bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inner Speech as a Language: A Saussurean Inquiry
Authors: WILEY NORBERT
Published: August 2006

The idea that thinking is a form of talking to oneself was discussed in classical Greece, analyzed by the Medievals and treated as a central issue by the American pragmatists. But whether inner speech is a language unto itself, distinct from outer language, has not been determined. To this end I ask how Saussure's defining ideas about language apply to inner speech. I show that Saussure's ideas, while partly usable, are mainly a poor fit. Inner speech is a variety of language, or perhaps of dialect, with its own unique structure. Given that it is a unique window into human consciousness, I briefly discuss some of the research areas on which it sheds light.
Differential integration efforts of mandatory and optional sentence constituents
Authors: Prior Anat , Bentin Shlomo
Published: August 2006

We investigated the online sensitivity of the semantic integration system to the different roles played by sentence constituents that are necessary (verbs and nouns) or optional (adjectives) for argument completion. We compared the effect of semantic incongruities introduced in both types of words on the N400 ERP component. Participants read sentences for meaning, half of which were rendered anomalous by an incongruent verb, noun, or an early/late adjective. Incongruent adjectives led to smaller N400 effects than did incongruent nouns and verbs, and the congruity effect for sentence‐final adjectives was not significant. All incongruities are therefore not created equal: Incongruent optional sentence constituents create less of an integrative burden than incongruent mandatory sentence constituents, suggesting that online sentence integration processes are sensitive to the distinct roles played by different words in shaping sentence meaning.
Psychological wellbeing after laparoscopic and abdominal hysterectomy—a randomised controlled multicentre study
Authors: Persson P , Wijma K , Hammar M , Kjølhede P
Published: August 2006

Objective  To compare laparoscopic hysterectomy and abdominal total hysterectomy regarding influence on postoperative psychological wellbeing and surgical measures.

Design  A prospective, open, randomised multicentre trial.

Setting  Five hospitals in the South East of Sweden.

Population  Hundred and twenty‐five women scheduled for hysterectomy for benign conditions were enrolled in the study, and 119 women completed the study. Fifty‐six women were randomised to abdominal hysterectomy and 63 to laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Methods  Psychometric tests measuring general wellbeing, depression and anxiety preoperatively and 5 weeks and 6 months postoperatively.

Main outcome measures  Effects of operating method on the psychological wellbeing postoperatively. Analysis of data regarding operating time, peroperative and postoperative complications, blood loss, hospital stay and recovery time.

Results  No significant differences in the scores were observed between the two groups in any of the four psychometric tests. Both the surgical methods were associated with a significantly higher degree of psychological wellbeing 5 weeks postoperatively compared with preoperatively. The operating time was significantly longer for the laparoscopic hysterectomy group, but the duration of the stay in hospital and sick‐leave were significantly shorter for laparoscopic hysterectomy group compared with the abdominal hysterectomy group.

Conclusions  General psychological wellbeing is equal after laparoscopic and abdominal hysterectomy within 6 months after the operation. The advantages of the laparoscopic hysterectomy are the shorter stay in hospital and shorter sick‐leave, but these issues must be balanced by a longer duration of the operation.
Fasting capillary glucose as a screening test for gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Fadl H , Östlund I , Nilsson K , Hanson U
Published: August 2006

Objective  To evaluate fasting capillary glucose as a screening test for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared with traditional risk factors and repeated random capillary glucose measurements.

Design  Cross‐sectional, population‐based study.

Setting  Maternal Health Care Clinics in Örebro County, Sweden.

Population  An unselected population of women without diabetes.

Methods  Fasting capillary glucose levels were measured at gestational weeks 28–32. Random capillary glucose levels were measured four to six times during pregnancy. Traditional risk factors for GDM were registered. GDM was diagnosed using a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test.

Main outcome measures  Sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios.

Results  In 55 of 3616 women participating in the study, GDM was diagnosed before 34 weeks of gestation. For fasting capillary glucose cutoff values between 4.0 and 5.0 mmol/l, sensitivity was in the range between 87 and 47% and specificity between 51 and 96%. Using a combined screening model of traditional risk factors with fasting capillary glucose at various cutoff values increased the sensitivity only slightly compared with using fasting capillary glucose alone.

Conclusion  In this Swedish, unselected, low‐risk population, fasting capillary glucose measurements were found to be an acceptable and useful screening test for GDM.
Blood Biocompatibility Assessment of an Intravenous Gas Exchange Device
Authors: Snyder Trevor A. , Eash Heide J. , Litwak Kenneth N. , Frankowski Brian J. , Hattler Brack G. , Federspiel William J. , Wagner William R.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  To treat acute lung failure, an intravenous membrane gas exchange device, the Hattler Catheter, is currently under development. Several methods were employed to evaluate the biocompatibility of the device during preclinical testing in bovines, and potential coatings for the fibers comprising the device were screened for their effectiveness in reducing thrombus deposition in vitro. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that the device had the capacity to activate platelets as evidenced by significant increases in circulating platelet microaggregates and activated platelets. Thrombus was observed on 20 ± 6% of the surface area of devices implanted for up to 53 h. Adding aspirin to the antithrombotic therapy permitted two devices to remain implanted up to 96 h with reduced platelet activation and only 3% of the surface covered with thrombus. The application of heparin‐based coatings significantly reduced thrombus deposition in vitro. The results suggest that with the use of appropriate antithrombotic therapies and surface coatings the Hattler Catheter might successfully provide support for acute lung failure without thrombotic complications.
Cyclic‐loading of the Human Gracilis and Semitendinosus Muscle Tendons: Study of Young Adult Cadavers
Authors: Piedade Sérgio Rocha , Dal Fabbro Inácio Maria , Mischan Martha Maria
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  During knee ligament reconstruction, the tendon graft is tensioned to prevent the occurrence of excessive graft elongation during the postoperative period. Tensioning may be achieved by applying a cyclic or static load to the graft during fixation. Although this procedure is part of the surgery, there is no consensus in international literature regarding ideal tension levels to be used in this procedure. This study was conducted on 10 tendons of the human gracilis muscle and 10 tendons of semitendinosus muscle removed from five male cadavers whose mean age was 20.8 years. These tendons underwent 10 in vitro strain cycles at three levels of deformation (2.5, 3, and 4%) and the value of the deforming load used for each cycle was recorded. The statistical analysis demonstrated that in order to attain the same level of deformation during the 10 cycles there was a reduction in the value of strain applied to the graft, observed at the three levels of deformation. It was concluded that the semitendinosus tendon presents a more uniform mechanical behavior and that there is a need for new graft tensioning protocols that consider the force associated with deformation.
Evaluation of Primary Human Liver Cells in Bioreactor Cultures for Extracorporeal Liver Support on the Basis of Urea Production
Authors: Pless Gesine , Steffen Ingo , Zeilinger Katrin , Sauer Igor M. , Katenz Ekaterina , Kehr Daniel C. , Roth Stephan , Mieder Tim , Schwartlander Ruth , Müller Christian , Wegner Brigitte , Hout Mariah S. , Gerlach Jörg C.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Primary human liver cells from donor organs unsuitable for transplantation were cultivated in bioreactors developed for extracorporeal liver support. Because each system contains cells originating from an individual organ, each bioreactor culture must be individually characterized. The objective of this study was to identify suitable decisive parameters for the evaluation of cell culture performance. We analyzed the data from 47 bioreactor cultures containing 437 ± 110 g of cells. Choosing urea production as the decisive parameter, the bioreactor cultures were divided into high‐performance (daily urea production ≥ 110 mg per bioreactor between culture days 3 and 14) and low‐performance cultures. Comparing the mean courses of the groups revealed a significant distinction in most other investigated biochemical parameters. In conclusion, urea production seems to be an appropriate parameter for evaluating the performance of liver cell cultures in bioreactors because it corresponds to all other evaluated parameters of cell function.
Low‐intensity Ultrasound Stimulation Enhances Chondrogenic Differentiation in Alginate Culture of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Lee Hyun Jung , Choi Byung Hyune , Min Byoung‐Hyun , Son Young Sook , Park So Ra
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are regarded as a potential autologous source for cartilage repair, because they can differentiate into chondrocytes by transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) treatment under the 3‐dimensional (3‐D) culture condition. However, more efficient and versatile methods for chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs are still in demand for its clinical application. Recently, low‐intensity ultrasound (LIUS) was shown to enhance fracture healing in vitro and induce chondrogenesis of MSCs in vitro. In this study, we investigated the effects of LIUS on the chondrogenesis of rabbit MSCs (rMSCs) in a 3‐D alginate culture and on the maintenance of chondrogenic phenotypes after replating them on a monolayer culture. The LIUS treatment of rMSCs increased: (i) the matrix formation; (ii) the expression of chondrogenic markers such as collagen type II, aggrecan, and Sox‐9; (iii) the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease‐2 implicated in the integrity of cartilage matrix; and (iv) the capacity to maintain the chondrogenic phenotypes in a monolayer culture. Notably, LIUS effects were clearly shown even without TGF‐β treatment. These results suggest that LIUS treatment could be an efficient and cost‐effective method to induce chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs in vitro for cartilage tissue engineering.
Robotic Replacement of the Descending Aorta in Human Cadaver
Authors: Ishikawa Norihiko , Sun You Su , Nifong L. Wiley , Ohtake Hiroshi , Watanabe Go , Chitwood W. Randolph
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Robot‐assisted replacement of the thoracic aorta was performed in a human cadaver. Temporary shunt bypass was established by inserting a left axillary artery catheter and directing it through the aortic arch toward the right femoral artery through the abdominal aorta. The technique utilized the da Vinci surgical system inserted through the 4‐cm supramammary working port and two additional thoracoscopic ports. The working port allowed the introduction of an endoscope, endoscopic instruments, and artificial graft and suture materials. The aorta was dissected using the robotic instruments and was clamped with two transthoracic clamps. After transaction of the aorta, a 20‐mm polytetrafluoroethylene graft was cut and an end‐to‐end anastomosis was then performed with running 3‐0 Prolene sutures with robotic instruments. The robotic system provides superior optics and allows for enhanced dexterity. Minimally invasive robotic replacement of the descending aorta is an effective procedure and may add benefits for both surgeon and patients.
Electrocorticographic Discharge Patterns in Glioneuronal Tumors and Focal Cortical Dysplasia
Authors: Ferrier Cyrille H. , Aronica Eleanora , Leijten Frans S.S. , Spliet Wim G.M. , Van Huffelen Alexander C. , Van Rijen Peter C. , Binnie Colin D.
Published: August 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To determine whether highly epileptiform electrocorticographical discharge patterns occur in patients with glioneuronal tumors (GNTs) and focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) and whether specific histopathological features are related to such patterns.

Methods: The series consists of operated patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy because of FCD or GNT between 1992 and 2003. Electrocorticography was reviewed for presence of continuous spiking, bursts, recruiting discharges, or sporadic spikes. Surgical specimens were reviewed for the presence of balloon cells, (coexisting) cortical dysplasia, and relative frequencies of neurons, glia, and microglia.

Results: Continuous spiking was seen in 55% versus 12% of patients with FCD and GNT, respectively (p = 0.005). Bursts and recruiting discharges were seen in a similar proportion of patients with FCD or GNT. Ninety‐one percent of patients with continuous spiking showed (coexisting) cortical dysplasia in contrast to 42% of patients without this pattern (p = 0.004). The presence of balloon cells and glia or microglia content were not associated with discharge patterns.

Conclusion: Continuous spiking, bursts, and recruiting discharges occur in patients with FCD and GNT. Continuous spiking was seen significantly more often in patients with FCD. When continuous spiking is found with GNT, it is likely to be associated with dysplastic regions with a high neuronal density.
FDG‐PET/MRI Coregistration and Diffusion‐Tensor Imaging Distinguish Epileptogenic Tubers and Cortex in Patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Chandra Poodipedi S. , Salamon Noriko , Huang Jimmy , Wu Joyce Y. , Koh Susan , Vinters Harry V. , Mathern Gary W.
Published: August 2006

Summary: Purpose:Patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are potential surgical candidates if the epileptogenic region(s) can be accurately identified. This retrospective study determined whether FDG‐PET/MRI coregistration and diffusion‐tensor imaging (DTI) showed better accuracy in the localization of epileptogenic cortex than structural MRI in TSC patients.

Methods:FDG‐PET/MRI coregistration and/or DTI for apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were utilized in 15 TSC patients. Presurgery scalp EEG and postsurgery seizure control identified epileptogenic tubers (n = 27) and these were compared with nonepileptogenic tubers (n = 204) for MRI tuber volume, volume of FDG‐PET hypometabolism on MRI coregistration, DTI, ADC, and FA values.

Results:Compared with nonepileptogenic tubers, epileptogenic regions had increased volume of FDG‐PET hypometabolism (p < 0.0001), and increased ADC values in subtuber white matter (p < 0.0001). In contrast, the largest MRI identified tuber (p = 0.046) and decreased FA values (p = 0.58) were less accurate in identifying epileptogenic regions. Larger volumes of FDG‐PET hypometabolism correlated positively with increased ADC values (p = 0.029), and localized to areas of cortical dysplasia adjacent to the tuber in four cases.

Conclusions:Larger volumes of FDG‐PET hypometabolism relative to MRI tuber size and higher ADC values identified epileptogenic tubers and adjoining cortex containing cortical dysplasia in TSC patients with improved accuracy compared with largest tuber by MRI or lowest FA values. Used in conjunction with ictal scalp EEG and interictal magnetoencephalography, these newer neuroimaging techniques should improve the noninvasive evaluation of TSC patients with intractable epilepsy in distinguishing epileptogenic sites for surgical resection.
Increased Apparent Oral Clearance of Valproic Acid during Intake of Combined Contraceptive Steroids in Women with Epilepsy
Authors: Galimberti Carlo Andrea , Mazzucchelli Iolanda , Arbasino Carla , Canevini Maria Paola , Fattore Cinzia , Perucca Emilio
Published: August 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To determine potential changes in total and unbound serum valproic acid (VPA) concentrations at steady‐state during a cycle of intake of combined hormonal contraceptive (HC) steroids.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from nine women stabilized on VPA monotherapy on two separate randomized occasions: (i) at the end of the 4‐ to 7‐day HC‐free interval, and (ii) on the last day of the HC intake period. Trough concentrations of VPA in serum and serum ultrafiltrates were determined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay.

Results: In all women, total and unbound VPA concentrations were higher during the HC‐free interval than during HC intake (means ± SD: 425 ± 184 vs. 350 ± 145 μmol/L, respectively, for total VPA, p = 0.002, and 55 ± 37 vs. 39 ± 25 μmol/L, respectively, for unbound VPA, p = 0.005). Compared with the HC‐free interval, HC intake was associated with a mean 21.5% increase in VPA total apparent oral clearance (from 8.0 ± 5.2 to 9.7 ± 6.4 ml/h/kg, p = 0.01) and a 45.2 % increase in VPA unbound apparent oral clearance (from 79 ± 81 to 115 ± 121 ml/h/kg, p = 0.029).

Conclusions: The apparent oral clearance of total and unbound VPA increases during the HC intake period compared with the HC‐free interval, probably due to induction of glucuronosyltransferase by ethinylestradiol. The magnitude of the change varies across individuals, being potentially clinically relevant in some cases. Serum VPA concentrations should be monitored when adding or discontinuing HC steroids, and possibly during the on–off intervals of a HC cycle.
Accuracy of Tissue Doppler Echocardiography in the Diagnosis of New‐Onset Congestive Heart Failure in Patients with Levels of B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide in the Midrange and Normal Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Arques Stephane , Roux Emmanuel , Sbragia Pascal , Pieri Bertrand , Gelisse Richard , Ambrosi Pierre , Luccioni Roger
Published: August 2006

Background: Based on the hypothesis that it reflects left ventricular (LV) diastolic pressures, B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is largely utilized as first‐line diagnostic complement in the emergency diagnosis of congestive heart failure (HF). The incremental diagnostic value of tissue Doppler echocardiography, a reliable noninvasive estimate of LV filling pressures, has been reported in patients with preserved LV ejection fraction and discrepancy between BNP levels and the clinical judgment, however, its clinical validity in such patients in the presence of BNP concentrations in the midrange, which may reflect intermediate, nondiagnostic levels of LV filling pressures, is unknown. Methods: 34 patients without history of HF, presenting with acute dyspnea at rest, BNP levels of 100–400 pg/ml and normal LV ejection fraction were prospectively enrolled (17 with congestive HF and 17 with noncardiac cause). Tissue Doppler echocardiography was performed within 3 hours after admission. Results: unlike BNP (P = 0.78), Boston criteria (P = 0.0129), radiographic pulmonary edema (P = 0.0036) and average E/Ea ratio (P = 0.0032) were predictive of congestive HF by logistic regression analysis. In this clinical setting, radiographic pulmonary edema had a positive predictive value of 80% in the diagnosis of congestive HF. In patients without evidence of radiographic pulmonary edema, average E/Ea > 10 was a powerful predictor of congestive HF (area under the ROC curve of 0.886, P < 0.001, sensitivity 100% and specificity 78.6%). Conclusion: by better reflecting LV filling pressures, bedside tissue Doppler echocardiography accurately differentiates congestive HF from noncardiac cause in dyspneic patients with intermediate, nondiagnostic BNP levels and normal LV ejection fraction.
Buddhism and Romanticism
Authors: Lussier Mark
Published: August 2006

Although Buddhism was quite likely first encountered by Europeans during the Greek military incursion into Central Asia led by Alexander the Great, complete knowledge of the religion inaugurated by the historical Buddha only emerged into European consciousness during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, a temporal period when economic colonialism, enlightenment epistemology, linguistic Orientalism, and emergent romanticism combined to create the conditions for the full flowering of the dharma in Europe. The following essay provides a preliminary analysis of the historical conditions governing phases of punctuated encounters between Europeans and Buddhist cultures and the developing intellectual contexts during the period of romanticism that ultimately led to the emergence and subsequent reception of Buddhism in European literature and philosophy. The opening section of the essay briefly maps critical coincidences between these seemingly disparate systems of thought and practice; the second section thoroughly traces the long history of punctuated encounters that peaks during the romantic period itself; and the third section analyzes the counterflow of textual materials from colonial circumferences like Nepal and Tibet to centers of Orientalist scholarship in Russia, England, France, and Germany and their subsequent reception and assimilation within Western thought.
Film as the New Shakespeare and Film on Shakespeare: Reversing the Shakespeare/Film Trajectory
Authors: Cartmell Deborah
Published: August 2006

This article considers the ultimately successful quest for film to be regarded as, not a mere imitator of literature, but the ‘new literature’, or as Allardyce Nicoll intimates in 1936, ‘the new Shakespeare’. This seemingly persistent conception of film as the new Shakespeare accounts, in part, for long‐standing prejudicial attitudes to literature on screen, including cinematic appropriations of Shakespeare, over the last two centuries.
Gravity-mode pulsations in subdwarf B stars: a critical test of stellar opacity
Authors: Jeffery C. S. , Saio H.
Published: August 2006

The identification of non-radial g-mode oscillations as the cause of variability in cool subdwarf B stars (PG 1716 variables) has been frustrated by a 5000-K discrepancy between the observed and theoretical blue-edge of the instability domain. A major component in the solution to this problem has been identified by (i) using updated Opacity Project (OP) instead of OPAL opacities and (ii) considering an enhancement of nickel, in addition to that of iron, in the driving zone. The reason for this success is that, in OP, the ‘Fe-bump’ contributions from iron and nickel occur at higher temperatures than in OPAL. As well as pointing to a solution of an important problem in stellar pulsation theory, this result provides a critical test for stellar opacities and the atomic physics used to compute them.
Turning off cortical ensembles stops striatal Up states and elicits phase perturbations in cortical and striatal slow oscillations in rat in vivo
Authors: Kasanetz Fernando , Riquelme Luis A. , O'Donnell Patricio , Murer M. Gustavo
Published: August 2006

In vivo, cortical neurons and striatal medium spiny neurons (MSN) display robust subthreshold depolarizations (Up states) during which they are enabled to fire action potentials. In the cortex, Up states are believed to occur simultaneously in a neuronal ensemble and to be sustained by local network interactions. It is known that MSN are impelled into the Up state by extra‐striatal (primarily cortical) inputs, but the mechanisms that sustain and determine the end of striatal Up states are still debated. Furthermore, it has not been established if brisk perturbations of ongoing cortical oscillations alter rhythmic transitions between Up and Down states in striatal neurons. Here we report that MSN Up states terminate abruptly when persistent activity in cortical ensembles providing afferents to a given striatal region is turned off by local electrical stimulation or ends spontaneously. In addition, we found that phase perturbations in MSN membrane potential slow oscillations induced by cortical stimulation replicate the stimulus‐induced dynamics of spiking activity in cortical ensembles. Overall, these results suggest that striatal Up states are single‐cell subthreshold representations of episodes of persistent spiking in cortical ensembles. A precise spatial and temporal alignment between episodes of cortical persistent activity and striatal Up states would allow MSN to detect specific cortical inputs embedded within a more general cortical signal.
Role of the N‐terminus in permeability of chicken connexin45.6 gap junctional channels
Authors: Dong Lixian , Liu Xiaoqin , Li Hui , Vertel Barbara M. , Ebihara Lisa
Published: August 2006

Previous studies have shown that gap junctional channels formed from the lens connexins Cx50 (or its chicken orthologue, Cx45.6) and Cx43 exhibit marked differences in transjunctional voltage gating and unitary conductance. In the present study, we used the negatively charged dye, Lucifer Yellow (LY), to examine and compare quantitative differences in dye transfer between pairs of HeLa cells stably transfected with Cx45.6 or Cx43. Our results show that Cx45.6 gap junctional channels are three times less permeable to LY than Cx43 channels. Replacement of the N‐terminus of Cx45.6 with the corresponding domain of Cx43 increased LY permeability, reduced the transjunctional voltage (Vj) gating sensitivity, and reduced the unitary conductance of Cx45.6–43N gap junctional channels. Further experiments, using a series of Alexa probes that had similar net charge but varied in size showed that the Cx45.6–43N had a significantly higher permeability for the two largest Alexa dyes than Cx45.6. These data suggest that the N‐terminus plays a critical role in determining many of biophysical properties of Cx45.6 gap junctional channels, including molecular permeability and voltage gating.
Fibre type‐specific increase in passive muscle tension in spinal cord‐injured subjects with spasticity
Authors: Olsson M. Charlotte , Krüger Martina , Meyer Lars‐Henrik , Ahnlund Lena , Gransberg Lennart , Linke Wolfgang A. , Larsson Lars
Published: August 2006

Patients with spasticity typically present with an increased muscle tone that is at least partly caused by an exaggerated stretch reflex. However, intrinsic changes in the skeletal muscles, such as altered mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix or the cytoskeleton, have been reported in response to spasticity and could contribute to hypertonia, although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we examined the vastus lateralis muscles from spinal cord‐injured patients with spasticity (n= 7) for their passive mechanical properties at three different levels of structural organization, in comparison to healthy controls (n= 7). We also assessed spasticity‐related alterations in muscle protein expression and muscle ultrastructure. At the whole‐muscle level in vivo, we observed increased passive tension (PT) in some spasticity patients particularly at long muscle lengths, unrelated to stretch reflex activation. At the single‐fibre level, elevated PT was found in cells expressing fast myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms, especially MyHC‐IIx, but not in those expressing slow MyHC. Type IIx fibres were present in higher than normal proportions in spastic muscles, whereas type I fibres were proportionately reduced. At the level of the isolated myofibril, however, there were no differences in PT between patients and controls. The molecular size of the giant protein titin, a main contributor to PT, was unchanged in spasticity, as was the titin : MyHC ratio and the relative desmin content. Electron microscopy revealed extensive ultrastructural changes in spastic muscles, especially expanded connective tissue, but also decreased mitochondrial volume fraction and appearance of intracellular amorphous material. Results strongly suggest that the global passive muscle stiffening in spasticity patients is caused to some degree by elevated PT of the skeletal muscles themselves. We conclude that this increased PT component arises not only from extracellular matrix remodelling, but also from structural and functional adaptations inside the muscle cells, which alter their passive mechanical properties in response to spasticity in a fibre type‐dependent manner.
Tunable Quasi-Two-Dimensional Electron Gases in Oxide Heterostructures
Authors: Thiel S. , Hammerl G. , Schmehl A. , Schneider C. W. , Mannhart J.
Published: August 2006

We report on a large electric-field response of quasi–two-dimensional electron gases generated at interfaces in epitaxial heterostructures grown from insulating oxides. These device structures are characterized by doping layers that are spatially separated from high-mobility quasi–two-dimensional electron gases and therefore present an oxide analog to semiconducting high–electron mobility transistors. By applying a gate voltage, the conductivity of the electron gases can be modulated through a quantum phase transition from an insulating to a metallic state.
Occupational injury in a fishmonger with a macular rash, hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia: Figure 1
Authors: Cooke L J , Bowles K M , Craig J I O , Sule O
Published: August 2006

A 47-year-old fishmonger presented with a history of weight loss and lethargy. On investigation he was found to have myeloma. He presented again before follow up, with a 3-day history of fever and a maculopapular rash. He was admitted to the haematology ward and treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Blood cultures were found to be positive forErysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. Penicillin treatment was given, and he made a good recovery. The importance of occupational illness in an already immunocompromised patient and of taking a proper social and occupational history from patients on admission is illustrated through this case.
Deletions encompassing the manganese superoxide dismutase gene in theDrosophila melanogastergenome
Authors: Belton Amy , Paul Anirban , Duttaroy Atanu
Published: August 2006

Two deletions, Df(2R)Sod2-11 and Df(2R)Sod2-332, are recovered that encompass the manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) gene or a null mutant referred to as SOD2n283 in Drosophila. Molecular analysis has revealed that the Df(2R)Sod2-332 deletion completely uncovered both MnSOD and its adjacent gene, Arp53D, whereas Df(2R)Sod2-11 was missing the promoter region of MnSOD gene. As a consequence of reduced MnSOD expression, these deletion heterozygotes are now sensitive to oxidative stress. Complementation analysis with some recently recovered deletions in the 53C/D region has established that other essential loci exist in this interval, and second, that Arp53D function is not essential for the survival of the organism. These deletions will be instrumental in the recovery of missense substitutions in the MnSOD peptide and their influence on oxidative stress resistance.Key words: MnSOD, aging, oxidative stress, deletion, Arp53D, Drosophila.
Mitochondrial genomes ofVanhornia eucnemidarum(Apocrita: Vanhorniidae) andPrimeuchroeusspp. (Aculeata: Chrysididae): evidence of rearranged mitochondrial genomes within the Apocrita (Insecta: Hymenoptera)
Authors: Castro Lyda Raquel , Ruberu Kalani , Dowton Mark
Published: August 2006

We sequenced most of the mitochondrial (mt) genomes of 2 apocritan taxa: Vanhornia eucnemidarum and Primeuchroeus spp. These mt genomes have similar nucleotide composition and codon usage to those of mt genomes reported for other Hymenoptera, with a total A + T content of 80.1% and 78.2%, respectively. Gene content corresponds to that of other metazoan mt genomes, but gene organization is not conserved. There are a total of 6 tRNA genes rearranged in V. eucnemidarum and 9 in Primeuchroeus spp. Additionally, several noncoding regions were found in the mt genome of V. eucnemidarum, as well as evidence of a sustained gene duplication involving 3 tRNA genes. We also report an inversion of the large and small ribosomal RNA genes in Primeuchroeus spp. mt genome. However, none of the rearrangements reported are phylogenetically informative with respect to the current taxon sample.Key words: mitochondrial genomes, molecular evolution, hymenoptera.
Prey-capture strategies in sympatric web-building spiders
Authors: Zschokke Samuel , Hénaut Yann , Benjamin Suresh P. , García-Ballinas J. Alvaro
Published: August 2006

Arthropods in several orders use traps to capture prey. Such trap-building predators expend most of their foraging energy prior to any prey contact. Nevertheless, relative investments in trap construction and actual prey capture may vary among trap builders, and they are likely to face a trade-off between building very effective but energetically costly traps and building less effective traps requiring faster reaction times when attacking prey. We analysed this trade-off in a field experiment by comparing the prey capture behaviour of four different sympatric web-building spiders (Araneae: Araneidae, Nephilidae, Tetragnathidae, Theridiidae) with the retention times of five different prey types in the webs of these spiders. Retention times differed greatly among webs and among prey types. The vertical orb webs retained prey longer than the horizontal orb web and the sheet web, and active prey escaped more quickly than less active prey. Among spiders with orb webs, the spider with the web that retained prey for the shortest time was the fastest to capture prey, thus confirming the expected trade-off between building long-retaining webs and attacking slowly versus building short-retaining webs and attacking more rapidly. The sheet web, however, neither retained prey for an appreciable period of time nor facilitated rapid prey capture. We suggest that this low capture effectiveness of sheet webs is compensated by their lower maintenance costs.
Behavioral responses to environmental change alter direct and indirect trait-mediated interactions
Authors: Rothley K.D. , Dutton G.
Published: August 2006

We used a field-based experiment to explore the consequences of altered environmental conditions on a predator–prey–resource system. The foraging choices of grasshoppers on plant resources were measured in the presence and absence of predator spiders and in shaded and unshaded conditions. We show that shading conditions affected the spiders, their direct behavioral interactions with the grasshoppers, and the indirect behaviorally mediated interactions between the spiders and the plants. In unshaded conditions in response to spiders, grasshoppers reduced their energy intake by 90%, reduced their time spent feeding by 68%, and switched to a largely grass diet that should increase mortality, while in shaded conditions spiders induced no behavioral shift. In no shade, spiders had an indirect positive effect on forb plants as evidenced by a trophic cascade pattern in plant biomass in the one-, two-, and three-trophic-level communities. But in shade, there was no indirect interaction of the spiders on the plants. Our results demonstrate the challenge of predicting the effects of environmental change on complex, real-world ecosystems and highlight the critical need for conducting experimental manipulations in the proper context with full complements of species.
Ectoparasitic blow flies (Protocalliphora sp.) and nestling Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis): direct effects and compensatory strategies
Authors: Hannam Kristina
Published: August 2006

Variation in environmental factors such as parasitism can have direct effects on an organism’s fitness. Because parasites draw resources directly from their hosts, they are expected to have negative effects; however, several nestling host – parasite systems show no evidence of direct effects. Absence of direct effects may be explained by compensation strategies used by parents or nestlings themselves. In this study evidence for both direct effects and compensatory strategies in a blow fly (genus Protocalliphora Hough, 1899) – Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis (L., 1758)) system were examined. Nestlings showed no direct effects of blow flies on survival and on size at fledging; however, parasitized broods were significantly anemic. There was no evidence for compensation by parents in the form of brood reduction and there was no support for compensation by nestlings via a hierarchy of tissue preservation. Nestlings did compensate for parasitism by accelerating growth at the end of the nestling period and delaying fledging.
Intermediary metabolism in mudskippers,Periophthalmodon schlosseriandBoleophthalmus boddarti, during immersion or emersion
Authors: Ip Yuen K. , Lim Cheng B. , Chew Shit F.
Published: August 2006

This study aimed to examine effects of 48 h emersion on intermediary metabolism in the mudskippers Periophthalmodon schlosseri (Pallas, 1770) and Boleophthalmus boddarti (Pallas, 1770). The glycogen content increased significantly, while the lactate content remained unchanged, in the muscle of P. schlosseri during 48 h of emersion. Thus, emersion led to either a decrease in glycogen utilization or an increase in glycogen synthesis. Because there was no change in energy charge, P. schlosseri probably used energy stores other than glycogen during emersion. The phosphofructose kinase-1 (PFK) from the muscle of P. schlosseri became more sensitive to ATP inhibition after 6 h of emersion, indicating that a transient decrease in the glycolytic flux indeed occurred at this locus that led to an increase in glycogen content. In contrast, such phenomena were not observed in the muscle of B. boddarti during 48 h of emersion. Emersion also led to a significant increase in the muscle fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (F26P2) content in P. schlosseri, but not in B. boddarti. Based on results obtained from P. schlosseri undergoing forced exercise, we propose that a correlation may exist between the F26P2content and the utilization of amino acids as an energy source in this mudskipper during emersion.
Territory quality of male sea otters in Prince William Sound, Alaska: relation to body and territory maintenance behaviors
Authors: Pearson Heidi C. , Packard Jane M. , Davis Randall W.
Published: August 2006

Based on optimality models, lekking males holding higher quality territories should spend more effort on territory maintenance and less effort on body maintenance. We tested the hypothesis that benefits are correlated with costs for male sea otters, Enhydra lutris (L., 1758). Activity state was recorded during focal follows of 10 individuals (n = 127). Higher quality territories had larger area, more food resources attractive to females, a higher ratio of protective shoreline edge, and higher accessibility for females evading male harassment. Contrary to our prediction, territory quality was uncorrelated with measures of cost: territory maintenance (patrolling, interacting) and body maintenance (feeding, grooming). We rejected the hypothesis that proximate benefits would be correlated with costs and suggested the following alternative working hypotheses: (i) given the high metabolic rate of sea otters, male breeding success may depend as much on maintaining body condition as maintaining a territory; (ii) higher quality territories with shoreline edge may not require additional patrolling effort; (iii) males may not expend extra effort in territory maintenance until more females come into estrus; or (iv) our seasonal measures of the benefits and costs of territoriality may not have accurately reflected factors influencing the switch between territorial and non-territorial tactics.
Experimental analysis of novelty responses in a bird assemblage inhabiting a suburban marsh
Authors: Echeverría A.I. , Vassallo Aldo Iván , Isacch J.P.
Published: August 2006

Suburban areas in the Pampas region of Argentina are inhabited by several bird species that sharply differ in their ability to exploit human-modified, urban areas. This bird assemblage includes species restricted to natural grasslands (e.g., Great Pampa Finch, Embernagra platensis (J.F. Gmelin, 1789)) as well as generalist, highly cosmopolitan species such as House Sparrow, Passer domesticus (L., 1758). We explored the role of certain aversive responses to novelty in shaping the marked differences in ecological plasticity among species in the assemblage. In field experiments, we tested for differences in feeding in the presence of artificial objects near feeders regularly replenished with seeds. In spite of their granivorous diet, some non-urbanized species did not use the feeders, possibly because of an extreme degree of aversion to novel situations. The group of birds that visited the feeders included both urbanized (N = 8) and non-urbanized (N = 2) species. We found that the presence of novel objects discouraged visitation to an otherwise attractive food source, although neophobia was weak for most species. However, we found unexpectedly high levels of neophobia in highly generalist, urbanized species such as House Sparrow and Shiny Cowbird, Molothrus bonariensis (J.F. Gmelin, 1789). This response is discussed in the context of the influence of post-fledging development in a relatively simple and predictable ecosystem versus that in urban areas.
Reply to the comment by Romero and Kannada on “Genetic analysis of 16th-century whale bones prompts a revision of the impact of Basque whaling on right and bowhead whales in the western North Atlantic”
Authors: McLeod Brenna A. , Frasier Timothy R. , White Bradley N.
Published: August 2006

The comment by Romero and Kannada is presented as a critique of our previous work and suggests that our conclusions are in direct conflict with the historic whaling information reviewed in their paper. However, the critique is based on a misinterpretation of the geographical, temporal, and taxonomic focus of our previous work. The source of the putative conflict appears to stem from the misinterpretation that our results, focused solely on the impact of Basque whaling in the 16th and 17th centuries on the western North Atlantic right whale, were intended to be representative of all whaling of both right and bowhead whales throughout the North Atlantic. To demonstrate this, we briefly review our original results and conclusions and show that the information reviewed by Romero and Kannada does not challenge any aspect of our original work. As such, their comment is not a critique of our paper, but rather a brief review of the history of whaling in the North Atlantic.
Do the fastest sperm within an ejaculate swim faster in subordinate than in dominant males of Arctic char?
Authors: Vaz Serrano Jonathan , Folstad Ivar , Rudolfsen Geir , Figenschou Lars
Published: August 2006

Theoretical models predict that subordinate males should have higher sperm velocity to compensate for their disadvantaged mating role and because they experience sperm competition more frequently than dominant males. Differences in mean velocity between sperm of dominants and subordinates in the predicted direction are also documented for a few species, including the Arctic char, Salvelinus alpinus (L., 1758). Yet, this difference in mean velocity does not imply that the fastest sperm within an ejaculate, which are those most likely to fertilize eggs, swim faster in subordinates than in dominants. We studied the 5% and 10% fastest sperm cells in ejaculates of dominant and subordinate Arctic char. Before individuals attained their status, there were no differences in velocity between the fastest sperm of males that later became dominant or subordinate. Yet, after establishment of social position, subordinates showed significantly higher sperm swimming speed of the fastest cells in the first 30 s post activation (i.e., at 15, 20, and 30 s post activation). Males that became subordinates showed no change in sperm speed of the fast cells compared with those at pre-trial levels, whereas males that became dominant reduced the speed of their sperm (15 s post activation) compared with those at pre-trial levels. Our results suggest that males which attain social dominance are unable to maintain high sperm velocity, even among the small fraction of the fastest cells.
Identification of a protein hydrolysate responsive G protein-coupled receptor in enterocytes
Authors: Choi Sungwon , Lee Mike , Shiu Amy L. , Yo Sek Jin , Aponte Gregory W.
Published: August 2006

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have the potential to play a role as molecular sensors responsive to luminal dietary contents. Although such a role for GPCRs has been implicated in the intestinal response to protein hydrolysate, no GPCR directly involved in this process has been previously identified. In the present study, for the first time, we identified GPR93 expression in enterocytes and demonstrated its activation in these cells by protein hydrolysate with EC50 of 10.6 mg/ml as determined by the induction of intracellular free Ca2+. In enterocytes, GPR93 was synergistically activated by protein hydrolysate in combination with an agonist, oleoyl-l-α-lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), which activated the receptor in these enterocytes with EC50 of 7.9 nM. The increased intracellular Ca2+ by GPR93 activation was observed without the addition of a promiscuous Gα protein and was pertussis toxin sensitive, which suggests Gαq- and Gαi-mediated pathways. Activated GPR93 also induced pertussis toxin-sensitive ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Both nuclear factor of activated T cells and 12- O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate responsive elements reporter activities were induced by protein hydrolysate in cells exogenously expressing GPR93. The peptidomimetic cefaclor by itself did not activate GPR93 but potentiated the protein hydrolysate response and further amplified the synergistic enhancement of GPR93 activation by protein hydrolysate and LPA. These data suggest that, physiologically, the composition of stimuli might determine GPR93 activity or its sensitivity toward a given activator and suggest a new mechanism of the regulation of mucosal cell proliferation and differentiation and hormonal secretion by dietary products in the lumen.
Changes in regional blood volume and blood flow during static handgrip
Authors: Stewart Julian M. , Montgomery Leslie D. , Glover June L. , Medow Marvin S.
Published: August 2006

Increased blood pressure (BP) and heart rate during exercise characterizes the exercise pressor reflex. When evoked by static handgrip, mechanoreceptors and metaboreceptors produce regional changes in blood volume and blood flow, which are incompletely characterized in humans. We studied 16 healthy subjects aged 20–27 yr using segmental impedance plethysmography validated against dye dilution and venous occlusion plethysmography to noninvasively measure changes in regional blood volumes and blood flows. Static handgrip while in supine position was performed for 2 min without postexercise ischemia. Measurements of heart rate and BP variability and coherence analyses were used to examine baroreflex-mediated autonomic effects. During handgrip exercise, systolic BP increased from 120 ± 10 to 148 ± 14 mmHg, whereas heart rate increased from 60 ± 8 to 82 ± 12 beats/min. Heart rate variability decreased, whereas BP variability increased, and transfer function amplitude was reduced from 18 ± 2 to 8 ± 2 ms/mmHg at low frequencies of ∼0.1 Hz. This was associated with marked reduction of coherence between BP and heart rate (from 0.76 ± 0.10 to 0.26 ± 0.05) indicative of uncoupling of heart rate regulation by the baroreflex. Cardiac output increased by ∼18% with a 4.5% increase in central blood volume and an 8.5% increase in total peripheral resistance, suggesting increased cardiac preload and contractility. Splanchnic blood volume decreased reciprocally with smaller decreases in pelvic and leg volumes, increased splanchnic, pelvic and calf peripheral resistance, and evidence for splanchnic venoconstriction. We conclude that the exercise pressor reflex is associated with reduced baroreflex cardiovagal regulation and driven by increased cardiac output related to enhanced preload, cardiac contractility, and splanchnic blood mobilization.