bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linear slices of the quasi-Fuchsian space of punctured tori
Authors: Komori Yohei , Yamashita Yasushi
Published: April 2012

After fixing a marking(V,W)(V, W)of a quasi-Fuchsian punctured torus groupGG, the complex lengthλV\lambda _Vand the complex twistτV,W\tau _{V,W}parameters define a holomorphic embedding of the quasi-Fuchsian spaceQF{\mathcal Q}{\mathcal F}of punctured tori intoC2\mathbf {C}^2. It is called the complex Fenchel-Nielsen coordinates ofQF\mathcal {QF}. Forc∈Cc \in \mathbf {C}, letQγ,c\mathcal {Q}_{\gamma , c}be the affine subspace ofC2\mathbf {C}^2defined by the linear equationλV=c\lambda _V=c. Then we can consider thelinear sliceLc{\mathcal L}_cofQF\mathcal {QF}byQF∩Qγ,c\mathcal {QF} \cap \mathcal {Q}_{\gamma , c}which is a holomorphic slice ofQF\mathcal {QF}. For any positive real valuecc,Lc{\mathcal L}_calways contains the so-calledBers-Maskit sliceBMγ,c{\mathcal BM}_{\gamma , c}defined in [Topology43(2004), no. 2, 447–491]. In this paper we show that ifccis sufficiently small, thenLc{\mathcal L}_ccoincides withBMγ,c{\mathcal BM}_{\gamma , c}whereasLc{\mathcal L}_chas other components besidesBMγ,c{\mathcal BM}_{\gamma , c}whenccis sufficiently large. We also observe the scaling property ofLc{\mathcal L}_c.
Epidemiology in Everyday Practice
Authors: Riches Nicholas
Published: April 2012

The principle of evidence-based medicine is a key focus of the GP curriculum. To understand the current evidence and clearly explain it to patients requires knowledge of basic epidemiology. Such skills are particularly important in view of the ongoing National Health Service (NHS) reforms that require all GPs to take on a greater responsibility for Public Health in their Communities. Furthermore, some GPs will be actively involved in Clinical Commissioning Groups, for whom these principles will be fundamental to delivering effective services to local populations. This article will define the key statistical terms in the GP curriculum and frame them in the context of disease surveillance and discussions with patients about diagnostic tests and treatment decisions.
HMGB1 conveys immunosuppressive characteristics on regulatory and conventional T cells
Authors: Wild Clarissa Anni , Bergmann Christoph , Fritz Günter , Schuler Patrick , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Lotfi Ramin , Westendorf Astrid , Brandau Sven , Lang Stephan
Published: April 2012

Objective: The high-mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1) serves as the prototypic damage-associated molecular pattern molecule, interacting with a variety of defined pattern recognition receptors in the microenvironment of damaged or necrotic tissue. As regulatory T cells (T reg ) play a crucial role in autoimmune diseases and tumor immune escape, the previously unexamined role of HMGB1 on the function of T reg is of great interest. Methods: Human CD4 + CD25 + CD127 − T reg and CD4 + CD25 − CD127 + conventional T cells (T con ) were phenotypically analyzed for their constitutive as well as HMGB1-modulated expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR) and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). Furthermore, the influence of recombinant and complexed HMGB1 from necrotic cell supernatant on the function of T reg and T con was investigated. Results: T reg express significantly higher levels of RAGE on the cell surface than T con , while levels of TLR4 are similar. HMGB1 modulates T reg biology by inducing migration and prolonging survival. Furthermore, HMGB1 enhances IL-10 release and T reg suppressive capacity in a RAGE-dependent manner. In addition, HMGB1 directly suppresses IFNγ release of T con and inhibits their proliferation via TLR4. Conclusion: HMGB1 directly enhances immune inhibitory functions of T reg via RAGE-mediated mechanisms and limits the number and activity of T con . HMGB1 effects on T reg may alter immune reactivity in the setting of chronic inflammatory states such as cancer.
First Report of Passiflora virus Y Infecting Macroptilium atropurpureum in Taiwan
Authors: Chiang C.-H. , Fan Y.-T. , Yu T.-A. , Cheng Y.-H. , Chen Y.-K.
Published: April 2012

Macroptilium atropurpureum (siratro plants) is a perennial wild legume plant introduced to Taiwan as a forage crop in 1961 (3) and has become a naturalized weed found all over the island. In 2010, siratro plants with virus-like symptoms of mosaic and leaf deformation were observed on the campus of Da-Yeh University in central Taiwan. Flexuous virus-like particles about 750 × 12 nm were observed in the crude sap extracted from symptomatic leaves with a transmission electron microscope. Crude sap was mechanically inoculated to Chenopodium quinoa and local lesions can be observed on inoculated leaves 4 to 5 days after inoculation. Virus was purified from the leaves of inoculated C. quinoa with modified protocols of Gonsalves and Ishii (2). The virus coat protein (CP) consisted of a single major peptide with relative molecular weight of approximately 33 kDa when analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Viral RNA extracted from the purified virus was used as a template and was primed with several primer sets corresponding to potyviruses and carlaviruses in reverse transcription-PCR to amplify possible corresponding cDNA fragments. After several attempts, a cDNA fragment of about 1,300 bp could be amplified with the degenerated primer set of BCMNV-F (5′CCDTGGACDGTWGGVATGAC3′) and BCMNV-R (5′CACCAHACCATRAARCCATTCAT3′), which were designed on the basis of the conserved region of the nuclear inclusion b (NIb) and CP genes of some potyviruses including Bean common mosaic necrosis virus, Soybean mosaic virus, Blackeye cowpea mosaic virus, East Asian passiflora virus, and Passion fruit woodiness virus. BLAST analyses showed the amplicon was highly homologous to that of Passiflora virus Y (PaVY). Together with oligo dT, a specific primer (5′GATGACACTCAAATGGCTG3′) corresponding to PaVY CP was used to amplify the cDNA fragment of the most 3′ region of the viral RNA (about 800 bp). The assembled cDNA fragment of 1,958 bp (Accession No. AB679294) contains a partial NIb gene (877 nt), a complete CP gene (819 nt), and the 3′ noncoding region (262 nt). The CP gene shared sequence identities of 89.4 to 98.9% and 92.7 to 98.9% in nucleotide and amino acid, respectively, to that of documented PaVY isolates. PaVY has also been found to be infecting Vigna trilobata, Rhynchosia minima, Clitoria ternatea, and Passiflora foetida in Australia (1). Here we present the first report to our knowledge of PaVY and its infection of siratro (M. atropurpureum) in Taiwan. Additional work is needed to investigate the spread of PaVY and its interaction with other legume plants in Taiwan.

References: (1) B. A. Coutts et al. Arch. Virol. 156:1757, 2011. (2) D. Gonsalves and M. Ishii. Phytopathology 70:1028, 1980. (3) Y. Y. Lai et al. J. Taiwan Livestock Res. 42:19, 2009.
Impact of Quaternary climatic changes and interspecific competition on the demographic history of a highly mobile generalist carnivore, the coyote
Authors: Koblmüller Stephan , Wayne Robert K. , Leonard Jennifer A.
Published: April 2012

Recurrent cycles of climatic change during the Quaternary period have dramatically affected the population genetic structure of many species. We reconstruct the recent demographic history of the coyote (
Canis latrans
) through the use of Bayesian techniques to examine the effects of Late Quaternary climatic perturbations on the genetic structure of a highly mobile generalist species. Our analysis reveals a lack of phylogeographic structure throughout the range but past population size changes correlated with climatic changes. We conclude that even generalist carnivorous species are very susceptible to environmental changes associated with climatic perturbations. This effect may be enhanced in coyotes by interspecific competition with larger carnivores.
Importance of initial aortic properties on the evolving regional anisotropy, stiffness and wall thickness of human abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Wilson J. S. , Baek S. , Humphrey J. D.
Published: April 2012

Complementary advances in medical imaging, vascular biology and biomechanics promise to enable computational modelling of abdominal aortic aneurysms to play increasingly important roles in clinical decision processes. Using a finite-element-based growth and remodelling model of evolving aneurysm geometry and material properties, we show that regional variations in material anisotropy, stiffness and wall thickness should be expected to arise naturally and thus should be included in analyses of aneurysmal enlargement or wall stress. In addition, by initiating the model from best-fit material parameters estimated for non-aneurysmal aortas from different subjects, we show that the initial state of the aorta may influence strongly the subsequent rate of enlargement, wall thickness, mechanical behaviour and thus stress in the lesion. We submit, therefore, that clinically reliable modelling of the enlargement and overall rupture-potential of aneurysms may require both a better understanding of the mechanobiological processes that govern the evolution of these lesions and new methods of determining the patient-specific state of the pre-aneurysmal aorta (or correlation to currently unaffected portions thereof) through knowledge of demographics, comorbidities, lifestyle, genetics and future non-invasive or minimally invasive tests.
Genetic aspects of adrenocortical tumours and hyperplasias
Authors: Mazzuco Tânia L. , Durand Julien , Chapman Audrey , Crespigio Jefferson , Bourdeau Isabelle
Published: April 2012

Adrenocortical tumours (ACT), which include adenomas, carcinomas and adrenal hyperplasia, may be associated with genetic syndromes, such as Li–Fraumeni syndrome, Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, familial adenomatous polyposis and Carney complex. Genetic defects have been found to be responsible for the disease in most of these syndromes, allowing genetic counselling to affected patients and family members. Here, we summarize the clinical criteria of these hereditary syndromes and briefly describe the genetic alterations related to them. In addition, we discuss the involvement of various genetic defects in the development of sporadic adrenocortical tumours.
Overexpression of G protein‐coupled receptor 5D in the bone marrow is associated with poor prognosis in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Atamaniuk Johanna , Gleiss Andreas , Porpaczy Edit , Kainz Birgit , Grunt Thomas W. , Raderer Markus , Hilgarth Bernadette , Drach Johannes , Ludwig Heinz , Gisslinger Heinz , Jaeger Ulrich , Gaiger Alexander
Published: April 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (9): 953–960

Background  G protein‐coupled receptor 5D (GPRC5D) is a novel surface receptor. As this new subtype of G protein‐coupled receptors was discovered, little is known about the role of this gene.

Materials and methods  In this retrospective study, we investigated GPRC5D mRNA expression by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in bone marrow (BM) of 48 patients with multiple myeloma (MM).

Results  Highly variable levels of GPRC5D (median, 288; quartiles, 17–928) were detected in patients with MM, whereas only low expression was detected in normal tissues (median, 1; quartiles, 1–23). High mRNA expression of GPRC5D correlated positively with high plasma cell count in bone marrow (r = 0·64, P < 0·001), high β2‐microglobulin (r = 0·42, P = 0·003) and poor‐risk cytogenetics: deletion 13q14 (rb‐1), P = 0·003; and 14q32 translocation t(4;14)(p16;q32), P = 0·029. GPRC5D mRNA expression showed a significant correlation with overall survival (P = 0·031). The estimated overall survival of patients expressing GPRC5D above or below the median of 288 was 43·9% vs. 70·2% at 48 months. Here, we report, for the first time, the association of GPRC5D expression and cancer.

Conclusions  Overexpression in poor‐risk myeloma, low expression in normal tissues and cell surface expression identify GPRC5D as a potential novel cancer antigen. Our data demonstrate that GPRC5D is a prognostic factor in MM correlating with other major risk factors.
The influence of vegetation and soil type on the speciation of iron in soil water
Authors: Löhr S. C. , Cox M. E.
Published: April 2012

Soluble organic matter derived from exotic Pinus species has been shown to form stronger complexes with iron (Fe) than that derived from most native Australian species. It has also been proposed that the establishment of exotic Pinus plantations in coastal southeast Queensland may have enhanced the solubility of Fe in soils by increasing the amount of organically complexed Fe, but this remains inconclusive. In this study we test whether the concentration and speciation of Fe in soil water from Pinus plantations differs significantly from soil water from native vegetation areas. Both Fe redox speciation and the interaction between Fe and dissolved organic matter (DOM) were considered; Fe – DOM interaction was assessed using the Stockholm Humic Model. Iron concentrations (mainly Fe2+) were greatest in the soil waters with the greatest DOM content collected from sandy podosols (Podzols), where they are largely controlled by redox potential. Iron concentrations were small in soil waters from clay and iron oxide‐rich soils, in spite of similar redox potentials. This condition is related to stronger sorption on to the reactive clay and iron oxide mineral surfaces in these soils, which reduces the amount of DOM available for electron shuttling and microbial metabolism, restricting reductive dissolution of Fe. Vegetation type had no significant influence on the concentration and speciation of iron in soil waters, although DOM from Pinus sites had greater acidic functional group site densities than DOM from native vegetation sites. This is because Fe is mainly in the ferrous form, even in samples from the relatively well‐drained podosols. However, modelling suggests that Pinus DOM can significantly increase the amount of truly dissolved ferric iron remaining in solution in oxic conditions. Therefore, the input of ferrous iron together with Pinus DOM to surface waters may reduce precipitation of hydrous ferric oxides (ferrihydrite) and increase the flux of dissolved Fe out of the catchment. Such inputs of iron are most probably derived from podosols planted with Pinus.
HER‐2/neu gene amplification in carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma in relation to progression and prognosis: a chromogenic in‐situ hybridization study
Authors: Hashimoto Kazuki , Yamamoto Hidetaka , Shiratsuchi Hideki , Nakashima Torahiko , Tamiya Sadafumi , Nishiyama Ken‐ichi , Higaki Yuichiro , Komune Shizuo , Tsuneyoshi Masazumi , Oda Yoshinao
Published: April 2012

Hashimoto K, Yamamoto H, Shiratsuchi H, Nakashima T, Tamiya S, Nishiyama K, Higaki Y, Komune S, Tsuneyoshi M & Oda Y

(2012) Histopathology 60, E131–E142

neu gene amplification in carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma in relation to progression and prognosis: a chromogenic in‐situ hybridization study

Aims:  The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of HER‐2/neu in the stepwise progression of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) and to evaluate its prognostic significance in CXPA.

Methods and results:  We examined HER2 overexpression and HER2 amplification by immunohistochemistry and chromogenic in‐situ hybridization in 31 cases of CXPA with ductal differentiation (eight intraductal, five intracapsular, and 18 extracapsular) and seven cases of atypical pleomorphic adenoma (PA). HER2 overexpression and HER2 amplification were found in 17 (54.8%) and 12 (38.7%) of the 31 CXPA cases, respectively. HER2 amplification was more prevalent in extracapsular CXPAs (9/18 cases; 50%) than intracapsular CXPAs (1/5 cases; 20%), intraductal CXPAs (2/8 cases; 25%), or atypical PAs (0/7 case; 0%). The status of HER2 amplification was essentially retained from the intraductal to the extracapsular component in individual extracapsular CXPAs. In addition, HER2 amplification was significantly associated with a worse prognosis (shorter disease‐free survival time and shorter overall survival time) among extracapsular CXPAs (each P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  These results suggest that HER2 may play an important role in the progression of CXPA, and that HER2 amplification may be an additional prognostic indicator of CXPA.
Expression of 5α‐reductase in apocrine carcinoma of the breast and its correlation with clinicopathological aggressiveness
Authors: Kasashima Satomi , Kawashima Atsuhiro , Ozaki Satoru , Nakanuma Yasuni
Published: April 2012

Kasashima S, Kawashima A, Ozaki S & Nakanuma Y

(2012) Histopathology 60, E51–E57

Expression of 5α‐reductase in apocrine carcinoma of the breast and its correlation with clinicopathological aggressiveness

Aims:  Apocrine carcinomas of the breast frequently lack oestrogen and progesterone receptors and often express androgen receptor. However, little is known about the role of androgen in apocrine carcinoma. Androgen‐producing enzymes, such as 5α‐reductase (5αR), which converts testosterone locally to the potent androgen dihydrotestosterone, have recently gained attention in studies of the intratumoural actions of androgens. The goal of this study was to examine 5αR expression and its relationship to other clinicopathological factors in apocrine carcinoma.

Methods and results:  Of 48 cases of infiltrating apocrine carcinoma, 30 cases (62.5%) were immunopositive for 5αR. Twenty‐seven of the 5αR‐positive cases were also positive for androgen receptor. In comparison to 5αR‐negative cases, 5αR‐positive cases showed clinicopathological aggressiveness characterized by significantly larger infiltrating tumour size (P = 0.001), higher frequency of lymphatic (P = 0.029) and vascular invasion (P = 0.009), higher histological grade (P = 0.048) and shorter recurrence‐free survival time (P = 0.047). No significant differences in nuclear grade, hormonal receptors, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) or p53 protein were detected between two groups. All five cases of intraductal apocrine carcinoma lacked 5αR.

Conclusion:  Approximately 60% of infiltrating apocrine carcinomas were immunopositive for 5αR. The 5αR‐positive apocrine carcinomas were clinicopathologically more aggressive than 5αR‐negative cases. Our findings suggest that autocrine androgen synthesis accelerates tumour aggressiveness in apocrine carcinoma.
A qualitative study of the pre‐operative preparation of children, young people and their parents’ for planned continence surgery: experiences and expectations
Authors: Bray Lucy , Callery Peter , Kirk Sue
Published: April 2012

Aim.  The aim of this study is to explore children’s, young people’s and parents’ pre‐operative experiences of continent stoma formation.

Background.  Current research investigating continent stoma surgery focuses on surgical outcomes including complication rates, adherence to management regimes, self‐management practices and levels of continence achieved. Despite reports of pre‐operative anxiety in families undergoing continent stoma surgery, there has been a lack of research exploring pre‐operative experiences, information needs or decision‐making processes in this group.

Design.  A qualitative study.

Methods.  Forty‐nine semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 17 children, young people and their parents. Data were collected at key points in the surgical process that aimed to represent a longitudinal perspective of continent stoma formation.

Results.  The interviews suggested that children’s, young people’s and parents’ information needs in relation to the long‐term implications of surgery and for their day‐to‐day lives were not being adequately met. The preparation process was described as being positively influenced by contact with a nurse specialist, being given time to make the decision and having access to different sources of information.

Conclusion.  Decisions regarding life‐long planned surgery can be challenging. The individual involvement and information needs of children, young people and their parents need to be recognised during pre‐operative preparation.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Health professionals need to discuss the holistic implications of continent stoma surgery and provide families with the time and opportunity to consider surgery and access relevant sources of information pre‐operatively.
Tree cover–fire interactions promote the persistence of a fire‐sensitive conifer in a highly flammable savanna
Authors: Trauernicht Clay , Murphy Brett P. , Portner Talia E. , Bowman David M. J. S.
Published: April 2012

1. Callitris intratropica is a long‐lived, obligate‐seeding, fire‐sensitive overstorey conifer that typically occurs in small groves (<0.1 ha) of much higher tree densities than the surrounding, eucalypt‐dominated tropical savanna in northern Australia. We used C. intratropica groves of varying canopy cover to examine the role of feedbacks between fire and tree cover in the persistence of a fire‐sensitive tree species and the maintenance of habitat heterogeneity in a highly flammable savanna.

2. We examined the population structure and floristic composition of C. intratropica groves and conducted controlled burns with Aboriginal landowners to test the prediction that groves of C. intratropica with closed canopies inhibit savanna fires by physically altering the fuel arrays below trees. We measured pre‐ and post‐burn fuel availability, the probability of burning and fire intensity along transects (55–75 m) spanning entire C. intratropica groves and extending into the surrounding savanna matrix.

3. We found that closed‐canopy groves of C. intratropica had higher densities of seedlings and saplings than open‐canopy groves and supported a distinct plant community. Closed‐canopy groves also had a lower probability of burning and less severe fires due to a lower availability of fine fuels than the surrounding savanna.

4. Synthesis. Our results suggest that the observed regeneration within closed‐canopy C. intratropica groves within frequently burnt savanna reflects a vegetation–fire feedback. A significant, negative relationship between canopy cover and the probability of burning provides strong evidence that closed‐canopy C. intratropica groves are capable of excluding low‐intensity savanna fires, thereby enabling the persistence of patches of fire‐sensitive forest or woodland amid open, highly flammable savanna vegetation. We present our findings as evidence that alternative stable state dynamics may play a role in determining savanna diversity and structure.
Does habitat specialization by seedlings contribute to the high diversity of a lowland rain forest?
Authors: Metz Margaret R.
Published: April 2012

1. One of the earliest hypotheses to explain high tropical forest diversity proposes that species are differentially specialized in their germination or growth and survival to particular habitats.

2. I examined evidence for habitat associations in seedling density and demography in 9 years of seedling dynamics data from Yasuní National Park, Ecuador, a lowland rain forest where previous studies have demonstrated habitat preferences among adult trees. I included 136 species or morphospecies from multiple annual seedling cohorts with known age of recruitment.

3. Approximately 90% of the species examined demonstrated negative or positive associations with one or more topographic habitats in their recruitment, growth and/or mortality at some point in the study, and approximately 60% of species had significant associations in at least half of the census periods studied. The survival of newly recruited seedlings varied among seedlings in response to topographic gradients, indicating the potential for species to partition habitat niches at a young stage.

4. There was significant inter‐annual variation in seedling habitat associations, indicating the characteristics of the topographic niche important to seedling performance change through time. This variability alone can contribute to the maintenance of species diversity through storage effects. While associations may also be weak or ephemeral, the seedling dynamics for many species supported the possibility that associations seen in adult populations develop through differential mortality across habitats as seedlings.

5. Synthesis. That species’ seedlings perform differently among topographic habitats and that these differences are detectable very early on in a plant’s life indicate the potential for the abiotic environment to mediate or exaggerate the roles of other mechanisms in influencing the composition of the understorey seedling assemblage.
‘We just stick together’: how disabled teens negotiate stigma to create lasting friendship
Authors: Salmon N.
Published: April 2012

Background  Friendship is a crucial relationship offering practical support, enjoyment and improved health. When disability is added into the mix, the permutations of friendship shift. Despite the presence of inclusive social policies many disabled teens continue to experience stigma and social isolation, yet some teens are able to establish long‐term friendships.

Methods  A nuanced understanding about how disabled teens navigate stigma to create lasting friendships was constructed through this qualitative study. Seven boys and seven girls between the ages 15 to 20 years who experienced disability engaged in research interviews and participant observation sessions. Nine adults were also interviewed. A critical approach to data analysis was complimented by coding in Atlas.ti.

Results  This article describes the strategies used by these disabled teens to make and keep friends: disrupting norms about friendship, coming out as disabled, connecting through stigma and choosing self‐exclusion.

Conclusion  Disabled teens in this study felt a greater sense of belonging when with peers who shared the disability experience, thus self‐exclusion was a viable strategy for creating sustainable friendships in the context of oppression. Social policy informed by the experiences of disabled youth in the current study will more effectively promote social inclusion by first acknowledging and then disrupting ableism.
Quality of services and quality of life from service providers' perspectives: analysis with focus groups
Authors: Jenaro C. , Vega V. , Flores N. , Cruz M.
Published: April 2012

Background  Concepts such as support, quality of life and quality of services are customary in services for people with intellectual disabilities. The identification of the different ways of conceiving, prioritising and implementing these concepts by service providers can help to drive changes to achieve better personal outcomes for this population. The current study aims to identify service providers' perceptions regarding the quality of life of their clients and the quality of services they provide. It also aims to identify similarities and differences of appraisals among professionals, and to identify associations between supports, quality of life and quality of services.

Method  Data were collected from 22 service providers who attended three focus groups (professionals, direct support staff, and managers) from whom 424 comments were analysed. Service providers were asked about the required support for users, the meaning of quality of life for those users, and about features that should characterise quality services. Thematic analysis was employed and transcripts of the sessions were coded according to the dimensions of models on supports, quality of life and quality of services. Chi‐squared tests were utilised to test for potential differences among groups.

Results  Each professional group has its own priorities concerning required supports. Among the organisation different and potentially conflicting perceptions regarding the meaning of experiencing quality of life coexist. Concerning quality of services, only managers mentioned personal outcomes. Finally, institutionalisation has a negative impact on supports, quality of life and quality of services.

Conclusions  It is necessary to move beyond a shared awareness of the negative impact of institutionalisation towards the transformation of services in search of personal quality outcomes.
The Controllability Beliefs Scale used with carers of people with intellectual disabilities: psychometric properties
Authors: Dagnan D. , Hull A. , McDonnell A.
Published: April 2012

Background  Beliefs about the controllability of behaviour have been consistently shown to be important in understanding the responses of carers to the challenging behaviour of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). This paper reports the reliability and validity of the Controllability Beliefs Scale (CBS), a 15‐item measure of beliefs regarding the controllability of challenging behaviour when used with carers of people with IDs.

Methods  Two hundred and sixty‐four carers of people with IDs completed the CBS, 74 people also completed the Modified Attributional Style Questionnaire and the Self‐Injury Behavioural Understanding Questionnaire scale to determine concurrent and convergent validity and 34 people completed the scale twice within a 2‐ to 4‐week period to determine test–retest reliability.

Results  The scale has a two‐factor structure and has adequate internal reliable. The scale is significantly correlated with the controllability, internality and stability items from the Modified Attributional Style Questionnaire, showed expected associations with behavioural and internal emotional understanding items from the Self‐Injury Behavioural Understanding Questionnaire. The scale has good test–retest reliability.

Conclusions  The data support use of the CBS in clinical practice and research to assess carers' beliefs regarding challenging behaviour of people with IDs.
Effect of lipopolysaccharide, cytokines, and catecholamines on brain natriuretic peptide release from human myocardium
Authors: VALETTE X. , LEMOINE S. , ALLOUCHE S. , GÉRARD J.‐L. , HANOUZ J.‐L.
Published: April 2012

Background

During sepsis and septic shock, elevated plasma concentrations of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) have been reported but may be related to several underlying mechanisms. The aim of the present experimental study was to investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interleukin 1β (IL‐1β), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), dobutamine (Dobu), epinephrine (Epi), and norepinephrine (Nor) on BNP synthesis by atrial human myocardium in vitro.

Methods

After the approval of local ethics committee, right atrial appendages were obtained during cannulation for cardiac surgery and pinned in a isolated organ bath containing 15 ml of Tyrode's modified solution. Preparations were oxygenated, maintained at 36 ± 0.5°C and stimulated at a frequency of 1 Hz. A 60‐min equilibration period was followed by 180‐min exposure to 1 μM endothelin 1 (ET‐1; n = 9), 20,000 pg/ml TNF‐α (n = 10), 1000 pg/ml IL‐1β (n = 10), 5000 pg/ml IL‐6 (n = 10), 10,000 pg/ml LPS (n = 10), 100 μM Epi (n = 9), 100 μM Nor (n = 10), and 100 μM Dobu (n = 8). No product was added in Control group (n = 10). Two BNP dosages were performed: the first after 60 min of stabilization and the second after 180 min of stimulation. Absolute and relative changes in BNP concentration were compared between groups.

Results

Exposure to ET‐1 significantly increased BNP release as compared with Control group. Dobu, Epi, Nor, and LPS significantly increased BNP concentration but not TNF‐α, IL‐1β, or IL‐6.

Conclusions

In vitro, LPS, Dobu, Epi, and Nor induced BNP synthesis by human atrial myocardium.
Aerial powdering of bees inside mobile cages and the extent of neonicotinoid cloud surrounding corn drillers
Authors: Girolami V. , Marzaro M. , Vivan L. , Mazzon L. , Giorio C. , Marton D. , Tapparo A.
Published: April 2012

Sudden losses of bees have been observed in spring during maize sowing. The death of bees has been correlated with the use of neonicotinoid‐coated seed and the toxic particulates emitted by pneumatic drilling machines. The contamination of foragers in flight over the ploughed fields has been hypothesized. The airborne contamination has been proven, both with bees inside fixed cages around the field and in free flight near the driller. A new trial involving mobile cages has been established and consists of making rapid passes with single bees inside cages fixed to an aluminium bar. The bar was moved by two operators at different distances from the working drilling machine. A single pass was shown as sufficient to kill all the bees exposed to exhaust air on the emission side of the drill, when bees were subsequently held in high relative humidity. The extent of toxic cloud around driller was evaluated at the height of 0.5, 1.8 and 3.5 m and proved to be about 20 m in diameter, with an ellipsoidal shape. The shape may be influenced by working speed of the drill and environmental parameters, and is easily shown by adding talc powder to the seed in the machine hopper. A new driller equipment was evaluated consisting of two tubes inclined towards the soil that direct the exhaust air towards the ground. The survival rate of the bees was not substantially increased using the modified drill and was lower than 50%. Chemical analyses show up to 4000 ng of insecticide in single bees with an average content around 300 ng. Similar quantities were observed at increased distances from the modified or unmodified drillers. This new evaluation of bee mortality in the field is an innovative biological test to verify the hypothetical efficiency (or not) of driller modifications.
Clinical utility of micafungin: pharmacokinetics, dosing, use in special populations and drug interactions
Authors: Hope W. W. , Howard S. J. , Felton T. W.
Published: April 2012

Micafungin is an echinocandin with broad spectrum activity against Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. This agent is extensively used to treat these opportunistic fungal pathogens in immunocompromised hosts. This review summarises the clinical pharmacology of micafungin, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and use in special populations.
Application of doubled haploids for target gene fixation in backcross programmes of maize
Authors: Lübberstedt Thomas , Frei Ursula K.
Published: April 2012

With 2 figures

Application of molecular markers in backcross (BC) programmes is well established. A combination of foreground and background selection is used to tag donor alleles and to accelerate BC programmes. Similarly, doubled haploid (DH) lines are increasingly used in maize and various other crops to speed up breeding programmes. The DH technology cannot accelerate the BC procedure, but it is beneficial for the final step in BC programmes. For the fixation of target gene(s), smaller population sizes are required in case of DHs compared with progeny produced by self‐pollination. The objectives of this study were to determine the usefulness of DH compared with BCnF2 populations in the final step of BC programmes in relation to (i) the number of target genes and (ii) the genetic distance of a pair of target genes, linked in repulsion phase. We found that the relative advantage of using DH compared with self‐pollinated progeny increases rapidly with the number of independently segregating target genes in BC programmes, and in particular in case of close linkage (recombination fraction r < 0.05).
Expression of Survivin, Bcl‐2 and Bax Proteins in the Domestic Cat (Felis catus) Endometrium During the Oestrus Cycle
Authors: Liman N , Alan E , Bayram GK , Gürbulak K
Published: April 2012

Contents

Apoptosis has been shown to be an important regulator of endometrium function. To clarify the regulation of apoptosis in the cat endometrium during the normal oestrus cycle, the expressions of the apoptosis‐related proteins (Bcl‐2 and Bax) and their correlation to the inhibitor of apoptosis protein Survivin were analysed using immunohistochemistry. The TUNEL technique (TdT‐mediated dUTP nick end labelling) was also used to detect DNA fragmentation characteristic of apoptotic cells. The results demonstrated that TUNEL labelling is not effective for the detection of apoptosis in cat endometrium. Survivin was expressed in the luminal and glandular epithelial cells of cat endometrium during all phases of the oestrus cycle. Survivin was localized in both the cytoplasm and nuclei of superficial and deep uterine gland cells during the luteal phase, while only cytoplasmic staining was observed during the follicular and anoestrus phases. Bax immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm of luminal and glandular epithelial cells as well as the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels was weak in the anoestrus phase. Compared with anoestrus, the intensity of Bax immunostaining was moderate in the follicular phase and increased dramatically in the luteal phase. Bcl‐2 immunostaining in the cytoplasm of luminal and glandular epithelial cells was moderate in the anoestrus phase. During the early follicular phase, cytoplasmic Bcl‐2 immunostaining was detected mostly in glandular epithelial cells. In the mid‐follicular phase, in glands, the amount of Bcl‐2 protein increased progressively from the superficial to the deep layer. In contrast, the expression of Bcl‐2 decreased in the secretory phase, being very low or absent in the mid‐ and late luteal phases. The overall results suggest that Survivin, Bax and Bcl‐2 proteins may cooperatively contribute to cell apoptosis and cell proliferation in the cat uterus during the oestrus cycle.
Characterization and usefulness of stool antigen tests using a monoclonal antibody to Helicobacter pylori catalase
Authors: Sato Masami , Shimoyama Tadashi , Takahashi Ryoki , Kajiyama Hirofumi , Sano Yukari , Sakaedani Naomi , Kato Azusa , Hirata Haruhisa , Fukuda Yoshihiro
Published: April 2012

Background and Aim:  Two types of stool antigen tests have been used in the management of Helicobacter pylori infection. Testmate Pylori Antigen enzyme immunoassay (TPAg EIA) is a direct sandwich enzyme immunoassay (EIA) while Testmate Rapid Pylori Antigen (Rapid TPAg) is performed using immunochromatography. The aim of this study was to study the characterization and usefulness of these tests.

Methods:  Accuracy of both tests was studied using 111 fecal samples obtained from H. pylori‐positive or ‐negative patients. Cross‐reactivity was examined with four other Helicobacter spp. and five fecal bacteria in humans. To estimate the sensitivity of both kits, we tested H. pylori clinical strains. We also examined the diagnostic performances of both tests after the storage for 12 months.

Results:  The accuracy of both Testmate kits was 100% in fecal samples from 111 patients. No cross‐reactivity was observed in both Testmate kits in five fecal bacteria and four other Helicobacter spp. TPAg EIA and Rapid TPAg showed positive results in 1342 of 1344, and 483 of 485 clinical strains, respectively. Diagnostic performances was maintained for 12 months when TPAg EIA was stored at 4°C and Rapid TPAg at 30°C.

Conclusions:  We examined the details of high accuracy of TPAg EIA and Rapid TPAg. The diagnostic performance of both kits was maintained after storage for up to 1 year. The two types of tests would be useful in the management of H. pylori infection.
Malfunction of the da Vinci robotic system in urology
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Che , Ou Yen‐Chuan , Yang Cheng‐Kuang , Chiu Kun‐Yuan , Wang Shian‐Shiang , Su Chung‐Kuang , Ho Hao‐Chung , Cheng Chen‐Li , Chen Chuan‐Shu , Lee Jian‐Ri , Chen Wen‐Min
Published: April 2012

Objectives:  To analyze the incidence of malfunction of the da Vinci robotic system in a single center and to provide potential solutions.

Methods:  A total of 400 patients underwent da Vinci robotic urological surgery at Taichung Veterans General Hospital in Taichung, Taiwan, from December 2005 to April 2011. Episodes of malfunction of the robotic system were analyzed by period of operation, type of procedure, type of malfunction and management of the event.

Results:  Overall, 14 cases of malfunction occurred (3.5% of the entire series). Among them, five (1.25%) occurred before the surgery and nine (2.25%) intraoperatively. Operative procedures included radical prostatectomy, bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection, dismembered pyeloplasty, partial nephrectomy, nephroureterectomy, and radical and partial cystectomies. Areas of malfunctions included the robotic arm system and joint (11/14), optical system (1/14), power system and connector (1/14), endoscopic instrument (1/14), and software (1/14). In 10 cases, the failure was recoverable, whereas in four cases there was a critical failure, requiring a conversion to standard laparoscopy in three of them, and the rescheduling of the surgery in one case.

Conclusions:  The da Vinci robotic system is extremely reliable for use in urology. Malfunction is rare and the risk of critical failure is very low. Managing mechanical failure before or during the surgery is the key to maintaining the safety of patients undergoing robotic surgical procedures.
How much of reinforcement learning is working memory, not reinforcement learning? A behavioral, computational, and neurogenetic analysis
Authors: Collins Anne G. E. , Frank Michael J.
Published: April 2012

Instrumental learning involves corticostriatal circuitry and the dopaminergic system. This system is typically modeled in the reinforcement learning (RL) framework by incrementally accumulating reward values of states and actions. However, human learning also implicates prefrontal cortical mechanisms involved in higher level cognitive functions. The interaction of these systems remains poorly understood, and models of human behavior often ignore working memory (WM) and therefore incorrectly assign behavioral variance to the RL system. Here we designed a task that highlights the profound entanglement of these two processes, even in simple learning problems. By systematically varying the size of the learning problem and delay between stimulus repetitions, we separately extracted WM‐specific effects of load and delay on learning. We propose a new computational model that accounts for the dynamic integration of RL and WM processes observed in subjects’ behavior. Incorporating capacity‐limited WM into the model allowed us to capture behavioral variance that could not be captured in a pure RL framework even if we (implausibly) allowed separate RL systems for each set size. The WM component also allowed for a more reasonable estimation of a single RL process. Finally, we report effects of two genetic polymorphisms having relative specificity for prefrontal and basal ganglia functions. Whereas the COMT gene coding for catechol‐O‐methyl transferase selectively influenced model estimates of WM capacity, the GPR6 gene coding for G‐protein‐coupled receptor 6 influenced the RL learning rate. Thus, this study allowed us to specify distinct influences of the high‐level and low‐level cognitive functions on instrumental learning, beyond the possibilities offered by simple RL models.
Category representation and generalization in the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Pan Xiaochuan , Sakagami Masamichi
Published: April 2012

Categorization is a function of the brain that serves to group together items and events in our environments. Here we review the following important issues related to category representation and generalization: namely, where categories are presented in the brain, and how the brain utilizes categorical membership to generate new information. Accumulated experimental evidence shows that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays a critical role in category formation and generalization. We propose that prefrontal neurons abstract the commonality beyond individual stimuli, and categorize these based on their common meaning by ignoring their physical properties and learning to represent the boundaries between behaviorally significant categories. We also claim that a subgroup of prefrontal neurons simultaneously receives the category‐related information and specific property information (e.g. reward) associated with an exemplar, to form a category‐based representation of that property, and propagates it among stimuli of the same category, possibly reflecting a neural basis for category generalization in the PFC. These results suggest that the PFC is involved in representing abstract rules, and generating new information on the basis of previously acquired knowledge.
Model‐based learning and the contribution of the orbitofrontal cortex to the model‐free world
Authors: McDannald Michael A. , Takahashi Yuji K. , Lopatina Nina , Pietras Brad W. , Jones Josh L. , Schoenbaum Geoffrey
Published: April 2012

Learning is proposed to occur when there is a discrepancy between reward prediction and reward receipt. At least two separate systems are thought to exist: one in which predictions are proposed to be based on model‐free or cached values; and another in which predictions are model‐based. A basic neural circuit for model‐free reinforcement learning has already been described. In the model‐free circuit the ventral striatum (VS) is thought to supply a common‐currency reward prediction to midbrain dopamine neurons that compute prediction errors and drive learning. In a model‐based system, predictions can include more information about an expected reward, such as its sensory attributes or current, unique value. This detailed prediction allows for both behavioral flexibility and learning driven by changes in sensory features of rewards alone. Recent evidence from animal learning and human imaging suggests that, in addition to model‐free information, the VS also signals model‐based information. Further, there is evidence that the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) signals model‐based information. Here we review these data and suggest that the OFC provides model‐based information to this traditional model‐free circuitry and offer possibilities as to how this interaction might occur.
How can a Bayesian approach inform neuroscience?
Authors: O’Reilly Jill X. , Jbabdi Saad , Behrens Timothy E. J.
Published: April 2012

In this review we consider how Bayesian logic can help neuroscientists to understand behaviour and brain function. Firstly, we review some key characteristics of Bayesian systems – they integrate information making rational use of uncertainty, they apply prior knowledge in the interpretation of new observations, and (for several reasons) they are very effective learners. Secondly, we illustrate how some well‐known psychological phenomena including visual illusions, categorical perception and attention can be understood in terms of Bayesian inference. We also consider how formal models can clarify our understanding of psychological constructs, by giving a truly computational definition of psychological processes. Finally, we consider how probabilistic representations and hence Bayesian algorithms could be implemented by neural populations. In particular, we explore how different types of population coding may lead to different predictions about activity in both single‐unit and imaging studies, and draw a distinction in this context between the representation of parameters and implementation of computations.
Decomposing effects of dopaminergic medication in Parkinson’s disease on probabilistic action selection – learning or performance?
Authors: Smittenaar P. , Chase H. W. , Aarts E. , Nusselein B. , Bloem B. R. , Cools R.
Published: April 2012

Dopamine has long been implicated in reward‐based learning and the expression of such learned associations on performance. Robust evidence supports its effects on learning and performance, but teasing these apart has proved challenging. Here we have adapted a classic test of value‐based learning, the probabilistic selection task, to disentangle effects of dopamine on value‐based performance from effects on value‐based learning. Valence‐specific effects of dopamine on this specific task cannot be accounted for by modulation of learning, and therefore must reflect modulation of performance. We found that dopaminergic medication, consisting of levodopa and/or dopamine agonists taken at own dose, in 18 patients with mild Parkinson’s disease (Hoehn and Yahr < 2.5) potentiated reward‐based approach in terms of both accuracy and reaction times, while leaving punishment‐based avoidance unaffected. These data demonstrate that the effects of dopamine on probabilistic action selection are at least partly mediated by effects on the expression of learned associations rather than on learning itself, and help refine current models of dopamine’s role in reward.