bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust analysis of soil properties at the national scale: cadmium content of French soils
Authors: Marchant B. P. , Saby N. P. A. , Lark R. M. , Bellamy P. H. , Jolivet C. C. , Arrouays D.
Published: January 2010

National‐scale soil datasets exhibit variation over widely disparate spatial scales. Geological variation is an important source at the coarsest scale, and one in which exhaustive information is commonly available, in geological maps. Superimposed on this is continuous spatial variation caused by factors such as relief, vegetation and diffuse ‘background’ pollution. Further variation is caused by locally distinct factors such as point pollution from industrial sites or occasional geological anomalies. In this paper, we propose a single statistical model to encompass all of these effects which we describe as ‘geological variation’, ‘continuous spatial variation’ and ‘local anomalies'. In our model, the geological and continuous spatial variation are described, respectively, by the fixed and random effects of a linear mixed model (LMM) and the local anomalies lead to observations which are spatial outliers with respect to the LMM. We fit the model to a survey of 1887 observations of cadmium concentration in soil (Cd) collected on an incomplete regular grid across the French metropolitan territory (550 000 km2) and use it to predict Cd across France. We find that (i) it is not possible to fit a valid model—in terms of cross‐validation statistics—of Cd variation unless the effects of local anomalies are identified and separated from the larger‐scale processes; (ii) the LMM is not valid if the outliers are merely discarded but a valid model does result if the outliers are winsorized. On the basis of these findings we suggest a practical robust algorithm for national‐scale spatial analysis.
Composition and diversity of fish and fish catches in closures and open‐access fisheries of Kenya
Authors: McCLANAHAN T. R. , KAUNDA‐ARARA B. , OMUKOTO J. O.
Published: January 2010

Abstract  Catch composition, relative abundance and diversity of fish catches in open access and three old fisheries closures were compared and contrasted with previous ecological studies. There was less variation in catch community composition among the fishing grounds than the closures, suggesting that fishing has homogenised catch composition. The trap survey found that some parrotfish [Leptoscarus vaigiensis (Quoy &Gaimard), Calotomus carolinus (Valenciennes) and Scarus ghobban Forsskål] were relatively more common and that some important predators of macro‐invertebrates [Balistapus undulatus (Mungo Park) and Cheilinus chlorourus (Bloch)] were less common in the fishing grounds than closures. Unexpectedly, and in contrast to visual census results, cumulative number of species in catch surveys was higher in open access than closures sites. This may result from fishers covering more area and habitat or a reduction in the catch of competitively subordinate and rare species by aggressive, early‐caught fish that can dominate bait. Comparisons of ecological visual census surveys and fisheries‐dependent methods indicated that small differences in catch composition can reflect larger ecological differences and that baiting methods can underestimate biodiversity. Ecological impacts of fishing and large‐scale changes in marine ecosystems must be considerable given the many fisheries‐dependent assessments report modest changes.
Using accessible watershed size to predict management parameters for Chinook salmon,Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, populations with little or no spawner‐recruit data: a Bayesian hierarchical modelling approach
Authors: LIERMANN M. C. , SHARMA R. , PARKEN C. K.
Published: January 2010

Abstract Escapement goals for Chinook salmon,Oncorhynchus tshawytscha(Walbaum), populations tend to be highly uncertain due to variability in, and in some cases complete absence of, spawner‐recruit data. A previous study of 25 populations from Oregon to Alaska demonstrated that watershed size is a good predictor of unfished equilibrium population size. Here this relationship is further developed by evaluating a series of Bayesian hierarchical models of increasing complexity. The model that performed best included a temporal random walk to account for patterns in the spawner‐recruit residuals and life history‐specific distributions for the productivity parameter.
Site selection and resource depletion in black‐tailed godwits Limosa l. limosa eating rice during northward migration
Authors: Lourenço Pedro M. , Mandema Freek S. , Hooijmeijer Jos C.E.W. , Granadeiro José P. , Piersma Theunis
Published: January 2010

1. During migratory stopovers, animals are under strong time stress and need to maximize intake rates. We examine how foragers react to resource depletion by studying the foraging ecology and foraging site selection of black‐tailed godwits Limosa l. limosa staging in rice fields during their northward migration stopover (January–March 2007).

2. We analysed godwit abundance and foraging behaviour, sampled the availability of rice in the fields and used the functional response model to predict the giving‐up density (GUD) of rice kernels when godwits should give up a rice field. Sightings of individually colour‐marked birds were used to verify whether individuals moving between rice fields confirmed the predicted GUD.

3. Black‐tailed godwit intake rates at different rice densities fitted Holling’s functional response curve. The predicted GUD of rice necessary to balance allometric estimates of daily energy expenditure (DEE) and measured time budgets were confirmed by GUD measured in the field.

4. Individually marked birds moved towards rice fields with higher rather than lower rice densities more often than randomly expected. These birds increased the measured intake rates after this move.

5. Godwit foraging caused a decrease in the rice density of individual fields during the stopover period. Despite this, overall intake rates remained constant as godwits reacted to resource depletion by moving to a new foraging site as soon as their intake rate falls below the required levels to achieve DEE.
Analysis of learners' navigational behaviour and their learning styles in an online course
Authors: Graf S. , Liu T.‐C. , Kinshuk
Published: January 2010

Providing adaptive features and personalized support by considering students' learning styles in computer‐assisted learning systems has high potential in making learning easier for students in terms of reducing their efforts or increasing their performance. In this study, the navigational behaviour of students in an online course within a learning management system was investigated, looking at how students with different learning styles prefer to use and learn in such a course. As a result, several differences in the students' navigation patterns were identified. These findings have several implications for improving adaptivity. First, they showed that students with different learning styles use different strategies to learn and navigate through the course, which can be seen as another argument for providing adaptivity. Second, the findings provided information for extending the adaptive functionality in typical learning management systems. Third, the information about differences in navigational behaviour can contribute towards automatic detection of learning styles, helping in making student modeling approaches more accurate.
Fracture behaviour of cracked carbon nanotube‐based polymer composites: Experiments and finite element simulations
Authors: KURONUMA Y. , SHINDO Y. , TAKEDA T. , NARITA F.
Published: January 2010

This paper studies the fracture behaviour of cracked carbon nanotube (CNT)‐based polymer composites by a combined numerical–experimental approach. Tensile tests were conducted on single‐edge cracked plate specimens of CNT/polycarbonate composites at room temperature and liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K), and the critical loads for fracture instabilities were determined. Elastic–plastic finite element simulations of the tests were then performed to evaluate the J‐integrals corresponding to the experimentally determined critical loads. Scanning electron microscopy examinations were also made on the specimen fracture surfaces, and the fracture mechanisms of the CNT‐based composites were discussed.
More than an accessory: implications of type III transforming growth factor‐β receptor loss in prostate cancer
Authors: Ajiboye Seun , Sissung Tristan M. , Sharifi Nima , Figg William D.
Published: January 2010

The type III transforming growth factor‐β receptor (TGFβR3, betaglycan), a tumour suppressor, is the most frequently lost TGFβ pathway component. This event appears to be very important in the transition of the TGFβ pathway from having tumour‐suppressor activity in early prostate tumour development, to having tumour‐promoting activity in metastatic disease. Moreover, loss of the TGFβR3 can also affect the cellular response towards testosterone, inhibin/activin, and dysregulate growth‐factor pathways that mediate growth and angiogenesis. In this review we discuss how TGFβR3 normally functions as an accessory protein in the TGFβ pathway, how its loss is related to tumour progression, and the treatment implications of TGFβR3 loss in individuals with prostate cancer.
Bone mineral content and prostate cancer risk: data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Loeb Stacy , Carter H. Ballentine , Schaeffer Edward M. , Ling Shari M. , Kettermann Anna , Ferrucci Luigi , Metter E. Jeffrey
Published: January 2010

Study Type – Aetiology (inception cohort) Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether there might be differences in bone mineral content (BMC) between men who develop life‐threatening prostate cancer and those who do not, as bone is a common site of prostate cancer metastases.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

From 1973 to 1984, BMC was serially measured in 519 participants (778 observations) as part of a longitudinal study of ageing. We examined the association between serial BMC measurements with the development of overall and high‐risk prostate cancer over the next one to three decades. For all prostate cancer cases, BMC was censored at the time of diagnosis.

RESULTS

During a median (range) overall follow‐up of 21.1 (0.2–35.0) years after the last BMC measurement, 76 (14.6%) men were later diagnosed with prostate cancer (18 high‐risk and 58 not high‐risk). BMC declined with age to a greater extent in healthy controls than among men diagnosed with prostate cancer (P = 0.018, likelihood ratio test), and tended to decline less in high‐risk than non‐high‐risk cases.

CONCLUSION

The distribution of BMC was significantly different between men who did and did not develop prostate cancer, over an extended follow‐up. Specifically, BMC appeared to decline to a greater extent with age among healthy controls than in men with prostate cancer, especially high‐risk disease. The biology underlying the lesser decline in BMC among men with prostate cancer remains unclear, but suggests that host factors in the bony milieu might be associated with prostate cancer development and progression.
Laparoscopic vs open retropubic intrafascial nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy: surgical and functional outcomes in 300 patients
Authors: Greco Francesco , Wagner Sigrid , Hoda M. Raschid , Kawan Felix , Inferrera Antonino , Lupo Antonio , Reichelt Olaf , Jurczok Andreas , Hamza Amir , Fornara Paolo
Published: January 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the surgical and functional outcomes in nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (nsLRP) and retropubic nsRP (nsRRP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2005 and November 2007, 150 nsLRP and 150 nsRRP were performed at our clinic. Demographic data, variables before and after surgery, and outcomes, were compared.

RESULTS

The operative duration was 165 min for nsLRP and 120 min for nsRRP. Although the nsLRP group had a lower frequency of positive margins, the difference was not statistically significant. At 1 year after surgery, complete continence was reported in 97% of patients who had nsLRP and in 91% who had nsRRP (P= 0.03). At that time, 66% of patients in the nsLRP and 51% in the nsRRP group reported being able to engage in sexual intercourse (P < 0.05). There were no statistical differences in surgical trauma in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that nsLRP performed by expert surgeons results in better functional outcomes for continence and potency than for nsRRP. There was no significant difference between the surgical techniques in surgical trauma.
Environmental factors covary with plant diversity–productivity relationships among Chinese grassland sites
Authors: Ma Wenhong , He Jin‐Sheng , Yang Yuanhe , Wang Xiangping , Liang Cunzhu , Anwar Mohammat , Zeng Hui , Fang Jingyun , Schmid Bernhard
Published: January 2010

Aim Our objective was to document the general relationship between plant species richness (SR) and above‐ground net primary productivity (ANPP) at different spatial scales and the environmental influence on this relationship.

Location Temperate and alpine grasslands of China.

Methods We investigated SR and ANPP at 321 field sites (1355 plots) across the widely distributed temperate and alpine grasslands of China. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions were used to test SR–ANPP relationships among site means. Plot‐level data of SR and ANPP were analysed with general linear models (GLMs) and the correlation between SR and ANPP was decomposed into covariance components to test the influence of climatic variables, region, vegetation type and remaining variation among sites on SR, ANPP and their relationship.

Results We found positive linear relationships between SR and ANPP among sites in both the alpine and temperate grassland regions and in different grassland vegetation types of these biomes. Environmental gradients such as growing‐season precipitation affected both SR and ANPP in parallel. However, after removing the among‐site environmental variation, residual SR and ANPP were no longer correlated at the pooled within‐site level.

Main conclusions The positive SR–ANPP relationship across large‐scale environmental gradients among sites was most likely the result of climatic variables influencing SR and ANPP in parallel. Our results suggest that in China's natural grasslands there is no direct relationship between SR and ANPP, presumably because the pool of available species for local community assembly is large, in contrast to experiments where species pools are artificially reduced.
Harmonisation by Example: European Laws against Unfair Commercial Practices
Authors: Collins Hugh
Published: January 2010

This examination of the implementation of the European Union's Directive on Unfair Commercial Practices in the United Kingdom by the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 assesses the likely impact on the national law governing the marketing practices of rogue traders, including its ambition to simplify and extend legal protection, and the likely success of the Directive in achieving the harmonisation of the laws and practices regulating marketing in Europe. In particular, the discussion evaluates the regulatory strategy of the Directive in its attempt to secure uniform laws through the combination of principles, rules, and concrete examples of prohibited practices. The paper also investigates the likely impact of the Regulations on the private law of contract and tort and the possibilities for improvements in a consumer's personal right of redress.
Union absorptions in times of restructuring: the importance of attitude towards merger in predicting post‐merger attachment levels
Authors: Baraldi Stephan , Sverke Magnus , Chaison Gary
Published: January 2010

Unions frequently restructure through merger, most often in the form of absorptions involving one bigger union absorbing a smaller one. However, the individual‐level effects of merger resulting in big amorphous organisations remain unclear. In this article, we highlight the role of the individual member in union absorptions, and investigate the relative importance of being a member of a large absorbing union or a small absorbed union, as well as the attitude of members towards merger in predicting post‐merger member attachment. The results from longitudinal data before and after absorption showed that members' attitude towards merger significantly predicted the members' attachment levels after absorption—this was, however, not the case for union commitment. We also uncovered a significant interaction indicating that the effect of members' attitude towards merger was more strongly related to perceptions of union support and instrumentality among members of the absorbed union.
The Breadth of Glory: A Trinitarian Eschatology for the Earth through Critical Engagement with Hans Urs von Balthasar
Authors: DEANE‐DRUMMOND CELIA
Published: January 2010

This article asks to what extent non‐human creatures might share in eschatological promises of wonder in the mode of glory understood in a trinitarian perspective. Widening Hans Urs von Balthasar's notion of theodrama raises important theological questions about the meaning and significance of creation. Balthasar portrays creation as imago Trinitatis. I argue that the way he envisages trinitarian notions of difference, sexuality and freedom is anthropocentric and androcentric, straining his analogy of being between creator and created. I propose a more qualified trinitarian eschatology that is more modest in its epistemological claims, but more inclusive in relation to creaturely beings.
Trinity and Creation
Authors: WEBSTER JOHN
Published: January 2010

A theology of creation requires clarity about trinitarian doctrine, especially the relation of the one divine essence to the three persons, the distinction between immanent and transitive acts, and the indivisibility of God's outer works. The triune God is one undivided essence in an irreducible threefold personal modification. The persons of the godhead are distinguished from each other by mutual relations and by each person's proper characteristics; these relations constitute God's immanent perfection anterior to creation. The work of creation is a non‐necessary, novel and voluntary work of the Trinity. As an outer work it demonstrates God's unity: the work of creation is not divisible into three distinct actions. But distinct and eminent appropriation of specific acts to specific persons is permissible if each person is understood as a mode of the one divine essence. Creation is thus a common work of the undivided three‐in‐one; there are not three creators, but three who create.
Trinity and Church: Trinitarian Perspectives on the Identity of the Christian Community
Authors: SAROT MARCEL
Published: January 2010

Starting from practical problems with praying and living a Christian life, the author argues that God's relationship with the Christian community has primacy over God's relationship with individual believers. When we conceive of the Christian community as being the body of Christ, we can uphold the high Christian ideals of prayer and living a Christian life without making them unattainable: these ideals are ideals for the community rather than for individual persons within the community. Next, the author argues that being the body of Christ is given to the Christian community not as a possession but as a task to fulfil through the power of the Holy Spirit. Finally, he shows how, in becoming the body of Christ through the Spirit, the Christian community is drawn up into the trinitarian community. He concludes that the identity of the Christian church cannot be fully understood apart from the Trinity.
Magnetic resonance imaging performed on a hydrated mummy of medieval Korea
Authors: Shin Dong Hoon , Lee In Sun , Kim Myeung Ju , Oh Chang Seok , Park Jun Bum , Bok Gi Dae , Yoo Dong Soo
Published: January 2010

Previous investigations have shown that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be employed as an efficient non‐invasive diagnostic tool in studies on Egyptian mummies. MRI, moreover, because it produces especially clear images of well‐hydrated tissue, could be a particularly effective diagnostic option for mummies that still retain humidity within tissues or organs. Therefore, in the present study, we tested MRI on a 17th century mummy, one of the most perfectly preserved ‘hydrated mummies’ ever found in Korea, in order to determine the quality of images that could be obtained. We found that the diagnostic value of an MRI scan of the hydrated mummy was not inferior to that of a computed tomography scan. The T1‐ and T2‐weighted magnetic resonance (MR) signals showed unique patterns not easily obtained by computed tomography, the resultant MR images revealing the organ specificities clearly. Overall, the quality of the MR images from the hydrated mummy was superb and the scientific value of MRI in the study of hydrated mummies should not be underestimated.
Optics of sunlit water drops on leaves: conditions under which sunburn is possible
Authors: Egri Ádám , Horváth Ákos , Kriska György , Horváth Gábor
Published: January 2010

Commentary p 865
Using a Hierarchical Model to Estimate Risk‐Adjusted Mortality for Hospitals Not Included in the Reference Sample
Authors: Clark David E. , Hannan Edward L. , Raudenbush Stephen W.
Published: January 2010

Objective. To provide a method for any hospital to evaluate patient mortality using a hierarchical risk‐adjustment equation derived from a reference sample.

Data Source. American College of Surgeons National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB).

Study Design. Hierarchical logistic regression models predicting mortality were estimated from NTDB data. Risk‐adjusted hospital effects obtained directly from models using standard software were compared with approximations derived from a summary equation and data from each individual hospital.

Principal Findings. Theoretical approximations were similar to results using standard software.

Conclusions. To allow independent verification, agencies using reference databases for hospital mortality “report cards” should publish their risk‐adjustment equations. Similar hospitals not in the reference database may also use the published equations along with the approximations described to evaluate their own outcomes using their own data.
Differential transport of platinum compounds by the human organic cation transporter hOCT2 (hSLC22A2)
Authors: Burger H , Zoumaro‐Djayoon A , Boersma AWM , Helleman J , Berns EMJJ , Mathijssen RHJ , Loos WJ , Wiemer EAC
Published: January 2010

Background:  Solute carriers (SLCs), in particular organic cation transporters (OCTs), have been implicated in the cellular uptake of platinum‐containing anticancer compounds. The activity of these carriers may determine the pharmacokinetics and the severity of side effects, including neuro‐ and nephrotoxicity of platinum‐based chemotherapy. As decreased drug accumulation is a key mechanism of platinum resistance, SLCs may also contribute to the development of resistance. Here, we define the role of hSLC22A2 (OCT2) in the cellular uptake of platinum compounds.

Experimental approach:  Human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells stably expressing the hSLC22A2 gene (HEK293/hSLC22A2) were used in platinum accumulation studies. Following a 2 h exposure to various platinum compounds (100 µM), intracellular platinum levels were determined by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry.

Key results:  HEK293/hSLC22A2 cells, compared with HEK293/Neo control cells, displayed significant increases in oxaliplatin (28.6‐fold), Pt[DACH]Cl2 (20.6‐fold), ormaplatin (8.1‐fold), tetraplatin (4.5‐fold), transplatin (3.7‐fold) and cisplatin (1.3‐fold), but not carboplatin. SLC22A2‐mediated transport could be inhibited by 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium. Furthermore, hSLC22A2‐mediated oxaliplatin and cisplatin accumulation was time‐ and concentration‐dependent, but non‐saturable. Expression of hSLC22A2 in HEK293 cells resulted in enhanced sensitivity to oxaliplatin (12‐fold) and cisplatin (1.8‐fold). Although, hSLC22A2 mRNA expression was frequently found in ovarian cancer cell lines, its expression in clinical ovarian cancer specimens (n= 80) was low and did not correlate with the treatment outcome of platinum‐based regimens.

Conclusions and implications:  The hSLC22A2 drug transporter is a critical determinant in the uptake and cytotoxicity of various platinum compounds, particularly oxaliplatin.
In vitro and in vivo antineoplastic activity of a novel bromopyrrole and its potential mechanism of action
Authors: Xiong Sheng , Pang Hui‐dan , Fan Jun , Ge Feng , Yang Xiao‐xia , Liu Qiu‐ying , Liao Xiao‐jian , Xu Shi‐hai
Published: January 2010

Background and purpose:  Many bromopyrrole compounds have been reported to have in vitro antineoplastic activity. In a previous study, we isolated N‐(4, 5‐dibromo‐pyrrole‐2‐carbonyl)‐L‐amino isovaleric acid methyl ester (B6) from marine sponges. Here, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo antineoplastic activity of B6 and its potential mechanism.

Experimental approach:  The 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to determine the in vitro antineoplastic activity of B6. Flow cytometry, western blot analysis and morphological observations were used to investigate its mechanism of action. A mouse xenograft model was used to determine its in vivo activity.

Key results:  B6 inhibited the proliferation of various human cancer cells in vitro, with highest activity on LOVO and HeLa cells. B6 also exhibited significant growth inhibitory effects in vivo in a xenograft mouse model. Acute toxicity analysis suggested that B6 has low toxicity. B6‐treated cells arrested in the G1 phase of the cell cycle and had an increased fraction of sub‐G1 cells. In addition, the population of Annexin V‐positive/propidium iodide‐negative cells increased, indicating the induction of early apoptosis. Indeed, B6‐treated cells exhibited morphologies typical of cells undergoing apoptosis. Western blotting showed cleaved forms of caspase‐9 and caspase‐3 in cells exposed to B6. Moreover, B6‐promoted Ca2+ release and apoptosis was associated with elevated intracellular Ca2+concentration.

Conclusions and implications:  B6 has significant antineoplastic activity in vitro as well as in vivo. It inhibits tumour cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis. With its low toxicity, B6 represents a promising antineoplastic, primary compound.
Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infections in Older Adults: Clinical Outcomes and Risk Factors for In‐Hospital Mortality
Authors: Big Cecilia , Malani Preeti N.
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVES: To assess clinical outcomes and identify risk factors for mortality in older adults with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection (SAB).

DESIGN: Retrospective review.

SETTING: University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor.

PARTICIPANTS: All patients aged 80 and older with SAB between January 2004 and July 2008.

MEASUREMENTS: Clinical data, including comorbid conditions, SAB source, echocardiography results, Charlson Comorbidity Index, mortality (in‐hospital and 6‐month), and need for rehospitalization or chronic care after discharge.

RESULTS: Seventy‐six patients aged 80 and older (mean 85.5 ± 4.2) with SAB were identified. Infection sources included 14 (18.4%) vascular catheter associated, 16 (21.1%) wound related, seven (9.2%) endocarditis, five (6.6%) intravascular, and 19 (25%) with unknown source; 46 (60.5%) patients had methicillin‐resistant strains. Twenty‐two (28.9%) patients underwent surgery or device placement within 30 days of developing SAB; 10 of these 22 had SAB associated with surgical site infection (SSI). Twenty two (28.9%) patients died in the hospital or were discharged to hospice care; at least 43 (56.6%) patients died within 6 months of presentation, and eight were lost to follow‐up. Unknown source of bacteremia (odds ratio=5.2, P=.008) was independently associated with in‐hospital death. Echocardiography was not pursued in 45% of patients. Of surviving patients, 40 (74.1%) required skilled care after discharge; eight (20%) required rehospitalization.

CONCLUSION: SAB was associated with high mortality rates in patients aged 80 and older. The observed association between SAB and SSI may direct preventive strategies such as perioperative decolonization or antimicrobial prophylaxis. Interventions to optimize clinical care practices in elderly patients with SAB are essential given the associated morbidity and mortality.
Determinants of Early Reductions in Drinking in Older At‐Risk Drinkers Participating in the Intervention Arm of a Trial to Reduce At‐Risk Drinking in Primary Care
Authors: Lin James C. , Karno Mitchell P. , Barry Kristen L. , Blow Frederic C. , Davis James W. , Tang Lingqi , Moore Alison A.
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVES: To describe differences between older at‐risk drinkers, as determined using the Comorbidity Alcohol Risk Evaluation Tool, who reduced drinking and those who did not after an initial intervention and to determine factors associated with early reductions in drinking.

DESIGN: Secondary analyses of data from a randomized controlled trial.

SETTING: Seven primary care sites.

PARTICIPANTS: Subjects randomized to the intervention group who completed the first health educator call approximately 2 weeks after enrollment (n=239).

INTERVENTION: Personalized risk reports, booklets on alcohol‐associated risks, and advice from physicians, followed by a health educator call.

MEASURMENTS: Reductions in number of alcoholic drinks.

RESULTS: Thirty‐nine percent of the sample had reduced drinking within 2 weeks of receiving the initial intervention. According to the final multiple logistic regression model, those who were concerned about alcohol‐related risks (odds ratio (OR)=2.03, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.01–4.07), read through the educational booklet (OR=2.97, 95% CI=1.48–5.95), or perceived that their physicians discussed risks and advised changing drinking behaviors (OR=4.1, 95% CI=2.02–8.32) had greater odds of reducing drinking by the first health educator call.

CONCLUSION: Concern about risks, reading educational material, and perception of physicians providing advice to reduce drinking were associated with early reductions in alcohol use in older at‐risk drinkers. Understanding these factors will enable development of better intervention strategies to reduce unhealthy alcohol use.
Rufinamide: A Novel Broad-Spectrum Antiepileptic Drug
Authors: Wheless James W. , Vazquez Blanca
Published: January 2010

The last 20 years have witnessed a tremendous explosion in the number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) as well as the introduction of AEDS developed for specific epilepsy syndromes. The study of the efficacy and side effect profile of AEDs for unique epilepsy syndromes has allowed neurologists to utilize evidence-based medicine when treating patients. In late 2008, the Food and Drug Administration approved rufinamide for adjunctive use in the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. This unique chemical compound is also the first new AED to reach the market in the United States having a pediatric indication prior to approval for adults. Rufinamide appears to have a broad spectrum of efficacy, is well tolerated, and may be rapidly initiated—properties that will likely extend its use outside of Lennox–Gastaut syndrome.
Adverse Antiepileptic Drug Effects
Authors: Blume Warren T.
Published: January 2010

Adverse Antiepileptic Drug Effects: Toward a Clinically and Neurobiologically Relevant Taxonomy. Perucca P, Carter J, Vahle V, Gilliam FG. Neurology 2009;72(14):1223–1229. BACKGROUND: Adverse effects (AEs) of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are a major impediment to optimal dosing for seizure control. Better understanding of clinical properties of AEs is a prerequisite for systematic research of their neurobiological underpinnings. This study aimed to define specific patterns of AE occurrence and determine their clinical relevance based on their association with subjective health status. METHODS: Two hundred subjects with epilepsy completed validated self-report health assessments, including the Adverse Event Profile (AEP) and Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE)-89. Factor analysis was performed on the 19 AEP items to identify distinct classes of AEs. Correlations between AE class scores and QOLIE-89 scores were evaluated. Multivariate analysis was used to assess contributions of AE class scores to QOLIE-89 scores after controlling for depression and seizure frequency. Relationships between changes in AE class scores and changes in QOLIE-89 scores were also investigated in a subgroup of 62 subjects enrolled in a randomized trial. RESULTS: The mean number of AEs per subject was 6.5. AEs were segregated into five classes: Cognition/Coordination, Mood/Emotion, Sleep, Weight/Cephalgia, and Tegument/Mucosa. Higher scores in each AE class were associated with lower QOLIE-89 scores. Cognition/Coordination scores were the strongest predictor of QOLIE-89 scores. Improvements in Cognition/Coordination, Mood/Emotion, and Tegument/Mucosa scores were associated with improvements in QOLIE-89 scores. Improved Cognition/Coordination was the only predictor of improved QOLIE-89. CONCLUSION: Adverse effects (AEs) of antiepileptic drugs can be classified in five biologically plausible factors. When specific classes of AEs are identified and attempts are made to reduce them, quality of life is significantly improved.
Brain Function and Anatomy in Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy
Authors: Meador Kimford J.
Published: January 2010

Evaluation of Cognition, Structural, and Functional MRI in Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy. Roebling R, Scheerer N, Uttner I, Gruber O, Kraft E, Lerche H. Epilepsia 2009;50(11):2456–2465. PURPOSE: Previous studies using advanced imaging techniques have suggested subtle structural and functional changes in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), mainly associated with the frontal lobes. In addition, it has been reported that these patients show neuropsychological deficits, often summarized as frontal lobe dysfunction. The aim of this study was a comprehensive analysis of neuropsychological parameters, and functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in an independent cohort of patients with JME. METHODS: We studied 19 JME patients and 20 age-, sex-, and education-matched controls using a battery of standardized neuropsychological tests, optimized voxel-based morphometry (VBM), and two domain-specific working-memory paradigms combined with functional MRI (fMRI). RESULTS: Our investigations did not reveal statistically significant differences between the groups of JME patients and normal controls in either the VBM or the fMRI study of working memory. The neuropsychological examination showed a slightly worse performance for the JME patients across most tests used, reaching statistical significance for semantic and verbal fluency. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort of JME patients, we could not reproduce the findings of frontal gray matter changes from previous studies, and we could not detect an fMRI correlate of previously reported differences in working memory in JME. The neuropsychological deficits may be attributed partially to antiepileptic medication. We conclude that structural and functional frontal lobe deficits in JME patients have to be interpreted with care. One reason for a variation between different cohorts may be the genetic heterogeneity of the disease.
Hyperpolarized Views on the Roles of the Hyperpolarization-Activated Channels in Neuronal Excitability
Authors: Noam Yoav , Baram Tallie Z.
Published: January 2010

Upregulated H-Current in Hyperexcitable CA1 Dendrites after Febrile Seizures. Dyhrfjeld-Johnsen J, Morgan RJ, Csaba Foldy, Soltesz I., Front Cell Neurosci. 2008;2:2. doi:10.3389/neuro.03.002.2008. Somatic recordings from CA1 pyramidal cells indicated a persistent upregulation of the h-current ( Ih) after experimental febrile seizures. Here, we examined febrile seizure-induced long-term changes in Ih and neuronal excitability in CA1 dendrites. Cell-attached recordings showed that dendritic Ih was significantly upregulated, with a depolarized half-activation potential and increased maximal current. Although enhanced Ih is typically thought to be associated with decreased dendritic excitability, whole-cell dendritic recordings revealed a robust increase in action potential firing after febrile seizures. We turned to computational simulations to understand how the experimentally observed changes in Ih influence dendritic excitability. Unexpectedly, the simulations, performed in three previously published CA1 pyramidal cell models, showed that the experimentally observed increases in Ih resulted in a general enhancement of dendritic excitability, primarily due to the increased Ih-induced depolarization of the resting membrane potential overcoming the excitability-depressing effects of decreased dendritic input resistance. Taken together, these experimental and modeling results reveal that, contrary to the exclusively anti-convulsive role often attributed to increased Ih in epilepsy, the enhanced Ih can co-exist with, and possibly even contribute to, persistent dendritic hyperexcitability following febrile seizures in the developing hippocampus.

HCN Hyperpolarization-Activated Cation Channels Inhibit EPSPs by Interactions with M-type K+ Channels. George MS, Abbott LF, Siegelbaum SA. Nat Neurosci 2009;12(5):577–584. The processing of synaptic potentials by neuronal dendrites depends on both their passive cable properties and active voltage-gated channels, which can generate complex effects as a result of their nonlinear properties. We characterized the actions of HCN (hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation) channels on dendritic processing of subthreshold excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in mouse CA1 hippocampal neurons. The HCN channels generated an excitatory inward current ( Ih) that exerted a direct depolarizing effect on the peak voltage of weak EPSPs, but produced a paradoxical hyperpolarizing effect on the peak voltage of stronger, but still subthreshold, EPSPs. Using a combined modeling and experimental approach, we found that the inhibitory action of Ih was caused by its interaction with the delayed-rectifier M-type K+ current. In this manner, Ih can enhance spike firing in response to an EPSP when spike threshold is low and can inhibit firing when spike threshold is high.
Vegetation transition following drainage in a high‐latitude hyper‐oceanic ecosystem
Authors: Fosaa Anna Maria , Olsen Erla , Simonsen William , Gaard Magnus , Hansen Heidi
Published: January 2010

Questions: How does draining affect the composition of vegetation? Are certain functional groups favoured? Can soil parameters explain these differences?

Location: Central Faroe Islands, treeless islands in the northern boreal vegetation zone. Since 1987, an area of 21 km2 at 100–200 m a.s.l. was drained in order to provide water for hydro‐electric production.

Method: Vegetation and soil of a drained area and a control, undrained neighbouring area of approximately the same size were sampled in 2007. Six sites were sampled in each area. The vegetation was classified with cluster analysis.

Results: Four plant communities were defined in the area: Calluna vulgaris–Empetrum nigrum–Vaccinium myrtillus heath, Scirpus cespitosus–Eriophorum angustifolium blanket mire, Carex bigelowii–Racomitrium lanuginosum moss‐heath, Narthecium ossifragum–Carex panacea mire. Heath was more extensively distributed within, and was the dominant community of the drained area, whereas moss‐heath was more extensive in the undrained area. Blanket mire and mire had approximately the same distribution in both areas. For the blanket mire, species composition indicated drier conditions in the drained than in the undrained area. The drained area had higher frequencies of woody species and lichens, grasses had finer roots and available soil phosphate was considerably higher, whereas the undrained area had higher frequencies of grasses and sedges.

Conclusion: The dominant plant communities were different in the two areas, which indicated that the blanket mire was drying in the drained area. Higher concentration of soil phosphate in the drained area also indicated increased decomposition of organic soils owing to desiccation.
Floristic diversity in fragmented Afromontane rainforests: Altitudinal variation and conservation importance
Authors: Schmitt Christine B. , Denich Manfred , Demissew Sebsebe , Friis Ib , Boehmer Hans Juergen
Published: January 2010

Question: How does the floristic diversity of Afromontane rainforests change along an altitudinal gradient? What are the implications for conservation planning in these strongly fragmented forest areas that form part of the Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot?

Location: Bonga, southwestern Ethiopia.

Methods: Based on evidence from other montane forests, we hypothesized that altitude has an effect on the floristic diversity of Afromontane rainforests in southwestern Ethiopia. To test this hypothesis, detailed vegetation surveys were carried out in 62 study plots located in four relatively undisturbed forest fragments situated at altitudes between 1600 m and 2300 m. Floristic diversity was evaluated using a combination of multivariate statistical analyses and diversity indices.

Results: Ordination and indicator species analyses showed gradual variations in floristic diversity along the altitudinal gradient with a pronounced shift in species composition at ca. 1830 m. Upper montane forest (>1830 m) is characterized by high fern diversity and indicator species that are Afromontane endemics. Lower montane forest (<1830 m) exhibits a greater diversity of tree species and a higher abundance of the flagship species Coffea arabica.

Conclusions: Our results provide crucial ecological background information concerning the montane rainforests of Ethiopia, which have been poorly studied until now. We conclude that both forest types identified during this study need to be considered for conservation because of their particular species compositions. Owing to the high degree of forest fragmentation, conservation concepts should consider a multi‐site approach with at least two protected areas at different altitudinal levels.
The number of taste buds is related to bitter taste sensitivity in layer and broiler chickens
Authors: KUDO Ken‐ichi , SHIRAISHI Jun‐ichi , NISHIMURA Shotaro , BUNGO Takashi , TABATA Shoji
Published: January 2010

The relationship between taste sensitivity and the number of taste buds using a bitter tastant, quinine hydrochloride, was investigated in White Leghorn, Rhode Island Red, and broiler chickens. The White Leghorn and Rhode Island Red strains were able to perceive 2.0 mmol/L quinine hydrochloride, but the taste sensitivity of Rhode Island Red chickens was higher than that of White Leghorn chickens. Broiler chickens perceived 0.5 mmol/L quinine hydrochloride. The number of taste buds in the White Leghorn strain was the lowest, then the Rhode Island Red strain, with the number of taste buds highest in the broiler chickens. The number of taste buds was well correlated with bitter taste sensitivity. Therefore, we suggest that the number of taste buds is a vital factor in the perception of bitter taste and may be useful in selecting appropriate feeds for chickens.
XMM-Newton and INTEGRAL study of the SFXT IGR J18483-0311 in quiescence: hint of a cyclotron emission feature?
Authors: Sguera V. , Ducci L. , Sidoli L. , Bazzano A. , Bassani L.
Published: January 2010

We report the results from archival XMM–Newton and INTEGRAL observations of the Supergiant Fast X-ray Transient (SFXT) IGR J18483−0311 in quiescence. The 18–60 keV hard X-ray behaviour of the source is presented here for the first time; it is characterized by a spectral shape (Γ∼ 2.5) similar to that during outburst activity, and the lowest measured luminosity level is ∼1034 erg s−1. The 0.5–10 keV luminosity state, measured by XMM–Newton during the apastron passage, is about one order of magnitude lower and it is reasonably fitted by an absorbed blackbody model yielding parameters consistent with previous measurements. In addition, we find evidence (∼3.5σ significance) of an emission-like feature at ∼3.3 keV in the quiescent 0.5–10 keV source spectrum. The absence of any known or found systematic effects, which could artificially introduce the observed feature, gives us confidence about its non-instrumental nature. We show that its physical explanation in terms of atomic emission line appears unlikely, and conversely we attempt to ascribe it to an electron cyclotron emission line which would imply a neutron star magnetic field of the order of ∼3 × 1011 G. Importantly, such direct estimation is in very good agreement with that independently inferred by us in the framework of accretion from a spherically symmetric stellar wind. If firmly confirmed by future longer X-ray observations, this would be the first detection ever of a cyclotron feature in the X-ray spectrum of an SFXT, with important implications on theoretical models.
Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation after Percutaneous Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale and Small Atrial Septal Defects in Patients Presenting with Cryptogenic Stroke
Authors: Bonvini R. F. , Sztajzel R. , Dorsaz P.-A. , Righini M. , Bonvin C. , Alibegovic J. , Sigwart U. , Camenzind E. , Verin V. , Sztajzel J.
Published: January 2010

Objective

The occurrence of atrial fibrillation after percutaneous closure of a patent foramen ovale for cryptogenic stroke has been reported in a variable percentage of patients. However, its precise incidence and mechanism are presently unclear and remain to be elucidated.

Design

Prospective follow-up study.

Patients

Ninety-two patients undergoing a percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure procedure (closure group) for cryptogenic stroke were compared with a similar group of 51 patients, who were medically treated.

Methods

A systematic arrhythmia follow-up protocol to assess the incidence of AF was performed including a 7-day event-loop recording at day 1, after 6 and 12 months in patients of the closure group and compared with those of the medically treated group.

Results

The incidence of AF was similar in both study groups during a follow-up of 12 months, including 7·6% (95% CI: 3·1–15·0%) in the closure and 7·8% (95% CI: 2·18–18·9%) in the medically treated group ( P = 1·0). The presence of a large patent foramen ovale was the only significant risk factor for the occurrence of AF as demonstrated by a multivariate Cox regression analysis (95% CI, 1·275–20·018; P = 0·021).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that patients with cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale have a rather high incidence of AF during a follow-up of 12 months. Atrial fibrillation occurred with a similar frequency whether the patent foramen ovale/atrial septal defect was successfully percutaneously closed or was medically managed. The presence of a large patent foramen ovale was the only significant predictor of AF occurrence during follow-up.
Microalbuminuria in Cerebrovascular Disease: A Modifiable Risk Factor?
Authors: Rocco A. , Heerlein K. , Diedler J. , Sykora M. , Barrows R. , Hacke W. , Steiner Th.
Published: January 2010

Stroke is potentially preventable through risk factor modification. Over the past decade, there has been considerable interest on microalbuminuria as a risk factor for chronic diseases. The concept of microalbuminuria was originally introduced, about 25 years ago, to clinical practice as a useful marker of nephropathy. Since then various studies reported an association of microalbuminuria with the increased risk of cardiovascular events and all cause of mortality in subjects with or without diabetes. The presence of microalbuminuria was related to left ventricular dysfunction, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Microalbuminuria may be a predictor of stroke but further studies are required. However data on prognostic significance and therapeutic consequence, particularly in haemorrhagic stroke are lacking. This review focuses on the importance of microalbuminuria for cerebrovascular disease, stressing the clinical and therapeutic implications using antihypertensive therapy to control the urinary albumin excretion.