bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrition Delivery for Obese ICU Patients
Authors: Martindale Robert G. , DeLegge Mark , McClave Stephen , Monroe Craig , Smith Vance , Kiraly Laszlo
Published: September 2011

The most appropriate enteral formula for the severely obese population has yet to be determined. The obese patient in the intensive care unit (ICU) creates numerous difficulties for managing care, one being the ability to deliver appropriate and timely nutrition. Access for nutrition therapy, either enteral or parenteral, can also create a challenge. Currently, no specific guidelines are available on a national or international scale to address the issues of how and when to feed the obese patient in the ICU. A bias against feeding these patients exists, secondary to the perception that an enormous quantity of calories is stored in adipose tissue. Making a specialty enteral formula for obesity from existing commercial formulas and other modular nutrient components is not practical, secondary to difficulty with solubility issues, dilution of the formula, and safety concerns. Using today's concepts and current metabolic data, a formula could be produced that would address many of the specific metabolic derangements noted in obesity. This formula should have a high‐protein, low‐carbohydrate content with at least a portion of the lipid source coming from fish oil. Specific nutrients that may be beneficial in obesity include arginine, glutamine, leucine, L‐carnitine, lipoic acid, S‐adenosylmethionine, and betaine. Certain trace minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and selenium may also be of value in the obese population. The concept of a specific bariatric formulation for the ICU setting is theoretically sound, is scientifically based, and could be delivered to patients safely.
The matrimonial web of migrants: The economics of profiling as a new form of ethnic business
Authors: Diminescu Dana , Renault Matthieu
Published: September 2011

This article investigates the matrimonial web of migrants by first focusing on the economy of ethnic profiling which underlies it. Such ethnicization of the ‘love’ encounter is closely dependant on a complex articulation of gender, nationality and mobility (migration), which is called here an ‘international distribution of gender’. Finally, the migrant matrimonial web suggests a new form of ‘ethnic business’, in which the source of value does not result from the activation of pre-existing networks but from the very creation of ethnic networks.
Classroom contradictions: Popular media in Ontario schools’ literacy and citizenship education policies
Authors: Ferguson Susan
Published: September 2011

In 2003, the Ontario Ministry of Education in Canada began promoting popular media as a pedagogical tool, especially for ‘reluctant’ readers. This ‘pedagogy of the popular’ is instituted within a critical media literacy framework that draws on the values and codes of multiculturalism to counter the consumerist messages students encounter in nontraditional texts. The model of civic citizenship promoted by the critical media literacy curriculum, however, fails in its ambitions to provide a counterweight to the neo-liberal model of consumer citizenship. Insofar as its critique is grounded in a multicultural politics of representation, Ontario’s media literacy curriculum fails to deeply interrogate the social roots of conflict and discrimination. As a result, it only weakly challenges, and is unlikely to displace, the post-Keynesian-era model of citizenship education in which the values of universality and inclusiveness are subsumed to an ethos that naturalizes the practices and moral codes of the marketplace.
The risk of subsequent cancer and arterial cardiovascular events in patients with superficial vein thrombosis in the legs
Authors: Prandoni Paolo , Casiglia Edoardo , Tikhonoff Valerie , Leizorovicz Alain , Decousus Hervé ,   on behalf of the Calisto Investigators
Published: September 2011

Although it has been clearly demonstrated that venous thromboembolism is associated with an increased risk of subsequent overt cancer and arterial cardiovascular events in comparison with control populations, whether this association also applies to patients with isolated (ie, without concomitant involvement of the deep vein system) superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) in the legs is unknown. In 737 consecutive patients with isolated SVT not involving the sapheno-femoral junction, we conducted a retrospective investigation to assess the rate of cancer and that of arterial cardiovascular events occurring during follow-up. The event rates were compared with those occurring in 1438 controls having comparable characteristics. Both cases and controls were followed-up for an average period of 26 ± 8 months (range, 3-45). Malignancy was diagnosed in 26 cases (3.5%) and 56 controls (3.9%), leading to a hazard ratio of 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.55%-1.35%). Arterial cardiovascular events occurred in 32 cases (4.3%) and 63 controls (4.4%), leading to a hazard ratio of 0.97 (95% confidence interval, 0.63%-1.50%). We conclude that the occurrence of isolated SVT in the legs does not place patients at an increased risk of malignancies or arterial cardiovascular events. Whether this conclusion also applies to patients whose thrombosis involves the sapheno-femoral junction remains to be demonstrated.
Arx and Nkx2.2 compound deficiency redirects pancreatic alpha- and beta-cell differentiation to a somatostatin/ghrelin co-expressing cell lineage
Authors: Kordowich Simon , Collombat Patrick , Mansouri Ahmed , Serup Palle
Published: September 2011

Background

Nkx2.2 and Arx represent key transcription factors implicated in the specification of islet cell subtypes during pancreas development. Mice deficient for Arx do not develop any alpha-cells whereas beta- and delta-cells are found in considerably higher numbers. In Nkx2.2 mutant animals, alpha- and beta-cell development is severely impaired whereas a ghrelin-expressing cell population is found augmented.

Notably, Arx transcription is clearly enhanced in Nkx2.2-deficient pancreata. Hence in order to precise the functional link between both factors we performed a comparative analysis of Nkx2.2/Arx single- and double-mutants but also of Pax6-deficient animals.

Results

We show that most of the ghrelin+ cells emerging in pancreata of Nkx2.2- and Pax6-deficient mice, express the alpha-cell specifier Arx, but also additional beta-cell related genes. In Nkx2.2-deficient mice, Arx directly co-localizes with iAPP, PC1/3 and Pdx1 suggesting an Nkx2.2-dependent control of Arx in committed beta-cells. The combined loss of Nkx2.2 and Arx likewise results in the formation of a hyperplastic ghrelin+ cell population at the expense of mature alpha- and beta-cells. Surprisingly, such Nkx2.2

-/-

Arx

-
ghrelin+ cells also express the somatostatin hormone.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that Nkx2.2 acts by reinforcing the transcriptional networks initiated by Pax4 and Arx in early committed beta- and alpha-cell, respectively. Our analysis also suggests that one of the coupled functions of Nkx2.2 and Pax4 is to counteract Arx gene activity in early committed beta-cells.
At last, a Pennsylvanian stem-stonefly (Plecoptera) discovered
Authors: Béthoux Olivier , Cui Yingying , Kondratieff Boris , Stark Bill , Ren Dong
Published: September 2011

Background

Stem-relatives of many winged insect orders have been identified among Pennsylvanian fossils (Carboniferous Period). Owing to their presumed 'basal' position in insect phylogeny, stoneflies were expected to occur at this period. However, no relative has ever been designated convincingly.

Results

In this paper, we report specimens belonging to a new fossil insect species collected from the Tupo Formation (Pennsylvanian; China). The wing venation of Gulou carpenteri
gen. et sp. nov. exhibits character states diagnostic of the order Plecoptera, but lack character states shared by unequivocal representatives of the order. Derived from this identification, the delimitation of the fossil species is ascertained based on comparison of several extant stonefly species. This comparative analysis allowed a trait present in G. carpenteri
gen. et sp. nov., but rarely occurring in extant species, to be documented and highlighted as atavistic. Affinities of taxa formerly proposed as putative stem-stoneflies are reconsidered in the light of the new discovery.

Conclusions

Gulou carpenteri
gen. et sp. nov. is considered the only genuine Plecoptera reported from the Pennsylvanian. Continuing efforts on the systematics of Pennsylvanian winged insects indicate a fauna more diverse than previously appreciated. It suggests that insects already had a long, yet undocumented, history by this time.
Genomic analysis and temperature-dependent transcriptome profiles of the rhizosphere originating strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa M18
Authors: Wu Da-Qiang , Ye Jing , Ou Hong-Yu , Wei Xue , Huang Xianqing , He Ya-Wen , Xu Yuquan
Published: September 2011

Background

Our previously published reports have described an effective biocontrol agent named Pseudomonas sp. M18 as its 16S rDNA sequence and several regulator genes share homologous sequences with those of P. aeruginosa, but there are several unusual phenotypic features. This study aims to explore its strain specific genomic features and gene expression patterns at different temperatures.

Results

The complete M18 genome is composed of a single chromosome of 6,327,754 base pairs containing 5684 open reading frames. Seven genomic islands, including two novel prophages and five specific non-phage islands were identified besides the conserved P. aeruginosa core genome. Each prophage contains a putative chitinase coding gene, and the prophage II contains a capB gene encoding a putative cold stress protein. The non-phage genomic islands contain genes responsible for pyoluteorin biosynthesis, environmental substance degradation and type I and III restriction-modification systems. Compared with other P. aeruginosa strains, the fewest number (3) of insertion sequences and the most number (3) of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats in M18 genome may contribute to the relative genome stability. Although the M18 genome is most closely related to that of P. aeruginosa strain LESB58, the strain M18 is more susceptible to several antimicrobial agents and easier to be erased in a mouse acute lung infection model than the strain LESB58. The whole M18 transcriptomic analysis indicated that 10.6% of the expressed genes are temperature-dependent, with 22 genes up-regulated at 28°C in three non-phage genomic islands and one prophage but none at 37°C.

Conclusions

The P. aeruginosa strain M18 has evolved its specific genomic structures and temperature dependent expression patterns to meet the requirement of its fitness and competitiveness under selective pressures imposed on the strain in rhizosphere niche.
Characterization of a caleosin expressed during olive (Olea europaeaL.) pollen ontogeny
Authors: Zienkiewicz Krzysztof , Zienkiewicz Agnieszka , Rodríguez-García María Isabel , Castro Antonio J
Published: September 2011

Background

The olive tree is an oil-storing species, with pollen being the second most active site in storage lipid biosynthesis. Caleosins are proteins involved in storage lipid mobilization during seed germination. Despite the existence of different lipidic structures in the anther, there are no data regarding the presence of caleosins in this organ to date. The purpose of the present work was to characterize a caleosin expressed in the olive anther over different key stages of pollen ontogeny, as a first approach to unravel its biological function in reproduction.

Results

A 30 kDa caleosin was identified in the anther tissues by Western blot analysis. Using fluorescence and transmission electron microscopic immunolocalization methods, the protein was first localized in the tapetal cells at the free microspore stage. Caleosins were released to the anther locule and further deposited onto the sculptures of the pollen exine. As anthers developed, tapetal cells showed the presence of structures constituted by caleosin-containing lipid droplets closely packed and enclosed by ER-derived cisternae and vesicles. After tapetal cells lost their integrity, the caleosin-containing remnants of the tapetum filled the cavities of the mature pollen exine, forming the pollen coat. In developing microspores, this caleosin was initially detected on the exine sculptures. During pollen maturation, caleosin levels progressively increased in the vegetative cell, concurrently with the number of oil bodies. The olive pollen caleosin was able to bind calciumin vitro. Moreover, PEGylation experiments supported the structural conformation model suggested for caleosins from seed oil bodies.

Conclusions

In the olive anther, a caleosin is expressed in both the tapetal and germ line cells, with its synthesis independently regulated. The pollen oil body-associated caleosin is synthesized by the vegetative cell, whereas the protein located on the pollen exine and its coating has a sporophytic origin. The biological significance of the caleosin in the reproductive process in species possessing lipid-storing pollen might depend on its subcellular emplacement. The pollen inner caleosin may be involved in OB biogenesis during pollen maturation. The protein located on the outside might rather play a function in pollen-stigma interaction during pollen hydration and germination.
The frequency of microscopic and focal active colitis in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Ozdil Kamil , Sahin Abdurrahman , Calhan Turan , Kahraman Resul , Nigdelioglu Adil , Akyuz Umit , Sokmen Hacı M
Published: September 2011

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional bowel disorder. The frequency of microscopic colitis and focal active colitis in the colonic mucosa has been investigated in IBS patients.

Methods

Between June 2007 and September 2010, 378 patients (between 16 and 84 years) were recruited prospectively. Of these 378 patients, 226 patients were diagnosed with IBS using the Rome III criteria. 152 control patients were also enrolled who were undergoing colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening or investigation of anemia. Histopathological abnormalities identified during colonoscopy were compared between the IBS and control groups.

Results

The average age of the IBS group was 46.13 ± 14.16 years and and the average age of the control group was 57.01 ± 13.07 years. The prevalence of microscopic colitis (MC) in the diarrhea predominant and the mixed subgroup of IBS patients was 4.32% (7/162) whereas in all IBS patients, the prevalence was 3.09% (7/226). MC was not found in the 152 control cases, (p = 0.045). Lymphocytic colitis was seen in 7 IBS patients, with 1 case in the mixed group and 6 cases in the diarrhea group and there was a significant difference in the frequency of lymphocytic colitis between the IBS subgroups (p < 0.01). Focal active colitis was found in 6.6% (15/226) of the IBS patients and in none of the controls (p < 0.01), and there was no differences between IBS subtypes.

Conclusion

Microscopic colitis was more often found in the diarrhea predominant/mixed subgroups of IBS patients and in patients who were older women. In patients who are older woman with non-constipated IBS, it may be reasonable to perform a biopsy to screen for microscopic colitis. Focal active colitis was significantly increased in patients with IBS compared to controls.
Predictors of surgical site infections among patients undergoing major surgery at Bugando Medical Centre in Northwestern Tanzania
Authors: Mawalla Brian , Mshana Stephen E , Chalya Phillipo L , Imirzalioglu Can , Mahalu William
Published: September 2011

Background

Surgical site infection (SSI) continues to be a major source of morbidity and mortality in developing countries despite recent advances in aseptic techniques. There is no baseline information regarding SSI in our setting therefore it was necessary to conduct this study to establish the prevalence, pattern and predictors of surgical site infection at Bugando Medical Centre Mwanza (BMC), Tanzania.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional prospective study involving all patients who underwent major surgery in surgical wards between July 2009 and March 2010. After informed written consent for the study and HIV testing, all patients who met inclusion criteria were consecutively enrolled into the study. Pre-operative, intra-operative and post operative data were collected using standardized data collection form. Wound specimens were collected and processed as per standard operative procedures; and susceptibility testing was done using disc diffusion technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 15 and STATA.

Results

Surgical site infection (SSI) was detected in 65 (26.0%) patients, of whom 56 (86.2%) and 9 (13.8%) had superficial and deep SSI respectively. Among 65 patients with clinical SSI, 56(86.2%) had positive aerobic culture. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant organism 16/56 (28.6%); of which 3/16 (18.8%) were MRSA. This was followed by Escherichia coli 14/56 (25%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae 10/56 (17.9%). Among the Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates 9(64.3%) and 8(80%) were ESBL producers respectively. A total of 37/250 (14.8%) patients were HIV positive with a mean CD4 count of 296 cells/ml. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, presence of pre-morbid illness (OR = 6.1), use of drain (OR = 15.3), use of iodine alone in skin preparation (OR = 17.6), duration of operation ≥ 3 hours (OR = 3.2) and cigarette smoking (OR = 9.6) significantly predicted surgical site infection (SSI)

Conclusion

SSI is common among patients admitted in surgical wards at BMC and pre-morbid illness, use of drain, iodine alone in skin preparation, prolonged duration of the operation and cigarette smoking were found to predict SSI. Prevention strategies focusing on factors associated with SSI is necessary in order to reduce the rate of SSI in our setting.
Plumbagin inhibits invasion and migration of breast and gastric cancer cells by downregulating the expression of chemokine receptor CXCR4
Authors: Manu Kanjoormana Aryan , Shanmugam Muthu K , Rajendran Peramaiyan , Li Feng , Ramachandran Lalitha , Hay Hui Sin , Kannaiyan Radhamani , Swamy Shivananju Nanjunda , Vali Shireen , Kapoor Shweta , Ramesh Bhargavi , Bist Pradeep , Koay Evelyn S , Lim Lina HK , Ahn Kwang Seok , Kumar Alan Prem , Sethi Gautam
Published: September 2011

Background

Increasing evidence indicates that the interaction between the CXC chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4) and its ligand CXCL12 is critical in the process of metastasis that accounts for more than 90% of cancer-related deaths. Thus, novel agents that can downregulate the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis have therapeutic potential in inhibiting cancer metastasis.

Methods

In this report, we investigated the potential of an agent, plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1, 4-naphthoquinone), for its ability to modulate CXCR4 expression and function in various tumor cells using Western blot analysis, DNA binding assay, transient transfection, real time PCR analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and cellular migration and invasion assays.

Results

We found that plumbagin downregulated the expression of CXCR4 in breast cancer cells irrespective of their HER2 status. The decrease in CXCR4 expression induced by plumbagin was not cell type-specific as the inhibition also occurred in gastric, lung, renal, oral, and hepatocellular tumor cell lines. Neither proteasome inhibition nor lysosomal stabilization had any effect on plumbagin-induced decrease in CXCR4 expression. Detailed study of the underlying molecular mechanism(s) revealed that the regulation of the downregulation of CXCR4 was at the transcriptional level, as indicated by downregulation of mRNA expression, inhibition of NF-κB activation, and suppression of chromatin immunoprecipitation activity. In addition, using a virtual, predictive, functional proteomics-based tumor pathway platform, we tested the hypothesis that NF-κB inhibition by plumbagin causes the decrease in CXCR4 and other metastatic genes. Suppression of CXCR4 expression by plumbagin was found to correlate with the inhibition of CXCL12-induced migration and invasion of both breast and gastric cancer cells.

Conclusions

Overall, our results indicate, for the first time, that plumbagin is a novel blocker of CXCR4 expression and thus has the potential to suppress metastasis of cancer.
Indoor localization based on cellular telephony RSSI fingerprints containing very large numbers of carriers
Authors: Oussar Yacine , Ahriz Iness , Denby Bruce , Dreyfus Gérard
Published: September 2011

A new approach to indoor localization is presented, based upon the use of Received Signal Strength (RSS) fingerprints containing data from very large numbers of cellular base stations--up to the entire GSM band of over 500 channels. Machine learning techniques are employed to extract good quality location information from these high-dimensionality input vectors. Experimental results in a domestic and an office setting are presented, in which data were accumulated over a 1-month period in order to assure time robustness. Room-level classification efficiencies approaching 100% were obtained, using Support Vector Machines in one-versus-one and one-versus-all configurations. Promising results using semi-supervised learning techniques, in which only a fraction of the training data is required to have a room label, are also presented. While indoor RSS localization using WiFi, as well as some rather mediocre results with low-carrier count GSM fingerprints, have been discussed elsewhere, this is to our knowledge the first study to demonstrate that good quality indoor localization information can be obtained, in diverse settings, by applying a machine learning strategy to RSS vectors that contain the entire GSM band.
The counseling african americans to control hypertension (caatch) trial: baseline demographic, clinical, psychosocial, and behavioral characteristics
Authors: Fernandez Senaida , Tobin Jonathan N , Cassells Andrea , Diaz-Gloster Marleny , Kalida Chamanara , Ogedegbe Gbenga
Published: September 2011

Background

Effectiveness of combined physician and patient-level interventions for blood pressure (BP) control in low-income, hypertensive African Americans with multiple co-morbid conditions remains largely untested in community-based primary care practices. Demographic, clinical, psychosocial, and behavioral characteristics of participants in the Counseling African American to Control Hypertension (CAATCH) Trial are described. CAATCH evaluates the effectiveness of a multi-level, multi-component, evidence-based intervention compared with usual care (UC) in improving BP control among poorly controlled hypertensive African Americans who receive primary care in Community Health Centers (CHCs).

Methods

Participants included 1,039 hypertensive African Americans receiving care in 30 CHCs in the New York Metropolitan area. Baseline data on participant demographic, clinical (e.g., BP, anti-hypertensive medications), psychosocial (e.g., depression, medication adherence, self-efficacy), and behavioral (e.g., exercise, diet) characteristics were gathered through direct observation, chart review, and interview.

Results

The sample was primarily female (71.6%), middle-aged (mean age = 56.9 ± 12.1 years), high school educated (62.4%), low-income (72.4% reporting less than $20,000/year income), and received Medicaid (35.9%) or Medicare (12.6%). Mean systolic and diastolic BP were 150.7 ± 16.7 mm Hg and 91.0 ± 10.6 mm Hg, respectively. Participants were prescribed an average of 2.5 ± 1.9 antihypertensive medications; 54.8% were on a diuretic; 33.8% were on a beta blocker; 41.9% were on calcium channel blockers; 64.8% were on angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). One-quarter (25.6%) of the sample had resistant hypertension; one-half (55.7%) reported medication non-adherence. Most (79.7%) reported one or more co-morbid medical conditions. The majority of the patients had a Charlson Co-morbidity score ≥ 2. Diabetes mellitus was common (35.8%), and moderate/severe depression was present in 16% of participants. Participants were sedentary (835.3 ± 1,644.2 Kcal burned per week), obese (59.7%), and had poor global physical health, poor eating habits, high health literacy, and good overall mental health.

Conclusions

A majority of patients in the CAATCH trial exhibited adverse lifestyle behaviors, and had significant medical and psychosocial barriers to adequate BP control. Trial outcomes will shed light on the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions for BP control when implemented in real-world medical settings that serve high numbers of low-income hypertensive African-Americans with multiple co-morbidity and significant barriers to behavior change.
Impaired spatial and contextual memory formation in galectin-1 deficient mice
Authors: Sakaguchi Masanori , Arruda-Carvalho Maithe , Kang Na Hyea , Imaizumi Yoichi , Poirier Françoise , Okano Hideyuki , Frankland Paul W
Published: September 2011

Galectins are a 15 member family of carbohydrate-binding proteins that have been implicated in cancer, immunity, inflammation and development. While galectins are expressed in the central nervous system, little is known about their function in the adult brain. Previously we have shown that galectin-1 (gal-1) is expressed in the adult hippocampus, and, in particular, in putative neural stem cells in the subgranular zone. To evaluate how gal-1 might contribute to hippocampal memory function here we studiedgalectin-1null mutant (gal-1-/-) mice. Compared to their wildtype littermate controls, gal-1-/-mice exhibited impaired spatial learning in the water maze and contextual fear learning. Interestingly, tone fear conditioning was normal in gal-1-/-mice suggesting that loss ofgal-1might especially impact hippocampal learning and memory. Furthermore, gal-1-/-mice exhibited normal motor function, emotion and sensory processing in a battery of other behavioral tests, suggesting that non-mnemonic performance deficits are unlikely to account for the spatial and contextual learning deficits. Together, these data reveal a role for galectin-carbohydrate signalling in hippocampal memory function.
ELECTROMAGNETIC LATERAL WAVES OBSERVED BY EARTH‐SOUNDING RADARS
Authors: Clough John W.
Published: September 2011

Electromagnetic waves refracted at the critical angle according to Snell's law give rise to the lateral wave. The low amplitude lateral wave is usually obscured by other waves when continuous wave sources are used. Using a pulsed source (radar) and continuously recording echoes reflected from within dielectric earth materials as a function of angle of incidence, records are produced which clearly show the lateral wave. In some earth‐probing applications, the lateral wave may predominate and proper identification of its characteristics is important.
PRACTICAL AIRBORNE EM (AEM) INTERPRETATION USING A SPHERE MODEL
Authors: Lodha G. S. , West G. F.
Published: September 2011

The most popular model for quantitative interpretation of airborne EM data is the conductive half‐plane. This is a good shape for representing many long‐strike conductors, but a different model is needed for interpreting localized anomalies. A conductive sphere is an obvious choice. Although the mathematical solution has been available for decades and dozens of papers have been published on the subject, no sets of type curves or interpretation diagrams for this simple model and actual EM prospecting system are yet available in the open literature.

For this paper, response profiles for an airborne EM system of “double dipole” type (coil axes in the direction of flight) have been computed from the mathematical solution using all necessary terms of the series. The anomaly profiles are of simple shape and it has been found that the profile half‐width has a constant relationship with the depth to the center of the sphere. The profile half‐widths along with the in‐phase and quadrature anomaly amplitudes allow a direct interpretation of depth, radius, and conductivity of the sphere. Where the sphere is also permeable, interpretation of the accompanying magnetic survey profile can allow this extra parameter to be taken into account. Finally, sample AEM profiles from the New Insco deposit are interpreted. True depth as obtained from drilling lies between the depth interpreted by two extreme models, viz., a sphere and a half‐plane.
Jumping to conclusions: the psychology of delusional reasoning
Authors: Garety Philippa , Freeman Daniel , Jolley Suzanne , Ross Kerry , Waller Helen , Dunn Graham
Published: September 2011

Delusions are a key symptom of psychosis and they are frequently distressing and disabling. Existing treatments, both pharmacological and psychological, are only partially effective. It is important to develop new treatment approaches based on theoretically derived and empirically tested processes. Delusions are associated with a reasoning bias: the jumping to conclusions (JTC) bias involves gathering limited information to reach decisions. It is proposed that this bias influences appraisals of psychotic experiences leading to the formation and persistence of delusions. Existing treatments do not influence JTC. A new intensive treatment approach – ‘reasoning training’ – is described. It aims to encourage participants to gather information, consider alternative explanations for events and review the evidence before reaching a decision. Preliminary data suggest that it is possible to change the JTC bias and that this improves belief flexibility and may reduce delusional conviction. The concepts and methods of this new approach have implications for clinical practice.
Alcohol-related brain damage: a 21st-century management
conundrum
Authors: Wilson Kenneth
Published: September 2011

Alcohol-related brain damage has a growing impact on service provision.
Despite the benefit of therapeutic interventions and a relatively good
prognosis in the context of service provision, few services exist. Both
national and local initiatives are required in order to provide psychosocial
rehabilitation for this marginalised group of patients.
Endothelin-1 Stimulates Proliferation of First-Trimester Trophoblasts via the A- and B-Type Receptor and Invasion via the B-Type Receptor
Authors: Cervar-Zivkovic M. , Dieber-Rotheneder M. , Barth S. , Hahn T. , Kohnen G. , Huppertz B. , Lang U. , Desoye G.
Published: September 2011

Context:

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) stimulates proliferation and invasion of first-trimester human trophoblast cells.

Objective:

To test the hypothesis that ET-1 effects are mediated by different receptor subtypes [ET receptor (ETR)-A and ETR-B].

Design:

The location of ETR in trophoblast cell columns (wk 6–12) was investigated by immunohistochemistry and autoradiography. Trophoblasts were isolated from first-trimester human placentas and proliferative and invasive subpopulations separated using an integrin α6 antibody. Cells were incubated for 24 h with 10 μm ET-1 and different ETR antagonists: PD142893 (unselective), BQ-610 (ETR-A), and RES-701-1 (ETR-B). After ETR down-regulation by antisense oligonucleotides, proliferation (thymidine incorporation, protein synthesis) and invasion (Matrigel invasion) were measured. ETR expression in isolated cells was analyzed by Western blotting and semiquantitative RT-PCR.

Results:

Both ETR are expressed in both subpopulations in the cell column with predominance of ETR-A in the proximal part and proliferative subpopulation, whereas ETR-B is present at similar levels in both subpopulations. These results were confirmed at the mRNA level. ET-1 increased proliferation (maximum 267% of control) and invasion (maximum 288% of control) of first-trimester trophoblasts. The mitogenic ET-1 effect was inhibited (P < 0.05) by 40–80% with each receptor antagonist and by 44 and 40%, respectively, by ETR-A and ETR-B antisense oligonucleotides. The invasion-promoting effect was almost completely blocked in the presence of the ETR-B antagonists.

Conclusion:

The effect of ET-1 on cell proliferation in first-trimester trophoblasts is mediated by both ETR, whereas its effect on invasion is mediated predominantly by ETR-B. These effects are in line with the receptor subtype location.
HIS SENSE OF AN ENDING
Authors: Frank Joseph
Published: September 2011

In this memorial essay on Sir Frank Kermode (1919–2010), the author focuses on his own exchange of views with Kermode during the 1970s. In Kermode's book The Sense of an Ending (1966), he had criticized Frank's essay “Spatial Form in Modern Literature” (1945) as part of a larger critique of what the Romantic-Symbolist tradition of English poetry had become in the twentieth century. Yeats, Pound, Eliot, and other late Symbolists had turned artists into advocates of an irrational wisdom superior to reason and common sense, thus isolating—so Kermode argued—the world of art from that of ordinary human concerns. Rejecting their view of art, he turned instead to a pre-Romantic tradition (including Spenser and Milton) that the Symbolists had rejected. Among modern writers, Kermode turned to Wallace Stevens, who became his foil for Yeats, Eliot, and Pound, as well as the most important influence on his own later thinking. Joseph Frank, in this essay, recalls the combination of acerbic intelligence, social concern, gentility, and finally friendship that characterized his debate over these questions with Kermode. Frank recalls as an indication of his respect and admiration for Kermode that he wrote, in 1977, that, even if his own theory of spatial form were to be shown worthless, it would still have value in having provided some of the stimulus for Kermode to write The Sense of an Ending.
BEHIND THE VEIL
Authors: Brisson Luc , Chase Michael
Published: September 2011

This memorial essay on the French historian of philosophy Pierre Hadot (1922–2010) explores his life and work. Starting out from an ecclesiastical background and education, Hadot's interest in mysticism led him to study the late Greek Neoplatonists Plotinus and Porphyry, as well as the Latin Church Fathers. Elected first to the École pratique des hautes études and then to the Collège de France, Hadot developed his most influential idea, that ancient philosophy was not the construction of an abstract system of ideas, but a concrete, lived practice intended to transform the perception and being of the practitioner, and thereby to ensure his or her happiness. Later in his career, Hadot, influenced by German Romanticism and above all by Goethe, turned to study the history of the concept of nature from classical to modern times. The breadth of his interests and the novelty of his approach account for the wide interest in his works, extending to circles that extend far beyond the disciplines of classical studies and the history of philosophy.
Temporally controlled modulation of FGF/ERK signaling directs midbrain dopaminergic neural progenitor fate in mouse and human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Jaeger Ines , Arber Charles , Risner-Janiczek Jessica R. , Kuechler Judit , Pritzsche Diana , Chen I-Cheng , Naveenan Thulasi , Ungless Mark A. , Li Meng
Published: September 2011

Effective induction of midbrain-specific dopamine (mDA) neurons from stem cells is fundamental for realizing their potential in biomedical applications relevant to Parkinson’s disease. During early development, the Otx2-positive neural tissues are patterned anterior-posteriorly to form the forebrain and midbrain under the influence of extracellular signaling such as FGF and Wnt. In the mesencephalon, sonic hedgehog (Shh) specifies a ventral progenitor fate in the floor plate region that later gives rise to mDA neurons. In this study, we systematically investigated the temporal actions of FGF signaling in mDA neuron fate specification of mouse and human pluripotent stem cells and mouse induced pluripotent stem cells. We show that a brief blockade of FGF signaling on exit of the lineage-primed epiblast pluripotent state initiates an early induction of Lmx1a and Foxa2 in nascent neural progenitors. In addition to inducing ventral midbrain characteristics, the FGF signaling blockade during neural induction also directs a midbrain fate in the anterior-posterior axis by suppressing caudalization as well as forebrain induction, leading to the maintenance of midbrain Otx2. Following a period of endogenous FGF signaling, subsequent enhancement of FGF signaling by Fgf8, in combination with Shh, promotes mDA neurogenesis and restricts alternative fates. Thus, a stepwise control of FGF signaling during distinct stages of stem cell neural fate conversion is crucial for reliable and highly efficient production of functional, authentic midbrain-specific dopaminergic neurons. Importantly, we provide evidence that this novel, small-molecule-based strategy applies to both mouse and human pluripotent stem cells.
UNC-6/netrin and its receptors UNC-5 and UNC-40/DCC modulate growth cone protrusion in vivo in C. elegans
Authors: Norris Adam D. , Lundquist Erik A.
Published: September 2011

The UNC-6/netrin guidance cue functions in axon guidance in vertebrates and invertebrates, mediating attraction via UNC-40/DCC family receptors and repulsion via by UNC-5 family receptors. The growth cone reads guidance cues and extends lamellipodia and filopodia, actin-based structures that sense the extracellular environment and power the forward motion of the growth cone. We show that UNC-6/netrin, UNC-5 and UNC-40/DCC modulated the extent of growth cone protrusion that correlated with attraction versus repulsion. Loss-of-function unc-5 mutants displayed increased protrusion in repelled growth cones, whereas loss-of-function unc-6 or unc-40 mutants caused decreased protrusion. In contrast to previous studies, our work suggests that the severe guidance defects in unc-5 mutants may be due to latent UNC-40 attractive signaling that steers the growth cone back towards the ventral source of UNC-6. UNC-6/Netrin signaling also controlled polarity of growth cone protrusion and F-actin accumulation that correlated with attraction versus repulsion. However, filopodial dynamics were affected independently of polarity of protrusion, indicating that the extent versus polarity of protrusion are at least in part separate mechanisms. In summary, we show here that growth cone guidance in response to UNC-6/netrin involves a combination of polarized growth cone protrusion as well as a balance between stimulation and inhibition of growth cone (e.g. filopodial) protrusion.
Hearing Loss in Older Adults Affects Neural Systems Supporting Speech Comprehension
Authors: Peelle Jonathan E. , Troiani Vanessa , Grossman Murray , Wingfield Arthur
Published: September 2011

Hearing loss is one of the most common complaints in adults over the age of 60 and a major contributor to difficulties in speech comprehension. To examine the effects of hearing ability on the neural processes supporting spoken language processing in humans, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to monitor brain activity while older adults with age-normal hearing listened to sentences that varied in their linguistic demands. Individual differences in hearing ability predicted the degree of language-driven neural recruitment during auditory sentence comprehension in bilateral superior temporal gyri (including primary auditory cortex), thalamus, and brainstem. In a second experiment, we examined the relationship of hearing ability to cortical structural integrity using voxel-based morphometry, demonstrating a significant linear relationship between hearing ability and gray matter volume in primary auditory cortex. Together, these results suggest that even moderate declines in peripheral auditory acuity lead to a systematic downregulation of neural activity during the processing of higher-level aspects of speech, and may also contribute to loss of gray matter volume in primary auditory cortex. More generally, these findings support a resource-allocation framework in which individual differences in sensory ability help define the degree to which brain regions are recruited in service of a particular task.
Involvement of Newborn Neurons in Olfactory Associative Learning? The Operant or Non-operant Component of the Task Makes All the Difference
Authors: Mandairon Nathalie , Sultan Sébastien , Nouvian Morgane , Sacquet Joelle , Didier Anne
Published: September 2011

New neurons are continuously generated in the adult mammalian olfactory bulb. The role of these newborn neurons in olfactory learning has been debated. Blocking the addition of neurons has been reported either to result in memory alteration or to have no effect at all (Imayoshi et al., 2008; Breton-Provencher et al., 2009; Lazarini et al., 2009; Sultan et al., 2010). These discrepancies may have arisen from differences in the behavioral paradigms used: operant procedures indicated that neurogenesis blockade had substantial effects on long-term memory (Lazarini et al., 2009; Sultan et al., 2010) whereas other methods had little effect (Imayoshi et al., 2008; Breton-Provencher et al., 2009). Surprisingly, while operant learning is known to modulate the survival of new neurons, the effect of non-operant learning on newborn cells is unknown. Here we use mice to show that compared with operant learning, non-operant learning does not affect cell survival, perhaps explaining the current controversy. In addition, we provide evidence that distinct neural substrates at least partly underlie these two forms of learning. We conclude that the involvement of newborn neurons in learning is subtly dependent on the nature of the behavioral task.
Phoretic Arthropods of the Red Imported Fire Ant in Central Louisiana
Authors: Moser J C , Blomquist S R
Published: September 2011

More than 4,665 phoretic arthropods comprising 29 species were collected from alates of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, preparing to fly from nests in Pineville, LA. A wide variety of taxonomic groups were represented, including two insect and 17 mite families. Most arthropods fell into two classes: 1) those that may be truly phoretic with more than four specimens collected (13 species) and 2) those seeming to be accidentally phoretic with one to three specimens collected (16 species). The latter group may be the result of gathering “accidental” mites from adjacent sources, such as grass, soil, tree bark; thus, practically any very small arthropod may use phoresy as a dispersal mechanism. The arthropod with perhaps the highest total numbers was Cyphoderus similis Folsom, a wingless insect, and the only known Collembola phoretic species. Eight new species of mites found in this study were recently described, with several other species future candidates for descriptions. Results indicate the more common species may actively persist in nests for the entire year. At least 11 species from six families may feed on fungi within nests. These and common associates from other families carry hyperphoretic spores of fungi that live inside fire ant nests. All three of the laelapid associates may be important predators or parasitoids of individuals within the nests. The collembolan is possibly a general feeder, and Histiostoma spp. are filter feeders that consume microorganisms. S. invicta is native to Argentina, and we speculate that some of the common mites associated with this ant species also may have originated in Argentina.
Seasonal Abundance and Population Structure of Brown Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Farmscapes Containing Corn, Cotton, Peanut, and Soybean
Authors: Herbert J J , Toews M D
Published: September 2011

Stink bugs are economically important pests of food and fiber production throughout the southeastern United States. In cotton, stink bugs feed on developing bolls thereby decreasing yield and fiber quality. The brown stink bug, Euschistus servus (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a common species that is found throughout the southeast and feeds on a variety of wild and agronomic hosts. In this study, the population dynamics and reproductive biology of E. servus were assessed in 1.62–2.83-ha farmscapes planted with corn (Zea mays L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Farmscapes were sampled weekly using whole plant sampling for corn and sweep net sampling in cotton, peanut, and soybean. In 2010, but not 2009, nymphs were classified by instar, and adults were dissected to rate gonads as nonrepro-ductive, intermediate, or reproductive. Regardless of year, stink bugs observed in corn during the spring and early summer and were a mixture of all three reproductive stages. The number of E. servus nymphs and adults was low in all crops during the summer (July, August, and early September). In late September, the number of fifth instars rose sharply followed by an increase in the number of nonreproductive adults, which implies that these adults resulted from reproduction as opposed to immigration. Incidence of late instars and nonreproductive adults was extremely low for corn, cotton, and peanut, and these host plants did not seem to be highly suitable reproductive hosts. Results from this study are useful for pest management programs that focus on reducing stink bug populations on a landscape scale.
Natural History and Ecological Correlates of Fungus-Growing Ants (Formicidae: Attini) in the Neotropical Cerrado Savanna
Authors: Leal Inara R , Silva Paulo S D , Oliveira Paulo S
Published: September 2011

Fungus-growing ants (Formicidae: Attini) comprise a diverse and ecologically important group in Neotropical habitats. Compared with leaf-cutters, however, relatively little is known about the biology of less conspicuous attine species. Here, we compare nest size and structure, colony size and demographic composition, and worker size and polymorphism among the genera Cyphomyrmex, Mycetarotes, Mycocepurus, Myrmicocrypta, Sericomyrmex, and Trachymyrmex. In total, 25 ant colonies (one species per genus) were investigated at one site in the Brazilian savanna. Results indicate a consistent variation in nest size and structural complexity (architecture), colony and worker size, and a tendency to polymorphism among the studied genera. In addition, nest mound volume was found to be a good predictor of both worker number and volume of the fungus garden. Based on morphometric analyses, Sericomyrmex and Trachymyrmex together formed a distinct group from the other genera. The transition from the ancestral agricultural system toward the derived leaf-cutting habit also is followed by remarkable changes in nest size and architecture, colony size, and worker size and polymorphism. Our results support other recent studies that consider Sericomyrmex and Trachymyrmex as possessing transitional habits, distinct both from species that cultivate fungus by using mostly nonplant items (insect feces and corpses) as well as from typical leaf-cutters Atta and Acromyrmex. This is the first study to detect correlations of nest traits with worker number and size of fungus garden in the less conspicuous attines. Results highlight the importance of combining data on natural history and morphometry to understand the evolutionary history of fungus-growing ants.
EVALUATING THE SEPARATE AND COMBINED EFFECTS OF POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT ON TASK COMPLIANCE
Authors: Bouxsein Kelly J. , Roane Henry S. , Harper Tara
Published: September 2011

Positive and negative reinforcement are effective for treating escape‐maintained destructive behavior. The current study evaluated the separate and combined effects of these contingencies to increase task compliance. Results showed that a combination of positive and negative reinforcement was most effective for increasing compliance.
THE EFFECTS OF TRAINING ON CAREGIVER IMPLEMENTATION OF INCIDENTAL TEACHING
Authors: Hsieh Hsing‐Hsiu , Wilder David A. , Abellon O. Elizabeth
Published: September 2011

A brief training package consisting of modeling, rehearsal, and feedback was evaluated to train caregivers to use incidental teaching to teach 3 children with autism to request an item or activity. The training package improved correct implementation of the incidental teaching procedure by caregivers. In addition, probes indicated that caregivers could apply these skills to teach the child an additional skill.