bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic and biological significance of cytokeratin 19 in pancreatic endocrine tumours
Authors: La Rosa S , Rigoli E , Uccella S , Novario R , Capella C
Published: March 2007

Aim:  The prognosis of well‐differentiated pancreatic endocrine tumours (PETs) is difficult to establish on a histological basis. The expression of cytokeratin (CK19) has recently been proposed as an indicator of unfavourable outcome. However, this finding still needs to be verified and to be compared with more frequently used prognosticators such as proliferative indices, vascular and/or perineural invasion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of CK19 expression in PETs.

Methods and results:  One hundred and forty‐five PETs were studied using two different anti‐CK19 monoclonal antibodies (BA17 and RCK108). The results were statistically compared with proliferation markers, vascular and perineural invasion and the presence of metastases. On univariate analysis, CK19 immunoreactivity correlated with prognosis only when it was detected with the RCK108 antibody and only in the whole group of PETs and in insulinomas. Conversely, it did not predict survival in non‐functioning neoplasms. Ki67 index, mitotic count, vascular and perineural invasion were all statistically correlated with prognosis. On multivariate analysis, only the Ki67 index and metastases were independent prognosticators.

Conclusions:  CK19 expression correlates with patient survival only when detected with the RCK108 antibody and mainly in insulinomas. Ki67 index and metastases represent the only two independent predictors of survival.
Colorectal neoplasia in Crohn's colitis: a retrospective comparative study with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Svrcek M , Cosnes J , Beaugerie L , Parc R , Bennis M , Tiret E , Fléjou J‐F
Published: March 2007

Aims:  To determine the clinicopathological features of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods and results:  All histological slides from surgical specimens with inflammatory bowel disease‐related colorectal neoplasia examined in our hospital between 1990 and 2005 were reviewed. We identified 18 CRCs in 16 patients with CD and compared them with 57 CRCs in 41 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). We also studied 25 patients with dysplasia without cancer (CD 2, UC 23). When CD and UC were compared, the median age at diagnosis of cancer (CD 52 years, UC 51 years), the frequency of mucinous adenocarcinoma (CD 16.7%, UC 17.5%) and the frequency of dysplasia adjacent to and distal from cancer (CD 56.3 and 37.5%, UC 65.8 and 39%, respectively) were similar. All neoplastic lesions occurred in areas affected by inflammatory bowel disease.

Conclusions:  CRC complicating CD and UC shares many clinicopathological features, in particular similar frequencies of dysplasia, both adjacent and distal, with cancer. Thus, surveillance for patients with Crohn's colitis should be similar to that for patients with UC. Consideration should be given to a more extensive UC‐like surgical approach instead of segmental resection of the involved area.
Comparative analysis of AFLPs and SSRs efficiency in resolving population genetic structure of Mediterranean Solea vulgaris
Authors: GAROIA FLAVIO , GUARNIERO ILARIA , GRIFONI DANIELA , MARZOLA SILLA , TINTI FAUSTO
Published: March 2007

The performance of different molecular markers in the assessment of population structure was tested using samples of Solea vulgaris collected in the Mediterranean within and outside the hypothetical dispersal ability of the species. A total of 172 individuals belonging to four population samples were analysed using 15 microsatellites [simple sequence repeats (SSRs)] and 153 amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). Considering the global qualitative patterns, we found a correlation between SSRs and AFLPs in detecting genetic differentiation among samples. However, on a small geographical scale, AFLPs were able to discriminate individuals from neighbouring populations whereas SSRs were not, and the percentage of individuals correctly assigned to their population of origin was higher with AFLPs than with SSRs. The high number of loci analysed with the AFLP technique could increase the probability to include outlier loci in the analysis; however, the neutrality test performed on our data set did not show evidence of selection acting on the S. vulgaris samples. Even if the choice of the molecular marker depends mainly on the biological question to be addressed, the higher power of discrimination and the comparative technical ease of obtaining data from AFLPs with respect to SSRs suggest the use of AFLPs for many population genetics studies.
Application of artificial neural networks for classifying lake eutrophication status
Authors: Strobl R. O. , Forte F. , Pennetta L.
Published: March 2007

Several artificial neural network architectures were ‘trained’ on data from the Eastern Lake Survey – Phase I of the Environmental Protection Agency's National Surface Water Survey in order to investigate which physical–chemical parameters are possibly of greatest importance in determining the eutrophication status of lakes. From the 110 available lake parameters in the Survey, 60 were chosen as input to the neural networks. The traditional eutrophication classification scheme of Vollenweider was used for comparative purposes. The various artificial neural network simulations showed that, in addition to total phosphorus and inorganic nitrogen, turbidity, specific conductance, lake elevation and hydrogen ion concentration were identified as the most significant parameters affecting the classification of lakes in regard to their eutrophication status. These results suggest a conceivable association between these parameters and lake eutrophication, thereby indicating a need for further study on these relationships. A model simulation utilizing an unsupervised neural network did not provide much insight into the lake eutrophication status, but did show that the available physical–chemical lake data could be categorized according to physical region, thereby providing an indication that the lake data used in this study were region‐dependent.
Mycobacterial heat shock protein‐induced blood T lymphocytes subsets and cytokine pattern: Comparison of sarcoidosis with tuberculosis and healthy controls
Authors: DUBANIEWICZ Anna , TRZONKOWSKI Piotr , DUBANIEWICZ‐WYBIERALSKA Mirosława , DUBANIEWICZ Andrzej , SINGH Mahavir , MYŚLIWSKI Andrzej
Published: March 2007

Background and objective:  Sarcoidosis (SA) is a disorder of unknown aetiology. Mycobacterium tuberculosis heat shock proteins (Mtb‐hsp) have been considered as causative agents of SA. The role of Mtb‐hsp in the immune response in SA has not been investigated.

Methods:  Mtb‐hsp‐stimulated T‐cell subsets and Th1/Th2 cytokine patterns in the supernatant from peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures from 22 SA patients, 20 tuberculosis (TB) patients and 20 healthy volunteers were compared using flow cytometry.

Results:  In unstimulated cultures, a significantly higher percentage of CD8+αβ+T‐cells were present in SA versus controls. Similarly there was a significantly increased IL‐6 and decreased IL‐4 level in SA and significantly lower INF‐γ, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐10 production in TB versus controls. After Mtb‐hsp stimulation, there was a significantly increased TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐10 and decreased INF‐γ, IL‐2, IL‐4 production in SA and significantly increased TNF‐α, IL‐6 concentrations in TB versus controls. CD8+γδ+IL‐4+T‐cells were detected significantly less often in Mtb‐hsp‐induced cultures in SA versus controls. Comparing SA versus TB, CD4+γδ+TCR‐cells were significantly increased in Mtb‐hsp‐induced cultures in TB versus controls and SA. Before stimulation, significantly increased IL‐6, IL‐10 and decreased IL‐4 level in SA versus TB was revealed, whereas Mtb‐hsp stimulation caused significantly increased IL‐10 and decreased IL‐4 concentrations in SA.

Conclusions:  After Mtb‐hsp stimulation, increased levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, TNF‐α and IL‐6 were found in sera from SA and TB patients in comparison with healthy controls; SA patients demonstrated the lowest levels of IL‐4 and the highest levels of IL‐10.
Quality of life, nutritional status, physical activity, and their interrelationships of elderly living on an underpopulated island in Japan
Authors: Yamauchi Taro , Midorikawa Taishi , Hagihara Jun , Sasaki Kumiko
Published: March 2007

Background:  The objectives of this study were to assess the quality of life (QOL), nutritional and health status, physical fitness and daily physical activity level (PAL) of elderly residents living on a remote island in Japan and to reveal factors associated with QOL scores and PAL.

Methods:  This was a cross‐sectional study that targeted elderly residents dwelling on an island whose population is aging and rapidly decreasing. Fifty‐two subjects (20 men and 32 women; mean age, 74 years) were evaluated for anthropometry (nutritional status), blood pressure (health status) and handgrip strength (physical fitness). QOL was investigated using the World Health Organization‐QOL questionnaire. In addition, 24‐h acceleration monitoring was conducted in eight subjects on 3 consecutive days to determine PAL.

Results:  Women tended to be obese compared with men (BMI, 25.6 vs 23.6 kg/m2, P < 0.05). Of the four QOL domains, the score for “social relationships” was significantly higher in women. Significant correlations were found between handgrip strength and QOL scores. A significant negative relationship was found between BMI and PAL (rs =−0.90, P < 0.005). In contrast, a positive association was observed between handgrip strength and PAL (rs = 0.77, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  The results suggest that social communication is an important factor for a high QOL of women in the remote island society. The results of the correlation analyses suggest that walking, maintaining an ideal body weight and promoting physical fitness have important roles in maintaining and increasing PAL in the elderly.
Long‐term cognitive benefits of donepezil in Alzheimer’s disease: A retrospective comparison between 1994–1999 and 2000–2004
Authors: Tomita Naoki , Ootsuki Mari , Maruyama Masahiro , Matsui Toshifumi , Higuchi Miyako , Tsutsui Miho , Seki Takashi , Iwasaki Koh , Tamamizu Masako , Sozu Takashi , Yoshimura Isao , Furukawa Katsutoshi , Arai Hiroyuki
Published: March 2007

Objective:  In order to address an issue of how long Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients should receive donepezil, we estimated long‐term effect of donepezil on cognition as well as its influential factors. We also evaluated the additional effect of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)‐tau protein levels on diagnosis.

Methods:  We compared cognitive changes between current (2000–2004) AD patients (donepezil users) and previous AD patients, seen by us 1994–1999, without receiving donepezil (non‐donepezil users) by a mixed effect model. Cognition was assessed by Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) at 6‐month intervals up to 24 months. Sensitivity analysis was performed exclusively on patients with high CSF‐tau protein levels (CSF‐tau >330 pg/mL) to minimize inaccuracies of the diagnosis

Results:  From 495 AD patients reviewed, 192 patients (120 donepezil users and 72 controls) were eligible. Estimated annual decline of MMSE was 1.2 points (95% confidence interval (95%CI), 0.9–1.5) in the donepezil users, whereas it was 2.8 points (95%CI, 2.1–3.6) in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The sensitivity analysis demonstrated that these declines were 1.2 (95%CI, 0.8–1.6) and 3.1 (95%CI, 2.3–3.9) points in the donepezil users and control groups, respectively.

Conclusions:  Long‐term donepezil use for at least 2 years appeared to be beneficial in maintaining cognition in AD patients. As the cholinergic central nervous system consistently degenerates over time, long‐term use of donepezil may be an appropriate therapy. Discontinuation of donepezil may not be recommended as far as patients are in a stable condition.
High blood pressure worsens age‐related increases in arterial stiffness evaluated by pulse wave velocity in subjects with lifestyle‐related diseases
Authors: Ito Norihisa , Ohishi Mitsuru , Komai Norio , Kaibe Masaharu , Terai Minako , Takagi Takashi , Tatara Yuji , Rakugi Hiromi , Ogihara Toshio
Published: March 2007

Objective:  Arterial stiffness is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and is altered by age and blood pressure. Lifestyle‐related diseases are also major risk factors for cardiovascular events and influence arterial stiffness. The goal of this study was to clarify the clinical influence of aging on pulse wave velocity in patients with hypertension, diabetes and/or dyslipidemia.

Methods:  Eight hundred and forty‐seven outpatients (480 males, 367 females, mean age 61.5 years) at the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Hypertension in Osaka University Hospital who had lifestyle‐related diseases such as hypertension (n = 720), diabetes (n = 228) and dyslipidemia (n = 613) were enrolled. We evaluated arterial stiffness as measured by carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity.

Results:  After age and systolic blood pressure adjustment, pulse wave velocity was higher in hypertensive patients (P = 0.0048), but not in patients with diabetes or dyslipidemia. By single linear regression analysis, pulse wave velocity and age were positively correlated in patients with (r = 0.359, P < 0.0001) and without (r = 0.377, P < 0.0001) hypertension, and the regression coefficients of these two groups were similar. Moreover, these variables were positively correlated with pulse wave velocity in hypertensive patients receiving medication (r = 0.324, P < 0.0001) and without medication (r = 0.425, P < 0.0001), and the regression coefficient with medication (0.033) was lower than that without medication (0.045).

Conclusion  These data suggest that the presence of hypertension worsened the age‐related increase in arterial stiffness in patients with lifestyle‐related diseases.
Relationship between liver cirrhosis and arteriosclerosis: Evaluation by pulse wave velocity, carotid arterial echotomography and autonomic nervous activity
Authors: Noda Yoshiko , Nomura Masahiro , Nakaya Yutaka , Bando Shigenobu , Ito Susumu
Published: March 2007

Background:  It has been reported that patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) rarely suffer complications from arteriosclerotic disorders such as coronary artery disease. However, recent studies have reported that the measurement of pulse wave velocity (PWV) facilitates objective evaluation of the severity of arteriosclerosis, suggesting a relationship between LC and arteriosclerosis.

Objective:  In the present study, we evaluated the relationship among the PWV, augmentation index (AI), and stage of LC from the perspective of urine levels of NO metabolites (NO2 and NO3) and autonomic nervous function.

Methods:  Forty elderly LC patients who were 65 years or older (LC group) were classified into the following three groups based on the Child’s classification of LC: LC‐A group (15 patients with Child A); LC‐B group (15 patients with Child B); and LC‐C group (10 patients with Child C). The results from these LC subgroups were compared to those of 25 healthy volunteers (N group). The PWV and AI were measured using a blood pressure and pulse wave monitoring device. Furthermore, we measured the urine levels of NO2 and NO3 and autonomic nervous activity and evaluated these by the measurements and by spectrum analysis of heart rate variability. In addition, the intima media thickness (IMT) in the carotid artery was measured by common carotid artery echotomography in each group.

Results:  The IMT increased with the stage of LC. Both the HF powers significantly decreased and LF : HF ratio increased in the LC group as the Child stage of LC advanced. The AI and PWV were significantly higher in the LC‐A and LC‐B groups than in the N group. However, PWV and AI of the LC‐C group were measured to a low value because the urine levels of NO2 and NO3 were significantly increased as the Child stage of LC advanced, and arteriosclerotic diagnosis seems to tend to be reduced in LC‐C patients.

Conclusions:  The increase in PWV and AI of LC‐A and LC‐B might suggest a relationship between advances of LC and arteriosclerosis. However, the hyperdynamic state in LC from the results of heart rate variability analysis, which is induced by NO production with the progression of the stage of LC, might have influenced the PWV and AI.
The Politics of Standards in Modern Management: Making ‘The Project’ a Reality*
Authors: Hodgson Damian , Cicmil Svetlana
Published: March 2007

abstract In this paper, we explore the standardization of contemporary management knowledge, focusing in particular upon the role of ‘standards’ in creating and reifying ‘organizational objects’, with powerful consequences and with often unrecognized ethical implications. It is our argument that modernist beliefs in ‘general, abstract and timeless ideas’ (Brunsson et al., 2000, p. 173), enshrined in a universal and abstract rationality, results in the marginalization of more reflexive forms of rationality and the suppression of autonomy, creativity and discretion in organizations. To investigate the consequences of standardization, we take as the focus of our analysis a specific management model which has a significant and growing impact on many sectors of contemporary industry; that of project management. Drawing on the work ofTimmermans and Berg (1997),Bowker and Star (1999)andBrunsson et al. (2000), we draw attention to the reification of the object of management; in this case, the project itself, as a transhistorical, ‘real world’ object. By tracing efforts to establish and institutionalize ‘standards’ in this and other fields of management, in particular through the creation and dissemination of a universal ‘body of knowledge’ for this field, we draw attention to the political and moral significance of the ‘blackboxing’ of knowledge. It is our broader intention here to help to denaturalize this organizational object, to legitimize other modes of knowledge and practice in the field, and thereby to reopen debate in this and other arenas of standardization.
Empathy and Emotional Responsiveness in Delinquent and Non‐delinquent Adolescents
Authors: Robinson Ross , Roberts William L. , Strayer Janet , Koopman Ray
Published: March 2007

Two groups of male adolescents, incarcerated young offenders (N = 64, mean age = 16.3 years) and a comparison group of community youth (N = 60; mean age = 16.6 years), were administered the Empathy Continuum (measuring cognitive‐affective responses to persons in emotionally evocative videotaped vignettes) and questionnaire measures of empathy, emotional responsiveness, guilt, shame, and antisocial attitudes and behaviors. Although both groups endorsed general statements of empathy, young offenders responded with empathy less often to particular persons in particular situations, and reasoned regarding their empathic responses in more self‐referencing ways. They also described their emotional responses to stimulus persons as less intense. In addition to the expected group differences, responsive empathy was a stronger predictor of delinquency than self‐reported antisocial behavior, and correctly classified 69 percent of young offenders and comparison youths. Although guilt was consistently related to lower self‐reported antisocial attitudes and behaviors, guilt (and shame) only weakly differentiated the two groups, limiting the usefulness of the TOSCA‐A as a predictor of delinquency.
Local Hybridity among Absorbing Institutions
Authors: Sharaby Rachel
Published: March 2007

This paper discusses the encounter between the hegemony (the national absorbing institutions) and the “other” (the Yemenite immigrants) in the cooperative agricultural village of Ravid in Palestine before the founding of the State of Israel. The research indicates the ambivalence of the cultural field in which the absorbing and the absorbed meet, and the influence of this encounter on the absorbing themselves, in a local territory. The study demonstrates that the absorbing tried to “enculturate” the Yemenites and to force their cooperative agricultural village principles on them. However, the Yemenites, who wanted to maintain their traditional customs, resisted, and the institutions gradually compromised in Ravid. Thus, they deviated from their ideology. The Ravid community can, therefore, be viewed as a hybrid territory, in which a process of negotiation occurred, and where fluid cultural borders existed between the absorbing and the absorbed.
Toxicity of the aphidAulacorthum magnoliaeto the predatorHarmonia axyridis(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and genetic variance in the assimilation of the toxic aphids inH. axyridislarvae
Authors: FUKUNAGA Yasuyoshi , AKIMOTO Shin‐ichi
Published: March 2007

Larvae of the ladybirdHarmonia axyridisare reported to suffer high mortality when they are fed with the aphidAulacorthum magnoliaeassociated with the elderSambucus sieboldiana. In the present study we first examined whether aphid toxicity toH. axyridiswas altered when the aphids were reared on different host plants, and second whether some ladybird families could adapt specially to the toxic aphids. Ladybird larvae from each egg batch were divided into two groups; one group was fed withA. magnoliaereared on potato, and the other group was fed withA. magnoliaereared on elder. The ladybird larvae fed with elder aphids suffered significantly higher mortality and grew more slowly than did larvae fed with potato aphids. This result indicates thatA. magnoliaeaphids absorbed toxic substances or their precursors fromS. sieboldiana. We suggest that host association ofA. magnoliaewith the primary host plantS. sieboldianahas been maintained because of the advantage of deterring predation. Significant and positive correlation was detected acrossH. axyridissib families between the mean weight of larvae fed with elder aphids and the mean weight of larvae fed with potato aphids. The hypothesis that some ladybird families adapt specially to the toxic aphids was not supported. However, the available evidence showed that a large amount of genetic variance in performance is maintained in a wild population of the ladybirdH. axyridis.
Descriptions of larvae and pupae of the subfamily Apoderinae (Coleoptera: Attelabidae) in Korea
Authors: PARK Jinyoung , KWON Ohseok , LEE Jong Eun
Published: March 2007

In the past, 25 species in the subfamily Apoderinae have been reported in Korea. However, in 1986 a study found that only approximately 18 species actually inhabited Korea at that time. This study provides descriptions and illustrations of the last stage larvae and pupae of 10 species in the subfamily Apoderinae. In addition, it provides pictorial keys of larvae for the first time (Fig. 1).

Pictorial key to known species of Korean Apoderinae larvae.

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Diagnostic Inaccuracy in Children Referred with “First Seizure”: Role for a First Seizure Clinic
Authors: Hamiwka L. D. , Singh N. , Niosi J. , Wirrell E. C.
Published: March 2007

Summary:  Purpose: To determine (a) the range of diagnoses, and (b) the prevalence of previous seizures in children presenting to a first seizure clinic.

Methods: One hundred twenty‐seven children were seen in a tertiary care First Seizure Clinic. Inclusion criteria were age 1 month–17 years with an unprovoked event suggestive of seizure. Data collected included referring physician specialty, child's age, gender, developmental status, and clinical diagnosis of epileptologist (nonepileptic vs. epileptic). For those with epileptic events, seizure type, syndrome (if identifiable), presumed etiology (idiopathic, cryptogenic, and symptomatic), presence of prior afebrile and febrile seizures, provoking factors, family history, pre/perinatal complications and EEG results were recorded.

Results: The diagnosis was epileptic in 94 (74%), nonepileptic in 31 (24%) and unclassifiable in two (2%). Pediatricians were more likely to refer true epileptic events (92%) than ED physicians (76%) or family physicians (65%). Mean age at presentation was 8 years. Fifteen percent of children were developmentally delayed and neurological examination was abnormal in 11%. For those diagnosed with epileptic events, 32 presented with generalized while 62 presented with partial onset seizures. An epilepsy syndrome was identifiable in 15 cases. Thirty‐eight percent experienced a prior probable seizure which was recognized by the referring physician in only one case. An EEG was done in all children with seizures and was abnormal in 41%. Early EEG was performed in 20% of children and did not show statistical significance.

Conclusions: Diagnostic inaccuracy is common in first seizure. One quarter of children were incorrectly diagnosed as having a seizure while the diagnosis of epilepsy was missed in over one‐third of children.
Efficacy and Tolerability of the Ketogenic Diet According to Lipid:Nonlipid Ratios—Comparison of 3:1 with 4:1 Diet
Authors: Hee Seo Joo , Mock Lee Young , Soo Lee Joon , Chul Kang Hoon , Dong Kim Heung
Published: March 2007

Summary:  Purpose: The ketogenic diet (KD) has been considered a highly potent antiepileptic treatment for intractable childhood epilepsy. In this study, we compared the antiepileptic efficacy and diet tolerability of two different diets with lipid:nonlipid ratios of 3:1 and 4:1.

Methods: Seventy‐six patients with refractory childhood epilepsy were randomly placed into two groups and were started on KD diets with nonlipid:lipid ratios of either 3:1 or 4:1. Antiepileptic efficacy and diet tolerability were evaluated 3 months after initiating the diet. Patients showing seizure‐free outcome with the 4:1 diet were changed to the 3:1 diet, and those without a seizure‐free outcome on the 3:1 diet were changed to the 4:1 diet, for three more months, after which time their progress was monitored.

Results: (1) Antiepileptic efficacy was higher for the 4:1 than the 3:1 diet (p < 0.05). Twenty‐two (55.0%) of 40 patients on the 4:1 diet and 11 (30.5%) of 36 patients on the 3:1 diet became seizure free. Seizure reduction of over 90% was observed in 2 (5.0%) patients on the 4:1 diet, and 2 (5.6%) on the 3:1 diet.

(2) Dietary tolerability was better for the 3:1 than the 4:1 diet. Gastrointestinal symptoms were observed in 5 (13.9%) patients with the 3:1 diet and 14 (35.0%) patients with the 4:1 diet (p < 0.05). (3) For seizure‐free patients who started on the 4:1 diet, antiepileptic efficacy was maintained after changing to the 3:1 diet, while 10 (83.3%) of 12 patients who were not seizure free with the 3:1 diet showed increased seizure reduction after changing to the 4:1 diet. (4) Complications from the KD and laboratory data were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions: The 4:1 KD showed greater antiepileptic efficacy than the 3:1 diet with higher seizure‐free outcome. In most cases, seizure free outcome was maintained even after changing the ratio to 3:1. Dietary tolerability was better in the 3:1 diet than the 4:1 with less frequent gastrointestinal symptoms.
Neuroimaging and Neurophysiology of Periodic Lateralized Epileptiform Discharges: Observations and Hypotheses
Authors: Kalamangalam Giridhar P. , Diehl Beate , Burgess Richard C.
Published: March 2007

Summary:  Purpose: We assessed neuroimaging lesion type and distribution in patients with periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs), with a view to identifying electrographic differences between PLEDs associated with differing lesion locations. Our observations led us to consider a conceptual synthesis between PLEDs and periodic complexes (PCs).

Methods: Retrospective review of acute neuroimaging results (CT/MRI) on patients identified to have EEG PLEDs, for the period 1999–2003 (n = 106). Blinded classification of original EEG recordings.

Results: Neuroimaging abnormalities were classified as acute or chronic cortical, or acute or chronic subcortical. Seven out of 106 scans were classified nonlesional. Overall ∼70% of scans had cortical abnormalities, whether acute or chronic; ∼23% had subcortical abnormalities. “Cortical” PLEDs were significantly longer in duration (p < 0.05) and more variable in morphology (p < 0.01) than “subcortical” PLEDs.

Conclusions: Structural brain disease commonly, but not invariably, underlies PLEDs; lesion type is spatiotemporally variable. Cortical and subcortical PLEDs have distinct EEG signatures. There is evidence that these may relate to mechanisms for other pathological large‐scale oscillatory brain synchronies (e.g., PCs).
Bidirectional Alterations of Hippocampal Cannabinoid 1 Receptors and Their Endogenous Ligands in a Rat Model of Alcohol Withdrawal and Dependence
Authors: Mitrirattanakul Somsak , López‐Valdés Héctor E. , Liang Jing , Matsuka Yoshizo , Mackie Ken , Faull Kym F. , Spigelman Igor
Published: March 2007

Background: The hippocampus is strongly implicated in memory processes and contains high concentrations of both cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands. Chronic alcohol consumption impairs a variety of cognitive and performance tasks, including memory and learning. As the activation of cannabinoid receptors by their endogenous ligands modulates hippocampal neurotransmission, we hypothesized that the impaired memory and learning in alcoholism may be due to alterations in the hippocampal endocannabinoid system.

Methods: We used the rat chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) model for alcohol withdrawal and dependence which involves intermittent episodes of ethanol intoxication (60 doses) and withdrawal (approximating binge drinking episodes in humans). We measured the levels of cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) protein (Western blot using a C‐terminal–directed antibody), CB1R mRNA (real‐time RT‐PCR), CB1R localization (immunocytochemistry), tissue levels of the endocannabinoids N‐arachidonoylethanolamine/anandamide (AEA) and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG), and function (patch‐clamp recordings of depolarization‐induced suppression of inhibition (DSI), as well as effects of CB1R agonist WIN 55,212‐2 on inhibitory currents) in the hippocampus of CIE rats and their saline‐treated controls.

Results: Results were obtained in saline and CIE‐treated rats after 2 and 40 days of withdrawal (DW) from their respective treatments. In 2 DW CIE rats, CB1R mRNA and protein levels were decreased by 27% (p<0.05) compared with saline controls. Surprisingly, in 40 DW CIE rats, CB1R mRNA increased by 100% and protein increased by 21%, confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Hippocampal [2‐AG] increased in both 2 and 40 DW CIE rats; [AEA] increased only at 40 DW. Hippocampal DSI of CIE rats was significantly reduced at 2 DW but not at 40 DW. The CB1R agonist WIN 55,212‐2 (0.5 μM) produced a significantly greater decrease in the frequency of spontaneous inhibitory currents from saline‐treated rats compared with CIE rats at 2 DW, but not at 40 DW.

Conclusions: These data demonstrate that CIE treatment and withdrawal transiently down‐regulates hippocampal CB1Rs followed by a long‐term up‐regulation, including increased levels of endogenous cannabinoids. These findings are consistent with our hypothesis and suggest that long‐term up‐regulation of hippocampal CB1Rs may contribute to the long‐term cognitive impairments in alcoholism. The data further suggest that the effectiveness of CB1R blockade in decreasing alcohol consumption may be greater after protracted abstinence from alcohol.
Femoral Vein Hemostasis in Children Using a Suture‐Mediated Closure Device
Authors: OZAWA AKIRA , CHATURVEDI RAJIV , LEE KYONG‐JIN , BENSON LEE
Published: March 2007

The safety and efficacy of a suture‐mediated vascular closure device (Perclose™, Abbott, Redwood City, CA) for hemostasis after percutaneous vascular access using ≥8‐Fr sheath in the femoral vein after cardiac catheterization in children was assessed. Efficacy was determined by time to hemostasis and vessel integrity, using Doppler vascular ultrasound within 24 hours of the procedure. Forty children were randomized to treatment with either the closure device (n = 20, 10 males, weight 34.8 ± 21 kg) or manual compression (n = 20, 10 males, weight 33.7 ± 16 kg, P = 0.57 between groups for weight). Sheath sizes used were ≥8 French (8 Fr, n = 8; 9 Fr, n = 7; 10 Fr, n = 1; 11 Fr, n = 1; 12 Fr, n = 2; and 14 Fr, n = 1). Successful suture deployment was achieved in 14 of the 20 children. Mean time to hemostasis was 6.2 ± 0.9 versus 14.9 ± 1.1 minutes in controls (P = 0.003). Five of six unsuccessful deployments were in children with weights <20 kg. There were no differences in the occurrence of vascular complications (i.e., intraluminal thrombus) between the two groups as determined by ultrasound. A suture‐mediated device appears safe and effective in achieving rapid vascular hemostasis even after the use of large sheath sizes in children.
The Relationship between Attitudes, Knowledge, and Demographic Variables of High School Teachers Regarding Food Irradiation
Authors: Thompson B.M. , Ribera K.P. , Wingenbach G.J. , Vestal T.A.
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT:  The purpose of this study was to use a validated instrument to determine the attitudes and knowledge of high school teachers regarding food irradiation, and to determine the correlations among their knowledge and attitudes and certain demographic variables. Knowledge and attitudes about food irradiation were measured in selected high school family and consumer sciences teachers (n= 121) who taught Food and Nutrition, Food Science and Technology, and/or Food Production Management and Services, via a 24‐item instrument with 6 factors. Results revealed these teachers held neutral to positive attitudes about the safety of irradiated foods, their perception of the risk of foodborne illness, and learning about food irradiation, and neutral to negative perceptions of their understanding of food irradiation and their competence to teach about it. These teachers had a moderate knowledge base regarding food irradiation. Teachers' attitudes regarding the safety of food irradiation were positively correlated with their perceived understanding of food irradiation, actual knowledge of it, and competence to teach about it. Their perceived understanding of food irradiation was positively correlated with competence to teach about it, knowledge, and attitudes toward the safety of food irradiation. The only demographic variable correlated with knowledge or attitudes was teachers' previous food irradiation educational experiences. These data suggest the importance of education for family and consumer sciences teachers concerning food irradiation.
Molecular Identification of 26 Syntaxin Genes and their Assignment to the Different Trafficking Pathways in Paramecium
Authors: Kissmehl Roland , Schilde Christina , Wassmer Thomas , Danzer Carsten , Nuehse Kathrin , Lutter Kaya , Plattner Helmut
Published: March 2007

SNARE proteins have been classified as vesicular (v)‐ and target (t)‐SNAREs and play a central role in the various membrane interactions in eukaryotic cells. Based on the Paramecium genome project, we have identified a multigene family of at least 26 members encoding the t‐SNARE syntaxin (PtSyx) that can be grouped into 15 subfamilies. Paramecium syntaxins match the classical build‐up of syntaxins, being ‘tail‐anchored’ membrane proteins with an N‐terminal cytoplasmic domain and a membrane‐bound single C‐terminal hydrophobic domain. The membrane anchor is preceded by a conserved SNARE domain of ∼60 amino acids that is supposed to participate in SNARE complex assembly. In a phylogenetic analysis, most of the Paramecium syntaxin genes were found to cluster in groups together with those from other organisms in a pathway‐specific manner, allowing an assignment to different compartments in a homology‐dependent way. However, some of them seem to have no counterparts in metazoans. In another approach, we fused one representative member of each of the syntaxin isoforms to green fluorescent protein and assessed the in vivo localization, which was further supported by immunolocalization of some syntaxins. This allowed us to assign syntaxins to all important trafficking pathways in Paramecium.
Clock genes beyond the clock: CLOCK genotype biases neural correlates of moral valence decision in depressed patients
Authors: Benedetti F. , Radaelli D. , Bernasconi A. , Dallaspezia S. , Falini A. , Scotti G. , Lorenzi C. , Colombo C. , Smeraldi E.
Published: March 2007

Gene polymorphisms in the mammalian biological clock system influence individual rhythms. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 3′ flanking region of CLOCK (3111 T/C; rs1801260) influenced diurnal preference in healthy humans and caused sleep phase delay and insomnia in patients affected by bipolar disorder. Genes of the biological clock are expressed in many brain structures other than in the ‘master clock’ suprachiasmatic nuclei. These areas, such as cingulate cortex, are involved in the control of many human behaviors. Clock genes could then bias ‘nonclock’ functions such as information processing and decision making. Thirty inpatients affected by a major depressive episode underwent blood oxygen–level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The cognitive activation paradigm was based on a go/no‐go task. Morally connoted words were presented. Genotyping of CLOCK was performed for each patients. We measured activity levels through actimetry during the day before the fMRI study. CLOCK 3111 T/C SNP was associated with activity levels in the second part of the day, neuropsychological performance and BOLD fMRI correlates (interaction of genotype and moral valence of the stimuli). Our results support the hypothesis that individual clock genotype may influence several variables linked with human behaviors in normal and psychopathological conditions.
Concentration-Dependent Synergy and Antagonism within a Triple Antifungal Drug Combination againstAspergillusSpecies: Analysis by a New Response Surface Model
Authors: Meletiadis Joseph , Stergiopoulou Theodouli , O'Shaughnessy Elizabeth M. , Peter Joanne , Walsh Thomas J.
Published: March 2007

Triple antifungal combinations are used against refractory invasive aspergillosis without an adequate understanding of their pharmacodynamic interactions. We initially studied the in vitro triple combination of voriconazole, amphotericin B, and caspofungin againstAspergillus fumigatus,A. flavus, andA. terreusby a spectrophotometric microdilution broth method after 48 h of incubation. We then analyzed these results with a recently described nonlinear mixture response surfaceEmax-based model modified to assess pharmacodynamic interactions at various growth levels. The new model allows flexibility in all four parameters of theEmaxmodel and is able to describe complex pharmacodynamic interactions. Concentration-dependent pharmacodynamic interactions were found within the triple antifungal combination. At the 50% growth level, synergy (median interaction indices of 0.43 to 0.82) was observed at low concentrations of voriconazole (<0.03 mg/liter) and amphotericin B (≤0.20 mg/liter) and at intermediate concentrations of caspofungin (0.95 to 14.88 mg/liter), whereas antagonism (median interaction indices of 1.17 to 1.80) was found at higher concentrations of voriconazole and amphotericin B. Ternary plot and interaction surface analysis further revealed the complexity of these concentration-dependent interactions. With increasing concentrations of amphotericin B, the synergistic interactions of voriconazole-caspofungin double combination decreased while the antagonistic interactions increased. A similar effect was observed when voriconazole was added to the double combination of amphotericin B and caspofungin. In conclusion, the new nonlinear mixture-amount response surface modeling of the triple antifungal combination demonstrated a net antagonism or synergy againstAspergillusspecies depending upon drug concentrations and species.
STABILITY OF THE kTH ORDER LYNESS' EQUATION WITH A PERIOD-k COEFFICIENT
Authors: JANOWSKI E. J. , KULENOVIĆ M. R. S. , NURKANOVIĆ Z.
Published: March 2007

We first investigate the Lyapunov stability of the period-three solution of Todd's equation with a period-three coefficient: [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] α,β, and γ positive.

Then for k = 2,3,… we extend our stability result to the k-order equation, [Formula: see text] where pn is a periodic coefficient of period k with positive real values and x-k+1,…,x-1, x0 ∈ (0, ∞).
SYSTEMATIC FUNCTIONAL DECOMPOSITION IN A PRODUCT LINE USING ASPECT-ORIENTED SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY
Authors: MAREW TEGEGNE , KIM JUNGYOON , BAE DOO HWAN
Published: March 2007

Systematic configuration management is important for successful software product lines. We can use aspect-oriented software development to decompose software product lines based on features that can ease configuration management. In this paper, we present a military maintenance product line that employs such strategy. In particular, we applied a specific approach, feature based modeling (FBM), in the construction of the system. We have extended FBM to address properties specific to product line. We will discuss the advantages of FBM when applied to product lines. Such gains include the functional decomposition of the system along user requirements (features) as aspects. Moreover, those features exhibit unidirectional dependency (i.e. among any two features, at most one depend on another) that enables developers to analyze the effect of any modification they may make on any feature. In addition, any variations can be captured as aspects which can also be incorporated easily into the core asset if such variation is deemed to be important enough to be included in the product line for further evolution.
ON THE HYPERBOLIC RELAXATION OF THE CAHN–HILLIARD EQUATION IN 3D: APPROXIMATION AND LONG TIME BEHAVIOUR
Authors: SEGATTI ANTONIO
Published: March 2007

In this paper we consider the hyperbolic relaxation of the Cahn–Hilliard equation ruling the evolution of the relative concentration u of one component of a binary alloy system located in a bounded and regular domain Ω of ℝ3. This equation is characterized by the presence of the additional inertial term ∊utt that accounts for the relaxation of the diffusion flux. For this equation we address the problem of the long time stability from the point of view of global attractors. The main difficulty in dealing with this system is the low regularity of its weak solutions, which prevents us from proving a uniqueness result and a proper energy identity for the solutions. We overcome this difficulty by using a density argument based on a Faedo–Galerkin approximation scheme and the recent J. M. Ball's theory of generalized semiflows. Moreover, we address the problem of the approximation of the attractor of the continuous problem with the one of Faedo–Galerkin scheme. Finally, we show that the same type of results hold also for the damped semilinear wave equation when the nonlinearity ϕ is not Lipschitz continuous and has a super critical growth.
A Study of the Response of Deep Tropical Clouds to Large-Scale Thermodynamic Forcings. Part II: Sensitivities to Microphysics, Radiation, and Surface Fluxes
Authors: Johnson D. E. , Tao W-K. , Simpson J.
Published: March 2007

The Goddard Cumulus Ensemble (GCE) model is used to examine the sensitivities of multiday 2D simulations of deep tropical convection to surface fluxes, interactive radiation, and ice microphysical processes. The simulations incorporate large-scale temperature, moisture, and momentum forcings, from the Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment (TOGA COARE) for the period 19–27 December 1992.

This study shows that, when surface fluxes are eliminated, the mean simulated atmosphere is much cooler and drier, convection and CAPE are much weaker, precipitation is less, and low-level to midlevel cloudiness is much greater. Surface fluxes using the TOGA COARE flux algorithm are weaker than with the aerodynamic formulation, but closer to the observed fluxes. In addition, trends similar to those noted above for the case without surface fluxes are produced for the TOGA COARE flux case, albeit to a much lesser extent. The elimination of shortwave and longwave radiation is found to have only minimal effects on the mean thermodynamics, convection, and precipitation. However, exclusion of radiation in the model does have a significant impact on cloud temperatures and structure above 200 mb.

The removal of ice microphysical processes produces major changes in the structure of the clouds. Much of the liquid water is transported to the upper levels of the troposphere and evaporates, resulting in less mean total surface precipitation. The precipitation primarily occurs in regions of narrow, but intense, convective rainfall bands. The elimination of melting processes (diabatic cooling and conversions to rain) leads to greater (ice) hydrometeor mass below the 0°C level and reduced latent cooling. This, along with weaker vertical cloud mass fluxes, produces a much warmer and moister boundary layer, and a greater mean CAPE. Finally, the elimination of the graupel species has only a small impact on mean total precipitation, thermodynamics, and dynamics of the simulation, but does produce much greater snow mass just above the melting layer.
Toward Understanding the Dynamical Origin of Atmospheric Regime Behavior in a Baroclinic Model
Authors: Sempf Mario , Dethloff Klaus , Handorf Dörthe , Kurgansky Michael V.
Published: March 2007

Dynamical mechanisms of atmospheric regime behavior are investigated in the context of a quasigeostrophic three-level T21 model of the wintertime atmospheric circulation over the Northern Hemisphere. The model, driven by realistic orography and using a thermal forcing determined by a newly developed tuning procedure, is shown to possess a reasonable climatology and to simulate the Arctic Oscillation quite realistically. It exhibits pronounced internally generated interannual and decadal variability and, in particular, circulation regimes that agree fairly well with observed ones. Two known hypotheses about the origin of regime behavior, as it occurs in the model herein are addressed: (i) multiple equilibria and (ii) chaotic itinerancy between attractor ruins. The first hypothesis is falsified at very high probability, while the second is likely to be true.
Evolution of Water Vapor Concentrations and Stratospheric Age of Air in Coupled Chemistry-Climate Model Simulations
Authors: Austin John , Wilson John , Li Feng , Vömel Holger
Published: March 2007

Stratospheric water vapor concentrations and age of air are investigated in an ensemble of coupled chemistry-climate model simulations covering the period from 1960 to 2005. Observed greenhouse gas concentrations, halogen concentrations, aerosol amounts, and sea surface temperatures are all specified in the model as time-varying fields. The results are compared with two experiments (time-slice runs) with constant forcings for the years 1960 and 2000, in which the sea surface temperatures are set to the same climatological values, aerosol concentrations are fixed at background levels, while greenhouse gas and halogen concentrations are set to the values for the relevant years.

The time-slice runs indicate an increase in stratospheric water vapor from 1960 to 2000 due primarily to methane oxidation. The age of air is found to be significantly less in the year 2000 run than the 1960 run. The transient runs from 1960 to 2005 indicate broadly similar results: an increase in water vapor and a decrease in age of air. However, the results do not change gradually. The age of air decreases significantly only after about 1975, corresponding to the period of ozone reduction. The age of air is related to tropical upwelling, which determines the transport of methane into the stratosphere. Oxidation of increased methane from enhanced tropical upwelling results in higher water vapor amounts. In the model simulations, the rate of increase of stratospheric water vapor during the period of enhanced upwelling is up to twice the long-term mean. The concentration of stratospheric water vapor also increases following volcanic eruptions during the simulations.