bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic response to an environmental pathogenic agent: HLA‐DQ and onchocerciasis in northwestern Ecuador
Authors: De Angelis F. , Garzoli A. , Battistini A. , Iorio A. , De Stefano G. F.
Published: November 2011

The aim of this study is to explore human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DQ variability in two populations (Cayapas Amerindians and Afro‐Ecuadorians) who live near one another along the Cayapa River and who are exposed to the same environmental stresses, such as infection by Onchocerca volvulus. HLA‐DQA1 and HLA‐DQB1 of 149 unrelated individuals (74 Cayapas and 75 Afro‐Ecuadorians) have been analyzed. HLA high‐resolution molecular typing was performed by sequence‐based typing, sequence‐specific oligonucleotides hybridization and sequence‐specific primer (SSP) amplification. The comparison between affected (cases) and unaffected people (controls) in both populations shows the key role of several HLA‐DQA1 alleles in susceptibility and protection against onchocerciasis. In both populations, there is strong evidence related to the protective role of DQA1*0401 against onchocerciasis. Alleles HLA‐DQA1*0102 and *0103 seem to represent risk factors in Afro‐Ecuadorians, while HLA‐DQA1*0301 is only a suggestive susceptibility allele in Cayapas. These findings represent new positive/negative associations with onchocerciasis in South America, whereas previous findings pertained only to African populations.
Rapid auxin‐mediated changes in the proteome of the epidermal cells in rye coleoptiles: implications for the initiation of growth
Authors: Deng Z. , Xu S. , Chalkley R. J. , Oses‐Prieto J. A. , Burlingame A. L. , Wang Z.‐Y. , Kutschera U.
Published: November 2011

In axial organs of juvenile plants, the phytohormone auxin (indole‐3‐acetic acid, IAA) rapidly mediates cell wall loosening and hence promotes turgor‐driven elongation. In this study, we used rye (Secale cereale) coleoptile sections to investigate possible effects of IAA on the proteome of the cells. In a first set of experiments, we document that IAA causes organ elongation via promotion of expansion of the rigid outer wall of the outer epidermis. A quantitative comparison of the proteome (membrane‐associated proteins), using two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2‐D DIGE), revealed that, within 2 h of auxin treatment, at least 16 protein spots were up‐ or down‐regulated by IAA. These proteins were identified using reverse‐phase liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Four of these proteins were detected in the growth‐controlling outer epidermis and were further analysed. One epidermal polypeptide, a small Ras‐related GTP‐binding protein, was rapidly down‐regulated by IAA (after 0.5 h of incubation) by −35% compared to the control. Concomitantly, a subunit of the 26S proteasome was up‐regulated by IAA (+30% within 1 h). In addition, this protein displayed IAA‐mediated post‐translational modification. The implications of these rapid auxin effects with respect to signal transduction and IAA‐mediated secretion of glycoproteins (osmiophilic nano‐particles) into the growth‐controlling outer epidermal wall are discussed.
Emergence of Candida spp. and exploration of natural bioactive molecules for anticandidal therapy –status quo
Authors: Rajeshkumar Radhakrishnan , Sundararaman Muthuraman
Published: November 2011

The opportunistic yeast pathogen Candida albicans and the emerging non‐albicans Candida spp. cause life‐threatening infections in immuno‐compromised patients, leading to an increase in mortality rate. At present, the emergence of non‐albicans Candida spp. causes serious infections that are difficult to treat the human populations worldwide. The available, synthetic antifungal drugs show high toxicity to host tissues causing adverse effects. Many metabolites of terrestrial and marine plants, microbes, algae, etc., contain a rich source of unexplored novel leads of different types, which are under use to treat various diseases. Such natural drugs are less expensive and have lower toxicity to host tissues. The patent search on identified and potential anticandidal‐lead molecules, from various patent databases, has been described in this review. Furthermore, this article consolidates the trends in the development of anticandidal drug discovery worldwide. Most of the investigations on natural, bioactive molecules against candidiasis are in various phases of clinical trials, of which, two drugs Caspofungin acetate and Micafungin sodium were approved by the U.S. FDA. In conclusion, the exploration of drugs from natural resources serves as a better alternative source in anticandidal therapeutics, having great scope for drug discovery in the future.
Human spirit: A vignette to capture and document the resilience of the human spirit 2011
Authors: White Georgia
Published: November 2011

Many personal stories carry a universal message. This account, of two patients who survived the genocide in April/May 1994 in Rwanda, symbolises the resilience of the human spirit.
Myoepithelial carcinoma: First case reported in the trachea
Authors: Li Yuan , Wang Jian , Li Hecheng , Zhu Xiongzeng , Shen Lei
Published: November 2011

Myoepithelial carcinoma displaying exclusively myoepithelial differentiation mainly occurs in the salivary glands and breasts, and is considered extremely rare in the trachea. We present the first documented case of a primary myoepithelial carcinoma in the trachea. The patient was a 23‐year‐old man who presented with shortness of breath and cough for four months. Bronchoscopy and computed tomographic (CT) scan revealed an intraluminal mass in the trachea. A standard sleeve of trachea resection with end‐to‐end reconstruction was performed. The tumor was mainly composed of spindle cells and epithelioid cells which exhibited relatively uniform nuclei with finely distributed chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli, suggesting that it may arise from benign myoepithelioma. Moreover, the tumor displayed marked cytologic atypia and an infiltrative tumor border in some areas, suggesting that it was a malignant tumor. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were diffusely positive for AE1/AE3, Vimentin and myoepithelial makers (Calponin, P63 and GFAP). The patient's postoperative course was uneventful with no evidence of recurrence at six months after surgery.
Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma: Cytogenetic analysis of FUS rearrangement
Authors: Yoon Nara , Kwon Jong Won , Seo Sung Wook , Ahn Geunghwan , Choi Yoon‐La
Published: November 2011

Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) is a rare but distinct variant of fibrosarcoma. A 43‐year‐old man presented with a lesion in his back that had been present for three years but had recently increased in size. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 6‐cm sized ovoid mass showing low intensities on T1 and T2 weighted images. Histologically, the tumor was of moderate cellularity, and the cells were relatively uniform in size and shape. The cells were epithelioid, round, oval and polygonal with clear and slightly eosinophilic cytoplasm, forming nests, cords, or sheet‐like patterns with a dense collagenous and hyalinized matrix. The tumor was positive for vimentin, but negative for smooth muscle actin, desmin, HMB45, and CD34. Although the tumor showed nuclear overexpression of beta‐catenin protein, the CTNNB1 exon3 mutation was not detected. Fluorescent in situ hybridization for FUS using dual color break‐apart probes showed rearrangement of the FUS. In accordance with previous studies, our case showed positive findings of FUS rearrangement, reinforcing the notion of a close relationship between low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma and SEF.
Anatomical basis for carrying out a state‐of‐the‐art radical prostatectomy
Authors: Takenaka Atsushi , Tewari Ashutosh K
Published: November 2011

Robotic‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy has consolidated the position of surgical treatment for localized prostate cancer in the USA. In a few years, it is expected to spread rapidly worldwide. However, surgical anatomy has trailed the advance in surgical techniques of robotic‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. Therefore, we reviewed the recent literature, which sometimes refutes the established consensus on pelvic anatomy, for the state‐of‐the‐art technique. We also describe the anatomical findings for each basic step during robotic‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, and show evidence‐based surgical techniques. Of course, these findings will also be useful for radical retropubic, perineal and conventional laparoscopic prostatectomy. Surgical anatomy should always be developing and changing with advances in surgical approaches.
Electrophysiological responses of rat olfactory tubercle neurons to biologically relevant odours
Authors: Rampin Olivier , Bellier Camille , Maurin Yves
Published: November 2011

Biologically relevant odours were used to stimulate olfactory tubercle neurons in anaesthetized male rats. Among 120 recorded neurons, 118 showed spontaneous activity (mean firing rate, 15.0 ± 1.4 spikes/s). Ninety‐eight neurons were exposed to at least one of the four following odour sources: an empty vial, or a vial containing food pellets (familiar odour), a sample of oestrous rat faeces (conspecific sexual odour), or a sample of male fox faeces (predator odour). The proportion of neurons responding with a change in activity was significantly linked to the odour applied. Repetition of the stimulation with the same odour elicited the same activity change. Between 50 and 70% of neuronal activity changes were not accompanied by respiration changes. Fifty‐six neurons were exposed successively to all four odours, and 38 of them showed an activity change in response to at least one. The response of a neuron to an odour was not affected by its response to the previous one, and no neuron responded in the same manner to all odours. Conversely, no odour elicited a unique response in this population of neurons. However, the proportions of excited, inhibited and insensitive neurons depended significantly on the odour applied, suggesting that the recruitment of olfactory tubercle neurons is directly dependent on the biological significance of the odour.
Treating diabetes today with gliclazide MR: a matter of numbers
Authors: Avogaro A.
Published: November 2011

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive disease characterized by worsening hyperglycaemia. Lowering haemoglobin A1c to below or around 7% has been shown to reduce microvascular and neuropathic complications of diabetes. The ongoing uncertainty regarding whether intensive glycaemic control can reduce the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people with T2DM stirred the launch of the recent long‐term megatrials. These trials compared the effects of intensive vs. standard control on vascular complications in relatively high CV risk participants with T2DM. While in Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial, and Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes, the effect of glucose optimization resulted either in no protection or in an excessive CVD death, the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified Release Controlled Evaluation trial showed that intensive glycaemic control reduced the risk of combined major macrovascular and microvascular events. In this trial, the glucose control strategy was based on gliclazide MR at randomization in all patients and then further sequential addition of other glucose‐lowering drugs. Several studies showed that gliclazide has antioxidant properties, reduces markers of endothelial inflammation, and prevents glucose‐induced apoptosis of endothelial cells. These positive antioxidant effects are not confined to the vascular wall but they are effective also in the β cells. These properties are important because (i) in patients with atherosclerotic process, microvascular abnormalities may hasten disease progression and (ii) slowing the microvascular complications may have a potentially remarkable effect on the natural history of macrovascular disease.
The past, present and future of augmentation cystoplasty
Authors: Biers Suzanne M. , Venn Suzie N. , Greenwell Tamsin J.
Published: November 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

There is a wealth of evidence on the development, indications, outcomes and complications of augmentation cystoplasty (AC). Over the last decade, new evidence has been emerging to influence our clinical practice and application of this technique. AC is indicated as part of the treatment pathway for both neurogenic and idiopathic detrusor overactivity, usually where other interventions have failed or are inappropriate. The most commonly used technique remains augmentation with a detubularised patch of ileum (ileocystoplasty). Controversy persists over the role of routine surveillance following ileocystoplasty for the detection of subsequent bladder carcinoma; however the indication for surveillance after gastrocystoplasty is clearer due to a rising incidence of malignancy in this group. Despite a reduction in the overall numbers of AC operations being performed, it clearly still has a role to play, which we re‐examine with contemporary studies from the last decade.
‘Let the computer choose?’: the experience of participants in a randomised preference trial of medical versus surgical termination of pregnancy
Authors: Lie Mabel , May Carl , Kelly Teresa , Robson Stephen
Published: November 2011

Abstract  The termination of pregnancy trial (Newcastle upon Tyne, UK), is the only randomised trial on termination of pregnancy methods incorporating a qualitative element that aimed to understand the experiences of women participating in the trial. Based on the results of this qualitative work, this article aims to provide insights into two strands of understanding; firstly, women’s experience of participating in research about abortion and secondly, their experience of participating in a randomised preference trial. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted of up to 90 minutes with 30 participants recruited at a single hospital site. A total of 20 women from the preference arm and 10 from the random arm were interviewed. The analysis and discussion of our findings use reflexive modernisation as a framework for understanding and interpreting some of the actions of social agents, that is, the participants and trial recruiters in the course of a clinical trial as an expert system. We found that the factors that shape women’s experiences and decisions include trust in the expert system and reflexivity and agency on the part of both participants and trial recruiters.
Standard Nigerian English phonemes: The crisis of modelling and harmonization
Authors: EKERETE JOSIAH UBONG , TIMOTHY BABATUNDE SOLA
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT:  For more than half a century now, discussions on the distinctiveness of the English language in Nigeria have dominated many scholarly articles. Some of these articles have adequately proved that the grammatical and lexical systems have attained an appreciable standard, but it is doubtful if the same could be said of its phonology. For example, it has been suggested that it is arguable that Nigerian English (NE) variety has a standard phonology. This present paper demonstrates that several published sources on phonemicization in NE are generally discordant, and argues that the major problems confronting phoneme delineation in NE include the lack of coordination in research efforts, indefinite criteria for varieties differentiation and a general crisis of modelling. Pointing out that a proper coordination of research efforts is inevitable, the paper collates and surveys the various models on Standard NE phonemes provided by linguists, compares these with the model of standardized RP, and finally suggests that there are signs of an emerging national standard.
The Nanjing Courtesan Ma Shouzhen (1548–1604): Gender, Space and Painting in the Late Ming Pleasure Quarter
Authors: Merlin Monica
Published: November 2011

The city of Nanjing in the late Ming period (1550–1644) was a bustling commercial and cultural centre. In its pleasure quarter along the Qinhuai River, literati and officials mingled with elite courtesans who, educated in painting, poetry and music, used their cultural capital in order enhance their visibility and sociability, and obtain the literati's patronage. The extraordinary gender relations of the entertainment district were specific to its socio‐historical environment, where courtesans, although still highly dependent on men, partook in the public scene and exceeded some gender stereotypes and Confucian values, as they owned material goods and enjoyed higher physical mobility than their female counterparts in the gentry. The geographical space shared by courtesans and literati was principally a social and intellectual space, where they generated cultural productions and established social practices. In order to explore the concepts of gender and space in urban settings, this article analyses the case of the as redundant elite courtesan Ma Shouzhen (1548–1604), who was a renowned painter and poetess. A close look at her case contributes to further understanding the construction of social space and expressions of gendered subjectivity in the southern metropolitan courtesan environment.
Good long‐term efficacy of pallidal stimulation in cervical dystonia: a prospective, observer‐blinded study
Authors: Skogseid I. M. , Ramm‐Pettersen J. , Volkmann J. , Kerty E. , Dietrichs E. , Røste G. K.
Published: November 2011

Background and purpose:  Deep brain stimulation of the internal globus pallidus (GPi‐DBS) is established as an effective treatment of primary generalised dystonia in controlled studies. In cervical dystonia (CD), only one previous study has reported observer‐blinded outcome assessment of long‐term GPi‐DBS, with 1‐year follow‐up.

Methods:  In this prospective, single‐centre study, eight patients with CD (7 women:1 man, 4 focal:4 segmental) treated with bilateral GPi‐DBS for median (range) 30 (12–48) months, were evaluated by the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS; Severity, Disability and Pain scores), the Short‐Form Health Survey‐36 (SF‐36), and the Becks Depression Index in an open design. In addition, a blinded rater assessed the TWSTRS Severity score from videos obtained preoperatively and at the last follow‐up.

Results:  In the blinded evaluation, median (range) TWSTRS Severity score improved from 25 (19–30) to 8 (4–23) (P = 0.028), thus a 70% (23–82) score reduction. In the open evaluation, median Severity score improvement at the last follow‐up was 73%, representing a significant further improvement from 50% at 6 months. The Disability and Pain scores improved by median 91% and 92%, respectively, and the SF‐36 subdomain scores improved significantly. A reversible right hemiparesis and aphasia occured in one patient 4 days postoperatively, because of reversible oedema around the left electrode. No other serious adverse effects and no permanent morbidity were observed.

Conclusions:  This single‐blinded study shows good long‐term efficacy of GPi‐DBS in CD patients and supports using this treatment in those who have insufficient response to medical treatment.
Resveratrol mitigates lipopolysaccharide‐ and Aβ‐mediated microglial inflammation by inhibiting the TLR4/NF‐κB/STAT signaling cascade
Authors: Capiralla Hemachander , Vingtdeux Valérie , Zhao Haitian , Sankowski Roman , Al‐Abed Yousef , Davies Peter , Marambaud Philippe
Published: November 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 461–472.

Activation of microglia, the resident macrophages of the brain, around the amyloid plaques is a key hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent evidence in mouse models indicates that microglia are required for the neurodegenerative process of AD. Amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptides, the core components of the amyloid plaques, can trigger microglial activation by interacting with several Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), including TLR4. In this study, we show that resveratrol, a natural polyphenol associated with anti‐inflammatory effects and currently in clinical trials for AD, prevented the activation of murine RAW 264.7 macrophages and microglial BV‐2 cells treated with the TLR4 ligand, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Resveratrol preferentially inhibited nuclear factor κ‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) activation upon LPS stimulation by interfering with IKK and IκB phosphorylation, an effect that potently reduced the transcriptional stimulation of several NF‐κB target genes, including tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6. Consequently, downstream phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1 and STAT3 upon LPS stimulation was also inhibited by resveratrol. We found that resveratrol acted upstream in the activation cascade by interfering with TLR4 oligomerization upon receptor stimulation. Resveratrol treatment also prevented the pro‐inflammatory effect of fibrillar Aβ on macrophages by potently inhibiting the effect of Aβ on IκB phosphorylation, activation of STAT1 and STAT3, and on tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 secretion. Importantly, orally administered resveratrol in a mouse model of cerebral amyloid deposition lowered microglial activation associated with cortical amyloid plaque formation. Together this work provides strong evidence that resveratrol has in vitro and in vivo anti‐inflammatory effects against Aβ‐triggered microglial activation. Further studies in cell culture systems showed that resveratrol acted via a mechanism involving the TLR4/NF‐κB/STAT signaling cascade.
Astroglial NF‐κB mediates oxidative stress by regulation of NADPH oxidase in a model of retinal ischemia reperfusion injury
Authors: Barakat David J. , Dvoriantchikova Galina , Ivanov Dmitry , Shestopalov Valery I.
Published: November 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 586–597.

Astrocytes undergo rapid activation after injury, which is mediated in part by the transcription factor nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB). Consequently, activated astrocytes have been shown to induce the NF‐κB regulated phagocyte NADPH oxidase (PHOX), resulting in elevated production of reactive oxygen species. We investigated the regulatory mechanisms of PHOX‐induced oxidative stress in astrocytes and its non‐cell‐autonomous effects on retinal ganglion cell loss following retinal ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. To study PHOX activity and neurotoxicity mediated by glial NF‐κB, we employed GFAP‐IκBα‐dn transgenic mice, where the NF‐κB canonical pathway is suppressed specifically in astrocytes. Our analysis showed that NF‐κB activation in astrocytes correlated with an increased expression of PHOX and reactive oxygen species production in primary cells and whole retinas subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation or IR injury. Selective blockade of NF‐κB in astrocytes or application of NADPH oxidase inhibitors suppressed retinal ganglion cell loss in co‐cultures with astroglia challenged by oxygen–glucose deprivation. Furthermore, genetic suppression of astroglial NF‐κB reduced oxidative stress in ganglion layer neurons in vivo in retinal IR. Collectively, our results suggest that astroglial NF‐κB‐regulated PHOX activity is a crucial toxicity pathway in the pathogenesis of retinal IR injury.
Hsp70.1 and related lysosomal factors for necrotic neuronal death
Authors: Yamashima Tetsumori
Published: November 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 477–494.

Necrosis has long been considered accidental and uncontrolled, but during the last decade, it became clear that necrosis is also a well‐orchestrated form of cell demise, being as well programmed as apoptosis. To explain the mechanism of neuronal necrosis after ischemia/reperfusion, the ‘calpain–cathepsin hypothesis’ formulated in 1998 postulates that the post‐ischemic μ‐calpain activation compromises integrity of the lysosomal membrane, thereby leading to cathepsin spillage. Another cause of the lysosomal rupture occurring during reperfusion is reactive oxygen species (ROS) that generate 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (HNE) by oxidation of membrane fatty acids such as linoleic and arachidonic acids. HNE is an endogenous neurotoxin, because HNE‐induced carbonylation of the substrate protein shows loss of its function. However, the molecular mechanisms of lysosomal membrane breakdown are still poorly understood; especially, the biochemical cascade how μ‐calpain and ROS work together to disrupt lysosomal membrane has remained unclarified. Three independent proteomic analyses of cerebral ischemia, glaucoma, or mild cognitive impairment in primates have altogether suggested that the common substrate of calpain and/or ROS is heat‐shock protein 70.1 (Hsp70.1; simply Hsp70, also called Hsp72 or HSPA1), a major protein of the human Hsp70 family. Hsp70.1 serves cytoprotective roles as a guardian of the lysosomal membrane integrity by assisting sphingomyelin degradation or maintaining proper protein folding and recycling as a chaperone. However, calpain‐mediated cleavage of Hsp70.1, especially after its carbonylation because of the oxidative stresses, can induce lysosomal rupture. Furthermore, Hsp70.1 dysfunction activates nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) signaling that can also promote neurodegeneration. By focusing on Hsp70.1 and related lysosomal factors, this review describes rationale of lysosomal destabilization and rupture for executing programmed neuronal necrosis.
Where are the survivors? Tracking relictual populations of endangered frogs in Costa Rica
Authors: García‐Rodríguez Adrián , Chaves Gerardo , Benavides‐Varela Catalina , Puschendorf Robert
Published: November 2011

Aim  We used abiotic environmental variables and historical locality records to infer distributions of endangered anuran species of Costa Rica to promote efficient strategies for future amphibian surveys.

Location  Costa Rica.

Methods  We used a Maximum Entropy Algorithm (Maxent) to predict potential distribution maps for 17 species of endangered anurans and create a consensus map of species richness. We compared the environmental conditions from localities where relictual amphibian populations were recently rediscovered with the conditions across their historical range to evaluate the possibility that these relictual populations might occur in specific climatic conditions that could explain their persistence. We used a multicriteria analysis considering the following factors: the intersection zones between the consensus map, conservation areas, potential Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) distribution, collecting effort and areas within the precipitation range at which reappearances had occurred to locate sites for future surveys.

Results  The resulting predictions suggest that suitable areas for the highest number of species occur between 1300 and 2500 m.a.s.l and are concentrated along the Pacific slopes of the Cordillera de Talamanca and Cordillera Volcánica Central. Around 45% of the high potential richness area is under protection. Relictual populations of declined species seem to persist mainly in highly humid localities (2500–3500 mm of mean annual precipitation). Around 240 km2 has an ideal environment for the rediscovery of relictual populations. The multicriteria analysis showed that around 0.5% of the Costa Rican territory should be surveyed exhaustively for frogs.

Main conclusions  Many of the potential refugia we identified here have not been surveyed since 2000, the areas identified by the best model predictions correspond well with the localities of the relictual populations recently reported. We suggest future surveys of missing amphibian species should focus on these areas. The discovery of populations of endangered species can be used to propose conservation areas.
Teeth before jaws? Comparative analysis of the structure and development of the external and internal scales in the extinct jawless vertebrateLoganellia scotica
Authors: Rücklin Martin , Giles Sam , Janvier Philippe , Donoghue Philip C. J.
Published: November 2011

Traditional hypotheses posit that teeth evolved from dermal scales, through the expansion of odontogenetically competent ectoderm into the mouth of jawless vertebrates. The discovery of tooth‐like scales inside thelodonts, an extinct group of jawless vertebrates, led to the alternative hypothesis that teeth evolved from endodermal derivatives and that there exists a fundamental developmental and phylogenetic distinction between oral/pharyngeal and external odontodes. We set out a test of this latter hypothesis, examining the development of scales of the thelodontLoganellia scoticausing synchrotron radiation X‐ray tomographic microscopy (SRXTM). We reveal that the internal scales are organized into fused patches and rows, a key distinction from the discrete dermal scales. The pattern of growth of oral scale patches is polarized, but not along a particular vector, whereas pharyngeal scale rows grew along a vector. Our test of the phylogenetic distribution of oral and pharyngeal scales and teeth in vertebrates indicates that odontodes are first expressed in an external position. Internal scales, where present, are always located near to external orifices; the sequential development of pharyngeal scales inLoganelliais peculiar among thelodonts and other stem gnathostomes. It represents a convergence on, rather than the establishment of, the developmental pattern underpinning tooth replacement in jawed vertebrates. The available evidence suggests that internal odontodes evolved through the expansion of odontogenic competence from external to internal epithelia.
Discretized and Aggregated: Modeling Dive Depth of Harbor Seals from Ordered Categorical Data with Temporal Autocorrelation
Authors: Higgs Megan D. , Ver Hoef Jay M.
Published: November 2011

SummaryOrdered categorical data are pervasive in environmental and ecological data, and often arise from constraints that require discretizing a continuous variable into ordered categories. A great deal of data have been collected toward the study of marine mammal dive behavior using satellite depth recorders (SDRs), which often discretize a continuous variable such as depth. Additionally, data storage or transmission constraints may also necessitate the aggregation of data over time intervals of a specified length. The categorization and aggregation create a time series of ordered multicategory counts for each animal, which present challenges in terms of statistical modeling and practical interpretation. We describe an intuitive strategy for modeling such aggregated, ordered categorical data allowing for inference regarding the category probabilities and a measure of central tendency on the original scale of the data (e.g., meters), along with incorporation of temporal correlation and overdispersion. The strategy extends covariate‐specific cutpoint models for ordinal data. We demonstrate the method in an analysis of SDR dive‐depth data collected on harbor seals in Alaska. The primary goal of the analysis is to assess the relationship of covariates, such as time of day, with number of dives and maximum depth of dives. We also predict missing values and introduce novel graphical summaries of the data and results.
Ayapan Echoes: Linguistic Persistence and Loss in Tabasco, Mexico
Authors: Suslak Daniel F.
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT Ayapaneco is an indigenous Mexican language that—according to a widely circulating story—is dying because its last two fluent speakers refuse to speak to each other. In 2006–07, their case was publicized by Mexico's National Indigenous Language Institute (INALI), picked up by several international news agencies, broadcast on television, and repeated in various media. In this article, I examine the circulation of the Ayapaneco story and its unexpected consequences for the two speakers and the town of Ayapa as well as for other interested parties.
Scents of Place: The Dysplacement of a First Nations Community in Canada
Authors: Jackson Deborah Davis
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT  Here I explore how the experience of place at a First Nations reserve in Ontario, located in the middle of Canada's “Chemical Valley,” is disrupted by the extraordinary levels of pollution found there. In so doing, I give special attention to air pollution and residents’ responses to associated odors—that is, to the sense of smell. Focusing on a unique feature of smell—that it operates primarily through indexicality—I draw on C. S. Peirce's semiotic framework to highlight ways in which perception of odors entails embodiment of the perceived substance, thus connecting self and surroundings in profound and transformative ways. Ultimately, I argue that the local smellscape, while having reinforced a sense of positive emplacement on the reserve in the past, is now, because of the constant presence of toxic fumes, instilling in residents a profound sense of alienation from the ancestral landscape—a condition I call “dysplacement.”
Revealing Root Causes: The Disaster Anthropology of Gregory Button
Authors: Oliver‐Smith Anthony
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT  In the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters over the last quarter century, the work of Gregory Button, whose background is in both journalism and anthropology, has focused on telling the story of affected peoples but also “studying up” to reveal the political and economic interests and structures that unnecessarily render people vulnerable and turn hazards into disasters. These tasks have become more difficult in today's climate of increasing corporate power and, despite rhetoric to the contrary, decreasing transparency. His work clearly demonstrates how vested interests use the strategic deployment, contestation, and sequestration of knowledge and information to disguise and evade culpability, responsibility, and liability. Melding journalism, academic scholarship, and policy analysis, Button provides a critical counterbalance to highly politicized and produced information that seeks to negate, erase, and otherwise diminish the lived experience of disaster‐affected peoples.
Do what the Neighbours do
Authors: LeSage James , Pace R. Kelley , Campanella Richard , Lam Nina , Liu Xingjian
Published: November 2011

If you are trying to reopen a business after a disaster like Hurricane Katrina, how is your decision affected by whether or not your neighbours are reopening as well? James LeSage, R. Kelley Pace, Richard Campanella, Nina Lam and Xingjian Liu take cycle rides through a recovering New Orleans.
Assessing Long-Term Risk with Short-Term Data
Authors: Wainer Howard , Hubert Lawrence
Published: November 2011

Keep on taking the tablets – but for how long? New drugs can be tested for only a short time, but Vioxx and Avandia proved dangerous over the long term, and patients may take such drugs for years. So how can we establish the safety of long-term use? Howard Wainer finds that makers of light bulbs and door hinges can guide us.
Dexmedetomidine protects against oxygen–glucose deprivation-induced injury through the I2 imidazoline receptor-PI3K/AKT pathway in rat C6 glioma cells
Authors: Zhang Fengjiang , Ding Tingting , Yu Lina , Zhong Yinbo , Dai Haibin , Yan Min
Published: November 2011

Objectives

To explore the protection and the mechanism of dexmedetomidine on the oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) insults in rat C6 glioma cells.

Methods

Cells were subjected to OGD then assessed by viability studies. After dexmedetomidine treatment, p-AKT, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and RTP801 expression were measured.

Key findings

Three hours of OGD decreased cell viability to 48.8%, which was reversed to 67.4% by 1 µm dexmedetomidine. Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide double stains showed that the protection of dexmedetomidine was mainly by an anti-apoptosis effect, which was also strengthened by decreasing caspase-3 expression. Dexmedetomidine protection was mainly blocked by the I2 imidazoline receptor antagonist idazoxan and BU 224, but not by the α1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin, the α2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine and RX 821002, or the I1 imidazoline receptor antagonist efaroxan. On the other hand, dexmedetomidine enhanced AKT phosphorylation. Furthermore, the protection of dexmedetomidine was blocked by the PI3K/AKT inhibitor wortmannin. The proteins of HIF-1α, VEGF and RTP801 were significantly increased by dexmedetomidine treatment.

Conclusions

Dexmedetomidine activated the I2 imidazoline receptor-PI3K/AKT pathway, and up-regulated HIF-1α, VEGF and RTP801 expression to protect against OGD-induced injury in rat C6 cells.
Social emotional functioning and cognitive styles in eating disorders
Authors: Harrison Amy , Tchanturia Kate , Naumann Ulrike , Treasure Janet
Published: November 2011

Objectives. Contemporary models of eating disorders (EDs) argue that both cognitive style (weak coherence and poor set shifting) and social emotional difficulties are involved in the maintenance of EDs. This study aimed to explore the factor structure of cognitive and social emotional functioning and to investigate whether a particular cognitive or social emotional profile was associated with a more severe and chronic form of illness.

Design. A cross‐sectional design was used to investigate cognitive and social emotional functioning in people with EDs compared to healthy controls (HCs) and those recovered from an ED.

Methods. Two hundred twenty‐five participants were assessed (100 with an ED, 35 recovered from an ED, and 90 HCs) using a battery of set shifting, coherence, and social emotional measures.

Results. There were no significant correlations between the cognitive or social emotional variables. A principal components analysis (PCA) identified three components: a fragmented perseverative cognitive style, for which the ED group scored highly, a global flexible cognitive style, for which HCs scored highly, and a social emotional difficulties profile, for which those with EDs scored highly. Individuals in recovery from an ED did not differ from the acute group, suggesting this cognitive and social emotional profile may be a trait associated with EDs. ED participants scoring highest for the fragmented perseverative cognitive style and social emotional difficulties had a more severe and chronic form of illness.

Conclusions. The findings provide empirical support for Schmidt and Treasure's (2006) maintenance model of EDs and suggest both cognition and emotional functioning should be considered in treatment.
The Technology Path to Deep Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cuts by 2050: The Pivotal Role of Electricity
Authors: Williams James H. , DeBenedictis Andrew , Ghanadan Rebecca , Mahone Amber , Moore Jack , Morrow William R. , Price Snuller , Torn Margaret S.
Published: November 2011

Electrifying Prospects

Greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced in order to decrease the risk of dangerous climate change, and a commonly advocated intermediate step to decarbonizing our energy production is to cut emissions by 80% by the year 2050.

Williams
et al.

(p.
53
, published online 24 November) analyze the infrastructure and technology requirements required to meet this goal in California and conclude that simply using the most technologically advanced types of energy supply now available will not be enough. Instead, transportation and other sectors will need to be converted largely to electrical systems, which would make decarbonized electricity the dominant form of energy supply. Such a transformation will require technologies that are not yet commercialized and intensive public-private and interindustry coordination at every stage of the process.
Novel Microsphere-Based Method for Detection and Typing of 46 Mucosal Human Papillomavirus Types
Authors: Zubach Vanessa , Smart Gerry , Ratnam Samuel , Severini Alberto
Published: November 2011

We have developed a novel microsphere-based genotyping method for 46 mucosal human papillomavirus (HPV) types. HPV DNA was amplified by PCR using general primers and typed by hybridization to HPV type-specific probes coupled to sortable microspheres based on the Luminex xMAP technology. Hybridization to each probe was specific for each HPV type without cross-hybridization and sensitive enough to allow typing of HPV contained in clinical specimens. The method was validated with direct sequencing and the Roche Linear Array genotyping method.
Tobacco consumption and secondhand smoke exposure in vehicles: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Curto Ariadna , Martínez-Sánchez Jose M , Fernández Esteve
Published: November 2011

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of tobacco consumption and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in private cars, commercial vehicles and taxis in the city of Barcelona in Spain.

Design setting and participants

We carried out an observational cross-sectional study in 2011. We selected a systematic sample of 2442 private cars, commercial vehicles and taxis on 40 public roads regulated by traffic lights in all 10 districts of Barcelona. We calculated the prevalence rates and 95% CIs of smoking and SHS exposure in cars, and the corresponding ORs adjusting for the potential confounding variables.

Results

The prevalence of tobacco consumption was 5.5% (95% CI 4.6% to 6.4%) and was greater for commercial vehicles (9.8%; 95% CI 7.1% to 12.5%). The prevalence of SHS exposure was 5.2% (95% CI 3.8% to 6.6%) and 2.2% (95% CI 0.5% to 3.9%) of passengers under 14 years of age were exposed to SHS in vehicles.

Conclusions

This study highlights the need to promote public health measures aimed at reducing tobacco consumption in vehicles, especially in the presence of children, as well as enforcement of the current Spanish law against smoking in commercial vehicles and taxis.
Breaking bad news sensitively: what is important to patients in their last year of life?
Authors: Hanratty Barbara , Lowson Elizabeth , Holmes Louise , Grande Gunn , Jacoby Ann , Payne Sheila , Seymour Jane , Whitehead Margaret
Published: November 2011

Aim

To understand patients' perspectives on how a diagnosis of a life-limiting illness was first communicated to them.

Study design

In-depth qualitative interviews with 50 people ranging in age from 30 to 93 years, diagnosed with cancer (31), heart failure (13), stroke (three) or neurological conditions (three) and thought by the responsible health professional to be in the last year of life. Participants from two areas of Northern England were recruited through specialist nurses or hospital consultants and interviewed in their current place of residence. Transcribed data were analysed using Framework.

Results

Patients were most likely to recall the pace and clarity with which bad news was conveyed. A direct approach was most common, without much prior warning for the patients. Direct information was usually received well when the patient knew the health professional and when it had been suggested that the patient should be accompanied to the appointment. Some professionals did work to set the scene for the eventual news, with a gradual build-up of information, and narrowing down of options. This approach was perceived as appropriate and sensitive. People with heart failure had engaged in much less discussion about their condition, and most did not recall a specific conversation with their doctor about their prognosis.

Conclusions

Bad news is not always broken in a sensitive way, despite considerable efforts to address this issue. Relatively minor changes to practice could improve the patient experience: greater preparation, provision of sufficient time in consultations and cautious disclosure for new patients.
Load-induced changes in ventricular repolarization: evidence of autonomic modulation
Authors: Sedova Ksenia A. , Goshka Sergey L. , Vityazev Vladimir A. , Shmakov Dmitriy N. , Azarov Jan E.
Published: November 2011

Augmented hemodynamic load increases the risk of arrhythmogenesis by modulating cardiac repolarization duration. We hypothesized that the intervention on the autonomic tone may affect the load-dependent changes in ventricular repolarization. Activation–recovery intervals were measured in unipolar electrograms simultaneously recorded from 64 ventricular epicardial leads, in a total of 26 chinchilla rabbits in resting conditions, and after 1 and 10 min of aortic stenosis. Eleven animals were given atropine and propranolol before the loading. The short-term stenosis decreased the activation–recovery intervals in the right ventricle, whereas the prolonged overload increased the repolarization duration in both ventricles. The treatment with the β-adrenergic and M-cholinergic blockers prolonged the activation–recovery intervals, especially at the left ventricle, attenuating the apicobasal and interventricular gradients of repolarization duration seen in the baseline state. Further ventricular loading shortened the repolarization duration in both ventricles in animals with autonomic blockade. Thus, the autonomic tone was shown to be essential for the development of repolarization heterogeneity across the ventricles. The autonomic blockade transformed the biphasic changes of activation–recovery intervals into their monophasic shortening at aortic stenosis.
A NEW DETERMINING METHOD FOR THE CRITERIA WEIGHTS IN MULTICRITERIA EVALUATION
Authors: GINEVIČIUS ROMUALDAS
Published: November 2011

The accuracy of the results obtained by using multicriteria evaluation methods largely depends on the determination of the criteria weights. The accuracy of expert evaluation decreases with the increase of the number of criteria. The application of the analytic hierarchy process, based on pairwise comparison of the criteria, or similar methods, may help to solve this problem. However, if the number of the pairs of criteria is large, the same problems, associated with the accuracy of evaluation, arise. In the present paper, a new method of determining the criteria weights, FARE (Factor Relationship), based on the relationships between all the criteria describing the phenomenon considered, is offered. It means that, at the first stage, a minimal amount of the initial data about the relationships between a part of the set of criteria, as well as their strength and direction, is elicited from experts. Then, based on the conditions of functioning and the specific features of the complete set of criteria, the relations between other criteria of the set and their direction are determined analytically in compliance with those established at the first stage. When the total impact of each particular criterion on other criteria of the set or its total dependence on other criteria of a particular set is known, the criteria weights can be determined.