filter is applied to filter a typical simulated ECG signal using a synthetic model‐based approach.
Adverse Influence of Radio Frequency Background on Trembling Aspen Seedlings: Preliminary Observations
Authors: Haggerty Katie
Published: May 2010

Numerous incidents of aspen decline have been recorded in North America over the past half century, and incidents of very rapid mortality of aspen clones have been observed in Colorado since 2004. The radio frequency (RF) environment of the earth has undergone major changes in the past two centuries due to the development and use of electricity in power and communications applications, and the anthropogenic RF background continues to increase in intensity and complexity. This study suggests that the RF background may have strong adverse effects on growth rate and fall anthocyanin production in aspen, and may be an underlying factor in aspen decline.
Truly Distributed Optical Fiber Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring: From the Telecommunication Optical Fiber Drawling Tower to Water Leakage Detection in Dikes and Concrete Structure Strain Monitoring
Authors: Henault Jean-Marie , Moreau Gautier , Blairon Sylvain , Salin Jean , Courivaud Jean-Robert , Taillade Frédéric , Merliot Erick , Dubois Jean-Philippe , Bertrand Johan , Buschaert Stéphane , Mayer Stefan , Delepine-Lesoille Sylvie
Published: May 2010

Although optical fiber sensors have been developed for 30 years, there is a gap between lab experiments and field applications. This article focuses on specific methods developed to evaluate the whole sensing chain, with an emphasis on (i) commercially-available optoelectronic instruments and (ii) sensing cable. A number of additional considerations for a successful pairing of these two must be taken into account for successful field applications. These considerations are further developed within this article and illustrated with practical applications of water leakage detection in dikes and concrete structures monitoring, making use of distributed temperature and strain sensing based on Rayleigh, Raman, and Brillouin scattering in optical fibers. They include an adequate choice of working wavelengths, dedicated localization processes, choices of connector type, and further include a useful selection of traditional reference sensors to be installed nearby the optical fiber sensors, as well as temperature compensation in case of strain sensing.
Obstetrical Complications and Outcome in Two Families with Hereditary Angioedema due to Mutation in the F12 Gene
Authors: Picone Olivier , Donnadieu Anne-Claire , Brivet François G. , Boyer-Neumann Catherine , Frémeaux-Bacchi Véronique , Frydman René
Published: May 2010

Backgroud. Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is characterized by recurrent swelling of the skin, the abdomen (causing severe acute pain), and the airways. A recently discovered type caused by mutations in the factor XII gene (designated as HAE type III) occurs mainly in women. Estrogens may play an important role, but few obstetrical complications have been reported. Case. We report the symptoms and obstetrical complications of women in two families with HAE attributable to the p. Thr328Lys mutation in the F12 gene. Clinical manifestations included acute and severe maternal abdominal pain, with transient ascites, laryngeal edema, and fetal and neonatal deaths. Patients had normal C4 levels and a normal C1 inhibitor gene. Administration of C1‐inhibitor concentration twice monthly decreased the attack rate in one mother, and its predelivery administration (1000 U) led to the delivery of healthy girls. Conclusions. Obstetricians and anesthesiologists should be aware of this rare cause of unexplained maternal ascites and in utero or fetal death associated with edema.
Alien Mink Predation and Colonisation Processes of Rodent Prey on Small Islands of the Baltic Sea: Does Prey Naïveté Matter?
Authors: Fey Karen , Banks Peter B. , Korpimäki Erkki
Published: May 2010

Colonisation, an important part of meta-population dynamics of fragmented populations, depends on both the dispersal ability and the ability to establish in the new habitat. Predation can hinder successful establishment of prey, and where the predation pressure comes from an alien predator, the effects on colonisation might be devastating. We studied the establishment of field voles (Microtus agrestis) inhabiting small islands of the archipelago of the Baltic Sea, SW Finland, under presence and absence of the alien American mink (Mustela vison). We translocated “experienced” voles from islands with mink, and “inexperienced” voles from islands from which mink had been removed, to other islands where mink was present or absent. By radio-tracking we studied survival, space and microhabitat use of voles within four weeks after translocation. Survival of voles on mink islands was significantly lower than on mink-free islands, but “experienced” voles did not survive better than “inexperienced” voles. “Experienced” voles were more often located in juniper habitats than “inexperienced” voles, but they appeared not to gain any survival benefit from altered microhabitat use. This study provides novel evidence, that alien mink predation inhibits establishment of colonising field voles and may thus ultimately induce extinction of voles from the outer archipelago.
Deregulated Estrogen Receptor α and p53 Heterozygosity Collaborate in the Development of Mammary Hyperplasia
Authors: Díaz-Cruz Edgar S. , Furth Priscilla A.
Published: May 2010

Both increased estrogen receptor α (ERα) expression and germline disruption of one p53 allele increase breast cancer risk in women. Genetically engineered mouse models of deregulated ERα expression and p53 haploinsufficiency were used to investigate similarities and differences of each genetic lesion alone and in combination on mammary preneoplasia development. Each genetic lesion independently and in combination led to development of age-dependent preneoplasia, but the highest prevalence was found in compound mice with increased ERα expression coupled with p53 heterozygosity. All genetic lesions were associated with extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activation; however, only p53 heterozygous and compound mice showed increased levels of phosphorylated AKT and decreased p27 expression. The highest levels of cell proliferation were found in compound mice, but increased levels were also found with either increased ERα expression or p53 heterozygosity. Mice with increased ERα expression showed predicted higher levels of nuclear-localized ERα, but this was attenuated in compound mice in association with a relative increase in Src phosphorylation. Parity protection was limited to p53 heterozygous mice and not found in mice with increased ERα alone. In summary, increased and deregulated ERα collaborates with p53 heterozygosity in increasing the risk of mammary preneoplasia development. Cancer Res; 70(10); 3965–74. ©2010 AACR.
p120-Catenin Is Transcriptionally Downregulated by FOXC2 in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Mortazavi Fariborz , An Jiabin , Dubinett Steven , Rettig Matthew
Published: May 2010

p120-catenin (p120ctn) plays a major role in cell adhesion and motility through the regulation of E-cadherin and interaction with RhoGTPase and Rac1. p120ctn is downregulated in several malignancies including non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we investigated transcriptional regulation of p120ctn in NSCLC. We cloned a 1,400-bp amplicon of chromosome 11 from position −1,082 to +320 relative to the transcription start site into a firefly luciferase reporter vector and prepared serial deletion constructs to pinpoint cis-acting elements involved in the regulation of p120ctn. We transfected NSCLC cell lines and immortalized normal human respiratory epithelial cells with the abovementioned constructs. We found reduced p120ctn promoter activity, protein level, and mRNA message in lung cancer cells compared with noncancerous immortalized lung epithelial cells. Serial deletion analysis of p120ctn promoter identified a region between positions +267 and +282, which mediated the transcriptional repression of p120ctn. This region harbored putative binding sites for FOXC2 and FOXL1 transcription factors. Direct binding of FOXC2 to the p120ctn promoter between positions +267 and +282 was confirmed by electromobility shift assay. RNAi-mediated silencing of FOXC2 in A549, H157, and H358 cells resulted in increasing p120ctn promoter activity as well as mRNA and protein levels. Finally, silencing FOXC2 in these NSCLC cells enhanced E-cadherin level, which was reversed by simultaneous silencing of p120ctn. In summary, our data support the notion that FOXC2 mediates the transcriptional repression of p120ctn in NSCLC. Mol Cancer Res; 8(5); 762–74. ©2010 AACR.
Cortical Spatio-temporal Dynamics Underlying Phonological Target Detection in Humans
Authors: Chang Edward F. , Edwards Erik , Nagarajan Srikantan S. , Fogelson Noa , Dalal Sarang S. , Canolty Ryan T. , Kirsch Heidi E. , Barbaro Nicholas M. , Knight Robert T.
Published: May 2010

Selective processing of task-relevant stimuli is critical for goal-directed behavior. We used electrocorticography to assess the spatio-temporal dynamics of cortical activation during a simple phonological target detection task, in which subjects press a button when a prespecified target syllable sound is heard. Simultaneous surface potential recordings during this task revealed a highly ordered temporal progression of high gamma (HG, 70–200 Hz) activity across the lateral hemisphere in less than 1 sec. The sequence demonstrated concurrent regional sensory processing of speech syllables in the posterior superior temporal gyrus (STG) and speech motor cortex, and then transitioned to sequential task-dependent processing from prefrontal cortex (PFC), to the final motor response in the hand sensorimotor cortex. STG activation was modestly enhanced for target over nontarget sounds, supporting a selective gain mechanism in early sensory processing, whereas PFC was entirely selective to targets, supporting its role in guiding response behavior. These results reveal that target detection is not a single cognitive event, but rather a process of progressive target selectivity that involves large-scale rapid parallel and serial processing in sensory, cognitive, and motor structures to support goal-directed human behavior.
Elevated Cortisol at Retrieval Suppresses False Memories in Parallel with Correct Memories
Authors: Diekelmann Susanne , Wilhelm Ines , Wagner Ullrich , Born Jan
Published: May 2010

Retrieving a memory is a reconstructive process in which encoded representations can be changed and distorted. This process sometimes leads to the generation of “false memories,” that is, when people remember events that, in fact, never happened. Such false memories typically represent a kind of “gist” being extracted from single encountered events. The stress hormone cortisol is known to substantially impair memory retrieval. Here, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, we tested the effect of an intravenous cortisol infusion before retrieval testing on the occurrence of false memories and on recall of correct memories using a modified Deese–Roediger–McDermott paradigm. Subjects studied sets of abstract shapes, with each set being derived from one prototype that was not presented during learning. At retrieval taking place 9 hr after learning, subjects were presented with studied shapes, nonstudied shapes, and the prototypes, and had to indicate whether or not each shape had been presented at learning. Cortisol administration distinctly reduced susceptibility to false memories (i.e., false recognition of prototypes) and, in parallel, impaired retrieval of correct memories (i.e., correct recognition of studied shapes). Response bias as well as confidence ratings and remember/know/guess judgments were not affected. Our results support gist-based theories of false memory generation, assuming a simultaneous storage of the gist and specific details of an event. Cortisol, by a general impairing influence on retrieval operations, decreases, in parallel, retrieval of false (i.e., gist) and correct (i.e., specific) memories for the event.
Perception and Action Selection Dissociate Human Ventral and Dorsal Cortex
Authors: Ikkai Akiko , Jerde Trenton A. , Curtis Clayton E.
Published: May 2010

We test theories about the functional organization of the human cortex by correlating brain activity with demands on perception versus action selection. Subjects covertly searched for a target among an array of 4, 8, or 12 items (perceptual manipulation) and then, depending on the color of the array, made a saccade toward, away from, or at a right angle from the target (action manipulation). First, choice response times increased linearly as the demands increased for each factor, and brain activity in several cortical areas increased with increasing choice response times. Second, we found a double dissociation in posterior cortex: Activity in ventral regions (occipito-temporal cortex) increased linearly with perceptual, but not action, selection demands; conversely, activity in dorsal regions (parietal cortex) increased linearly with action, but not perceptual, selection demands. This result provides the clearest support of the theory that posterior cortex is segregated into two distinct streams of visual processing for perception and action. Third, despite segregated anatomical projections from posterior ventral and dorsal streams to lateral pFC, we did not find evidence for a functional dissociation between perception and action selection in pFC. Increasing action, but not perceptual, selection demands evoked increased activation along both the dorsal and the ventral lateral pFC. Although most previous studies have focused on perceptual variables (e.g., space vs. object), these data suggest that understanding the computations underlying action selection will be key to understanding the functional organization of pFC.
Ethnographic Comparisons, Complexities and Conceptualities: Generic Social Processes and the Pragmatic Accomplishment of Group Life
Authors: Prus Robert
Published: May 2010

Deriving inspiration from the Jörg Niewöhner and Thomas Scheffer collection on dilemmas of ethnographic comparison, this paper addresses some of the processes and problematics of ethnographic comparative analysis. In contrast to the broader, methodologically inclusive and conceptually more diffuse approach in the collection, I present a more focused theoretical, methodological, and conceptual approach. Locating ethnographic comparative analysis within the quest for conceptuality and authenticity across the human sciences, this paper introduces a set of trans-situational concepts or generic social processes which focuses comparisons on activity (and interchange).
Producing Comparability Ethnographically. Reply to Robert Prus. Ethnographic Comparisons, Complexities and Conceptualities: Generic Social Processes and the Pragmatic Accomplishment of Group Life
Authors: Scheffer Thomas , Niewöhner Jörg
Published: May 2010

This short contribution is a response to Robert Prus’ commentary paper “Ethnographic Comparisons, Complexities and Conceptualities.” We agree with many of the points raised and merely reiterate three aspects of our position in order to reinforce the unique features of our notion of thick comparison: First, ethnography has an important role to play in social inquiry. Second, ethnographers appropriate fields by getting involved in them. This involvement enables the production of comparability, which we do not understand to be an inherent quality of the world. Third, producing comparability is an ongoing process at the heart of thick comparison. Its failure and limitations are productive.
The Scottish Catholic Mission Stations in Bauchi Province, Nigeria: 1957-1970
Authors: Horn Karen
Published: May 2010

In 1963 the Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, Gordon Joseph Gray, asked for volunteers to staff a mission station in the Bauchi province in the north of Nigeria. By the end of 1969 the Bauchi experiment was deemed a success; however, the process of establishing the mission was littered with complications. Not only had this station been abandoned by the Society of African Missions since 1957, it was also firmly located in an Islam-dominated area where Catholic priests had to compete not only with Muslims but also with American Protestant missionaries and indigenous religions. To make matters worse, the years between 1963 and 1970 included two coups and a civil war during which religion became the focus of much of the violence. This article looks at the correspondence between Archbishop Gray and the volunteers in Bauchi in order to provide insight into how the missionaries experienced their task of establishing a Scottish Catholic presence an area others considered too hostile.
Daily locomotor activity in five domestic animals
Authors: Piccione Giuseppe , Giannetto Claudia , Casella Stefania , Caola Giovanni
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study was to compare locomotor activity in five domestic animals. Five female Comisana sheep, five female Maltese goats, five female Bruna cows, and five female Thoroughbred horses were housed separately in a soundproof box equipped with an airflow system and five female Blue Vienna rabbits were individually housed in metallic cages. Animals were kept under a 12/12 Light/Dark cycle and indoor ambient temperature (16-20°C). To record activity, an Actiwatch-Mini® was placed on each animal by means of a collar. Analysis by the cosinor procedure indicated a daily rhythm of locomotor activity in each of the five species studied. The main activity was observed during the photophase in sheep, goats, cows and horses, and during the scotophase in rabbits. The comparison among the species studied underlined a stable daily rhythm of locomotor activity in cows and horses, while sheep, goats and rabbits showed a weak daily rhythm of locomotor activity.
Age-related changes of song traits in female European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)
Authors: Pavlova Denitza , Pinxten Rianne , Eens Marcel
Published: May 2010

In contrast to male bird song, female song complexity, learning and expression have received much less attention. Female European starlings can produce song of a comparable complexity as males and are also capable of adult vocal learning. Here we recorded song during 3 successive years and investigated variation in song traits (song complexity, song duration and song versatility) in relation to age in captive adult female starlings. We looked at whether individual song traits differ among different age classes (cross-sectional analyses) and whether they change over successive years (longitudinal analyses). Further we studied the repertoire turnover throughout the years, female song sharing in the first year of recording and whether different song traits consistently vary among females across the years. Overall, both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses showed that repertoire size significantly declined with female age, suggesting that some constraints exist in adult females to maintain large repertoires. Song duration and song versatility appeared to be unrelated to age. Female starlings intensely modified their repertoire across the years by adding new/deleting old phrase types, suggesting a high plasticity as reported in males. Females showed a high variation (between 14% and 83%) in sharing their repertoire, with older females having higher song sharing rates. The individual differences in song complexity and performance were repeatable across the years, which may suggest that song in female starlings is a potential quality indicator trait.
A study on the blood cells of the fire-bellied toad, Bombina bombina L. (Anura: Bombinatoridae)
Authors: Arikan Hüseyin , Alpagut-Keskin Nurşen , Çevik İ Ethem , Erişmiş Uğur
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study was to determine the blood cells parameters of Anatolian and Thracian Bombina bombina populations. The size and counts of various blood cells were analyzed in 29 mature Bombina bombina specimens belonging to two populations (Durusu-Istanbul and Döşeme Bataklığı–Adapazarı) in northwest Anatolia. The mean erythrocyte count was determined as 251.429/mm3, that of leucocytes was 2.114/mm3, and that of thrombocytes was 12.857/mm3. There was no significant sexual variation in blood cell counts of our B. bombina sample which was collected during their breeding season. The leucocyte differential counts and staining properties of blood cells were also determined. Interspecific comparisons indicate that northwest Anatolian B. bombina samples share general features with other anurans but differ from other populations of the same species in blood cell parameters. The lower number of erythrocyte and their relatively large surface area of our samples suggest a lower level of metabolism and relatively higher oxygen uptake. We suggest that this structure is probably not only due to adaptations to different geographic regions and altitude but also a combination of recent habitat reductions due to human actions and agricultural contaminants may account for the blood cell parameters as well as other genetic and morphologic patterns of these isolated and small populations of this species.
Gestation, maternal behaviour, growth and development in the subterranean caviomorph rodent Ctenomys mendocinus (Rodentia, Hystricognathi, Ctenomyidae)
Authors: Camín Sergio
Published: May 2010

The first information on the gestation period, maternal behaviour, neonatal development and growth of the subterranean caviomorph rodent Ctenomys mendocinus Philippi, 1869, is reported herein. My hypothesis was that, despite its belonging to a typically precocial suborder, the life history traits of C. mendocinus would favour its altricial condition. The off spring of C. mendocinus were categorized as altricial by using two different classification systems. This condition was also reflected in maternal care. Females built large nests (2000 cm3) where, after a long gestation period (95.9 days), they gave birth to litters of blind pups, half-naked, with external ear meatus open and good physical coordination. The mothers suckled the off spring in long bouts (19.9 min), retrieved their pups, and these showed no tactics to reduce the suckling bout. Overall, evidence was consistent with the hypothesis analyzed, although particularities found, e.g. some precocial traits, suggest the existence in C. mendocinus of a trade-off between the constraints and advantages related to its subterranean way of life and the phylogenetic inertia typical of caviomorphs.
Behavioral responses to seasonality by two Sceloporine lizard species from a tropical dry forest
Authors: García Andrés , Valtierra-Azotla Marciano , Lister Bradford
Published: May 2010

We investigated behavioral responses of two lizards, Sceloporus melanorhinus and S. utiformis, to environmental seasonality in a tropical dry forest of western Mexico. We conducted focal observations of individuals in the field during both the rainy and dry seasons and compared perch use, foraging and social behaviors and displacement activity within and between species. Our results indicate that seasonal changes occur in the behavior and activity of both male and female S. melanorhinus and S. utiformis. Feeding frequency, social displays, and distances travelled increased significantly in both species during the rainy season. These seasonal changes tended to be more pronounced in the arboreal species; S. melanorhinus. Surprisingly, female S. melanorhinus perched higher than males during the rainy season. Most of the observed changes are similar to the responses to seasonality observed in other lizards, both for species that exist within our study area, and for species that inhabit other seasonal environments in tropical and temperate ecosystems. Thus, the seasonal patterns in behavior documented in this study may represent a general set of behavioral strategies that allow lizards to better adapt to seasonal fluctuations in their environment, such as changes in predation pressure, variation in resource levels, and differences in insolation, temperature, and moisture levels.
Selection of key features of vegetation and escape behavior in the Sand Dune Lizard (Liolaemus multimaculatus)
Authors: Kacoliris Federico , Williams Jorge , Molinari Alejandro
Published: May 2010

Vegetation structure and cover are two of the main factors which determine microhabitat preferences in lizards. The Sand Dune Lizard (Liolaemus multimaculatus) is a vulnerable and endemic species of the pampean coastal habitats from Argentina. We hypothesized that: a) Sand Dune Lizard prefer to perch in microhabitats that offer a good balance between visibility and refuge, and; b) lizards prefer microhabitats in which plant types allow them to resort to sand burying behavior. We recorded data of microhabitat (bunch-grasses sizes and plant types) used by lizards (males, females and juveniles) in a population at the Mar Chiquita Provincial Nature Reserve. We applied the use-availability design to assess preferences. We evaluated differences between sex and relation between sizes of lizards. Lizards preferred bunch-grasses of intermediate size. Habitats conformed only by herbaceous species were the most preferred by lizards. We did not find differences between males and females, neither relations between size of lizards and the tested variables. Adult lizards of both sexes use bunch-grasses more frequently than juvenile individuals. The preferences for herbaceous species could be related to the sand-bury behavior that lizards use to escape from predators. More studies are necessary in order to assess the processes related with habitat preferences
Differentiation of the sexual characters and onset of maturity in the males of the "red claw" crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus (Von Martens, 1898) (Astacidea, Astacida, Parastacidae)
Authors: Vazquez Fernanda Jimena , Greco Laura Susana López
Published: May 2010

The differentiation of the male reproductive system, the copulatory structures, "red patch" and onset of sexual maturity were studied in Cherax quadricarinatus. For this characterization 353 males were observed, dissected and processed for histological analysis. Three developmental stages were identified. At stage I the testes are two parallel cords with a few lobes or acinii, connected medially by a short thin bridge (X-shape) and the vasa deferentia are straight transparent cords. In the second stage, more lobulated testes present an H-shape and the vas deferens begins to differentiate into three distinct regions: proximal, medial and distal. In the last stage testes are two parallel cords tending to fuse along their entire length and become a single structure. From this stage, the development of the "red patch" occurs and spermatophore formation is observed in the vas deferens giving it white colour. These primary and secondary sexual characters could indicate the onset of sexual maturity. The morphology of the copulatory structure is lobular at stage I and it differentiates into an elongated structure during stage II. This study shows that in C. quadricarinatus the differentiation of primary and secondary sexual characters of males starts simultaneously and very early in development (0.09-0.10g achieved nearly 1 month old) and that acquisition of sexual maturity is also an early event (6g achieved nearly 3 month old). The compared features within Astacidea and Decapoda and the possible applications in the analysis of phylogenetic relationships between different taxa are discussed.
Spatial and temporal ecology of the Lusitanian pine vole (Microtus lusitanicus) in a Mediterranean polyculture
Authors: Santos Sara , Lourenço Rui , da Luz Mathias Maria , Mira António
Published: May 2010

In this study we report the first data on the spatial ecology of the Lusitanian pine vole (Microtus lusitanicus). Data report to the breeding season and to a traditional Mediterranean agricultural landscape in Central Portugal, using radio-telemetry methods. We documented large home range areas with values of 1042 m2 for males and 862 m2 for females (MCP method; 95% kernel method with values of 229 m2 and 159 m2 for males and females, respectively). Although no significant differences between sexes or reproductive status were found, longer daily movements were observed in reproductively inactive males. Pair bonding and home range overlap was observed between males and females, as well as between females and sub-adults. Voles showed no distinct preference for day or night for activity periods and movements. However, this result was dependent on sex, reproductive status and time of day. Voles revealed habitat preference for both spatial scales of analysis: they selected verges, vines and olives, within the study area, and used more verges within their home ranges, when compared to the other habitat types. The use of space by Microtus lusitanicus, in comparison with other microtines, suggests the occurrence of spatial associations between males and females in monogamous pairs. The importance of verges and linear habitats within an agricultural context is apparent, once they provide food and shelter from predators and human interventions.
Determinants of a Blunted Carotid-to-Radial Pulse Wave Velocity Decline in Response to Hyperemia
Authors: Kamran Haroon , Salciccioli Louis , Venkatesan Bhuvaneshwari , Namana Vinod , Kumar Paraag , Pushilin Sergei , Umer Muhammed , Lazar Jason
Published: May 2010

Carotid—radial pulse wave velocity (PWV) decreases in normal healthy individuals following hyperemia provoked by release of arterial cuff occlusion. To determine the effects of specific cardiovascular (CV) risk factors on the hyperemic PWV response, we measured PWV before and after brachial artery (BA) occlusion in 218 participants (66% males, age 56 ± 19 years), with and without CV risk factors/disease. ΔPWV ranged from -46% to +35% and values were normally distributed. On univariate analyses, ΔPWV correlated with age, hypertension (Htn), hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), coronary disease, congestive heart failure (CHF), smoking, and mean arterial pressure (MAP). On multivariate analysis, ΔPWV was independently related to Htn (B = 4.56, P = .03) and CHF (B = 7.34, P = .008) and trended toward a higher MAP (B = .113, P = .067), DM (B = 4.01, P = .11), and hypercholesterolemia (B = 3.36, P = .12). In conclusion, hyperemic changes in carotid—radial PWV values are independently related to Htn and CHF and possibly DM and hyperlipidemia.
Screening Tools in the Diagnosis of Acute Compartment Syndrome
Authors: Garner Amy J. , Handa Ashok
Published: May 2010

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a surgical emergency requiring urgent fasciotomy to save the limb. However, time is of the essence and diagnostic uncertainty can lead to unnecessary surgery. Measurement of intracompartmental pressure (ICP) to aid decision making is becoming commonplace, particularly in unconscious or confused patients. However, inaccurate readings can result from misplacement of the probe, subjecting patients to a needless fasciotomy in the event of an overreading. Similarly, underestimated readings create a false sense of security. Screening tools, criteria-led systems of clinical decision making, are used by some to assist in diagnosis and management planning, but do they work? Here, we review current diagnostic strategies and question whether screening tools can make rapid diagnosis more accurate. Furthermore, in the absence of a standardized tool, we analyze the practice of a sample of vascular surgeons with the aim of moving toward a management consensus useful to junior doctors.
Effects of Rosiglitazone on Fasting and Postprandial Low- and High-Density Lipoproteins Size and Subclasses in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Rizzo Manfredi , Vekic Jelena , Koulouris Spyridon , Zeljkovic Aleksandra , Jelic-Ivanovic Zorana , Spasojevic-Kalimanovska Vesna , Rini Giovam Battista , Sakellariou Dimitrios , Pastromas Socrates , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Manolis Antonis S.
Published: May 2010

Rosiglitazone may increase cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes. Yet, its effects on atherogenic dyslipidemia are still not fully elucidated. In a prospective open-label study rosiglitazone (4 mg/day for 12 weeks) was added to a maximum of 2 oral antidiabetic drugs in 18 diabetic patients. We evaluated the effects on plasma lipids before and after an oral fat load. The size and subclasses of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were also determined (by gradient gel electrophoresis). Rosiglitazone improved glycosylated hemoglobin ([HbA1c] P = .0023), without significant effects on fasting and postprandial plasma lipids. Fasting LDL size increased (+1.4%, P = .034), with less small, dense LDL-IIIA (-25.1%, P = .018). Postprandially, larger HDL-2b reduced (-8.7%, P = .006) and smaller HDL-3b increased (+12.2%, P = .05), without any effects on HDL size. Rosiglitazone led to antiatherogenic changes in LDL size and subclasses, with proatherogenic changes in HDL subclasses, despite no effects on plasma lipids. Their clinical relevance remains to be established.
Centralized Pan-European Survey on the Undertreatment of Hypercholesterolemia in Patients Using Lipid Lowering Drugs–The CEPHEUS-Greece Survey
Authors: Elisaf Moses S. , Nikas Nikos
Published: May 2010

Surveys evaluating plasma lipid goal attainment in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) show that hypercholesterolemia is inadequately treated. CEPHEUS (CEntralized Pan-European survey on tHE Undertreatment of hypercholeSterolemia)-Greece was part of a European multicenter, cross-sectional survey to evaluate the proportion of patients on lipid-lowering drugs (LLDs) for ≥3 months, without dose modifications for at least 6 weeks, who reach their low-density lipoprotein—cholesterol (LDL-C) target. A total of 1321 Greek patients comprised the full analysis set (FAS); 28% were smokers, while 60.7%, 35.4%, 32.1%, and 25.1% had a history of hypertension, CHD, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus, respectively; 49.7% of the study population reached the Third Joint European Task Force (TJETF) LDL-C goals and 49.3% achieved the 2004-updated National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATPIII) targets. Hypercholesterolemia is suboptimally managed in Greece, with almost 50% of patients on LLDs not reaching the LDL-C target.
Time to Stable ST-Segment Recovery Following Primary Angioplasty is Predictive of Regional Wall Motion Score and Clinical Outcome
Authors: Albertal Mariano , Cura Fernando , Thierer Jorge , Trivi Marcelo , Escudero Alejandro G. , Padilla Lucio T. , Belardi Jorge A.
Published: May 2010

We report the time to stable ST-segment reperfusion (TSTR) after primary angioplasty and its relationship with the clinical results; 137 patients who underwent primary angioplasty were included as part of the analysis. All patients had 24 hours ST-segment monitoring. Time to stable STR was defined as the beginning of ST-segment reperfusion (STR) lasting >4 hours without ST-segment reelevation. Six-month mortality was associated with slower TSTR (median 166.5 vs 6 minute, P = .001). Time to stable STR cutoff value of 136.5 minutes was identified as the best mortality predictor (area under the curve: 0.86, P = .001). Multivariate analysis identified Killip class ≥2 (P = .042), TSTR cutoff value (P = .002), and final thrombolysis myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade III (P = .067) as predictors of 6-month mortality. Time to stable STR may be a novel continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) parameter following primary angioplasty, which can identify high-risk patients that need to be considered for additional treatments.
Mortality Predictors in ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Filizcan Ugur , Kurc Erol , Cetemen Sebnem , Soylu Ozer , Aydogan Hakki , Bayserke Olgar , Yilmaz Muruvvet , Uyarel Huseyin , Ergelen Mehmet , Orhan Gokcen , Ugurlucan Murat , Eren Ergin , Yekeler Ibrahim
Published: May 2010

The use of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in primary treatment of acute myocardial infarction is still debated. We evaluated the predictors of mortality in patients undergoing primary CABG for ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI). Between January 2003 and January 2008, all patients referred to our institution with STEMI who did not qualify for primary angioplasty and required CABG were included in this study. Survivors and nonsurvivors were compared retrospectively in terms of demo-graphics, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics. Preoperatively confirmed cases of STEMI (n = 150) were included in the analysis. There were 114 survivors and 36 nonsurvivors. In-hospital mortality rate was 22%. In Cox regression analysis age, cardiogenic shock (Killip ≥3), preoperative cardiac troponin levels, preoperative use of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP), previous myocardial infarction, and percutaneous coronary intervention were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. After multivariate analysis, factors predicting in-hospital mortality were age, preoperative cardiac troponin levels, and preoperative IABP. Age, preoperative cardiac troponin levels, and preoperative IABP use were predictive factors of in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing primary CABG for STEMI.
Effect of Leptin and Insulin Resistance on Properties of Human Monocytes in Lean and Obese Healthy Participants
Authors: Maria Sarigianni , Eleni Bekiari , Apostolos Tsapas , Elena Kostidou , Martha Kaloyianni , George Koliakos , Konstantinos Paletas
Published: May 2010

We assessed the effect of leptin on human monocytes. Monocytes were isolated from 16 healthy obese and 10 lean healthy participants. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Obese participants were subdivided into 2 subgroups, insulin sensitive (IS) and insulin resistant (IR). Monocyte properties (attachment to laminin 1, migration through laminin 1, surface expression of CD36, oxidized low-density lipoprotein [oxLDL] phagocytosis) were assessed pre- and poststimulation in vitro with leptin. Experiments were repeated after incubation with rosiglitazone and a Na+/H+ exchanger-1 inhibitor (cariporide). We found a significant correlation between insulin resistance and monocyte attachment to laminin and oxLDL phagocytosis. Leptin increased the atherosclerosis-related properties of monocytes in all groups, apart from surface expression of CD36 in IS obese participants. Incubation with rosiglitazone or cariporide attenuated the observed effects. Leptin induces monocyte dysfunction which may be atherogenic. Correlation with insulin resistance suggests that atherosclerosis might be accelerated before the onset of diabetes.
The Great Reform Act of 1832 and British Democratization
Authors: Ertman Thomas
Published: May 2010

This article focuses on the brief period (1828-1835) of intense political change in the years immediately before and after the Great Reform Act of 1832 as a critical juncture within the process of British democratization. This change was set in motion by a movement to extend the rights of religious minorities, but soon took on a dynamic of its own and led, quite unexpectedly, to a fundamental break in the constitutional order of the United Kingdom. This reform episode deserves to be classified as a critical juncture for three reasons: First, it put an end to executive control of the legislature through pocket boroughs and placemen and ushered in a culture of national political participation; second, it brought forth a new source of order in politics, a two-party system built around religious cleavages; and finally, it acted as both an impetus and a model for future electoral expansions (1867, 1884, 1918). In the second part of the article, the “reach” of 1832 is explored by examining the relevance of this critical juncture to the triumph and successful defense of democracy in Britain during the interwar period.
The Diffusion of Regime Contention in European Democratization, 1830-1940
Authors: Weyland Kurt
Published: May 2010

This article goes beyond the established literature’s focus on domestic conditions by examining the impact of external impulses on European democratization from 1830 to 1940. Specifically, it analyzes the diffusion of regime conflict that arose from the cross-national spread of situational judgments about the feasibility of political change: Striking precedents of regime collapse, such as the overthrow of French kings in 1830 and 1848, tended to produce dramatic waves of political contention across Europe. But because the actual distribution of power in polities that experienced such externally stimulated episodes of regime contention often differed from the front-runner, these conflicts produced various types of results. The article distinguishes four outcomes of diffusion, namely (a) successful replication, (b) preemptive reform, (c) abortive replication, and (d) blockage of replication efforts. The latter two outcomes help explain why in European history, not only did political liberalism and democracy diffuse, but during certain time periods authoritarianism, corporatism, and fascism spread as well.
Estimating Trends From Censored Assessment Data Under No Child Left Behind
Authors: Furgol Katherine E. , Ho Andrew D. , Zimmerman Dale L.
Published: May 2010

Under the No Child Left Behind Act, large-scale test score trend analyses are widespread. These analyses often gloss over interesting changes in test score distributions and involve unrealistic assumptions. Further complications arise from analyses of unanchored, censored assessment data, or proportions of students lying within performance levels defined by unspecified cut scores. This article introduces ‘‘shift models,’’ particularly the ‘‘normal-shift’’ model, to summarize the limited information available in censored data and to support distribution-wide trend analyses. A simulation study exploring this model’s estimation procedure—an expectation-maximization algorithm for maximum likelihood estimates (MLEs) of normally distributed censored data—found that the MLEs exhibit little to no bias over a range of sample sizes and cut scores. The normal-shift model was applied to two full state data sets and performed well in recovering effect size estimates in censored scenarios, except when censoring occurred at cut scores that generated particularly unrepresentative trends. The normal-shift model facilitates effect size estimation for unanchored, censored assessment data and, when applied to a large, cross-state data set, revealed significant positive trends from 2003-2005 and 2005-2007 for most states.
Kindergarten Predictors of Second Versus Eighth Grade Reading Comprehension Impairments
Authors: Adlof Suzanne M. , Catts Hugh W. , Lee Jaehoon
Published: May 2010

Multiple studies have shown that kindergarten measures of phonological awareness and alphabet knowledge are good predictors of reading achievement in the primary grades. However, less attention has been given to the early predictors of later reading achievement. This study used a modified best-subsets variable-selection technique to examine kindergarten predictors of early versus later reading comprehension impairments. Participants included 433 children involved in a longitudinal study of language and reading development. The kindergarten test battery assessed various language skills in addition to phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, naming speed, and nonverbal cognitive ability. Reading comprehension was assessed in second and eighth grades. Results indicated that different combinations of variables were required to optimally predict second versus eighth grade reading impairments. Although some variables effectively predicted reading impairments in both grades, their relative contributions shifted over time. These results are discussed in light of the changing nature of reading comprehension over time. Further research will help to improve the early identification of later reading disabilities.