bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adolescent vulnerability to PTSD and effects of community‐based intervention: Longitudinal study among adolescent survivors of theEhime Marusea accident
Authors: Maeda Masaharu , Kato Hiroshi , Maruoka Takayuki
Published: November 2009

Aims

The aim of the present study was to examine the psychological impact on adolescent survivors of a maritime disaster that resulted in the deaths of nine people, including four high school students, and the effects of psychiatric intervention for the survivors.

Methods: Long‐term multidimensional intervention consisting of psychoeducation, hospital treatment, family support and day care, was provided for nine adolescent survivors. To evaluate these effects, the survivors were also assessed using self‐rating scales (Impact of Event Scale, General Health Questionnaire and Self‐rating Depression Scale) and psychiatric structured interviews (Clinician‐Administered Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] Scale) at 2, 8, 14, 26, and 38 months after the accident.

Results: Prevalence of PTSD among adolescent survivors was much higher than in adult survivors at the 2‐month examination (78% vs 12%, respectively). Although the observed prevalence remained high until the 14‐month examination, remarkable improvement occurred thereafter and none was diagnosed with PTSD at the 38‐month examination.

Conclusion: Adolescents may have a specific vulnerability to PTSD and community‐based intervention is effective for adolescents with serious symptoms of PTSD.
Internal validation of an artificial neural network for prostate biopsy outcome
Authors: Stephan Carsten , Cammann Henning , Bender Martin , Miller Kurt , Lein Michael , Jung Klaus , Meyer Hellmuth‐A
Published: November 2009

Objectives:  To carry out an internal validation of the retrospectively trained artificial neural network (ANN) ‘ProstataClass’.

Methods:  A prospectively collected database of 393 patients undergoing 8–12 core prostate biopsy was analyzed. Data of these patients were applied to the online available ANN ‘ProstataClass’ using the Elecsys total prostate‐specific antigen (tPSA) and free PSA (fPSA) assays. Beside the internal validation of the ANN ‘ProstataClass’ an additional ANN (named as ANN internal validation: ANNiv) only using the 393 prospective patient data was evaluated. The new ANN model was constructed with the MATLAB Neural Network Toolbox. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves comparing the areas under the ROC curves (AUC) and specificities at 90% and 95% sensitivity.

Results:  Within a tPSA range of 1.0–22.8 ng/mL, 229 men (58.3%) had prostate cancer (PCa). tPSA, %fPSA and the number of positive digital rectal examinations (DRE) differed significantly from the cohort of patients of the ANN ‘ProstataClass’, whereas age and prostate volume were comparable. AUCs for tPSA, %fPSA and the ANN ‘ProstataClass’ were 0.527, 0.726 and 0.747 (P = 0.085 between %fPSA and ANN). The AUC of the ANNiv (0.754) was significantly better compared with %fPSA (P = 0.021), whereas the AUC of two ANN models built on external cohorts (0.726 and 0.729) showed no differences to %fPSA and the other ANN models.

Conclusions:  Significant differences of DRE status and %fPSA medians decrease the power of the ‘ProstataClass’ ANN in the internal validation cohort. The effect of retrospective data evaluation the ‘ProstataClass’ cohort and prospective fPSA measurement may be responsible for %fPSA differences. All ANN models built with different PSA and fPSA assays performed equally if applied to the two cohorts.
Using classification tree analysis to reveal causes of mortality in an insect population
Authors: MacQuarrie Chris J. K. , Spence John R. , Langor David W.
Published: November 2009

Invasive species pose significant threats to native and managed ecosystems. However, it may not always be possible to perform rigorous, long‐term studies on invaders to determine the factors that influence their population dynamics, particularly when time and resources are limited. We applied a novel approach to determine factors associated with mortality in larvae of the sawflyProfenusa thomsoniKonow, a leafminer of birch, and a relatively recent invader of urban and rural birch forests in Alaska. Classification tree analysis was applied to reveal relationships between qualitative and quantitative predictor variables and categorical response variables in a large data set of larval mortality observations.

We determined the state (living or dead) of sawfly larvae in samples of individual leaves. Each leaf was scored for variables reflecting the intensity of intra‐specific competition and leaf quality for leafminers, year of collection and degree‐days accumulated were recorded for each sample. We explored the association of these variables with larval state using classification tree analysis.

Leafminer mortality was best explained by a combination of competition and resource exhaustion and our analysis revealed a possible advantage to group feeding in young larvae that may explain previously observed patterns of resource overexploitation in this species. Dead larvae were disproportionately found in smaller leaves, which highlights the potential effect of competition on mortality and suggests that smaller‐leaved species of birch will better able to resist leafminer damage.

We show that classification tree analysis may be useful in situations where urgency and/or limited resources prohibit traditional life‐table studies.
Is Clostridium difficile infection a particular problem after reversal of ileostomy?
Authors: Randall J. K. , Young B. C. , Patel G. , Fitzgerald A. , George B. D.
Published: November 2009

Aim  Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitals. Various independent risk factors have been identified, including age and antibiotic exposure. This study attempted to determine whether surgery and associated antibiotic use influence the development of CDI.

Method  A retrospective review of all patients with a diagnosis of CDI diagnosed during admission to a colorectal unit was conducted over a 20‐month period. Patient records were cross‐referenced with a microbiology database to identify previous episodes of infection and cases of recurrence.

Results  There were 38 CDI episodes in 29 patients, including nine with recurrence. In 33, the use of antibiotics prior to the onset of CDI was documented, but in 14 (37%) patients this was limited to perioperative prophylaxis. The incidence of CDI after various procedures was as follows: ileostomy closure (4.2%), right hemicolectomy (2.1%) and anterior resection (1%).

Conclusion  Ileostomy closure may carry a higher risk of CDI.
Foregut ossicles morphology and feeding of the freshwater anomuran crab Aegla uruguayana (Decapoda, Aeglidae)
Authors: Williner Veronica
Published: November 2009

Williner, V. 2009. Foregut ossicles morphology and feeding of the freshwater anomuran crab Aegla uruguayana (Decapoda, Aeglidae). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 408–415.

The acquisition and processing of food is critical to animal survival and reproductive success. This work describes the foregut ossicles of Aegla uruguayana, which have been proposed to impart trophic characteristics. In addition, stomach contents were analysed using Index of Relative Importance and Weighted Result Index to characterize the diet. The Pearre index was applied to analyse trophic selectivity. We found A. uruguayana has a morphological foregut typical of macrophage organisms. Stomach contents included items typical of omnivorous, generalist and opportunistic feeding modes. Vegetal remains included algae (filamentous, unicellular and colonial morphotypes), insect larvae, oligochaetes, microcrustaceans (copepods and cladocerans), mites, tardigrades, juveniles of A. uruguayana and rotifers. Morphological descriptions of the foregut can reveal feeding habits and provide data on the possible trophic profile of a species, while guiding the selection of appropriate methodology for subsequent analysis. Our stomach content data corroborated the foregut description, but the presence of small prey suggested A. uruguayana utilizes both predation and detritivory trophic strategies.
Ambient, productive and wind energy, and ocean extent predict global species richness of procellariiform seabirds
Authors: Davies Richard G. , Irlich Ulrike M. , Chown Steven L. , Gaston Kevin J.
Published: November 2009

Aims  Tests of the energy hypothesis for the large‐scale distribution of species richness have largely been concerned with the influence of two alternative forms of environmental energy, temperature and energy from primary productivity, both of which (at least in terrestrial systems) peak within the tropics. Taxa showing extra‐tropical diversity peaks present a potential challenge to the generality of species–energy theory. One such group are pelagic seabirds of the order Procellariiformes that show not only an extra‐tropical diversity peak but one confined to the Southern Ocean, hence a highly asymmetric one. They are distinct in being exceptionally adapted to take advantage of wind energy, which they may rely on for long‐distance ocean foraging for the patchy resources needed to meet their energetic needs. Wind represents a readily available source of kinetic energy, shows a strong latitudinal gradient, and has been largely omitted from species–energy theory. Moreover, maximal benefits of wind are likely to be afforded in areas of greatest available contiguous ocean extent. We compare the relative importance of wind speed, ocean productivity (chlorophyll concentration), air temperature and available ocean extent (distance) in explaining large‐scale global distribution of procellariiform species richness across the world's oceans.

Location  Global, oceanic.

Methods  Hierarchical partitioning, model selection, ordinary least squares (OLS) and spatial generalized least squares (GLS) regression.

Results  Hierarchical partitioning of non‐spatial regression models indicates that ocean distance is the most important predictor of procellariiform species richness followed by wind speed and then temperature. In contrast, that of spatial regression models indicates the roughly equal importance of ocean distance and temperature, followed by wind speed. Although contributing additional model fit, ocean productivity is consistently the weakest predictor. Best‐fit models include all four predictors and explain 67% of observed variation. The species–productivity relationship is negative overall, while the species–temperature relationship is hump‐shaped. In contrast, ocean distance and wind speed are positively associated with species richness.

Conclusions  Large‐scale procellariiform species richness distribution may represent a trade‐off in the use of different energy forms, being highest in Southern Ocean areas where productive energy and temperature are relatively low, but where available ocean foraging extent and wind energy required to utilize it are near‐maximal.
Does urbanization decrease diversity in ground beetle (Carabidae) assemblages?
Authors: Magura Tibor , Lövei Gábor L. , Tóthmérész Béla
Published: November 2009

Aim  We wanted to test whether urbanization has similar effects on biodiversity in different locations, comparing the responses of ground beetle (Coleoptera, Carabidae) assemblages with an urbanization gradient. We also wanted to see if urbanization had a homogenizing effect on ground beetle assemblages.

Locations  Nine forested temperate locations in Europe, Canada and Japan.

Methods  Published results of the Globenet Project were used. At all locations, three stages were identified: (1) a forested (rural) area, (2) a suburban area where the original forest was fragmented and isolated, and (3) remnants of the original forest in urban parks. These habitats formed an urbanization series. Study arrangements (number and operation of traps) and methods (pitfall trapping) were identical, conforming to the Globenet protocol. Assemblage composition and diversity patterns were evaluated. Diversity relationships were analysed by the Rényi diversity ordering method considering all ground beetles and – separately – the forest specialist species. Taxonomic homogenization was examined by multivariate methods using assemblage similarities.

Results  Overall biodiversity (compared by species richness and diversity ordering) showed inconsistent trends by either urbanization intensity or by geographic position. However, when only forest species were compared, diversity was higher in the original rural (forested) areas than in urban forest fragments. Within‐country similarities of carabid assemblages were always higher than within‐urbanization stage similarities.

Main conclusions  Urbanization does not appear to cause a decrease in ground beetle diversity per se. Forest species decline as urbanization intensifies but this trend is masked by an influx of non‐forest species. The rural faunas were more similar to the urban ones within the same location than similar urbanization stages were to each other, indicating that urbanization did not homogenize the taxonomic composition of ground beetle faunas across the studied locations.
Falling Apart at the Margins? Neighbourhood Transformations in Peri‐Urban Chennai
Authors: Arabindoo Pushpa
Published: November 2009

This article explores the peri‐urban dynamics in developing cities using a theoretical examination of the metropolis as the new urban condition. Although a western conceptualization, the notion of the metropolis, and particularly metropolitan planning, was exported to the developing world to address its urbanization problems. Metropolitan development authorities were established for wider city regions and accorded legislative powers to prepare master plans for the metropolitan areas. However, in most instances, their planning strategies resulted in a conflation of the urban–rural interface into a more complex peri‐urban condition, marked by heterogeneity and fragmentation. The article illustrates this through an empirical investigation in the Indian city of Chennai, where socio‐spatial transformations of two borderland neighbourhoods on its southern periphery are assessed mainly in terms of metropolitan planning decisions over the decades. In outlining their metamorphosis, the study is careful not to perceive such conflicts as simple forms of polarization between the rich and the poor. Rather, it sets the class conflicts against the politico‐economic dynamics yielding newer forms of polarization in the peri‐urban spaces.
‘Thinking Outside the Box’? Trade Union Organizing Strategies and Polish Migrant Workers in the United Kingdom
Authors: Fitzgerald Ian , Hardy Jane
Published: November 2009

This article focuses on the responses of British trade unions to the arrival of Polish workers since the 2004 enlargement of the European Union. It is argued that existing definitions and explanations of UK trade union engagement with migrant workers do not capture the strategies that have been used to engage with these migrant workers. We suggest that there have been two sets of responses. First, recruitment and organization activity has centred on inclusion and has been undertaken on new terrains using innovative strategies. Second, we point to the importance of new linkages locally, regionally, nationally and internationally in organizing these new labour market entrants.
“Hearing voices”: Auditory hallucinations as failure of top‐down control of bottom‐up perceptual processes
Authors: HUGDAHL KENNETH
Published: November 2009

Auditory hallucination is a key characteristic of schizophrenia that seriously debilitates the patient, with consequences for social engagement with others. Hallucinatory experiences are also observed in healthy individuals in the general population who report “hearing voices” in the absence of an external acoustic input. A view on auditory hallucinations and “hearing voices” is presented that regards such phenomena as perceptual processes, originating from speech perception areas in the left temporal lobe. Healthy individuals “hearing voices” are, however, often aware that the experience comes from inner thought processes, which is not reported by hallucinating patients. A perceptual model can therefore, not alone explain the difference in the phenomenology of how the “voices heard” are attributed to either an inner or outer cause. An expanded model is thus presented which takes into account top‐down cognitive control, localized to prefrontal cortical areas, to inhibit and re‐attribute the perceptual mis‐representations. The expanded model is suggested to be empirically validated using a dichotic listening speech perception paradigm with instructions for top‐down control of attention focus to either the right or left side in auditory space. It is furthermore suggested to use fMRI to validate the temporal and frontal lobe neuronal correlates of the cognitive processes involved in auditory hallucinations.
Overweight and cognition
Authors: NILSSON LARS‐GÖRAN , NILSSON ERIK
Published: November 2009

There is a growing concern among health authorities that an increasing number of people in the Western world become overweight and even obese. It is well known that obesity is related to several diseases (e.g., diabetes, stroke, and high blood pressure) and that such diseases related to obesity lead to early death. It has also been discussed whether overweight and obesity in themselves or in relation to such diseases lead to cognitive decline. On the basis of data from a large, population‐based, prospective study we examined three cognitive domains: episodic memory, semantic memory, and spatial ability. Two body measures were used to define normal weight and overweight, body‐mass index and waist/hip ratio. Although these two body measures reveal quite different prevalence data of overweight, the associations between overweight and cognition are similar. For episodic memory, overweight interacts with age, but when controlling for hypertension, stroke and diabetes, this interaction disappears. For semantic memory, normal weight participants outperform overweight participants even after controlling for these diseases. For spatial ability, the well‐established advantage for men holds for young‐old and old‐old normal‐weight participants. For overweight participants, this advantage holds for middle‐age participants only. We conclude that there is a weight‐cognition relationship even after controlling for obesity‐related diseases. The results are discussed in terms of possible biological mechanisms.
Action, the foundation for cognitive development
Authors: HOFSTEN CLAES VON
Published: November 2009

It is argued that action constitutes the foundation for cognitive development. Action is a principal component of all aspects of cognitive development including social understanding. It reflects the motives of the child, the problems to be solved, the goals to be attained, and the constraints and possibilities of the child’s body and sensory‐motor system. Actions are directed into the future and their control is based on knowledge of what is going to happen next. The child’s sensory‐motor system is especially designed to facilitate the extraction of this knowledge. In addition, the infant is endowed with motives that ensure that these innate predispositions are transformed into a system of knowledge for guiding actions. By acting on the world, infants develop their cognition.
Post‐traumatic functional recovery and reorganization in animal models: A theoretical and methodological challenge
Authors: MOGENSEN JESPER , MALÁ HANA
Published: November 2009

Studies addressing cerebral functional localization face methodological and theoretical problems. Lesion experiments expect that when a functionally specialized structure is missing, its function can be deduced from the resulting impairments. Mostly, however, initial impairments are partially or fully eliminated through functional recovery. Apparently, such a recovery contradicts the notion of functional localization. In order to understand the mechanisms of recovery, improved methodology and a new theoretical framework are required. Insights into the mechanisms of recovery can be achieved by using “challenge” techniques, where functionally recovered individuals are exposed to organic and behavioral challenges, e.g. pharmacological manipulations or additional lesions, as well as modified test situations. Using such methods, a number of principles of functional recovery have emerged. We evaluate some of the available theories of post‐traumatic recovery against these principles and find that none of them can account for the principles. Finally, we present a new conceptual framework – the Reorganization of Elementary Functions (REF) model. This model reconceptualizes the term “function”, suggests mechanisms of post‐traumatic reorganizations, and resolves the contradiction between localization and functional recovery.
Early life origins of psychological development and mental health
Authors: RÄIKKÖNEN KATRI , PESONEN ANU‐KATRIINA
Published: November 2009

According to the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD)‐hypothesis, conditions early in life may have life‐long consequences. In a series of epidemiological birth cohort and clinical studies and natural experiments, we have had the chance to test the extent to which this hypothesis is useful in understanding individual differences in psychological development and mental health. Our findings have provided evidence that individual differences in cognitive, social and emotional development and in mental health may lie in early life circumstances, and add significantly to the literature by pointing out which periods of early growth are the most critical. These findings are also important in translating pre‐clinical evidence to humans. What remains less clear, however, is what the mechanisms of programming are. Thus, further research is needed to elucidate these mechanisms before information on the early life origins of health and disease can be used in designing prevention and intervention programs.
The nature (and nurture) of personality disorders
Authors: TORGERSEN SVENN
Published: November 2009

Personality disorders have a long history in the literature but a short scientific history. The point prevalence of personality disorders is 10%, but the lifetime prevalence is probably 30–40%. Genetic factors contribute to around 40–50% of the variation in the development of personality disorders. The effect of shared environment is very small or non‐existent. Some researchers have tried to promote gene‐environment interaction. However, in reality, the studies investigated gene‐situation interaction, as the “environment” may in reality be partly of a genetic nature. Thus, we are dealing with an unknown part of gene‐gene interaction. Gene‐experience (not gene‐environment) correlations are the rule in human life. Personality disorders co‐occur (are comorbid) with symptom disorders (Axis I) and correlate with common personality dimensions. Possibly, the concept of personality disorder could merge with dysfunctional personality types. But it is likely that the concept will survive on its own.
The Danish Draft Board’s intelligence test, Børge Priens Prøve: Psychometric properties and research applications through 50 years
Authors: TEASDALE THOMAS W.
Published: November 2009

For over 50 years the Danish draft board has used the same test, Børge Priens Prøve (BPP) for cognitive abilities, involving four paper‐and‐pencil subtests, to assess suitability for conscription. The potential availability of test scores has been an invaluable resource for research into factors relating to intelligence. In this article the circumstances of the original development of the test are briefly presented, followed by a description of the four subtests and the conditions of testing, scoring and result registration. Over forty studies are identified, including some unpublished, which have explored the psychometric properties of the BPP and have shown the relationships between intelligence as measured by the BPP and a wide range of biological, social and health‐related factors.
In search of a science‐based application: A learning tool for reading acquisition
Authors: LYYTINEN HEIKKI , ERSKINE JANE , KUJALA JANNE , OJANEN EMMA , RICHARDSON ULLA
Published: November 2009

This is a story about the fate of a psychological application: from its conception to the optimistic vision surrounding its future. We hope that this application – an enjoyable learning game (www or mobile phone‐based, available free of charge to the end users) for children – can at best help millions of children in their reading acquisition in the future. Its basis was created by following intensively the development of children with (N = 107) and without (N = 92) genetic (familial) risk for dyslexia from birth to puberty in the Jyväskylä Longitudinal study of Dyslexia (JLD)‐project. We summarize some of the major findings of the JLD in order to facilitate understanding of the reasons and logic behind the development of the game. Originally intended as a research tool for reading acquisition, its potential for prevention of reading difficulties was quickly recognized.
DO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS MATTER TO TAIWAN'S EXPORTS? A DYNAMIC PANEL APPROACH
Authors: Yang Chih‐Hai , Huang Yi‐Ju
Published: November 2009

This article analyses whether and how Taiwan's exports are sensitive to national differences in intellectual property right (IPR) protection, as well as the degree of imitation threat. Applying a longitudinal IPR index developed by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and using the generalized method of moments dynamic panel data modelling technique to control for endogeneity and panel unit root problems, the empirical results show that the strength of importing countries' IPR protection has a positive impact on Taiwan's exports, supporting the standpoint of market expansion that stronger IPR protection will induce more trade. Under various classification systems to differentiate the degree of threat of imitation across countries, both positive and negative export effects of IPR are found in Taiwan's case. However, the pattern of threat of imitation–trade nexus seems to contradict theory predictions. Moreover, high‐tech exports are found be more IPR sensitive than non‐high‐tech exports.
FOOD STAMPS, TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES AND FOOD HARDSHIPS IN THREE AMERICAN CITIES
Authors: DePolt Richard A. , Moffitt Robert A. , Ribar David C.
Published: November 2009

We examine how participation in the Food Stamp and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Programs is associated with self‐reported household food hardships, using data from a longitudinal survey of low‐income families living in Boston, Chicago and San Antonio. In addition to the measures of hardships and program participation, the survey includes measures of income, wealth, social resources, disability, physical health and family structure, measures that help us to account for selection between recipient and non‐recipient households. For our multivariate analyses, we estimate multiple indicator multiple cause models that are modified to incorporate discrete outcome variables and to account for longitudinal data. Estimates from these models reveal that participation in the Food Stamp Program is associated with fewer food hardships, while participation in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program has no detectable association with hardships.
A MODEL OF OVERCONFIDENCE
Authors: Weinberg Bruce A.
Published: November 2009

People use information about their ability to choose tasks. If more challenging tasks provide more accurate information about ability, people who care about and who are risk averse over their perception of their ability will choose tasks that are not sufficiently challenging. Moderate overestimation of ability and overestimation of the precision of initial information leads people to choose tasks that raise expected output (and utility); however, extreme overconfidence leads people to undertake tasks that are excessively challenging. Consistent with our results, psychologists find that moderate overconfidence is both pervasive and advantageous.
IS MINIMUM WAGE AN EFFECTIVE ANTI‐POVERTY POLICY IN JAPAN?
Authors: Kawaguchi Daiji , Mori Yuko
Published: November 2009

This paper considers whether the minimum wage is a well‐targeted antipoverty policy by examining the backgrounds of minimum‐wage workers. Whether raising the minimum wage reduces employment for unskilled workers is also investigated. An examination of micro data from a large‐scale government household survey, the Employment Structure Survey (Shugyo Kozo Kihon Chosa), reveals that approximately half of minimum‐wage workers belong to households with annual incomes of more than 5 million yen as a non‐head of household. A regression analysis indicates that an increase in the minimum wage moderately reduces the employment of male teenagers and middle‐aged married women, while it encourages the employment of high‐school age youth.
DOES TELEVISION VIEWING AFFECT CHILDREN'S BEHAVIOUR?
Authors: Huang Fali , Lee Myoung‐jae
Published: November 2009

Using three‐period panel data drawn from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979, we investigate whether television (TV) viewing at ages 6–7 and 8–9 years affects children's social and behavioural development at ages 8–9 years. Dynamic panel data models are estimated to handle the unobserved child‐specific factor, endogeneity of TV viewing, and the dynamic nature of the causal relation. Special emphasis is placed on this last aspect, focusing on how early TV viewing affects interim child behavioural problems and in turn affects future TV viewing. Overall, we find that TV viewing during ages 6–7 and 8–9 years increases child behavioural problems at ages 8–9 years, and that the effect is economically sizable.
Exchange Rate Changes and the Operating Performance of Multinationals
Authors: Lee Bong‐Soo , Suh Jungwon
Published: November 2009

Using a sample of 261 US multinationals over the period 1984–2002, we examine the relation between exchange rate changes and the profitability of foreign operations. We find that the impact of exchange rate changes on foreign operations’ profitability is not statistically significant in the majority of industries. Furthermore, according to our variance components analysis, exchange rate changes explain less than 2% of the variation in foreign operations’ profitability for most industries. We also find that the impact of exchange rate changes on foreign operations’ profitability is generally weak for non‐US multinationals from Australia, Canada, Japan and the UK. Our evidence is consistent with the finding of prior studies that the impact of exchange rate changes on firm value is not significant for most multinationals.
Porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct naevus: report of 10 cases
Authors: Masferrer E , Vicente MA , Bassas‐Vila J , Rovira C , González‐Enseñat MA
Published: November 2009

Background  Porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct nevus (PEODDN) is a congenital hamartoma that has rarely been documented.

Objectives  To describe the clinical and histological features of 10 patients with PEODDN.

Methods  A retrospective study of 10 patients with PEODDN attended in our paediatric hospital between 1999 and 2009 was performed. The clinical and histopathological features were reviewed.

Results  Nine children and one adult were included in the study. In 6 cases the lesion was present at birth and they were unique in 5 cases and systematized in the other 5 cases. Two cases in the same family are reported. The lesions were most commonly found on the extremities, although the palms or soles were involved in 9 cases and only in one case there was not affection of this area. The lesions were mostly asymptomatic but there was moderate itching in two cases. Clinical examination revealed no extracutaneous involvement.

Conclusions  PEODDN is a rare disorder that usually appears at birth or early childhood. It has a linear distribution following the Blaschko lines. To our knowledge this is the largest series reported in English literature and we also describe the first family case.
Fibre type composition of the human psoas major muscle with regard to the level of its origin
Authors: Arbanas Juraj , Starcevic Klasan Gordana , Nikolic Marina , Jerkovic Romana , Miljanovic Ivo , Malnar Daniela
Published: November 2009

The aim of our study was to explore the fibre type composition of the human psoas major muscle at different levels of its origin, from the first lumbar to the fourth lumbar vertebra, and to compare the muscle fibre size and distribution of different fibre types between levels with respect to its complex postural and dynamic function. Muscle samples were collected from 15 young males (younger than 35 years). Serial transverse sections (5 μm) of the samples were cut by cryomicrotome. Type I, IIA and IIX muscle fibres were typed using myosin heavy chain identification. The serial sections were analysed using a light microscope with a magnitude of 100×. The differences between measurements were evaluated using a repeated‐measures anova and Scheffé test for post‐hoc analysis. Our study showed that the human psoas major muscle was composed of type I, IIA and IIX muscle fibres. It had a predominance of type IIA muscle fibres, whereas type I muscle fibres had the largest cross‐sectional area. Type IIX muscle fibres were present as a far smaller percentage and had the smallest cross‐sectional area. Moreover, the fibre type composition of the psoas major muscle was different between levels of its origin starting from the first lumbar to the fourth lumbar vertebra. We conclude that the fibre type composition of the psoas major muscle indicated its dynamic and postural functions, which supports the fact that it is the main flexor of the hip joint (dynamic function) and stabilizer of the lumbar spine, sacroiliac and hip joints (postural function). The cranial part of the psoas major muscle has a primarily postural role, whereas the caudal part of the muscle has a dynamic role.
Performance variability, impulsivity errors and the impact of incentives as gender‐independent endophenotypes for ADHD
Authors: Uebel Henrik , Albrecht Björn , Asherson Philip , Börger Norbert  A. , Butler Louise , Chen Wai , Christiansen Hanna , Heise Alexander , Kuntsi Jonna , Schäfer Ulrike , Andreou Penny , Manor Iris , Marco Rafaela , Miranda Ana , Mulligan Aisling , Oades Robert D. , Van Der Meere Jaap , Faraone Stephen V. , Rothenberger Aribert , Banaschewski Tobias
Published: November 2009

Background:  Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common and highly heritable child psychiatric disorders. There is strong evidence that children with ADHD show slower and more variable responses in tasks such as Go/Nogo tapping aspects of executive functions like sustained attention and response control which may be modulated by motivational factors and/or state‐regulation processes. The aim of this study was (1) to determine if these executive functions may constitute an endophenotype for ADHD; (2) to investigate for the first time whether known modulators of these executive functions may also be familial; and (3) to explore whether gender has an impact on these measures.

Methods:  Two hundred and five children with ADHD combined type, 173 nonaffected biological siblings and 53 controls with no known family history of ADHD were examined using a Go/Nogo task in the framework of a multi‐centre study. Performance‐measures and modulating effects of event‐rate and incentives were examined. Shared familial effects on these measures were assessed, and the influence of gender was tested.

Results:  Children with ADHD responded more slowly and variably than nonaffected siblings or controls. Nonaffected siblings showed intermediate scores for reaction‐time variability, false alarms and omission errors under fast and slow event‐rates. A slower event‐rate did not lead to reduced performance specific to ADHD. In the incentive condition, mean reaction‐times speeded up and became less variable only in children with ADHD and their nonaffected siblings, while accuracy was improved in all groups. Males responded faster, but also committed more false alarms. There were no interactions of group by gender.

Conclusions:  Reaction‐time variability and accuracy parameters could be useful neuropsychological endophenotypes for ADHD. Performance‐modulating effects of incentives suggested a familially driven motivational dysfunction which may play an important role on etiologic pathways and treatment approaches for ADHD. The effects of gender were independent of familial effects or ADHD‐status, which in turn suggests that the proposed endophenotypes are independent of gender.
The relationship between stem biomechanics and wood density is modified by rainfall in 32 Australian woody plant species
Authors: Onoda Yusuke , Richards Anna E. , Westoby Mark
Published: November 2009

Commentary p348
The importance of wood traits and hydraulic conductance for the performance and life history strategies of 42 rainforest tree species
Authors: Poorter Lourens , McDonald Imole , Alarcón Alfredo , Fichtler Esther , Licona Juan‐Carlos , Peña‐Claros Marielos , Sterck Frank , Villegas Zulma , Sass‐Klaassen Ute
Published: November 2009

Commentary p348
Dysregulation of intracellular dopamine stores revealed in the R6/2 mouse striatum
Authors: Ortiz Andrea N. , Kurth Benjamin J. , Osterhaus Gregory L. , Johnson Michael A.
Published: November 2009

J. Neurochem.(2010)112, 755–761.

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal, neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by preferential and extensive striatal degeneration. Here, we used fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry to study the mobilization and efflux of reserve pool dopamine (DA) in striatal brain slices from HD model R6/2 mice. When applying stimulus trains of 120 pulses, evoked DA release in wild‐type (WT) slices was greater than that in R6/2 slices at the higher frequencies (50 and 60 Hz). To quantify cytosolic and reserve pool DA levels, amphetamine‐induced DA efflux was measured after pre‐treatment with either tetrabenazine or alpha‐methyl‐p‐tyrosine. Slices from 12‐week‐old R6/2 mice released less DA than slices from WT mice, while no difference was noted in slices from 6‐week old mice. The vesicular release of reserve pool DA, mobilized by treatment with cocaine, was shorter lived in R6/2 slices compared with WT slices even though peak DA release was the same. Moreover, the number of DA reserve pool vesicles in R6/2 mice was less than half of that in WT. Therefore, our data suggest that the same number of DA molecules are present in each reserve pool vesicle in WT and R6/2 mice and that these vesicles are readily mobilized in both genotypes; however, R6/2 mice have fewer DA reserve pool vesicles available for mobilization.
Where's the glass? Biomarkers, molecular clocks, and microRNAs suggest a 200‐Myr missing Precambrian fossil record of siliceous sponge spicules
Authors: SPERLING E. A. , ROBINSON J. M. , PISANI D. , PETERSON K. J.
Published: November 2009

The earliest evidence for animal life comes from the fossil record of 24‐isopropylcholestane, a sterane found in Cryogenian deposits, and whose precursors are found in modern demosponges, but not choanoflagellates, calcareans, hexactinellids, or eumetazoans. However, many modern demosponges are also characterized by the presence of siliceous spicules, and there are no convincing demosponge spicules in strata older than the Cambrian. This temporal disparity highlights a problem with our understanding of the Precambrian fossil record – either these supposed demosponge‐specific biomarkers were derived from the sterols of some other organism and are simply retained in modern demosponges, or spicules do not primitively characterize crown‐group demosponges. Resolving this issue requires resolving the phylogenetic placement of another group of sponges, the hexactinellids, which not only make a spicule thought to be homologous to the spicules of demosponges, but also make their first appearance near the Precambrian/Cambrian boundary. Using two independent analytical approaches and data sets – traditional molecular phylogenetic analyses and the presence or absence of specific microRNA genes – we show that demosponges are monophyletic, and that hexactinellids are their sister group (together forming the Silicea). Thus, spicules must have evolved before the last common ancestor of all living siliceans, suggesting the presence of a significant gap in the silicean spicule fossil record. Molecular divergence estimates date the origin of this last common ancestor well within the Cryogenian, consistent with the biomarker record, and strongly suggests that siliceous spicules were present during the Precambrian but were not preserved.
The Impact of Malpractice Liability Claims on Obstetrical Practice Patterns
Authors: Gimm Gilbert W.
Published: November 2009

Objectives. This paper examines whether malpractice claims have any impact on obstetrical practice patterns (C‐section rates) and physician delivery volume.

Data Sources. Secondary data from the 1992–2000 Florida Hospital Inpatient Discharge File, the Florida Medical Professional Liability Insurance Claims File, and the American Medical Association's Master File on physician characteristics.

Study Design. The effects of malpractice claims on C‐section rates and physician delivery volume were estimated using panel data and a fixed‐effects multivariate model.

Data Collection. Variables were constructed from each data source and merged into a single panel dataset using consistent physician identifiers.

Principal Findings. I did not find evidence that physicians changed their practice patterns by increasing C‐section rates in response to malpractice claims. However, physicians performed six fewer inpatient deliveries 3 years after the closing of a malpractice claim, after controlling for individual‐ and market‐level characteristics. Physicians with high malpractice awards of U.S.$250,000 or more performed 14 fewer deliveries on average.

Conclusions. Malpractice claims led to a small reduction in physician delivery volume, but they did not have a significant impact on C‐section rates.
Long‐term evaluation of a new ventriculoperitoneal shunt valve system in a dog
Authors: Filgueiras Richard da Rocha , De Souza Martins Christine , De Almeida Ricardo Miyasaka , Silva Rosana Marques , De Souza Teixeira da Rocha Martha , De Paula Firmino Fernanda , Maguilnik Samara , Medeiros Luíza Quintão
Published: November 2009

Objective
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To report on the use of a new ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) valve system utilized in a dog with hydrocephalus and to describe the clinical course over 20 months after implantation.

Case Summary
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A 3‐month‐old female Lhasa Apso dog was presented with lateral strabismus, domed calvarium, and visual deficits. A lateral skull radiograph revealed a persistent fontanelle. Transfontanellar ultrasonographic examination and computed tomographic examination showed excessive accumulation of fluid within the ventricles. The owner had observed symptoms as early as 1 month after birth, suggesting congenital hydrocephalus. A VPS with a new valve system that inhibits cerebrospinal fluid overdrainage and obstruction of the catheter was implanted. The dog showed clinical improvement 48 hours after the procedure. Twenty days after shunt implantation, another computed tomography scan was performed that showed reduction in ventricle size. The evaluation of VPS patency was carried out 20 months after surgery and demonstrated that the system was working properly without obstruction.

New or Unique Information Provided
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There are reports in the literature describing the use of several devices to perform VPS in dogs. A new device not previously described in the veterinary literature was used in this case report, and according to the manufacturer's description, this device inhibits proteinaceous build‐up, which is usually responsible for subsequent catheter obstructions.
Late and Middle Weichselian stratigraphy of Andøya, north Norway
Authors: VORREN KARL‐DAG
Published: November 2009

BOREAS Vorren, K.‐D. 1978 03 01: Late and Middle Weichselian stratigraphy of Andøya, north Norway, Boreas, Vol. 7, pp. 19–38. Oslo. ISSN 0300–9483.

Bio‐stratigraphy and 14C datings from Lake Endletvatn, 69o 44'N and 19o05'E, approx. 35 m above sea level, suggest that the lacustrine sedimentation started about 18,000 B.P. The Middle Weichselian vegetation was probably a dry arctic, partly barren, grassland type with abundant Draba spp. and perhaps also Braya spp. Two climatic ameliorations of this chronal substage, named Endletvatn thermomers 1 and 2 (ET 1 and 2), have been recorded. During ET 2, the beginning of which has been dated at about 15,000 B.P., a humid climate prevailed, with a July temperature probably not deviating much from the present one. The colonization by low alpine and subalpine species probably started in the Bølling Chronozone. During the early Allerød Chronozone, protocratic conditions with grasses RumexlOxyria, Papaver and Sagina of. saginoides prevailed. During the middle of the Allerød, stable soil and continuous vegetation was established at sheltered places. At the transition to the Younger Dryas Chronozone a climate favouring Artemisia changed this vegetational development. The middle of the Younger Dryas was cool and humid, probably with an upper low alpine vegetation. The end of this chronozone was characterized by a vegetation of low alpine heaths with Empetrum and Dryas.

Diatom analysis (Foged 1978) suggests that there has been no direct marine influence in the basin. The marginal moraine stratigraphy, the marine limit and the climatic development are discussed.
Fragments of a Middle Weichselian fauna on Andøya, north Norway
Authors: FJELLBERG ARNE
Published: November 2009

BOREAS Fjellberg, A. 1978 03 01: Fragments of a Middle Weichselian fauna on Andøya, north Norway. Boreas. Vol. 7. p. 39. Oslo. ISSN 0300–9483.

Presence of the chironomid Corynocera ambigua Zett. and the carnivore Mustela erminea L. on Andøya about 15,000 B.P. is suggested. The oribatide mite Trichoribates cf. setiger (Träg.) has been recorded in 17–18,000 years old sediments on Andøya.
A shear‐diffusion model of till genesis based on the dispersal pattern of indicator rocks in the Grand‐Volume Till of central Gaspésie, Québec, Canada
Authors: CHARBONNEAU RÉMI , DAVID PETER P.
Published: November 2009

Dispersal patterns of indicator rocks in central Gaspésie reveal that glacial debris is entrained in a basal debris‐rich zone of shearing where clast diffusion takes place. The Grand‐Volume Till forms a thin till sheet over the high plateaus of Gaspésie Peninsula and resulted from a succession of two Wisconsinan ice flows of distinct orientations (SSE and NE). The lithological composition of this till determined by pebble counts and the three‐dimensional dispersal patterns of indicator rocks in it suggest that debris transport occurred principally by simple shear deformation of glacial debris. In addition, the intermixing of clasts at the intersection of two lithologically distinct dispersal trains of SSE and NE orientations, respectively, suggests that extensive mixing takes place during shearing. Physical interactions among the clasts lead to both upward and downward movements which cause the clasts to diffuse across the zone of shearing. This process of shear‐diffusion results in continuous incorporation and mixing of the newly encountered rock types during glacial transport.