bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth, Physiological Attributes and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Soybean Seedlings Treated With or Without Silicon Under UV‐B Radiation Stress
Authors: Shen X. , Li X. , Li Z. , Li J. , Duan L. , Eneji A. E.
Published: June 2010

Silicon (Si) can increase plant defence systems against abiotic and biotic stress, but there is little information on UV‐B radiation stress alleviation by Si for field crops. Using soybean (Glycine max (L.) Mell) seedlings, we determined how Si may mediate UV‐B radiation stress by studying changes in biomass, physiological attributes and antioxidants’ activities. The seedlings were raised with 0, 1.70 and 2.55 mm of Si in the growth chamber under ambient, ambient +2.7 kJ m−2 day and ambient +5.4 kJ m−2 day of UV‐B radiation. As expected, plants suffered severe growth limitations under UV‐B radiation, but Si alleviated these limitations through improvements in leaf area (LA) and root‐to‐shoot ratio (R/S). The UV‐B radiation stress reduced the LA by 73.9–94.7%, total dry weight (TDW) by 11.8–36.6% and R/S by 9.2–30.2% but induced the activities of soluble protein by 18.4–21.0%, catalase (CAT) by 22.7–54.2%, superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 31.9–63.1%, and peroxidases (POD) by as much as 162.9–381.6%. Further confirmation of stress alleviations by Si was noted from reductions in these stress signals (antioxidant activities) under UV‐B radiation: CAT decreased significantly by 78.3–79.4%, SOD by 5.3–7.2% and POD by 49.9–61.9% in silicon‐treated UV‐B stressed soybean.
Aotake: A modified stepping exercise as a useful means of improving lower‐extremity functional fitness in older adults
Authors: Sasai Hiroyuki , Matsuo Tomoaki , Numao Shigeharu , Sakai Tomoaki , Mochizuki Misao , Kuroda Kazuyoshi , Okamoto Masakazu , Tanaka Kiyoji
Published: June 2010

Aim:  Poor functional fitness of the lower extremities is a potentially modifiable risk factor for falls. This study compared the Aotake stepping exercise, a unique indoor program, to walking and examined improvements in lower‐extremity functional fitness.

Methods:  We non‐randomly assigned 36 community‐dwelling older adults (age 67.3 ± 3.7 years) to either an Aotake stepping exercise group (group A, n = 19) or a walking group (group W, n = 17). During the 10‐week regimen, the members of each group participated in either a 45‐min Aotake or walking exercise session twice a week. Each session for group A consisted mainly of stepping activities on Aotake equipment (L42 × W10 × H3 cm); the equipment was made of plastic and had a bumpy surface to stimulate the soles of the feet.

Results:  Attendance rates were 91.1 ± 5.6% for group A and 89.7 ± 9.4% for group W. anova revealed improvements in leg strength and power (measured by isometric leg extension and chair stands), motor processing (measured by stepping with both feet and whole‐body reaction time) and locomotion (measured by walking around two cones and a 10‐m walk); the analysis revealed no group‐by‐time interactions. There was particular improvement (effect size = 1.18) in the chair stand measure in group A. However, the balance measures remained unchanged.

Conclusion:  Aotake stepping exercise may be just as effective as walking for improving lower‐extremity functional fitness. The current study, however, was a non‐randomized trial with a small sample size; further investigations would be warranted. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2010; 10: 244–250.
Two cases with solitary pulmonary nodule due to non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infection showing intense 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake on positron emission tomography scan
Authors: Kawate Eriko , Yamazaki Mariko , Kohno Tadashi , Fujimori Sakashi , Takahashi Hideki
Published: June 2010

We report an 81‐year‐old man and a 65‐year‐old woman with a solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) due to infection with non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). In each case, the nodule showed a high 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake with the maximum standardized uptake values (SUV) of 13.2 and 4.8 on positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, respectively. Both cases required partial lung resection for confirmation of the histological diagnosis. A review of six reported patients with SPN due to NTM infections showed that the SUV of FDG was more than 4.0 in the nodules of all cases. Positive results on FDG‐PET should be interpreted cautiously when evaluating SPN, especially in patients having predisposing factors for NTM infections. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2010; 10: 251–254.
Serotonin receptor 1A modulates actin dynamics and restricts dendritic growth in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Ferreira Tiago A. , Iacono Luisa Lo , Gross Cornelius T.
Published: June 2010

Mice lacking serotonin receptor 1A (Htr1a) display increased anxiety behavior that depends on the expression of the receptor in the forebrain during the third to fifth postnatal weeks. Within the forebrain, Htr1a is prominently expressed in the soma and dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus and these cells undergo rapid dendritic growth and synapse formation during this period. Consistent with a possible role of Htr1a in synaptic maturation, CA1 pyramidal neurons in the knockout mice show increased ramification of oblique dendrites. These findings suggest that Htr1a may shape hippocampal circuits by directly modulating dendritic growth. Here we show that pharmacological blockade of the receptor during the third to fifth postnatal weeks is sufficient to reproduce the increased branching of oblique dendrites seen in knockout mice. Using dissociated hippocampal cultures we demonstrate that serotonin functions through Htr1a to attenuate the motility of dendritic growth cones, reduce their content of filamentous actin and alter their morphology. These findings suggest that serotonin modulates actin cytoskeletal dynamics in hippocampal neurons during a limited developmental period to restrict dendritic growth and achieve a long‐term adjustment of neural connectivity.
Soil bacterial diversity in the Arctic is not fundamentally different from that found in other biomes
Authors: Chu Haiyan , Fierer Noah , Lauber Christian L. , Caporaso J. G. , Knight Rob , Grogan Paul
Published: June 2010

The severe environmental stresses of the Arctic may have promoted unique soil bacterial communities compared with those found in lower latitude environments. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of the biogeography of soil bacterial communities in the Arctic using a high resolution bar‐coded pyrosequencing technique. We also compared arctic soils with soils from a wide range of more temperate biomes to characterize variability in soil bacterial communities across the globe. We show that arctic soil bacterial community composition and diversity are structured according to local variation in soil pH rather than geographical proximity to neighboring sites, suggesting that local environmental heterogeneity is far more important than dispersal limitation in determining community‐level differences. Furthermore, bacterial community composition had similar levels of variability, richness and phylogenetic diversity within arctic soils as across soils from a wide range of lower latitudes, strongly suggesting a common diversity structure within soil bacterial communities around the globe. These results contrast with the well‐established latitudinal gradients in animal and plant diversity, suggesting that the controls on bacterial community distributions are fundamentally different from those observed for macro‐organisms and that our biome definitions are not useful for predicting variability in soil bacterial communities across the globe.
Bioturbation and the role of microniches for sulfate reduction in coastal marine sediments
Authors: Bertics Victoria J. , Ziebis Wiebke
Published: June 2010

The effects of bioturbation in marine sediments are mainly associated with an increase in oxic and oxidized zones through an influx of oxygen‐rich water deeper into the sediment and the rapid transport of particles between oxic and anoxic conditions. However, macrofaunal activity also can increase the occurrence of reduced microniches and anaerobic processes, such as sulfate reduction. Our goal was to determine the two‐dimensional distribution of microniches associated with burrows of a ghost shrimp (Neotrypaea californiensis) and to determine microbial activities. In laboratory experiments, detailed measurements of sulfate reduction rates (SRR) were measured by injecting, in a 1 cm grid, radiolabelled sulfate directly into a narrow aquarium (40 cm × 30 cm × 3 cm) containing the complex burrow of an actively burrowing shrimp. Light‐coloured oxidized burrow walls, along with black reduced microniches, were clearly visible through the aquarium walls. Direct injection of radiotracers allowed for whole‐aquarium incubation to obtain two‐dimensional documentation of sulfate reduction. Results indicated SRR were up to three orders of magnitude higher (140–790 nmol SO42− cm−3day−1) in reduced microniches associated with burrows when compared with the surrounding sediment. Additionally, some of the subsurface sulfate‐reducing microniches associated with the burrow system appeared to be zones of dinitrogen fixation. Bioturbation may also lead to decreased sulfate reduction in other microniches and the sum of the activity in all microniches might not result in a total increase of sulfate reduction compared with non‐bioturbated control sediments.
ALCOHOL PREVALENCE, ALCOHOL POLICIES, AND CHILD FATAL INJURY RATES FROM MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES
Authors: SEN BISAKHA , CAMPBELL CHRISTINE M.
Published: June 2010

In this study, we consider the effects of state alcohol policies on motor vehicle fatalities for children. While numerous studies have considered the effects of such policies on motor vehicle fatalities for the overall population, for teens, and for the elderly, their effects on fatalities among children in particular have not previously been studied. We use state‐level cross‐sectional time series data for 1982–2002. The dependent variable of interest is fatalities among child motor vehicle occupants (CMVO). Separate models are estimated for 0‐ to 4‐yr‐olds, 5‐ to 9‐yr‐olds, and 10‐ to 15‐yr‐olds, as well as for fatalities occurring during the day versus the night. We find that number of fatalities among CMVO is strongly correlated to alcohol use measured at the state level and that administrative license revocation policies and higher beer tax rates appear to consistently reduce such fatalities. For two of the three age groups, beer tax rates appear to reduce fatalities during the night rather than the day. However, zero tolerance and blood alcohol concentration limit laws do not seem to have any statistically significant effects on fatalities. (JEL I18, J13)
AN ANALYSIS OF INTERNATIONAL PRICE DIFFERENTIALS ON EBAY
Authors: MAIER PHILIPP
Published: June 2010

Online auction sites like eBay provide ways to measure what consumers buy and how much they pay. Does this imply that consumers pay similar prices, irrespective of their location? Comparing prices for homogeneous, tradable goods in the euro area and the United Kingdom, we find that prices differ significantly. The differential is not related to countries' having different currencies. However, price dispersion—the variance of prices—does seem to be smaller if two countries share a common currency. Our results confirm the importance of national borders in explaining price differences and their magnitude is related to (not) sharing a common currency. (JEL E30, E31, E50, F40)
WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR SURPLUS SUGAR IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: FENG HONGLI , HART CHAD
Published: June 2010

Sugar supply is managed in the United States to support minimum prices set by law. The 2008 farm bill contains the sugar‐to‐ethanol program to sell surplus sugar to ethanol producers and a program that allows bids from sugar processors. The sugar program is required to run at no net cost to taxpayers. Bids for surplus sugar are analyzed under various scenarios. Sugar processors will outbid ethanol producers given current ethanol prices. At present, surplus sugar bids will not exceed the minimum prices, and the sugar‐to‐ethanol program will not be able to help the government achieve no net program costs. (JEL Q18, Q42, Q48)
SPATIAL COMPETITION AND STRATEGIC FIRM RELOCATION
Authors: HENRICKSON KEVIN E.
Published: June 2010

Firms compete spatially for customers who have some degree of brand loyalty. The number and attractiveness of the alternatives available to these customers dictates the level of competition facing firms. In this study, data on ticket pricing in four professional sports leagues are used to empirically examine the existence of spatial competition in sports, and the impact of space on team relocations. Results, allowing for structural breaks over time while using spatial autoregressive techniques, suggest that sports franchises spatially compete when pricing their tickets, and that spatial characteristics, including the level of spatial competition, have influenced the relocation of teams. (JEL D40, L11, R30, L83)
Inhibitory control interacts with core knowledge in toddlers’ manual search for an occluded object
Authors: Baker Sara T. , Gjersoe Nathalia L. , Sibielska‐Woch Kasia , Leslie Alan M. , Hood Bruce M.
Published: June 2010

Core knowledge theories advocate the primacy of fundamental principles that constrain cognitive development from early infancy. However, there is concern that core knowledge of object properties does not constrain older preschoolers’ reasoning during manual search. Here we address in detail both failure and success on two well‐established search measures that require reasoning about solidity. We show that poor performance arises from an inability to engage the appropriate search strategy rather than a simple failure of core knowledge. Moreover, we demonstrate that successful search is positively correlated with inhibitory control. We believe that toddlers’ manual search for an occluded object reflects a general capacity to deploy inhibition so that search behaviour can be guided by core knowledge.
Developmental continuity? Crawling, cruising, and walking
Authors: Adolph Karen E. , Berger Sarah E. , Leo Andrew J.
Published: June 2010

This research examined developmental continuity between ‘cruising’ (moving sideways holding onto furniture for support) and walking. Because cruising and walking involve locomotion in an upright posture, researchers have assumed that cruising is functionally related to walking. Study 1 showed that most infants crawl and cruise concurrently prior to walking, amassing several weeks of experience with both skills. Study 2 showed that cruising infants perceive affordances for locomotion over an adjustable gap in a handrail used for manual support, but despite weeks of cruising experience, cruisers are largely oblivious to the dangers of gaps in the floor beneath their feet. Study 3 replicated the floor‐gap findings for infants taking their first independent walking steps, and showed that new walkers also misperceive affordances for locomoting between gaps in a handrail. The findings suggest that weeks of cruising do not teach infants a basic fact about walking: the necessity of a floor to support the body. Moreover, this research demonstrated that developmental milestones that are temporally contiguous and structurally similar might have important functional discontinuities.
‘Children of the city’: juvenile justice, property, and place in England and Scotland, 1945–60
Authors: JACKSON LOUISE A. , BARTIE ANGELA
Published: June 2010

This article uses cases studies of Dundee and Manchester to explain juvenile property‐offending in terms of young people's use of objects and spaces in the period 1945–60. A composite picture is assembled of objects stolen, which reflects growth of the specifically ‘teenage’ consumer market as well as continued significance of young people's contribution to family economies. Concerns about youth, property, and space were reported in newspapers in terms of vandalism and hooliganism. ‘Play’ and ‘nuisance’ were overlapping and contested categories; re‐education of young people in the correct use of place, space, and property was a key aim of the postwar juvenile justice system.
Sensory processing patterns of adults with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Engel‐Yeger B , Mimouni D , Rozenman D , Shani‐Adir A
Published: June 2010

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) has been associated with sensory hypersensitivity in children.

Objective To examine the sensory profile of adults with AD using a standardized questionnaire that measures sensory processing and related behaviours in daily living.

Methods Thirty‐two patients aged 18–53 years with AD and 32 healthy, sex‐ and age‐matched control subjects completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP).Severity of AD was assessed by the Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD).

Results Patients with AD showed higher sensory sensitivity and avoidance than the controls, mainly in the tactile, vestibular, visual and auditory modalities.

Conclusions Adults with AD may suffer from sensory hypersensitivity. Additional studies should examine the influence of the peripheral and the central nervous system on sensory hypersensitivity. Better understanding of the sensory impairment of patients with AD may help improving treatment strategies for the disease.
Vascular patterns in basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Micantonio T , Gulia A , Altobelli E , Di Cesare A , Fidanza R , Riitano A , Fargnoli MC , Peris K
Published: June 2010

Background  Dermoscopy has been proved to increase the diagnostic accuracy of basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Objective  To characterize the type and frequency of vascular patterns in superficial and nodular BCCs.

Methods  We retrospectively analysed the dermoscopic images of 504 histopathologically proven BCCs.

Results  The most common vascular pattern was represented by arborizing vessels (306/504; 60.7%), which were significantly more frequent in nodular BCCs (nBCCs) compared with superficial BCCs (sBCCs), and in pigmented sBCCs vs. non‐pigmented sBCCs (P < 0.0001). Short fine telangectasias (SFTs) were found in 33.1% (167/504) of cases and were significantly more frequent in sBCCs compared with nBCCs (P < 0.0001). Hairpin vessels were detected in 52/504 (10.3%) BCCs. Minor vascular patterns included glomerular vessels (41/504; 8.1%), dotted (21/504; 4.2%), comma vessels (5/504; 1.0%) and polymorphous pattern (9/504; 1.8%).

Conclusions  Arborizing vessels are prototypic of nBCCs, whereas SFTs are characteristics of sBCCs. Differential diagnosis with squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma is mandatory when a polymorphous pattern is detected.
Activation of blood coagulation in plasma from chronic urticaria patients with negative autologous plasma skin test
Authors: Asero R , Cugno M , Tedeschi A
Published: June 2010

Background  Skin reactivity to the intradermal injection of autologous serum (autologous serum skin test – ASST) and/or plasma (autologous plasma skin test – APST) is thought to identify chronic urticaria (CU) patients with an autoimmune/autoreactive disease. Immune‐mediated inflammation and coagulation are strictly linked, and coagulation activation has been described in CU patients as shown by the elevation of plasma prothrombin fragment F1 + 2 and, in severe cases, of d‐dimer as well.

Objective  The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the coagulation cascade is activated in APST‐negative CU patients as it has been described in CU patients with an autoreactive disease.

Methods  A total of 43 adults with CU (M/F 15/28; mean age 43.5 years; 16 APST‐negative patients and 27 APST‐positive) and 30 healthy subjects were studied. Prothrombin fragment F1 + 2, d‐dimer and C‐reactive protein (CRP) plasma levels were measured by ELISA.

Results  Prothrombin fragment F1 + 2 and d‐dimer were elevated in seven of 16 APST‐negative CU patients. The activation of the coagulation cascade was associated with disease severity. Men were more prevalent in idiopathic than in autoreactive CU patients (M/F: 10/6 vs. 5/22; P < 0.001). In patients with APST‐negative CU, mean F1 + 2 level [242.8 ± 33.7 pmol/L (ESM)] was higher than in normal controls (151.8 ± 9.09 pmol/L; P = 0.002) but lower than in autoreactive patients (526.2 ± 97.8 pmol/L; P = 0.05). Similarly, mean d‐dimer level was higher than in normal controls (484.2 ± 148.3 ng/mL vs. 229.5 ± 16.7 ng/mL; P = 0.03) but lower than in autoreactive patients (1142.2 ± 317.4 ng/mL; P = 0.05). In contrast, mean CRP was lower than in autoreactive patients (1.06 ± 0.32 μg/mL vs. 3.09 ± 0.74 μg/mL; P = 0.02) but not different from normal subjects (0.78 ± 0.09 μg/mL; NS).

Conclusion  Autologous plasma skin test‐negative CU prevails in men; in these patients the coagulation cascade is activated although with a lower intensity than in patients with autoreactive disease.
Safety of anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐α agents in psoriasis patients who were chronic hepatitis B carriers: a retrospective report of seven patients and brief review of the literature
Authors: Fotiadou C , Lazaridou E , Ioannides D
Published: June 2010

Background  Issues concerning the potential risks of reactivating chronic hepatitis B virus arise when the use of anti‐Tumour Necrosis Factor‐α (TNFα) agents is imperative in patients with concurrent psoriasis and hepatitis B virus infection.

Objective  The aim of this study was to report the experience regarding safety in the management of patients with coexisting psoriasis and chronic hepatitis B with the anti‐TNFα agents: infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab.

Methods  The psoriasis outpatient database of our dermatological department was searched for psoriasis and hepatitis B diagnoses and the medical records of these patients were reviewed for use of anti‐TNFα agents.

Results  Seven cases (four women and three men) were identified, with mean age of 51 years (34–65 years). Three patients received adalimumab, three patients were given etanercept and one infliximab. All patients received lamivudin, 100 mg/day, which started 2 weeks before the initiation of anti‐TNFα medication and went on during the whole treatment period. Follow‐up period extended from 6–24 months. All patients were inactive HbsAg (+) carriers. Liver function tests – at baseline and at the end of follow‐up period – were within the normal range. There was no considerable rise in the viral load in any case, from baseline until the last available measurement, although a patient receiving infliximab showed an increase that reached 600 IU/mL.

Conclusion  Successful treatment of psoriasis with anti‐TNFα agents in patients who are inactive HBsAg carriers is possible and could be safe under the conditions of concomitant lamivudin administration and intensive monitoring. Larger randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Changes in the treatment of endometrial cancer
Authors: Faust G , Davies Q , Symonds P
Published: June 2010

Please cite this paper as: Faust G, Davies Q, Symonds P. Changes in the treatment of endometrial cancer. BJOG 2010;117:1043–1046.
Use of emergency contraceptive pill by 15‐year‐old girls: results from the international Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children (HBSC) study
Authors: Gaudineau A , Ehlinger V , Gabhainn S Nic , Vayssiere C , Arnaud C , Godeau E
Published: June 2010

Please cite this paper as: Gaudineau A, Ehlinger V, Nic Gabhainn S, Vayssiere C, Arnaud C, Godeau E. Use of emergency contraceptive pill by 15‐year‐old girls: results from the international Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children (HBSC) study. BJOG 2010;117:1197–1204.

Objective  To describe emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) use and variation across countries/regions; and to explore personal and contextual factors associated with ECP use and differences across countries/regions.

Design  Data were obtained from 11 countries/regions in the 2006 Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children cross‐sectional study.

Setting  Data were collected by self‐report questionnaire in school classrooms.

Population  The analysis is based on 2118 sexually active 15‐year‐old girls.

Methods  Contraceptive behaviours were compared across countries/regions by chi‐square tests. Individual factors related to ECP use were investigated with separate logistic regression models. Multilevel random‐intercept models allowed the investigation of individual and contextual effects, by partitioning the variance into student, school and country/region levels.

Main outcome measures  ECP use at last sexual intercourse.

Results  ECP use rate varied significantly across countries/regions. Poor communication with at least one adult (odds ratio [OR] 1.62 [1.12–2.36], P = 0.011) and daily smoking (OR 1.46 [1.00–2.11], P = 0.048) were independently associated with ECP use in comparison with condom and/or birth‐control pill use. Sexual initiation at 14 years or later (OR 2.02 [1.04–3.93], P = 0.039), good perceived academic achievement (OR 1.69 [1.04–2.75], P = 0.035) and daily smoking (OR 1.63 [1.01–2.64], P = 0.045) were associated with higher levels of ECP use in comparison with unprotected girls. The country‐level variance remained significant in both comparisons.

Conclusions  These data document the large heterogeneity in rates of ECP use between countries/regions. These differences could not be explained by individual or contextual factors, and raise further questions in relation to ECP access for adolescents and their education in its appropriate use.
Nerve growth factor attenuates oxidant‐induced β‐amyloid neurotoxicity in sporadic Alzheimer’s disease cybrids
Authors: Onyango Isaac G. , Ahn Jin‐Young , Tuttle Jeremy B. , Bennett Jr James P. , Swerdlow Russell H.
Published: June 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 1605–1618.

Although mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), it is not fully understood how this dysfunction may induce neuronal death. In this study, we show that transmitochondrial hybrid cells (cybrids) expressing mitochondrial genes from patients with sporadic AD (SAD) have substantial alterations in basal upstream tyrosine kinase signaling and downstream serine‐threonine kinase signaling that are mediated by intracellular free radicals. This is associated with reduced tropomyocin receptor kinase (TrkA) and p75 neurotrophin receptor receptor expression that profoundly alters nerve growth factor signaling, increases generation of Aβ and decreases viability. Many of these observed effects in SAD cybrids would be predicted to increase risk of premature neuronal death and reduce resistance to stressors and add further support for the pathogenic role of mtDNA expression in the pathogenesis of SAD.
Challenges in Continuum Modelling of Intergranular Fracture
Authors: Coffman V. R. , Sethna J. P. , Ingraffea A. R. , Bozek J. E. , Bailey N. P. , Barker E. I.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  Intergranular fracture in polycrystals is often simulated by finite elements coupled to a cohesive zone model for the interfaces, requiring cohesive laws for grain boundaries as a function of their geometry. We discuss three challenges in understanding intergranular fracture in polycrystals. First, 3D grain boundary geometries comprise a five‐dimensional space. Second, the energy and peak stress of grain boundaries have singularities for all commensurate grain boundaries, especially those with short repeat distances. Thirdly, fracture nucleation and growth depend not only upon the properties of grain boundaries, but also in crucial ways on edges, corners and triple junctions of even greater geometrical complexity. To address the first two challenges, we explore the physical underpinnings for creating functional forms to capture the hierarchical commensurability structure in the grain boundary properties. To address the last challenge, we demonstrate a method for atomistically extracting the fracture properties of geometrically complex local regions on the fly from within a finite element simulation.
Characterisation of strain‐induced martensite in a metastable austenitic stainless steel by nanoindentation
Authors: Haušild P. , Nohava J. , Pilvin P.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  Deformation‐induced martensite in metastable austenitic steel was characterised by the grid nanoindentation method. Distribution of nanohardness was found out in specimens with different martensite volume fractions. Bimodal distribution of hardness was only slightly affected by the values obtained on or near γ‐α’ phase boundary. This approach was verified by independent phase identification using electron back scattered diffraction.
Acoustic and Electromagnetic Emissions as Precursor Phenomena in Failure Processes
Authors: Lacidogna G. , Carpinteri A. , Manuello A. , Durin G. , Schiavi A. , Niccolini G. , Agosto A.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  In this work, we measured the electromagnetic field, given by the moving charges, during laboratory fracture experiments on specimens made of different heterogeneous materials. We investigated the mechanical behaviour of concrete and rocks samples loaded up to their failure by the analysis of acoustic emission (AE) and electromagnetic emission (EME). All specimens were tested in compression at a constant displacement rate and monitored by piezoelectric (PZT) transducers for AE data acquisition. Simultaneous investigation into magnetic activity was performed by a measuring device calibrated according to metrological requirements. In all the considered cases, the presence of AE signals has been always observed during the damage process, whereas it is very interesting to note that the magnetic signals were generally observed only in correspondence to sharp stress drops or the final collapse.
Experimental Analysis of Shear Zone Patterns in Cohesionless for Earth Pressure Problems Using Particle Image Velocimetry
Authors: Niedostatkiewicz M. , Lesniewska D. , Tejchman J.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  The evolution of shear zones in cohesionless sand for earth pressure problem of a retaining wall is experimentally investigated using a non‐invasive method called particle image velocimetry. It is an optical technique for measuring surface displacements from successive digital images. Small scale laboratory tests are performed for active and passive cases of a rigid retaining wall subjected to horizontal translation, rotation about its toe and rotation about its top. Attention is focused on the effect of initial sand density on distribution of volumetric and deviatoric strain. The results for initially dense sand are qualitatively compared with corresponding ones obtained with X‐rays at Cambridge University.
Experimental Investigation of Thermal Deformation in Thermoelectric Coolers
Authors: Wang W.‐C. , Chang Y.‐L.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  From high‐tech industry to consumer electronics, thermoelectric cooler (TEC) has been widely used. Basically, TEC is a sandwich structure. An array of small bismuth telluride cubes is placed between two ceramic plates and bonded to them. When a DC is applied, thermal deformation occurs because of the temperature gradient produced between the two ceramic plates of the device. To ensure the safety of the TEC, it is therefore important to investigate the thermal deformation induced. However, because of the complexity of the TEC structure, numerical simulation cannot be easily performed. In this study, digital speckle pattern interferometry (DSPI) was employed to measure the real‐time full‐field thermal deformation in TECs. Variations of thermal deformations versus magnitudes of DC were obtained. The obtained experimental results will be very useful for building the numerical model.
DHE Repression of ATP‐Mediated Sensitization of Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons
Authors: Masterson Caleb G. , Durham Paul L.
Published: June 2010

Objective.—To investigate the mechanism by which adenosine triphosphate (ATP) causes sensitization of trigeminal neurons and how dihydroergotamine (DHE) represses this modulatory effect.

Background.—Dihydroergotamine is an effective treatment of migraine. The cellular mechanisms of action of DHE in treating migraine attacks remain unclear.

Methods.—In this study, neonatal rat trigeminal ganglia cultures were used to investigate effects of ATP, alpha, beta‐methyl ATP (α,β‐meATP), and DHE on intracellular calcium levels and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) secretion.

Results.—Pretreatment with ATP or α,β‐meATP caused sensitization of neurons, via P2X3receptors, such that a subthreshold amount of potassium chloride (KCl) significantly increased intracellular calcium levels and CGRP secretion. Pretreatment with DHE repressed increases in calcium and CGRP secretion in response to ATP‐KCl or α,β‐meATP‐KCl treatment. Importantly, these inhibitory effects of DHE were blocked with an α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist and unaffected by a 5HT1B/Dreceptor antagonist. DHE also decreased neuronal membrane expression of the P2X3receptor.

Conclusions.—Our findings provide evidence for a novel mechanism of action for DHE that involves blocking ATP‐mediated sensitization of trigeminal neurons, repressing stimulated CGRP release, and decreasing P2X3membrane expression via activation of α2‐adrenoceptors.
Increases in Neuronal Activity in Rat Spinal Trigeminal Nucleus Following Changes in Barometric Pressure—Relevance for Weather‐Associated Headaches?
Authors: Messlinger Karl , Funakubo Megumi , Sato Jun , Mizumura Kazue
Published: June 2010

Objective.— To determine whether controlled changes in barometric pressure activate rat spinal trigeminal neurons as a possible animal correlate of headaches.

Background.— Changes in weather accompanied by changes in atmospheric pressure are suggested to trigger primary headaches. Mechanisms that increase neuronal activity in the rat spinal trigeminal nucleus may parallel those that contribute to the generation of headaches.

Methods.— Urethane anesthetized rats were placed in a climatic chamber, in which the air pressure could be selectively manipulated. The parietal cranial dura mater and the spinal dura mater covering the medulla were exposed. Electrolyte‐filled electrodes were introduced into the spinal trigeminal nucleus to record from neurons with receptive fields in facial areas and the cranial dura mater and/or the cornea and/or the temporal muscle. Arterial pressure and heart rate were monitored. The barometric pressure was lowered by 40 hPa during 8 minutes, kept at this level for 8 minutes and returned to the previous level.

Results.— During lowering of the barometric pressure and the low pressure period a sample of neurons showed increased discharge rates. Group analysis revealed that it was the group of units with receptive fields in the cornea, but not in the dura mater or the temporal muscle, which was significantly activated when the animal was exposed to low atmospheric pressure. Exposure of the cranial dura and opening of the cisterna magna did not prevent an increase in activity. In another sample of units the activity recorded after infusion of the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside did not change under low pressure exposure. Arterial pressure and heart rate changed slightly during barometric pressure changes.

Conclusions.— We conclude that distinct neurons in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis, particularly with preferential afferent input from the eye, respond to lowering of atmospheric pressure. Similar mechanisms may contribute to the generation of headaches during changes in weather.
Remedies for Headaches in A Closet for Ladies and Gentlewomen (1608)
Authors: Domínguez‐Rodríguez Victoria , González‐Hernández Ayoze
Published: June 2010

(Headache 2011;51:632‐636)

Seventeenth‐century English closets were books containing a wide repertoire of household supplies targeted at female readers. Such volumes typically included medical recipes, as early modern women also used to be responsible for preserving and restoring the health of relatives and close neighbors. A Closet for Ladies and Gentlewomen (Sir Hugh Platt, 1608), in particular, incorporates 13 medicinal remedies devised for the therapeutic management of 3 different types of headaches: head‐ache, migraine and pain in the head. This article historically contextualizes the text, offers a valid classification of headaches in 17th‐century England, and describes the composition of the homemade pharmaceutical forms recommended to female caregivers, the guidelines for administration and its potential pain‐relieving effects.
Topirimate‐Induced Burning Mouth Syndrome
Authors: Friedman Deborah I.
Published: June 2010

Burning mouth syndrome is a chronic pain condition characterized by burning, painful sensations within the oral cavity. A patient developed symptoms of burning mouth syndrome after initiating topiramate treatment for headache prevention. The symptoms resolved when the medication was discontinued, and the association was replicated upon re‐challenge of the drug.
A highly sensitive immunoassay for the detection of prion‐infected material in whole human blood without the use of proteinase K
Authors: Tattum M. Howard , Jones Samantha , Pal Suvankar , Khalili‐Shirazi Azedeh , Collinge John , Jackson Graham S.
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND: The causal association of variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (vCJD) with bovine spongiform encephalopathy has raised significant concerns for public health. Assays for vCJD infection are vital for the application of therapeutics, for the screening of organ donations, and to maintain a safe blood supply. Currently the best diagnostic tools for vCJD depend upon the detection of disease‐associated prion protein (PrPSc), which is distinguished from normal background PrP (PrPC) by proteinase K (PK) digestion, which can also degrade up to 90% of the target antigen.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method was developed using unique antibodies for the detection of disease‐associated PrP in the absence of PK treatment. In combination with immunoprecipitation the assay was optimized for the detection of pathogenic PrP in large volumes of whole blood.

RESULTS: Optimization of the assay allowed detection of 2 × 104 LD50 units/mL spiked in whole blood. Application of the assay to clinically relevant volumes enabled the detection of 750 LD50 units/mL in 8 mL of whole blood.

CONCLUSION: By combining the use of a unique antibody that selectively immunoprecipitates PrPSc with glycoform‐restrictive antibodies we have developed a rapid assay for vCJD infection that does not require any PK treatment to achieve high levels of specificity in whole human blood, the most challenging potential analyte. The sensitivity of detection of vCJD infection is greater than the equivalent of a more than 2.5 million‐fold dilution of infected brain, providing a highly sensitive immunoassay compatible with blood screening.
MR and MRS Characteristics of Intraventricular Meningioma
Authors: Vučković Nada , Kozić Duško , Vuleković Petar , Vučković Dejan , Ostojić Jelena , Semnic Robert
Published: June 2010

Meningiomas are frequent intracranial, non‐glial tumors of adults. We present the unusual left lateral ventricular localization of meningioma in a 51‐year‐old man. The magnetic resonance (MR) images showed well demarcated, large mass of the atrium of the left lateral ventricle with transependymal extension into the left temporal lobe. MR spectroscopy revealed the presence of “choline only” spectrum, typical for extra axial neoplasms. The mass was completely resected. The diagnosis of transitional type intraventricular meningioma, with psammoma bodies, histologic grade I was made. Progesterone and estrogen receptors were negative.
Neuroplastic Changes in the Brain: A Case of Two Successive Adaptive Changes Within the Motor Cortex
Authors: Raz Eytan , Tinelli Emanuele , Guidetti Giulio , Totaro Porzia , Bozzao Luigi , Pantano Patrizia
Published: June 2010

We describe a case of neuroplasticity associated with both arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and stroke, which occurred in two successive events in the same patient.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during right‐hand movement in a young man with a left rolandic AVM detected activation of a region corresponding to the left premotor cortex. The AVM was embolized. A few hours after the last embolization session, the patient sustained an ischemic complication in the left subcortical white matter. A second fMRI detected a lower degree of left premotor cortex activation and strong activation of the contralesional right primary motor cortex and bilateral supplementary motor areas. One month later, in association with clinical recovery, the fMRI activation returned to that observed in the first fMRI, ie, selective activation of the ipsilesional left premotor cortex.

This is, to our knowledge, the first description of two distinct functional cortical changes determined by an AVM and a stroke within the motor network.
Pituitary Adenomas Can Appear as Hypermetabolic Lesions in 18F‐FDG PET Imaging
Authors: Ryu Stephen I. , Tafti Bashir A. , Skirboll Stephen L.
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE

The 2‐deoxy‐2‐[18F] fluoro‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) scan is commonly used in detection and staging of many malignant neoplasms. However, several benign or non‐neoplastic conditions avidly accumulate 18F‐FDG, causing ambiguity in interpretation of results. It is unknown whether pituitary adenomas uptake 18F‐FDG and appear positive in PET imaging. Here, we present 2 cases of benign pituitary adenoma with elevated metabolic activity in 18F‐FDG PET scan.

METHODS

Medical, neurologic, and psychiatric histories; physical examination findings; laboratory work up results; and pathologic and imaging studies were documented.

RESULTS

The 18F‐FDG‐PET images revealed foci of marked FDG uptake in pituitary adenomas of 2 patients.

CONCLUSION

Pituitary micro‐ and macro‐adenomas may present as hypermetabolic foci on 18F‐FDG PET scan.
Signal Changes in the Brain on Susceptibility‐Weighted Imaging Under Reduced Cerebral Blood Flow: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Fushimi Yasutaka , Miki Yukio , Mori Nobuyuki , Okada Tsutomu , Urayama Shin‐ichi , Fukuyama Hidenao , Togashi Kaori
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVES

To reveal the characteristics of susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI) under low cerebral blood flow (CBF) induced by hyperventilation (HV).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was approved by the institutional review board. Informed consent was obtained. Six healthy volunteers (5 men, 1 woman; mean age, 29 years; range, 24‐33 years) underwent SWI and arterial spin labeling perfusion imaging under normal ventilation (NV) and HV at 3.0 T. Regions of interest (ROIs) were placed on gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) of the frontal lobe (FL) and occipital lobe (OL). Intensities of ROIs were compared between NV and HV. Contrast of veins compared with adjacent cerebral parenchyma (CV) was also compared between NV and HV.

RESULTS

CBF during HV (CBFHV) was decreased compared with CBF during NV (CBFNV) (29.1 ± 4.6%). FL‐GMHV and OL‐GMHV showed significant signal decreases compared with FL‐GMNV and OL‐GMNV, respectively (P= .018, .017). CVHV was significantly increased compared with CVNV (164.1 ± 29.9%) (P= .00019).

CONCLUSIONS

SWI sensitively reflects HV‐induced decreases in CBF. The present results might assist in the interpretation of SWI in clinical practice, since CBF decreases might also influence signal changes on SWI.
Diagnostic Cerebral Angiography: The Interventional Neurology Perspective
Authors: Hussain S.I. , Wolfe T.J. , Lynch J.R. , Fitzsimmons B.F. , Zaidat O.O.
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Cerebral angiography (CA) is increasingly used in clinical practice with advances in neurointerventional therapy. We present our CA experience performed by neurologists at an academic institution.

METHOD

CA performed between July 2005 and March 2008 was reviewed. Major neurological outcome was defined as a new neurological deficit lasting >24 hours or worsening of pre‐existing neurological deficit by 4 points on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Major non‐neurological outcomes were defined as any death within 24 hours of the procedure, vascular injury requiring surgery, arteriovenous fistula, or pseudo‐aneurysm formation and access site hematoma >5 cm, and/or requiring blood transfusion.

RESULTS

In total 661 angiograms were performed over 30 months. CA indications were ischemic stroke in 210/661 (31.7%), hemorrhagic stroke in 321/661 (48.6%), trauma for 16/661 (2.4%), presurgical epilepsy workup 95/661 (14.3%), and other conditions 19/661 (2.9%). Mean age of the group was 49 ± 18 years. Permanent neurological deficit occurred in .2% (1 patient) and reversible neurological deficits occurred in .2% (1/661). Major non‐neurological complications occurred in .9% (6/661). All these rates were less than established guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

The safety and efficacy of CA performed by interventional neurologists is acceptable by current guidelines.
Transcranial Duplex Sonography and CT Angiography in Acute Stroke Patients
Authors: Bar Michal , Školoudík David , Roubec Martin , Hradílek Pavel , Chmelová Jana , Czerný Daniel , Procházka Václav , Langová Kateřina , Herzig Roman
Published: June 2010

Acute occlusion of cervical or intracranial arteries is the most common cause of ischemic stroke (IS). The aims of the current study were to compare the occurrence of acute pathologic findings in intracranial arteries using transcranial color‐coded sonography (TCCS) and computed tomographic angiography (CTA) performed within 3 hours of IS onset and to assess the correlation between the vascular findings on admission and the patient's clinical state on admission and 3 months after the IS. Forty‐five consecutive patients with an acute IS were included in the prospective study during an 18‐month period. All patients underwent CTA and TCCS within the first 3 hours of symptom onset. A high rate of pathologic findings in the intracranial circulation was found (70.9% in CTA and 77.4% in TCCS examinations). The CTA and TCCS findings with respect to the intracranial arteries were consistent in 87.1% of cases (Cohen's κ, .797). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values achieved with TCCS in patients with middle cerebral artery main stem occlusion were 92.3%, 94.4%, and 92.3% and 94.4%, respectively. There was no correlation between the patient's clinical status on admission and 3 months after the onset of the IS and the CTA or the TCCS findings (P > .1 in all cases). A substantial agreement was found between TCCS and CTA in the detection of pathologic findings in intracranial vessels in acute stroke patients. Both methods can be used for this purpose.
Atypical Megadolichoectasia Manifesting as Brain Infarction Rapidly Followed by Fatal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Tsutsumi Satoshi , Yasumoto Yukimasa , Ito Masanori
Published: June 2010

A 71‐year‐old female, without medical or family history for cerebrovascular disease, presented with basilar and bilateral carotid dolichoectasia manifesting as dysarthria and hemisensory disturbance, which resolved spontaneously within a day. She suffered brainstem infarction 28 months later, manifesting as drowsiness, dysarthria, and right hemiparesis. Her consciousness level progressively deteriorated to stupor within 4 days. Computed tomography taken on the 5th day confirmed cerebellar infarct in the perfusion area of the superior cerebellar artery but did not show subarachnoid hemorrhage. She died of acute respiratory failure on the 7th day. Autopsy demonstrated a tear in the lateral wall of the broad‐based aneurysm on the ectatic basilar artery and diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage. Vertebrobasilar ectasia is a dynamic vasculopathy that may rapidly progress in the affected basilar artery following an indolent clinical course. The prognosis for patients with vertebrobasilar ectasia may depend mainly on the pathological changes in the basilar artery.