bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient least‐squares imaging with sparsity promotion and compressive sensing
Authors: Herrmann Felix J. , Li Xiang
Published: January 2012

Seismic imaging is a linearized inversion problem relying on the minimization of a least‐squares misfit functional as a function of the medium perturbation. The success of this procedure hinges on our ability to handle large systems of equations – whose size grows exponentially with the demand for higher resolution images in more and more complicated areas – and our ability to invert these systems given a limited amount of computational resources. To overcome this ‘curse of dimensionality’ in problem size and computational complexity, we propose a combination of randomized dimensionality‐reduction and divide‐and‐conquer techniques. This approach allows us to take advantage of sophisticated sparsity‐promoting solvers that work on a series of smaller subproblems each involving a small randomized subset of data. These subsets correspond to artificial simultaneous‐source experiments made of random superpositions of sequential‐source experiments. By changing these subsets after each subproblem is solved, we are able to attain an inversion quality that is competitive while requiring fewer computational and possibly, fewer acquisition resources.

Application of this concept to a controlled series of experiments shows the validity of our approach and the relationship between its efficiency – by reducing the number of sources and hence the number of wave‐equation solves – and the image quality. Application of our dimensionality‐reduction methodology with sparsity promotion to a complicated synthetic with a well‐log constrained structure also yields excellent results underlining the importance of sparsity promotion.
Research Note: Internal/external seismic source wavefield separation and cancellation
Authors: Thomson C.J.
Published: January 2012

A compact representation is obtained for the separation of a scalar wavefield on a closed surface into parts due to internal and external sources. The formula assumes that the total field and its gradients are known on the surface, as is the exact Green function of the medium. The derivation involves four rather straightforward applications of Green’s theorem or the representation theorem, though it is a remarkable result in that waves from either source that traverse the boundary many times are appropriately separated. The intermediate results at the four steps of the derivation also shed light on the possibility of acoustic shielding from unwanted sources without knowledge of the Green function for the medium.
Scrotal asymmetry, varicocoele and the Riace Bronzes
Authors: Bonafini B. , Pozzilli P.
Published: January 2012

In 1972, a pair of remarkably attractive Greek statues, later named Riace Bronzes, were found along the Mediterranean coast in the province of Reggio Calabria, Italy. We analyse the Riace Bronzes in the context of previous research on scrotal asymmetry in Greek statues. By examining their testis, one can define a more exact time of their dating by placing them beside previous observations of scrotal asymmetry, and possibly by taking a pathological condition, varicocoele, as an influencing factor in determining the appearance of the testis. In statue A of the Riace Bronzes, the left testicle is remarkably lower compared with the right one; it also appears as it looks when under physical examination varicocoele is suspected. Being located on the left testicle (as in 90% of cases) and by sight, we feel sufficiently confident to affirm that varicocoele might be diagnosed.
Extraction optimisation and antioxidant activities in vitro of polysaccharides from Allium macrostemon Bunge
Authors: Zhang Zhanjun , Wang Fuhua , Wang Mingchun , Ma Liping , Zeng Xiaoxiong
Published: January 2012

A four‐factor and three‐level Box–Behnken design was used to optimise the extraction parameters for polysaccharides from Allium macrostemon Bunge (AMBP). As a result, the optimal conditions for AMBP extraction were the following: extraction temperature, 87 °C; ratio of water to raw material, 12 mL g−1; extraction time, 100 min; and extraction times, 3. Then, a graded ethanol precipitation was used to fractionate the water‐extractable polysaccharides, resulting in three polysaccharides fractions of AMBP40, AMBP60 and AMBP80. During in vitro antioxidant assay, AMBP40 exhibited relative stronger scavenging activities on hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical and metal chelating activity than AMBP60 and AMBP80. The differences in antioxidant activities in vitro might be due to their differences in molecular weight and uronic acid content.
Lived experiences of Iranian family member caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease: caring as ‘captured in the whirlpool of time’
Authors: Navab Elham , Negarandeh Reza , Peyrovi Hamid
Published: January 2012

Aims and objectives.  This study aimed to understand the experiences of Iranian family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease.

Background.  Increasing rate of Alzheimer’s disease along with the ageing population has made this disease an urgent public health challenge worldwide. As non‐professional caregivers, family members play a significant role in delivering care to elders, most of whom have one or more chronic diseases. Family‐based caregiving has expanded with the encouragement of non‐institutionalisation but at the same time creates challenges for caregivers.

Design.  A qualitative study was conducted using Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology.

Methods.  Eight Iranian family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease were interviewed. Interviews were audio‐taped and transcribed; data were analysed by Van Manen’s methodology.

Results.  One of the most important themes that emerged was ‘captured in the whirlpool of time’, which also contained the subthemes of ‘reminiscence of past’ and ‘being afraid of the future’. Family caregivers frequently remembered their common past experiences when interacting with their loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, as though travelling with him/her to the past. Furthermore, caregivers continually compared the past abilities of their relative with their present condition, which resulted in feelings of loss and regret. Further, the unpredictable nature of Alzheimer’s disease created fear about the future deterioration of the condition and caregivers’ future suffering.

Conclusions.  The findings demonstrated the necessity of providing continuous education and support for family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses are among front‐line professionals who are in a position to support and provide information for family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease.
‘Missing link’ species Capsella orientalis and Capsella thracica elucidate evolution of model plant genus Capsella (Brassicaceae)
Authors: HURKA HERBERT , FRIESEN NIKOLAI , GERMAN DMITRY A. , FRANZKE ANDREAS , NEUFFER BARBARA
Published: January 2012

To elucidate the evolutionary history of the genus Capsella, we included the hitherto poorly known species C. orientalis and C. thracica into our studies together with C. grandiflora, C. rubella and C. bursa‐pastoris. We sequenced the ITS and four loci of noncoding cpDNA regions (trnL – F, rps16, trnH –psbA and trnQ –rps16). Sequence data were evaluated with parsimony and Bayesian analyses. Divergence time estimates were carried out with the software package BEAST. We also performed isozyme, cytological, morphological and biogeographic studies. Capsella orientalis (self‐compatible, SC; 2n = 16) forms a clade (eastern lineage) with C. bursa‐pastoris (SC; 2n = 32), which is a sister clade (western lineage) to C. grandiflora (self‐incompatible, SI; 2n = 16) and C. rubella (SC; 2n = 16). Capsella bursa‐pastoris is an autopolyploid species of multiple origin, whereas the Bulgarian endemic C. thracica (SC; 2n = 32) is allopolyploid and emerged from interspecific hybridization between C. bursa‐pastoris and C. grandiflora. The common ancestor of the two lineages was diploid and SI, and its distribution ranged from eastern Europe to central Asia, predominantly confined to steppe‐like habitats. Biogeographic dynamics during the Pleistocene caused geographic and genetic subdivisions within the common ancestor giving rise to the two extant lineages.
A new method for focal transient cerebral ischaemia by distal compression of the middle cerebral artery
Authors: Morancho Anna , García‐Bonilla Lidia , Barceló Verónica , Giralt Dolors , Campos‐Martorell Mireia , Garcia Sandra , Montaner Joan , Rosell Anna
Published: January 2012

A. Morancho, L. García‐Bonilla, V. Barceló, D. Giralt, M. Campos‐Martorell, S. Garcia, J. Montaner and A. Rosell (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 617–627

A new method for focal transient cerebral ischaemia by distal compression of the middle cerebral artery

Aims: Rodent experimental models are essential for in vivo study of stroke. Our aim was to develop a reproducible method of mouse transient focal cerebral ischaemia by distal artery compression. Methods: The distal middle cerebral artery (dMCA) was occluded by compression with a blunted needle, and cerebral blood flow was monitored by laser Doppler flowmetry to ensure appropriate occlusion and reperfusion in Balb/c mice. The ischaemic lesion was evaluated 24 h after occlusion by TTC staining and immunolabelling (NeuN, CD31, GFAP and Iba‐1) while the established permanent dMCA occlusion (dMCAO) model was used as a control. The corner test was performed to evaluate neurological behaviour. Results: Laser Doppler flowmetry register showed a homogenous arterial occlusion among animals. Forty‐five minutes of arterial occlusion did not lead brain infarction when evaluated by TTC staining 24 h after occlusion. Extending the cerebral ischaemia period to 60 min induced a cortically localized homogeneous brain infarct. No differences in infarct volume were detected between animals submitted to permanent or 60‐min transient dMCAO (42.33 ± 9.88 mm3 and 37.63 ± 12.09 mm3 respectively). The ischaemic injury was confirmed by immunohistochemistry in the 60‐min transient dMCAO model but not in the 45‐min model. Neurological deficits assessed with the corner test were significant only during the first 48 h but not at long term. Conclusions: This work shows an easy‐to‐perform method for the induction of brain ischaemia and reperfusion to assess stroke repair and treatment screening, with cortically localized ischaemic cell damage, low mortality and neurological impairment in the acute phase.
California Very Preterm Birth Study: design and characteristics of the population‐ and biospecimen bank‐based nested case–control study
Authors: Kharrazi Martin , Pearl Michelle , Yang Juan , DeLorenze Gerald N. , Bean Christopher J. , Callaghan William M. , Grant Althea , Lackritz Eve , Romero Roberto , Satten Glen A. , Simhan Hyagriv , Torres Anthony R. , Westover Jonna B. , Yolken Robert , Williamson Dhelia M.
Published: January 2012

Kharrazi M, Pearl M, Yang J, DeLorenze GN, Bean CJ, Callaghan WM, Grant A, Lackritz E, Romero R, Satten GA, Simhan H, Torres AR, Westover JB, Yolken R, Williamson DM. California Very Preterm Birth Study: design and characteristics of the population‐ and biospecimen bank‐based nested case–control study. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2012; 26: 250–263.

Very preterm birth (VPTB) is a leading cause of infant mortality, morbidity and racial disparity in the US. The underlying causes of VPTB are multiple and poorly understood. The California Very Preterm Birth Study was conducted to discover maternal and infant genetic and environmental factors associated with VPTB. This paper describes the study design, population, data and specimen collection, laboratory methods and characteristics of the study population. Using a large, population‐based cohort created through record linkage of livebirths delivered from 2000 to 2007 in five counties of southern California, and existing data and banked specimens from statewide prenatal and newborn screening, 1100 VPTB cases and 796 control mother–infant pairs were selected for study (385/200 White, 385/253 Hispanic and 330/343 Black cases/controls, respectively). Medical record abstraction of cases was conducted at over 50 hospitals to identify spontaneous VPTB, improve accuracy of gestational age, obtain relevant clinical data and exclude cases that did not meet eligibility criteria. VPTB was defined as birth at <32 weeks in Whites and Hispanics and <34 weeks in Blacks. Approximately 55% of all VPTBs were spontaneous and 45% had medical indications or other exclusions. Of the spontaneous VPTBs, approximately 41% were reported to have chorioamnionitis. While the current focus of the California Very Preterm Birth Study is to assess the role of candidate genetic markers on spontaneous VPTB, its design enables the pursuit of other research opportunities to identify social, clinical and biological determinants of different types of VPTB with the ultimate aim of reducing infant mortality, morbidity and racial disparities in these health outcomes in the US and elsewhere.
Soluble and filamentous proteins in Arabidopsis sieve elements
Authors: BATAILLER BRIGITTE , LEMAÎTRE THOMAS , VILAINE FRANÇOISE , SANCHEZ CHRISTIAN , RENARD DENIS , CAYLA THIBAUD , BENETEAU JULIE , DINANT SYLVIE
Published: January 2012

Phloem sieve elements are highly differentiated cells involved in the long‐distance transport of photoassimilates. These cells contain both aggregated phloem‐proteins (P‐proteins) and soluble proteins, which are also translocated by mass flow. We used liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) to carry out a proteomic survey of the phloem exudate of Arabidopsis thaliana, collected by the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)‐facilitated method. We identified 287 proteins, a large proportion of which were enzymes involved in the metabolic precursor generation and amino acid synthesis, suggesting that sieve tubes display high levels of metabolic activity. RNA‐binding proteins, defence proteins and lectins were also found. No putative P‐proteins were detected in the EDTA‐exudate fraction, indicating a lack of long‐distance translocation of such proteins in Arabidopsis. In parallel, we investigated the organization of P‐proteins, by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, and the localization of the phloem lectin PP2, a putative P‐protein component, by immunolocalization with antibodies against PP2‐A1. Transmission electron microscopy observations of P‐proteins revealed bundles of filaments resembling strings of beads. PP2‐A1 was found weakly associated with these structures in the sieve elements and bound to plastids. These observations suggest that PP2‐A1 is anchored to P‐proteins and organelles rather than being a structural component of P‐proteins.
Mutations in the NOG gene are commonly found in congenital stapes ankylosis with symphalangism, but not in otosclerosis
Authors: Usami S , Abe S , Nishio S , Sakurai Y , Kojima H , Tono T , Suzuki N
Published: January 2012

Usami S, Abe S, Nishio S, Sakurai Y, Kojima H, Tono T, Suzuki N. Mutations in the NOG gene are commonly found in congenital stapes ankylosis with symphalangism, but not in otosclerosis.

Human noggin (NOG) is a responsible gene for multiple synostosis syndrome (SYNS1) and proximal symphalangism (SYM1), two conditions that are recently known to be within a wider range of clinical manifestations of stapes ankylosis with symphalangism. This study was performed to determine the range of phenotype caused by NOG mutations, using Japanese patients with various phenotypes including sporadic inherited SYM1, dominantly inherited SYM1, stapes ankylosis with broad thumb and toes (Teunissen and Cremer syndrome). In addition, 33 patients with typical otosclerosis (without symphalangism) were studied. Direct sequencing analysis disclosed three novel mutations of the NOG gene in three SYM1 families. None of the otosclerosis patients without symphalangism had NOG mutations, indicating that NOG mutations may be restrictively found within patients with various skeletal abnormalities. These results together with the literature review indicated that there are no clear genotype–phenotype correlations for NOG mutations. With regard to surgical outcome, most of the patients in these three families with NOG mutations showed remarkable air–bone gap recovery after stapes surgery. Molecular genetic testing is useful to differentiate syndromic stapes ankylosis from otosclerosis, and even mild skeletal anomalies can be a diagnostic indicator of NOG‐associated disease.
Seismic Signaling is Crucial for Female Mate Choice in a Multimodal Signaling Wolf Spider
Authors: Wilgers Dustin J. , Hebets Eileen A.
Published: January 2012

Complex courtship signals can be dissected into distinct components that can either function independently or via interactions with one another. Male Rabidosa rabida wolf spiders use courtship displays that couple a seismic signal with the waving of an ornamented foreleg. While previous studies suggest that female R. rabida exhibit mate choice and that both the seismic and visual modalities are important in mating interactions, it remains unclear how variation in each component influences female mating decisions. To investigate this, we ran two separate experiments in which we manipulated (1) male diets, to induce variation in the seismic courtship signal, and (2) male foreleg color, to artificially induce variation in visual foreleg ornamentation. To determine the influence of variation in each component independently, females were paired with males in environments that allowed the detection of only the manipulated signal component (e.g. seismic signal only and visual signal only). Variability in the seismic signal alone influenced female mate choice, but variability in visual ornamentation alone did not. In a third experiment, we manipulated foreleg color and allowed it to interact with the seismic signal to determine whether inter‐signal interactions influence female mating decisions. When females were able to detect both signal components, variation in visual ornamentation did influence mate choice – females preferred ornamented males. Together, these results suggest that the seismic signal of male R. rabida is integral for female mate choice and that the components of the courtship display interact to influence female mating decisions.
Primary cutaneous CD30 positive T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders with aberrant expression of PAX5: Report of three cases
Authors: Hagiwara Masahiro , Tomita Akihiro , Takata Katsuyoshi , Shimoyama Yoshie , Yoshino Tadashi , Tomita Yasushi , Nakamura Shigeo
Published: January 2012

Accurate diagnosis of lymphoma includes the assessment of lineage‐specific markers. Hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues express PAX5 exclusively in pro‐B‐cell to mature B‐cell stages. However, some mature PAX5+ T‐cell lymphomas have been reported. We report three cases of primary cutaneous CD30+ T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) with PAX5 expression: one cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and two cases of lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP). The three patients were 26 years old and female, 75 years old and female, and 65 years old and male. In all cases, Hodgkin's and Reed‐Sternberg‐like large lymphoid cells were present, positive for CD30, fascin, and PAX5, and negative for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD45RO, CD56, cytotoxic markers, and Epstein‐Barr virus. The ALCL was accompanied by lymphadenopathy; the patient died of progressive disease 5 months after diagnosis. The LyP cases were localized in the skin with spontaneous regression. One case was diagnosed during pregnancy, transformed to ALCL, and ended in death 32 months after diagnosis despite multi‐agent chemotherapy. This study is the first to address the clinical significance of PAX5+ primary cutaneous CD30+ T‐cell LPDs. These cases were distinct regarding PAX5 expression and a relatively aggressive clinical course versus conventional primary cutaneous CD30+ T‐cell LPDs.
Validation of the Sarcoidosis Health Questionnaire in a non‐US population
Authors: DE BOER SALLY , WILSHER MARGARET L.
Published: January 2012

Background and objective:  Sarcoidosis is a multi‐system disease with an unpredictable course and variable clinical manifestations that are often associated with impaired quality of life. The Sarcoidosis Health Questionnaire (SHQ), which was developed for an 80% African American population, assesses health‐related quality of life in sarcoidosis patients. The aim of this study was to validate the SHQ in a predominantly European population of sarcoidosis patients.

Methods:  Consecutive outpatients (n = 92) with sarcoidosis, who were attending a teaching hospital clinic, completed three questionnaires (SHQ, Short Form (SF) 36, Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS)) and pulmonary function tests were performed.

Results:  The mean age of the patients was 51 years, 52% were males and 74% were of European ethnicity. The mean number of organs involved was 1.3, with pulmonary involvement in 95% of patients (mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s 74.4%, forced vital capacity 84.6%). Seventy percent of patients had current symptoms and 26.5% were receiving immunosuppressant therapy. The SHQ total score (mean 5.13) was significantly correlated with the SF 36 physical component score (46.7, r = 0.78) and the FAS (20.8, r = −0.7) but only weakly correlated with pulmonary function. There were significant differences in SHQ scores when patients were stratified according to symptoms, oral therapy, health status (P < 0.0001 for all), forced expiratory volume in 1 s ≥70% (P = 0.008) and forced vital capacity ≥70% (P = 0.01).

Conclusions:  The SHQ correlated well with health‐related quality of life and fatigue measures in a predominantly European population of sarcoidosis patients, despite differences in organ involvement and disease burden, when compared with the development study.
Low‐dose azithromycin improves phagocytosis of bacteria by both alveolar and monocyte‐derived macrophagesin chronic obstructive pulmonary disease subjects
Authors: HODGE SANDRA , REYNOLDS PAUL N.
Published: January 2012

Background and objective:  Chronic inflammation and reduced airways integrity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) potentially results from secondary necrosis as a result of impaired phagocytosis of apoptotic material by airway macrophages, and increased bacterial colonization. We have previously shown that administration of low‐dose azithromycin to subjects with COPD improved macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic airway epithelial cells, reduced inflammation and increased expression of macrophage mannose receptor.

Methods:  We firstly investigated whether there were defects in the ability of both alveolar (AM) and monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDM) to phagocytose bacteria in COPD, as we have previously reported for phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. We then assessed the effects of administration of low‐dose azithromycin to COPD patients on the ability of AM and MDM to phagocytose bacteria. Azithromycin (250 mg orally daily for 5 days then 2× weekly (total 12 weeks)) was administered to 11 COPD subjects and phagocytosis of fluorescein isothiocyanate‐labelled Escherichia coli assessed by flow cytometry.

Results:  COPD subjects had a significant defect in the ability of both AM and MDM to phagocytose bacteria that was significantly improved by administration of low‐dose azithromycin

Conclusions:  The data provide further support for the long‐term use of low dose azithromycin as an attractive adjunct treatment option for COPD. Improved clearance of both apoptotic cells and bacteria in the airway may have a dual effect; reducing the risk of secondary necrosis and release of toxic cell contents that perpetuate inflammation as well as contributing to a reduction in the rate of exacerbations in COPD.
Comparative study between depression in Korean elderly with mild cognitive impairment and normal cognitive function
Authors: Shin Kyung‐Rim , Kang Younhee , Kim Miyoung , Jung Dukyoo , Kim Mijung
Published: January 2012

This cross‐sectional comparative study compares differences in depression in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment and those with normal cognitive function in a community. Study subjects were drawn from elderly people visiting one particular public health center in Seoul, South Korea and included 81 people with mild cognitive impairment and 81 with normal cognitive function who were matched based on age, sex, education, and daily living activities. Study variables, including cognitive function, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and depression, were measured with standardized instruments. Collected data were statistically analyzed with Student's paired t‐test and χ2 test. The results showed no significant differences between these groups in terms of depression. Therefore, in community practice settings, nurses should understand that depression is not a manifestation of cognitive impairment and should develop effective nursing strategies to assess depression while considering other factors including age, sex, education, and daily living activities.
How many life years are lost in patients with rheumatoid arthritis? Secular cause‐specific and all‐cause mortality in rheumatoid arthritis, and their predictors in a long‐term Australian cohort study
Authors: Lassere M. N. , Rappo J. , Portek I. J. , Sturgess A. , Edmonds J. P.
Published: January 2012

Background

There is an excess of mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but no long‐term Australian cohort data.

Aims

To determine median life years lost, all‐cause standardised mortality ratio (SMR) and cause‐specific SMR, their predictors and secular change in Australian patients with RA.

Methods

Study population was all patients seen by a rheumatologist between 1990 and 1994. Record linkage with Australian National Death Index was performed to determine fact and cause of death up to 2004. All‐cause and cause‐specific SMR, and median life years lost were determined.

Results

There were 35 (31%) deaths in the early 1990s cohort (n = 113), SMR 1.31 (95% 0.93, 1.80). There were 216 (44%) deaths in the pre‐1990s established cohort (n = 495), SMR 1.73 (1.49, 1.95). Median life years lost in the early cohort was 6 years for males and 7 years for females compared with 8 and 10 years, respectively, in the established cohort. Patients with low disease activity score at baseline (DAS < 3.2), SMR was 0.8 (0.3, 2.2) and 1.5 (1.1, 2.2) for the early and established cohorts, and if DAS ≥3.2, SMR was 1.4 (1.02, 1.98) and 1.8 (1.5, 2.1) respectively. Primary cause of death was cardiovascular disease (SMR 1.43 (1.17, 1.74). Patients at most risk were those age 45–54 years. RA was listed as a comorbid condition on the death certificate in only 16% of patients.

Conclusions

Within a period of 14 years, median life expectancy of patients with RA with disease onset in the early 1990s is reduced by 6–7 years. However, our results also suggest a secular reduction in excess mortality.
The differential modulation of the ventral premotor–motor interaction during movement initiation is deficient in patients with focal hand dystonia
Authors: Houdayer Elise , Beck Sandra , Karabanov Anke , Poston Brach , Hallett Mark
Published: January 2012

A major feature of focal hand dystonia (FHD) pathophysiology is the loss of inhibition. One inhibitory process, surround inhibition, for which the cortical mechanisms are still unknown, is abnormal in FHD. As the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) plays a key role in the sensorimotor processing involved in shaping finger movements and has many projections onto the primary motor cortex (M1), we hypothesized that the PMv–M1 connections might play a role in surround inhibition. A paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation paradigm was used in order to evaluate and compare the PMv–M1 interactions during different phases (rest, preparation and execution) of an index finger movement in patients with FHD and controls. A sub‐threshold conditioning pulse (80% resting motor threshold) was applied to the PMv at 6 ms before M1 stimulation. The right abductor pollicis brevis, a surround muscle, was the target muscle. In healthy controls, the results showed that PMv stimulation induced an ipsilateral ventral premotor–motor inhibition at rest. This cortico‐cortical interaction changed into an early facilitation (100 ms before movement onset) and turned back to inhibition 50 ms later. In patients with FHD, this PMv–M1 interaction and its modulation were absent. Our results show that, although the ipsilateral ventral premotor–motor inhibition does not play a key role in the genesis of surround inhibition, PMv has a dynamic influence on M1 excitability during the early steps of motor execution. The impaired cortico‐cortical interactions observed in patients with FHD might contribute, at least in part, to the abnormal motor command.
Adaptation in the auditory midbrain of the barn owl (Tyto alba) induced by tonal double stimulation
Authors: Singheiser Martin , Ferger Roland , von Campenhausen Mark , Wagner Hermann
Published: January 2012

During hunting, the barn owl typically listens to several successive sounds as generated, for example, by rustling mice. As auditory cells exhibit adaptive coding, the earlier stimuli may influence the detection of the later stimuli. This situation was mimicked with two double‐stimulus paradigms, and adaptation was investigated in neurons of the barn owl’s central nucleus of the inferior colliculus. Each double‐stimulus paradigm consisted of a first or reference stimulus and a second stimulus (probe). In one paradigm (second level tuning), the probe level was varied, whereas in the other paradigm (inter‐stimulus interval tuning), the stimulus interval between the first and second stimulus was changed systematically. Neurons were stimulated with monaural pure tones at the best frequency, while the response was recorded extracellularly. The responses to the probe were significantly reduced when the reference stimulus and probe had the same level and the inter‐stimulus interval was short. This indicated response adaptation, which could be compensated for by an increase of the probe level of 5–7 dB over the reference level, if the latter was in the lower half of the dynamic range of a neuron’s rate‐level function. Recovery from adaptation could be best fitted with a double exponential showing a fast (1.25 ms) and a slow (800 ms) component. These results suggest that neurons in the auditory system show dynamic coding properties to tonal double stimulation that might be relevant for faithful upstream signal propagation. Furthermore, the overall stimulus level of the masker also seems to affect the recovery capabilities of auditory neurons.
Managerial Risk‐taking in International Acquisitions in the Brewery Industry: Institutional and Ownership Influences Compared
Authors: Geppert Mike , Dörrenbächer Christoph , Gammelgaard Jens , Taplin Ian
Published: January 2012

This paper deals with the role that institutional differences play in managerial risk‐taking when firms engage in international acquisitions. It is assumed that multinational corporations (MNCs) have different interests and capabilities when dealing with international acquisition, which in the authors’ view are significantly shaped by specific home country institutional influences. This study concerns the question of how different forms of ownership – concentrated (e.g. family and bank based) and dispersed (stock market based) – influence risk‐taking and managerial decision‐making in large international acquisitions. Comparing a total of 12 large acquisitions of four leadingMNCsin the global brewery industry, the paper shows that mutually reinforcing influences of country of origin (coordinated vs liberal market economies) and ownership (family ownership vs stock market ownership) lead to different risk profiles and managerial risk‐taking with regard to international acquisitions.
‘RENEWING DEFRA’: EXPLORING THE EMERGENCE OF RISK‐BASED POLICYMAKING IN UK CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
Authors: ROTHSTEIN HENRY , DOWNER JOHN
Published: January 2012

Risk‐based policymaking is a form of reflexive policymaking that uses risk analysis to address both the primary objects of policy interventions and their secondary adverse consequences. As such, it has become central to debates about efficiency, control and accountability in UK government. To better understand the factors shaping its emergence, this article studies the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (Defra) adoption of risk‐based policymaking. In‐depth interviews with Defra staff suggest that risk‐based policymaking serves conflicting objectives and struggles to perform its ostensive functions. The article concludes, first, that risk understandings can be organizationally filtered in ways that reinforce rather than challenge entrenched policy practices. Second, that using risk‐based policymaking for audit purposes can undermine policymaking reflexivity. Third, that the value of risk ideas in reconciling competing accountability and blame‐avoidance pressures leads to risk ‘colonizing’ increasing dimensions of policymaking.
INTRODUCTION: PROCESSES OF CHANGE IN URBAN SYSTEMS*
Authors: Storper Michael , van Marrewijk Charles , van Oort Frank G.
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT The twenty‐first century will be one of intensified urbanization, on a scale never before experienced. How do urban systems and individual cities change and develop? The social sciences have many different approaches to analyzing the economic, social, and spatial dimensions of urban change. We inventory some of these approaches and their implications for public policy toward cities, urban change, and economic development.
THE BORDER POPULATION EFFECTS OF EU INTEGRATION*
Authors: Brakman Steven , Garretsen Harry , van Marrewijk Charles , Oumer Abdella
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT Border cities or regions are in theory more affected by the EU integration process than more central locations as it more drastically influences their transaction costs and market potential. We find a positive empirical effect of EU enlargement as measured by the growth in population share along the integration borders. This effect is active for a limited distance (70 km) and time period (30 years), and is more important for large cities and regions. Despite this positive EU enlargement effect along the border, a location close to a border remains a burden in view of the (larger) negative general border effect.
Informal Referrals, Employment, and Wages: Seeking Causal Relationships
Authors: Diaz Ana Maria
Published: January 2012

Employers and job seekers rely extensively on informal referrals to fill vacancies or to find a job. The widespread use of job contacts has been largely associated with labor outcomes, such as finding a job or even affecting wages. This paper explores whether the use of informal referrals on the job search process affects labor market outcomes of Colombian urban workers. Results indicate that informal referrals are slightly more successful than other job search strategies in term of job seeker's placement. However, referred workers earn in average less than their non‐referred counterparts. Yet, this is only true in formal‐sector positions.
Somatic neuropathy is an independent predictor of all‐ and diabetes‐related mortality in type 2 diabetic patients: a population‐based 5‐year follow‐up study (KCIS No. 29)
Authors: Hsu W.‐C. , Chiu S. Y.‐H. , Yen A. M.‐F. , Chen L.‐S. , Fann C.‐Y. , Liao C.‐S. , Chen H.‐H.
Published: January 2012

Background and purpose:  To investigate the relationships of diabetic neuropathy to all‐cause and diabetes‐related mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes after controlling for significant correlates.

Methods:  We examined 326 patients diagnosed as diabetic polyneuropathy by nerve conduction study in Keelung city, Taiwan, in 2002 and followed them up to ascertain the cause and date of death until the end of 2006. The cause and date of death were recorded for the deceased patients. Information on significant correlates in association with diabetic polyneuropathy and all‐cause and diabetes‐related mortality was also collected.

Results:  With median follow‐up time of 62.28 months, 44 patients with type 2 diabetes died. The cause of death related to diabetes accounted for 59% (n = 26) of the deceased. Univariate analysis shows that the presence of diabetic neuropathy confers higher risk for all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.88) and mortality from diabetes (HR = 6.58). The significant finding still persisted after adjustment for age, gender, blood pressure, smoking, history of cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease, duration of diabetes, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, hemoglobin, and creatinine (adjusted HR = 4.44 for all‐cause death and adjusted HR = 11.82 for diabetes‐related mortality, respectively).

Conclusions:  Diabetic polyneuropathy was an independent predictor for all‐cause and diabetes‐related mortality. The presence of neuropathy together with other significant prognostic factors is informative to predict all‐cause death and death from diabetes‐related disease for patients diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Cognitive performance and electrophysiological indices of cognitive control: A validation study of conflict adaptation
Authors: Clayson Peter E. , Larson Michael J.
Published: January 2012

Psychiatric and neurologic disorders are associated with deficits in the postconflict recruitment of cognitive control. The primary aim of this study was to validate the relationship between cognitive functioning and indices of conflict adaptation. Event‐related potentials were obtained from 89 healthy individuals who completed an Eriksen flanker task. Neuropsychological domains tested included memory, verbal fluency, and attention/executive functioning. Behavioral measures and N2 amplitudes showed significant conflict adaptation (i.e., previous‐trial congruencies influenced current‐trial measures). Higher scores on the attention/executive functioning and verbal fluency domains were associated with larger incongruent‐trial N2 conflict adaptation; measures of cognitive functioning were not related to behavioral indices. This study provides initial validation of N2 conflict adaptation effects as cognitive function‐related aspects of cognitive control.
‘What can I do to help?’: Postsecondary students with learning disabilities' perceptions of instructors' classroom accommodations
Authors: Quinlan Margaret M. , Bates Benjamin R. , Angell Maureen E.
Published: January 2012

This qualitative research report adopts a critical pedagogy perspective to examine the provision of classroom accommodations for postsecondary students with learning disabilities. Although instructors in the United States are bound to abide by disability rights laws, we also believe instructors can act in ways that allow students to feel comfortable in disclosing their disabilities and in requesting and accessing accommodations for these disabilities. We engaged the voices of 10 university students living with learning disabilities through a series of semi‐structured interviews. These students offered a variety of statements on the ways that their disabilities were accommodated or not by their instructors. We classified these perceptions into three kinds of accommodation perceived by university students with learning disabilities: non‐accommodation, formal accommodation and accommodation for all students. We discuss the implications that these types of accommodations have for pedagogy and offer recommendations for effective techniques for accommodating for all. We hope the voices of these students will serve to enhance communication between students with learning disabilities and their professors.
The antidote effect of quinone oxidoreductase 2 inhibitor against paraquat‐induced toxicity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Janda Elzbieta , Parafati Maddalena , Aprigliano Serafina , Carresi Cristina , Visalli Valeria , Sacco Iolanda , Ventrice Domenica , Mega Tiziana , Vadalá Nuria , Rinaldi Stefano , Musolino Vincenzo , Palma Ernesto , Gratteri Santo , Rotiroti Domenicantonio , Mollace Vincenzo
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The mechanisms of paraquat (PQ)‐induced toxicity are poorly understood and PQ poisoning is often fatal due to a lack of effective antidotes. In this study we report the effects of N‐[2‐(2‐methoxy‐6H‐dipyrido{2,3‐a:3,2‐e}pyrrolizin‐11‐yl)ethyl]‐2‐furamide (NMDPEF), a melatonin‐related inhibitor of quinone oxidoreductase2 (QR2) on the toxicity of PQ in vitro & in vivo.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Prevention of PQ‐induced toxicity was tested in different cells, including primary pneumocytes and astroglial U373 cells. Cell death and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analysed by flow cytometry and fluorescent probes. QR2 silencing was achieved by lentiviral shRNAs. PQ (30 mg·kg−1) and NMDPEF were administered i.p. to Wistar rats and animals were monitored for 28 days. PQ toxicity in the substantia nigra (SN) was tested by a localized microinfusion and electrocorticography. QR2 activity was measured by fluorimetry of N‐benzyldihydronicotinamide oxidation.

KEY RESULTS NMDPEF potently antagonized non‐apoptotic PQ‐induced cell death, ROS generation and inhibited cellular QR2 activity. In contrast, the cytoprotective effect of melatonin and apocynin was limited and transient compared with NMDPEF. Silencing of QR2 attenuated PQ‐induced cell death and reduced the efficacy of NMDPEF. Significantly, NMDPEF (4.5 mg·kg−1) potently antagonized PQ‐induced systemic toxicity and animal mortality. Microinfusion of NMDPEF into SN prevented severe behavioural and electrocortical effects of PQ which correlated with inhibition of malondialdehyde accumulation in cells and tissues.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS NMDPEF protected against PQ‐induced toxicity in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a key role for QR2 in the regulation of oxidative stress.

LINKED ARTICLE This article is commented on by Baltazar et al., pp. 44–45 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2012.02017.x
Pharmacology and functions of receptors for vasoactive intestinal peptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide: IUPHAR Review 1
Authors: Harmar Anthony J , Fahrenkrug Jan , Gozes Illana , Laburthe Marc , May Victor , Pisegna Joseph R , Vaudry David , Vaudry Hubert , Waschek James A , Said Sami I
Published: January 2012

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) are members of a superfamily of structurally related peptide hormones that includes glucagon, glucagon‐like peptides, secretin, gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) and growth hormone‐releasing hormone (GHRH). VIP and PACAP exert their actions through three GPCRs – PAC1, VPAC1 and VPAC2– belonging to class B (also referred to as class II, or secretin receptor‐like GPCRs). This family comprises receptors for all peptides structurally related to VIP and PACAP, and also receptors for parathyroid hormone, corticotropin‐releasing factor, calcitonin and related peptides. PAC1 receptors are selective for PACAP, whereas VPAC1 and VPAC2 respond to both VIP and PACAP with high affinity. VIP and PACAP play diverse and important roles in the CNS, with functions in the control of circadian rhythms, learning and memory, anxiety and responses to stress and brain injury. Recent genetic studies also implicate the VPAC2 receptor in susceptibility to schizophrenia and the PAC1 receptor in post‐traumatic stress disorder. In the periphery, VIP and PACAP play important roles in the control of immunity and inflammation, the control of pancreatic insulin secretion, the release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla and as co‐transmitters in autonomic and sensory neurons. This article, written by members of the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology Committee on Receptor Nomenclature and Drug Classification (NC‐IUPHAR) subcommittee on receptors for VIP and PACAP, confirms the existing nomenclature for these receptors and reviews our current understanding of their structure, pharmacology and functions and their likely physiological roles in health and disease. More detailed information has been incorporated into newly revised pages in the IUPHAR database (http://www.iuphar‐db.org/DATABASE/FamilyMenuForward?familyId=67).

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Secretin Family (Class B) G Protein‐Coupled Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.166.issue‐1
Preclinical studies identify novel targeted pharmacological strategies for treatment of human malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Favoni Roberto E , Daga Antonio , Malatesta Paolo , Florio Tullio
Published: January 2012

The incidence of human malignant pleural mesothelioma (hMPM) is still increasing worldwide. hMPM prognosis is poor even if the median survival time has been slightly improved after the introduction of the up‐to‐date chemotherapy. Nevertheless, large phase II/III trials support the combination of platinum derivatives and pemetrexed or raltitrexed, as preferred first‐line schedule. Better understanding of the molecular machinery of hMPM will lead to the design and synthesis of novel compounds targeted against pathways identified as crucial for hMPM cell proliferation and spreading. Among them, several receptors tyrosine kinase show altered activity in subsets of hMPM. This observation suggests that these kinases might represent novel therapeutic targets in this chemotherapy‐resistant disease. Over these foundations, several promising studies are ongoing at preclinical level and novel molecules are currently under evaluation as well. Yet, established tumour cell lines, used for decades to investigate the efficacy of anticancer agents, although still the main source of drug efficacy studies, after long‐term cultures tend to biologically diverge from the original tumour, limiting the predictive potential of in vivo efficacy. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subpopulation of malignant cells capable of self‐renewal and multilineage differentiation, are believed to play an essential role in cancer initiation, growth, metastasization and relapse, being responsible of chemo‐ and radiotherapy refractoriness. According to the current carcinogenesis theory, CSCs represent the tumour‐initiating cell (TIC) fraction, the only clonogenic subpopulation able to originate a tumour mass. Consequently, the recently described isolation of TICs from hMPM, the proposed main pharmacological target for novel antitumoural drugs, may contribute to better dissect the biology and multidrug resistance pathways controlling hMPM growth.