bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variations in tissue resistivity and in the extension of activated neuron domains shape the voltage signal during spreading depression in the CA1 in vivo
Authors: Makarova Julia , Gómez‐Galán Marta , Herreras Oscar
Published: July 2010

Spreading depression (SD), a wave of neuron activity related to migraine and the ischaemic penumbra, features a moving shell of extracellular negative potential shift (Vo) whose generators are poorly understood. We investigated its subcellular correlates in the hippocampal CA1 in vivo by localizing the neuron domains that generate transmembrane current (Im) using field analysis, and the local changes of tissue resistivity, a major determinant of extracellular current flow. A large increase of tissue resistivity occurred in times and dendritic strata displaying large Vo, albeit with different rates. Typically, SD is composed of basal and apical dendritic components. The apical SD lasts much longer, while it becomes gradually restricted to a narrow dendritic region. Strikingly, pyramidal cells displayed a strong surge of inward current only when SD affected a small dendritic region. However, when the Vo signal covered most of the main neuron axis, only smaller surges of inward current developed at the outer dendritic rims of a wide null current zone. Computational reconstruction showed that this effect was due to strong spatial cancellation of the inward and outward currents in SD‐activated isopotential and shunted regions of individual neurons. Consequently, despite former accounts of large conductance increase, the net Im is small and the large ΔVo amplitude mostly due to increased tissue resistivity. The particular subcellular evolution indicates an initial explosive opening of conductance along most of the pyramidal neuron followed by a wave‐like centripetal closure towards the apical dendrites. The applicability of these mechanisms to SD in other brain regions is discussed.
Visualization of Large‐Scale Urban Models through Multi‐Level Relief Impostors
Authors: Andujar C. , Brunet P. , Chica A. , Navazo I.
Published: July 2010

In this paper, we present an efficient approach for the interactive rendering of large‐scale urban models, which can be integrated seamlessly with virtual globe applications. Our scheme fills the gap between standard approaches for distant views of digital terrains and the polygonal models required for close‐up views. Our work is oriented towards city models with real photographic textures of the building facades. At the heart of our approach is a multi‐resolution tree of the scene defining multi‐level relief impostors. Key ingredients of our approach include the pre‐computation of a small set of zenithal and oblique relief maps that capture the geometry and appearance of the buildings inside each node, a rendering algorithm combining relief mapping with projective texture mapping which uses only a small subset of the pre‐computed relief maps, and the use of wavelet compression to simulate two additional levels of the tree. Our scheme runs considerably faster than polygonal‐based approaches while producing images with higher quality than competing relief‐mapping techniques. We show both analytically and empirically that multi‐level relief impostors are suitable for interactive navigation through large urban models.
Board Information and Strategic Tasks Performance
Authors: Zhang Pingying
Published: July 2010

Manuscript Type: Empirical

Research Question/Issue: Examining how corporate boards can create a sustainable competitive advantage is an understudied area of research in corporate governance. This area of research is advanced in this study, which examines: How can boards improve the performance of their strategic tasks by using their information advantages?

Research Findings/Insights: The study examines 318 responses of CEOs from survey data collected in the years 2003 and 2005 from Norway. We found differences between using diverse information and possessing diverse information. Using diverse information has a higher impact on the board's current strategic tasks performance than possessing diverse information. However, possessing diverse information is more likely to improve both the board's current and future strategic tasks performance than using diverse information.

Theoretical/Academic Implications: First, this study has extended the analysis of board capital by including a dynamic dimension of using diverse information. Second, this study links a resource‐based view with a perspective of information biases in a diverse group. Diverse information is valuable for improving the quality of group decision‐making; however, improper use of diverse information due to information biases could reduce the quality. We thus suggest examining possible behavioral biases in using information in a diverse board, specifically through each of the three practices of open discussion, effective leadership, and active search.

Practitioner/Policy Implications: Controlling sampling, repetition, and evaluation biases is necessary in a diverse board. It helps to reduce behavioral biases, and therefore ensure the quality of using diverse information. Consequently, it improves the board's current strategic tasks performance that may not necessarily be achieved by merely having a diverse board.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Leadership, Altruism, and Social Organization
Authors: CHANDER PARKASH , CONLEY JOHN P. , VESTERLUND LISE
Published: July 2010

The objective of the conference on “Leadership, Altruism, and Social Organization” was to bring researchers together who were interested in exploring the functioning of the nonprofit sector. The conference and this special issue focus on three themes. First, what causes social and volunteer‐based organizations to successfully compete against a private enterprise? Second, why do individuals or organizations take the lead in providing or securing provision of public goods? Third, what are the consequences of having altruistically motivated agents, and how can such motives be sustained?
Knowledge Market Design: A Field Experiment at Google Answers
Authors: CHEN YAN , HO TECK‐HUA , KIM YONG‐MI
Published: July 2010

In a field experiment at Google Answers, we investigate the performance of price‐based online knowledge markets by systematically manipulating prices. Specifically, we study the effects of price, tip, and a reputation system on both an answerer's effort and answer quality by posting real reference questions from the Internet Public Library on Google Answers under different pricing schemes. We find that a higher price leads to a significantly longer, but not better, answer, while an answerer with a higher reputation provides significantly better answers. Our results highlight the limitation of monetary incentives and the importance of reputation systems in knowledge market design.
Imitation and the Incentive to Contribute Early in a Sequential Public Good Game
Authors: CARTWRIGHT EDWARD , PATEL AMRISH
Published: July 2010

Whether motivated by reciprocity or conformity, imitation is common in public good contexts. We consider the incentive for an agent to contribute to a public good if he expects imitation from others. Using a sequential public good game with exogenous ordering, we show that agents early enough in the sequence who believe imitation to be sufficiently likely would want to contribute. By contributing, they expect total contributions to increase significantly. We also show that preferences determine how early an agent need be, that the observed share of imitators in experiments is sufficiently high to warrant contribution and that an increase in group size reduces the incentive to contribute.
Trafficking and Contract Migrant Workers in the Middle East
Authors: Jureidini Ray
Published: July 2010

The paper addresses a number of issues regarding the extent to which trafficking may be applied to migrant domestic workers who enter under the kafala system of sponsorship in the Middle East. Migrant domestic workers are the most numerous of those mentioned in reports on trafficking for labour exploitation in the region. The discussion seeks to determine whether “trafficking” can be ex post facto, rather than ex ante? In other words, can the label of trafficking be attributed only after the worker has arrived in the receiving country and is victimized according to the principles of trafficking protocols? In addition, must there be a proven intent to traffic by agents, or can employers who harm and/or exploit them be considered as traffickers alone? Should the harm done to workers on arrival at their place of work be classified (and assisted) as victims of trafficking, or as exploited workers?
Biopolitical Management, Economic Calculation and “Trafficked Women”
Authors: Berman Jacqueline
Published: July 2010

Narratives surrounding human trafficking, especially trafficking in women for sex work, employ gendered and racialized tropes that have among their effects, a shrouding of women’s economic decision‐making and state collusion in benefiting from their labour. This paper explores the operation of these narratives in order to understand the ways in which they mask the economics of trafficking by sensationalizing the sexual and criminal aspects of it, which in turn allows the state to pursue political projects under the guise of a benevolent concern for trafficked women and/or protection of its own citizens. This paper will explore one national example: Article 18 of Italian Law 40 (1998). I argue that its passage has led to an increase in cooperation with criminal prosecution of traffickers largely because it approaches trafficked women as capable of making decisions about how and what they themselves want to do. This paper will also consider a more global approach to trafficking embedded in the concept of “migration management”, an International Organization for Migration (IOM) framework that is now shaping EU, US and other national immigration laws and policies that impact trafficking. It will also examine the inherent limitations of both the national and global approach as an occasion to unpack how Article 18 and Migration Management function as forms of biopolitical management that participate in the production of “trafficking victims” into a massified population to be managed, rather than engender a more engaged discussion of what constitutes trafficking and how to redress it.
Characterization of hyaluronan and TSG‐6 in skin scarring: differential distribution in keloid scars, normal scars and unscarred skin
Authors: Tan KT , McGrouther DA , Day AJ , Milner CM , Bayat A
Published: July 2010

Background  Hyaluronan (HA) is a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) with increased synthesis during tissue repair. Tumour necrosis factor‐stimulated gene‐6 (TSG‐6) is known to catalyze the covalent transfer of heavy chains (HC1 and HC2) from inter‐α‐inhibitor (IαI) onto HA, and resultant HC•HA complexes have been implicated in physiological and pathological processes related to remodelling and inflammation.

Objective  The aims of this study were to determine the expression of HA, TSG‐6 and the IαI polypeptides in unscarred skin, normal scars and keloid scars.

Methods  Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded sections of unscarred skin, normal scars and keloid scars were prepared from patient samples collected during scar revision surgery. Haematoxylin and eosin, as well as immunofluorescent staining for HA, TSG‐6 and the three polypeptide chains of IαI (i.e. HC1, HC2 and bikunin) were performed.

Results  All skin types stained positive for TSG‐6, HC1, HC2 and bikunin, associated with keratinocytes, fibroblasts and skin appendages all in close proximity to HA. Keloid lesions showed altered HA organization patterns compared with unscarred skin and normal scars. TSG‐6 staining was significantly more intense in the epidermis compared with the dermis of all sample types. There was a significant reduction in TSG‐6 levels within keloid lesions compared with the dermis of unscarred skin (P = 0.017).

Conclusion  TSG‐6 is expressed in unscarred skin, where its close association with HA and IαI could give rise to TSG‐6‐mediated HC•HA formation within this tissue. A reduction in the beneficial effects of TSG‐6, caused by diminished protein levels in keloid lesions, could contribute to this abnormal scarring process.
Multiple mechanisms of Amazonian forest biomass losses in three dynamic global vegetation models under climate change
Authors: Galbraith David , Levy Peter E. , Sitch Stephen , Huntingford Chris , Cox Peter , Williams Mathew , Meir Patrick
Published: July 2010

Featured paper: See Editorial p553
Soil moisture depletion under simulated drought in the Amazon: impacts on deep root uptake
Authors: Markewitz Daniel , Devine Scott , Davidson Eric A. , Brando Paulo , Nepstad Daniel C.
Published: July 2010

Featured paper: See Editorial p553
Economic Crisis and Economic Theory*
Authors: WEDER MARK
Published: July 2010

Two dynamic general equilibrium economies compete in explaining the United States’ interwar business cycles. Despite the demand driven contender’s slight advantages, the results remain too close to call a clear winner.
When Expansionary Fiscal Policy is Contractionary: A Neoklassikal Scenario*
Authors: COLEMAN WILLIAM
Published: July 2010

The paper presents a simple theoretical account of how an increase in government purchases may reduce total employment. It is shown that in a ‘neoklassikal’ model – in which utility maximising consumption choices are combined with a fixed‐coefficient technology – an increase in government purchases will reduce the demand for labour at the given wage rate. The reasoning turns on the link between optimising consumption behaviour and employment in the investment sector. An increase in G will (as a matter of arithmetic) make current consumption scarcer relative to future consumption; and thereby reduce the valuation of future consumption in terms of current consumption. As labour is valued according to its contribution to future consumption (through its contribution to capital formation), it follows that an increase in G will reduce the wage at any given volume of employment.
Rapid astrocyte and microglial activation following pilocarpine‐induced seizures in rats
Authors: Shapiro Lee A. , Wang Lulu , Ribak Charles E.
Published: July 2010

Summary

Astrocyte and microglial activation occurs following seizures and plays a role in epileptogenesis. However, the precise temporal and spatial response to seizures has not been fully examined. The pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy was selected to examine glial changes following seizures because morphological changes in the hippocampus closely mimic the human condition. Astrocytic and microglial changes in the hippocampus were examined during the first 5 days after pilocarpine‐induced seizures in rats by analyzing GFAP, Iba1 and S100B‐immunolabeling in CA1, CA3, and the hilus. Also, 3‐dimensional reconstructions of microglial cells from the hilus and granule cell layer were analyzed. Lastly, astrocyte hypertrophy was examined in the hilus using electron microscopy. At 1 day after seizures and continuing throughout the 5 days examined, hypertrophied Iba1‐labeled microglial cells and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐labeled astrocytes were observed. At 1 and 2 days after seizures, significantly greater Iba1 immunolabeling was observed in CA1, CA3, and the hilus. In addition, both the area of Iba1 labeled processes and the number of their endings were increased in the hilus beginning at 1 day after seizures. S100B‐immunolabeling was significantly elevated in CA3 at 1 day, in CA3 and CA1 at 2 days, and in all three hippocampal regions at 3 days after seizures. Electron microscopy confirmed astrocytic hypertrophy and demonstrated astrocytic cell bodies in the location where glial endfeet normally appear on capillaries. The differential response patterns of astrocytes and microglial cells following pilocarpine‐induced seizures may signify their detrimental role in neuroinflammation after seizures.
Pulsed Radiofrequency Under Ultrasound Guidance for Persistent Stump‐Neuroma Pain
Authors: Restrepo‐Garces Carlos E. , Marinov Anton , McHardy Paul , Faclier Gil , Avila Arsenio
Published: July 2010

Limb amputation is a leading cause of pain and disability. Limb amputation can be associated with a myriad of symptoms, including phantom limb sensation, phantom limb pain, and stump pain. Treatment of phantom limb pain and stump pain, remains difficult, therefore optimal management must include a multidisciplinary approach. This case report describes the use of ultrasound for diagnosis and successful management, of persistent stump‐neuroma pain, using pulsed radiofrequency ablation.
The Origin of Epicardial Ventricular Tachycardia Revealed by Entrainment From a Permanent Epicardial Left Ventricular Pacing Lead
Authors: INADA KEIICHI , ROSMAN JONATHAN , COUPER GREGORY , TEDROW USHA B.
Published: July 2010

Entrainment From Left Ventricular Pacing Lead. Recognizing ventricular tachycardias (VTs) that require epicardial ablation is desirable, but challenging when prior surgery prevents percutaneous epicardial mapping. This patient had cardiomyopathy, prior cardiac surgery, and VT that failed endocardial ablation. Observing that the Bi‐V implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), left ventricular (LV) lead was epicardial to the area of infarct scar, it was used to pace during VT. Entrainment with concealed fusion with long stimulus to QRS interval, consistent with an epicardial VT circuit, was observed. Surgical cryoablation targeting the area around the LV lead eliminated VT. Thus pacing maneuvers from permanent epicardial leads can occasionally help identify an epicardial VT origin. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 1293‐1295, November 2010)
Acute Mechanical Effect of Right Ventricular Pacing at Different Sites Using Velocity Vector Imaging
Authors: Ji Ling , Hu Wenzhi , Yao Jing , Yu Jian , Chen Chun , Yong Yonghong , Zhou Lei , Xu Di
Published: July 2010

Objective: Velocity vector imaging (VVI) allows noninvasive measurement of left ventricular (LV) strain and rotation angle‐independently. We investigated strain, rotation and myocardial synchrony when pacing at different sites in the right ventricle to determine which site yields the most physiological pacing, as determined with VVI imaging. Method: Thirty‐one patients with normal LV function referred for elective electrophysiology exam were used in this study. Catheters (6F quadripolar) were positioned in the right atrium, right ventricular apex, right ventricular outflow tract, and His bundle after electrophysiology exam was done. Regional and global LV circumferential strain (CS), radial strain (RS), and LV rotation of LV short‐axis measurements were obtained. Two dyssynchrony parameters (AS‐P delay and SDt6S) of CS and RS were obtained. Compare these values among each pacing, respectively. Result: CS, RS, and twist, which represent the LV systolic function, were significantly reduced in RVOT pacing and RVA pacing than RA pacing. Two dyssynchrony parameters (AS‐P delay and SDt6S) were significantly longer in response to RVOT or RVA pacing compared to RA pacing. No significant differences were found between RVOT pacing and RVA pacing. CS and RS were obviously reduced in the regions surrounding the pacing site. There was no significant difference in CS, RS, twist, and mechanical dyssynchrony parameters when comparing His and RA pacing. Conclusion: Among these alternate right ventricular pacing locations, His bundle pacing is most like physiological pacing. Both RVOT pacing and RVA pacing worsen the normal LV systolic function with regard to strain, twist, and mechanical dyssynchrony along the LV short axis. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1219‐1227)
The Acute Changes of Fractional Flow Reserve in DK (Double Kissing), Crush, and 1‐Stent Technique for True Bifurcation Lesions
Authors: YE FEI , ZHANG JUN‐JIE , TIAN NAI‐LIANG , LIN SONG , LIU ZHI‐ZHONG , KAN JING , XU HAI‐MEI , ZHU ZHONGSHENG , CHEN SHAO‐LIANG
Published: July 2010

Background: While many studies confirmed the importance of fractional flow reserve (FFR) in guiding complex percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), data regarding the significance of FFR for bifurcation lesions are still lacking.

Methods: Between October 2008 and October 2009, 51 patients with true bifurcation lesions were consecutively enrolled and randomized into double kissing (DK) crush (n = 25), and provisional 1‐stent (n = 26) groups. FFR measurements at baseline and hyperemia were measured at pre‐PCI, post‐PCI, and at 8‐month follow‐up.

Results: Clinical follow‐ups were available in 100% of patients while only 33% of patients underwent angiographic follow‐up. Baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics were matched between the 2 groups. Pre‐PCI FFR of the main branch (MB) in the DK group was 0.76 ± 0.15, which was significantly lower than in the provisional 1‐stent group (0.83 ± 0.10, P = 0.029). This difference disappeared after the PCI procedure (0.92 ± 0.04 vs. 0.92 ± 0.05, P = 0.58). There were no significant differences in terms of baseline, angiographic, procedural indexes, and FFR of side branch (SB) between the 2 treatment arms. However, immediately after PCI, the patient with DK crush had higher FFR in the SB as compared to the provisional 1‐stent group (0.94 ± 0.03 vs. 0.90 ± 0.08, P = 0.028, respectively) and also they had lower diameter stenosis (8.59 ± 6.41% vs. 15.62 ± 11.69%, P = 0.015, respectively).

Conclusion: In the acute phase, immediately after PCI for bifurcation lesion, DK crush stenting was associated with higher FFR and lower residual diameter stenosis in the SB, as compared with the provisional 1‐stent group. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:341–345)
Stent Implantation of the Arterial Duct in Newborns with a Truly Duct‐Dependent Pulmonary Circulation: A Single‐Center Experience with Emphasis on Aspects of the Interventional Technique
Authors: SCHRANZ DIETMAR , MICHEL‐BEHNKE INA , HEYER RAJKA , VOGEL MELANIE , BAUER JÜRGEN , VALESKE KLAUS , AKINTÜRK HAKAN , JUX CHRISTIAN
Published: July 2010

Introduction:
 Ductal stenting for pulmonary blood supply in newborns with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) might be a low risk and safe alternative to the surgical aorto‐to‐pulmonary artery (AP) shunt in dual‐source lung perfusion. Ductal stenting in truly duct‐dependent pulmonary circulation has not been evaluated.

Methods:
 Prospective interventional and clinical follow‐up trial. Ductal stenting based on variable access sites, a 2‐wire technique when crossing a tortuous ductus, and use of premounted coronary stents. Primary outcome measures were procedural success and complication rates presented as early and mid‐term results.

Results:
 From 2003–2009, 58 duct‐dependent newborns underwent ductal stenting; 27 of them were truly duct dependent, 20 had pulmonary atresia (PA)/ventricular septum defect or complex CHD, 4 had PA/intact ventricular septum, 2 had PA with Ebstein anomaly, and 1 had PA with tricuspid atresia. Ductal stenting was performed without procedure‐related mortality; 3 of 27 required an acute surgical AP‐shunt (stent migration in 1, acute duct obstruction in 2). During mid‐term follow‐up, 4 of 24 needed an AP‐shunt and two others stent redilation. Three patients died prior to follow‐up surgery (1 unexpectedly at home and 2 due to syndromatic disease). Fifteen patients received staged univentricular palliation, 8 had a biventricular repair, and 1 is awaiting follow‐up operation.

Conclusion:
 Ductal stenting is a feasible, safe, and effective palliation in newborns with truly duct‐dependent pulmonary circulation irrespective of duct morphology. Vasucular access from various locations is important for technical success rate. Ductal stenting is a minimally invasive procedure to achieve adequate pulmonary artery growth for subsequent palliative or corrective surgery. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:581–588)
Neutrophil and monocyte activation in chronic kidney disease patients under hemodialysis and its relationship with resistance to recombinant human erythropoietin and to the hemodialysis procedure
Authors: PEREIRA Rui , COSTA Elísio , GONÇALVES Marta , MIRANDA Vasco , SAMEIRO FARIA Maria do , QUINTANILHA Alexandre , BELO Luís , LIMA Margarida , SANTOS‐SILVA Alice
Published: July 2010

The aim of the present work was to further clarify leukocyte activation due to hemodialysis (HD) procedures and to investigate its relationship with recombinant human erythropoietin resistance. Therefore, we studied the expression of CXCR1 and CD11b on neutrophils, as well as the monocyte expression of CD11b, HLA‐DR, and CD14. We studied 34 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients under HD and recombinant human erythropoietin treatment (26 responders and 8 nonresponders to recombinant human erythropoietin therapy). All CKD patients' blood samples were collected before and immediately after the HD procedure. Eighteen healthy individuals (blood donors) were also studied as a control group. Hematological data, neutrophil (CD11b and CXCR1), and monocyte (CD11b, HLA‐DR, and CD14) cell surface markers were measured in all patients (before and after the HD procedure) and controls. When compared with the controls, CKD patients presented a significant decrease in CXCR1 neutrophil expression, and in CD14 monocyte expression, accompanied by a significant increase in HLA‐DR monocyte expression. When comparing the 2 groups of patients, we found that nonresponders showed an additional decrease in CXCR1 neutrophil expression. After the HD procedure, a statistically significant increase in CD14 and CD11b monocyte surface markers and a decrease in CXCR1 neutrophil expression and in HLA‐DR monocyte expression was found. These data further strengthen our previous studies, showing that neutrophils and monocytes are activated in CKD patients, particularly in nonresponder patients. Moreover, this activation is due, at least in part, to the HD procedure, although we should not exclude that it can also be due to the enhanced inflammatory process observed in nonresponder patients.
Expression of ezrin, Bcl‐2, and Ki‐67 in chondrosarcomas
Authors: SÖDERSTRÖM MIRVA , PALOKANGAS TUIRE , VAHLBERG TERO , BÖHLING TOM , ARO HANNU , CARPEN OLLI
Published: July 2010

Söderström M, Palokangas T, Vahlberg T, Böhling T, Aro H, Carpen O. Expression of ezrin, Bcl‐2, and Ki‐67 in chondrosarcomas. APMIS 2010; 118: 769–76.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the expression of ezrin, a membrane‐cytoskeleton linker and regulator of cellular signaling, is associated with clinical features of chondrosarcoma. For this purpose, we studied the expression of ezrin in 54 chondrosarcomas by immunohistochemistry and correlated the expression with other tumor characteristics, markers of proliferation, apoptosis and with clinical parameters. The intensity of ezrin staining increased with the histologic grade, and a significant positive association existed between the tumor grade and ezrin expression (p = 0.0475). In addition, there was a positive correlation between the expression of ezrin and Bcl‐2, an anti‐apoptotic protein (r = 0.83, p < 0.0001), as well as between ezrin expression and increased proliferation as measured by Ki‐67 index (r = 0.70, p < 0.0001). The positive correlation of ezrin expression with Bcl‐2 and Ki‐67 as well as with tumor grade suggests that an aggressive behavior of chondrosarcoma may be related to activation of ezrin and that ezrin inhibitors could provide a much needed adjuvant therapy in chondrosarcomas. In conclusion, our results indicate that high ezrin expression correlates with aggressive features of chondrosarcomas. Further analyses on the pathways downstream of ezrin are warranted.
Glycogen synthase kinase‐3β does not correlate with the expression and activity of β‐catenin in gastric cancer
Authors: CHO YU‐JIN , YOON JIYEON , KO YOUNG‐SAN , KIM SUE‐YOUN , CHO SUNG‐JIN , KIM WOO‐HO , PARK JONG‐WAN , YOUN HONG‐DUK , KIM JI‐HUN , LEE BYUNG‐LAN
Published: July 2010

Cho Y‐J, Yoon J, Ko Y‐S, Kim S‐Y, Cho S‐J, Kim W‐H, Park J‐W, Youn H‐D, Kim J‐H, Lee B‐L. Glycogen synthase kinase‐3β does not correlate with the expression and activity of β‐catenin in gastric cancer. APMIS 2010; 118: 782–90.

The regulation of β‐catenin activation by glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) in cancer has been shown to be cell type‐specific. This study was performed to investigate the relationship between activated GSK‐3β (phosphorylated at Tyr216) and β‐catenin in gastric cancer. Immunohistochemical tissue array analysis of 278 human gastric carcinoma specimens showed positive immunoreactivity for activated GSK‐3β in 44% of the samples, whereas membranous β‐catenin and nuclear β‐catenin were observed in 19% and 20% of the samples, respectively. However, GSK‐3β activation was not correlated with the expression of either membranous β‐catenin or nuclear β‐catenin. Moreover, SNU gastric cancer cell lines over‐expressing kinase dead GSK‐3β and the same cells treated with a GSK‐3β inhibitor showed that GSK‐3β inhibition did not alter either the protein expression or transcriptional activity of β‐catenin. In addition, GSK‐3β activation was positively correlated with the expressions of anti‐adenomatous polyposis coli (p = 0.002), p16 (p < 0.001), p21 (p < 0.001), p27 (p = 0.001), and p53 (p = 0.013). On the other hand, the nuclear expression of β‐catenin was positively correlated with those of Bcl‐2 (p = 0.025) and cyclin D1 (p = 0.043), but these expressions were not correlated with GSK‐3β activation. Thus, the GSK‐3β pathway seems to function in gastric cancer cells without involving the β‐catenin pathway.
Dental students’ part‐time jobs in dental practices in the Netherlands
Authors: Poorterman J. H. G. , Dikkes B. T. , Brand H. S.
Published: July 2010

Objective:  In the Netherlands, the Individual Health Care Professions Act (IHCP Act) allows dental students, amongst other non‐qualified individuals, to work under certain conditions in a dental practice. The aim of the study was to determine how many dental students have part‐time employment in dental practice and which professional tasks they carry out. We also asked the dental students their opinion about the IHCP Act.

Material and methods:  All the enrolled dental students at the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA) in the Netherlands received a questionnaire by e‐mail. Within 1 month, two reminders were sent.

Results:  The response was 44% (427 students). Of the responding students, 71% had paid employment in addition to their study. Twenty‐five per cent of all students worked in a dental practice, usually 8 h a week. Study year and age were positively related to working part‐time in dental practice. Activities frequently performed were providing chair side assistance, giving oral hygiene instruction, fluoride applications, scaling and root planning. The self‐reported knowledge about the IHCP Act was positively related to study year and working in a dental practice. Hardly any information about the requirements of the IHCP Act with regard to delegation of tasks was provided by the employer.

Conclusion:  Many Dutch dental students work in a dental practice, taking over a variety of tasks. Although the self‐reported knowledge about the IHCP Act was relatively high, many dental students expressed the need for more detailed information about the legal aspects of their tasks.
Fetal and maternal factors associated with infant mortality in vervet monkeys
Authors: Kavanagh K. , Dozier B.L. , Chavanne T.J. , Fairbanks L.A. , Jorgensen M.J. , Kaplan J.R.
Published: July 2010

Background  Causes of infant death remain unknown in significant proportions of human and non‐human primate pregnancies.

Methods  A closed breeding colony with high rates of infant mortality had pregnancies assessed (n = 153) by fetal measurements and maternal characteristics. Infant outcome was classified as neonatal death (stillborn or died <48 hours from birth), postnatal death (died 2–30 days) or surviving (alive after 30 days).

Results  Fetal size did not predict outcome. Poor maternal glycemic control and low social ranking increased odds for adverse outcome (OR = 3.72, P = 0.01 and 2.27, P = 0.04, respectively). Male sex was over‐represented in stillbirths (P = 0.04), and many were macrosomic, but size did not associate with maternal glycemic control measured as glycated hemoglobin A1c. Postnatally dead infants were smaller (P < 0.01), which associated with behavioral factors and glycemic control.

Conclusions  Fetal growth estimates predicted gestational age but not fetal outcome. Maternal social status and metabolic health, particularly glycemic control, increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcome.
Neonatal liver failure and haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis caused by a new perforin mutation
Authors: Danhaive O , Caniglia M , Devito R , Piersigilli F , Corchia C , Auriti C
Published: July 2010

Acute liver failure is a rare heterogeneous syndrome in neonates. We report of a newborn with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis presenting as acute liver failure. Pancytopenia and multi‐organ failure occurred later in the course. He carried two mutations of the perforin gene (PRF‐1), one of which not previously described, causing a complete loss of perforin expression and natural killer cell function.

Conclusion:  Perforin expression and function should be promptly assessed in neonatal/infantile acute liver failure, as haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis requires specific treatment and represents a contra‐indication to liver transplant.
Awareness of glucose‐6 phosphate‐dehydrogenase deficiency in celiac disease
Authors: Hosnut FO , Canan O , Özcay F , Özbek N
Published: July 2010

Individuals with celiac disease (CD) are predisposed to a number of haematological abnormalities including anaemia secondary to malabsorption of iron, vitamin B12 or folate; anaemia of chronic disease and coagulopathy secondary to vitamin K deficiency. Correction of coagulopathy with vitamin K is necessary before endoscopic biopsy in patients with suspected CD. However, vitamin K causes haemolysis in glucose‐6 phosphate‐dehydrogenase deficiency.

Conclusion:  When vitamin K administration becomes necessary for correction of coagulopathy in patients with CD; glucose‐6 phosphate‐dehydrogenase deficiency should be considered.
Communicating oesophageal duplication cyst with heterotopic pancreatic tissue – an unusual cause of recurrent pneumonia in an infant
Authors: Uppal Preena , Kaur Jasmeet , Agarwala Sandeep , Gupta AK , Safaya R. , Kabra SK
Published: July 2010

Communicating oesophageal duplication cyst with heterotopic pancreatic tissue is rare congenital anomaly and unusual cause of recurrent pneumonia in children. We report a 10‐month‐old boy who presented with history, examination and investigations suggestive of aspiration pneumonia since birth. The imaging studies revealed a thin walled cavity communicating with the oesophageal lumen that was excised by surgery. Histopathology showed squamous epithelial lining of cyst with heterotopic pancreatic tissue.

Conclusion:  Communicating oesophageal cyst causing persistent signs and symptoms can be an unusual cause of recurrent pneumonia in an infant that can be diagnosed by further imaging studies.
Growth after ventricular septal defect repair: does defect size matter? A 10‐year experience
Authors: Manso PH , Carmona F , Jácomo ADN , Bettiol H , Barbieri MA , Carlotti APCP
Published: July 2010

Aim:  To evaluate whether the ventricular septal defect (VSD) size, along with the degree of preoperative growth impairment and age at repair, may influence postoperative growth, and if VSD size can be useful to identify children at risk for preoperative failure to thrive.

Methods:  Sixty‐eight children submitted to VSD repair in a Brazilian tertiary‐care institution were evaluated. Weight and height measurements were converted to Z‐scores. Ventricular septal defect size was normalized by dividing it by the aortic root diameter (VSD/Ao ratio).

Results:  Twenty‐six patients (38%) had significantly low weight‐for‐height, 10 patients (15%) had significantly low height‐for‐age and 13 patients (19%) had both conditions at repair. Catch‐up growth occurred in 82% of patients for weight‐for‐age, in 75% of patients for height‐for‐age and in 89% of patients for weight‐for‐height. Weight‐for‐height Z‐scores at surgery were significantly lower in patients who underwent repair before 9 months of age. The VSD/Ao ratio did not associate with any other data. On multivariate analysis, weight‐for‐age Z‐scores and age at surgery were independent predictors of long‐term weight and height respectively.

Conclusion:  The VSD/Ao ratio was not a good predictor of preoperative failure to thrive. Most patients had preoperative growth impairment and presented catch‐up growth after repair. Preoperative growth status and age at surgery influenced long‐term growth.
Development of MRI T2 hyperintensities and cognitive functioning in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Feldmann Reinhold , Schuierer Gerhard , Wessel Astrid , Neveling Nina , Weglage Josef
Published: July 2010

Background:  In patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), cognitive deficits are frequent manifestations. They are associated with focal areas of high signal intensity (T2H) on T2‐weighted MRI of the brain. Changes in T2H may affect cognitive development. Our study was to analyse the relations between the long‐term development of T2H development and the cognitive abilities in patients with NF1.

Method:  In a controlled prospective study, we investigated 67 patients with NF1 for their IQ with the patients having T2H (MRI) examination. Assessments and MRI were repeated at a 3‐ year follow‐up.

Results:  Patients without T2H performed at the average IQ level. Patients with stable T2H performed below average level but within normal limits of IQ. Patients with T2H that decreased over study period performed well below normal limits at first examination but within limits at follow‐up. Stable T2H were found primarily in the cerebellum and the capsula interna. T2H that decreased were found primarily in the thalamus and the basal ganglia.

Conclusions:  T2H in the cerebellum and the capsula interna are more permanent but exert a minor left shift in IQ. T2H in the thalamus or the basal ganglia are related to severely reduced performance. Decreasing they give way for performance improvement. There may be a different pathology in T2H related to the intracranial regions the T2H affect in patients with NF1.
Research on Divorce: Continuing Trends and New Developments
Authors: Amato Paul R.
Published: July 2010

Research on divorce during the past decade has focused on a range of topics, including the predictors of divorce, associations between divorce and the well‐being of children and former spouses, and interventions for divorcing couples. Methodological advances during the past decade include a greater reliance on nationally representative longitudinal samples, genetically informed designs, and statistical models that control for time‐invariant sources of unobserved heterogeneity. Emerging perspectives, such as a focus on the number of family transitions rather than on divorce as a single event, are promising. Nevertheless, gaps remain in the research literature, and the review concludes with suggestions for new studies.
Reasons for reading: why literature matters
Authors: Cliff Hodges Gabrielle
Published: July 2010

Recent research in England suggests that opportunities for children's and young people's reading for pleasure may have been curtailed as a result of other curriculum imperatives. Under pressure to raise standards, there has been a strong emphasis on meeting objectives and managing the curriculum, but reasons for reading in the first place appear to have been neglected. In particular, little explicit attention has been paid, either in research or policy documentation, to why literature still has a clear role to play in English education. Taking as its starting point a selection of surveys and policy documents before moving to consider views from theorists, writers and young readers, this article seeks to stimulate debate about why reading literature still matters.
The effect of Baroque music on behavioural disturbances in patients with dementia
Authors: Nair Balakrishnan (Kichu) , Heim Christian , Krishnan Chitra , D'Este Catherine , Marley John , Attia John
Published: July 2010

Aim:  To study the effect of Baroque music in people with dementia.

Methods:  Patients in a multicultural dementia‐specific aged care facility were subjected to Baroque music in a cross‐over study.

Results:  There were significantly more behavioural disturbances during the weeks when Baroque music was played compared to control periods (0.2 more episodes per week, P= 0.01), and more episodes in the afternoon shift compared to evening shift (1 more episode per week, P= 0.001).

Conclusion:  These results confirm that music can influence behaviour but is contrary to previous results.
Cas utilizes Nck2 to activate Cdc42 and regulate cell polarization during cell migration in response to wound healing
Authors: Funasaka Kohei , Ito Satoko , Hasegawa Hitoki , Goldberg Gary S. , Hirooka Yoshiki , Goto Hidemi , Hamaguchi Michinari , Senga Takeshi
Published: July 2010

Integrin‐mediated activation of Cdc42 is essential for cell polarization, whereas the integrin adaptor protein Cas is required for cell migration during wound healing. After phosphorylation on tyrosine residues, Cas recruits the adaptor proteins Crk and Nck to execute integrin‐mediated signals. However, the mechanisms leading to Cdc42 activation and its relationship with Cas, Crk and Nck have not been elucidated clearly. In the present study, we demonstrate that Cas utilizes Nck2 to activate Cdc42 and induce cell polarization in response to wounding. By contrast, Cas recruits CrkII to activate Rac1 and promote the extension of cell protrusions needed for cell motility. These results indicate that Cas utilizes Nck2 and CrkII in a coordinated set of distinct pathways leading to cell migration.

Structured digital abstract

 MINT‐7909509: Cas (uniprotkb:Q61140) and Nck2 (uniprotkb:Q8BQ28) colocalize (MI:0403) by fluorescence microscopy (MI:0416)
Wine, regions and the geographic imperative: The Coonawarra example
Authors: Banks Glenn , Sharpe Scott
Published: July 2010

Abstract:    The growth of the global wine trade has focused attention on regional origin in the production, marketing and consumption of wine. This paper presents a case study of the regulatory processes around the development of one particular South Australian wine region: Coonawarra. The process of the delineation of the Coonawarra region illustrates the tensions between treating wine regions as biophysical entities, and the realities of the economic, political, legal and cultural forces that shape regions. The paper highlights how ambiguities in the physical and social criteria that frame regional definition legislation can lead to boundaries that form through a process of judicial accretion rather than relating directly to any of the criteria themselves.
Evolutionary ecology of mycorrhizal functional diversity in agricultural systems
Authors: Verbruggen Erik , Toby Kiers E.
Published: July 2010

The root systems of most agronomic crops are colonized by diverse assemblages of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), varying in the functional benefits (e.g. nutrient transfer, pathogen protection, water uptake) provided to hosts. Little is known about the evolutionary processes that shape the composition of these fungal assemblages, nor is it known whether more diverse assemblages are beneficial to crop productivity. In this review we aim to identify the evolutionary selection pressures that shape AMF diversity in agricultural systems and explore whether promotion of AMF diversity can convincingly be linked to increases in agricultural productivity and/or sustainability. We then ask whether farmers can (and should) actively modify evolutionary selection pressures to increase AMF functioning. We focus on three agriculturally imposed selection regimes: tillage, fertilization, and continuous monoculture. We find that the uniform nature of these practices strongly selects for dominance of few AMF species. These species exhibit predictable, generally non‐beneficial traits, namely heavy investment in reproduction at the expense of nutrient scavenging and transfer processes that are beneficial for hosts. A number of focus‐points are given based on empirical and theoretical evidence that could be utilized to slow down negative selection pressures on AMF functioning, therein increasing crop benefit.
A pyrosequencing assay for the rapid discrimination of mitochondrial lineages in the Salmo trutta species complex
Authors: KELLER I. , TAVERNA A. , SEEHAUSEN O.
Published: July 2010

The European trout (Salmo trutta species complex) is genetically very diverse consisting of five distinct mitochondrial lineages that probably originated in the Pleistocene. Here, we describe a novel pyrosequencing protocol to generate two short sequence reads from the mitochondrial control region, which allow the unambiguous identification of all five lineages. The approach was found to be easily transferable between laboratories and should be a valuable tool for the assessment of genetic diversity in trout. Pyrosequencing‐based assays for molecular species identification are expected to be generally useful whenever multiple positions in a short DNA sequence need to be assessed.
A Study of the Roll Motion by Means of a Free Decay Test
Authors: Zeraatgar Hamid , Asghari Mohsen , Bakhtiari-Nejad Firooz
Published: July 2010

In this study, a method for the extraction of damping by tracing free roll decay is presented. For this purpose, in calm waters, a bulk carrier model is given a large initial roll angle and then released. Consequently, the roll motion is recorded. Restoring coefficients and virtual moments of inertia for the model are determined by means of an inclining test and recording the damped period, respectively. The linear damping coefficient is evaluated by using the damping ratio. Four different forms of combinations of restoring moment and damping coefficient are assumed in order to determine the nonlinear form of the roll motion. These equations are numerically solved for various damping coefficients and results are compared with the experimental data. By virtue of this comparison, the damping coefficients are determined for each case. It may be concluded that the use of the nonlinear restoring moment, which is an odd polynomial of the fifth order, and the cubic form for the nonlinear damping moment best fits the roll behavior for the ship model. The amount of energy dissipated by the damping moments is also calculated in the time domain. The energy method also confirms that the nonlinear form of restoring force in conjunction with the cubic form of the damping force is the best solution of the roll motion for small to large angles.
Regular Wave Measurements on a Submerged Semicircular Breakwater
Authors: Dhinakaran G. , Sundar V. , Sundaravadivelu R. , Graw K. U.
Published: July 2010

The submerged semicircular breakwater (SBW) is mainly adopted to prevent beach erosion and to reduce the incident wave energy on its leeside, if it is used in front of a vertical breakwater. In addition, it facilitates the premature wave breaking, which in turn causes the reduction in wave energy. The dynamic pressures and forces exerted on the submerged SBW with 7%, 11%, and 17% of the exposed surface area with perforations on its seaside due to regular waves were measured. The hydrodynamic characteristics such as variations in the dimensionless pressures and forces, reflection and transmission coefficients on the semicircular caisson as a function of scattering parameter for three different water depths are presented and an optimum depth of submergence is arrived. The results on the above stated variables for seaside perforated SBWs are compared with the results of an impermeable SBW to study the effect of perforations.