bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The nature and correlates of deterrents to leaving a relationship
Authors: KURDEK LAWRENCE A.
Published: December 2006

The nature and correlates of perceived deterrents to leaving a relationship were examined in a sample of both partners (N= 314) from gay male, lesbian, and heterosexual couples. Partners rated the extent to which self‐identified features of their relationship were regarded as either attractions to the relationship or deterrents to ending that relationship. The deterrents identified included features that were also identified as attractions as well as unique features that functioned as barriers to leaving. Satisfaction with the relationship tended to be positively correlated with deterrents that were attractions but negatively correlated with deterrents that were barriers. Differences between gay male/lesbian partners and heterosexual partners were found in the kinds of deterrents identified but not in the link between deterrents and relationship satisfaction.
Greenhouse gas emission reductions in the post‐Kyoto period: Emission intensity changes required under the ‘contraction and convergence’ approach
Authors: Kuntsi‐Reunanen E. , Luukkanen J.
Published: December 2006

Various approaches have been proposed for allocating commitments to countries regarding the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. One of these methods is the ‘contraction and convergence’ approach, which defines emission permits on the basis of converging per capita emissions under a contracting global emission profile. The approach is unique in its simplicity. Only two major issues need to be negotiated and agreed upon: the target atmospheric concentration of CO2 and the date when the entitlements are to converge at equal per capita allocations. According to the contraction and convergence approach, developing countries can continue their current emission trends, whereas industrialized countries should reduce their emissions quite dramatically. This regime represents a shift away from the current approach towards defining commitments for all parties and their evolution over the long term. This article analyses how allocation schemes determined by the contraction and convergence approach might affect certain OECD and non‐OECD countries. Results for eleven countries selected for analysis (United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, China, Venezuela, Thailand, Brazil, India and Indonesia) reveal that trends observed in the past few decades in most industrialized countries will lead to the contraction and convergence target.
Review of climate policies in the Baltic States
Authors: Streimikiene Dalia , Ciegis Remigijus , Pusinaite Rasa
Published: December 2006

Production and use of energy is the main source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in developed countries. In the Baltic States, climate change mitigation policies and measures implemented have been driven mainly by efforts to reach EU accession standards, and all EU environmental directives relating to the energy sector have now been implemented. This has had a significant impact on the reduction of GHG emissions. This article presents a comparative review of the general framework for climate change mitigation in the energy sector of the Baltic States. It compares and analyses measures already implemented in the three countries — legal, fiscal and voluntary — and market based tools to reduce GHG emissions, and evaluates the impact of EU environmental and energy directives on the reduction of GHG emissions. Some descriptive sections of the article come from the Nordic Council of Ministers study “Challenges of Kyoto commitments for the Baltic States’ energy sectors”.
Adapting to climate variability: Pumpkins, people and policy
Authors: Ziervogel Gina , Bharwani Sukaina , Downing Thomas E.
Published: December 2006

Understanding of how best to support those most vulnerable to climate stress is imperative given expected changes in climate variability. This paper investigates local adaptation strategies to climate variability, focusing on agricultural decision‐making in a communal irrigation scheme in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Research done through interviews, surveys and participatory methods demonstrates that adaptation strategies within a community are socially differentiated and present differing objectives and priorities. These results highlight the need for intervention and policy that support a heterogeneous response to a wide range of stresses. Evidence for climate change is clear and the need for adaptation is urgent. However, adaptation measures have to be sensitively integrated with ongoing development pathways to ensure they are sustainable and relevant to local priorities.
Energy efficiency: The best immediate option for a secure, clean, healthy future
Authors: Ottinger Richard L.
Published: December 2006

The imperatives for reducing the world's dependence on fossil and nuclear fuels have multiplied manifold in recent years with the advent of worldwide terrorism. These new dangers come in addition to the imperatives of addressing the dire consequences of global warming and devastating pollution that accompany the use of these fossil fuels. Reducing dependence on these unsafe and unreliable energy resources should be a top global priority. Implementation of proven energy efficiency technologies offers the world the fastest, safest, most economic and most environmentally benign way to alleviate these threats. This article outlines available efficiency measures, their economic advantages and means by which they may be and have been implemented. While examples of efficiency applications from both developed and developing countries are given, the article relies heavily on experience with energy efficiency in the United States, where data on efficiency is particularly abundant.
Spatiotemporal distribution and resource use of scoliid wasps (Hymenoptera) in coastal sand dunes
Authors: INOUE Makiko , ENDO Tomoji
Published: December 2006

The spatial and temporal distributions of scoliid wasps in the coastal sand dunes at Hakoishi, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, were investigated using three different sampling methods in 2002 and 2003. Of eight scoliid species collected in the present study, five species, Scolia historionica, Campsomeriella annulata, Scolia decorata, Scolia oculata, and Megacampsomeris schulthessi, were dominant. The flying insects caught by Malaise traps and flower‐visiting insects caught by insect nets were mostly males, and this biased pattern was due to the active mate‐searching behavior of male wasps and their frequent visits to flowers to supplement energy consumed by such behavior. Given that the ground traps caught females exclusively, female wasps seemed to actively engage in host‐searching behavior on and below the ground. Of the wasps caught by Malaise traps and flower‐visit sampling, five dominant species showed spatially different habitat use: S. historionica and C. annulata mainly occupied the grassland zone on the plain (Gp), S. decorata occupied the grassland zone on the terrace (Gt) and the forest zone (Fp), S. oculata occupied the small scrub zone on the plain (Sp), and M. schulthessi occupied the small scrub zone on the terrace (St). Ground trap samples also indicated that S. historionica and C. annulata shared habitats. On the basis of the observed seasonal changes in wasp abundance and the degree of wing wear as an index of wasp age, S. historionica and C. annulata are thought to be bivoltine species, whereas S. decorata, S. oculata, and M. schulthessi are thought to be univoltine species. These scoliid wasp species may play an important role in pollinating coastal plants in the grassland zone.
Early collapse of Vespa simillima (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) colonies in central Japan
Authors: MARTIN Stephen J.
Published: December 2006

During the past 15 years in the Ina Valley, Japan, mature fifth instar larvae of the yellow hornet, Vespa simillima, have been occasionally ejected from colonies during September. During 2005, this unusual behavior was particularly widespread, and collection of several V. simillima colonies confirmed that very few fifth instar larvae were present. When compared with an average colony, constructed from 41 colonies collected 20 years previously, colonies in 2005 had 80% fewer fifth instar larvae, despite queen egg‐laying rates remaining similar. It may be that the amount of food provided to the larvae by workers is less than the amount of larval secretions received by workers, which is causing the larvae to become emaciated and preventing them from pupating. This phenomenon normally occurs naturally at the end of the colony cycle in November, when prey abundance decreases and larval secretions or other sources of carbohydrates, for example from ripe fruit, tree sap, or aphid secretions, are needed by sexuals to build up fat reserves. However, another possibility is that the unexplained appearance of this phenomenon in September, which is causing colonies to collapse without producing any or very few sexuals, is due to foragers feeding the larvae prey that are contaminated with insect growth regulators, via pesticides, which are known to prevent successful pupation.
Evolution of larval food plant associations in Delias Hübner butterflies (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)
Authors: BRABY Michael F.
Published: December 2006

A review of larval food plants of the genus Delias is presented. Larvae specialize primarily on aerial‐stem and root hemiparasites (“mistletoes”) in the order Santalales. Although butterfly food plant associations have been recorded for only a small proportion of the genus (28 species or ∼11%, representing 12/24 species‐groups), available data suggest that the family Loranthaceae is used most frequently (77%), followed by the Santalaceae sensu stricto (14%) and Viscaceae (8%). With the possible exception of Euphorbiaceae (1%), almost all non‐mistletoe records are considered to be erroneous and, in most cases, probably represent the mistletoe host tree on which the larvae sometimes pupate. Of the eight major clades recognized in Delias, food plants have been recorded for six of these, although the majority of records (89%) are for three clades (hyparete, belladonna, nigrina). Optimization of the larval food plant data in the context of recent phylogenetic hypotheses for both butterflies and plants revealed little evidence of cospeciation at the higher systematic levels. The most parsimonious reconstruction was an origin of larval feeding on Loranthaceae, followed by at least six independent colonizations to Santalaceae + Viscaceae. In contrast to related pierids in the Aporiina associated with mistletoes in which further shifts from aerial‐stem mistletoes to distantly related plants (e.g. host trees parasitized by mistletoes) have facilitated differentiation at the generic level, there is no firm evidence to indicate that such secondary, monomorphic shifts have evolved in Delias. However, larvae of D. henningia (pasithoe group of belladonna clade) from Palawan and Luzon, the Philippines, appear to be polymorphic, feeding on both Loranthaceae and Euphorbiaceae.
Clockwise exhumation path of granulitized eclogites from the Ama Drime range (Eastern Himalayas)
Authors: GROPPO C. , LOMBARDO B. , ROLFO F. , PERTUSATI P.
Published: December 2006

The metamorphic evolution of a granulitized eclogite from the Phung Chu Valley (Eastern Himalaya) was reconstructed combining microstructural observations, conventional thermobarometry and quantitative pseudosection analysis. The granulitized eclogite consists of clinopyroxene, plagioclase, garnet, brown amphibole, and minor orthopyroxene, biotite, ilmenite and quartz. On the basis of microstructural observations and mineral relationships, four metamorphic stages and related mineral assemblages have been recognized: (i) M1 eclogite‐facies assemblage, consisting of garnet, omphacite (now replaced by a clinopyroxene + plagioclase symplectite) and phengite (replaced by biotite +plagioclase symplectite); (ii) M2 granulite‐facies assemblage, represented by clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, garnet, plagioclase and accessory ilmenite; (iii) M3 plagioclase + orthopyroxene corona developed around garnet, and (iv) M4 brown amphibole + plagioclase assemblage in the rock matrix. Because of the nearly complete lack of eclogitic mineral relics, M1 conditions can be only loosely constrained at >1.5 GPa and >580 °C. In contrast, assemblage M2 tightly constrains the peak granulitic stage at 0.8–1.0 GPa and >750 °C. The second granulitic assemblage M3, represented by the plagioclase + orthopyroxene corona, formed at lower pressures (∼0.4 GPa and ∼750 °C). During the subsequent exhumation, the granulitized eclogite experienced significant cooling to nearly 700 °C, marked by the appearance of brown amphibole and plagioclase (M4) in the rock matrix. U‐Pb SHRIMP analyses on low‐U rims of zircon from an eclogite of the same locality suggest an age of 13–14 Ma for the M3 stage.

The resulting decompressional clockwise P–T path of the Ama Drime eclogite is characterized by nearly isothermal decompression from >1.5 GPa to ∼0.4 GPa, followed by nearly isobaric cooling from ∼775 °C to ∼710 °C. Modelling of phase equilibria by a calculated petrogenetic grid and conventional thermobarometry on a biotite‐garnet‐sillimanite metapelite hosted in the country rock granitic orthogneiss extends the inferred P–T trajectory down to ∼630 °C and ∼0.3 GPa.
Behavior of Cardiomyocytes and Skeletal Muscle Cells on Different Extracellular Matrix Components—Relevance for Cardiac Tissue Engineering
Authors: Macfelda Karin , Kapeller Barbara , Wilbacher Ingrid , Losert Udo M.
Published: December 2006

Abstract:  Myocardial cell transplantation in patients with heart failure is emerging as a potential therapeutic option to augment the function of remaining myocytes. Nevertheless, further investigations on basic issues such as ideal cell type continue to be evaluated. Therefore, the aim of our studies was to compare the performance of skeletal muscle cells and cardiomyocytes with respect to their proliferation rate and viability on different extracellular matrix components (EMCs). Rat cardiomyocytes (RCM) and rat skeletal muscle cells (RSMC) were cultured on EMCs such as collagen type I, type IV, laminin, and fibronectin. The components were used as “single coating” as well as “double coating.” Proliferation rates were determined by proliferation assays on days 1, 2, 4, and 8 after inoculation of the cells. The most essential result is that collagen type I enhances the proliferation rate of RSMC but decreases the proliferation of RCM significantly. This effect is independent of the second EMC used for the double‐coating studies. Other EMCs also influence cellular behavior, whereas the sequence of the EMCs is essential. Results obtained in our studies reveal the significant different proliferation behavior of RCM and RSMC under identical conditions. As skeletal muscle cells are also used in heart tissue engineering models, these results are essential and should be investigated in further studies to prove the applicability of skeletal muscle cells for heart tissue engineering purposes.
Electrically Conductive Biodegradable Polymer Composite for Nerve Regeneration: Electricity‐Stimulated Neurite Outgrowth and Axon Regeneration
Authors: Zhang Ze , Rouabhia Mahmoud , Wang Zhaoxu , Roberge Christophe , Shi Guixin , Roche Phillippe , Li Jiangming , Dao Lê H.
Published: December 2006

Abstract:  Normal and electrically stimulated PC12 cell cultures and the implantation of nerve guidance channels were performed to evaluate newly developed electrically conductive biodegradable polymer composites. Polypyrrole (PPy) doped by butane sulfonic acid showed a significantly higher number of viable cells compared with PPy doped by polystyrenesulfonate after a 6‐day culture. The PC12 cells were left to proliferate for 6 days, and the PPy‐coated membranes, showing less initial cell adherence, recorded the same proliferation rate as did the noncoated membranes. Direct current electricity at various intensities was applied to the PC12 cell‐cultured conductive membranes. After 7 days, the greatest number of neurites appeared on the membranes with a current intensity approximating 1.7–8.4 μA/cm. Nerve guidance channels made of conductive biodegradable composite were implanted into rats to replace 8 mm of sciatic nerve. The implants were harvested after 2 months and analyzed with immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. The regenerated nerve tissue displayed myelinated axons and Schwann cells that were similar to those in the native nerve. Electrical stimulation applied through the electrically conductive biodegradable polymers therefore enhanced neurite outgrowth in a current‐dependent fashion. The conductive polymers also supported sciatic nerve regeneration in rats.
A Novel Device for Reducing Hemolysis Provoked by Cardiotomy Suction During Open Heart Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery: A Randomized Prospective Study
Authors: Jegger David , Horisberger Judith , Jachertz Mirko , Seigneul Isabelle , Tozzi Piergiorgio , Delay Dominique , Von Segesser Ludwig K.
Published: December 2006

Abstract:  Since the inception of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), little progress has been made concerning the design of cardiotomy suction (CS). Because this is a major source of hemolysis, we decided to test a novel device (Smartsuction [SS]) specifically aimed at minimizing hemolysis during CPB in a clinical setting. Block randomization was carried out on a treated group (SS, n = 28) and a control group (CTRL, n = 26). Biochemical parameters were taken pre‐, peri‐, and post CPB and were compared between the two groups using the Student's t‐test with statistical significance when P < 0.05. No significant differences in patient demographics were observed between the two groups. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and plasma free hemoglobin (PFH) pre‐CPB were comparable for the CTRL and SS groups, respectively. LDH peri‐CPB was 275 ± 100 U/L versus 207 ± 83 U/L for the CTRL and SS groups, respectively (P < 0.05). PFH was 486 ± 204 mg/L versus 351 ±  176 mg/L for the CTRL and SS groups, respectively (P <  0.05). LDH post CPB was 354 ± 116 U/L versus 275 ± 89 U/L for the CTRL and SS groups, respectively (P < 0.05). PFH was 549 ± 271 mg/L versus 460 ±  254 mg/L for the CTRL and SS groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Preoperative hematocrit (Hct) of 43 ± 5% (CTRL) versus 37 ± 5% (SS), and hemoglobin (Hb) of 141 ± 16 g/L (CTRL) versus 122 ± 17 g/L (SS) were significantly lower in the SS group. However, when normalized (N), the SS was capable of conserving Hct, Hb, and erythrocyte count perioperatively. Erythrocytes (N) were 59 ± 5% (CTRL) versus 67 ± 9% (SS); Hct (N) was 59 ± 6% (CTRL) versus 68 ± 9% (SS), and Hb (N) was 61 ± 6% (CTRL) versus 70 ± 10% (SS) (all P < 0.05). This novel SS device evokes significantly lowered blood PFH and LDH values peri‐ and post CPB compared with the CTRL blood using a CS system. The SS may be a valuable alternative compared to traditional CS techniques.
The Acute Effect of Intra‐aortic Balloon Counterpulsation During Extracorporeal Life Support: An Experimental Study
Authors: Sauren Loes D.C. , Reesink Koen D. , Selder Jasper L. , Beghi Cesare , Van Der Veen Frederik H. , Maessen Jos G.
Published: December 2006

Abstract:  Hemodynamically unstable patients supported by an extracorporeal life support (ECLS) circuit often receive additional support by intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP). However, it is not established whether support of the failing heart is improved by adjunctive IABP in both peripheral cannulation (PC) and central cannulation (CC) settings. Seven sheep were supported by an IABP and an ECLS system which were cannulated centrally as well as peripherally. In each cannulation configuration, hemodynamic and cardiac function indices were measured at baseline, ECLS, and ECLS plus IABP. The primary variables were mean coronary artery flow (Qcor), diastolic pressure time index (DPTI), left ventricular (LV) pressure–volume area (PVA), and tension time index (TTI). Additional IABP with ECLS support (CC/PC) decreased LV afterload (LV systolic peak pressure −4%, P < 0.05/−8%, P < 0.02), as well as TTI −2%/−10% and PVA −10%/−12% (P < 0.03). Coronary perfusion was increased by additional IABP: CC, Qcor, +9%, and DPTI, +18% (P < 0.02); PC, Qcor,+6%, and DPTI, +11% (P < 0.05). IABP augmented the myocardial oxygen supply/demand ratios (CC/PC): Qcor/(PVA·heart rate) (+21%/+22%, P < 0.02) and DPTI/TTI (+27%/+24%, P < 0.03). In case of low arterial pressure (<50 mm Hg) and reduced ECLS flow, the overall hemodynamic profile improved only with central cannulation. We conclude that in both central and peripheral ECLS cannulation settings, adjunctive IABP improves the myocardial oxygen supply demand balance. In case of low cardiac output and insufficient extracorporeal flow with PC, adjunctive IABP may be contraindicated.
Assessment of Health‐related Quality of Life in Patients Treated With Hemodialysis in Serbia: Influence of Comorbidity, Age, and Income
Authors: Stojanovic Miomir , Stefanovic Vladisav
Published: December 2006

Abstract:  The importance of measuring health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) is being increasingly recognized, but few studies, especially from the Balkan region, have addressed this issue. The aims of this study were (i) to evaluate HRQoL in an outpatient university‐affiliated dialysis facility in South Serbia; (ii) to determine the effects of age, presence of comorbidity, primary kidney disease, dose of HD, and family income; and (iii) to make comparisons of the HRQoL in Serbian patients on chronic HD with that reported by others previously. The study enrolled 192 patients on HD for more than 3 months. Comorbidity was assessed using the index of coexistent diseases (ICED), including two subindexes: index of disease severity (IDS) and index of physical impairment (IPI). Patient's self‐assessment of HRQoL was measured by the 36‐item short form health survey questionnaire (SF‐36), encompassing eight summary scales and two summary dimensions. Ten of the baseline variables had significant associations with parameters of HRQoL. Fitting these variables in linear regression models resulted in 41.9% variance for physical dimension of HRQoL (physical component summary score [PCS]), and 32.5% for mental dimension of HRQoL (mental component summary score [MCS]). However, statistically significant effect had only IDS, IPI, and age for PCS, and income of patients for MCS. We found that an increase in IDS score for one unit is associated with a decrease of PCS by 13.2%, and SF‐36 score (total quality of life) by 15.2%. The increase of IPI score by one unit decreases PCS by 16.1% and SF‐36 score by 17.5%. A 5‐year increase in age is associated with a decrease of PCS by 3.1%, and SF‐36 score by 3.8%. The monthly income increase of 10 euros per family member increases MCS by 5.2% and SF‐36 score by 3.0%. HRQoL in patients on HD was found markedly impaired. Comorbid conditions have negative and statistically significant correlation with parameters of HRQoL, and could explain poor HRQoL to a remarkable extent. Older age and poor income substantially reduce HRQoL in HD patients.
“Less Stented” Bovine Pericardial Xenograft: A New Concept
Authors: Pomerantzeff Pablo Maria Alberto , De Almeida Brandão Carlos Manuel , Guedes Marco Antônio Vieira , Braile Domingo Marcolino
Published: December 2006

Abstract: The in vitro hemodynamic behavior of a bovine pericardium xenograft with discontinuity of the annular support, named the “Less Stented” bovine pericardial xenograft, was analyzed. A “Less Stented” bovine pericardial xenograft consisting of a glutaraldehyde‐treated bovine pericardium prosthesis manufactured in Braile Biomédica Ltd, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, was used according to the same protocols of the stented bioprosthesis manufacturer. Bovine pericardial xenografts were tested in a pulse simulator and analyzed in a cardiac simulator, with respect to the transvalvular gradient, regurgitant fraction and leakage volume, discharge coefficient, performance, and efficiency index. Analyses were performed by Pearson's correlation test and simple linear regression. The transvalvular gradients ranged between 6.37 and 11.62 mm Hg with a mean flow between 4.39 and 7.96 L/min, giving a good correlation (0.8291) on the regression curve with an increase in flow. The regurgitant fraction ranged between 10.95 and 17.94% and leakage volume between 4.49 and 7.87%. The discharge coefficient, performance, and efficiency index showed favorable behavior with the flow increase, with good correlation coefficient (0.9385, 0.9332, and 0.9024, respectively). The initial results of the “Less Stented” bovine pericardial xenograft size 25 analyses demonstrated a satisfactory in vitro performance. Evaluations of the hemodynamic performance of small size “Less Stented” bovine pericardial xenograft should be made to clarify the biological behavior of this new xenograft.
Numerical Simulation of Hemodynamic Changes During Beating‐heart Surgery: Analysis of the Effects of Cardiac Position Alteration in an Animal Model
Authors: Ferrari Gianfranco , De Lazzari Claudio , De Kroon Thom L. , Elstrodt Jan M. , Rakhorst Gerhard , Gu Y. John
Published: December 2006

Abstract:  Hemodynamic instability, mostly due to vertical lifting of the heart, is usually observed during beating‐heart surgical procedures. However, some hemodynamic parameters, such as coronary blood flow, are not routinely measured. A digital computer model of the circulation able to simulate and analyze the effects of heart lifting and the Trendelenburg maneuver, and thus supply detailed hemodynamic information to the clinicians would provide a useful analytical tool. A lumped parameters model of the circulation was applied to both β‐blocked and not β‐blocked pigs. The results confirmed a drop of cardiac output and coronary flow during heart lifting and a rise of both variables after the Trendelenburg maneuver for β‐blocked animals. In not β‐blocked pigs, the analysis was more complex but the model reproduced experimental data and permitted coronary flow to be estimated. These results showed the feasibility of numerical simulation for specific circulatory conditions encountered during beating‐heart surgery.
Strain Hardening of Red Blood Cells by Accumulated Cyclic Supraphysiological Stress
Authors: Lee Sung S. , Antaki James F. , Kameneva Marina V. , Dobbe Johannes G. , Hardeman Max R. , Ahn Kyung H. , Lee Seung J.
Published: December 2006

Abstract:  The effect of elevated shear stress upon cellular trauma has been studied for many years, but the effect of long‐term cyclic stress trauma on hemorheology has never been explored systematically. This study investigated sublytic trauma of red blood cells (RBCs) caused by repeated exposure to shear stress. A suspension of bovine blood was throttled through a capillary tube (inner diameter 1 mm and length 70 mm) connected to a recirculating flow loop. Samples were withdrawn every 30 min to measure deformability and characteristic time. The deformability of the cell was measured microscopically by observing the shape of the cell during the shear flow. It was found that cyclic shear irreversibly stiffened the cell membrane while the effect was not so much as that of continuous shear. The cell deformability was dramatically reduced by 73% when the stress of 300 Pa was applied for 288 s, while it was 7% under 90 Pa. These results elucidate the need for improved models to predict cellular trauma within the unsteady flow environment of mechanical circulatory assist devices.
Impaired Developmental Switch of Short‐term Plasticity in Pyramidal Cells of Dysplastic Cortex
Authors: Chen Huan‐Xin , Xiang Hui , Roper Steven N.
Published: December 2006

Summary:  Purposes: Human cortical dysplasia (CD) has a strong clinical association with intractable epilepsy. It is believed that neuronal networks of CD are hyperexcitable, which may initiate seizures. The underlying mechanisms are, however, still poorly understood. We have studied the alterations of synaptic properties in a rat model of CD, in utero irradiation.

Methods: Pregnant rats on E17 were exposed to 225 cGy of external γ‐irradiation and offspring were used for experiments. Coronal somatosensory brain slices were obtained from 13–60‐day‐old rats. Visualized whole‐cell recordings were performed on pyramidal neurons in layer V of control neocortex and the middle region of dysplastic cortex. Short‐term plasticity (STP) of evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) was induced by 5‐pulse (20 Hz or 50 Hz) train stimulations.

Results: STP of EPSCs in pyramidal cells of the normal cortex induced by 5‐pulse train stimulation (20 Hz or 50 Hz) switched from depression at P13–15 to facilitation at P28–35 and P55–60. However, STP in CD at P28–35 and P 55–60 still showed depression. The failure rate of synaptic responses to the first pulse of the stimulation tested at P 28–35 was significantly lower in CD than in controls. The depression of STP in CD at P28–35 was altered neither by blocking the desensitization of glutamate receptors nor by blocking postsynaptic Ca2+ rise. It was also not affected by an antagonist of mGluR2/3, LY341495.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that, compared to control cortex, the presynaptic release probability of excitatory synapses in CD pyramidal cells at P28–35 and P55–60 remains abnormally high and reduced tonic activity of presynaptic mGluR2/3 may contribute to this elevated release probability.
Localizing and Lateralizing Value of Behavioral Change in Childhood Partial Seizures
Authors: Fogarasi András , Janszky József , Tuxhorn Ingrid
Published: December 2006

Summary:  Objective: To describe clinical characteristics as well as localizing and lateralizing value of behavioral change (BC) at the onset of childhood seizures.

Methods: Five hundred forty‐one videotaped seizures of 109 consecutive patients ≤12 years with partial epilepsy and postoperatively seizure‐free outcome were analyzed. Behavioral change (the first clinical feature of a certain seizure with a sudden change in the child's behavior) was evaluated by two independent investigators.

Results: Thirty‐three (30%) patients showed BC at least once during their seizures. Behavioral changes appeared in arrestive form in 19 and with affective activities in 18 children; four patients produced both kinds of BCs, separately. Arrest‐type BC happened in 16 of 50 children with right‐ and 3 of 59 patients with left‐sided seizure onset zone (p < 0.001). Affective‐type BC was observed in 17 of 67 temporal lobe epilepsy patients while it happened in only 1 of 42 children with extratemporal lobe epilepsy (p = 0.001).

Conclusions: Arrest‐type BC lateralizes to the right hemisphere, while affective‐type BC localizes to the temporal lobe in childhood partial seizures. Type of BCs can add important information to the presurgical evaluation of young children with refractory partial epilepsy.
Effects of a Single Dose of Erythropoietin on Subsequent Seizure Susceptibility in Rats Exposed to Acute Hypoxia at P10
Authors: Mikati Mohamad A. , Hokayem Jimmy A. El , Sabban Marwan E. El
Published: December 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To determine if posthypoxia treatment with erythropoietin (EPO) has protective effects against subsequent susceptibility to seizure related neuronal injury in rat pups subjected to acute hypoxia at P10.

Methods: Four groups of rats were manipulated at P10, as described below, then all received kainic acid (KA) (10 mg/kg i.p.) at P29: Hypoxia‐NS‐KA group (n = 11): subjected to acute hypoxia (down to 4% O2), and then immediately received saline i.p. Hypoxia‐EPO‐KA group (n = 10): subjected to acute hypoxia and then immediately received EPO (1,000 U/Kg i.p.). Normoxia‐NS‐KA group (n = 11): sham manipulated and injected with saline. Normoxia‐EPO‐KA group (n = 10): sham manipulated then immediately injected with EPO (1000 U/Kg i.p.). After receiving KA at P29, all rats were monitored using videotape techniques, and were sacrificed at P31. TUNEL and Hoechst stains to assess for apoptosis, and regular histology for hippocampal cell counts were performed.

Results: Administration of the single dose of erythropoietin directly after an acute hypoxic event at P10 resulted at P29 in increased latency to forelimb clonus seizures, reduced duration of these seizures, protection against hippocampal cell loss, and decreased hippocampal apoptosis in the Hypoxia‐EPO‐KA group as compared to the Hypoxia‐NS‐KA group.

Conclusion: These data support the presence of favorable protective effects of erythropoietin against the long‐term consequences of acute hypoxia in the developing brain and raise the possibility of its investigation as a potential neuroprotective agent after human neonatal hypoxic encephalopathy.
The Development of Intellectual Abilities in Pediatric Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Cormack Francesca , Helen Cross J. , Isaacs Elizabeth , Harkness William , Wright Ingram , Vargha‐Khadem Faraneh , Baldeweg Torsten
Published: December 2006

Summary:  Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of clinical variables, particularly age at onset of epilepsy, on intellectual function in a group of children with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

Methods: We reviewed the preoperative neuropsychological test results of 79 children with unilateral TLE who subsequently underwent surgical resection. The impact of age at onset and duration of epilepsy, pathology type, and side of resection on full‐scale intelligence quotient (IQ) scores was examined.

Results: Intellectual dysfunction (defined as IQ <79) was present in 57% of children, and age at onset of epilepsy was the best predictor of intellectual function. Children with epilepsy onset in the first year of life had a particularly high incidence of intellectual impairment (82.4%).

Conclusion: These data suggest a critical period during the first year of life for the subsequent development of intellectual abilities and highlight the importance of early treatment in this population.
Ictal Emotional Expressions of Children with Partial Epilepsy
Authors: Fogarasi András , Janszky József , Tuxhorn Ingrid
Published: December 2006

Summary: Objective:To systematically analyze the lateralizing and localizing value of ictal emotional expressions (EEs) in children and compare these results with those of earlier adult studies.

Methods:Five hundred fourteen seizures of 100 consecutive children ≤12 years with partial (61/100 temporal lobe) epilepsy and postoperative seizure free outcome were included in the study. Video recordings of seizures were reviewed by two independent investigators blinded to the patients' clinical data.

Results:Thirty‐five patients produced EE at least once during their archived seizures, including fear (15), crying (12), smile (9), pain (5), happiness (3), and laughing (in one case). Emotional symptoms were divided into two groups: positive (smile, laughing, and happiness) and negative EEs (fear, crying, and pain). Emotional expressions appeared more frequently during extratemporal (49%) than temporal (26%) lobe seizures (p < 0.05). Positive EEs had an extratemporal dominance (p < 0.05), while frequency of negative EEs did not localize the seizure onset zone. Assessing their lateralizing value, positive EEs were more frequent during right‐sided seizures (p < 0.05) while negative EEs did not lateralize the seizure onset zone. Frequency of EEs were independent of patients' ages, age at epilepsy onset or duration of epilepsy.

Conclusion:This is the first comprehensive childhood study showing that ictal EEs are frequent in childhood and their localizing and lateralizing properties are different from those of adults.
Safe and Effective Use of the Ketogenic Diet in Children with Epilepsy and Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Complex Defects
Authors: Kang Hoon‐Chul , Lee Young‐Mock , Kim Heung Dong , Lee Joon Soo , Slama Abdelhamid
Published: December 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the ketogenic diet (KD) for patients with intractable childhood epilepsy and mitochondrial respiratory chain (RC) complex defects.

Methods: A retrospective analysis evaluated outcomes in 14 children with intractable epilepsy and RC complex defects who were treated with the classic KD involving a 4:1 lipid to nonlipid ratio (% by weight), but without an initial fast and fluid restriction. Outcome measures included seizure frequency, electroencephalography (EEG) findings, the number of antiepileptic drugs, and adverse reactions.

Results: Of the 14 patients, 9 had Complex I defects, 1 had a Complex II defect, 3 had Complex IV defects, and 1 had combined Complex I and IV defects. Two patients with Complex IV defects showed clinical progress compatible with the Leigh disease. The epileptic diagnoses were as follows: 5 patients were diagnosed with infantile spasms, 4 with the Lennox–Gastaut syndrome, 1 with the Landau–Kleffner syndrome, 1 with nonspecific generalized seizure disorder, and 3 with partial seizure disorder. The study found that 7 patients became seizure‐free after commencing the KD, three of whom successfully completed the diet without relapse. One patient with a greater than 90% seizure reduction, and 2 patients with seizure reductions between 50% and 90%, remained on the diet. Four patients, including two diagnosed with the Leigh disease, did not show any favorable responses to the diet or ceased the diet due to complications.

Conclusions: The KD was a safe and effective therapy for seizures in children with intractable epilepsy and RC complex defects.
The Epileptology of John Thompson Dickson (1841–1874)
Authors: Eadie Mervyn
Published: December 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To document John Thompson Dickson's interpretation of epileptogenesis, published between 1869 and 1874, and to compare it with John Hughlings Jackson's contemporaneous thought.

Method: Examination of the relevant contemporary English language medical literature.

Results: Dickson probably built on Samuel Wilks's interpretation of epileptic seizure mechanisms to develop a reasonably comprehensive hypothesis of epileptogenesis that was in advance of Jackson's thought on the matter, and was in many respects consistent with present‐day concepts, at least in relation to the focal epilepsies.

Conclusion: Dickson's untimely death probably prevented his concept of epileptogenesis from being more widely appreciated.
Use of a Modified Atkins Diet in Intractable Childhood Epilepsy
Authors: Kang Hoon‐Chul , Lee Hyun Sug , You Su Jeong , Kang Du Cheol , Ko Tae‐Sung , Kim Heung Dong
Published: December 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of a modified Atkins diet in intractable childhood epilepsy.

Methods: Fourteen children with epilepsy were treated prospectively with a modified Atkins diet. Outcome measures included seizure frequency, adverse reactions and tolerability to the diet; blood β‐hydroxybutyrate and urine ketones were also measured.

Results: Six months after diet initiation, seven (50%) remained on the diet, five (36%) had >50% seizure reduction, and three (21%) were seizure free. The diet was well tolerated by 12 (86%) patients. Most complications were transient and were successfully managed by careful follow‐up and conservative strategies. A consistently strong ketosis (β‐hydroxybutyrate of >3 mmol/L) seemed to be important for maintaining the efficacy of the diet therapy.

Conclusions: The modified Atkins diet was well tolerated and sometimes a modified Atkins diet can be substituted for the conventional ketogenic diet. Serious complications were rare, but long‐term complications remain to be determined.
When Outcomes Prompt Criticism of Procedures: An Analysis of the Rodney King Case
Authors: Mullen Elizabeth , Skitka Linda J.
Published: December 2006

A content analysis of newspaper editorials about the trial of the four officers accused of beating Rodney King investigated when people would become concerned with procedural propriety in the case. Consistent with research demonstrating that people's moral convictions are important determinants of their perceptions of fairness and reactions to outcomes, results revealed that people were more critical of the procedures used in the case after learning the “unjust” verdict than before. Specifically, editorials only mentioned aspects of procedures after the verdict was announced, despite potential reasons for preverdict procedural concern. Editorials also contained more mentions of racism post‐ than preverdict suggesting that the “unjust” verdict also prompted concerns with institutionalized procedural problems.
Hurricane Katrina's Impact on African Americans' and European Americans' Endorsement of the Protestant Work Ethic
Authors: Levy Sheri R. , Freitas Antonio L. , Mendoza‐Denton Rodolfo , Kugelmass Heather
Published: December 2006

The Protestant work ethic (PWE), the belief that hard work leads to success, is a quintessentially American belief. The present research addresses a critical gap in psychological research on PWE: can a single, large‐scale sociopolitical event (government's response to Hurricane Katrina) produce changes in PWE? We review evidence showing that the salience of Katrina led to a reduction in African Americans' (not European Americans') endorsement of PWE and that this result appears explained by African Americans' greater belief in the government's inadequate response to Katrina victims, who were predominately African American. The implications of differential endorsement of PWE for future expectations of societal treatment, motivation to pursue important goals, and willingness to endorse structural corrections of inequality are discussed.
Stereotypes and Prejudice as Dynamic Constructs: Reminders about the Nature of Intergroup Bias from the Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts
Authors: Hunt Jennifer S. , Seifert April L. , Armenta Brian E. , Snowden Jessica L.
Published: December 2006

Following Hurricane Katrina, hundreds of thousands of Gulf Coast residents, many of whom were African Americans, were relocated to communities around the U.S., including predominantly European American communities. The experiences of relocation community members are a potent reminder of the ever‐changing and multiply‐determined nature of stereotypes and prejudice. Prejudice and stereotyping are dynamic processes that evolve in response to numerous factors. Although several models of prejudice and stereotyping are dynamic and/or time‐oriented, research on these topics predominantly has involved single‐session laboratory experiments examining single mechanisms. To illustrate the importance of dynamic research, we outline a longitudinal model describing the potential independent and interactive effects of intergroup contact, individuating information, and perceived group threat from Katrina evacuees on prejudice and stereotypes about African Americans. The “natural experiment” created by the Katrina relocation reminds psychologists that naturalistic and longitudinal research on prejudice and stereotypes is an important complement to laboratory experiments.
The Racial Divide in Response to the Aftermath of Katrina: A Boundary Condition for Common Ingroup Identity Model
Authors: Dach‐Gruschow Karl , Hong Ying‐yi
Published: December 2006

The disastrous aftermath of Katrina brought to light a great rift between Blacks and Whites in the United States. Polls taken shortly after the disaster gave clear indication that many Blacks felt that the response to Katrina was slowed by racism. At the same time, many Whites felt that the residents of New Orleans were to blame for their predicament. To understand the causal role ethnic identity plays in shaping individuals’ perceptions, the present study experimentally manipulated Whites’ social identification and measured their perceptions of the Katrina disaster's aftermath. Our results indicate that White Americans exhibited greater prejudice when thinking of themselves as “American” (an identity seemingly inclusive of Blacks) than when identifying as “White American” or “European American” (an identity that seemingly excludes Blacks). This finding demonstrates a boundary condition to the Common Ingroup Identity Model, such that a dual identity is more conducive to positive intergroup relations when strong racial assumptions exist about the overarching identity.
Perceptions of Racism in Hurricane Katrina: A Liberation Psychology Analysis
Authors: Adams Glenn , O’Brien Laurie T. , Nelson Jessica C.
Published: December 2006

Poll data showed that African Americans perceived more racism in the response to Hurricane Katrina than did White Americans. In this article, we consider claims about racism in Katrina‐related events in light of (a) our program of experimental research on group differences in perception of racism and (b) the meta‐theoretical perspective of Liberation Psychology (LP). First, this analysis suggests that White Americans may perceive less racism in the Katrina disaster because they are less likely than African Americans to know about historically documented acts of past racism (e.g., following the Mississippi flood of 1927). Second, group differences may arise because African Americans and White Americans face divergent motivations regarding perception of racism. Whereas African Americans may have motivations to be vigilant for the possibility of racism, White Americans may be motivated to deny racism because it constitutes a threat to social identity and to the legitimacy of the status quo.
Opportunities and Challenges for Studying Disaster Survivors
Authors: Knack Jennifer M. , Chen Zhansheng , Williams Kipling D. , Jensen‐Campbell Lauri A.
Published: December 2006

Studying survivors of natural disasters and traumatic events provides a unique opportunity to address some of the important and difficult questions in psychology and other social sciences. However, such an opportunity does not come without challenges. Several methodological challenges to studying survivors of natural disasters are discussed, including recruiting participants, choosing appropriate procedures, and the safety of data collectors. Several ethical issues are also presented, such as the ability of participants to make decisions, the impact of participating, and the importance of informed consent. In addition, approaches are suggested that help to deal with these methodological and ethical challenges. We conclude that while attention must be focused on methodological and ethical considerations, research stemming from natural disasters should be employed to answer important basic and applied conceptual questions and address issues of practice and policy, while assuring that steps have been taken to protect participants and that the potential risks are minimal.