bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Form and Substance in European Constitutional Law: The ‘Social’ Character of Indirect Effect
Authors: Niglia Leone
Published: July 2010

This article proposes to understand the constitutional discourse about individuals, rights and enforcement, as developed in the courtrooms, in relation to historic and contextual circumstances. It focuses on the interface between indirect effect and social policy, and argues that the creation of indirect effect has been integral to a judicial strategy centred on the key concern for sustaining the balance between market freedom and interventionism as achieved in the political process.
Prison Guards' Attitudes Towards the Prevention of Sexual Contacts Between Inmates
Authors: COELHO CLÁUDIA , GONÇALVES RUI ABRUNHOSA
Published: July 2010

Abstract: This article presents the main findings of an innovative Portuguese research project on prison guards' attitudes towards the prevention of sexual contacts between inmates. Sexuality in prisons is still a poorly‐studied issue, although its increasing visibility demands a better understanding of prison dynamics. Results show that guards hold very favourable attitudes towards the prevention of forced sexual contacts between inmates, but they are more ambiguous concerning consensual sexuality. This result is influenced by the characteristics of the inmates under the guards' supervision and by the prison guards' knowledge of the existence of sexual contacts between inmates. The results will be discussed, along with their impact on the development of training programmes and policies regarding sexual contacts between inmates.
Age‐related changes of the three‐dimensional structure in the cheek region
Authors: Mizukoshi K. , Oyobikawa M. , Matsumoto K.
Published: July 2010

Vol. 43, No.3 (2009) pp.177–184

Qualitative surveying of consumers using in‐depth interviews has revealed that ‘skin smoothness’ as typified by the expression ‘fine texture’ may be an essential ingredient in the ideal ‘beautiful skin’ desired by women. Therefore, to elucidate the reality of skin smoothness, we administered a quantitative questionnaire survey to consumers and measured the shape of the skin surface. The results confirmed that a sense of ‘skin smoothness’ is represented by the expression ‘skin with fine texture’ with regard to the shape of the skin. We also found that this sense of ‘skin with fine texture’ does not arise from an awareness of the structure of the skin surface at the microscopic level, such as the sulcus cutis or crista cutis, but from skin structures that are visible to the naked eye, such as pores. ‘Skin smoothness’ is noticed particularly in the area below the eyes and surrounding the sides of the nose (upper cheeks?. In addition, the 3‐dimensional (3D) shape of the skin surface in this area was clarified to change with age, not only in simple increases in the amount of unevenness deriving from pore enlargement, but with ridge‐like structuring of the entire skin surface. We viewed this change in the 3D shape of the skin surface as a ‘phenomenon of skin languishment with age’. This change has a large effect on whether skin is perceived as smooth.
Elucidation of the anti‐aging effects of ectoine using cdna microarray analysis and signaling pathway evaluation
Authors: Anzali S. , Von Heydebreck A. , Herget T.
Published: July 2010

IFSCC Magazine, 12 (4) 381–385 (2009)

Synopsis

A human three‐dimensional skin model was treated with ectoine in two different concentrations for four days. Gene expression profiling was performed using cDNA microarray analysis. A network analysis of the deregulated genes yields hypotheses regarding potential molecular mechanisms leading to anti‐aging effects of ectoine.
Building a human cortex: the evolutionary differentiation of Cajal‐Retzius cells and the cortical hem
Authors: Meyer Gundela
Published: July 2010

Cajal‐Retzius (CR) cells are the most significant source of reelin, an extracellular matrix glycoprotein essential for cortical development. Strategically located in the marginal zone, CR cells control radial migration and laminar positioning of pyramidal neurons of the cortical plate. They degenerate and undergo cell death when cortical migration is completed. In human cortex development, reelin‐expressing CR cells are already present in the early preplate, and continue to increase in number after the appearance of the cortical plate. In the course of the first half of gestation, the reelin signal in the marginal zone undergoes a huge amplification in parallel with the growth of the cortical plate and the expansion of the cortical surface. A significant source of CR cells is the cortical hem, a putative signalling centre at the interface of the prospective hippocampus and the choroid plexus. Hem‐derived CR cells co‐express reelin and p73, a transcription factor of the p53‐family. They form the predominant CR cell population of the human neocortex. Characteristically, CR cells express the anti‐apoptotic isoform DeltaNp73 which may be responsible for the protracted lifespan of human CR cells and the morphological differentiation of their axonal plexus. This dense fibre plexus, absent in lower mammals, amplifies the reelin‐signal and establishes a physical boundary between the cortical plate and the marginal zone. In this review, we analyze the multiple sources of reelin/p73 positive CR cells at the interface of various telencephalic centres and the choroid plexus of the lateral ventricles. Additional populations of CR cells may derive from the thalamic eminence in the ventral thalamus and from the strionuclear neuroepithelium, or ‘amygdalar hem’. Comparative studies in a variety of species indicate that the cortical hem is the main origin of CR cells destined for the neocortex, and is most highly developed in the human brain. The close association between cortical hem and choroid plexus suggests a concerted role in the evolutionary increase of CR cells, amplification of the reelin signal in the marginal zone, and cortical expansion.
The importance of aesthetic surroundings: a study interviewing experts within different aesthetic fields
Authors: Caspari Synnøve , Eriksson Katie , Nåden Dagfinn
Published: July 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 134–142
 
The importance of aesthetic surroundings: a study interviewing experts within different aesthetic fields

The purpose of this article is to present and discuss the results from interviews of experts within various aesthetic fields. This study aimed to describe experts’ evaluation and wishes for aesthetics in hospitals. The scope is aesthetics in the hospital environment and surroundings. An underlying assumption was that the field of aesthetics is a neglected area in many hospital environments. The strength of the manuscript and what is new is the information concerning the expert, as patient, evaluation of aesthetics in hospital environment and surroundings and data on how the experts would prefer things to be. Methods: The basis is a corpus of 16 semi‐structured individual qualitative interviews that were performed by the first author. The 16 informants were experts in different aesthetic fields. Results: The interviews revealed the following: (i) Aesthetics and design are practically absent in the Norwegian general hospitals. (ii) The aesthetic surroundings are very important for the health and well‐being of the patients. (iii) The aesthetic area has many aspects. Guidelines are worked out based on the expert/patient focus, their wishes and recommendations and based on a conviction that certain objective, basic and general criteria do exist for basing an aesthetic environment on an innate and shared common sense.
Cerebral perfusion information obtained by dynamic contrast‐enhanced phase‐shift magnetic resonance imaging: comparison with model‐free arterial spin labelling
Authors: Wirestam Ronnie , Lindgren Emelie , Van Westen Danielle , Markenroth Bloch Karin , Ståhlberg Freddy , Knutsson Linda
Published: July 2010

Phase‐shift time curves following a bolus injection of gadolinium contrast agent were registered for grey‐matter regions and large vessels in 14 subjects. Deconvolving a tissue phase‐shift curve with a phase‐based arterial input function resulted in a tissue residue function R(t). The peak value of R(t) provided a relative cerebral blood flow (CBF) index, while the area‐to‐height ratio of R(t) provided quantitative mean transit time (MTT). For comparison, quantitative CBF values in grey matter were acquired using model‐free arterial spin labelling (ASL). The phase‐based relative CBF estimates showed good linear correlation with ASL‐based CBF (r = 0·82). Grey‐matter MTT was 4·9 ± 1·1 s (mean ± SD).
The complete carbon budget of a drained peat catchment
Authors: Rowson J. G. , Gibson H. S. , Worrall F. , Ostle N. , Burt T. P. , Adamson J. K.
Published: July 2010

This study measures the complete carbon budget of a drained peat‐covered catchment. It includes dissolved organic carbon (DOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), dissolved CO2, primary pro‐ductivity, soil respiration of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) in contrast to other studies which have focused on only some of the possible carbon uptake and release pathways; values for rainfall inputs were taken from a nearby catchment. The study is based on data collected over 2 yr for two drain catchments within one site and the main findings are:

1. The catchments were a net source of all forms of carbon at between +63.8 and +106.8 Mg C/km2/yr;

2. There was a net loss of between +9.3 and +40.7 Mg C/km2/yr in terms of exchange of carbon with the atmosphere;

3. The small size of the study catchments seems to have resulted in higher values of exported DOC than recorded elsewhere and the highly disturbed drainage of the site may have given rise to losses in net ecosystem exchange (NEE).

If the fate of the peatland carbon store is to be understood, then it is important that all carbon uptake and release pathways are considered and not just components of the carbon cycle.
Pricing Dynamics in the Australian Airline Market*
Authors: DE ROOS NICOLAS , MILLS GORDON , WHELAN STEPHEN
Published: July 2010

We examine price dispersion in a large dataset of Australian domestic airfares. The airlines vary the lowest available fares on successive booking days by restricting the menu of available ticket types, and by changing the prices for some of those types. Our fixed‐effects estimator allows us to characterise both of those mechanisms. The greatest price variation occurs on routes involving competition between the two main airlines, Qantas and Virgin; there is greater variation on monopoly routes than on routes pitting Virgin against the Qantas subsidiary, Jetstar. The lowest fares rise rapidly in the week before travel.
Agonists at the δ‐opioid receptor modify the binding of µ‐receptor agonists to the µ–δ receptor hetero‐oligomer
Authors: Kabli N , Martin N , Fan T , Nguyen T , Hasbi A , Balboni G , O'Dowd BF , George SR
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEµ‐ and δ‐opioid receptors form heteromeric complexes with unique ligand binding and G protein‐coupling profiles linked to G protein α z‐subunit (Gαz) activation. However, the mechanism of action of agonists and their regulation of the µ–δ receptor heteromer are not well understood.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHCompetition radioligand binding, cell surface receptor internalization in intact cells, confocal microscopy and receptor immunofluorescence techniques were employed to study the regulation of the µ–δ receptor heteromer in heterologous cells with and without agonist exposure.

KEY RESULTSGαzenhanced affinity of some agonists at µ–δ receptor heteromers, independent of agonist chemical structure. δ‐Opioid agonists displaced µ‐agonist binding with high affinity from µ–δ heteromers, but not µ receptor homomers, suggestive of δ‐agonists occupying a novel µ‐receptor ligand binding pocket within the heteromers. Also, δ‐agonists induced internalization of µ‐opioid receptors in cells co‐expressing µ‐ and δ‐receptors, but not those expressing µ‐receptors alone, indicative of µ–δ heteromer internalization. This dose‐dependent,Pertussistoxin‐resistant and clathrin‐ and dynamin‐dependent effect required agonist occupancy of both µ‐ and δ‐opioid receptors. In contrast to µ‐receptor homomers, agonist‐induced internalization of µ–δ heteromers persisted following chronic morphine exposure.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSThe µ–δ receptor heteromer may contain a novel δ‐agonist‐detected, high‐affinity, µ‐receptor ligand binding pocket and is regulated differently from the µ‐receptor homomer following chronic morphine exposure. Occupancy of both µ‐ and δ‐receptor binding pockets is required for δ‐agonist‐induced endocytosis of µ–δ receptor heteromers. δ‐Opioid agonists target µ–δ receptor heteromers, and thus have a broader pharmacological specificity than previously identified.
Selective determinants of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate and adenophostin A interactions with type 1 inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors
Authors: Rossi Ana M , Sureshan Kana M , Riley Andrew M , Potter Barry VL , Taylor Colin W
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEAdenophostin A (AdA) is a potent agonist of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors (IP3R). AdA shares with IP3the essential features of all IP3R agonists, namely structures equivalent to the 4,5‐bisphosphate and 6‐hydroxyl of IP3, but the basis of its increased affinity is unclear. Hitherto, the 2′‐phosphate of AdA has been thought to provide a supra‐optimal mimic of the 1‐phosphate of IP3.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHWe examined the structural determinants of AdA binding to type 1 IP3R (IP3R1). Chemical synthesis and mutational analysis of IP3R1 were combined with3H‐IP3binding to full‐length IP3R1 and its N‐terminal fragments, and Ca2+release assays from recombinant IP3R1 expressed in DT40 cells.

KEY RESULTSAdenophostin A is at least 12‐fold more potent than IP3in functional assays, and the IP3‐binding core (IBC, residues 224–604 of IP3R1) is sufficient for this high‐affinity binding of AdA. Removal of the 2′‐phosphate from AdA (to give 2′‐dephospho‐AdA) had significantly lesser effects on its affinity for the IBC than did removal of the 1‐phosphate from IP3(to give inositol 4,5‐bisphosphate). Mutation of the only residue (R568) that interacts directly with the 1‐phosphate of IP3decreased similarly (by ∼30‐fold) the affinity for IP3and AdA, but mutating R504, which has been proposed to form a cation‐π interaction with the adenine of AdA, more profoundly reduced the affinity of IP3R for AdA (353‐fold) than for IP3(13‐fold).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSThe 2′‐phosphate of AdA is not a major determinant of its high affinity. R504 in the receptor, most likely via a cation‐π interaction, contributes specifically to AdA binding.
Historiography of the Structure and Functioning of the Portuguese Inquisition in Colonial Brazil
Authors: Wadsworth James E.
Published: July 2010

Few people outside of Portugal and Brazil know that the Inquisition reached its tentacles across the Atlantic and took hold in Portugal’s Brazilian colonies. Not only did it take hold, but it played a significant role in the formation of Luso‐Brazilian society and the exercise of power in the colonies. Research on the structure and functioning of the Inquisition in Brazil continues to demonstrate that this institution and the records that it kept can tell us much about the creation, use and abuse of power, daily life, social hierarchies, sexuality, concepts of honor and prestige, ethnic discrimination, and competing forms of religiosity.
Spanish History of Historiography – Recent Development
Authors: Hofrichter Andrés Antolín
Published: July 2010

The history of historiography has become a wide research field in the last few decades. The well known German, French or English cases have strongly attracted the interest of international specialists. Regarding Spanish historiography, however, studies in languages other than Spanish remain rare. Although research in Spain has made some major contributions in this regard in the past 20 years, for many scholars the history of Spanish historiography appears as a hermetically closed and unstudied field. In an effort to clear up this misconception, this article provides an overview over recent research developments. It uses the main publications as a guideline for an introduction into the Spanish history of historiography since the 19th century while referring to the main subjects of interest, the perspectives, and the debates within the research field. Following the areas of focus prevailing in this field, this article refers to the emergence of liberal historiography in the 19th century, the later processes of professionalisation and institutionalisation, the historians′ contribution to the construction of national identities as well as to the impact of the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) and the regime of Francisco Franco (1939–1975) on Spanish historiography in the 20th century. It underlines the importance of the international intellectual horizon for a better understanding of the development of historiography in Spain and concludes by identifying comparative and transfer approaches as having outstanding potential for further investigation.
South Africa’s Nuclear Programme and the Cold War
Authors: Van Wyk Anna‐Mart
Published: July 2010

In March 1993, South African State President F. W. de Klerk stunned the world with an announcement that the South African Apartheid Government had developed six and a half nuclear bombs during a top‐secret 15‐year programme. A number of factors led to the decision to develop nuclear weapons; the most important being Pretoria’s fear from the mid‐1970s that a communist takeover in Southern Africa was imminent and that they needed a suitable deterrent to ensure the security of South Africa and their own position of power. It was specifically the involvement of Cuba and the Soviet Union in the Angolan Civil War that led Pretoria to a formal decision in 1978 to develop a limited nuclear capability. At the end of the 1980s, however, the collapse of the Soviet Union, the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola, the independence of Namibia, and the imminent democratisation of South Africa brought a rapid end to the perceived ideological and security threat to South Africa and indeed made the deterrence factor of the nuclear arsenal obsolete. In August 1989, Pretoria decided to destroy the arsenal, thereby becoming the first country to voluntarily destroy a nuclear arsenal before acceding to the NPT, which happened in July 1991. This article provides a chronological overview of Apartheid South Africa’s development of a nuclear arsenal, within the framework of the Cold War.
On the importance of minding one’s Ps and Ts: metamorphic processes and quantitative petrology
Authors: BROWN M. , WHITE R. W. , SANDIFORD M.
Published: July 2010

This Special Issue comprises a selection of the papers given at a two‐day discussion meeting held at the University of Melbourne, Australia in June 2009 to celebrate Roger Powell’s 60th birthday. At this milestone, it is fitting to review Roger’s career to date. He has published ∼200 scientific papers on topics that range from low‐ to high‐grade metamorphism, from low‐ to ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) metamorphism, and from thermodynamics to kinetics. Most of Roger’s papers are multi‐authored and address important questions in the petrogenesis of metamorphic rocks. Roger is widely known for his work with Tim Holland to develop the most complete internally consistent dataset of thermodynamic properties of end members of phases necessary to undertake calculations on the conditions of formation and modification of metamorphic rocks. Additionally, Roger and Tim have developed activity–composition models for many of these phases, building on their important methodological developments in formulating such models. Roger is also responsible for the ongoing development of thermocalc, a thermodynamic calculation software package that may be used to undertake a wide range of phase diagram calculations, including P–T projections, P–T, P–X and T–X, compatibility diagrams and μ–μ diagrams. Together, Roger and Tim have changed the way we carry out quantitative phase equilibria studies. However, Roger’s contributions to metamorphic petrology go well beyond the development of phase equilibria methods and mineral thermodynamics. He has contributed significantly to our understanding of a range of metamorphic processes, and with an extensive array of co‐authors has shown how phase equilibria can be used to understand the evolution of metamorphic rocks in general terms as well as in specific terranes. The papers in this Special Issue cover the range from the stabilization of the continents to understanding the formation of orogenic gold deposits, from the stability of sapphirine–quartz‐bearing assemblages to the crystallization of melt in migmatites, from the effects of ferric iron and sulphur on the stability of metamorphic mineral assemblages in general to the effects of ferric iron and H2O on the stability of eclogite in particular, and to the quantification of UHP metamorphism. It is our hope that in reading these contributions, you will be stimulated to seek a better understanding of metamorphic processes and to improve our quantification of the variables in metamorphism.
Evolutionary development of the neurocranium in Dissorophoidea (Tetrapoda: Temnospondyli), an integrative approach
Authors: Maddin Hillary C. , Reisz Robert R. , Anderson Jason S.
Published: July 2010

SUMMARY
Ontogenetic data can play a prominent role in addressing questions in tetrapod evolution, but such evidence from the fossil record is often incompletely considered because it is limited to initiation of ossification, or allometric changes with increasing size. In the present study, specimens of a new species of an archaic amphibian (280 Myr old), Acheloma n. sp., a member of the temnospondyl superfamily Dissorophoidea and the sister group to Amphibamidae, which is thought to include at least two of our modern amphibian clades, anurans and caudatans (Batrachia), provides us with new developmental data. We identify five ontogenetic events, enabling us to construct a partial ontogenetic trajectory (integration of developmental and transformation sequence data) related to the relative timing of completion of neurocranial structures. Comparison of the adult amphibamid morphology with this partial ontogeny identifies a heterochronic event that occurred within the neurocranium at some point in time between the two taxa, which is consistent with the predictions of miniaturization in amphibamids, providing the first insights into the influence of miniaturization on the neurocranium in a fossil tetrapod group. This study refines hypotheses of large‐scale evolutionary trends within Dissorophoidea that may have facilitated the radiation of amphibamids and, projected forward, the origin of the generalized batrachian skull. Most importantly, this study highlights the importance of integrating developmental and transformation sequence data, instead of onset of ossification alone, into investigations of major events in tetrapod evolution using evidence provided by the fossil record, and highlights the value of even highly incomplete growth series comprised of relatively late‐stage individuals.
Abnormal pyramidal cell morphology and HCN channel expression in cortical dysplasia
Authors: Hablitz John J. , Yang Jianming
Published: July 2010

Cortical dysplasia is often associated with intractable seizures. Studies in animal models have described changes in inhibitory and excitatory synaptic function that contribute to hyperexcitability. The role of changes in intrinsic excitability and abnormal dendritic properties has received less attention. Changes in hyperpolarization‐activated nonselective cation (HCN) channels have been implicated in several models of epilepsy. Herein we review evidence for alterations in HCN channels and dendritic morphology in the rat freeze‐lesion model of cortical dysplasia. Immunocytochemical HCN1 staining, typically seen in the apical dendrites of layer V pyramidal cells in normal cortex, was greatly reduced in the region adjacent to the freeze‐induced microgyrus. Although staining was preserved in layer I, fewer dendrites were stained in upper cortical layers. Deeper cortical layers were virtually devoid of immunoreactivity. Examination of biocytin‐labeled pyramidal cells revealed markedly altered dendritic trees in the lesioned animals. In addition, resting membrane properties were altered and a subpopulation of neurons with abnormal dendritic arbors was present. These changes are likely to interact with the previously reported synaptic changes in this model of cortical dysplasia. HCN channel alterations are a potentially important cellular mechanism underlying hyperexcitability in cortical dysplasia.
Glutamate and GABA in the balance: Convergent pathways sustain seizures during status epilepticus
Authors: Naylor David E.
Published: July 2010

Seizures rapidly become self‐sustaining and pharmacoresistant to benzodiazepines during status epilepticus (SE). A decrease in the number of postsynaptic γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors with SE causes a loss of synaptic inhibition, whereas increases in postsynaptic glutamatergic receptors further upset the balance between excitation and inhibition. Although extracellular GABA levels may increase during SE and contribute to postsynaptic GABAA receptor desensitization, other pathways involving glutamatergic activation ultimately may be responsible for the persistent down‐regulation of postsynaptic GABAA receptors and erosion of synaptic inhibition.
Model of cryptogenic infantile spasms after prenatal corticosteroid priming
Authors: Velíšek Libor , Chachua Tamar , Yum Mi‐Sun , Poon Ka‐Lai , Velíšková Jana
Published: July 2010

Infantile spasms (IS) is a devastating epilepsy syndrome of childhood. IS occurs in 3–12‐month‐old infants and is characterized by spasms, interictal electroencephalography (EEG) hypsarrhythmia, and profound mental retardation. Hormonal therapy [adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosteroids] is frequently used, but its efficacy is tainted by severe side effects. For research of novel therapies, a validated animal model of IS is required. We propose the model of spastic seizures triggered by N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) in infant rats prenatally exposed to betamethasone. The spasms have remarkable similarity to human IS, including motor flexion spasms, ictal EEG electrodecrement, and responsiveness to ACTH. Interestingly, the spasms do not involve the hippocampus. Autoradiographic metabolic mapping as well as tagging of the areas of neuronal excitation with c‐fos indicates a strong involvement of hypothalamic structures such as the arcuate nucleus, which has significant bilateral connections with other hypothalamic nuclei as well as with the brainstem.
Adverse outcomes following convulsive status epilepticus in children: Relationship with hippocampal injury
Authors: Scott Rod C.
Published: July 2010

Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) is the most common medical neurologic emergency in childhood. It is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. The estimates for the frequencies of adverse outcomes have a very wide range, but even the lower estimates are clinically important. The major predictor of outcomes following CSE is etiology. The characteristics of the episode of CSE itself, for example, seizure length and type, are relatively poor predictors. Nevertheless, there is a relationship between CSE and hippocampal injury. This relationship is well established in animal models, and there is some prospective evidence from human studies that CSE (particularly prolonged febrile seizure) can cause acute hippocampal abnormalities. Further study is required to establish the clinical relevance of these acute findings and to determine whether they predict later mesial temporal sclerosis associated with temporal lobe epilepsy.
Clinical and neurophysiologic features of active convulsive epilepsy in rural Kenya: A population‐based study
Authors: Munyoki Gilbert , Edwards Tansy , White Steve , Kwasa Thomas , Chengo Eddie , Kokwaro Gilbert , Odera Victor Mung’ala , Sander Josemir W , Neville Brian G. , Newton Charles R
Published: July 2010

Purpose:  Epilepsy is common in sub‐Saharan Africa but is poorly characterized. Most studies are hospital‐based, and may not reflect the situation in rural areas with limited access to medical care. We examined people with active convulsive epilepsy (ACE), to determine if the clinical features could help elucidate the causes.

Methods:  We conducted a detailed descriptive analysis of 445 people with ACE identified through a community‐based survey of 151,408 people in rural Kenya, including the examination of electroencephalograms.

Results:  Approximately half of the 445 people with ACE were children aged 6 to 18 years. Seizures began in childhood in 78% of those diagnosed. An episode of status epilepticus was recalled by 36% cases, with an episode of status epilepticus precipitated by fever in 26%. Overall 169 had an abnormal electroencephalogram, 29% had focal features, and 34% had epileptiform activity. In the 146 individuals who reported generalized tonic–clonic seizures only, 22% had focal features on their electroencephalogram. Overall 71% of patients with ACE had evidence of focal abnormality, documented by partial onset seizures, focal neurologic deficits, or focal abnormalities on the electroencephalogram. Increased seizure frequency was strongly associated with age and cognitive impairment in all ages and nonattendance at school in children (p < 0.01).

Discussion:  Children and adolescents bear the brunt of epilepsy in a rural population in Africa. The predominance of focal features and the high proportion of patients with status epilepticus, suggests that much of the epilepsy in this region has identifiable causes, many of which could be prevented.
Acute and Chronic Alcohol Exposure Impair the Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells and Enhance the Pulmonary Inflammatory Response
Authors: Boé Darren M. , Richens Tiffany R. , Horstmann Sarah A. , Burnham Ellen L. , Janssen William J. , Henson Peter M. , Moss Marc , William Vandivier R.
Published: July 2010

Background:  Alcohol abuse increases the risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Efferocytosis, the clearance of apoptotic cells, is important in the resolution of inflammation and is regulated by RhoA and rho kinase (ROCK) activation. The effects of alcohol on pulmonary Rho pathway activation and efferocytosis have not been determined. We hypothesize that acute and chronic alcohol exposure impair pulmonary efferocytosis, leading to heightened inflammation during ARDS.

Methods:  For in vivo experiments, C57BL/6 mice received either a single intraperitoneal injection of alcohol or chronic ethanol‐in‐water for 8 weeks prior to intratracheal instillation of apoptotic cells or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed for cells counts, calculation of the phagocytic index (PI), and Rho activity measurements. For in vitro studies, primary alveolar macrophages were cultured in alcohol (25–100 mM) and then co‐cultured with apoptotic cells. RhoA activity was determined following alcohol exposure, and the PI was determined before and after treatment with the ROCK inhibitor, Y27632.

Results:  Acute alcohol exposure was associated with impaired efferocytosis. Following LPS exposure, acute alcohol exposure was also associated with increased BAL neutrophils. Chronic alcohol exposure alone did not alter efferocytosis. However, following exposure to LPS, chronic alcohol exposure was associated with both impaired efferocytosis and increased BAL neutrophils. In vitro alcohol exposure caused a dose‐dependent decrease in efferocytosis. Despite the fact that RhoA activity was decreased by alcohol exposure and RhoA inhibition did not alter the effects of alcohol on efferocytosis, treatment with the Rho kinase inhibitor, Y27632, reversed the effects of alcohol on efferocytosis.

Conclusions:  Acute alcohol exposure impairs pulmonary efferocytosis, whereas exposure to chronic alcohol is only associated with impaired efferocytosis following LPS‐induced lung injury. Both forms of alcohol exposure are associated with increased alveolar neutrophil numbers in response to LPS. The acute effects of alcohol on efferocytosis appear to be mediated, at least in part, by RhoA‐independent activation of ROCK. Further studies are needed to dissect the differences between the effects of acute and chronic alcohol exposure on efferocytosis and to determine the effects of alcohol on alternative activators of ROCK.
A Comparison of Methods to Communicate Treatment Preferences in Nursing Facilities: Traditional Practices Versus the Physician Orders for Life‐Sustaining Treatment Program
Authors: Hickman Susan E. , Nelson Christine A. , Perrin Nancy A. , Moss Alvin H. , Hammes Bernard J. , Tolle Susan W.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between two methods to communicate treatment preferences (Physician Orders for Life‐Sustaining Treatment (POLST) program vs traditional practices) and documentation of life‐sustaining treatment orders, symptom assessment and management, and use of life‐sustaining treatments.

DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study conducted between June 2006 and April 2007.

SETTING: A stratified, random sample of 90 Medicaid‐eligible nursing facilities in Oregon, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.

PARTICIPANTS: One thousand seven hundred eleven living and deceased nursing facility residents aged 65 and older with a minimum 60‐day stay.

MEASUREMENTS: Life‐sustaining treatment orders; pain, shortness of breath, and related treatments over a 7‐day period; and use of life‐sustaining treatments over a 60‐day period.

RESULTS: Residents with POLST forms were more likely to have orders about life‐sustaining treatment preferences beyond cardiopulmonary resuscitation than residents without (98.0% vs 16.1%, P<.001). There were no differences between residents with and without POLST forms in symptom assessment or management. Residents with POLST forms indicating orders for comfort measures only were less likely to receive medical interventions (e.g., hospitalization) than residents with POLST full treatment orders (P=.004), residents with traditional do‐not‐resuscitate orders (P<.001), or residents with traditional full code orders (P<.001).

CONCLUSION: Residents with POLST forms were more likely to have treatment preferences documented as medical orders than those who did not, but there were no differences in symptom management or assessment. POLST orders restricting medical interventions were associated with less use of life‐sustaining treatments. Findings suggest that the POLST program offers significant advantages over traditional methods to communicate preferences about life‐sustaining treatments.
A Comparative, Retrospective, Observational Study of the Prevalence, Availability, and Specificity of Advance Care Plans in a County that Implemented an Advance Care Planning Microsystem
Authors: Hammes Bernard J. , Rooney Brenda L. , Gundrum Jacob D.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVES:To determine whether outcomes have changed over time for a managed, systematic approach to advance care planning (ACP).

DESIGN:Retrospective comparison of medical record and death certificate data of adults who died over a 7‐month period in 2007/08 with those of adults who died over an 11‐month period in 1995/96.

SETTING:All healthcare organizations in La Crosse County, Wisconsin.

PARTICIPANTS:Five hundred forty adults who died in 1995/96 and 400 adults who died in 2007/08.

INTERVENTION:A systematic ACP approach, Respecting Choices, collaboratively implemented in 1993 and continuously improved in subsequent years.

MEASUREMENTS:Demographic and cause‐of‐death data were collected from death certificates. Type and content of any advance directive (AD), existence and content of Physician Orders for Life‐Sustaining Treatment, and medical treatment provided at the location of death in the last 30 days of life were abstracted from the medical record.

RESULTS:The recent data show a significantly greater prevalence of ADs (90% vs 85%,P=.02) and of availability of these directives in the medical record at the time of death (99.4% vs 95.2%,P<.001) than the data collected over 10 years ago. The new data suggest that quality efforts have improved the prevalence, clarity, and specificity of ADs.

CONCLUSION:A system for ACP can be managed in a geographic region so that, at the time of death, almost all adults have an advance care plan that is specific and available and treatment is consistent with their plan.
Design of a donor‐driven data collection strategy for operational improvement of blood donation process
Authors: Padman R. , Heuston M. , Ashley S. , Bhortake A. , Carey R. , Dua S. , Mihelic M. , Rajderkar S. , Saini V.
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have noted that donor retention may be negatively impacted by the total time it takes to complete the blood donation process.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To gain a comprehensive understanding of the blood donation process and examine opportunities for operational improvements, an educational partnership established between a blood bank and a university designed and implemented a donor‐driven data collection strategy.

RESULTS: A large amount of real‐time, comprehensive, donor‐reported data was collected as donors navigated the process, which has enabled a thorough analysis of the process and its potential improvements.

CONCLUSION: In this paper, we describe the design and implementation efforts, examine the challenges in operationalizing a donor‐driven data collection approach, and present insights and recommendations for its application in similar settings.
An Empirically Based Implementation and Evaluation of a Hierarchical Model for Commuting Flows. 一种基于经验的层状通勤流模型实现与评估
Authors: Gitlesen Jens Petter , Kleppe Gisle , Thorsen Inge , Ubøe Jan
Published: July 2010

This article provides an empirical evaluation of a hierarchical approach to modeling commuting flows. As the gravity family of spatial interaction models represents a benchmark for empirical evaluation, we begin by reviewing basic aspects of these models. The hierarchical modeling framework is the same that Thorsen, Ubøe, and Nævdal (1999) used. However, because some modifications are required to construct a more workable model, we undertake a relatively detailed presentation of the model, rather than merely referring to the presentation in Thorsen, Ubøe, and Nævdal (1999). The model uses a hierarchical specification of a transportation network and the individual search procedure. Journeys to work are determined by the effects of distance deterrence and of intervening opportunities, and by the location of potential destinations relative to alternatives at subsequent levels in a transportation network. The model calibration uses commuting data from a region in western Norway. The estimated parameter values are reasonable, and the explanatory power is very satisfactory when compared with the results of a competing destinations approach.
The Right Ventricular Response to High Afterload: Comparison between Healthy Persons and Patients with Transposition of the Great Arteries: A 2D Strain Study
Authors: Becker Michael , Hümpel Carmen , Ocklenburg Christina , Muehler Eberhard , Schroeder Joerg , Eickholt Christian , Hoffmann Rainer , Marx Nikolaus , Franke Andreas
Published: July 2010

Objective: To evaluate the contraction pattern of the systemic right ventricle (RV) in comparison to healthy controls. Methods: 31 patients (14 female, mean age 21.5 ± 3.3 years) with congenital corrected (ccTGA) and surgical corrected (D‐TGA) TGA and 31 age‐matched healthy controls (17 female, mean age 23.1 ± 2.6 years) were included in the study. We compared the contraction pattern of the systemic RV with findings in the right and left ventricle (LV) of healthy controls. Echocardiograms were performed for all patients (19.3 ± 2.5 years after the operation) and all healthy controls. Using a novel computer software (GE Ultrasound, Horton, Norway) that allows automatic frame‐by‐frame tracking of accoustic markers during the heart cycle longitudinal and circumferential strain and strain rate were defined as parameters of myocardial deformation. Results: In the systemic free RV wall, circumferential strain was greater than longitudinal strain (−25.6 ± 4.2% vs. −15.2 ± 3.9%, P < 0.001), opposite to the contraction pattern of the subpulmonary free RV wall (−17.7 ± 4.1% vs. −28.3 ± 3.3%, P < 0.001). Compared with controls, segmental analysis of the free RV wall resulted in lower systolic longitudinal and higher systolic circumferential strain and strain rate values. In the free LV wall, circumferential strain was lower than longitudinal strain (−19.1 ± 2.7% vs. −26.8 ± 4.5%, P < 0.001) in contrast to the data in the systemic free LV wall (−24.5 ± 3.1% vs. −16.7 ± 3.5%, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Myocardial deformation parameters were significantly different in systemic and normal RV indicating a dependency of myocardial deformation parameters on right ventricular afterload. The use of myocardial deformation imaging identified a shift from longitudinal to circumferential contraction pattern in the systemic RV in comparison to the LV. This might demonstrate a response to the systemic load creating a myocardial hypertrophy. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1256‐1262)
Hiccups, a rare complication arising from use of a central venous catheter
Authors: SAV Tansu
Published: July 2010

Central venous cannulation is a common procedure for acute hemodialysis. Hiccups are a rare complication of internal jugular venous catheterization. In this case, hiccups appeared after the vena jugularis interna catheterization for acute hemodialysis in a patient with acute renal failure and was treated with the reposition of the catheter.
Calorimetric Study of Heats of Mixing in SnxTi1−xO2Rutile Solid Solutions
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: July 2010

Despite the SnO2–TiO2 system being a classical example of immiscibility and spinodal decomposition for over 50 years, the enthalpies of mixing in this rutile‐structured solid solution have not been measured previously because of the refractory nature of the oxides. We report new measurements of enthalpies of drop solution in molten 2PbO·B2O3 at 800°C of the SnxTi1−xO2 solid solutions system. The data show a nearly symmetrical deviation from linearity, supporting regular solution behavior with an interaction parameter of 27.0 ± 2.6 kJ/mol. The calculated miscibility gap has a critical temperature of 1351°± 156°C. These calorimetric data are in reasonable agreement with those calculated from phase equilibria and suggest that the regular solution model, which implies random mixing of the cations and no excess (vibrational) entropy of mixing, indeed adequately describes the thermodynamic behavior. The interaction parameter is more positive than that for oxide systems of lower cation charge and similar volume mismatch.
Impacts of belowground herbivory on oviposition decisions in two congeneric butterfly species
Authors: Soler Roxina , Harvey Jeffrey A. , Rouchet Romain , Schaper Sonja V. , Martijn Bezemer T.
Published: July 2010

Root‐feeding insects can affect the performance of aboveground insect herbivores when they are forced to feed on the same host plant. Here we explored whether the oviposition behaviour of two closely related herbivorous species (cabbage butterflies; Lepidoptera: Pieridae) is influenced by root‐feeding insects, when they are given the chance to choose between host plants with and without root herbivores. Considering that egg load is an important physiological factor influencing the foraging behaviour of insects, we also examined whether root‐feeding insects differentially influence oviposition preference in butterflies with low and high egg loads. Oviposition preference in both butterfly species with low and high egg loads was monitored using host plants with and without root herbivores. To ascertain the status of butterfly age with low and high egg loads, the oviducts of a separate group of butterflies was dissected to record the number of immature and mature eggs in butterflies of various ages.Pieris brassicaeL. butterflies with low egg loads preferred plants without root herbivores over plants with root herbivores, and laid more egg clutches on the leaves of plants that were not attacked by root herbivores. Butterflies with comparatively high egg loads also selected a larger proportion of plants without root herbivores, but laid a similar number of egg clutches on the plant shoots independent of the presence or absence of root herbivores belowground. Independent of the age and egg load,Pieris rapaeL. butterflies selected a larger proportion of plants not attacked by root herbivores to lay eggs, but the number of eggs laid was similar in plants with and without root herbivores. This study shows that belowground insects can influence behavioural decisions of aboveground insect herbivores. Interestingly, the strength of these interactions depends on the physiological state of the insects which is probably correlated with their perception of environmental quality.
Mapping of balanced chromosome translocation breakpoints to the basepair level from microdissected chromosomes
Authors: Obenauf Anna C. , Schwarzbraun Thomas , Auer Martina , Hoffmann Eva M. , Waldispuehl‐Geigl Julie , Ulz Peter , Günther Barbara , Duba Hans‐Christoph , Speicher Michael R. , Geigl Jochen B.
Published: July 2010

The analysis of structural variants associated with specific phenotypic features is promising for the elucidation of the function of involved genes. There is, however, at present no approach allowing the rapid mapping of chromosomal translocation breakpoints to the basepair level from a single chromosome. Here we demonstrate that we have advanced both the microdissection and the subsequent unbiased amplification to an extent that breakpoint mapping to the basepair level has become possible. As a case in point we analysed the two breakpoints of a t(7;13) translocation observed in a patient with split hand/foot malformation (SHFM1). The amplification products of the der(7) and of the der(13) were hybridized to custom‐made arrays, enabling us to define primers at flanking breakpoint regions and thus to fine‐map the breakpoints to the basepair level. Consequently, our results will also contribute to a further delineation of causative mechanisms underlying SHFM1 which are currently unknown.
Seasonality and nestedness of bird communities in urban parks in Valencia, Spain
Authors: Murgui Enrique
Published: July 2010

Although nested species subset patterns and mechanisms promoting them have constituted the focus of a considerable research effort, little attention has been paid to the role of seasonality in generating or moderating these patterns. I conducted monthly censuses of 130 urban parks in the city of Valencia throughout an annual cycle to assess whether seasonality influenced nested patterns of bird species assemblages. Specifically I tested the hypothesis that an increase in the movement of birds among parks outside of the breeding season, may reduce nestedness of resident birds. Results obtained in this study showed that assemblages of resident bird species were nested during the breeding season but not outside it, thus giving some support to the hypothesis. However, a reduction in nestedness outside the breeding season was not explained by an increase in the occupancy of parks but with an increase in the number of absences from parks that had been inhabited during the breeding season, most likely due to the use of habitats outside parks by some species (finches mainly). Results suggest the importance of both selective extinction and colonization processes in contributing to the degree of nestedness during the breeding season. However, environmental stress in the form of human disturbance apparently had little effect on the distributions of individual species. Habitat nestedness did not appear to be a factor as parks of all sizes were similar in number and type of habitats. An assessment of seasonality in other landscapes is needed to further understand its general effects on nestedness.