bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent zinc depletion in the mossy fiber terminals in the intrahippocampal kainate mouse model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Mitsuya Koichi , Nitta Naoki , Suzuki Fumio
Published: April 2009

Purpose:  Zinc is released in synaptic vesicles with glutamate, and modulates glutamatergic neurotransmission. In brain, the highest amount of zinc, detected by Timm staining, is in the mossy fiber (MF) system in the hippocampus. In the intrahippocampal kainate (KA) mouse model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, which is elicited by intrahippocampal KA, prominent MF sprouting develops rapidly within 2 weeks post‐KA. However, the intensity of Timm staining is reduced gradually thereafter. The present study is designed to determine the mechanisms underlying this reduction of Timm staining.

Methods:  The changes in Timm staining, and VGluT1, Synapsin‐1, and zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) immunoreactivity (IR) were examined from 4–56 days post‐KA. An analysis of glutamate release in the KA‐injected hippocampus was conducted by microdialysis before and during the continuous injection of midazolam (MDZ).

Results:  At 56 days post‐KA, Timm staining disappeared completely, whereas VGluT‐1‐, Synapsin‐1‐, and ZnT3‐IR were increased in the sprouted MF boutons. However, when the seizures were suppressed by a continuous perfusion of MDZ, the glutamate release in the hippocampus decreased and Timm staining was recovered.

Discussion:  This study showed that the reduction of Timm staining is the result of decreased zinc content but not the loss of MF itself. The reduction is the result of the enhanced release of zinc relative to storage, and it should facilitate the glutamate excitation that might be related to the epileptogenesis and rapid advancement of the morphologic changes in this model.
A systematic review of the epidemiology of epilepsy in Arab countries
Authors: Benamer Hani T. S. , Grosset Donald G.
Published: April 2009

In this report the epidemiologic aspects of epilepsy in Arab countries are systematically reviewed. MEDLINE and Embase were searched, and six papers were identified: one incidence report from Qatar and five prevalence reports (two from Sudan, and one from each of Libya, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia). An incidence of 174 per 100,000 persons in 2001 was reported in a hospital‐based study from Qatar. Prevalence ranged between 0.9/1,000 in Sudan and 6.5/1,000 in Saudi Arabia, with a median of 2.3/1,000. An approximate 724,500 people with epilepsy live in the Arab world. All the studies report higher prevalence in males, which was statistically significant in the Saudi study. The prevalence is approximately 2‐fold higher in children and young adults, compared to the rates in middle age. Two studies showed a high prevalence in individuals older than 60 years of age. Primary generalized seizures are reported in 28–97% of cases, partial seizures in 3–43.8%, and unclassified seizures in 18–51%. Idiopathic epilepsy represents 73.5–82.6% of cases. Early childhood brain damage such as in cerebral palsy and mental retardation represented a major cause of symptomatic epilepsy, whereas infection was the main cause in Sudan. The epidemiologic data from Arab states are lacking, especially from populous countries like Egypt, Algeria, and Syria. Well‐designed studies are needed to accurately determine the burden of epilepsy in the Arab world.
Mortality in captive baboons with seizures: A new model for SUDEP?
Authors: Ákos Szabó C. , Knape Koyle D. , Michelle Leland M. , Feldman Jake , McCoy Karin J.M. , Hubbard Gene B. , Williams Jeff T.
Published: April 2009

Because the baboon is a model of primary generalized epilepsy, we were interested in mortality of captive animals with a history of witnessed seizures. Causes of natural death were investigated in 46 seizure baboons (SZ) and 78 nonepileptic controls (CTL), all of which underwent a complete pathologic examination at the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research (SFBR) in San Antonio. SZ animals died at a younger age than the control baboons (p < 0.001). Almost all epileptic baboons that died suddenly without an apparent cause (SZ‐UKN), had pulmonary congestion or edema without evidence of trauma, systemic illness, or heart disease, compared to nine controls (12%) (p < 0.001), most of which demonstrated evidence of a concurrent illness. Serosanguineous bronchial secretions were found in 15 SZ‐UKN baboons (58%), but in only three controls (4%) (p < 0.001). Chronic multifocal fibrotic changes in myocardium were noted in only three (12%) of SZ‐UKN baboons and one control baboon. Based upon these results, untreated seizures appear to reduce the life expectancy of captive baboons. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) may be a common cause of natural death in epileptic baboons.
Guidelines for imaging infants and children with recent‐onset epilepsy
Authors: Gaillard William D. , Chiron Catherine , Helen Cross J. , Simon Harvey A. , Kuzniecky Ruben , Hertz‐Pannier Lucie , Gilbert Vezina L.
Published: April 2009

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Subcommittee for Pediatric Neuroimaging examined the usefulness of, and indications for, neuroimaging in the evaluation of children with newly diagnosed epilepsy. The retrospective and prospective published series with n ≥30 utilizing computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (1.5 T) that evaluated children with new‐onset seizure(s) were reviewed. Nearly 50% of individual imaging studies in children with localization‐related new‐onset seizure(s) were reported to be abnormal; 15–20% of imaging studies provided useful information on etiology or and seizure focus, and 2–4% provided information that potentially altered immediate medical management. A significant imaging abnormality in the absence of a history of a localization‐related seizure, abnormal neurologic examination, or focal electroencephalography (EEG) is rare. Imaging studies in childhood absence epilepsy, juvenile absence epilepsy, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) do not identify significant structural abnormalities. Imaging provides important contributions to establishing etiology, providing prognostic information, and directing treatment in children with recently diagnosed epilepsy. Imaging is recommended when localization‐related epilepsy is known or suspected, when the epilepsy classification is in doubt, or when an epilepsy syndrome with remote symptomatic cause is suspected. When available, MRI is preferred to CT because of its superior resolution, versatility, and lack of radiation.
DINOFLAGELLATE HOST‐PARASITE STEROL PROFILES DICTATE KARLOTOXIN SENSITIVITY1
Authors: Place Allen R. , Bai Xuemei , Kim Sunju , Sengco Mario R. , Wayne Coats D.
Published: April 2009

We examined the sterol profile ofKarlodinium veneficum(D. Ballant.) J. Larsen,Akashiwo sanguinea(Hiraska) Ge. Hansen et Moestrup,Alexandrium tamarense(M. Lebour) Balech,Alexandrium affine(H. Inoue et Fukuyo) Balech,Gonyaulax polygrammaF. Stein,andGymnodinium instriatum(Freud. et J. J. Lee) Coats,along with theirAmoebophyraparasites. There were no consistent sterol profiles that characterized the genusAmoebophyra. Instead, in five out of six comparisons, the host and parasite sterol profiles where highly correlated. The one exception,Amoebophyrasp. exAlex. tamarense,was least like its host in sterol profile and also possessed the widest host range for infection. There was little correlation between host and parasite in fatty acid profiles, with the parasite being deficient in fatty acids characteristic of the plastid [e.g., 18:5(n‐3) associated with galactolipids of the thylakoids, as previously published by Adolf et al. (2007)]. Those hosts and parasites with sterol profiles dominated by desmethyl sterols were most sensitive to karlotoxin toxicity. In the host‐parasite pairs most sensitive to karlotoxin addition, recovery of the intact karlotoxin molecule was poorest. Given the sensitivity to karlotoxin, some species ofAmoebophyramay avoid infection ofK. veneficum.
BIOGEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE GLOBALLY DISTRIBUTED HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM SPECIES ALEXANDRIUM MINUTUM (DINOPHYCEAE) BASED ON rRNA GENE SEQUENCES AND MICROSATELLITE MARKERS1
Authors: McCauley Linda A. R. , Erdner Deana L. , Nagai Satoshi , Richlen Mindy L. , Anderson Donald M.
Published: April 2009

The toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum Halim is one of three species that comprise the “minutum” species complex. This complex is notable due to its role in the etiology of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). Recent increases in PSP incidence and the geographic expansion of toxin‐producing Alexandrium dinoflagellates have prompted the intensive examination of genetic relationships among globally distributed strains to address questions regarding their present distribution and reasons for their apparent increase. The biogeography of A. minutum was studied using large subunit ribosomal DNA gene (LSU rRNA) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences and genotypic data from 12 microsatellite loci. rRNA gene and ITS sequencing data distinguished between two clades, herein termed the “Global” and the “Pacific”; however, little to no resolution was seen within each clade. Genotypic data from 12 microsatellite loci provided additional information regarding genetic relationships within the Global clade, but it was not possible to amplify DNA from the Pacific clade using these markers. With the exception of isolates from Italy and Spain, strains generally clustered according to origin, revealing geographic structuring within the Global clade. Additionally, no evidence supported the separation of A. lusitanicum and A. minutum as different species. With the use of microsatellites, it is now possible to initiate studies on the origin, history, and genetic heterogeneity of A. minutum that were not previously possible using only rRNA gene sequence data. This study demonstrates the power of combining a marker with intermediate resolution (rRNA sequences) with finer‐scale markers (microsatellites) to examine intraspecies variability among globally distributed isolates and represents the first effort to employ this technique in A. minutum.
IMPROVED METHODS FOR THE ISOLATION OF CYANOBACTERIAL DNA FROM ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES1
Authors: Yilmaz Mete , Phlips Edward J. , Tillett Daniel
Published: April 2009

DNA isolated from environmental samples often contains enzyme inhibitors disruptive to downstream molecular applications. Most of the existing methods of cyanobacterial DNA isolation do not effectively eliminate these inhibitors from sediment samples or cells collected from freshwater ecosystems. We describe improved methods based on the xanthogenate‐SDS nucleic acid isolation (XS) method of Tillett and Neilan (2000). Our improved methods provided high‐quality cyanobacterial DNA that could be amplified in PCR and digested with a restriction enzyme. Results were superior to several commercial kits. The DNA yield was also similar to that obtained via the standard XS method. These methods should provide valuable new tools for the expanded application of molecular genetics to limnological and oceanographic research.
PHYLOGENY AND SYSTEMATICS OFEUGLENA(EUGLENACEAE) SPECIES WITH AXIAL, STELLATE CHLOROPLASTS BASED ON MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR DATA—NEW TAXA, EMENDED DIAGNOSES, AND EPITYPIFICATIONS1
Authors: Kosmala Sylwia , Karnkowska‐Ishikawa Anna , Milanowski Rafał , Kwiatowski Jan , Zakryś Bożena
Published: April 2009

Morphological and molecular studies, as well as original literature reexamination, necessitate establishment of fiveEuglenaspecies with a single axial, stellate chloroplast [Euglena viridis(O. F. Müller)Ehrenberg 1830,Euglena pseudoviridis Chadefaud 1937,Euglena stellata Mainx 1926,Euglena pseudostellatasp. nov., andEuglena cantabrica Pringsheim 1956], three species with two chloroplasts (Euglena geniculataDujardin exSchmitz 1884,Euglena chadefaudii Bourrelly 1951, andEuglena pseudochadefaudiisp. nov.), and one species with three chloroplasts (Euglena tristella Chu 1946). The primary morphological features, allowing distinction of the considered species are the presence and the shape of mucocysts, as well as the number of chloroplasts. Spherical mucocysts occur inE. cantabricaandE. geniculata,while spindle‐shaped mucocysts are present inE. stellata, E. pseudostellata,E. chadefaudii, E. pseudochadefaudii,andE. tristella. No mucocysts are observed inE. viridisandE. pseudoviridis. Two new species (E. pseudochadefaudiisp. nov. andE. pseudostellatasp. nov.) differ from the respective species,E. chadefaudiiandE. stellata, only at the molecular level. Molecular signatures and characteristic sequences are designated for nine distinguished species. Emended diagnoses for all and delimitation of epitypes for seven species (exceptE. viridisandE. tristella) are proposed.
Trends in Hospital Discharge Disposition for Elderly Patients with Infective Endocarditis: 1993 to 2003
Authors: Mendiratta Priya , Tilford John M. , Prodhan Parthak , Cleves Mario A. , Wei Jeanne Y.
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVES: To examine hospital discharges of elderly patients hospitalized with infective endocarditis (IE).

DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of hospital discharges from 1993 to 2003.

SETTING: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), which approximates a 20% sample of all U.S. acute care hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS: All patients aged 65 and older with a primary or secondary International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, diagnosis code for IE were included.

MEASUREMENTS: The main outcome measures were in‐hospital mortality and, for survivors, discharge disposition: to home (with home health care) or to a facility.

RESULTS: Hospitalizations for IE increased 26.0% over the 10‐year period, from 3.19 per 10,000 elderly patients in 1993 to 3.95 per 10,000 in 2003. Over the study period, a trend toward increasing discharge to nursing home and decreasing discharge to home and home health care was evident. Discharge to home for survivors decreased from 57.7% to 35.0% over the study period, whereas discharge to nursing facilities increased from 27.7% to 44.3%. Over the 10‐year study period, elderly patients hospitalized with IE were 2.3 times as likely to be discharged to a facility as to home.

CONCLUSION: Hospital discharge dispositions have changed for elderly patients admitted with IE. Changes in the patient's age, severity of illness, or comorbidities do not explain these trends. Financial incentives are the most likely factor influencing the substitution in discharge dispositions for elderly patients with IE.
What Is Training All About?
Authors: Avruch Kevin
Published: April 2009

This article compares “training” to “education” generally and, specifically, with respect to the question of how this distinction plays a role in teaching negotiation and the possible emergence of a “second generation” of negotiation theory and practice.
Women at the Bargaining Table: Pitfalls and Prospects
Authors: Tinsley Catherine H. , Cheldelin Sandra I. , Schneider Andrea Kupfer , Amanatullah Emily T.
Published: April 2009

Research evidence across a number of disciplines and fields has shown that women can encounter both social and financial backlash when they behave assertively, for example, by asking for resources at the bargaining table. But this backlash appears to be most evident when a gender stereotype that prescribes communal, nurturing behavior by women is activated. In situations in which this female stereotype is suppressed, backlash against assertive female behavior is attenuated. We review several contexts in which stereotypic expectations of females are more dormant or where assertive behavior by females can be seen as normative. We conclude with prescriptions from this research that suggest how women might attenuate backlash at the bargaining table and with ideas about how to teach these issues of gender and backlash to student populations in order to make students, both male and female, more aware of their own inclination to backlash and how to rectify such inequities from both sides of the bargaining table.
Enhancing Community Leadership Negotiation Skills to Build Civic Capacity
Authors: Shmueli Deborah , Warfield Wallace , Kaufman Sanda
Published: April 2009

Most intra‐ and interorganizational decision making entails negotiations, and even naturally talented negotiators can improve with training. Executive trainings for managers and leadership programs for publicly elected officials, public managers, and nongovernmental organizations frequently include negotiation modules. These efforts, however, have yet to reach community leaders who also need to develop their negotiation skills.

We propose that members of disadvantaged low‐income communities who lack educational and economic opportunities, and are less able to advocate for their own interest, need to build and strengthen their civic capacity, including their negotiation skills, to become more effective parties to decisions affecting them. While many professionals and executives have access to training, such opportunities are less accessible to the leaders of these disadvantaged communities. Although such leaders draw from their own heuristic knowledge, skills, and abilities, they could also benefit from sharpening their negotiation skills.

We propose that the multidimensional understanding of their community that members accumulate through direct experience is indispensable, nontransferable to outsiders, and not teachable through in‐class activities. Leaders with the ability to leverage knowledge and assets to connect effectively to community insiders as well as to outside people, institutions, and resources, however, possess some specific inherent personality traits as well an understanding of social structures, strategies, and agency, which can be taught and learned. Such skills as how to conduct negotiations around the table and away from it and how to identify community members who can help and how to rally them are also teachable. The cases were chosen to illustrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that make these leaders effective in and beyond their communities. We highlight those KSAs that we think are teachable in the framework of a negotiation module in community leadership training to enhance civic capacity for community betterment.
Modeling parasitism rate and parasitism risk: an illustration using a colonially nesting songbird, the red‐winged blackbirdAgelaius phoeniceus
Authors: Post van der Burg Max , Powell Larkin A. , Tyre Andrew J.
Published: April 2009

Ornithologists interested in the drivers of nest success and brood parasitism benefit from the development of new analytical approaches. One example is the development of so‐called “log exposure” models for analyzing nest success. However, analyses of brood parasitism data have not kept pace with developments in nest success analyses. The standard approach uses logistic regression which does not account for multiple parasitism events, nor does it prevent bias from using observed proportions of parasitized nests. Likewise, logistic regression analyses do not capture fine scale temporal variation in parasitism. At first glance, it might be tempting to apply log exposure models to parasitism data, but the process of parasitism is inherently different from the process of nest predation. We modeled daily parasitism rate as a Poisson process, which allowed us to correct potential biases in parasitism rate. We were also able to use our estimated parasitism rate to model parasitism risk as the probability of one or more parasitism events. We applied this model to red‐winged blackbirdAgelaius phoeniceusnesting colonies subject to parasitism by brown‐headed cowbirdsMolothrus ater. Our approach allowed us to model parasitism using a wider rage of covariates, especially functions of time. We found strong support for models combining temporal fluctuations in parasitism rate and nest‐site characteristics. Similarly, we found that our annual predicted parasitism risk was lower on average than the risk estimated from observed parasitism levels. Our approach improves upon traditional logistic regression analyses and opens the door for more mechanistic modeling of the process of parasitism.
Results of risk‐adapted therapy in acute myeloid leukaemia. A long‐term population‐based follow‐up study
Authors: Wahlin Anders , Billström Rolf , Björ Ove , Ahlgren Tomas , Hedenus Michael , Höglund Martin , Lindmark Anders , Markevärn Berit , Nilsson Bo , Sallerfors Bengt , Brune Mats
Published: April 2009

In 1997–2003, a protocol for treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) (except promyelocytic leukaemia) was activated in four Swedish health care regions covering 50% of the national population. Based on cytogenetics and clinical findings, patients aged 18–60 yr were assigned to one of three risk groups. In this report we account for the long‐term clinical outcome of enrolled patients. Patients received idarubicin and cytarabine in standard doses as induction therapy and consolidation courses included high‐dose cytarabine. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) from an human leucocyte antigen‐identical sibling was recommended in standard and poor‐risk patients, whereas unrelated donor transplant was reserved for poor‐risk patients. Autologous (auto‐SCT) was optional for standard or poor risk patients not eligible for allo‐SCT. Two hundred seventy‐nine patients with de novo or secondary (9%) AML, median age 51 (18–60) yr, corresponding to 77% of all patients in the population, were included. Twenty (7%) patients were assigned to the good risk group, whereas 150 (54%) and 109 patients (39%) were assigned to standard‐ and poor‐risk groups, respectively. Induction failures accounted for 55 patients; 16 early deaths eight of whom had white blood cell (WBC) >100 at diagnosis, and 39 refractory disease. Thus, complete remission (CR) rate was 80%. At study closure, the median follow‐up time of living patients was 90 months. Median survival time from diagnosis in the whole group was 27 months and 4‐yr overall survival (OS) rate was 44%. In good, standard, and poor risk groups, 4‐yr OS rates were 60, 57 and 24%, respectively. Median relapse‐free survival (RFS) time in CR1 was 25 months and RFS at 4 yr was 44%. Four‐year RFS rates were significantly (P < 0.001) different between the three risk groups; 64% in good risk, 51% in standard risk and 27% in poor risk patients. One hundred‐ten transplantations were performed in CR1; 74 allo‐SCT (50 sibling, 24 unrelated donor), and 36 auto‐SCT. Non‐relapse mortality was 16% for allo‐SCT patients. Outcome after relapse was poor with median time to death 163 d and 4‐yr survival rate 17%. Three conclusions were: (i) these data reflect treatment results in a minimally selected population‐based cohort of adult AML patients <60 yr old; (ii) a risk‐adapted therapy aiming at early allogeneic SCT in patients with a high risk of relapse is hampered by induction deaths, refractory disease, and early relapses; and (iii) high WBC count at diagnosis is confirmed as a strong risk factor for early death but not for relapse.
Corticosteroid side‐effects and risk for bleeding in immune thrombocytopenic purpura: patient and hematologist perspectives
Authors: Guidry Jacqueline A. , George James N. , Vesely Sara K. , Kennison Shelia M. , Terrell Deirdra R.
Published: April 2009

Objectives:  The purpose of this study was to examine hematologist and patient perspectives about the side‐effects of the corticosteroid treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and their perspectives about the patient’s risk for bleeding. The specific aim was to compare patient and hematologist perspectives and, if a difference was documented, the implications of that difference. We hypothesized that patients with ITP may have more concern about corticosteroid side‐effects and less concern about serious bleeding than hematologists.

Methods:  We surveyed 80 patients in the Oklahoma ITP Registry and all 83 hematologists in Oklahoma about the occurrence and severity of 18 corticosteroid side‐effects and risks for serious bleeding.

Results:  Response rates were 80% (patients) and 71% (hematologists). Responses of patients and hematologists were significantly different from each other regarding both the frequency of severe corticosteroid side‐effects and the risk of serious bleeding. For 13 of the 18 corticosteroid side‐effects, patients reported more frequent occurrence of severe symptoms than hematologists (P < 0.05); physicians reported more frequent occurrence for one side‐effect (P < 0.05). Conversely, 69% and 93% of hematologists reported being very worried about serious bleeding when responding to two case scenarios describing patients with platelet counts of 10 000/μL and 5000/μL (P < 0.05), compared with only 16 (31%) of 51 patients whose lowest platelet count had been <10 000/μL.

Conclusion:  Awareness of the different opinions about corticosteroid side‐effects and risk for bleeding between ITP patients and hematologists may improve management decisions.
Fetal blood sampling in baboons (Papio spp.): Important procedural aspects and literature review
Authors: Joy S.D. , O’Shaughnessy R. , Schlabritz‐Loutsevitch N. , Leland M.M. , Frost P. , Fan‐Havard P.
Published: April 2009

Background  The baboons (Papio cynocephalus) have similarities with human placentation and fetal development. Fetal blood sampling allows investigators to assess fetal condition at a specific point in gestation as well as transplacental transfer of medications. Unfortunately, assessing fetal status during gestation has been difficult and fetal instrumentation associated with high rate of pregnancy loss. Our objectives are to describe the technique of ultrasound guided cordocentesis (UGC) in baboons, report post‐procedural outcomes, and review existing publications.

Methods  This is a procedural paper describing the technique of UGC in baboons. After confirming pregnancy and gestational age via ultrasound, animals participating in approved research protocols that required fetal assessment underwent UGC.

Results  We successfully performed UGC in four animals (five samples) using this technique. Animals were sampled in the second and third trimesters with fetal blood sampling achieved by sampling a free cord loop, placental cord insertion site or the intrahepatic umbilical vein. All procedures were without complication and these animals delivered at term.

Conclusions  Ultrasound guided fetal umbilical cord venipuncture is a useful and safe technique to sample the fetal circulation with minimal risk to the fetus or mother. We believe this technique could be used for repeated fetal venous blood sampling in the baboons.
Intrauterine hyperexposure to dexamethasone of the common marmoset monkey revealed normal cerebral metabolite concentrations in adulthood as assessed by quantitative proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in vivo
Authors: Michaelis T. , Abaei A. , Boretius S. , Tammer R. , Frahm J. , Schlumbohm C. , Fuchs E.
Published: April 2009

Background  Animal models of human brain disorders often have to rely on non‐human primates because of their immunological, physiological, and cognitive similarities to humans.

Methods  Localized proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed to assess cerebral metabolite profiles of male common marmoset monkeys in vivo and to determine putative alterations of adult brain metabolism in response to intrauterine hyperexposure to the synthetic glucocorticoid hormone dexamethasone.

Results  Excellent spectral quality allowed for absolute quantification of the concentrations of major metabolites in predominantly white matter, gray matter, and thalamus. Marmoset monkeys intrauterinely hyperexposed to dexamethasone revealed normal neurochemical profiles at adulthood.

Conclusions  Prenatally applied dexamethasone does not lead to persistent metabolic alterations affecting adult brain integrity.
Sensitization to para‐amino compounds in swim fins in a 10‐year‐old boy
Authors: Seyfarth Florian , Krautheim Andrea , Schliemann Sibylle , Elsner Peter
Published: April 2009

A ten‐year‐old boy presented with recurrent eczema on the dorsa of both feet and the thighs. His symptoms became worse when he used racing swim fins. Patch testing included the standard, ointments, preservatives, leather, textile dyes, rubber component, and corticosteroid series of the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG) as well as the patient's own materials (fin material). At 72 hours positive reactions were observed to blue flipper material, Acid Yellow 36, Bismarck Brown R, and DPPD. DPPD is widely used as an anti‐oxidant in the rubber industries. Therefore, the dermatitis was most probably attributable to DPPD in the blue flipper material, although we were not able to prove this due to lack of cooperation of the manufacturer. Sensitization to Acid Yellow 36 and Bismarck Brown R are interpreted as cross sensitizations, since all substances are para‐amino compounds.
Changes in quality of life for patients with chronic venous insufficiency, present or healed leg ulcers
Authors: Renner Regina , Gebhardt Carl , Simon Jan C. , Seikowski Kurt
Published: April 2009

Background: Patients with chronic leg ulcers are handicapped in daily life, both by physical complaints and social problems. The aim of our study was not only to assess a possible impairment of quality of life (QOL) of leg ulcer patients but also to evaluate if there is a real improvement of QOL after healing of the ulcer. Patients with chronic venous insufficiency served as the control group. We further analyzed if there were significant differences in the response between patients who were and were not performing compression therapy.

Patients and method: We interviewed three groups of patients (active venous leg ulcer, healed venous leg ulcer and patients with chronic venous insufficiency using the „Freiburger Life Quality Assessment für Venenerkrankungen“ (FLQAv). Results: Physical problems, daily handicaps and social problems all increased with age. Contrary to our expectations, healing of a leg ulcer did not lead to a significant increase in QOL. Instead, patients with active ulcers did not regard their QOL as lower than those in the other groups. Compression therapy also did not impair QOL in the three groups.

Conclusion: Even though ulcer healing is an admirable goal, it does not necessarily lead to an improved QOL, probably because of the numerous comorbidi‐ties in this patient group. Nonetheless, it is important to control problems associated directly with the wound to allow ulcer patients to participate actively in everyday life and minimize social problems.
Two Bad Kings and Two Bad Presidents
Authors: ABBOTT PHILIP
Published: April 2009

One of the rewards for those engaged in presidential studies is the opportunity to rank presidents. Identifying great presidents is often the focus of this pastime. As important, perhaps—and as engaging—is the identification of bad presidents. Is their “badness” the polar opposite of “greatness”? Is badness easier or more difficult to define than greatness? Based on the insights found in Shakespeare's treatment of two bad kings, I identify two kinds of bad presidents and suggest that the relationship between great presidents and bad ones is a complex one that may lead us to revaluate what makes some presidents great.
“The American System”: Herbert Hoover, the Associative State, and Broadcast Commercialism
Authors: DEMPSEY JOHN MARK , GRUVER ERIC
Published: April 2009

Despite Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover's expressed opposition to broadcast advertising, radio went commercial on Hoover's watch. In our view, Hoover was sincere in his opposition to advertising and did not covertly direct broadcasting toward its adoption. But Hoover's belief in the associative state, in which businesses cooperate with each other and with government through self‐governing organizations to create “desired outcomes for society,” resulted in a passive drift toward acceptance of a commercial system—the “American system”—of broadcasting.
POTUS on the Road: International and Domestic Presidential Travel, 1977‐2005
Authors: DOHERTY BRENDAN J.
Published: April 2009

As a president's time is perhaps his scarcest resource, the strategic choices that determine its allocation are some of the most significant that a president and his aides will make. When and where a president chooses to travel, and what he does while he is there, can reveal a great deal about his priorities. This essay analyzes patterns of both international and domestic travel over the past five presidential administrations in order to provide the incoming president and his aides with information that will assist them as they decide when, where, and for what the next president should travel.
Presidential Power in National Security: A Guide to the President‐Elect
Authors: FISHER LOUIS
Published: April 2009

Over the last half century, presidents have read their national security powers in sweeping terms, doing great damage to themselves, their parties, the nation, and regions around the world. The effective use of military force and foreign policy initiatives requires the building of consensus, public understanding, and acting within the law. Too often, presidents have claimed the unilateral power to commit the nation to war by making uninformed references to the commander in chief clause. They have also asserted “preeminence” in the making and conduct of foreign policy. Heavy political and constitutional costs flowed from miscalculations by Harry S. Truman in Korea, Lyndon B. Johnson in Southeast Asia, and George W. Bush in Iraq. Over the last seven years, the reputation of the United States has lost credit around the world because of indefinite detention without trial, torture memos, Abu Ghraib, Guantánamo, the claim of “law‐free zones,” extraordinary rendition, and other U.S. policies and practices.
The Contemporary Presidency: Decision Making in the Bush White House
Authors: PFIFFNER JAMES P.
Published: April 2009

The White House Office is so large and complex that a systematic process of policy evaluation is essential in order to provide the president with a range of options on all important policy decisions. Some of the most important decisions that President George W. Bush made in his first term were taken without the benefit of broad deliberation within the White House or cabinet. This article will take up four cases of policy decisions to illustrate the lack of a regular policy process and consultation that characterized many important decisions of the Bush administration. Two focus on detainee policy: the military commissions order of November 13, 2001, and the February 7, 2002, decision to suspend the Geneva Conventions. And two are about the war in Iraq: the initial decision to go to war and the decision to disband the Iraqi army. The pattern that emerges from an examination of these four decisions is one of secrecy, top‐down control, tightly held information, disregard for the judgments of career professionals, and the exclusion from deliberation of qualified executive branch experts who might have disagreed with those who initially framed the decisions.
TRB3, upregulated by ox‐LDL, mediates human monocyte‐derived macrophage apoptosis
Authors: Shang Yuan‐yuan , Wang Zhi‐hao , Zhang Li‐ping , Zhong Ming , Zhang Yun , Deng Jing‐ti , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2009

Tribble3 (TRB3), a mammalian homolog of Drosophila tribbles, slows cell‐cycle progression, and its expression is increased in response to various stresses. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the TRB3 gene in macrophage apoptosis induced by oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL). We found that, in human monocyte‐derived macrophages, TRB3 is upregulated by ox‐LDL in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The cell viability of TRB3‐overexpressing macrophages was decreased, but apoptosis was increased and the level of activated caspase‐3 increased. Factorial analyses revealed no significant interaction between TRB3 overexpression and ox‐LDL stimulation with respect to macrophage apoptosis. Furthermore, TRB3‐silenced macrophages showed decreased apoptosis, and TRB3‐silenced cells treated with ox‐LDL showed significantly increased apoptosis. Silencing of TRB3 and ox‐LDL stimulation showed significant interaction for macrophage apoptosis, suggesting that TRB3 knockdown resisted the macrophage apoptosis induced by ox‐LDL. Therefore, TRB3 in part mediates the macrophage apoptosis induced by ox‐LDL, which suggests that TRB3 might be involved in vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque progression.
Particle Size Effect on the Packaging Performance of YAG:Ce Phosphors in White LEDs
Authors: Huang Shih Chieh , Wu Jui Kung , Hsu Wei‐Jen , Chang Hsin Hsiung , Hung Hsien Yen , Lin Chi Lian , Su Hung‐Yuan , Bagkar Nitin , Ke Wei‐Chih , Kuo Hui Tung , Liu Ru‐Shi
Published: April 2009

The synthesis of cerium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG:Ce) phosphor of different sizes with uniform size distribution was carried out using solid‐state reaction followed by grinding and sieving method. The effect of particle size distribution of YAG:Ce phosphors on the photoluminescence (PL) properties was investigated. The results demonstrate that the uniform size distribution and particle size affects the packaging performance in white light emitting diode (LED) applications. The YAG:Ce phosphors with different particle sizes were packaged in white LEDs using different amounts of each phosphors in order to get similar efficiency as that of commercially available YAG:Ce phosphors. It was observed that minimum amount of phosphor material is required for smaller particle size for getting the similar efficiency as that exhibited by commercially available YAG:Ce phosphors. The results are particularly interesting in view of reducing the cost of current LEDs by lowering the amount of phosphors without compromising the efficiencies of final LED package. A systematic study of YAG:Ce phosphors on the packing performance in white LEDs is reported.
Impacts of the 2003 CAP Reform on Organic Farms Incidences de la réforme de 2003 de la PAC sur les exploitations biologiques Die Auswirkungen der Reform der GAP von 2003 auf Ökolandbaubetriebe
Authors: Offermann Frank , Nieberg Hiltrud
Published: April 2009

Impacts of the 2003 CAP Reform on Organic Farms

The 2003 reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) constitutes a rather fundamental shift in the agricultural policy of the EU. Many of the individual elements of the reform are likely to affect organic and conventional farms differently. This article analyses the impacts of the 2003 CAP reform on organic farms, combining an extensive survey of organic farmers in several EU member states with a farm modelling approach based on the European Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). The results highlight that impacts on the relative competitiveness of organic farms will depend strongly on the national implementation of the 2003 CAP reform and will often differ by farm type. In general, the impact will be more beneficial to organic farms in countries that have opted for full rather than partial decoupling, and in countries which have implemented the Single Farm Payment on the basis of regional flat rate payments rather than on the basis of historical, individual farm references. While the reform increases the incentive for conversion to organic farming, the impacts of other policy and market changes over the next ten years remain less clear, making the formulation of strategies for farmers and policy makers difficult and providing challenges for future research.
After the Health Check What is the Future for the Common Agricultural Policy? Nach dem Gesundheitscheck: Wie geht es weiter mit der Gemeinsamen Agrarpolitik? Quel est l’avenir de la Politique Agricole Commune après le bilan de santé ?
Authors: Gandalovič Petr
Published: April 2009

After the Health Check What is the Future for the Common Agricultural Policy?

The CAP has now completed another stage in its development. The Health Check negotiating marathon has ended. The Czech Republic has been against unequal conditions for member states as these deform fair competition and the common market. Progressive modulation in the originally proposed form would have created barriers to a unified Europe, thus going against the motto of the Czech presidency ‘Europe without Barriers’. The Czech Republic can certainly be satisfied with the essence of the compromise. The cancellation of the milk quota in 2015 is a liberalising measure, and as such we support it. The Health Check opens the door to the Czech presidency for a discussion on the elimination of unfair differences in direct payments between member states and we will definitely take up the opportunity. After 2013 the CAP will have to take much greater account of the situation following the unprecedented expansion of the EU in 2004 and 2006. For the Czech Republic, a further reinforcing of freedom in decision making for farmers and their focus on the specific needs of the local, community and global market is fundamental. Further simplification of the CAP and ‘better regulation’, focussing on a reduction in the administrative burden on farmers, is one of the priority challenges.
Fullerene Isoniazid Conjugate – A Tuberculostat with Increased Lipophilicity: Synthesis and Evaluation of Antimycobacterial Activity
Authors: Kumar Anish , Patel Gaurang , Menon Shobhana Karuveettil
Published: April 2009

A fullerene–isoniazid conjugate has been synthesized by 1, 3 dipolar cycloaddition reaction of fullerene (C60) with isonicotinic acid (4‐formyl‐benzylidene) hydrazide and N‐methylglycine. The identity and purity of the compound was confirmed by elemental analysis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and MALDI‐TOF mass spectral analysis. Stable water suspension, in which the particles of the synthesized conjugate were made to aggregate in nanosize, was successfully tested for antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium avium and strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis– H37Rv & H6/99 at concentration as low as 0.50 μg/mL.
The Vitamin D Status Among Tibetans
Authors: Norsang Gelsor , Ma LiWei , Dahlback Arne , Zhuoma Ciren , Tsoja Wangmo , Porojnicu Alina , Lagunova Zoya , Moan Johan
Published: April 2009

UVB from the sun and intake from food are the only human sources of vitamin D. Tibet is a unique region for comparisons of these sources: (1) it lies at a low latitude and at a high altitude and has very large annual fluences of UVB; (2) the traditional Tibetan food is poor in vitamin D. Blood samples were taken from 63 persons of different age, with different occupations and staying at different places. UVB doses at these places were measured. The samples were analyzed by a standard radioimmune assay for determination of the serum concentration of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). The main finding was that among nomads, there seems to be severe vitamin D deficiency (serum levels of 25(OH)D < 30 nm). We tentatively propose that the low level of 25(OH)D of nomads is related to their clothing and sun exposure habits. For persons of other occupations (students, teachers and farmers) the levels are higher, although a significant fraction of these persons also have lower levels than 75 nm, by many regarded as a limit for insufficiency related to a number of negative health conditions. The annual dose of vitamin D‐generating UVB is about five times larger in Lhasa than in Oslo. Despite this, the average vitamin D status seems to be similar, except in the case of nomads. This phenomenon is certainly related to food habits. In conclusion, the 25(OH)D status among nomads in Tibet appears to be alarmingly low. However, for people of other occupations the status is more normal.
Monitoring Singlet Oxygen and Hydroxyl Radical Formation with Fluorescent Probes During Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Price Michael , Reiners John J , Santiago Ann Marie , Kessel David
Published: April 2009

Singlet oxygen (1O2) is the primary oxidant generated in photodynamic therapy (PDT) protocols involving sensitizers resulting in type II reactions. 1O2 can give rise to additional reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as the hydroxyl radical (?OH). The current study was designed to assess 3′‐p‐(aminophenyl) fluorescein (APF) and 3′‐p‐(hydroxyphenyl) fluorescein (HPF) as probes for the detection of 1O2 and ?OH under conditions relevant to PDT. Cell‐free studies indicated that both APF and HPF were converted to fluorescent products following exposure to 1O2 generated by irradiation of a water‐soluble photosensitizing agent (TPPS) and that APF was 35‐fold more sensitive than HPF. Using the 1O2 probe singlet oxygen sensor green (SOSG) we confirmed that 1 mm NaN3 quenched 1O2‐induced APF/HPF fluorescence, while 1% DMSO had no effect. APF and HPF also yielded a fluorescent product upon interacting with ?OH generated from H2O2 via the Fenton reaction in a cell‐free system. DMSO quenched the fluorogenic interaction between APF/HPF and ?OH at doses as low as 0.02%. Although NaN3 was expected to quench ?OH‐induced APF/HPF fluorescence, co‐incubating NaN3 with APF or HPF in the presence of ?OH markedly enhanced fluorescence. Cultured L1210 cells that had been photosensitized with benzoporphyhrin derivative exhibited APF fluorescence immediately following irradiation. Approximately 50% of the cellular fluorescence could be suppressed by inclusion of either DMSO or the iron‐chelator desferroxamine. Combining the latter two agents did not enhance suppression. We conclude that APF can be used to monitor the formation of both 1O2 and ?OH in cells subjected to PDT if studies are performed in the presence and absence of DMSO, respectively. That portion of the fluorescence quenched by DMSO will represent the contribution of ?OH. This procedure could represent a useful means for evaluating formation of both ROS in the context of PDT.
Theoretical Investigation of the Excited States of 2‐Nitrobenzyl and 4,5‐Methylendioxy‐2‐nitrobenzyl Caging Groups†
Authors: Schaper Klaus , Etinski Mihajlo , Fleig Timo
Published: April 2009

The photochemistry of caged compounds of the o‐nitrobenzyl type has been investigated thoroughly in the past. However, even recently new side reactions have been discovered. Earlier, we reported [Bley, F., K. Schaper, and H. Görner (2008), Photochem. Photobiol.84 162–171] that we found long‐lived triplet states which do not lead to product formation for the bathochromic absorbing compounds with 4,5‐methylendioxy‐2‐nitrobenzyl caging group. Here, we report on theoretical studies which explain the special behavior of these compounds. These studies reveal that the bathochromic shift of absorption for these compounds compared with o‐nitrobenzyl compounds themselves is not due to a shift in energy of the involved states, but due to a substantial change of oscillator strength of the respective transitions. The lack of reactivity of the triplet state of 4,5‐methylendioxy‐2‐nitrobenzyl compounds can be attributed to state switching. In the triplet manifold the lowest state is a nonreactive charge transfer state, while the lowest state in the singlet manifold is a reactive local excitation in the nitro‐group. From these results we conclude that it will be most likely not possible to create derivatives of caged compounds based on the o‐nitrobenzyl caging group which have absorption which is shifted even more strongly to longer wavelengths.