bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A postmenopausal woman presenting with Ekbom syndrome associated with recurrent depressive disorder: a case report
Authors: Mahler Courtney , MacQueen Glenda , Samaan Zainab
Published: July 2008

Background

Ekbom syndrome is a rare psychiatric disorder that can manifest as a delusion, overvalued idea or hallucination of parasitic infestations. It is more prevalent in postmenopausal women and patients are usually seeking dermatology rather than psychiatry consultation for their symptoms.

Case presentation

We present a case of Ekbom syndrome associated with recurrent depressive disorder in an elderly patient. The patient presented with tactile hallucinations of insects crawling just under her skin. These hallucinations resolved with Mirtazepine and electroconvulsive therapy treatment in the absence of an antipsychotic pharmacological agent.

Conclusion

This case report highlights the presence of a rare psychiatric presentation of Ekbom syndrome within the context of depression. The majority of such cases will not be seen by psychiatrists but by dermatologists. Therefore collaborative consultations between dermatologists and psychiatrists of patients presenting with symptoms of Ekbom are essential for the identification and management of such cases. The case also takes a look at possible aetiologies and the importance of descriptive psychopathology in distinguishing psychotic symptoms in depressive disorder.
Genetic variation in candidate obesity genes ADRB2, ADRB3, GHRL, HSD11B1, IRS1, IRS2, and SHC1 and risk for breast cancer in the Cancer Prevention Study II
Authors: Feigelson Heather Spencer , Teras Lauren R , Diver W Ryan , Tang Weining , Patel Alpa V , Stevens Victoria L , Calle Eugenia E , Thun Michael J , Bouzyk Mark
Published: July 2008

Introduction

Obesity has consistently been associated with postmenopausal breast cancer risk. Proteins that are secreted by adipose tissue or are involved in regulating body mass may play a role in breast tumor development.

Methods

We conducted a nested case-control study among postmenopausal women from the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort to determine whether genes associated with obesity increase risk for breast cancer. Tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected to capture common variation across seven candidate genes that encode adipose-related proteins: ADRB2, ADRB3, GHRL, HSD11B1, IRS1, IRS2, and SHC1. Thirty-nine SNPs were genotyped in 648 cases and 659 controls. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between each tagging SNP and risk for breast cancer while adjusting for matching factors and potential confounders. We also examined whether these SNPs were associated with measures of adult adiposity.

Results

Two out of five tagging SNPs in HSD11B1 were associated with breast cancer (rs11807619, P = 0.006; rs932335, P = 0.0001). rs11807619 and rs932335 were highly correlated (r2 = 0.74) and, when modeled as a haplotype, only haplotypes containing the rs932335 C allele were associated with breast cancer. The rs932335 C allele was associated with a nearly twofold increased risk for breast cancer (odds ratio = 1.83, 95% confidence interval = 1.01–3.33 for C/C versus G/G). Three of the 11 SNPs for IRS2 were associated with breast cancer (rs4773082, P = 0.007; rs2289046, P = 0.016; rs754204, P = 0.03). When these three SNPs were examined as a haplotype, only the haplotype that included the G allele of rs2289046 was associated with breast cancer (odds ratio = 0.76, 95% confidence interval = 0.63–0.92 for TGC versus CAT). IRS2 rs2289046, rs754204, and rs12584136 were also associated with adult weight gain but only among cases. None of the other SNPs in any gene investigated were associated with breast cancer or adiposity.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that these tagging SNPs in HSD11B1 and IRS2 mark regions of the genome that may harbor risk alleles for breast cancer, and these associations are probably independent of adiposity.
The influence of IL-2 family cytokines on activation and function of naturally occurring regulatory T cells
Authors: Wuest Thomas Y , Willette-Brown Jami , Durum Scott K , Hurwitz Arthur A
Published: July 2008

IL-2 is essential for CD4+CD25+forkhead box P3+ (FoxP3+) naturally occurring regulatory T cell (Treg) homeostasis and activation. Binding of IL-2 to its receptor leads to phosphorylation of STAT5, and binding of phosphorylated STAT5 to the foxp3 promoter increases foxp3 transcription, resulting in elevated levels of FoxP3 protein in Tregs. Transcriptional regulation by the elevated levels of FoxP3 is thought to be essential for the strong suppressor function seen in activated Tregs. IL-2 belongs to a family cytokines, which all depend on the common γ-receptor chain (γc). Given the well-documented effects of IL-2 on Treg function, the effect of other IL-2 family cytokines (IL-7, -15, and -21) on Tregs was examined. We observed that IL-7 and IL-15 induce STAT5 phosphorylation and up-regulation of FoxP3 in Tregs. STAT5 activation correlated with enhanced viability. However, only in the presence of IL-2 did Tregs acquire potent suppressor function. This finding is surprising, as IL-15 as well as IL-2 use the same IL-2R βc and γc for signaling. In contrast, IL-21 activated STAT3 but did not activate STAT5 and had no effect on Treg viability, activation, or function. We therefore conclude that phosphorylation of STAT5, mediated through the IL-2Rγ, promotes Treg survival in a resting and activated state. However, activation of STAT5 alone in conjunction with TCR signaling is not sufficient for the induction of potent suppressor function in Tregs, as IL-7 and IL-15 are not capable of inducing potent Treg suppressor function.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Its Rate of Change in Defining Menopause Transition Stages
Authors: Sowers MaryFran R. , Zheng Huiyong , McConnell Daniel , Nan Bin , Harlow Sioban , Randolph John F.
Published: July 2008

Context/Objective: The objective of the study was to identify menopause transition stages using acceleration or deceleration patterns of FSH rates of change from the late reproductive years to postmenopause.

Setting/Participants: Participants were the Michigan Bone Health and Metabolism Study cohort of 629 women, aged 24–44 yr (in 1992/3), with 5757 annual FSH data points over a 14-yr period.

Design/Main Outcome Measures: The study was designed to relate acceleration/deceleration patterns in FSH rate of change to time to final menstrual period (FMP) and chronological age using nonparametric and piecewise regression modeling.

Results: Four major FSH stages, based on rate of FSH change patterns, were identifiable in relation to the FMP. In FSH stage 1, the rate of FSH change increased modestly up to −7 yr prior to the FMP; in FSH stage 2 (−7 to −2 yr prior to FMP), there was a major acceleration in FSH rate of change. FSH stage 3 had an acute increase in FSH rate of change (−2 to +1 yr around the FMP), with average FSH level of 34 mIU/ml. The fourth, or plateau, FSH stage began at 1 yr after FMP when the average FSH level was 54 mIU/ml. During the yr 28–60, there were eight age-specific epochs defined by significant changes of FSH trajectory accelerations or decelerations and rate of change.

Conclusions: Four menopause transition stages bounding the FMP and eight epochs in chronological aging from age 28 to 60 yr were defined by changes of FSH trajectory accelerations/decelerations and rates of change. This timing information, combined with knowledge of FSH levels and menstrual cycle characteristics, can help discern the likely status of women with respect to their reproductive viability and menopause transition stage.
Paxillin comes of age
Authors: Deakin Nicholas O. , Turner Christopher E.
Published: July 2008

Paxillin is a multi-domain scaffold protein that localizes to the intracellular surface of sites of cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix. Through the interactions of its multiple protein-binding modules, many of which are regulated by phosphorylation, paxillin serves as a platform for the recruitment of numerous regulatory and structural proteins that together control the dynamic changes in cell adhesion, cytoskeletal reorganization and gene expression that are necessary for cell migration and survival. In particular, paxillin plays a central role in coordinating the spatial and temporal action of the Rho family of small GTPases, which regulate the actin cytoskeleton, by recruiting an array of GTPase activator, suppressor and effector proteins to cell adhesions. When paxillin was first described 18 years ago, the amazing complexity of cell-adhesion organization, dynamics and signaling was yet to be realized. Herein we highlight our current understanding of how the multiple protein interactions of paxillin contribute to the coordination of cell-adhesion function.
William Gregory (1803–58): Professor of Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh and enthusiast for Phrenology and Mesmerism
Authors: Kaufman Matthew H
Published: July 2008

William Gregory was descended from a long line of academics. Although he graduated in medicine, he had earlier determined on a career in Chemistry but more particularly to succeed Professor Thomas Charles Hope in the Edinburgh Chair in that discipline. At various times during the 1830s and 1840s he studied Chemistry at Giessen in Germany under Professor Justus Liebig and was closely associated with him over the succeeding years, translating and editing in all seven of his books. Gregory taught initially in London, at the Edinburgh Extra-mural School, in Dublin, at the Andersonian University, Glasgow and as Mediciner and Professor of Chemistry in Aberdeen. In 1844 he was appointed to the Chair of Chemistry in Edinburgh and remained in this post until his death in 1858. Shortly after he graduated he joined the Edinburgh Phrenological Society (he was initially its Secretary and later President) and took a particularly active role in the meetings of this Society and in the Aberdeen Phrenological Society. He was also interested in the phenomena of Mesmerism and Mesmero-Phrenology, despite the agitation and scorn of many of his academic colleagues both in Aberdeen and in Edinburgh.
The birth of Kaiser William II (1859–1941) and his birth injury
Authors: Jacoby M G
Published: July 2008

This paper describes the events leading up to the birth of Kaiser William II in 1859. There is a full description of the clinical aspects of his breech delivery that resulted in an Erb-Duchenne palsy. The later physical and psychological effects of his paralysed left arm are discussed fully, as are the comments about Dr Eduard Arnold Martin (1799–1875), the obstetrician who delivered him.
Doctor Gunning S Bedford (1806–70) and the search for safe obstetric care, 1833–70
Authors: Ryan Joseph G
Published: July 2008

In 1800 many European doctors were practitioners of the new midwifery, which improved the safety of childbirth for mothers and their infants. This study explores the role of Dr Gunning S Bedford Jr as an obstetric innovator who promoted the new midwifery in the USA from 1833 to 1870. Two strands of ideas converge to shape Bedford's obstetric instruction. First, Bedford's Catholic faith forbade the destruction of a living child to resolve a difficult birth. Catholic believers and the hierarchy admired Bedford for his care of indigent patients and his opposition to abortion. Second, Bedford's practice of the new midwifery allowed him to challenge the existing standard of care among practitioners. As an educator, through anatomical instruction and clinical training, he provided medical students with the skills necessary to resolve deliveries safely. Thus, he advocated the exclusion of untrained practitioners and midwives from the birth room. Bedford also promoted new forms of intervention, such as the caesarean operation, that would improve the safety of obstetrics in the future. Although his ideals of safe obstetrics were not fully realized in his lifetime, his instruction to students in the new midwifery raised the existing standard of care.
George (1830–72) and his son James Hogarth (1863–1941) Pringle: unsung surgical pioneers
Authors: Macintyre Iain
Published: July 2008

The achievements of the Hogarth Pringles, father and son, represent a remarkable story of surgical innovation; remarkable not only for the range and significance of their contributions but also because neither of them has been given appropriate recognition for their pioneering work. George Hogarth Pringle introduced antiseptic surgery to Australia. His son James performed the first autologous vein graft in Britain and the first excision with en bloc nodal dissection for malignant melanoma, both of which procedures were successful. He was also one of the earliest exponents of hindquarter amputation, was a national authority on fracture management and an early supporter of women in medicine.
On the mechanism of induction of heterochromatin by the RNA-binding protein vigilin
Authors: Zhou Jing , Wang Qiaoqiao , Chen Ling-Ling , Carmichael Gordon G.
Published: July 2008

Vigilin is an RNA-binding protein localized to both the cytoplasm and the nucleus and has been previously implicated in heterochromatin formation and chromosome segregation. We demonstrate here that the C-terminal domain of human vigilin binds to the histone methyltransferase SUV39H1 in vivo. This association is independent of RNA and maps to a site on vigilin that is not involved in its interaction with several other known protein partners. Cells that express high levels of the C-terminal fragment display chromosome segregation defects, and ChIP analyses show changes in the status of pericentric β-satellite and rDNA chromatin from heterochromatic to more euchromatic form. Finally, a cell line with inducible expression of the vigilin C-terminal fragment displays inducible alterations in β-satellite chromatin. These and other results lead us to present a new model for vigilin-mediated, RNA-induced gene silencing.
Trans-splicing versatility of the Ll.LtrB group II intron
Authors: Belhocine Kamila , Mak Anthony B. , Cousineau Benoit
Published: July 2008

Group II introns are found in organelles, bacteria, and archaea. Some harbor an open reading frame (ORF) with reverse transcriptase, maturase, and occasionally endonuclease activities. Group II introns require the assistance of either intron-encoded or free-standing maturases to excise from primary RNA transcripts in vivo. Some ORF-containing group II introns were shown to be mobile retroelements that invade new DNA sites by retrohoming or retrotransposition. Group II introns are also hypothesized to be the ancestors of the spliceosome-dependent nuclear introns and the small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs—U1, U2, U4, U5, and U6) that are part of the spliceosome. The ability of some fragmented group II introns to undergo splicing in trans supports the theory that the snRNAs evolved from portions of group II introns. Here, we developed a Tn5-based genetic screen to explore the trans-splicing potential of the Ll.LtrB group II intron from the Gram-positive bacterium Lactococcus lactis. Proficient trans-splicing variants of Ll.LtrB were selected using a highly sensitive trans-splicing/conjugation screen. We report that numerous fragmentation sites located throughout Ll.LtrB support splicing in trans, showing that this intron is remarkably more tolerant to fragmentation than expected from the fragmentation sites uncovered within natural trans-splicing group II introns. This work unveils the great versatility of group II intron fragments to assemble and accurately trans-splice their flanking exons in vivo.
Skills in context: what can the UK learn from Australia's skill ecosystem projects?
Authors: Payne Jonathan
Published: July 2008

For over two decades, UK skills policy has focused on boosting the supply of skilled or qualified labour. Despite significant progress on this front, British productivity continues to lag behind that of major competitors, while policy makers increasingly confront the challenge of ensuring that skills are utilised effectively in the workplace. With policy in this area relatively underdeveloped in the UK, this article considers the lessons that might be drawn from Australia's recent experiment with skill ecosystem projects, which are explicitly aimed at helping organisations to enhance their capacity to develop and deploy skills.
Relegitimating neoliberalism? Performance management and indigenous affairs policy
Authors: Humpage Louise
Published: July 2008

Using New Zealand and Australian examples, this article provides evidence that neoliberalism is both coherent and diverse. An analysis of government initiatives focused on ‘improving government performance’ regarding indigenous outcomes and indigenous ‘capacity building’ illustrates how ‘performance management’ has legitimated and extended neoliberalism in both countries. However, instabilities contained within a performance management discourse provide spaces for contestation that may ultimately lead to further reform and reorientation. Furthermore, the particular sociopolitical contexts of each country have ensured that the forms of neoliberalism being embedded in the 21st century are highly complex, indigenised hybrids rather than a one-size-fits-all formula.
Book Reviews
Authors: Murray Lucy
Published: July 2008

Drugs, women and justice: Roles of the criminal justice system for drug‐affected women

Edited by James A. Swartz, Patricia O'Brien and Arthur J. Lurigio New York: Haworth Press Inc., 2006, p. 151. Hardback, ISBN 978‐0‐7890‐3624‐7
Book Reviews
Authors: Wall Robin
Published: July 2008

Aggressive offenders' cognition: Theory, research and practice

Theresa A. Gannon, Tony Ward, Anthony R. Beech and Dawn Fisher Chichester, UK: John Wiley and Sons Ltd., 2007, p. 273. 978‐0‐470‐03402‐6 (ppc) 978‐0‐470‐ 03401‐9 (pbk)
Factors Predicting Life Satisfaction: A Process Model of Personality, Multidimensional Self-Concept, and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Parker Philip D. , Martin Andrew J. , Marsh Herbert W.
Published: July 2008

Life satisfaction is an important component of psychological health and wellbeing. Although personality is consistently linked to life satisfaction, its ‘innate’ and stable nature can make it a difficult target for intervention by practitioners. More malleable and context-specific factors such as multidimensional self-concept may prove to be better targets for such intervention. However, the extent to which multidimensional self-concept predicts life satisfaction over and above personality is unclear. The present study, then, examines the extent to which these two factors predict life satisfaction with a view to ascertaining their relative salience for subsequent research and practice. Among a sample of 523 (predominantly young) adult students from two universities/colleges in Sydney, structural equation modelling using LISREL examined a process model of personality, multidimensional self-concept, and life satisfaction. Results suggest a strong direct role for the personality traits of extraversion, neuroticism, and conscientiousness but also an important mediating role for parent, same-sex peer, physical ability, and appearance self-concepts. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Therapeutic Process and Outcome: The Interplay of Research
Authors: Campbell Holly
Published: July 2008

From Freud through to modern times researchers have aimed to develop a clearer understanding of therapeutic processes and outcomes. Despite this continued interest in the field, the representation of psychotherapy processes and the applicability of research findings and recommendations to the therapeutic field continue to prove difficult. Quantitative and qualitative studies each purport to provide answers, however, they differ greatly in their research methods and underlying ontological and epistemological views. Efficacy and effectiveness studies and the measures of statistical significance and clinical significance are explored with their inherent strengths and weaknesses highlighted. This paper presents the view that research into psychotherapy should enhance the experiences of both the therapist and client. For this to be achieved it is recommended that quantitative and qualitative data, or objective and subjective experiences, should collude rather than collide.
Inclusion and Social Justice for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Members of the Learning Community in Queensland State Schools
Authors: Michaelson Matthew Thomas
Published: July 2008

Although schools are meant to be safe learning environments for all children, some children are not afforded equal access to the protection of their safety and security. Every day, children who might be same-sex attracted are confronted with a unique set of challenges that are not being adequately addressed by the administrators of educational institutions. Despite increasingly positive shifts in Western societal feelings about homosexuality, educators continue to fail to implement inclusive practices and social justice for children who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT).
Das Risiko von Nadelstichverletzungen im Rahmen des Medizinstudiums / Risk of needlestick injuries in medical school
Authors: Wicker Sabine , Rabenau Holger F.
Published: July 2008

Einleitung: Medizinisches Personal ist dem Risiko ausgesetzt, sich an kontaminierten Instrumenten zu verletzen. Nadelstichverletzungen (NSV) können zu ernsthaften und möglicherweise schwerwiegenden Infektionen wie Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) und HIV-Infektionen führen. Dieses Risiko betrifft auch Medizinstudenten im Verlaufe ihrer klinischen Ausbildung. Jede NSV sollte als Arbeitsunfall gemeldet werden, damit postexpositionelle Maßnahmen eingeleitet sowie etwaige Infektionen frühzeitzeitig erkannt und behandelt werden können. Im Falle einer Infektion können versicherungsrechtliche Ansprüche gegenüber den Berufsgenossenschaften geltend gemacht werden. Ziel unserer Studie war die Erhebung der Häufigkeit und Melderate von NSV bei Medizinstudenten.

Methoden: Anonyme Fragebogenerhebung bei Medizinstudenten vor Beginn des Praktischen Jahres.

Ergebnisse: Von den befragten Studenten gaben 58,8% (n=183/311) mindestens eine NSV im Rahmen des Studiums an. Insgesamt 284 NSV wurden von den befragten Studenten gemeldet. Lediglich 38,3% der Studenten hatten alle NSV gemeldet. Die häufigste Ursache für das Nichtmelden der NSV war Schamgefühl aufgrund der Verletzung (54,0%).

Schlussfolgerungen: Expositionen gegenüber Blut sind eine häufige und ernstzunehmende Gefährdung von Medizinstudenten. Es sollten Maßnahmen ergriffen werden, um die Häufigkeit von NSV zu reduzieren und das Meldeverhalten der Studenten zu optimieren. Entsprechende Schulungen sollten sowohl die technischen Fertigkeiten der Studenten als auch das Bewusstsein über die Gefährdung durch NSV vermitteln.
Das difficile Clostridium / The difficile Clostridium
Authors: von Eichel-Streiber Christoph , Braun Veit
Published: July 2008

Clostridium difficile ist nach 3–5 Tagen Krankenhausaufenthalt der bedeutendste Erreger für infektiöse Durchfallerkrankungen und die am häufigsten diagnostizierte Ursache von Durchfällen. Die Epidemiologie der Clostridium difficile assoziierten Durchfälle (CDAD) beginnt sich zu ändern. Gehäufte Infektionen werden heute nicht mehr nur im Krankenhaus, sondern auch im Bereich der niedergelassenen Ärzte gefunden und auch andere Medikamente neben den Antibiotika kommen als Auslöser in Betracht. Ab dem Jahr 2002 wurden zunächst in Nordamerika Ausbrüche mit einer höheren Anzahl an fatalen Verläufen beschrieben. Aus Kanada wird berichtet, dass die Mortalität in der klassischen Gruppe der über 60-jährigen Patienten steigt, aber auch jüngere Menschen an schweren Verläufen erkranken. Ursächlich in Zusammenhang mit diesen Ausbrüchen wird ein Fluoroquinolon-resistenter, hypervirulenter Clostridium difficile Stamm gebracht, der unter der Bezeichnung Ribotyp-027 im April 2007 erstmals auch in Deutschland isoliert werden konnte. Die Ausbreitung dieses hypervirulenten Stammes auf die Bundesrepublik ist im Gange, so dass absehbar scheint, dass sich nicht nur Inzidenz und Schweregrad CDAD in Deutschland erhöhen wird, sondern auch bei uns zunehmend jüngere Personen betroffen sein werden. Das Robert-Koch-Institut hat auf diese Veränderungen mit einer Verschärfung der Meldepflicht der CDAD reagiert. Im vorliegenden Artikel werden historische sowie aktuelle Aspekte des Keims Clostridium difficile und seiner Toxine mit Fokus auf Diagnose, Therapie und Hygienemaßnahmen gegenüber dem Krankheitserreger zusammengefasst. Als Erfahrungsbericht aus unserer nun 10-jährigen C. difficile-Konsiliartätigkeit in Deutschland für das RKI werden häufig gestellte Fragen diskutiert.
Possible Role of Dendritic Compartmentalization in the Spatial Working Memory Circuit
Authors: Morita Kenji
Published: July 2008

In spatial working memory tasks, pyramidal cells in the relevant cortical circuit receive massive inputs to shape stimulus location-selective sustained activity. A significant part of those inputs are applied onto the dendrites. Considering the dendritic morphology and circuit anatomy together with recently suggested branch-specific plasticity rules, external inputs transmitting the information of the stimulus location would be mapped onto some portion of the dendritic branches, rather than uniformly distributed over the branches. Meanwhile, recent studies revealed that each dendritic branch of pyramidal cell functions as a compartmentalized integration subunit through local spike generation and branch-specific excitation–inhibition interaction. I have examined how such nonlinear dendritic integration, combined with the nonuniform distribution of the external input, affects the behavior of the whole circuit by constructing a rate-coding model incorporating multiple dendritic branches of the individual pyramidal cell. Simulations varying the nature of dendritic nonlinearity and the configuration of somatically and dendritically mediated recurrent inhibition revealed that dendritic compartmentalization potentially enables the circuit to form an accurate memory depending on the contrast of the external input, but insensitively to its intensity, under certain conditions; in particular, when there exists tuned global dendritic recurrent inhibition or local dendritic inhibition coupled with global somatic inhibition. The model suggests that, when the circuit receives low-contrast or background input, only a small portion of dendritic branches of each pyramidal cell can overcome the local threshold so as to contribute to the somatic low-frequency firing, which in turn stabilizes the low-activity state of the circuit by recruiting recurrent inhibition.
The Origin of the Complex Spike in Cerebellar Purkinje Cells
Authors: Davie Jenny T. , Clark Beverley A. , Häusser Michael
Published: July 2008

Activation of the climbing fiber input powerfully excites cerebellar Purkinje cells via hundreds of widespread dendritic synapses, triggering dendritic spikes as well as a characteristic high-frequency burst of somatic spikes known as the complex spike. To investigate the relationship between dendritic spikes and the spikelets within the somatic complex spike, and to evaluate the importance of the dendritic distribution of climbing fiber synapses, we made simultaneous somatic and dendritic patch-clamp recordings from Purkinje cells in cerebellar slices. Injection of large climbing fiber-like synaptic conductances at the soma using dynamic clamp was sufficient to reproduce the complex spike, independently of dendritic spikes, indicating that neither a dendritic synaptic distribution nor dendritic spikes are required. Furthermore, we found that dendritic spikes are not directly linked to spikelets in the complex spike, and that each dendritic spike is associated with only 0.24 ± 0.09 extra somatic spikelets. Rather, we demonstrate that dendritic spikes regulate the pause in firing that follows the complex spike. Finally, using dual somatic and axonal recording, we show that all spikelets in the complex spike are axonally generated. Thus, complex spike generation proceeds relatively independently of dendritic spikes, reflecting the dual functional role of climbing fiber input: triggering plasticity at dendritic synapses and generating a distinct output signal in the axon. The encoding of dendritic spiking by the post-complex spike pause provides a novel computational function for dendritic spikes, which could serve to link these two roles at the level of the target neurons in the deep cerebellar nuclei.
Structural Requirement of TAG-1 for Retinal Ganglion Cell Axons and Myelin in the Mouse Optic Nerve
Authors: Chatzopoulou Elli , Miguez Andrés , Savvaki Maria , Levasseur Grégoire , Muzerelle Aude , Muriel Marie-Paule , Goureau Olivier , Watanabe Kazutada , Goutebroze Laurence , Gaspar Patricia , Zalc Bernard , Karagogeos Domna , Thomas Jean-Léon
Published: July 2008

White matter axons organize into fascicles that grow over long distances and traverse very diverse environments. The molecular mechanisms preserving this structure of white matter axonal tracts are not well known. Here, we used the optic nerve as a model and investigated the role of TAG-1, a cell adhesion molecule expressed by retinal axons. TAG-1 was first expressed in the embryonic retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and later in the postnatal myelin-forming cells in the optic nerve. We describe the consequences of genetic loss ofTag-1on the developing and adult retinogeniculate tract.Tag-1-null embryos display anomalies in the caliber of RGC axons, associated with an abnormal organization of the astroglial network in the optic nerve. The contralateral projections in the lateral geniculate nucleus are expanded postnatally. In the adult,Tag-1-null mice show a loss of RGC axons, with persistent abnormalities of axonal caliber and additional cytoskeleton and myelination defects. Therefore, TAG-1 is an essential regulator of the structure of RGC axons and their surrounding glial cells in the optic nerve.
Inversion of Dopamine Responses in Striatal Medium Spiny Neurons and Involuntary Movements
Authors: Liang Li , DeLong Mahlon R. , Papa Stella M.
Published: July 2008

Dopamine influence in the striatum is essential to motor behavior and may lead to involuntary movements in pathologic conditions. The basic mechanisms lie in differential dopamine responses of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) contributing to striatal output pathways. The relationship between striatal discharge and mobility is thus critical to understanding the actions of dopamine. Using extracellular recordings in severely parkinsonian monkeys, we examined the activity changes of MSNs during different levels of dopamine stimulation. The activity of single MSNs was recorded continuously throughout conditions of parkinsonian disability, its reversal, and the exhibition of involuntary movements after levodopa administration. Parkinsonian disability was associated with robust and widely distributed increases of MSN firing. In the parkinsonian state, dopamine influx produced both increases and decreases in the discharge rate of MSNs. Furthermore, in contrast to the expected net reduction of activity, dopamine-induced recovery of mobility occurred with predominant further increases of neuronal activity. In contrast, involuntary movements were associated with a distinctive inversion of the dopamine responses. The activity increases and decreases associated with the recovery of mobility were subsequently inverted in a number of neurons, and these bidirectional changes created large differences of discharge across MSNs. Thus, a markedly dysregulated state of striatal activity develops after chronic dopamine denervation and, in such a state of MSN activity, dopamine induces altered and disproportionate responses. These findings point to the fundamental role of dopamine-mediated balance of striatal outputs for normal movement.
Learning-Specific Changes in Long-Term Depression in Adult Perirhinal Cortex
Authors: Massey Peter V. , Phythian Daniel , Narduzzo Katherine , Warburton Elizabeth C. , Brown Malcolm W. , Bashir Zafar I.
Published: July 2008

Learning is widely believed to involve synaptic plasticity, using mechanisms such as those used in long-term potentiation (LTP). We assess whether the mechanisms used in alternative forms of plasticity, long-term depression (LTD) and depotentiation, play a role in learning. We have exploited the involvement of the perirhinal cortex in two different forms of learning to compare simultaneously, within the same brain region, their effects on LTD and depotentiation. Multiple-exposure learning but not single-exposure learningin vivoprevented, in a muscarinic receptor-dependent manner, subsequent induction of LTD and depotentiation, but not LTP, in perirhinal cortexin vitro. The contrast in the effects of the two types of learning under these particular experimental conditions indicate that thein vitrochange is unlikely to be attributable to synapse-specific plastic changes registering the precise details of the individual learned associations. Instead, it is concluded that the lack of LTD and depotentiation arises from, and establishes the importance of, a learning-related generalized change in plasticity gain. The existence of this additional mechanism has important implications for interpretations of how plasticity relates to learning.
The Neuronal Basis of Attention: Rate versus Synchronization Modulation
Authors: Buehlmann Andres , Deco Gustavo
Published: July 2008

Extensive theoretical and experimental work on the neuronal correlates of visual attention raises two hypotheses about the underlying mechanisms. The first hypothesis, named biased competition, originates from experimental single-cell recordings that have shown that attention upmodulates the firing rates of the neurons encoding the attended features and downregulates the firing rates of the neurons encoding the unattended features. Furthermore, attentional modulation of firing rates increases along the visual pathway. The other, newer hypothesis assigns synchronization a crucial role in the attentional process. It stems from experiments that have shown that attention modulates gamma-frequency synchronization. In this paper, we study the coexistence of the two phenomena using a theoretical framework. We find that the two effects can vary independently of each other and across layers. Therefore, the two phenomena are not concomitant. However, we show that there is an advantage in the processing of information if rate modulation is accompanied by gamma modulation, namely that reaction times are shorter, implying behavioral relevance for gamma synchronization.
Deficiencia de glucosa 6-fostato deshidrogenasa en hombres sanos y en pacientes maláricos; Turbo (Antioquia, Colombia)
Authors: Carmona-Fonseca Jaime , Álvarez Gonzalo , Ríos Alexandra , Vásquez María Fernanda
Published: July 2008

INTRODUCCIÓN: En América Latina la deficiencia de glucosa 6-fosfato deshidrogenasa (d-G6PD) ha sido poco estudiada y en Colombia solo conocemos tres publicaciones antiguas. Urge conocer más la prevalencia de d-G6PD, sobre todo ahora que el tratamiento de la malaria vivax plantea aumentar la dosis diaria o total de primaquina. OBJETIVO: Medir la prevalencia de d-G6PD en poblaciones masculina sana y de enfermos con malaria por Plasmodium vivax, en Turbo (Urabá, departamento de Antioquia, Colombia). METODOLOGÍA: Encuestas de prevalencia, para evaluar la G6PD en dos poblaciones de Turbo (Antioquia): hombres sanos; hombres y mujeres con malaria vivax. Se trabajó con muestras diseñadas con criterios estadístico-epidemiológicos. La actividad enzimática se midió con el método normalizado de Beutler para valorar la G6PD en hemolizados. RESULTADOS: Entre los hombres sanos (n = 508), el intervalo de confianza 95% para el promedio (IC95%) estuvo entre 4,15 y 4,51 UI/g hemoglobina y 14,8% presentaron valores por debajo del "límite normal" de < 2,29 UI/g hemoglobina (prevalencia de d-G6PD). Entre los hombres con malaria (n = 206) el IC95% fue 3,81 a 4,16 UI/g hemoglobina y entre las mujeres palúdicas fue 3,86 a 4,20 UI/g hemoglobina. Los promedios masculinos (sanos vs. maláricos) fueron estadísticamente diferentes (p = 0,028). Únicamente 9,5% (13/137) de los enfermos con paludismo, todos de sexo masculino, presentaron d-G6PD. CONCLUSIONES: la d-G6PD es relativamente alta (14,8%) en la población masculina sana de Turbo y en los enfermos maláricos por P. vivax (9,5%, todos hombres).
Calculation of fermentation parameters from the results of a fed-batch test taking account of the volume of biomass in the fermenting medium
Authors: Borzani Walter
Published: July 2008

The volume of biomass in the fermenting medium may significantly affect the values of fermentation parameters calculated from the measured concentrations of the substrates and/or products. The corrections proposed in this paper should be evaluated and, depending on their magnitude, considered in order to obtain more representative results. A numerical example is presented.
Efeitos da ingestão prévia de carboidrato de alto índice glicêmico sobre a resposta glicêmica e desempenho durante um treino de força
Authors: Fayh Ana Paula Trussardi , Umpierre Daniel , Sapata Katiuce Borges , Dourado Neto Fernando Matos , Oliveira Alvaro Reischak de
Published: July 2008

O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar os efeitos da ingestão prévia de carboidrato no desempenho físico e comportamento glicêmico durante o treino de força. Oito voluntários realizaram 2 sessões de exercício de força (7 exercícios com 3 séries na intensidade de 70% de 1 repetição máxima), nas quais ingeriram bebida composta de carboidrato (maltodextrina) ou placebo. A bebida foi ingerida 15 minutos antes do início da sessão, a ordem das sessões foi randomizada, e essas foram separadas por 7 dias de intervalo. A glicemia foi mensurada em 4 momentos: antes da ingestão da bebida, 15 minutos após a ingestão da bebida, na metade do treino, e ao final do mesmo. O desempenho físico nos dois dias de treino foi influenciado somente pela variação no número das repetições executadas, as quais foram inseridas no cálculo da tonelagem total de treino executada nas respectivas sessões (repetições · séries · carga). A freqüência cardíaca foi continuamente monitorada e a concentração de lactato foi mensurada ao término da sessão. A glicemia esteve aumentada somente aos 15 minutos após a ingestão da bebida com carboidrato (de 98,25 ± 17,77mg/dL para 133,12 ± 22,76mg/dL, p = 0,015), enquanto que no dia da bebida placebo não foram observadas alterações significativas nestes momentos (de 98,25 ± 13,69mg/dL para 94,38 ± 12,21mg/dL, p = 1,000). A tonelagem total de treino, freqüência cardíaca e concentração final de lactato foram semelhantes nos dois treinos de força. Mesmo com o aumento da glicemia pré-exercício após a ingestão da bebida com carboidrato, os resultados do estudo não indicam que a ingestão prévia de carboidrato à sessão de exercício de força pode ser uma suplementação eficaz para aumentar o desempenho físico.
Seepage through side slopes of small water impoundments
Authors: Navarro V. , Candel M. , Yustres A. , García B.
Published: July 2008

An analysis was carried out on seepage through the side slopes of small water impoundments where only one geotextile was placed below the impermeable geomembrane. This study focuses on the characterisation of the flow associated with circular defects of small dimension. It was found that these types of defects produce reduced flow rates that are difficult to detect in service. Moreover, they may generate wetted areas that do not actually come into contact with the drainage trench of the slope toe. As a result, although a lining system may appear to be efficient, in reality, a large part of the slope soil may undergo a substantial increase in water content.
The Revised Safe At Home Instrument for Assessing Readiness to Change Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Begun Audrey L. , Brondino Michael J. , Bolt Daniel , Weinstein Benjamin , Strodthoff Terri , Shelley Gene
Published: July 2008

This article describes the development and factor structure of the Revised Safe At Home instrument, a 35-item self-report measure designed to assess individuals’ readiness to change their intimate partner violence behaviors. Seven new items have been added, representing content specific to the Maintenance stage, and other items have been revised to strengthen the assessment of earlier stages and address gender concerns. Confirmatory factor analysis using multisite data (two sites, a total of 281 men at intake) supported the conclusion that a four-factor model (Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation/Action, and Maintenance stages) was consistent with the observed covariances. A high degree of correlation between the Preparation/Action and Maintenance scales was observed, but subsequent testing indicated a need to treat the two as distinct factors in the model. It is recommended that scoring include only 31 items that perform well.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy: Current Status
Authors: Dryden Windy , David Daniel
Published: July 2008

In this review of the current status of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), we consider two of Ellis’s strategies that have helped preserve REBT’s presence in the professional zeitgeist. We argue that REBT should be viewed as a unitary approach to cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) and outline its distinctive theoretical and practical features. We acknowledge the reciprocal influence that REBT and CBT have had on one another and provide three examples of such influence. Finally, we provide a brief summary of the current status of REBT research.
Sociotropy, Autonomy, and Self-Criticism Are Three Distinguishable Dimensions of Cognitive-Personality Vulnerability
Authors: Shahar Golan , Soffer Nirit , Gilboa-Shechtman Eva
Published: July 2008

Whereas both Blatt (1974) and Beck (1983) postulated the existence of two basic cognitive-personality vulnerabilities to depression—sociotropic/anaclitic and autonomous/introjective—recent research and theorizing suggest that self-criticism is a third dimension of vulnerability. To examine the supposition that sociotropy, autonomy, and self-criticism constitute three distinct dimensions of vulnerability, we administered the Personal Style Inventory (PSI; Robins et al., 1994), six items from the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ; Blatt, D’Afflitti, & Quinlan, 1976) and the Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI; Derogatis & Melisaratos, 1983) to 203 Israeli young adults. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) provided support for the hypothesized three-factor solution. Regression analyses indicated that each of these dimensions was associated with psychopathology. Findings encourage further integrative work in the field of personality vulnerability.
Application of a Novel Low NOx Combustion System to an Oil Field Steam Generator
Authors: Robertson Thomas F. , Johnson Gregory
Published: July 2008

For several years low NOx operation of oil field steam generators has been accomplished through the use of flue gas recirculation (FGR). FGR technologies can be easily retrofitted to existing steamers burning natural gas to achieve NOx emission levels between 25–30 ppmvd @ 3% 02. While fairly cost effective to install, FGR systems further incur an increase in operating costs due to the additional fan horsepower required for the flue gas supply. As permissible stack emission levels continue to decrease, alternative technologies must emerge which address the non-FGR NOx formation rate without risking loss of burner stability or unreasonably increasing combustion system operating costs.

North American Mfg. has combined its own patented ultra low NOx burner and control technology with Shell Oil's patented combustion process and installed the system on an oil field steam generator. The resulting combustion system produces 13–17 ppmvd @ 3% 02 of NOX while firing natural gas without the use of FGR. Further development of the technology may provide NOX emission performance approaching selective catalytic reduction (SCR) levels at a greatly reduced cost.
Comparison of bioreactors with different kinds of submerged packed beds for domestic wastewater treatment
Authors: Nacheva P. Mijaylova , Chávez G. Moeller , Zúñiga M. A. Garzón , Bustos C. , Orozco Y. Hornelas
Published: July 2008

The performance of aerobic submerged packed bed reactors was studied for the treatment of domestic wastewater using different kinds of packing materials with high specific areas (760–1,200 m2/m3). The tested materials were ceramic spheres, crushed tezontle, grains of high density polyethylene (HDPE), of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and of polypropylene (PP), cubes of polyurethane (PU) and polyethylene tape (SESSIL). The bioreactors were operated in continuous regime, applying organic loads in the range of 0.8–6.0 g COD.m−2.d−1. The obtained specific COD removal rates were very similar in all the reactors when they were operated at organic loads up to 2.0 g COD.m−2.d−1, after which differences in effectiveness appeared and the best results were determined in the reactors with SESSIL, LDPE and PU. Very low TSS, O&G and turbidity were obtained in all the effluents. The NH3-N and TN removals were dependant on the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration and the removals at DO of 5 mg/l were 84–99% and 61–74% respectively. The best removals were determined in the reactors with PU, SESSIL and LDPE. The reactor with tezontle had also a good performance when operated with loads up to 1.0 g TN.m−2.d−1. The best phosphate removals (38–49%) were obtained in the reactors with PU, tezontle, ceramic sheres and SESSIL.
Investigations and mathematical simulation on decentralized anaerobic treatment of agricultural substrate from livestock farming
Authors: Wichern M. , Lübken M. , Schlattmann M. , Gronauer A. , Horn H.
Published: July 2008

Anaerobic processes are widely used for treatment of both municipal and industrial wastewater as well as agricultural substrates. In contrast to the aerobic methods, they are frequently more cost-efficient, they have a lower surplus sludge production, and the reactors can be run with higher volumetric loads and thus smaller volumes. In the paper presented both experimental data and the application of the Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 for agricultural substrate from livestock farming will be described. A 3,500 L reactor with mesophilic operation and loaded with cattle manure was examined with respect to its COD degradation, gas production, and gas composition. Results revealed a reduction of 30–35% COD and a biogas production of 287 LBiogas/kgVS when operated with a specific loading rate of 3.6 kgVS/(m3·d).

After calibration of the ADM 1, which was based predominantly on the acetate uptake rate (kac.m=3.6 g/(g·d)), the disintegration constant (kDis=0.05 d−1) and the exact determination of the influent COD fractions contained in the agricultural substrate, it was possible to simulate the measured data of the plant in excellent quality. For future application of the ADM 1 as part of control strategies a sensitivity analysis was carried out. The analysis based on the SVM slope technique has been done to identify highly sensitive biochemical parameters. These are, amongst others, the acetate uptake rate, the disintegration constant, the biomass decay rates and the half saturation constant for ammonia inhibition. Sensitivity analysis of the inflow COD fractions (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and inert) showed the necessity of detailed measurements for the prediction of the gas flow and composition as well as for prognosis of inhibitions in the anaerobic process. For cattle manure especially the fractions of inert material and carbohydrates should be observed carefully. Due to the high content of NH4-N in manure the protein fraction is not as sensitive as the two mentioned above.