bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral and biochemical responses to d‐amphetamine in MCH1 receptor knockout mice
Authors: Smith Daniel G. , Qi Hongshi , Svenningsson Per , Wade Mark , Davis Richard J. , Gehlert Donald R. , Nomikos George G.
Published: November 2007

The melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) system is anatomically and functionally interlaced with the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system. Therefore, we investigated whether MCH1 receptor knockout (KO) mice are more susceptible than wild‐type (WT) mice to psychostimulant‐induced locomotor stimulation and sensitization, dopamine receptor‐mediated phosphorylation events and c‐fos expression within the frontal cortex and ventral striatum. MCH1 receptor KO mice have 20% higher basal locomotor activity, are hypersensitive to the locomotor activating effects of d‐amphetamine (1 mg/kg), and develop behavioral sensitization to a regimen of repeated d‐amphetamine administration that does not induce sensitization in WT mice. In addition, d‐amphetamine‐mediated regulation of p44‐mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation within the frontal cortex was significantly enhanced in MCH1 receptor KO mice, when compared with WT mice. No significant genotype difference in the effects of d‐amphetamine on MAPK phosphorylation events within the ventral striatum, phosphorylation at Ser897 of the NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor or Ca2+ and cyclic AMP response‐element binding‐protein (CREB) at Ser133 in the frontal cortex was detected. d‐Amphetamine (3 mg/kg) increased c‐fos expression within the frontal cortex in MCH1 receptor KO mice, but not WT mice. There were no d‐amphetamine‐induced changes in c‐fos expression within the ventromedial striatum in KO or WT mice. Overall, MCH1 receptor KO mice are hypersensitive to the behavioral and molecular effects of the dopaminergic psychostimulant d‐amphetamine. Increased frontal cortical MAPK phosphorylation and c‐fos expression in MCH1 receptor KO mice indicates that the MCH1 receptor may be an important target for treating neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by frontal cortex dysfunction, including depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia. Synapse 62:128–136, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of nitrate on metal sorption and bioaccumulation in marine phytoplankton, Dunaliella salina
Authors: Shun‐Xing Li , Hua‐Sheng Hong , Feng‐Ying Zheng , Nan‐Sheng Deng , Fang Lin
Published: November 2007

Coastal organisms are often exposed to both metal pollution and macronutrient enrichment. Dunaliella salina, a uni‐cell, cell‐wall‐less green marine microalga, was used as a model marine organism. The influences of major nutrients additions on the absorption (intracellular uptake), adsorption (cellular surface uptake), and bioconcentration of trace metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) in Dunaliella salina over 10 days were examined. When N:P ratio was 16 (8, 0.5 μmol/L for nitrate, phosphate), both metal absorption and bioconcentration factor were the most. The maximum and minimum metal adsorptions were obtained, respectively, at N:P ratio of 110 (55, 0.5 μmol/L for nitrate, phosphate) and 25 (12.5, 0.5 μmol/L for nitrate, phosphate). The difference in ambient nitrate concentration did not affect the order of metal adsorption of Dunaliella salina (Fe >> Zn > Mn > Cu), but the absolute adsorption quantities were greatly affected. The influence of nitrate concentration on metal absorption and adsorption was different. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 582–586, 2007.
Adduction of DNA with MTBE and TBA in mice studied by accelerator mass spectrometry
Authors: Yuan Y. , Wang H. F. , Sun H. F. , Du H. F. , Xu L. H. , Liu Y. F. , Ding X. F. , Fu D. P. , Liu K. X.
Published: November 2007

Methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE) is a currently worldwide used octane enhancer substituting for lead alkyls and gasoline oxygenate. Our previous study using doubly 14C‐labeled MTBE [(CH3)314CO14CH3] has shown that MTBE binds DNA to form DNA adducts at low dose levels in mice. To elucidate the mechanism of the binding reaction, in this study, the DNA adducts with singly 14C‐labeled MTBE, which was synthesized from 14C‐methanol and tert‐butyl alcohol (TBA), or 14C‐labeled TBA in mice have been measured by ultra sensitive accelerator mass spectrometry. The results show that the methyl group of MTBE and tert‐butyl alcohol definitely form adducts with DNA in mouse liver, lung, and kidney. The methyl group of MTBE is the predominant binding part in liver, while the methyl group and the tert‐butyl group give comparable contributions to the adduct formation in lung and kidney. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 630–635, 2007.
Multiple‐organ toxicity resulting from cylindrospermopsin exposure in tadpoles of the cane toad (Bufo marinus)
Authors: Kinnear S. H. W. , Fabbro L. D. , Duivenvoorden L. J. , Hibberd E. M. A.
Published: November 2007

Histological examinations were made of cane toad (Bufo marinus) tadpoles after exposure to freeze‐thawed Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii whole cell extracts and live C. raciborskii cultures containing sublethal concentrations of the blue‐green algal toxin, cylindrospermopsin (CYN). Toxin exposure resulted in tissue injuries to multiple organs, with particular severity noted in the liver, intestine, nephric ducts and gill epithelia. The extent of cellular damage was similar across trials exposing tadpoles to aqueous and cell‐bound toxins, despite unequal toxin concentrations being present in each. It was concluded that the presence of cell‐bound toxin, which may be directly ingested via grazing, plays a crucial role in the exertion of histological effects in B. marinus. This work provides baseline information regarding the ecotoxicity of CYN toward amphibians. The range of cellular effects noted in CYN‐exposed tadpoles suggests that toxic C. raciborskii blooms could represent considerable health risks to amphibian populations and indicate potentially far‐reaching ecological impacts of toxic C. raciborskii blooms. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 550–558, 2007.
LXR Agonist Increases the Lymph HDL Transport in Rats by Promoting Reciprocally Intestinal ABCA1 and apo A‐I mRNA Levels
Authors: Sato Masao , Kawata Yayoi , Erami Kazuo , Ikeda Ikuo , Imaizumi Katsumi
Published: November 2007

Liver and intestine are major sites of apo A‐I synthesis in mammals. ABCAI is reported to be involved in the secretion of nascent HDL from cultured intestinal cells. However, whether ABCA1 participates in the secretion of nascent HDL from the intestine has not been assessed directly in vivo. This study examined the effect of a synthetic LXR‐agonist “TO” on the lymphatic transport of HDL in thoracic duct‐cannulated rats. The feeding of a TO‐containing diet resulted in an increased transport of cholesterol and apo A‐I in the lymph d > 1.063 g/ml lipoprotein fraction than did the feeding of a control diet without TO. The transport of cholesterol in whole lymph was lower, whereas the transport of apo A‐I was higher, in the TO group. The abundance of mRNAs for ABCAI and apo A‐I in the intestine was increased in the TO group. Furthermore, although the TO‐containing diet reportedly increased the serum HDL concentration in intact mice and rats, no such effect was observed in the cannulated rats. The LXR agonist stimulated in vivo the synthesis of nascent HDL by increasing reciprocally the mRNA for ABCAI and apo A‐I in the intestine, thereby contributing to an increase in the circulating HDL.
Extraction of Essential Oils From the Seeds of Pomegranate Using Organic Solvents and Supercritical CO2
Authors: Abbasi Hajar , Rezaei Karamatollah , Rashidi Ladan
Published: November 2007

In this study, essential oils from pomegranate seeds of the Malas variety from Shahreza, Iran, were extracted using hexane and petroleum benzene applying four extraction methods: normal stirring, soxhlet, microwave irradiation, and ultrasonic irradiation. Also, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using CO2 under different conditions was used for comparison. Different methods of extraction with organic solvents (normal stirring, soxhlet, microwave irradiation, and ultrasonic irradiation) showed significant differences in the extraction yields. However, no differences were found when a given method (e.g., microwave irradiation) was applied using different organic solvents. On the other hand, different extraction conditions from the various runs of SFE resulted in different extraction yields, all of which were lower than those of the other extraction methods using organic solvents. No significant differences were observed in the fatty acid compositions of the extracted oils using organic solvents. However, the fatty acid compositions of the oils extracted under different conditions of the SFE system indicated significant differences among several fatty acids including unsaturated fatty acids.
Bioactive Components of Commercial and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Processed Wheat Germ Oil
Authors: Eisenmenger Michael , Dunford Nurhan Turgut
Published: November 2007

Wheat germ oil (WGO) is a specialty product with a very high nutritional value. The chemical composition of both commercial and pilot scale supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) processed WGO was examined. This study showed that methods used for oil extraction and refining did not have a significant effect on the fatty acid composition of the oil. SC‐CO2 extracted oil had a higher tocopherol content than that of commercially hexane extracted oil. The phospholipid content of the SC‐CO2 extracted oil was very low indicating that the SC‐CO2 extraction method could eliminate the degumming step from edible oil refining processes. Although the conventional chemical oil refining technique reduced the tocopherol content of the WGO, it was possible to concentrate tocopherols in WGO by using physical refining methods such as molecular distillation.
The Pneumatic Compression Test and Modified Pneumatic Compression Test in the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: TEKEOGLU I. , DOGAN A. , DEMIR G. , DOLAR E.
Published: November 2007

There are no precise criteria for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS): the history is useful but the value of the various provocative tests is questionable. The purpose of this study was to examine the diagnostic value of a new provocative test, the ‘modified pneumatic compression test’ in CTS. The study group consisted of 37 patients with 50 symptomatic CTS hands. A control group of 50 healthy volunteers was recruited. The diagnosis was based on a combination of the history, the clinical findings on examination and electrophysiological criteria. Sensitivity for the pneumatic compression and the modified pneumatic compression tests were 68% and 84%, respectively. Specificities for these tests were 97% and 95%, respectively. The modified pneumatic compression test demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for CTS. This test facilitated the diagnosis and was easy to use. It may reduce referrals for neurophysiology testing, and so reduce costs.
Transient hypoparathyroidism following thyroidectomy: A prospective study and multivariate analysis of 604 consecutive patients
Authors: Cavicchi Ottavio , Piccin Ottavio , Caliceti Umberto , De Cataldis Angelo , Pasquali Renato , Ceroni Alberto Rinaldi
Published: November 2007

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism in a group of patients undergoing thyroid surgery.

Study Design

A prospective study was conducted on 604 patients undergoing thyroid surgery.

Subjects and Methods

Gender, final diagnosis, extent of resection, biology of pathology, intrathoracic involvement, surgery for recurrent multinodular goiter, and presence and number of parathyroid glands in a surgical specimen were analyzed as risk factors for postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism. The chi‐square test and a logistic regression analysis were applied. RESULTS: On logistic regression analysis, only the extent of surgery constituted an independent variable for transient hypoparathyroidism (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

The extent of surgery to central and/or lateral neck lymph nodes is responsible for a high rate of transient hypoparathyroidism owing to a high probability of unplanned parathyroidectomy or parathyroid gland devascularization.
Differentiation of adductor‐type spasmodic dysphonia from muscle tension dysphonia by spectral analysis
Authors: Rees Catherine J. , Blalock P. David , Kemp Shannon E. , Halum Stacey L. , Koufman Jamie A.
Published: November 2007

Objectives

To determine the utility of spectral analysis in the differentiation of adductor‐type spasmodic dysphonia (AdSD) from muscle tension dysphonia (MTD).

Study Design

Prospective blinded study.

Methods

Forty‐seven samples of AdSD‐connected speech spectrograms from 27 subjects and 17 samples of MTD‐connected speech spectrograms from 15 subjects were selected from clinical charts and de‐identified. These spectrograms were reviewed independently and blindly by two speech language pathologists experienced in spectrography. The speech language pathologists designated the spectrogram as consistent with AdSD and MTD, and these designations were compared with actual clinical diagnoses.

Results

The ability to differentiate AdSD from MTD with spectral analysis was 94% for rater #1 and 98% for rater #2. No MTD subjects were incorrectly diagnosed as having SD (100% specificity).

Conclusions

This study suggests that experienced speech language pathologists can distinguish AdSD from MTD with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity based on spectral analysis. Spectral analysis is especially useful in cases where perceptual analysis and clinical evaluation alone are insufficient.
Laryngeal tuberculosis: A review of 26 cases
Authors: Wang Chen‐Chi , Lin Chang‐Chun , Wang Ching‐Ping , Liu Shih‐An , Jiang Rong‐San
Published: November 2007

Objectives

To review the clinical characteristics of laryn‐geal tuberculosis.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Subjects and Methods

Medical records of 26 histopa‐thology‐confirmed cases in a tertiary medical center from 1992 to 2006.

Results

The female patients were significantly younger than male patients. Hoarseness is the most common symptom (84.6%) because true vocal fold is most commonly involved (80.8%). Infection usually involves unilateral (66.7%) and right‐side larynx but multiple subsites of the larynx (57.7%). The appearance of the affected larynx may have mixed features and change before diagnosis. Laryngeal tuberculosis is usually misdiagnosed as laryngeal cancer, especially in patients with malignant signs such as enlarged cervical lymph nodes and vocal fold immobility. Chest film is better than sputum examinations for screening.

Conclusion

We should be especially alert about TB infection when facing young female patients with unusual laryngeal lesions. Extensive laser excision before diagnosis should be avoided because after antituberculous treatment, prognosis is usually good and vocal fold immobility could be reversible.
Distribution of PLGA nanoparticles in chinchilla cochleae
Authors: Ge Xianxi , Jackson Ronald L. , Liu Jianzhong , Harper Elizabeth A. , Hoffer Michael E. , Wassel Ronald A. , Dormer Kenneth J. , Kopke Richard D. , Balough Ben J.
Published: November 2007

Objectives

To study the distribution of polylactic/glycolic acid–encapsulated iron oxide nanoparticles (PLGA‐NPs) in chinchilla cochleae after application on the round window membrane (RWM).

Study Design and Setting

Six chinchillas (12 ears) were equally divided into controls (no treatments) and experimen‐tals (PLGA‐NP with or without magnetic exposure). After 40 minutes of PLGA‐NP placement on the RWM, perilymph was withdrawn from the scala tympani. The RWM and cochleae were fixed with 2.5% glutaraldehyde and processed for transmission electron microscopy.

Results

Nanoparticles were found in cochleae with or without exposure to magnet forces appearing in the RWM, perilymph, endolymph, and multiple locations in the organ of Corti. Electron energy loss spectroscopy confirmed iron elements in nanoparticles.

Conclusion

The nanoparticles were distributed throughout the inner ear after application on the chinchilla RWM, with and without magnetic forces.

Significance

PLGA‐NP applied to the RWM may have potential for sustained therapy to the inner ear.
Is it necessary to preserve the posterior branch of the great auricular nerve in parotidectomy?
Authors: Min Hyun Jung , Lee Hyung Seok , Lee Yong Seop , Jeong Jin Hyeok , Cho Seok Hyun , Lee Seung Hwan , Kim Kyung Rae , Park Chul Won , Tae Kyung
Published: November 2007

Objectives

To evaluate the necessity of preserving the posterior branch of the great auricular nerve during parotidectomy.

Study Design and Setting

Forty‐six patients undergoing parotidectomy were prospectively analyzed. Twenty‐four patients had preservation of the posterior branch of the great auricular nerve; in the remaining 22 patients the nerve was sacrificed. A sensory index score was defined as the area involved multiplied by the intensity grade of sensory loss. Quality‐of‐life was evaluated with a questionnaire.

Results

The sensory index score was significantly higher in the sacrificed group as compared with the preserved group at both 1 week (41.87 vs 62.11) and 1 month (24.91 vs 46.11) after parotidectomy. The sensory deficit improved over time in both groups, and after 12 months only minimal sensory loss remained. Quality‐of‐life was not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusions

Irrespective of preservation of the posterior branch of the great auricular nerve, sensory deficit improved over time. Therefore, preservation of the posterior branch of the great auricular nerve might not be necessary during parotidectomy.
Potential of ultrasound diagnosis for parotid tumors: Analysis of qualitative and quantitative parameters
Authors: Bozzato Alessandro , Zenk Johannes , Greess Holger , Hornung Joachim , Gottwald Frank , Rabe Christina , Iro Heinrich
Published: November 2007

Objective

Histology of parotid tumors determines the extent of surgery. The aim was to test ultrasound (US) contrast enhancer‐kinetics to identify histologic entities, possibly being superior to qualitative morphological parameters.

Study Design

In a cross‐sectional assessment of ultrasound diagnosis, the subjective US‐classification was compared with contrast analysis with histology as gold standard.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 64 male and 61 female patients with a mean age of 54 years were included, with 13 malignant tumors. These were classified with US morphology, then time‐dependent contrast medium analysis.

Results

A total of 92.8% of tumors were classified correctly as malignant or benign. The sensitivity, specificity, positive‐ and negative‐predictive values were 66.7%, 86.3%, 60.6%, and 89.1% for differentiating Warthin tumors, but only 46.2%, 98.2%, 75%, and 94% for malignant lesions. Contrast parameters yielded significant parameters for benign tumors, not for malignant entities.

Conclusion

Although contrast medium analysis provided statistical criteria, these, however, do not possess the ability to improve the diagnostic prediction of tumor histology. Neither the morphologic classification nor contrast medium analysis was able to identify a malignant lesion sufficiently.
Impact of FDG‐PET to detect recurrence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Périé Sophie , Hugentobler Alexis , Susini Bertrand , Balogova Sona , Grahek Dany , Kerrou Khaldoun , Montravers Françoise , El Chater Pierre , St Guily Jean Lacau , Jean‐Noël Talbot
Published: November 2007

Objective

Prospectively evaluate the impact of fluorodeoxy‐glucose‐fluorine‐18 positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) in the management of recurrence of advanced head and neck squa‐mous cell carcinoma during the first year after treatment.

Study Design

Seventy patients were followed‐up every 6 to 8 weeks during the first year after initial combined curative therapy. FDG‐PET, together with conventional imaging and en‐doscopy were performed systematically at 1 year (group A) or prompted earlier in case of clinically suspicious recurrence (group B). The referring physician evaluated the impact of FDG‐PET on the patient's management. Another clinician checked the pertinence of decisions.

Results

FDG‐PET had a therapeutic impact in 8 of 43 group A patients and in 16 of 27 group B patients; the overall rate was 34%. This change was pertinent in 5 of 8 and 14 of 16 cases, respectively. Overall pertinence rate of decisions was 90% versus 70% without FDG‐PET.

Conclusions

FDG‐PET had a significant overall therapeutic impact; the induced decisions were either pertinent or just led to “futile” noninvasive examinations. Systematic FDG‐PET had a significantly lesser impact in comparison with FDG‐PET motivated by clinical suspicion.
The role of tinnitus evaluation tests in differentiating functional versus organic tinnitus
Authors: Segal Nili Tal , Puterman Max , Shkolnik Mark , Niv Alexander , Kaplan Daniel , Kochva Anat , Kraus Mordechai
Published: November 2007

Objective

To evaluate the usefulness of tinnitus tests in differentiating patients with functional tinnitus from patients with organic tinnitus.

Design

One hundred ninety‐six patients with tinnitus were divided into 2 groups. Forty‐three patients, group 1, were not exposed to noise and had sensorineural hearing loss. One hundred fifty‐three patients, group 2, were exposed to noise and claimed disability. All the patients underwent 4 tinnitus evaluation tests: pitch matching, intensity matching, residual inhibition, and tinnitus masking. We compared the results of the tinnitus tests between the 2 groups.

Results

Group 1 patients had a high‐frequency, low‐intensity tinnitus that tended to be more inhibited by narrow‐band noise, was usually consistent with type I Feldman masking curve, and could be effectively masked. Group 2 patients had tinnitus that could not be characterized. The results of the tinnitus tests were significantly different between the groups.

Conclusion

Tinnitus tests may help us differentiate functional tinnitus that is not of cochlear origin from genuine tinnitus.
Post‐tonsillectomy pain management in children: Can we do better?
Authors: Bean‐Lijewski Jolene D. , Kruitbosch Shane H. , Hutchinson Lewis , Browne Barry
Published: November 2007

Objective

The search for an effective post‐tonsillectomy analgesic has been disappointing. This study tests the hypothesis that rofecoxib improves pain scores in children for 72 hours post‐tonsillectomy when compared to hydrocodone with acetaminophen elixir.

Study Design

Prospective, randomized, double‐blind, active comparison of postoperatively administered rofecoxib or hydrocodone with acetaminophen in 60 healthy children scheduled for elective tonsillectomy.

Subjects and Methods

Sixty ASA I and II children scheduled for elective tonsillectomy were enrolled to receive either rofecoxib or hydrocodone with acetaminophen, commencing at discharge from day surgery. Active and passive pain scores and side effects were assessed for 3 days.

Results and Conclusion

Rofecoxib significantly reduced active pain scores at all time intervals after 6 hours following surgery when compared to hydrocodone with acetaminophen without detectable differences in adverse effects. This difference was not apparent in passive pain scores. A review of analgesic strategies is presented. Study results and review of the literature support the development of pediatric formulations of NSAIDs with greater COX‐2 selectivity to improve postsurgical pain relief for children.
Randomized controlled trials in otolaryngology journals
Authors: Yao Francisca , Singer Michael , Rosenfeld Richard M.
Published: November 2007

Objective

To identify trends in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in leading otolaryngology journals.

Study Design and Setting

We reviewed all RCTs of treatment efficacy from 2000 through 2005 in 4 major otolaryngology journals. Data included study quality, author's conclusions, adverse events, and study support/funding.

Results

Of 5467 total articles, 202 (3.7%) were RCTs of treatment efficacy. Slightly more than half of the trials were supported by for‐profit organizations (25%), not‐for‐profit groups (21%), or both (7%). Intent‐to‐treat analysis was used in 58 percent of trials, P values in 88 percent, and confidence intervals in 11 percent. Conclusions favoring the experimental group were unrelated to presence or absence of industry funding, and conclusions suggesting equivalence were unrelated to sample size.

Conclusions

RCTs are uncommon in otolaryngology journals, but they demonstrate frequent use of intent‐to‐treat analysis, no evidence of publication bias for funded studies, and no evidence of low power in studies suggesting equivalence.

Significance

This study has implications for both the otolaryngology researcher designing studies and the practicing clinician interpreting them.
The nose between ethics and aesthetics: Sushruta's legacy
Authors: Sorta‐Bilajac Iva , Muzur Amir
Published: November 2007

Objectives

The aim of this article is to determine the origin of interest in rhinoplasty in ancient India, as well as to discuss the ethical and aesthetic implications of the nose in human history.

Study Design

Literature review.

Materials and Methods

Articles on history of medical ethics and rhinoplastic surgery were reviewed.

Results

Sushruta is considered “the father of plastic surgery,” and ancient India a cradle of rhinoplastic method called “the Indian method.” Origin of interest in and need for rhinoplasty is deeply rooted in ancient Indian society due to the practice of nose mutilations as a form of public punishment for immoral conduct.

Conclusion

The nose, once symbol of morality expressed through physical integrity, today becomes an important factor of human beauty. Rhinoplastic surgery is, both then and now, deeply pervaded with both ethics and aesthetics.
Effects of Prandtl number and a new instability mode in a plane thermal plume
Authors: LAKKARAJU R. , ALAM MEHEBOOB
Published: November 2007

The effect of Prandtl number on the linear stability of a plane thermal plume is analysed under quasi-parallel approximation. At large Prandtl numbers (Pr > 100), we found that there is an additional unstable loop whose size increases with increasing Pr. The origin of this new instability mode is shown to be tied to the coupling of the momentum and thermal perturbation equations. Analyses of the perturbation kinetic energy and thermal energy suggest that the buoyancy force is the main source of perturbation energy at high Prandtl numbers that drives this instability.
Recent changes in the function and frequency of Standard English genitive constructions: a multivariate analysis of tagged corpora
Authors: HINRICHS LARS , SZMRECSANYI BENEDIKT
Published: November 2007

This study of present-day English genitive variation is based on all interchangeable instances of s- and of-genitives from the ‘Reportage’ and ‘Editorial’ categories of the ‘Brown family’ of corpora. Variation is studied by tapping into a number of independent variables, such as precedence of either construction in the text, length of the possessor and possessum phrases, phonological constraints, discourse flow, and animacy of the possessor. In addition to distributional analyses, we use logistic regression to investigate the probabilistic factor weights of these variables, thus tracking language change in progress as evidenced in the language of the press. This method, married to our large database, yields the most detailed perspective to date on frequently discussed issues, such as the relative importance of possessor animacy and end-weight in genitive choice (cf. most recently Rosenbach 2005), or on the exact factorial dynamics responsible for the ongoing spread of the s-genitive.
Developing Countries and New Democracies Matter: An Overview of Research on State Feminism Worldwide
Authors: Valiente Celia
Published: November 2007

Since the 1970s, institutions with the explicit purpose of advancing women's rights and status have been established in an overwhelming majority of countries. In political science research, these institutions usually are called “women's policy machineries,” “state feminist institutions,” or “gender equality agencies.” The people who work in them are often referred to as “state feminists.” This article offers a general overview of academic studies on state feminism, the majority of which were published in the last decade. Generally speaking and with few exceptions, social scientists researching state feminism in postindustrial countries tend to consider only academic work on other postindustrial countries and ignore scholarly analyses of developing countries and new democracies. Countries outside the postindustrial world have women's institutions, and there is no reason to disregard them.
Governing catastrophes: security, health and humanitarian assistance
Authors: Fidler David P.
Published: November 2007

Recent catastrophes, and predictions of an increasing potential for more, have stimulated thinking about the best policy responses to these threats. This article explores how security concepts influence catastrophe governance. The article considers how globalization affects thinking about catastrophes and describes ways in which catastrophes have been conceptualized as governance challenges, such as the human rights approach to the provision of health and humanitarian assistance. The article explains how health and humanitarian assistance experienced “securitization” in the post-cold war period, a development that challenges rights-based strategies and creates complex and controversial implications for the prevention, protection and response functions of catastrophe governance.
Domestic regulation of international humanitarian relief in disasters and armed conflict: a comparative analysis
Authors: Fisher David
Published: November 2007

In both disasters and armed conflicts, domestic regulatory control over the entry and operation of international humanitarian relief operations can significantly affect their ability to address the critical needs of affected persons. The types of regulatory problems that arise, such as customs barriers, visa issues and taxation of aid, are often similar, but both the underlying dynamics and the applicable international law can be quite different. This article analyses these similarities and differences and suggests distinct steps that might be taken to move forward in the two contexts.
The judicial arm of the occupation: the Israeli military courts in the occupied territories
Authors: Weill Sharon
Published: November 2007

Since the beginning of the Israeli occupation more than 200,000 cases have been brought before military courts, where Palestinian civilians have been prosecuted and judged by the military authorities. However, despite the large number of judicial decisions, this jurisprudence has not received the attention it merits. Academic researchers and NGOs have usually examined the procedural rights of the accused and have only rarely dealt with other legal matters. This article aims to examine the preliminary issue of territorial jurisdiction. Through the analysis a process of judicial domination is revealed. It is a domination that facilitates extensive control of the military authorities over the Palestinian civilian population through their judicial powers.
Diffuse epigastrische Beschwerden und Meläna
Authors: Vetter  , Bonél  , Robert-Tissot  , Bielecki
Published: November 2007

Die Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis beschreibt multiple mit Gas gefüllte Zysten in der Darmwand. Die Diagnose kann in der Regel endoskopisch gestellt werden. Bei asymptomatischen Patienten ist eine therapeutische Intervention nicht erforderlich. Bei symptomatischen Patienten wird eine antibiotische Therapie mittels Metronidazol® 1500 mg pro Tag über 6–8 Wochen sowie eine Sauerstoffapplikation über 7 Tage mit einem Pa02 zwischen 200–350 mmHg empfohlen. Eine chirurgische Intervention mittels Resektion des betroffenen Darmabschnittes bleibt lediglich seltenen, komplizierten Verläufen vorbehalten. Zusätzlich wird eine Literaturübersicht über die Erkrankung und deren Komplikationen gegeben.
Axilläre bilaterale Knoten
Authors: Rodak  , Ramseier
Published: November 2007

Eine 30-jährige Patientin mit Status nach adäquat behandelter Lymphknotentuberkulose vor 14 Jahren stellt sich eine Woche nach der Geburt einer gesunden Tochter wegen seit mehreren Monaten zunehmender knotiger Schwellungen axillär beidseits vor, welche in den letzten Tagen zunehmend schmerzten. Während der Schwangerschaft litt die Patientin an Hyperemesis gravidarum, nahm 6 kg ab, hatte Nachtschweiss und im letzten Trimenon eine tiefe Venenthrombose am rechten Unterschenkel. In der klinischen Untersuchung fand sich eine afebrile Patientin in gutem Allgemeinzustand und Ernährungszustand mit axillären weichen, druckdolenten Knoten bis 3 cm Grösse. Das Labor zeigte erhöhte Entzündungszeichen, imThorax-Röntgen fanden sich keine Infiltrate oder postspezifischen Lungenparenchymveränderungen. An einem gut palpablen Knoten wurde eine Feinnadelpunktion durchgeführt. Das Gram-Präparat, die Ziehl-Neelsen-Färbung sowie die bakteriologischen Kulturen inklusive Tuberkulose blieben negativ. Die Sonographie der Axilla zeigte eine verdickte und aufgelockerte Subkutis ohne Raumforderung und ohne Hinweise für vergrösserte Lymphknoten. Überraschend fand sich in der Zytologie ein lobulär angeordneter Epithelverband, vereinbar mit duktalem Mammaepithel ohne Atypien. Somit konnte die Diagnose von akzessorischem Mammagewebe axillär beidseits gestellt werden. Im Verlauf der nächsten Wochen kam es zur spontanen Abschwellung und vollständiger Beschwerdefreiheit der Patientin.
Amount‐weighted annual isotopic (δ18O) values are affected by the seasonality of precipitation: A sensitivity study
Authors: Vachon R. W. , White J. W. C. , Gutmann E. , Welker J. M.
Published: November 2007

Year to year differences in the isotopes of precipitation (δ18O) are typically attributed to corresponding interannual changes in mean annual temperature. However, changes in the seasonal distribution of precipitation are one of the main complicating factors in interpreting year to year variability of isotopes of precipitation. Using a five year dataset with 73 sites across the United States, we investigate the influence of changes in seasonal distribution of precipitation on annually averaged δ18O. Based on these δ18O measurements, and using multi‐decadal records of variability of monthly precipitation amounts, we identify areas within the United States where records of isotopes in precipitation are susceptible to changes in the seasonal distribution of precipitation. For the three regions, Northern Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Southwest, seasonality effects could be misinterpreted as 1°C to 3°C temperature changes between years. These findings will improve and possibly change our interpretation of climate isotopic climate records and provide spatially explicit areas where classic interpretations require caution.
A volcanic degassing event at the explosive‐effusive transition
Authors: Edmonds Marie , Herd Richard A.
Published: November 2007

A sequence of five Vulcanian explosions followed a lava dome collapse in July 2003 at Soufrière Hills Volcano. Each explosion occurred at ∼t = 190 n4.3 where n = 1–5 and t is the time (s) since the decompression rate peak during the collapse. Instead of a sixth explosion at the predicted time, a rapid emission of 97 × 103 kg SO2 was observed by a spectrometer network. This event represents the transition from explosive to effusive activity. After the last explosion, high magma ascent rates were maintained, but the critical overpressure explosion criterion was not reached. Instead, degassing and crystallisation in the upper conduit caused horizontal gradients in viscosity and flow rate, and brittle failure at the walls when the rate of shear strain exceeded a critical value. Development of a permeable shear zone allowed gas release, relief of overpressure and a return to effusive lava‐dome building.
Initial insights from 2.5D hydraulic modeling of floods in Athabasca Valles, Mars
Authors: Keszthelyi L. P. , Denlinger R. P. , O'Connell D. R. H. , Burr D. M.
Published: November 2007

We present the first application of a 2.5D hydraulic model to catastrophic floods on Mars. This model simulates flow over complex topography and incorporates flood dynamics that could not be modeled in the earlier 1D models. We apply this model to Athabasca Valles, the youngest outflow channel on Mars, investigating previous bank‐full discharge estimates and utilizing the interpolated Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter elevation map as input. We confirm that the bank‐full assumption does not fit the observed landforms. Instead, the channel appears more deeply incised near the source. Flow modeling also identifies several areas of special interest, including a dry cataract that coincides with a region of predicted high erosion. However, artifacts in the elevation data strongly impacted estimated stages and velocities in other areas. More extensive connection between the flood hydraulics and observed landforms awaits improved topographic data.
Influence of (sub)mesoscale eddies on the soft‐tissue carbon pump
Authors: Omta Anne Willem , Kooijman Bas , Dijkstra Henk
Published: November 2007

In an idealized situation of a baroclinically unstable single eddy, we study the impact of eddy‐induced mixing on the soft‐tissue carbon pump. The new element here is the coupling of a three‐dimensional nonhydrostatic ocean model with a physiological plankton model that is able to represent a variable plankton C:N ratio. During the development and breakup of the eddy, a complicated vertical velocity field appears. The processes of transport and plankton growth, as well as the effect of the flow on the C:N ratio, are studied in detail. The physical processes associated with eddy breakup have a strong impact on the local environment in which the plankton grows. The changes in the local environment lead to a decrease of the C:N ratio (about 30% throughout the upper 150 m of the domain) and hence a weakening of the soft‐tissue carbon pump. According to a sensitivity analysis, the decrease of the C:N ratio as a consequence of the flow field appears robust; it does not depend on specific parameter values in the model.
Dust mobilization due to density currents in the Atlas region: Observations from the Saharan Mineral Dust Experiment 2006 field campaign
Authors: Knippertz P. , Deutscher C. , Kandler K. , Müller T. , Schulz O. , Schütz L.
Published: November 2007

Evaporation of precipitation is a ubiquitous feature of dry and hot desert environments. The resulting cooling often generates density currents with strong turbulent winds along their leading edges, which can mobilize large amounts of dust. Mountains support this process by triggering convection, by downslope acceleration of the cool air, and by fostering the accumulation of fine‐grained sediments along their foothills through the action of water. For the Sahara, the world's largest dust source, this mechanism has been little studied because of the lack of sufficiently high resolution observational data. The present study demonstrates the frequent occurrence of density currents along the Sahara side of the Atlas Mountain chain in southern Morocco using the unique data set collected during the Saharan Mineral Dust Experiment (SAMUM) field campaign in May/June 2006. The density currents are related to convection over the mountains in the afternoon hours and have lifetimes on the order of 10 h. The passage of the sharp leading edge that sometimes reaches several hundred kilometers in length is usually associated with a marked increase in dew point and wind speed, a change in wind direction, and a decrease in temperature and visibility due to suspended dust. It is conceivable that this mechanism is relevant for other mountainous regions in northern Africa during the warm season. This would imply that simulations of the dust cycle with numerical models need a reliable representation of moist convective processes in order to generate realistic dust emissions from the Sahara.
Storm pulses of dissolved CO2 in a forested headwater Amazonian stream explored using hydrograph separation
Authors: Johnson Mark S. , Weiler Markus , Couto Eduardo Guimarães , Riha Susan J. , Lehmann Johannes
Published: November 2007

Dissolved CO2 dynamics in stormflow and event water versus preevent water contributions to storm hydrographs were assessed in a forested headwater catchment of the Brazilian Amazon using high‐frequency data. We applied the transfer function hydrograph separation model (TRANSEP) using specific conductance as a conservative tracer, finding preevent water to average 0.79 ± 0.03 of storm discharge (mean ± 1 SE for n = 14 storms). In situ, direct measurements of dissolved CO2 were able to capture new hydrobiogeochemical processes in real time, including CO2 pulses observed on the falling limb of storm hydrographs, the magnitudes of which were inversely related to preevent water fractions (r = −0.97, p < 0.0001).
Novel Cell type-specific aptamer-siRNA delivery system for HIV-1 therapy
Authors: Zhou Jiehua , Li Haitang , Li Shirley , Zaia John , Rossi John
Published: November 2007

The successful use of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for therapeutic purposes requires safe and efficient delivery to specific cells and tissues. Here we demonstrate cell type-specific delivery of anti-HIV siRNAs via fusion to an anti-gp120 aptamer. The envelope glycoprotein is expressed on the surface of HIV-1 infected cells, allowing binding and interalization of the aptamer-siRNA chimeric molecules. We demonstrate that the anti-gp120 aptamer-siRNA chimera is specifically taken up by cells expressing HIV-1 gp120, and the appended siRNA is processed by Dicer, releasing an anti-tat/rev siRNA which in turn inhibits HIV replication. We show for the first time a dual functioning aptamer-siRNA chimera in which both the aptamer and the siRNA portions have potent anti-HIV activities and that gp120 expressed on the surface of HIV infected cells can be used for aptamer mediated delivery of anti-HIV siRNAs.
Memory versus naive T‐cell migration
Authors: Lewis Marie , Tarlton John F , Cose Stephen
Published: November 2007

Our established understanding of lymphocyte migration suggests that naive and memory T cells travel throughout the body via divergent pathways; naive T cells circulate between blood and lymph whereas memory T cells additionally migrate through non‐lymphoid organs. Evidence is now gradually emerging which suggests such disparate pathways between naive and memory T cells may not strictly be true, and that naive T cells gain access to the non‐lymphoid environment in numbers approaching that of memory T cells. We discuss here the evidence for naive T‐cell traffic into the non‐lymphoid environment, compare and contrast this movement with what is known of memory T cells, and finally discuss the functional importance of why naive T cells might access the parenchymal tissues.
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Modulates Local Brain Oxygen Consumption and Blood Flow in Rat Cerebellar Cortex
Authors: Caesar Kirsten , Offenhauser Nikolas , Lauritzen Martin
Published: November 2007

In the awake brain, the global metabolic rate of oxygen consumption is largely constant, while variations exist between regions dependent on the ongoing activity. This suggests that control mechanisms related to activity, that is, neuronal signaling, may redistribute metabolism in favor of active networks. This study examined the influence of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) tone on local increases in cerebellar metabolic rate of oxygen (CeMRO2) evoked by stimulation of the excitatory, glutamatergic climbing fiber-Purkinje cell synapse in rat cerebellum. In this network, the postsynaptic depolarization produced by synaptic excitation is preserved despite variations in GABAergic tone. Climbing fiber stimulation induced frequency-dependent increases in synaptic activity and CeMRO2 under control conditions. Topical application of the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol blocked the increase in CeMRO2 evoked by synaptic excitation concomitant with attenuation of cerebellar blood flow (CeBF) responses. The effect was reversed by the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline, which also reversed the effect of muscimol on synaptic activity and CeBF. Climbing fiber stimulation during bicuculline application alone produced a delayed undershoot in CeBF concomitant with a prolonged rise in CeMRO2. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that activity-dependent rises in CeBF and CeMRO2 are controlled by a common feed-forward pathway and provide evidence for modification of cerebral blood flow and CMRO2 by GABA.
Early Release of HMGB-1 from Neurons after the Onset of Brain Ischemia
Authors: Qiu Jianhua , Nishimura Masaki , Wang Yumei , Sims John R , Qiu Sumei , Savitz Sean I , Salomone Salvatore , Moskowitz Michael A
Published: November 2007

The nuclear protein high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1) promotes inflammation in sepsis, but little is known about its role in brain ischemia-induced inflammation. We report that HMGB-1 and its receptors, receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), and TLR4, were expressed in normal brain and in cultured neurons, endothelia, and glial cells. During middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), in mice, HMGB-1 immunostaining rapidly disappeared from all cells within the striatal ischemic core from 1 h after onset of occlusion. High-mobility group box 1 translocation from nucleus to cytoplasm was observed within the cortical periinfarct regions 2 h after ischemic reperfusion (2 h MCAO). High-mobility group box 1 predominantly translocated to the cytoplasm or disappeared in cells that colabeled with the neuronal marker NeuN. Furthermore, RAGE was robustly expressed in the periinfarct region after MCAO. Cellular release of HMGB-1 was detected by immunoblotting of cerebrospinal fluid as early as 2 h after ischemic reperfusion (2 h MCAO). High-mobility group box 1 released from neurons, in vitro, after glutamate excitotoxicity, maintained biologic activity and induced glial expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). Anti-HMGB-1 antibody suppressed TNFα upregulation in astrocytes exposed to conditioned media from glutamate-treated neurons. Moreover, TNFα and the cytokine intercellular adhesion molecule-1 increased in cultured glia and endothelial cells, respectively, after adding recombinant HMGB-1. In conclusion, HMGB-1 is released early after ischemic injury from neurons and may contribute to the initial stages of the inflammatory response.