bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dantrolene inhibits the calcium plateau and prevents the development of spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharges following in vitro status epilepticus
Authors: Nagarkatti Nisha , Deshpande Laxmikant S. , Carter Dawn S. , DeLorenzo Robert J.
Published: June 2010

Status epilepticus is a clinical emergency that can lead to the development of acquired epilepsy following neuronal injury. Understanding the pathophysiological changes that occur between the injury itself and the expression of epilepsy is important in the development of new therapeutics to prevent epileptogenesis. Currently, no anti‐epileptogenic agents exist; thus, the ability to treat an individual immediately after status epilepticus to prevent the ultimate development of epilepsy remains an important clinical challenge. In the Sprague–Dawley rat pilocarpine model of status epilepticus‐induced acquired epilepsy, intracellular calcium has been shown to increase in hippocampal neurons during status epilepticus and remain elevated well past the duration of the injury in those animals that develop epilepsy. This study aimed to determine if such changes in calcium dynamics exist in the hippocampal culture model of status epilepticus‐induced acquired epilepsy and, if so, to study whether manipulating the calcium plateau after status epilepticus would prevent epileptogenesis. The in vitro status epilepticus model resembled the in vivo model in terms of elevations in neuronal calcium concentrations that were maintained well past the duration of the injury. When used following in vitro status epilepticus, dantrolene, a ryanodine receptor inhibitor, but not the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid channel blocker MK‐801 inhibited the elevations in intracellular calcium, decreased neuronal death and prevented the expression of spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharges, the in vitro correlate of epilepsy. These findings offer potential for a novel treatment to prevent the development of epileptiform discharges following brain injuries.
PSA‐NCAM‐dependent GDNF signaling limits neurodegeneration and epileptogenesis in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Duveau Venceslas , Fritschy Jean‐Marc
Published: June 2010

Polysialylated neuronal cell adhesion molecule (PSA‐NCAM), a polysialylated protein constitutively expressed in the hippocampus, is involved in neuronal growth, synaptic plasticity and neurotrophin signaling. In particular, PSA‐NCAM mediates Ret‐independent glial‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) signaling, leading to downstream FAK activation. GDNF has potent seizure‐suppressant action, whereas PSA‐NCAM is upregulated by seizure activity. However, the involvement of Ret‐independent GDNF signaling in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is not established. We tested the effects of PSA‐NCAM inactivation on neurodegeneration and epileptogenesis in a mouse model of TLE. In this model, unilateral intrahippocampal kainic acid (KA) injection induced degeneration of CA1, CA3c and hilar neurons, followed by spontaneous recurrent focal seizures. In the contralateral, morphologically preserved hippocampus, a long‐lasting increase of PSA‐NCAM immunoreactivity was observed. Inactivation of PSA‐NCAM by endoneuraminidase (EndoN) administration into the contralateral ventricle of KA‐treated mice caused severe degeneration of CA3a,b neurons and dentate gyrus granule cells in the epileptic focus, and led to early onset of focal seizures. This striking trans‐hemispheric alteration suggested that PSA‐NCAM mediates GDNF signaling, leading to transport of neuroprotective signals into the lesioned hippocampus. This hypothesis was confirmed by injecting GDNF antibodies into the contralateral hippocampus of KA‐treated mice, thereby reproducing the enhanced neurodegeneration seen after PSA‐NCAM inactivation. Furthermore, contralateral EndoN and anti‐GDNF treatment decreased GDNF family receptor α1 immunoreactivity and FAK phosphorylation in the epileptic focus. Thus, Ret‐independent GDNF signaling across the commissural projection might protect CA3a,b neurons and delay seizure onset. These findings implicate GDNF in the control of epileptogenesis and offer a possible mechanism explaining lesion asymmetry in mesial TLE.
Noise exposure during early development impairs the processing of sound intensity in adult rats
Authors: Bureš Zbyněk , Grécová Jolana , Popelář Jiří , Syka Josef
Published: June 2010

During the early postnatal development of rats, the structural and functional maturation of the central auditory nuclei strongly relies on the natural character of the incoming neural activity. Even a temporary deprivation in the critical period results in a deterioration of neuronal responsiveness in adult animals. We demonstrate that besides the poorer frequency selectivity of neurons in the impaired animals reported previously [Grecova et al. (2009)Eur. J. Neurosci. 29, 1921–1930], the neuronal representation of sound intensity is significantly affected. Rate–intensity functions of inferior colliculus neurons were recorded in anaesthetized adult rats that were exposed to intense noise at postnatal day 14, and compared with those obtained in age‐matched controls. Although the response thresholds were similar in the exposed and control rats, the neurons in the exposed animals had a longer first‐spike latency, a narrower dynamic range, lower maximum response magnitudes and a steeper slope of the rate–intensity functions. The percentage of monotonic neurons was significantly lower in the exposed animals. The observed anomalies were confined to the mid‐ and high‐frequency regions, whereas no significant changes were found in the low‐frequency neurons. The altered parameters of the individual rate–intensity functions led also to differences in the cumulative responses. We conclude that a brief noise exposure during the critical period leads to a frequency‐dependent alteration of the sound intensity representation in the inferior colliculus of adult rats. The results suggest that such impairments may appear in individuals with normal hearing thresholds, but with a history of noise exposure very early in childhood.
A COMPARISON OF THE POVERTY IMPACT OF TRANSFERS, TAXES AND MARKET INCOME ACROSS FIVE OECD COUNTRIES
Authors: Bibi Sami , Duclos Jean‐Yves
Published: June 2010

This paper compares the poverty reduction impact of income sources, taxes and transfers across five OECD countries. Since the estimation of that impact can depend on the order in which the various income sources are introduced into the analysis, it is done by using the Shapley value. Estimates of the poverty reduction impact are presented in a normalized and unnormalized fashion, in order to take into account the total as well as the per dollar impacts. The methodology is applied to data from the Luxembourg Income Study database.
Douglas Campbell's Startling Alternative to Traditional Paradigms of Pauline Soteriology The Deliverance of God: An Apocalyptic Rereading of Justification in Paul – By Douglas Campbell
Authors: Gupta Nijay K.
Published: June 2010

This book delivers the most comprehensive attack on the dominant scholarly paradigm of Pauline soteriology, which Campbell calls Justification Theory. He indicts this paradigm as individualistic, contractual, conditional, incoherent, and, put simply, bad theology. He proposes, instead, a rereading of the key passages in Romans 1–4 (especially 1.18–3.20) which supposedly support Justification Theory. His alternative theory is ‘apocalyptic’ insofar as it is ‘unconditional, revelatory, transformational, and liberational’. While many of his critiques of Justification Theory are illuminating and offer hearty food for thought, his alternative does not appear to be grounded enough in a plain reading of the text to offer the most convincing interpretation. Nevertheless, it is an important work that needs to be digested by Pauline interpreters and anyone interested in biblical soteriology.
The use of neuropsychological tests across Europe: the need for a consensus in the use of assessment tools for dementia
Authors: Maruta C. , Guerreiro M. , de Mendonça A. , Hort J. , Scheltens P.
Published: June 2010

Background and purpose:  The centres dedicated to dementia throughout Europe use different neuropsychological tests in clinical practice. The European Federation of Neurological Societies task force on neuropsychological tests produced this survey on neuropsychological tests currently being used in different European countries to gather knowledge on the practice of dementia centres and to promote the harmonization of such instruments and future multicentre collaborations.

Methods:  National representatives of 34 countries received a questionnaire and 25 (73.5%) sent it back.

Results:  A few instruments, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Trail Making Test (TMT), Verbal Fluency and Clock Drawing Test, were available in all countries. Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales and MMSE were reported to be valid, respectively, in 20 (80%) and 19 (76%) countries, whereas Verbal Fluency and Stroop Test are valid in 18 (72%) of them. Of the 25 countries, 17 have validation norms for Clock Drawing Test and TMT (68%), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale – Cognitive Subscale, Rey Complex Figure Test, Digit Symbol and Beck Depression Inventory were standardized in 16 countries (64%). The remaining tests were validated, at most, in about half of them. Not all countries certificate neuropsychology.

Conclusions:  Despite the substantial differences in the tools used by the EFNS countries for most domains surveyed by the questionnaire, there is at least one neuropsychological instrument used by about 80% of the countries. There is clearly the need for a broader consensus in the use of neuropsychological tests for dementia diagnosis.
Caption‐based topical descriptors for microscopic images as published in academic papers
Authors: Kim Sujin , Lamkin Shannon , Duncan Pam
Published: June 2010

Background:  Visual findings summarized in the figures and tables of academic papers are invaluable sources for biomedical researchers. Captions associated with the visual findings are often neglected while retrieving biomedical images in published academic papers.

Objectives:  This study is to assess caption‐based topical descriptors for microscopic images of breast neoplasms, as published in academic papers retrieved through the PubMed Central database.

Method:  Human indexers as well as an automatic keyword finder called TAPoR generated the topical descriptors from collected captions. The study then compared the human‐generated descriptors to machine‐generated descriptors. Finally, a set of core descriptors was developed from both sets and automatically mapped into the Unified Medical Language System's (UMLS) Metathesaurus through a MetaMap Transfer engine.

Results:  Major topical descriptors included histologic disease names, laboratory procedures, genetic functions and components. Human indexers provided more relevant descriptors than TAPoR. The UMLS Metathesaurus identified several semantic types including Indicator, Reagent, or Diagnostic Aid; Organic Chemical; Laboratory Procedure; Spatial Concept; Qualitative Concept; and Quantitative Concept.

Discussion:  The findings suggest that caption‐based descriptors can complement title or abstract‐based literature indexing for figure image retrieval in articles. With respect to forming a metadata framework for online microscopic image description, the semantic types can be used as a core metadata set. In this regard, this finding can be used for standardising a microscopic image description protocol to train medical students.

Conclusions:  It is incumbent upon libraries and other information agencies to promote and maintain an interest in the opportunities and challenges associated with biomedical imaging.
Microbialite taphonomy and biogenicity: new insights from NanoSIMS
Authors: WACEY D. , GLEESON D. , KILBURN M. R.
Published: June 2010

We here show that nano‐scale mapping of elements commonly utilized in biological cycles provides a promising new additional line of evidence when evaluating the extent of the contribution of biology to microbialites. Our case study comes from Lake Clifton in Western Australia, a unique environment where living domical and conical microbialites occur in close proximity to ≤4000‐year‐old fossilized equivalents. The outer margins of a partially lithified, actively growing Lake Clifton microbialite are characterized by abundant filamentous cyanobacteria within a loosely cemented aragonite matrix. Nano‐scale chemical maps have been successfully matched to specific morphological features such as trichomes, sheaths and putative extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). A suite of elements (C, O, Mg, N, Si, S) is concentrated within cyanobacterial sheaths, with carbon, magnesium, nitrogen and sulfur also enriched within trichomes and putative EPS. Calcium distribution highlights the sites of aragonite mineralization. In contrast, the fossilized Lake Clifton microbialite contains only rare, extensively degraded cyanobacterial filaments, the mean diameter of which is <50% of the living equivalents. Nevertheless, nano‐scale chemical maps can again be matched with morphological features. Here, poorly preserved filamentous microfossils are highlighted by enrichments in nitrogen and sulfur. Magnesium is no longer concentrated within the filaments, instead it co‐occurs with calcium and oxygen in the calcite cement. Extension of this study to a ∼2720‐million‐year‐old stromatolitic microbialite from the Tumbiana Formation of Western Australia shows that similar nano‐scale signals, in particular nitrogen and sulfur enrichments, are characteristic of stromatolite laminations, even when morphological microfossils are absent. The close similarities of nano‐scale elemental distributions in organic material from modern and ancient microbialites show that this technique provides a valuable addition to the morphological investigation of such structures, particularly in non‐fossiliferous ancient examples.
Brain gene expression in relation to fearfulness in female red junglefowl (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Jöngren M. , Westander J. , Nätt D. , Jensen P.
Published: June 2010

The biology of fear is central to animal welfare and has been a major target for selection during domestication. Fear responses were studied in female red junglefowl (RJF), the ancestor of domesticated chickens. A total of 31 females were tested in a ground predator test, an aerial predator test and a tonic immobility (TI) test, in order to assess their level of fearfulness across different situations. Two to six variables from each test were entered into a principal component (PC) analysis, which showed one major fearfulness component (explaining 27% of the variance). Based on the PC scores, four high‐ and four low‐fearful birds were then selected for gene expression analysis. From each of these birds, the midbrain region (including thalamus, hypothalamus, pituitary, mesencephalon, pons, nucleus tractus solitarii and medulla oblongata), was collected and global gene expression compared between groups using a 14k chicken cDNA microarray. There were 13 significantly differentially expressed (DE) genes (based on M > 1 and B > 0; FDR‐adjusted P < 0.05) between the fearful and non‐fearful females. Among the DE genes, we identified the neuroprotein Axin1, two potential DNA/RNA regulating proteins and a retrotransposon transcript situated in a well‐studied quantitative trait loci (QTL) region on chromosome 1, known to affect several domestication‐related traits. The differentially expressed genes may be part of a possible molecular mechanism controlling fear responses in fowl.
Flood inundation map of Bangladesh using MODIS time‐series images
Authors: Islam A.S. , Bala S.K. , Haque M.A.
Published: June 2010

The detection of the spatio‐temporal extent of inundation resulting from the floods in 2004 and 2007 in Bangladesh has been studied using time‐series MODIS surface reflectance data. Flood inundation maps were developed from vegetation and land water surface indices derived using surface reflectance. The inundation map developed using MODIS data was compared with a corresponding RADARSAT image, where both images refer to the satellite‐based remote‐sensing data. The estimates show a strong correlation with the inundation area derived from the RADARSAT products (coefficient of determination of R2: 0.96). The paper shows that it is possible to study flood dynamics by assessing inundation and recession patterns and to perform flood assessments similar to the high‐resolution (50 m) microwave satellite, RADARSAT‐based flood assessments using products derived from MODIS 500 m imagery. MODIS has advantages over microwave satellite because it has a high observational frequency and these data are available free of cost. We have concluded that this is a useful method to assess the extent of the temporal floods in the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
Systemic lupus erythematosus in Iran: a study of 2280 patients over 33 years
Authors: AKBARIAN Mahmood , FAEZI Seyedeh Tahereh , GHARIBDOOST Farhad , SHAHRAM Farhad , NADJI Abdolhadi , JAMSHIDI Ahmad Reza , AKHLAGHI Maasoumeh , SHAFAIE Nahid , AKHLAGHKHAH Maryam , DAVATCHI Fereydoun
Published: June 2010

Objective:  Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as a chronic autoimmune disease has a worldwide distribution. There is a wide variation in the natural history of SLE among different ethnic and geographic groups. The aim of this study was to show the manifestations of SLE in Iranian patients.

Methods:  The study was on manifestations of SLE according to the database of the Rheumatology Research Center (RRC), Tehran, Iran, on registered patients during the period of 1976 to 2009.

Results:  A total of 2280 SLE patients (2052 female and 228 male) were studied. The female : male ratio was 9 : 1 and the mean age at presentation was 24.4 ± 10.4 years. Prevalence of manifestations included: musculoskeletal (83.2%), cutaneous (81.1%), renal (65.4%), neuropsychiatric (23.4%), pulmonary (21.5%), cardiac (17.2%), and hematologic (66.4%) symptoms. There was positive antinuclear antibodies in 86.4% and anti‐DNA in 82.3% of patients. Overlap syndrome and positive family history with other autoimmune diseases were detected in 7.6% and 3.4% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion:  In our patients the prevalence of cutaneous involvement was similar to those of nearby countries (with similar climate). Renal involvement was seen more than some other countries especially more than European countries, while other manifestations (such as hematologic and joint involvement) were similar to European countries (with similar ethnicity). We may conclude that genetic and/or climatic factors may lead to different presentations of lupus.
Intramedullary fat necrosis, polyarthritis and panniculitis with pancreatic tumor: a case report
Authors: VASDEV Vivek , BHAKUNI Darshan , NARAYANAN Krishanan , JAIN Rahul
Published: June 2010

Acute polyarthritis can occur in non‐rheumatic systemic illnesses, presenting a diagnostic dilemma. We present an extremely rare case presenting as acute polyarthritis, panniculitis and medullary fat necrosis with underlying pancreatic pathology. This case report describes a young woman presenting with panniculits, pancreatic tumour, polyarthritis and intra‐osseus fat necrosis with a fatal outcome. The medical fraternity needs to be aware of this potentially fatal albeit rare musculoskeletal complication secondary to a pancreatic pathology.
Behcet’s disease in Iran: analysis of 6500 cases
Authors: DAVATCHI Fereydoun , SHAHRAM Farhad , CHAMS‐DAVATCHI Cheyda , SHAMS Hormoz , NADJI Abdolhadi , AKHLAGHI Massoomeh , FAEZI Tahereh , GHODSI Zahra , LARIMI Roghieh , ASHOFTEH Farima , ABDOLLAHI Bahar SADEGHI
Published: June 2010

Objective:  To identify the clinical picture of Behcet’s disease in a large cohort of patients (6500) in Iran, over a period of 35 years, and compare them with other large series from around the world.

Methods:  Patients with Behcet’s disease from all over Iran were seen in the Behcet’s Disease Research Unit by a multidisciplinary team (rheumatologists, dermatologists, and ophthalmologists). Diagnosis was based on ‘expert opinion’. Data were collected on a standardized data sheet (105 items), and stored in an electronic database. Data were updated at each follow‐up.

Results:  Male to female ratio was 1.22 : 1.00. The mean age at onset was 26 years ± 11.3. The frequency of symptoms were: oral aphthosis 97.3%, genital aphthosis 64.6%, skin manifestations 64.9% (pseudofolliculitis 54.5%, erythema nodosum 22.5%, other lesions 7%), pathergy phenomenon 52.5%, ophthalmologic manifes‐tations 56.8% (anterior uveitis 41.2%, posterior uveitis 44.9%, retinal vasculitis 32.1%), joint manifestations 37.4% (arthralgia 17.2%, monoarticular arthritis 7.6%, oligoarthritis 16.8%, ankylosing spondylitis 2%), neurological manifestations 3.8% (central manifestations 3.5%, mononeuritis multiplex 0.3%), gastrointestinal manifestations 7.4%, vascular involvement 8.3% (phlebitis 5.7%, superficial phlebitis 2.2%, large vein thrombosis 1.1%, arterial thrombosis 0.154%, aneurysm 0.5%), epididymitis 4.7%, cardiac involvement 0.6%, and pulmonary involvement 0.9%. Sedimentation rate was normal in 46.5% of patients. Abnormal urine sediment was detected in 12.2%. HLA‐B5 was present in 53.3% and HLA‐B51 in 47.9% of patients.

Conclusion:  Behcet’s disease is mainly seen in young people. The most frequent symptoms are mucocutaneous, ocular and joint manifestations. Comparison with large series did not show major differences.
Simulations of radical and ion fluxes on a wafer in a Cl2/Ar inductively coupled plasma discharge: Confrontation with GaAs and GaN etch experiments
Authors: Despiau-Pujo Emilie , Chabert Pascal , Bansropun Shailendra , Thénot Didier , Plouhinec Patrick , Cassette Simone
Published: June 2010

A two-dimensional fluid model is used to study an industrial Ar/Cl2 inductively coupled plasma discharge designed to etch III-V samples. The effect of rf power, gas pressure, and chlorine content on the fluxes of reactive species reaching the wafer is numerically investigated. To understand how the etch process is influenced by the discharge conditions, simulation results are confronted with GaAs and GaN etch experiments performed in the same reactor geometry. When the source power is increased, the measured etch rate increase is consistent with the Cl radical and ion fluxes increase shown in the simulation, as well as the ion energy decrease due to the constant value of the wafer-holder power. Increasing the gas pressure results in a moderate increase in the etch rate due to the lower magnitude, lower mean energy, and anisotropy of the ion flux at high pressure. When the chlorine content is increased, the total ion flux decreases while Cl and Cl2 neutral fluxes increase significantly. A good correlation is obtained between calculated fluxes and etch characteristics, analyzed with scanning electron microscope images of etch profiles.
Atomic diffusion bonding of wafers with thin nanocrystalline metal films
Authors: Shimatsu T. , Uomoto M.
Published: June 2010

Bonding between two flat wafers with thin metal films was studied for 14 thin metal films with various crystal structures and self-diffusion coefficients. Thin nanocrystalline metal films were fabricated on two flat wafers’ surfaces using sputter deposition. Bonding of the two metal films on the wafers was accomplished immediately after film deposition in vacuum. For the films, Al, Au, Ag, Cu, Si, Co, Ni, Pt, Ti, Ru, Fe, Cr, Mo, and Ta were used. The wafers were bonded at room temperature over the entire bonded area (1 or 2 in. wafers of either Si or SiO2) using these metal films. Transmission electron microscopic cross-section images revealed that complete crystalline grains were formed across the original surfaces of the films, probably because of recrystallization occurring at the bonded interface when Al–Al, Ag–Ag, Au–Au, Cu–Cu, and Ti–Ti nanocrystalline films were bonded. A clear interface corresponding closely to the original film surface was visible in the bonded Pt–Pt films. However, fcc-(111) lattices were formed continuously across the films’ original surfaces. A thin amorphous layer was formed at the interfaces of Cr–Cr, Fe–Fe, and Ta–Ta bonded films. Experimental results revealed that the two films’ bonded structure was related closely to the self-diffusion coefficients of the metals used for bonding. A high atomic diffusion coefficient at the grain boundaries and film surfaces is likely to have enabled bonding at room temperature. Moreover, results obtained using Cu–Cu, Al–Al, Ti–Ti, Cr–Cr, and Ta–Ta films demonstrated that the wafers were bonded even with only 0.2-nm-thick films on both sides. Bonding films of different materials was also achieved, e.g., Ta–Cu films. The bonding technique described herein is promising for use with bonding wafers to fabricate new thin film devices and microelectromechanical systems.
Conformal electroless filling of Cu into patterned amorphous carbon layer modified by oxygen plasma and aminosilane treatments
Authors: Kim H. W. , Lee N.-E.
Published: June 2010

In this work, conformal electroless filling of Cu into the patterned chemical vapor-deposited amorphous carbon layer (ACL) pattern was investigated. Due to the difficulty in getting Pd to adsorb onto a pristine ACL, (3-aminopropyl)-trimethoxysilane (APTMS) solution was applied to the surface of the O2 plasma-treated ACL pattern. The increase in the surface energy and the formation of carboxyl functional groups, induced by O2 inductively coupled plasma treatments, on the ACL surface were very effective in enhancing the adsorption of APTMS molecules because of a greater number of sp3 bonds on the surface. The modified ACL surface with adsorbed APTMS was successfully activated using the Pd/Sn activation solution and then electrolessly plated with Cu. The results confirmed that conformal electroless filling effectively filled Cu into the patterned ACL trenches.
Occupational exposures and risk of acoustic neuroma
Authors: Prochazka Michaela , Feychting Maria , Ahlbom Anders , Edwards Colin G , Nise Gun , Plato Nils , Schwartzbaum Judith A , Forssén Ulla M
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Acoustic neuroma is a benign tumour accounting for approximately 6–10% of all intracranial tumours and occurs mainly in patients aged ≥50 years. Our aim was to investigate a wide range of occupational exposures, individual occupational titles and socioeconomic status (SES) as potential risk factors for acoustic neuroma.

Methods

We conducted a population-based case–control study of 793 acoustic neuroma cases identified through the Swedish Cancer Registry and 101 762 randomly selected controls. Information on SES and occupation was obtained from censuses and linked to job-exposure matrices. Logistic regression was used to estimate ORs and calculate 95% CIs.

Results

An increased OR was seen for mercury exposure <10 years before the reference year (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.2 to 6.8), and a more modest association for benzene exposure (OR 1.8; 95% CI: 1.0 to 3.2) ≥10 years before the reference year. We observed a threefold increased risk for females working as tailors and dressmakers ≥10 years before the reference year, and a more than threefold significantly elevated OR for those working as truck and conveyor operators <10 years before the reference year. We found no convincing evidence that SES is related to disease development.

Conclusion

We observed an increased risk of acoustic neuroma associated with occupational exposure to mercury, benzene and textile dust. Men working as truck and conveyor operators <10 years before the reference year had the highest increased risk of acoustic neuroma, but it is unclear what in those occupations might contribute to disease development. Our study also suggested an association between acoustic neuroma and being a class teacher or policeman. However, these findings should be further investigated to exclude the possibility of detection bias.
Exposure to metal welding fume particles and risk for cardiovascular disease in Denmark: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ibfelt Else , Bonde Jens Peter , Hansen Johnni
Published: June 2010

Objectives

To study welding fume particles in relation to cardiovascular diseases.

Methods

In 1986, 10 059 male metal workers in 75 welding companies were sent a questionnaire about their welding experience and lifestyle (83.3% response rate). Of these, 5866 were available for analysis and had ever welded at baseline. Information on exposure to welding fumes after 1986 was obtained by individual linkage to the National Pension Fund. Lifelong exposure to welding fume particles was estimated from a job–exposure matrix based on more than 1000 welding-specific measures of fume particles. Hospital contacts for cardiovascular disease were obtained from the Danish National Patient Registry by individual linkage. The nine disease outcomes considered were acute myocardial infarct (AMI), angina pectoris, other acute ischaemic heart diseases, chronic ischaemic heart disease (CHD), cardiac arrythmias, cardiac arrest, heart failure, cerebral infarct, arterial embolism and thrombosis. The cohort was followed up from baseline until the end of 2006.

Results

When the incidence of each of the nine cardiovascular outcomes among welders was compared with 5-year age- and calendar year-specific male national rates, the number of observed cases significantly exceeded that expected for AMI (standardised incidence ratio, 95% CI) (1.12, 1.01 to 1.24), angina pectoris (1.11, 1.01 to 1.22), CHD (1.17, 1.05 to 1.31) and cerebral infarct (1.24, 1.06 to 1.44). Internal comparisons of the cohort with adjustment for tobacco smoking, alcohol and hypertension medicines showed a significantly increasing hazard rate ratio for CHD and non-significant increases for AMI, angina pectoris and cerebral infarct with increasing exposure to particles.

Conclusions

This study supports the hypothesis that exposure to welding processed particles increases the risk for cardiovascular disease.
Optimising sampling strategies: components of low-back EMG variability in five heavy industries
Authors: Trask Catherine M , Teschke Kay , Morrison Jim , Johnson Peter , Koehoorn Mieke
Published: June 2010

Background

Direct/ measurement of work activities is costly, so researchers need to distribute resources efficiently to elucidate the relationships between exposures and back injury.

Methods

This study used data from full-shift electromyography (EMG; N=133) to develop three exposure metrics: mean, 90th percentile and cumulative EMG. For each metric, the components of variance were calculated between- and within-subject, and between-group for four different grouping schemes: grouping by industry (construction, forestry, transportation, warehousing and wood products), by company, by job and by quintiles based on exposures ranked by jobs within industries. Attenuation and precision of simulated exposure–response relationships were calculated for each grouping scheme to determine efficient sampling strategies.

Results

As expected, grouping based on exposure quintiles had the highest between-group variances and lowest attenuation, demonstrating the lowest possible attenuation with this data.

Conclusion

There is potential for grouping schemes to reduce attenuation, but precision losses should be considered and whenever possible empirical data should be employed to select potential exposure grouping schemes.
The morphology of vesicular – arbuscular mycorrhizae in Clintonia borealis and Medeola virginiana
Authors: Widden Paul
Published: June 2010

During a survey of the vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) associations of forest herbs in a deciduous forest in the southern Laurentian mountains in Quebec, two liliaceous species, Clintonia borealis and Medeola virginiana, revealed very distinctive morphology. In both species, once the epidermis was penetrated, the fungus spread towards the centre of the root via intracellular hyphae until the innermost layer of the cortex was reached, at which point the fungus spread laterally and tangentially through the cortical cells adjacent to the endodermis via a series of banana-shaped projections (bobbits). These eventually differentiated into the arbuscules and the VAM might spread from this inner cortical layer back into the outer cortical layers. In C. borealis, the hyphae coiled in the cortex, and vesicles were formed in the upper cortical cells. In M. virginiana, no coiling took place, but extensive diverticulae were produced by the intracellular hyphae in the cortical cells, close to their point of exit, and vesicles were produced in the inner cortex as swellings from the bobbits. These two mycorrhizae have some similarities to one in Colchicum autumnale described by I. Gallaud (1905. Rev. Gen. Bot. 17). Keywords: vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhizae, Clintonia borealis, Medeola virginiana, Liliaceae, morphology.
Types of spores produced by Entomophaga maimaiga infecting the gypsy moth Lymantria dispar
Authors: Hajek Ann E. , Shimazu Mitsuaki
Published: June 2010

We investigated the association of environmental factors (temperature, photoperiod, host molting status) and fungal factors (isolate, dose, strain attenuation) with the production of conidia versus resting spores by the entomopathogenic fungus Entomophaga maimaiga infecting the larvae of the gypsy moth Lymantria dispar. Fungal spores produced from individual cadavers of larvae killed by E. maimaiga can include conidia discharged from the cadaver surface, resting spores (azygospores) within the cadaver, or both spore types. The single factor having the greatest impact on the type of spore produced was host age; second instars virtually never contained resting spores, independent of temperature, while fifth instar cadavers contained resting spores more frequently at higher temperatures. However, there was increased conidiation at lower temperatures. Photoperiod was the only factor studied that did not significantly influence the type of spore produced. Resting spore production was negatively associated with the molting cycle; cadavers of those larvae that molted or exhibited premolt characteristics during the period between infection and death contained fewer resting spores. Increased fungal dose yielded more resting spores, as did extensive serial passage, which simultaneously caused a decrease in conidiation. Fungal isolates varied in the types of spores produced, with fewer cadavers of larvae killed by the least virulent isolate discharging conidia. Results from this study support the hypothesis that both the condition of the fungal pathogen as well as the environment surrounding it contribute to the types of spores produced. Keywords: fungal sporulation, resting spores, azygospores, Entomophthorales, Entomophaga maimaiga, biological control.
Incidence and stability of infection by double-stranded RNA genetic elements inAspergillussectionflaviand effects on aflatoxigenicity
Authors: Elias Karol S. , Cotty Peter J.
Published: June 2010

Ninety-two isolates belonging to Aspergillus sect, flavi were analyzed for double-stranded (ds) RNA via standard cellulose chromatography. Double-stranded RNA infection was detected in fungal isolates that had been in culture for long periods (5 of 26 were infected) and in those recently isolated (5 of 66 were infected). The number of dsRNA genetic elements differed among infected isolates and no two isolates contained identical dsRNAs on the basis of electrophoretic migration in agarose gels. Addition of micronutrients to culture media affected both the amount of dsRNA produced and the number of dsRNA genetic elements detected. Attempts to cure six fungal isolates of dsRNA by serial single conidial transfer, chlorate selection for nitrogen-metabolism mutants, and cycloheximide treatment, met with variable results. The frequency at which serial single conidial transfer and nitrogen-metabolism mutant (nit) selection successfully cured six Aspergillus sect, flavi isolates varied from 11 to 100% and 0 to 100%, respectively. The cycloheximide treatment was effective at curing 40% of the dsRNA-infected isolates. Comparison of aflatoxin production prior to and after dsRNA curing indicated that infection by dsRNA did not influence aflatoxin production. However, aflatoxin production by two isolates (91-031B and 91-184G) was reduced by both single conidial transfer and induction of nit mutants. Keywords: aflatoxin, cycloheximide, mycovirus, nitrogen-metabolism mutant.
CO2 exchange, photosynthetic pigment composition, and cell ultrastructure of Sphagnum mosses during dehydration and subsequent rehydration
Authors: Gerdol Renato , Bonora Angelo , Gualandri Rita , Pancaldi Simonetta
Published: June 2010

Sphagnum mosses of three different species (S. capillifolium, S. magellanicum, and S. fallax) were allowed to dry in a controlled environment. The three species lost water at different rates, but after 11 days of exposure to drying atmosphere all were dry and unable to photosynthesize. The chlorophyllose cells of all three species showed signs of alteration, mainly membrane shrinkage. Upon rehydration, concentrations of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a to a greater extent than chlorophyll b) declined in tissues of S. magellanicum and especially in S. fallax. Sphagnum capillifolium and S. magellanicum resumed photosynthesis, although slowly, whereas S. fallax did not achieve a net carbon gain (most of its chlorophyllose cells were irreversibly damaged) after 7 days of rewetting. In the field, prolonged drought may alter the interspecific equilibria among coexisting Sphagnum species possessing different degrees of desiccation-tolerance and especially different water-holding abilities. Keywords: Sphagnum, photosynthesis, ultrastructure, photosynthetic pigments, dehydration, rehydration.
Morphological variation associated with the environment in four dioecious Patagonian Poa species: the Poa rigidifolia complex
Authors: Giussani Liliana Mónica , Collantes Marta Beatriz , Martinez Arturo José
Published: June 2010

A numerical taxonomic analysis was carried out on male and female plants of four Patagonian native Poa species: Poa rigidifolia Steud., Poa ibari Phil., Poa dusenii Hack., and Poa spicaeformis (Steud.) Hauman et Parodi, collected at the Province of Santa Cruz, Argentina. Because of the clear dimorphism found between sexes, morphological analysis was performed separately on male and female specimens. Only two possible taxa that are strongly associated with a pattern of environmental variability were recognized: group I, formed by specimens from subhumid localities, and group II made up by those from xeric localities. Comparison between male and female classifications showed little agreement in terms of cophenetic correlation coefficient. Female groups were mainly separated by the position of hairs on the floret, blade thickness, sheath length, and stomata size. On the other hand, male groups were not so conspicuous and could be distinguished by anther size, spikelet length, number of flowers per spikelet, and blade width. Morphological female variation partially agreed with a former classification. As a result of this study, the four species were grouped into the P. rigidifolia complex until further experimental studies confirm their taxonomic rank. Keywords: dioecious, Poa, numerical taxonomy, ecotypes, environmental variability.
Développement de l'anthère et du grain de pollen chez une espèce sauvage apparentée à la canne à sucre (Saccharum spontaneum)
Authors: Roques D. , Feldmann P.
Published: June 2010

A study of the histocytological characteristics of anthers and pollen development of fertile male genotypes of Saccharum spontaneum L. support the division of microsporogenesis into nine distinct stages: premeiosis, meiosis and tetrad, young uninucleate microsporal stage, median uninucleate microsporal stage, median vacuolized uninucleate microsporal stage, late vacuolized uninucleate microsporal stage, first pollinic mitosis, second pollinic mitosis, mature pollen. Pollen grains are subspherical, monosporal, operculated with verrucose type ornamentations. A secretory type tapetum, present from the very first microsporal stages, is covered with orbicules persisting until anthesis. Keywords: Saccharum spontaneum, microsporogenesis, pollen, tapetum. [Journal translation]
Identifying the tundra – forest border in the stomate record: an analysis of lake surface samples from the Yellowknife area, Northwest Territories, Canada
Authors: Hansen Barbara C. S. , MacDonald Glen M. , Moser Katrina A.
Published: June 2010

Conifer stomata were identified in surface samples from lakes in the treeline zone near Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, to assess the potential use of fossil stomata for reconstructing past changes in the arctic tree line. Stomata of Larix, Pinus, Picea mariana, and Picea glauca were distinguished. Conifer stomata were absent in samples from tundra lakes, whereas they were generally present in forest–tundra and forest lakes. Stomate analysis recorded the presence of Larix trees in the area; in contrast, the pollen of this relatively common tree was infrequent in pollen surface samples from the same sites. Conifer stomate analysis, however, is not able to resolve differences between forest–tundra and closed forest. The potential of stomata for providing improved resolution of past locations of the tree line, coupled with the presence of stomata in lakes that would lack good macrofossil records, suggest that stomate analysis will become an important technique supplementing pollen analysis for reconstructing past tree-line changes. Keywords: Northwest Territories, conifer stomata and pollen, tree line, tundra, forest–tundra, closed forest.
SPACETIME STRUCTURE AND ELECTROMAGNETISM
Authors: WANAS M. I. , AMMAR SAMAH. A.
Published: June 2010

Two Lagrangian functions are used to construct geometric field theories. One of these Lagrangians depends on the curvature of space, while the other depends on curvature and torsion. It is shown that the theory constructed from the first Lagrangian gives rise to pure gravity, while the theory constructed using the second Lagrangian gives rise to both gravity and electromagnetism. The two theories are constructed in a version of absolute parallelism geometry in which both curvature and torsion are, simultaneously, nonvanishing. One single geometric object, W-tensor, reflecting the properties of curvature and torsion, is defined in this version and is used to construct the second theory. The main conclusion is that a necessary condition for geometric representation of electromagnetism is the presence of a nonvanishing torsion in the geometry used.
BRST LAGRANGIAN CONSTRUCTION FOR SPIN-$\frac{3}{2}$ FIELD IN EINSTEIN SPACE
Authors: BUCHBINDER I. L. , KRYKHTIN V. A.
Published: June 2010

We explore a hidden possibility of BRST approach to higher spin field theory to obtain a consistent Lagrangian for massive spin-[Formula: see text] field in Einstein space of arbitrary d ≥ 3 dimension. Also, we prove that in the space under consideration the propagation of spin-[Formula: see text] field is hyperbolic and causal.
AMPLITUDE OF COULOMB SCATTERING FOR CHARGED SCALAR FIELD IN DE SITTER SPACETIME
Authors: CRUCEAN COSMIN
Published: June 2010

The scattering of a charged scalar field on Coulomb potential is studied using solutions of the Klein–Gordon equation which have a definite momentum. One obtains that the modulus of momentum is not conserved in the scattering process on de Sitter space.
CONSTRUCTING A 4-TESLA LARGE THIN SOLENOID AT THE LIMIT OF WHAT CAN BE SAFELY OPERATED
Authors: HERVÉ A.
Published: June 2010

The 4-tesla, 6 m free bore CMS solenoid has been successfully tested, operated and mapped at CERN during the autumn of 2006 in a surface hall and fully recommissioned in the underground experimental area in the autumn of 2008. The conceptual design started in 1990, the R&D studies in 1993, and the construction was approved in 1997. At the time the main parameters of this project were considered beyond what was thought possible as, in particular, the total stored magnetic energy reaches 2.6 GJ for a specific magnetic energy density exceeding 11 kJ/kg of cold mass. During this period, the international design and construction team had to make several important technical choices, particularly mechanical ones, to maximize the chances of reaching the nominal induction of 4 T. These design choices are explained and critically reviewed in the light of what is presently known to determine if better solutions would be possible today for constructing a new large high-field thin solenoid for a future detector magnet.
ANALYSIS OF THE T-POINT–HOPF BIFURCATION WITH ℤ2-SYMMETRY: APPLICATION TO CHUA'S EQUATION
Authors: ALGABA ANTONIO , FERNÁNDEZ-SÁNCHEZ FERNANDO , MERINO MANUEL , RODRÍGUEZ-LUIS ALEJANDRO J.
Published: June 2010

The aim of this work is twofold — on the one hand, to perform a theoretical analysis of the global behavior organized by a T-point–Hopf in ℤ2-symmetric systems; on the other hand, to apply the obtained results for a numerical study of Chua's equation, where for the first time this bifurcation is considered.

In a parameterized three-dimensional system of autonomous differential equations, a T-point is a point of the parameter space where a special kind of codimension-two heteroclinic cycle occurs. A more degenerate scenario appears when one of the equilibria involved in such a cycle undergoes a Hopf bifurcation. This degeneration, which corresponds to a codimension-three bifurcation, is called T-point–Hopf and has been recently studied for a generic system. However, the presence of ℤ2-symmetry may lead to the existence of a double T-point–Hopf heteroclinic cycle, which is responsible for the appearance of interesting global behavior that we will study in this paper.

The theoretical models proposed for two different situations are based on the construction of a Poincaré map. The existence of certain kinds of homoclinic and heteroclinic connections between equilibria and/or periodic orbits is proved and their organization close to the T-point–Hopf bifurcation is described. The numerical phenomena found in Chua's equation strongly agree with the results deduced from the models.
ANALYSIS OF THE TAKENS–BOGDANOV BIFURCATION ON m-PARAMETERIZED VECTOR FIELDS
Authors: CARRILLO FRANCISCO A. , VERDUZCO FERNANDO , DELGADO JOAQUÍN
Published: June 2010

Given an m-parameterized family of n-dimensional vector fields, such that: (i) for some value of the parameters, the family has an equilibrium point, (ii) its linearization has a double zero eigenvalue and no other eigenvalue on the imaginary axis, sufficient conditions on the vector field are given such that the dynamics on the two-dimensional center manifold is locally topologically equivalent to the versal deformation of the planar Takens–Bogdanov bifurcation.
MULTIPLE BIFURCATION ANALYSIS AND SPATIOTEMPORAL PATTERNS IN A 1-D GIERER–MEINHARDT MODEL OF MORPHOGENESIS
Authors: LIU JIANXIN , YI FENGQI , WEI JUNJIE
Published: June 2010

A reaction–diffusion Gierer–Meinhardt model of morphogenesis subject to Dirichlet fixed boundary condition in the one-dimensional spatial domain is considered. We perform a detailed Hopf bifurcation analysis and steady state bifurcation analysis to the system. Our results suggest the existence of spatially nonhomogenous periodic orbits and nonconstant positive steady state solutions, which imply the possibility of complex spatiotemporal patterns of the system. Numerical simulations are carried out to support our theoretical analysis.