bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS‐1) as a model for understanding autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 2 (APS‐2)
Authors: Michels A. W. , Eisenbarth G. S.
Published: April 2009

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes type 1 and 2 (APS‐1 and APS‐2) are diverse in regards to their component diseases and immunologic features of pathogenesis. Animal models and human studies highlight the importance of alleles of HLA (human leukocyte antigen)‐like molecules determining tissue specific targeting that with the loss of tolerance leads to organ specific autoimmunity. Knowledge of the syndromes and component diseases allows clinicians to recognize and prevent illness prior to morbidity. With the current understanding of the syndromes, a paradigm for diagnosis, screening and treatment can be established. Once genetically susceptible individuals are identified screening for autoantibodies can be performed. Amongst autoantibody positive individuals, monitoring for physiologic decompensation, with a goal of treating prior to morbidity and in some cases mortality, follows. With continued basic and clinical research, therapies aimed at treating the underlying autoimmunity and disease prevention should become possible.
Detection and molecular characterization of viruses associated with tomato yellow leaf curl disease in cucurbit crops in Jordan
Authors: Anfoka G. , Haj Ahmad F. , Abhary M. , Hussein A.
Published: April 2009

In this study, Tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus (TYLCSV) and the strains Israel and Mild of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV‐IL, TYLCV‐Mld) were detected for the first time in four cucurbit crops in Jordan by nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). These viruses cause the tomato yellow leaf curl disease (TYLCD) in tomato. Cucumber, squash, melon and watermelon plants inoculated with TYLCV‐IL[JO:Cuc], TYLCV‐Mld, TYLCSV‐IT[IT:Sar:88] and the Jordanian isolate of TYLCV (TYLCV‐JV) did not show disease symptoms. However, virus‐specific fragments were detected in uppermost leaves of symptomless plants by nPCR. A whitefly transmission test showed that Bemisia tabaci could transmit TYLCV‐Mld from cucumber into tomato and jimsonweed plants. However, all infected tomato plants remained symptomless. In addition, results of semi‐quantitative PCR (sqPCR) analysis showed that the relative amount of TYLCV‐Mld DNA acquired by B. tabaci from cucumber plants was less than that acquired from tomato plants.
Assessment of blast disease resistance in transgenicPRmsrice using agfp‐expressingMagnaporthe oryzaestrain
Authors: Campos‐Soriano L. , San Segundo B.
Published: April 2009

Rice blast caused by the fungusMagnaporthe oryzae(anamorphPyricularia grisea) is one of the most devastating diseases of cultivated rice worldwide. In this study, a green fluorescent protein (gfp)‐expressingM. oryzaestrain was generated and used to investigate the infection process in a commercial rice cultivar. Expression of thegfpgene did not affect the pathogenicity of theM. oryzaetransformants. Confocal microscopy allowedin vivoimaging of this pathogen during infection of rice tissues.Magnaporthe oryzaepathogenicity was examined on both leaf and root tissues. In roots of wild‐type plants, the fungus penetrated into epidermal and cortical cells, and colonized the central cylinder and xylem vessels. However, the dimorphic growth pattern typically observed during the biotrophic and necrotrophic stages of leaf colonization was not observed during colonization of root tissues. Furthermore, events occurring during infection of rice plants constitutively expressing the maize pathogenesis‐relatedPRmsgene were characterized and compared with those occurring during the interaction of this pathogen with untransformed rice plants. Fungal penetration was drastically reduced and delayed in tissues ofPRmsplants compared to untransformed plants. These results indicated that thegfp‐expressingM. oryzaerepresents a strategic tool for the assessment of blast disease resistance in transgenic rice which can be also applied to the analysis of theM. oryzaeinteraction with other cultivars or mutants of important crop species.
The EuroPrevall surveys on the prevalence of food allergies in children and adults: background and study methodology
Authors: Kummeling I. , Mills E. N. C. , Clausen M. , Dubakiene R. , Pérez C. Farnãndez , Fernández‐Rivas M. , Knulst A. C. , Kowalski M. L. , Lidholm J. , Le T.‐M. , Metzler C. , Mustakov T. , Popov T. , Potts J. , Van Ree R. , Sakellariou A. , Töndury B. , Tzannis K. , Burney P.
Published: April 2009

Background:  The epidemiological surveys in children and adults of the EU‐funded multidisciplinary Integrated Project EuroPrevall, launched in June 2005, were designed to estimate the currently unknown prevalence of food allergy and exposure to known or suspected risk factors for food allergy across Europe. We describe the protocol for the epidemiological surveys in children and adults. This protocol provides specific instructions on the sampling strategy, the use of questionnaires, and collection of blood samples for immunological analyses.

Methods:  The surveys were performed as multi‐centre, cross‐sectional studies in general populations. Case–control studies were nested within these surveys. The studies in children aged 7–10 years and adults aged 20–54 years were undertaken in eight centres representing different social and climatic regions in Europe.

Results:  After a community‐based survey collecting basic information on adverse reactions to foods, all those stating they had experienced such reactions, as well as of a random sample of those stating ‘no reactions’ to foods, completed a detailed questionnaire on potential risks and exposures. Also a blood sample was taken to allow serological analysis to establish patterns of food and aeroallergen sensitization. We also included a questionnaire to schools on their preparedness for dealing with food allergy amongst pupils. Subjects reporting adverse reactions to foods and sensitized to the same food(s) were called in for a full clinical evaluation that included a double blind placebo controlled food challenge (DBPCFC), following a protocol which is described in detail elsewhere.

Conclusions:  The outcome of these studies will help to improve our understanding of several important aspects of food allergies in the European Community, providing for more well‐informed policies and effective measures of disease prevention, diagnosis and management.
Non‐invasive ventilation improves peripheral oxygen saturation and reduces fatigability of quadriceps in patients with COPD
Authors: BORGHI‐SILVA Audrey , DI THOMMAZO Luciana , PANTONI Camila B.F. , MENDES Renata G. , DE FÁTIMA SALVINI Tania , COSTA Dirceu
Published: April 2009

Background and objective: Non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) might improve peripheral muscle function and exercise capacity in severely disabled patients. This study evaluated the physiological impact of NIV on isokinetic concentric strength and endurance of lower limb muscles in patients with severe COPD.

Methods: This clinical trial tested COPD patients (n = 24) and healthy subjects (n = 18). Subjects underwent isokinetic dynamometry tests while given either bi‐level positive airway pressure ventilation (BV) or sham ventilation (SV), in a randomized order with 30 min of rest prior to each intervention. The inspiratory level of BV was set up to 14 cm H2O and expiratory pressure up to 6 cm H2O. Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at the peak of exercise were measured for each intervention.

Results: Compared with controls, COPD patients had lower values of SpO2and HR (P < 0.01) during both BV and SV and lower values of DBP (P < 0.01) during BV. BV improved SpO2(P < 0.01), and reduced SBP in both COPD (P < 0.01) and control groups (P < 0.05) and reduced DBP in COPD patients (P < 0.01). BV also reduced the fatigue index in COPD patients when compared with SV (P = 0.003). Variation (BV‐SV) of total work at the peak of the test was higher in the control group than in the COPD group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: BV improved SpO2and reduced the fatigability of the quadriceps muscle in patients with severe COPD. These results support the need for further evaluation of BV as adjunct during high‐intensity strength exercise training in these patients.
Clinical outcomes in sarcoidosis after cessation of infliximab treatment
Authors: PANSELINAS Efstratios , RODGERS J. Keith , JUDSON Marc A.
Published: April 2009

Background and objective:  Infliximab appears to be efficacious for the treatment of recalcitrant forms of sarcoidosis. However, there are minimal data concerning the course of sarcoidosis once infliximab is discontinued.

Methods:  Clinical outcomes in patients who had received infliximab and had discontinued it for at least 2 months were analysed retrospectively. The severity of involvement of the index organ from the time of discontinuation of infliximab was compared with that at the end of the follow‐up period.

Results:  Fourteen patients with sarcoidosis who had been treated with infliximab and had discontinued this therapy were identified. Before discontinuation of infliximab, 9 of the 14 patients (64%) responded to infliximab treatment and only one (7%) deteriorated. Patients who discontinued infliximab were followed for a mean of 12 months. At the end of the follow‐up period, 12 of the 14 patients (86%) had deteriorated as compared with their status at the time of discontinuation of infliximab and two (14%) had remained stable. Kaplan–Meier analysis of time to clinical deterioration showed that half the patients deteriorated within 3 months of discontinuing infliximab. Patients who had discontinued infliximab appeared to be more likely to have their dose of prednisone increased.

Conclusion:  Patients with recalcitrant sarcoidosis who receive infliximab appear likely to deteriorate after discontinuation of this medication.
Breeding system and floral visitors of Veratrum album subsp. oxysepalum (Melanthiaceae)
Authors: KATO YUUKI , ARAKI KIWAKO , OHARA MASASHI
Published: April 2009

Veratrum album subsp. oxysepalum is an andromonoecious perennial woodland herb. In the present study, to clarify the essential life‐history characteristics of this species, sexual reproduction was examined and breeding experiments were carried out along with observations of floral visitors in the field. The results of the breeding experiments showed that this species has a high level of self‐incompatibility. As various Coleoptera and Diptera visited the flowers, the seed production of V. album subsp. oxysepalum possibly depends on outcrossing pollination by insects.
Morphological dormancy in seeds of the autumn‐germinating shrub Lonicera caerulea var. emphyllocalyx (Caprifoliaceae)
Authors: PHARTYAL SHYAM S. , KONDO TETSUYA , HOSHINO YOICHIRO , BASKIN CAROL C. , BASKIN JERRY M.
Published: April 2009

To better understand the germination ecophysiology of the genus Lonicera, the dormancy class, temperature requirements for embryo growth and radicle emergence and phenology of seedling emergence were determined for Lonicera caerulea var. emphyllocalyx. At maturity, seeds have an underdeveloped embryo (approximately 28% of the length of full‐grown embryos). Embryos in fresh seeds grew to full length at 15, 20, 20/10 and 25/15°C within 3 weeks, but failed to grow at ≤ 10°C and at 30°C. Radicles emerged from 86–100% of freshly matured seeds in light at 15, 20, 20/10 and 25/15°C within 28 days, but failed to emerge at 10°C. Radicles emerged equally well in a 12 h photoperiod and in continuous darkness at 25/15°C. Rapid embryo growth and germination over a range of conditions indicate that seeds of this taxon have morphological dormancy (MD); this is the first report of MD in a species of Lonicera. Seeds are dispersed in summer, at which time high temperatures promote embryo growth. Embryos grow to the critical length for germination in approximately 1 month; the peak of seedling emergence occurs in early autumn. Radicles emerged within 2 months from 98% of seeds buried at soil depths of 2 cm and 10 cm in the field in August in Sapporo, Japan; thus, seeds have no potential to form a persistent soil seed bank. However, seeds sown too late in autumn for embryos to grow remained viable and germinated the following summer when temperatures were high enough to promote embryo growth.
Depth distribution of three Typha species, Typha orientalis Presl, Typha angustifolia L. and Typha latifolia L., in an artificial pond
Authors: INOUE TOMOMI , TSUCHIYA TAKAYOSHI
Published: April 2009

The depth distribution of the aquatic macrophyte Typha orientalis Presl was examined in comparison with two other Typha species: Typha angustifolia L. and Typha latifolia L. Vegetation surveys mapping the depth distributions were conducted at Ushigafuchi Pond, Tokyo, Japan, in autumn 2004 and 2005. All vegetation had been cleared from this artificial pond in spring 2003. In 2004 T. orientalis was distributed in shallow to deep water habitats between T. latifolia (shallow water regions) and T. angustifolia (shallow to deep water regions). However, by 2005 T. orientalis had almost disappeared from the pond. It had been replaced by Leersia japonica Makino at depths of 0–30 cm, by Schoenoplectus validus (Vahl) at depths of 30–60 cm and by T. angustifolia at depths of 60–100 cm. It appears that T. orientalis is not a strong competitor, particularly with taller species, but rather a pioneer species.
Comparisons of breeding systems between two sympatric species, Nastanthus spathulatus (Calyceraceae) and Rhodophiala rhodolirion (Amaryllidaceae), in the high Andes of central Chile
Authors: LADD PHILIP G. , ARROYO MARY T. K.
Published: April 2009

Alpine vegetation occurs over a wide range of ecological conditions. Thus, the breeding systems of alpine plants are likely to be diverse and vary from one geographical area to another. The reproductive characteristics of Nastanthus spathulatus (Calyceraceae) and Rhodophiala rhodolirion (Amaryllidaceae), species with contrasting floral morphology, were studied in the high Andes of Chile, which has a Mediterranean‐type climate. Natural and supplemental open pollination, and cross pollination and self‐pollination trials were carried out in the field. Flower visitors were quantified by field and video observations. Both species had high outcrossing properties, and Nastanthus was strongly self‐incompatible. Rhodophiala could form some seed by self‐pollination, but fruit and seed sets were much lower after self‐pollination compared with outcrossing. The phenology and flower/inflorescence forms of these species supported the view that alpine flowers are comparatively long lived and that the floral display contributes to a large proportion of the plant biomass. Rhodophiala was well attended by a native bee species (Megachile sauleyi) that was appropriately sized for efficient pollination. Although no flower visitors were observed on Nastanthus and wind pollination was discarded experimentally, a high proportion of the flowers produced seeds under natural pollination. Therefore, the seed set was not severely pollen limited in these species. Including previously published information, breeding systems are now known for 12 species on this Mediterranean alpine site and current knowledge suggests an emphasis on outcrossing breeding systems.
Pollination biology of the sclerophyllous shrub Pultenaea villosa Willd. (Fabaceae) in southeast Queensland, Australia
Authors: OGILVIE JANE E. , ZALUCKI JACINTA M. , BOULTER SARAH L.
Published: April 2009

The pollination biology of the common shrub Pultenaea villosa Willd. was examined in a subtropical dry sclerophyll forest in eastern Australia. We determined floral phenology and morphology, the timing of stigma receptivity and anther dehiscence, nectar availability, the plant breeding system, and flower visitors. The shrub's flowers are typical zygomorphic pea flowers with hidden floral rewards and reproductive structures. These flowers require special manipulation for insect access. A range of insects visited the flowers, although bees are predicted to be the principle pollinators based on their frequency on the flowers and their exclusive ability to operate the wing and keel petals to access the reproductive structures. Nectar and pollen are offered as rewards and were actively collected by bees. Nectar is offered to visitors in minute amounts at the base of the corolla. In Toohey Forest, P. villosa flowers in spring and is the most abundant floral resource in the understory of the forest at this time. The breeding system experiment revealed that P. villosa requires outcrossing for high levels of seed set and that the overlap of stigma receptivity and pollen dehiscence within the flower suggests the potential for self‐incompatibility.
Life‐history monographs of Japanese plants. 12: Asarum caulescens Maxim. (Aristolochiaceae)
Authors: TAKASU HIDEKI , KAWANO SHOICHI
Published: April 2009

The life‐history characteristics of Asarum caulescens Maxim. (Aristolochiaceae) are described here. This typical summer‐green perennial of the Aristolochiaceae is a unique woodland element distributed in central Honshu, that is, south of Fukushima Prefecture to Shikoku and Kyushu, Japan. It grows in the somewhat shady understory of temperate montane deciduous broad‐leaved or mixed forests associated with conifers, such as Cryptomeria japonica and Abies firma. One of the unique features of A. caulescens is its rhizome structures in combination with aerial shoots, which play an important role in vegetative propagation. The perennation strategy of A. caulescens is exceedingly complex, producing various combinations of linear or branched rhizomes bearing different numbers of leaves. Rhizomes consist of two or three segments, each 5 mm to 5 cm long as a unit, connected linearly, but also occasionally branched. At the tip of the newly formed rhizome segment, a single leaf or a pair of cordate leaves are formed. Exceedingly complex branching patterns of the rhizome segments were also recognized, forming ramets in late June to early July. Vegetative propagation by ramet formation obviously plays a very important role in the maintenance of local populations.
Floral biology of Philippine morphospecies of the grape relative Leea (Leeaceae)
Authors: MOLINA JEANMAIRE
Published: April 2009

I observed the floral biology of three Leea morphospecies in a Philippine natural forest habitat. The red‐flowered morphospecies Leea guineensis limits selfing through synchronized dichogamy, with male and female flowers temporally separated in the same inflorescence, whereas the two morphospecies of the white‐flowered Leea indica might be prone to geitonogamous selfing. Light and soil pH are correlated with phenology. In addition to bees and flies, Leea is visited by wasps, butterflies, beetles, bugs and spiders.
Suppression of mutant androgen receptors by flutamide
Authors: Ishioka Junichiro , Hara Shuntaro , Isaacs John T , Tomura Arihiro , Nishikawa Kiyohiro , Kageyama Yukio
Published: April 2009

Objectives:  To examine the effects of flutamide and hydroxyflutamide on the transactivation of mutant androgen receptors.

Methods:  Androgen‐independent human prostate cancer cell line PC3 was transfected with plasmids expressing wild‐type, W741C mutant, T877A mutant or W741C+T877A mutant androgen receptors. The effects of bicalutamide, hydroxyflutamide or flutamide on the basal and dihydrotestosterone‐induced transcriptional activities of the wild‐type and mutant androgen receptors were evaluated by luciferase assays using a reporter plasmid containing the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) promoter. The effects of the antiandrogens on the transcription and translation of the PSA gene in LNCaP cells expressing a mutant (T877A) androgen receptor were assessed by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and radioimmunoassays. Affinity of the antiandrogens to each androgen receptor construct was evaluated by ligand‐binding assay.

Results:  Flutamide, but not hydroxyflutamide, successfully suppressed the transcription of all of the mutant androgen receptors examined in this study and also showed suppressive effects on PSA secretion by LNCaP cells treated with dihydrotestosterone. These inhibitory effects were probably not the result of competitive inhibition by flutamide given its low affinity to the androgen receptor constructs.

Conclusions:  Flutamide, with its suppressive effects on mutant androgen receptors, may be an alternative to conventional antiandrogens for hormone refractory prostate cancer.
Cancer‐related pain and quality of life in prostate cancer patients: Assessment using the Functional Assessment of Prostate Cancer Therapy
Authors: Fujimura Tetsuya , Takahashi Satoru , Kume Haruki , Takeuchi Takumi ,   Clinical Study Group of Tokyo University Affiliated Hospitals, Kitamura Tadaichi , Homma Yukio
Published: April 2009

The objective of this study was to assess disease‐associated pain and quality of life (QOL) in patients with prostate cancer (PC). A total of 102 PC patients (clinical stage B, C: 20, D2: 82) patients were enrolled. QOL was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, General and Prostate (FACT‐G/P). Disease‐specific pain response was assessed using the visual analog scale and the face rating scale. In patients with stage D2 PC, mean age, serum prostate‐specific antigen level, and performance status were 72.5 ± 7.1 years (range, 55–88), 217 ± 467 ng/mL (range, 0.1–2600), and 1.4 (0–4), respectively. The score of physical well‐being and FACT‐P was significantly lower in stage D2 patients, compared with those of stage B/C (P = 0.02, 0.0088, respectively). Performance status, extent of disease, and the visual analog scale were related with a poor QOL score (P = 0.0054, 0.01, <0.0001, respectively). Thirty‐two patients (39%) had disease‐specific pain, and 25 patients received a related treatment. Ten patients under morphine analgesics maintained better QOL in almost all domains, compared with the seven patients without any painkillers. Combined use of FACT and pain scales enhances the objective assessment of QOL and pain status in PC patients. Control of disease‐associated pain is crucial to improving QOL in stage D2 PC patients.
A study of macular hole formation by serial spectral optical coherence tomography
Authors: Michalewska Zofia , Michalewski Janusz , Sikorski Bartosz L , Kałużny Jakub J , Wojtkowski Maciej , Adelman Ron A , Nawrocki Jerzy
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background:  The purpose of this paper is to evaluate changes of the vitreoretinal interface in fellow eyes of eyes with a macular hole and to study early stages of macular hole formation by spectral optical coherence tomography (SOCT).

Methods:  A prospective study of 131 consecutive patients with history of macular hole. Serial SOCT examinations were performed on the fellow eyes four times during a 6‐month observation period. Progression of foveal changes and formation of macular hole in the fellow eyes were studied.

Results:  Seven distinct abnormalities in the foveal region were noted in 70 of the fellow eyes (53.4%). Additionally in 18 patients (13.6%) other defects typical for the older population were noted. Gradual evolution to full‐thickness macular holes during the 6‐month observation period was noted in five eyes. One of these eyes had a previously detected cyst, and four eyes had elevation of the photoreceptor layer.

Conclusions:  The high prevalence of macular abnormalities in the fellow eyes particularly epiretinal membranes and vitreous traction with schizis as well as the evolution of these abnormalities over time suggest that diseases of the vitreomacular interface may have similar pathogenesis. Macular hole formation often starts as a triangular elevation of the photoreceptor layer. In some cases, a cyst in the inner retinal layers can be an early step in macular hole formation.
The diameter of the nasolacrimal canal measured by computed tomography: gender and racial differences
Authors: McCormick Austin , Sloan Brian
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background:  The incidence of dacryocystorhinostomy surgery among Pacific People is greater than would be expected given their proportion in the population. Some have suggested that racial and sex differences in facial skull dimensions produce narrower nasolacrimal canals and therefore differences in the incidence of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO). We measured the minimum diameter of the canal in those not known to have PANDO.

Method:  A retrospective review of the digital computed tomography (CT) database was performed. Minimum diameter of the nasolacrimal canal on axial cuts of a sinus series CT scan was measured. Sex and racial origin were recorded. All series on the database were included. Absence of axial images and pathology distorting the canal excluded a patient. This was carried out in the Department of Radiology and Ophthalmology, Greenlane Medical Centre, Auckland.

Results:  A total of 178 CT scans were included. Men had a mean diameter of 3.9 mm (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 3.8–4.1) versus women 3.6 mm (95%CI: 3.5–3.8) P = 0.01. Both Caucasian and New Zealand Maori had mean diameters of 3.7 mm (95%CI: 3.5–3.9) whereas Pacific People were 4.1 mm (95%CI: 3.9–4.3) P = 0.01.

Conclusions:  As in other studies women had narrower canals than men. Surprisingly we found no difference between New Zealand Maori and Caucasian. Unexpected was the larger diameter in Pacific People, as they have a higher incidence of dacryocystorhinostomy surgery. PANDO is likely to be of multifactorial aetiology and nasolacrimal canal diameter may not be a significant factor. Our described method of measuring canal diameter by CT scan is comparable to a cadaver study.
Ascorbic acid concentration is reduced in the secondary aqueous humour of glaucomatous patients
Authors: Leite Mauro T , Prata Tiago S , Kera Clarissa Z , Miranda Denise V , De Moraes Barros Silvia B , Melo Luiz AS
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background: We aimed to evaluate the ascorbic acid concentration in secondary aqueous humour (AH) from glaucomatous patients and to compare it with primary AH from primary open‐angle glaucoma patients and non‐glaucomatous patients.

Methods: Primary AH samples were prospectively obtained from clinically uncontrolled primary open‐angle glaucoma patients and senile cataract patients (controls) prior to trabeculectomy and cataract surgery. Secondary AH samples were obtained from eyes with previous intraocular surgery, prior to trabeculectomy or cataract surgery. AH (0.1 mL) was aspirated by inserting a 26‐gauge needle into the anterior chamber just before surgery and then immediately stored at −80°C. The ascorbic acid concentration was determined in a masked fashion by high‐pressure liquid chromatography.

Results: A total of 18 patients with senile cataract, 16 glaucomatous patients with primary AH (no previous intraocular surgery) and 11 glaucomatous patients with secondary AH (previous intraocular surgery) were included. There was no difference in mean age between groups (P = 0.15). The mean ± standard deviation concentration of ascorbic acid in the secondary AH from glaucomatous patients (504 ± 213 µmol/L [95% confidence interval {CI}, 383–624]) was significantly lower than the concentration of ascorbic acid found in the primary aqueous of primary open‐angle glaucoma (919 ± 427 µmol/L [95% CI, 709–1128]) and control patients (1049 ± 433 µmol/L [95% CI, 848–1249];P < 0.01, Kruskal‐Wallis test).

Conclusions: The ascorbic acid concentration in secondary AH of glaucomatous patients was approximately twofold lower in comparison with primary AH of glaucomatous and cataract patients. The implications of a reduced concentration of ascorbic acid in the secondary AH deserve further investigation.
Mitomycin‐C as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of sebaceous gland carcinoma in high‐risk locations
Authors: Rudkin Adam K , Muecke James S
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Purpose:  To report on the use of Mitomycin‐C as adjuvant therapy to excision and cryotherapy in patients with sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) in high‐risk locations.

Design:  Retrospective, consecutive, case series.

Participants:  Three patients with SGC of the upper palpebral conjunctiva or caruncle, but without clinical pagetoid spread.

Methods:  Following excision and double freeze‐thaw cryotherapy, patients with histology demonstrating SGC of the ocular surface were treated with topical Mitomycin‐C (0.04%). Follow‐up was conducted over an average of 30 months (range: 24–37 months).

Main outcome measures:  Postoperative evidence of local recurrence, lymph node or distant organ metastasis.

Results:  No patients had evidence of local recurrence or systemic disease.

Conclusions:  Wide surgical excision with cryotherapy is the basis of treatment of SGC without pagetoid spread. The use of Mitomycin‐C as adjuvant therapy remains controversial, although there is some rationale for its use in high‐risk situations.
A Boussinesq wedge analysis of the tensile stress region in a rail head beneath compressive and traction point loads
Authors: KFOURI A. P.
Published: April 2009

Investigations into the causes of damage to rail heads and on rolling contact fatigue, date back a considerable time and are described in a large number of expertise literature on the many different aspects of this complex problem. The present paper is prompted by the naïve observation that fatigue crack propagation is more likely to occur in a tensile stress environment than in a highly compressive one and it therefore seeks to locate a region of radial or longitudinal tensile stresses on a rail head during the rectilinear motion of the train, providing favourable conditions for mode I or mixed‐mode crack propagation.
Some experimental observations on crack closure and crack‐tip plasticity
Authors: LOPEZ‐CRESPO P. , SHTERENLIKHT A. , YATES J. R. , PATTERSON E. A. , WITHERS P. J.
Published: April 2009

This study presents a methodology for evaluating crack closure and the effect of crack‐tip plasticity on stress intensity. Full‐field displacement maps obtained by digital image correlation are used to obtain the mixed‐mode, crack‐driving force. The methodology allows the quantification of the effect of a range of contact phenomena: effects arising from interlocking, plastic deformation of crack face asperities and wedging generated as a consequence of sliding displacements of fatigue cracks have been identified. By evaluating the effective crack‐tip stress intensity factor, crack opening levels can be quantified for both mode I and mode II. Moreover, the approach can take into account plasticity effects local to the crack in determining the stress intensity factor. All the information can be extracted in a non‐contacting fashion with equipment that can be easily incorporated into industrial environments.
Determination of masonry crack evolution due to differential displacements: a numerical study*
Authors: FATHY A.M. , PLANAS J. , SANCHO J.M.
Published: April 2009

Brick walls of ceramics without any mortar covering or paint are used extensively in building façades in Spain. One of the most used masonry wall systems is based on non‐bearing panels partially supported, about two‐thirds of the brick width, over the edge beams of the structural skeleton. The edge beam is veneered with special thinner bricks to achieve the visual continuity of the façade. A considerable number of these walls show cracking. In a previous work, finite element simulations were performed in order to gain insight into the causes of cracking. A special finite element, based on the strong discontinuity analysis and the cohesive crack theory, is used in the numerical simulations. The results agree with the overall cracking patterns observed but if an imposed displacement is applied in the range allowed by the standards, extensive cracking occurs. This implies that the design displacements are not the actual ones. In this work, an elastic study using the principle of superposition is used to determine the effective deflections under service loading. Then, these deflections are applied to the structure and the evolution of cracking is studied. This study shows that the masonry panels of the first and last store have the major probability of cracking. Another parametric study is carried out changing the elastic and tensile properties of the masonry. This study shows that although the cracking of the masonry panels starts at different loads for different tensile properties, the crack patterns are similar for a given panel geometry and loading. This numerical study provides a method of design to determine the crack width for different geometries, loadings and fracture properties.
α2 Nicotine receptors function as a molecular switch to continuously excite a subset of interneurons in rat hippocampal circuits
Authors: Jia Yousheng , Yamazaki Yoshihiko , Nakauchi Sakura , Sumikawa Katumi
Published: April 2009

Rapid activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) at various anatomical and cellular locations in the hippocampus differentially modulates the operation of hippocampal circuits. However, it is largely unknown how the continued presence of nicotine affects the normal operation of hippocampal circuits. Here, we used single and dual whole‐cell recordings to address this question. We found that horizontally oriented interneurons in the stratum oriens/alveus continuously discharged action potentials in the presence of nicotine. In these interneurons, bath application of nicotine produced slow inward currents that were well maintained and inhibited by the non‐α7 antagonist dihydro‐β‐erythroidine. Single‐cell reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that nicotine‐responding interneurons were consistently positive for the α2 subunit mRNA. These observations suggest that in the presence of nicotine, a subset of interneurons in the stratum oriens/alveus are continuously excited due to the sustained activation of α2* nAChRs. These interneurons were synaptically connected to pyramidal cells, and nicotine increased inhibitory baseline currents at the synapses and suppressed phasic inhibition at the same synapses. Nicotine‐induced inhibitory activity increased background noise and masked small phasic inhibition in pyramidal cells, originating from other interneurons in the stratum radiatum. Thus, the continued presence of nicotine alters the normal operation of hippocampal circuits by gating inhibitory circuits through activating a non‐desensitizing α2 nAChR subtype on a distinct population of interneurons.
Neuronal substrates of gaze following in monkeys
Authors: Kamphuis Simone , Dicke Peter W. , Thier Peter
Published: April 2009

Human and non‐human primates follow the gaze of their respective conspecific to identify objects of common interest. Whereas humans rely on eye‐gaze for such purposes, monkeys preferentially use head‐gaze information. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have delineated an area in the human superior temporal sulcus (STS), which is specifically activated when subjects actively follow the eye‐gaze of others. Similarly, using fMRI, we have identified an analogous region in the monkey’s middle STS responding to gaze following. Hence, although humans and monkeys might rely on different directional cues guiding their attention, they seem to deploy a similar and possibly homologous cortical area to follow the gaze of a conspecific. Our results support the idea that the eyes developed a new social function in human evolution, most likely to support cooperative mutual social interactions building on a phylogenetically old STS module for the processing of head cues.
Visceral fat loss induced by a low‐calorie diet: a direct comparison between women and men
Authors: Gasteyger C. , Larsen T. M. , Vercruysse F. , Pedersen D. , Toubro S. , Astrup A.
Published: April 2009

Aim:  No studies have assessed if changes in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) during weight loss differ between women and men with comparable amounts of VAT at baseline. The aim of this study was to assess if changes in VAT induced by a low‐calorie diet (LCD) differ between women and men.

Methods:  In this post hoc analysis of an existing database, abdominal adipose tissue was evaluated before and after an 8‐week LCD (800–1000 kcal/day) by a single‐slice magnetic resonance scan performed at the abdominal level. Body composition was measured by dual X‐ray energy absorptiometry.

Results:  Data from 111 obese subjects (85 women and 26 men) were available. Relative changes in VAT were found to be more pronounced in men [mean (95% CI): −32.6% (−38.7 to −26.6)] than in women [−21.9% (−25.0 to −18.8)] (p = 0.003) after correction for relative changes in fat mass (FM). When analysing only the data from a subgroup of 23 women and 23 men who were matched for similar visceral to abdominal subcutaneous fat ratio at baseline, these differences could not be observed anymore: the change in VAT was −33.7% (−38.7 to −28.7) in men and −26.8% (−31.8 to −21.8) in women (p = 0.07).

Conclusions:  This study suggests that relative changes in VAT during a LCD may be greater in men than in women even after taking relative changes in FM into account. However, these differences disappear when properly matching the subjects for baseline amounts of VAT.
The emperor’s tailors: the failure of the medical weight loss paradigm and its causal role in the obesity of America
Authors: Puterbaugh J. S.
Published: April 2009

During the past century, the medical profession has developed a paradigm for the treatment of obesity, which prescribes specific exercise and dietary goals under the umbrella of ‘lifestyle change’. It has three components, all of which evolved from origins that had nothing to do with weight control. First, it is individually prescriptive, that is weight loss is considered the responsibility of the individual as contrasted to a societal or group responsibility. Second, it recommends exercise aimed towards structured, or non‐functional, activities with a variety of physiological end‐points. Last, dietary goals are defined by calories, exchanges, food groups and various nutritional components. Diets are usually grouped by these goals. This model is unique to America, it is not working and it has also played a causal role in the obesity it is attempting to eliminate. A new model must be developed, which contains an observationally based societal prescription and links activity with functional outcomes and diets, which are food rather than nutritionally based.
A prime inference on genetic diversity (RAPDs) in the marine fish Atherinella brasiliensis (Teleostei, Atherinopsidae) from Southern Brazil
Authors: Da Silva Cortinhas Maria Cristina , Glienke Chirlei , Prioli Alberto José , Noleto Rafael Bueno , Matoso Daniele Aparecida , Cestari Marta Margarete
Published: April 2009

Da Silva Cortinhas, M. C., Glienke, C., Prioli, A. J., Noleto, R. B., Matoso, D. A. and Cestari, M. M. 2010. A prime inference on genetic diversity (RAPDs) in the marine fish Atherinella brasiliensis (Teleostei, Atherinopsidae) from Southern Brazil. —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 242–248

As a result of the importance of Atherinella brasiliensis in estuarine environments, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to verify the genetic diversity in A. brasiliensis from two different places in Paranaguá Bay (Paraná State) and one from the Conceição Lagoon (Santa Catarina State). Cytogenetic data have shown a high karyotypic diversity in some populations, although in others this peculiarity demonstrates rearrangements such as heterochromatinization. In the present study, a low level of genetic structuring between the samples from Conceição Lagoon compared with the others was observed through principal coordinate analysis (PCO), analysis of molecular variance and Mantel test according to 79 RAPD markers. As this specie does not perform horizontal migration and the individuals of Conceição Lagoon are isolated, three hypotheses are proposed to explain the results: (i) similar environments may show homogeneous populations not depending on the geographical distance, (ii) because vicariant events that formed the bays occurred in a recent period, the fragmentation effects over the structuring of the genetic diversity may still be low and not totally detectable by the RAPD technique and (iii) the isolation time or the number of generations may not be enough to promote a possible differentiation and genetic structuring between the specimens of these three places. The specimens of these places present a low level of differentiation and genetic structuring so we can consider them as a unique homogeneous population.
Developmental shift in the discrimination of vowel contrasts in bilingual infants: is the distributional account all there is to it?
Authors: Sebastián‐Gallés Núria , Bosch Laura
Published: April 2009

A shift from language‐general to language‐specific sound discrimination abilities has been largely attested in different populations of infants during the second half of the first year of life; however, data are still scarce regarding bilingual populations. Previous research with 4‐, 8‐ and 12‐month‐old Catalan‐Spanish bilingual infants had offered evidence of a U‐shaped pattern in their ability to discriminate a language‐specific vowel contrast. This research explores monolingual and bilingual 4‐ and 8‐month‐olds’ capacities to discriminate two common vowel contrasts: /o–u/ and /e–u/. All groups succeeded except 8‐month‐old bilinguals tested on the phonetically close /o–u/ contrast. Discrimination was not facilitated when talker and token variability were reduced. A U‐shaped pattern was again found when data from an additional group of 12‐month‐olds were included. These results confirm bilinguals’ specific developmental pattern of perceptual reorganization for acoustically close vowels and challenge an interpretation merely based on a distributional account.
Gaze behavior and affect at 6 months: predicting clinical outcomes and language development in typically developing infants and infants at risk for autism
Authors: Young Gregory S. , Merin Noah , Rogers Sally J. , Ozonoff Sally
Published: April 2009

This paper presents follow‐up longitudinal data to research that previously suggested the possibility of abnormal gaze behavior marked by decreased eye contact in a subgroup of 6‐month‐old infants at risk for autism (Merin, Young, Ozonoff & Rogers, 2007). Using eye‐tracking data and behavioral data recorded during a live mother–infant interaction involving the still‐face procedure, the predictive utility of gaze behavior and affective behaviors at 6 months was examined using diagnostic outcome data obtained longitudinally over the following 18 months. Results revealed that none of the infants previously identified as showing lower rates of eye contact had any signs of autism at outcome. In contrast, three infants who were diagnosed with autism demonstrated consistent gaze to the eye region and typical affective responses at 6 months. Individual differences in face scanning and affective responsivity during the live interaction were not related to any continuous measures of symptom frequency or symptom severity. In contrast, results of growth curve models for language development revealed significant relationships between face scanning and expressive language. Greater amounts of fixation to the mother's mouth during live interaction predicted higher levels of expressive language at outcome and greater rates of growth. These findings suggest that although gaze behavior at 6 months may not provide early markers for autism as initially conceived, gaze to the mouth in particular may be useful in predicting individual differences in language development.
Biased decision‐making: developing an understanding of how positive and negative relationships may skew judgments
Authors: Mills Candice M. , Grant Meridith G.
Published: April 2009

The current experiment examines if and when children consider the possibility of relationships skewing judgments when evaluating judgments in different contexts. Eighty‐seven 6‐year‐olds, 8‐year‐olds, 10‐year‐olds, and adults heard stories about judges who made decisions matching or mismatching possible relationship biases (e.g. a judge choosing a friend or an enemy as the winner) in contests with objective or subjective criteria. While even 6‐year‐olds distinguished between subjective and objective contests, neither children nor adults focused on the objectivity of the contest criteria when evaluating a judge's claims. Instead, by age 8, if not earlier, children focused on relationships, trusting judgments that mismatched someone's relationship biases and discounting judgments that matched someone's relationship biases. The findings also suggested that children are better at recognizing that a judgment may have been biased than predicting that one will be, and that they may understand that negative relationships may skew judgments before positive ones.
Nap‐dependent learning in infants
Authors: Hupbach Almut , Gomez Rebecca L. , Bootzin Richard R. , Nadel Lynn
Published: April 2009

Sleep has been shown to aid a variety of learning and memory processes in adults (

Stickgold, 2005

). Recently, we showed that infants’ learning also benefits from subsequent sleep such that infants who nap are able to abstract the general grammatical pattern of a briefly presented artificial language (

Gomez, Bootzin & Nadel, 2006

). In the present study, we demonstrate, for the first time, long‐term effects of sleep on memory for an artificial language. Fifteen‐month‐old infants who had napped within 4 hours of language exposure remembered the general grammatical pattern of the language 24 hours later. In contrast, infants who had not napped shortly after being familiarized with the language showed no evidence of remembering anything about the language. Our findings support the view that infants’ frequent napping plays an essential role in establishing long‐term memory.
REGARDING THE SPECTATORS OF THE BAYEUX TAPESTRY: BISHOP ODO AND HIS CIRCLE
Authors: HESLOP T. A.
Published: April 2009

The entourage of Bishop Odo of Bayeux contained successful entrepreneurs and talented scholars. There was much to interest both groups in the Bayeux Tapestry which he commissioned. The Norman invasion of England is shown as a major logistical exercise for which the principal model was Caesar's invasion of 54 bce. Like the Romans, the Normans became successful colonists and farmed the land. The Tapestry also has epic qualities, recalling the poetic ‘histories’ of antiquity, especially Virgil's Aeneid, which provides parallels for episodes and incidents in the Tapestry also found in the written accounts of the Norman invasion. The rhetorical nature of history itself, ideally vivid, allusive and yet truthful, was receiving critical scrutiny at the time as part of a self‐conscious revival of classical narrative styles
THE CONCEPT OF ‘ART’ IN HENRICIAN ENGLAND
Authors: STRING TATIANA C.
Published: April 2009

This article suggests revisions to the scholarly orthodoxies concerning the status of art in Early Modern England, particularly during the reign of Henry viii. In the absence of the theoretical discussions of art that existed elsewhere in Europe, one must explore other methodological possibilities. What emerges is a more sophisticated appreciation of art than has been realized. Of particular value as evidence are the royal inventories, which reveal not only the types of art collected, but also the manner of its display. The approaches adopted here, it is argued, have wider applications beyond the study of Tudor England.
WINSLOW HOMER AND THE MECHANICS OF VISUAL DEADPAN
Authors: GREENHILL JENNIFER A.
Published: April 2009

This essay argues for the central importance of the ‘gag’ to Winslow Homer's early paintings, made during the American Civil War. As his entrée into the New York art world in these years Homer creates a form of visual deadpan that spoke to the ‘comical and coffinly’ circumstances of the war, resonated with the methods of the period's controversial platform comedians, and answered the critical call for a ‘higher sort of humor’ that moved beyond the antics of the antebellum comic mode of the 1850s.