bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes and the Role of PET Imaging
Authors: Sioka Chrissa , Fotopoulos Andreas , Kyritsis Athanassios P.
Published: April 2010

Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes are immune-mediated effects of cancer that involve the nervous system and are associated with various anti-neuronal antibodies. They can be associated with several cancers such as lung, gynecologic, thymic, testicular and others, but the diagnosis of cancer often becomes a challenge, since paraneoplastic neurological syndromes usually precede the cancer presentation by months or even years. Furthermore, even when the cancer develops, the tumor size remains small and usually undetectable by conventional diagnostic tests and imaging. Positron emission tomography imaging may be an adjunct to timely diagnosis of the occult malignancy in order to employ the specific cancer treatment. Furthermore, positron emission tomography can assess the extent of the functional abnormality in the brain and monitor its response to treatment.
Down regulation of prothrombinase by activated protein C during prothrombin activation
Authors: Y. Kim Paul , E. Nesheim Michael
Published: April 2010

Activated protein C (aPC) proteolytically inactivates factor Va (FVa) and thereby downregulates prothrombinase. Although FVa inactivation by aPC has been studied extensively, the inactivation of prothrombinase during prothrombin activation has not. Therefore, prothrombin activation initiated both without and with aPC (5.0, 7.5 or 10.0 nM) was monitored over time by fluorescence. The experiments were performed with 0.075 nM FVa and 1.0 nM FXa, and with these concentrations reversed. The time courses of the residual prothrombinase activity with aPC, determined from the slopes of fluorescence over time, were pseudo first order with both limiting and excess FVa. With FVa limiting or in excess, the second rate constants for inactivation of prothrombinase were 1.98 ± 0.09 x 105 M-1s-1 and 2.54 ± 0.13 x 105 M-1s-1 , respectively. The former value is 101-fold smaller than that for FVa inactivation by aPC alone. Since with limiting FVa the second order rate constants for prothrombinsase inactivation and FVa inactivation are equal, FVa is protected 101-fold, presumably by both FXa and prothrombin. In contrast, with excess FVa, the calculated rate constant for FVa inactivation exceeds that for prothrombinase inactivation 17.3-fold, which reflects a loss of protection by FXa. Since the protective effects of the two proteins are theoretically multiplicative, FXa protected 17.3-fold and prothrombin protected 5.8-fold. With 150 nM protein S and limiting FVa, prothrombinase inactivation was two-fold faster, yet it was still protected 91-fold. These studies show that FVa is down-regulated by aPC during prothrombin activation, but both FXa and prothrombin protect FVa in a multiplicative way, with or without protein S.
Determination of a factor VIII-interactive region within plasmin responsible for plasmin-catalysed activation and inactivation of factor VIII(a)
Authors: Nishiya Katsumi , Okada Kiyotaka , Matsuo Osamu , Takeyama Masahiro , Ogiwara Kenichi , Shima Midori , Nogami Keiji
Published: April 2010

Plasmin, an active form of plasminogen, activates and inactivates factor VIII (FVIII) by limited proteolysis. We have previously identifiedly sine-binding site-independent plasmin-interactive sites on the FVIII A2 domain responsible for cleavages at Arg336 and Arg372, together with lysine-binding site-dependent plasmin sites on the light chain responsible for cleavage at Lys36. We have now characterised FVIII-interactive regions on plasmin. SDS-PAGE analysis demonstrated that a monoclon al antibody (mAb) against kringle (K)5-catalytic domain (K5-CD) of plasmin significantly blocked plasmin-catalysed cleavages at Arg336 and Arg372. K5-CD fragment and this mAb blocked plasmincatalysed activation and inactivation of FVIII(a). Anti-K1–2–3 and anti-K4 mAbs blocked plasmin-catalysed cleavages at Lys36, and K1–2–3 and K4 fragments inhibited plasmin-catalysed inactivation of A11–336 FVIIIa. The K5-CD preferentially bound to the A2 domain (Kd app ; 52 nM), whilst the K1–2–3 and K4 bound to the light chain (Kd app; 75 and 106 nM, respectively) in ELISA. Binding was attributed to the A2 484–509 region and A3 1690–1705/1804–1818 region, respectively. 6-aminohexanoic acid, a lysine analogue, significantly inhibited the light chain/K1–2–3 (and K4) binding by ∼90%, whilst A2/K5-CD binding was moderated by only ∼35%. Furthermore, an anti-CD antibody blocked plasmin-catalysed cleavage by inhibiting the A2/K5-CD interaction. These data demon strate that the K5-CD of plasmin (and plasminogen) interacts with the A2 domain independent of lysine-binding site, whilst interactions of K1–2–3 and K4 with the light chain are lysine-binding site-dependent. Interactions between the K5-CD and A2 likely constitute the major regulatory mechanism for activation and inactivation of FVIII(a) mediated by cleavage at Arg372 and Arg336.
Impact of Thrombophilia on Risk of Arterial Ischemic Stroke or Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis in Neonates and Children
Authors: Kenet Gili , Lütkhoff Lisa K. , Albisetti Manuela , Bernard Timothy , Bonduel Mariana , Brandao Leonardo , Chabrier Stephane , Chan Anthony , deVeber Gabrielle , Fiedler Barbara , Fullerton Heather J. , Goldenberg Neil A. , Grabowski Eric , Günther Gudrun , Heller Christine , Holzhauer Susanne , Iorio Alfonso , Journeycake Janna , Junker Ralf , Kirkham Fenella J. , Kurnik Karin , Lynch John K. , Male Christoph , Manco-Johnson Marilyn , Mesters Rolf , Monagle Paul , van Ommen C. Heleen , Raffini Leslie , Rostásy Kevin , Simioni Paolo , Sträter Ronald D. , Young Guy , Nowak-Göttl Ulrike
Published: April 2010

Background—

The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of thrombophilia on risk of first childhood stroke through a meta-analysis of published observational studies.

Methods and Results—

A systematic search of electronic databases (Medline via PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library) for studies published from 1970 to 2009 was conducted. Data on year of publication, study design, country of origin, number of patients/control subjects, ethnicity, stroke type (arterial ischemic stroke [AIS], cerebral venous sinus thrombosis [CSVT]) were abstracted. Publication bias indicator and heterogeneity across studies were evaluated, and summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with fixed-effects or random-effects models. Twenty-two of 185 references met inclusion criteria. Thus, 1764 patients (arterial ischemic stroke [AIS], 1526; cerebral sinus venous thrombosis [CSVT], 238) and 2799 control subjects (neonate to 18 years of age) were enrolled. No significant heterogeneity was discerned across studies, and no publication bias was detected. A statistically significant association with first stroke was demonstrated for each thrombophilia trait evaluated, with no difference found between AIS and CSVT. Summary ORs (fixed-effects model) were as follows: antithrombin deficiency, 7.06 (95% CI, 2.44 to 22.42); protein C deficiency, 8.76 (95% CI, 4.53 to 16.96); protein S deficiency, 3.20 (95% CI, 1.22 to 8.40), factor V G1691A, 3.26 (95% CI, 2.59 to 4.10); factor II G20210A, 2.43 (95% CI, 1.67 to 3.51);
MTHFR
C677T (AIS), 1.58 (95% CI, 1.20 to 2.08); antiphospholipid antibodies (AIS), 6.95 (95% CI, 3.67 to 13.14); elevated lipoprotein(a), 6.27 (95% CI, 4.52 to 8.69), and combined thrombophilias, 11.86 (95% CI, 5.93 to 23.73). In the 6 exclusively perinatal AIS studies, summary ORs were as follows: factor V, 3.56 (95% CI, 2.29 to 5.53); and factor II, 2.02 (95% CI, 1.02 to 3.99).

Conclusions—

The present meta-analysis indicates that thrombophilias serve as risk factors for incident stroke. However, the impact of thrombophilias on outcome and recurrence risk needs to be further investigated.
Home-Measured Blood Pressure Is a Stronger Predictor of Cardiovascular Risk Than Office Blood Pressure
Authors: Niiranen Teemu J. , Hänninen Marjo-Riitta , Johansson Jouni , Reunanen Antti , Jula Antti M.
Published: April 2010

Previous studies with some limitations have provided equivocal results for the prognostic significance of home-measured blood pressure (BP). We investigated whether home-measured BP is more strongly associated with cardiovascular events and total mortality than is office BP. A prospective nationwide study was initiated in 2000 to 2001 on 2081 randomly selected subjects aged 45 to 74 years. Home and office BP were determined at baseline along with other cardiovascular risk factors. The primary end point was incidence of a cardiovascular event (cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, hospitalization for heart failure, percutaneous coronary intervention, or coronary artery bypass graft surgery). The secondary end point was total mortality. After a mean follow-up of 6.8 years, 162 subjects had experienced a cardiovascular event, and 118 subjects had died. In Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for other cardiovascular risk factors, office BP (systolic/diastolic hazard ratio [HR] per 10/5 mm Hg increase in BP, 1.13/1.13; systolic/diastolic 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 to 1.22/1.05 to 1.22) and home BP (HR, 1.23/1.18; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.34/1.10 to 1.27) were predictive of cardiovascular events. However, when both BPs were simultaneously included in the models, only home BP (HR, 1.22/1.15; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.37/1.05 to 1.26), not office BP (HR, 1.01/1.06; 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.12/0.97 to 1.16), was predictive of cardiovascular events. Systolic home BP was the sole predictor of total mortality (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01/1.23). Our findings suggest that home-measured BP is prognostically superior to office BP. On the basis of the results of this and previous studies, it can be concluded that home BP measurement offers specific advantages more than conventional office measurement.
The Gulf Corporation Council Sovereign Wealth Funds: Are They Instruments for Economic Diversification or Political Tools?
Authors: El-Kharouf Farouk , Al-Qudsi Sulayman , Obeid Shifa
Published: April 2010

Our research has two objectives. The first objective is to review the historical evolution of the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) and to demonstrate how their conception and evolution was in fact an integral part of an overall prescription for the cyclical economic and fiscal imbalances of the oil-based GCC economies. The second objective is to review economic and political claims and arguments that have been developed to trim the tide and influence of the GCC SWFs in Western economies. Applying institutional and factual analyses, the paper provides counterarguments that rebut these claims and arguments. For a long time, advocates of globalization have argued its benefits to all parties. The experience of SWFs puts such claims to the test. In the meantime, however, GCC SWFs should open up a bit more and reveal their investments profiles showing both gains and losses. This should quell fears and convince skeptics that the GCC SWFs confidentiality practices are not hiding any “threatening secrets.” Finally, recent financial and global turmoil generated acceptance of SWFs in Western economies with policymakers touring the GCC to “welcome” more SWF flows into advanced economies. However, only time will tell if such Western policy gestures are sustainable in the end, or were merely temporary policy switches rendered under severe pressures from global and financial crises.
Firm Heterogeneity in the Choice of Offshoring: Evidence from Korean Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Hyun Hea-Jung
Published: April 2010

Using firm-level data on offshoring of Korean manufacturers, this paper examines the relationship between firm heterogeneity and the probability of adopting offshoring. The results of the paper suggest that firm productivity may not be an important determinant for Korean firms' offshoring decision. A firm's global sourcing decision may rather depend on other characteristics such as factor intensity, research and development (R&D) intensity, information and communication technology (ICT) level, and affiliation with foreign markets when industry specificity is controlled for.
Concept for High-Low Temperature Resistance Arrangement within Multilayer Flexible Composite Materials
Authors: Jinjing Chen  , Weidong Yu
Published: April 2010

The multilayer flexible composite (MFC) materials are extensively used in space environment, polar environment, volcano adventure, and so on as light weight insulation protection systems between room (20 ± 2°C) and high (150 ± 5°C)-low (-110 ± 5°C) operating temperature. A new concept for high-low temperature resistance arrangement is presented in this article considering heat load contributions. The main advantages of this concept consist of the structure of the materials and the choice of spacers. The structure of the MFC material consists of outer fabric, inner fabric, and a number of thin shields separated by spacers. The thermal properties of multilayer reflecting shields with different thickness of reflecting shields, different layers, different combination structures, different spacers, and different contact states were discussed in this article. The reflecting shield (6 µm polyester film + 0.03 µm aluminum film + 8 µm polyester film) is the most ideal, and polyester mesh (down added into the mesh) is the most effective spacer with thermal insulation close to the ideal condition. Finally the thin shields and spacers are chosen, and then the optimal structure of the MFC materials is obtained with respect to insulation thickness and flexibility of the material.
Existential Indifference: Another Quality of Meaning in Life
Authors: Schnell Tatjana
Published: April 2010

Existential indifference is characterized by a state of low meaningfulness that is not associated with a crisis of meaning. In the existentialist tradition, this condition has been generally acknowledged, but quantitative measurement has not been available. By using and combining both the meaningfulness and crisis of meaning scale of the SoMe, the existentially indifferent can be identified empirically. According to data from a representative sample (Study I, N = 603), existential indifference slightly decreases with age and is especially common among singles and unmarried partners. The existentially indifferent show low commitment to all sources of meaning; they demonstrate particular disinterest in self-knowledge, spirituality, explicit religiosity, and generativity. Whereas their mental health (depression, anxiety) is comparable to that of individuals who experience their lives as meaningful, their psychological well-being (positive affect, satisfaction with life) is considerably lower (Study II, N = 135).
Change-Supportive Employee Behavior: Antecedents and the Moderating Role of Time
Authors: Kim Tai Gyu , Hornung Severin , Rousseau Denise M.
Published: April 2010

This study investigates antecedents of change-supportive behavior and how these antecedents vary over the course of an organizational transition. Change-supportive behavior is defined as actions employees engage in to actively participate in, facilitate, and contribute to a planned change. Drawing on the theory of planned behavior, (a) the anticipated benefits of the change, (b) the quality of the employment relationship, and (c) the formal involvement in the change are examined as antecedents. Hypotheses are tested in a two-wave panel of 72 employees from a hospital undergoing a strategic reorientation toward continuous improvement. Formal involvement in the change had stable positive effects in each wave, conducted 18 and 42 months after the change was initiated. The effects of both anticipated benefits of the change and the quality of the employment relationship were moderated by time, such that the former became less and the latter more important as the change progressed from an earlier phase of implementation to a later stage of institutionalization. Moderating effects of time correspond with theory regarding discontinuous information processing and gradual shifts in employees’ cognitive models of their relationship with the organization. Implications for managing employee behavioral support in different phases of change are discussed.
Paying Attention to Mindfulness and Its Effects on Task Performance in the Workplace
Authors: Dane Erik
Published: April 2010

Although the concept of mindfulness has attracted scholarly attention across multiple disciplines, research on mindfulness in the field of management remains limited. In particular, little research in this field has examined the nature of mindfulness and whether it relates to task performance in organizational and occupational settings. Filling these gaps, the present article delineates mindfulness by (a) defining it as a state of consciousness in which attention is focused on present-moment phenomena occurring both externally and internally, (b) comparing it to a range of other attention-related concepts, and (c) developing theory concerning the factors that determine when mindfulness is beneficial versus costly from a task performance standpoint.
Democratic constitution-making and unfreezing the Turkish process
Authors: Arato Andrew
Published: April 2010

This short article will seek to explore the causes, and possible solutions, of what seems to be the current freezing of the Turkish constitution-making process that has had some dramatic successes in the 1990s and early 2000s. I make the strong claim that democratic legitimacy or constituent authority should not be reduced either to any mode of power, even popular power, or to mere legality. It is these types of reduction that I find especially troubling in recent Turkish constitutional struggles, where the legal claims of two powers — the government-controlled legislative and the judicial branches — to structure the constitution are not backed by sufficient political legitimacy. In effect these two powers that claim their constituent authorization, rather implausibly in my view, from either the democratic electorate or from an original constituent power, because of their conflict threaten to freeze the constitution-making process that very much needs to be continued and concluded. I end the article by making a suggestion for one possible constitution-making procedure that would be both legitimate and legal.
Privatization or pluralization?
Authors: Cooke Maeve
Published: April 2010

In a widely publicized lecture in 2008, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, expressed his concern that the conception of law and democratic citizenship prevailing in England may lead to ghettoization. The problem, in his view, is that the bulk of the convictions and commitments that define a given citizen’s identity are seen as a matter of individual choice and relegated to the private realm. In diagnosing this problem, Williams tacitly distances himself from a privatizing view of democratic politics. In response to the problem, he calls for consideration of the possibility of supplementary jurisdictions, whereby certain legal functions would be delegated to the religious courts of a community. The article is broadly supportive of Williams’ concern to avoid privatization and his emphasis on the importance of openness to learning from other legal codes. However, it finds no convincing case for legally recognizing plural jurisdictions. It concludes that this aim is better served by Seyla Benhabib’s proposal for vibrant, ongoing exchanges between different legal codes, and between such codes and political and cultural beliefs, traditions and practices.
Parental Educational Investments and Aspirations in Japan
Authors: Lee Kristen Schultz
Published: April 2010

Previous models of parental educational investments focus on the composition of the sibship (number, gender, ordering, and spacing) and on the social and institutional context in which investment decisions are made. Social— institutional models predict that parents in Japan are likely to underinvest in girls because of their transient status in the family of origin and their limited earnings potential. This article contributes an understanding of the family contexts under which this model of investment does and does not apply. Through an analysis of 45 in-depth interviews conducted by the author, a family culture of investment model is developed that identifies parental gender beliefs and valuation of education as key factors shaping parental investments in prewar cohort groups. The findings from this research have implications for our understanding of international variation in the gender equity of educational attainment.
REVIEW PAPER: Animals as Models of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Zeiss C. J.
Published: April 2010

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative condition that begins in Bruch’s membrane and progresses to involve the retinal pigment epithelium and ultimately the overlying photoreceptors. The only required etiologic factor is age, and AMD is regarded as the leading cause of blindness in individuals older than 65 years. AMD results from variable contributions of age, environment, and genetic predisposition. Many loci are linked to AMD; in the majority of cases, the disease is associated with polymorphisms within these genes, rather than mutations that ablate gene function. The etiologic complexity of AMD is reflected by the paucity of animal models that entirely replicate the human disease. This review compares the salient anatomy of the primate and rodent retina, particularly in the light of AMD pathology. It next discusses prevailing hypotheses explaining how AMD may develop. These include the role of complement activation and macrophage chemotaxis in AMD, molecular mechanisms of choroidal neovascularization, and the roles of oxidative damage and lipid metabolism. Finally, the article gives an overview of spontaneous and induced nonhuman primate models and describes relevant mouse models in the context of each pathogenetic mechanism.
Ovine Progressive Pneumonia Virus Capsid Antigen as Found in CD163- and CD172a-Positive Alveolar Macrophages of Persistently Infected Sheep
Authors: Herrmann-Hoesing L. M. , Noh S. M. , Snekvik K. R. , White S. N. , Schneider D. A. , Truscott T. , Knowles D. P.
Published: April 2010

In situ detection of ovine progressive pneumonia virus (OPPV) and the phenotypic identification of the cells that harbor OPPV have not been described for the OPPV-affected tissues, which include lung, mammary gland, synovial membranes of the carpal joint, and choroid plexus of the brain. In this study, the authors first developed a single enzyme-based automated immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis for detection of OPPV capsid antigen (CA) on OPPV-affected tissues, using 2 anti-CAEV CA monoclonal antibodies, 5A1 and 10A1, and 2 enzyme-based IHC systems. Out of 10 naturally and persistently OPPV-infected ewes, OPPV CA was detected in intercellular regions of the carpal synovial membrane of 1 ewe, in cells resembling alveolar macrophages and pulmonary interstitial macrophages in lung tissue of 3 ewes, and in mammary alveolar cells of 1 ewe. Furthermore, dual enzyme-based automated IHC analyses revealed that OPPV CA was predominantly detected in CD172a- or CD163-positive alveolar macrophages of the lungs and mammary gland. That anti-inflammatory (CD163) and downregulatory (CD172a) types of alveolar macrophage harbor OPPV CA leads to the possibility that during persistent infection with OPPV, the host alveolar macrophage might serve to limit inflammation while OPPV persists undetected by the host adaptive immune response in the lung and mammary gland.
Detection of the Abnormal Isoform of the Prion Protein Associated With Chronic Wasting Disease in the Optic Pathways of the Brain and Retina of Rocky Mountain Elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni)
Authors: Spraker T. R. , O’Rourke K. I. , Gidlewski T. , Powers J. G. , Greenlee J. J. , Wild M. A.
Published: April 2010

Eyes and nuclei of the visual pathways in the brain were examined in 30 Rocky Mountain elk ( Cervus elaphus nelsoni) representing 3 genotypes of the prion protein gene PRNP (codon 132: MM, ML, or LL). Tissues were examined for the presence of the abnormal isoform of the prion protein associated with chronic wasting disease (PrPCWD). Nuclei and axonal tracts from a single section of brain stem at the level of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve were scored for intensity and distribution of PrPCWD immunoreactivity and degree of spongiform degeneration. This obex scoring ranged from 0 (elk with no PrPCWD in the brain stem) to 10 (representing elk in terminal stage of disease). PrPCWD was detected in the retina of 16 of 18 (89%) elk with an obex score of > 7. PrPCWD was not detected in the retina of the 3 chronic wasting disease–negative elk and 9 elk with an obex score of < 6. PrPCWD was found in the nuclei of the visual pathways in the brain before it was found in the retina. Within the retina, PrPCWD was first found in the inner plexiform layer, followed by the outer plexiform layer. Intracytoplasmic accumulation of PrPCWD was found in a few neurons in the ganglion cell layer in the PRNP 132ML elk but was a prominent feature in the PRNP 132LL elk. Small aggregates of PrPCWD were present on the inner surface of the outer limiting membrane in PRNP 132LL elk but not in PRNP 132MM or 132ML elk. This study demonstrates PrPCWD accumulation in nuclei of the visual pathways of the brain, followed by PrPCWD in the retina.
Pathology and Viral Antigen Distribution of Lethal Pneumonia in Domestic Cats Due to Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza A Virus
Authors: Löhr C. V. , DeBess E. E. , Baker R. J. , Hiett S. L. , Hoffman K. A. , Murdoch V. J. , Fischer K. A. , Mulrooney D. M. , Selman R. L. , Hammill-Black W. M.
Published: April 2010

A novel swine-origin H1N1 influenza A virus has been identified as the cause of the 2009 influenza pandemic in humans. Since then, infections with the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus have been documented in a number of animal species. The first known cases of lethal respiratory disease associated with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus infection in house pets occurred in domestic cats in Oregon. A 10-year-old neutered domestic shorthair and an 8-year-old spayed domestic shorthair died shortly after developing severe respiratory disease. Grossly, lung lobes of both cats were diffusely firm and incompletely collapsed. Histologically, moderate to severe necrotizing to pyonecrotizing bronchointerstitial pneumonia was accompanied by serofibrinous exudation and hyaline membranes in the alveolar spaces. Influenza A virus was isolated from nasal secretions of the male cat and from lung homogenate of the female cat. Both isolates were confirmed as pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. With immunohistochemistry, influenza A viral antigen was demonstrated in bronchiolar epithelial cells, pneumocytes, and alveolar macrophages in pneumonic areas. The most likely sources of infection were people in the household with influenza-like illness or confirmed pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza. The 2 cases reported here provide, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the first description of the pathology and viral antigen distribution of lethal respiratory disease in domestic cats after natural pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus infection, probably transmitted from humans.
Preemption, precaution, preparedness: Anticipatory action and future geographies
Authors: Anderson Ben
Published: April 2010

The paper focuses on how futures are anticipated and acted on in relation to a set of events that are taken to threaten liberal democracies. Across different domains of life the future is now problematized as a disruption, a surprise. This problematization of the future as indeterminate or uncertain has been met with an extraordinary proliferation of anticipatory action. The paper argues that anticipatory action works through the assembling of: styles through which the form of the future is disclosed and related to; practices that render specific futures present; and logics through which anticipatory action is legitimized, guided and enacted.
Head Trauma in Children, Part 3: Clinical and Psychosocial Outcome After Head Trauma in Children
Authors: Kapapa Thomas , Pfister Ulricke , König Kathrin , Sasse Michael , Woischneck Dieter , Heissler Hans E. , Rickels Eckhard
Published: April 2010

With the aim of determining long-term outcome, the authors approached 38 families (average 2.1 years after trauma) with a questionnaire, following the acute-clinical treatment of head trauma of their children. Long-term damage was restricted almost exclusively to patients presenting with a Glasgow Coma Score ≤8. Paresis (16%), cranial nerve damage (13%), incontinence (5%), or coordinative disturbances (18%) continued. The older children stated that they influenced their life to a great extent (11%). Furthermore, many had mental and cognitive problems that occur quite frequently even in children with light head trauma and often only manifest after release from hospital. This causes problems and results in inferior performance (26%), especially at school, which is further complicated through lengthy periods of absence. The parents, especially, mentioned behavioral problems such as social withdrawal or aggressive demeanor, which led to tension also inside the family. A persistent vegetative state is rare after head trauma in children.
Polyspike and Waves Do Not Predict Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures in Childhood Absence Epilepsy
Authors: Vierck Esther , Cauley Ryan , Kugler Steven L. , Mandelbaum David E. , Pal Deb K. , Durner Martina
Published: April 2010

About 40% of children with childhood absence epilepsy develop generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It is commonly held that polyspike—wave pattern on the electroencephalogram (EEG) can predict this development of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. However, there is no firm evidence in support of this proposition. To test this assumption, we used survival analysis and compared the incidence of generalized tonic-clonic seizures in 115 patients with childhood absence epilepsy having either isolated 3-Hz spike—wave or coexisting 3 Hz and polyspike—waves and other variables. There was no evidence that polyspike—waves predicted development of generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients with childhood absence epilepsy. Later age of onset (≥8 years) and family histories of generalized tonic-clonic seizures were the only independent predictors. These results have implications for counseling and in the choice of first-line antiepileptic drugs used for childhood absence epilepsy, especially if valproate is chosen based on the observation of polyspike—waves.
Coexistent Central and Peripheral Nervous System Involvement in a Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome X-linked Patient
Authors: Fusco Carlo , Frattini Daniele , Pisani Francesco , Spaggiari Federica , Ferlini Alessandra , Della Giustina Elvio
Published: April 2010

A 14-year-old boy with an episode of acute weakness resembling acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis and polyradiculoneuritis after a febrile illness is described. Molecular analysis showed a mutation at codon 164 of the connexin 32 gene. Neuroradiological and neurophysiological follow-up is reported during acute and chronic phases of disease, suggesting that during metabolic stress connexin 32 mutations lead to a loss of normal cellular communication and reversible cell dysfunction in oligodendrocytes and in Schwann cells. These data confirm that altered gating properties of connexin 32 could give rise to acute, transient central and peripheral nervous system symptoms in situations of metabolic stress.
Andersen Cardiodysrhythmic Periodic Paralysis With KCNJ2 Mutations: A Novel Mutation in the Pore Selectivity Filter Residue
Authors: Lim Byung Chan , Kim Gi Beom , Bae Eun Jung , Noh Chung Il , Hwang Hee , Kim Ki Joong , Hwang Yong Seung , Ko Tae Sung , Chae Jong-Hee
Published: April 2010

Andersen cardiodysrhythmic periodic paralysis or Andersen-Tawil syndrome includes the distinct clinical features of periodic paralysis, cardiac arrhythmia, and facial and skeletal dysmorphisms and exhibits autosomal dominant inheritance. Mutations in the KCNJ2 gene, which encodes the human inward rectifier potassium channel Kir2.1, have been identified in the majority of cases. Despite well-established clinical and molecular characteristics, treatment is still case oriented, and timely diagnosis could be delayed because of the low incidence and phenotypic heterogeneity of this disease. This article describes the clinical and molecular features of 3 cases of Andersen-Tawil syndrome in 2 families. One of the mutations (G144D) was located in the pore selectivity filter residue (which is mutated recurrently) and was considered novel. Intermittent muscle weakness in childhood warrants careful evaluation of cardiac dysrhythmia and skeletal anomalies.
History of Neuroimaging: The Legacy of William Oldendorf
Authors: Mishra Shri Kant , Singh Parampreet
Published: April 2010

The field of neuroimaging witnessed remarkable progress in the post-World War II era, resulting in tremendous benefits for healthcare today. One such important milestone was the development of the computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan. This state of the art technique has paved the way for modern diagnostic imaging like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Dr William Oldendorf, the first designer of axial tomography, is regarded by some as the true father of neuroimaging. However, because of various reasons, he was unable to succeed with his concept and was also unfortunately denied his due entitlement of the Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology in 1979. This article discusses his contributions to the fields of neuroimaging and neurosciences, along with the politics that surrounded the awarding of the Nobel Prize of 1979. Another associated topic that is touched on in this article is the ever-growing dispute over the interpretations of neuroimaging between neurologists and neuroradiologists.
The First Genome-Wide Scan in a Tunisian Family With Generalized Epilepsy With Febrile Seizure Plus (GEFS+)
Authors: Fendri-Kriaa Nourhene , Louhichi Nacim , Mkaouar-Rebai Emna , Chabchoub Ghazi , Kammoun Fatma , Salem Ikhlass Hadj , Rebai Ahmed , Triki Chahnez , Fakhfakh Faiza
Published: April 2010

Generalized epilepsy with febrile seizure plus (GEFS+) is an autosomal dominant disorder. In the literature, 5 responsible genes were identified and 2 novel susceptibility loci for GEFS+ at 2p24 and 8p23-p21 were reported, indicating the genetic heterogeneity of this disorder. The aim of this report is to identify the responsible loci in a large affected Tunisian family by performing a 10cM density genome-wide scan. The highest multipoint logarithm of odds (LOD) score (1.04) was found for D5S407 in the absence of recombination. Two other interesting regions were found around marker D19S210 (LOD=0.799) and D7S484 (LOD=0.61) markers. To fine map these loci, additional markers in 2 regions on 5q13.3 and 7p14.2 were analyzed and positive LOD scores for both loci were obtained. Sequencing of the Sodium channel subunit beta-1 gene (SCN1B) (19q13.1) showed the absence of any causal mutation. Our findings emphasized the genetic heterogeneity of febrile seizures.
Hydrological response of an east-Saharan palaeolake (NW Sudan) to early-Holocene climate
Authors: Hoelzmann P. , Schwalb A. , Roberts N. , Cooper P. , Burgess A.
Published: April 2010

We present a palaeolimnological record in western Nubia (NW Sudan, eastern Sahara) isolated from large-scale artesian systems and thus reflecting hydrological changes resulting from local rainfall. Past changes in lake water chemistry and water depth are interpreted by combining results from biological indicators (diatoms, ostracodes and charophytes) with geochemical and stable oxygen and carbon isotope data. Palaeolake Gureinat existed from ~10.9 cal. ka BP until at least 7.1 cal. ka BP and is devided into five lake phases. For the first two millennia the lake was shallow and fluctuating salinity conditions prevailed (500 to 3000 μS/cm). After ~8.7 cal. ka BP, the lake level rose, waters became fresh to oligosaline, and the lake had a minimum depth of at least 8 m. Both transgressive and stable lake phases were punctuated by at least three drops in lake level with complete desiccation at around 10.9 and 8.9 cal. ka BP. The third of these regressions may be coeval with the 8.2 ka climatic event. Sediments younger than 7.1 cal. ka BP representing the mid-Holocene fading of the wet phase were removed by deflation. This record shows that lakes in the eastern Sahara registered short-term climatic events, as long as they were isolated from large-scale artesian groundwater systems. Consequently, even in this continental region, early-Holocene climatic fluctuations affected water levels and salinities of hydrologically isolated lake systems.
Climate reconstructions from grape harvest dates: Methodology and uncertainties
Authors: García de Cortázar-Atauri I. , Daux V. , Garnier E. , Yiou P. , Viovy N. , Seguin B. , Boursiquot J.M. , Parker A.K. , van Leeuwen C. , Chuine I.
Published: April 2010

Several studies have used grape harvest date (GHD) as a proxy for temperature variations of the last centuries in Europe. However, the use of grape harvest dates to reconstruct climate is not straightforward, with four possible causes of major flaws. In this study we identify and evaluate the accuracy of GHD as a proxy to past temperature anomalies, uncertainties in the model used to relate temperature to GHD, identity of the grape varieties cultivated in the past, type of wine produced in the past and cultural practices used in the past. Our analyses are based on several phenological and crop models, and on the most complete data set on grape vine phenology and harvest quality. We show that the two methodologies currently used — linear regression models and process-based phenological models — can be accurate, but process-based phenological models ascertain robustness to be applied confidently in different vineyards and different periods. However, we show that several factors can induce a bias in temperature reconstructions using process-based models. We demonstrate the importance of historical information on the studied areas such as the varieties cultivated, the style of wine produced, the quality sought, the agricultural practices, in order to build the most robust model.
Oxygen isotope ratios in Holocene carbonates across a climatic gradient, eastern Washington State, USA: Evidence for seasonal effects on pedogenic mineral isotopic composition
Authors: Stevenson B.A. , Kelly E.F. , McDonald E.V. , Busacca A.J. , Welker J.M.
Published: April 2010

Oxygen isotope ratios of pedogenic carbonates were analyzed along a climatic gradient in the Palouse region of eastern Washington State to evaluate changes in their isotopic composition with changing climate. A modern analog approach was used to assess the relationship between the istotope ratios in the pedogenic carbonates with those in soil water (measured in June when we anticipated carbonate formation might occur because of low soil water content), and meteoric water from two National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) sites adjacent to our sequence. Mean annual meteoric water δ18O values (wrt VSMOW) from the two NADP sites varied slightly with elevation, —13.9‰ at the Starkey site (elevation 1253 m) and —13.0‰ at the Palouse site, (elevation 766 m) but showed distinct seasonal trends with weighted means ranging from —11.9‰ during autumn to —15.0‰ during the winter. Carbonate δ18O (wrt VPDB) varied significantly with MAP, ranging from —14.1‰ at the most arid site to —11.4‰ at the wettest site but displayed a trend opposite to that of soil water δ18O (—4 to —12‰ VSMOW for the 70 cm depth). Neither measured soil water δ18O values nor mean meteoric water δ18O values generated realistic temperatures of formation for the observed trend in carbonate δ18O values. When mean annual temperatures across the gradient were used for temperature of formation, calculated soil water δ18O in equilibrium with carbonate δ 18O was similar to winter precipitation δ18O at the most arid sites but became increasingly similar to mean annual meteoric δ 18O as MAP increased. We suggest that the unexpected trend in carbonate δ18O is largely due to the diminishing influence of winter precipitation/snowmelt on soil moisture as MAP increases across the climatic gradient and that seasonal effects of meteoric water may need to be considered in pedogenic mineral isotopic equilibrium in temperate regions.
Vegetation and fire history of the Euganean Hills (Colli Euganei) as recorded by Lateglacial and Holocene sedimentary series from Lago della Costa (northeastern Italy)
Authors: Kaltenrieder Petra , Procacci Giovanni , Vannière Boris , Tinner Willy
Published: April 2010

We reconstruct the vegetational and fire history of the Colli Euganei and northeastern Po Plain from c . 16 500 cal. BP to the present using AMS-dated sedimentary pollen, microscopic and macroscopic charcoal records. Our study site, Lago della Costa, is the only natural water basin with an undisturbed late-Quaternary sediment accumulation in the northeastern Po Plain. Mixed coniferous-deciduous forests occurred since at latest 14 500 cal. BP. Gradual expansion of e.g. Alnus glutinosa and Carpinus betulus is documented after c. 11 000 cal. BP. A further expansion of Abies alba and Alnus at 9200 cal. BP coincided with a population buildup of these species in the Insubrian region c. 200 km northwest of our site. A further increase of Alnus about 6400 cal. BP was accompanied by an expansion of Castanea sativa and Juglans regia as well as meadow and field plants. This vegetational change was contemporaneous with a huge increase of regional and local fire activity. Our data suggest that fire disturbance favoured strong and moderate re-sprouters, e.g. Alnus, Carpinus and Castanea, whereas fire-sensitive taxa, e.g. Tilia and Abies were disadvantaged. The close link between crops, weeds and fire activity suggests human impact as the main source of changes in Neolithic vegetation and fire regime. To our knowledge these are the oldest palaeobotanical data suggesting the cultivation of Castanea and Juglans in Europe and elsewhere. Our pollen and charcoal records document the subsequent cultivation of Castanea, Juglans, Olea and Cerealia t. during the Bronze Age (4150—2750 cal. BP). Subsequently, intensification of land use continued during the Iron and Roman Age and Medieval times. In contrast with other northern Italian sites vegetation around our site was always rather open with a substantial proportion covered by grassland. We explain this peculiarity of the site by its location near river banks and floodlands.
Variability of Lake Michigan water level during the past 1000 years reconstructed through optical dating of a coastal strandplain
Authors: Argyilan Erin P. , Forman Steven L. , Thompson Todd A.
Published: April 2010

Post Nipissing-phase strandplains of the Great Lakes reflect late-Holocene water levels that are linked to climate variability, glacial isostasy, and changes in basin hydrology. This study examines a strandplain sequence at Bailey’s Harbor, Door County, Wisconsin, along Lake Michigan, which contains a record of water-level variations during the past 1000 years, following the separation of the Lake Michigan-Huron basin from the Lake Superior basin. Vibracores are used to define the current elevation of the foreshore facies in 25 preserved beach ridges. Optical ages for five individual beach ridges are compared with radiocarbon ages on basal peats from nine swales collected in a previous study. The optical chronology yields a ridge formation/preservation rate of 30 ± 2 yr/ridge similar to that of previous assessments. This study further demonstrates the efficacy of optical dating for deciphering late-Holocene beach-ridge sequences, providing multidecadal resolution. Lake level meets or exceeds, by at least 0.5 m, historic metrics at c. AD 1125—1225. The maximum water level after c. AD 1225 is comparable with that recorded by the instrumental data. There is a noticeable high lake level from c. AD 1560 to 1725. Dating of additional sites along Lake Michigan is required to establish local rates of glacio-isostatic adjustment, identify possible erosion of the outlets and to resolve lake-level records for individual lakes following the separation of the upper Great Lakes currently constrained to have occurred c. 2400 to 1200 years ago.
Testing soil phytolith analysis as a tool to understand vegetation change in the sagebrush steppe and pinyon-juniper woodlands of the Great Basin Desert, USA
Authors: Morris Lesley R. , West Neil E. , Ryel Ronald J.
Published: April 2010

Better biological proxy methods are needed to understand changes in arid ecosystems over the recent past. Our objective in this study was to examine the utility of soil phytolith analysis to reflect vegetation changes over the past 200 years, from the end of the ‘Little Ice Age’ to present. The sensitivity of phytoliths to record vegetation changes for this time period was tested by sampling in locations where vegetation changes were known to have occurred based on human records. We used extraction weights to test for the trend in reduction of grasses and increase in woody vegetation over time. We used the relative abundance of soil phytolith morphotypes from native versus introduced grasses to look for the increase in non-native grasses. Then, we examined the phytolith assemblages from soils in a continuous core sampling method with 1 cm increments. Extraction weights decreased by half from the surface to ‘Little Ice Age’ layers and may reflect increasing pinyon-juniper woodland cover. The relative abundance of common introduced grass phytoliths increased by nearly half between the older segments and the surface, which could be a reflection of growing dominance of invasive grasses. The phytolith assemblages varied over time and with depth in continuous core sampling. The patterns of change in both detailed cores appeared to reflect known vegetation changes since the end of the ‘Little Ice Age’. Soil phytolith analysis has the potential to provide much needed biological proxy data for this time period in the Great Basin Desert.
Toxicological evaluation and hepatoprotective potential of Clerodendron glandulosum.Coleb leaf extract
Authors: Jadeja Ravirajsinh N , Thounaojam Menaka C , Ansarullah  , Jadav Snehal V , Patel Mitul D , Patel Dipak K , Salunke Sunita P , Padate Geeta S , Devkar Ranjitsinh V , Ramachandran AV
Published: April 2010

This inventory evaluates toxicological effects and hepatoprotective potential of Clerodendron glandulosum.Coleb (CG) aqueous extract. Acute and subchronic toxicity tests were performed using Swiss albino mice as per the guideline of Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Also, hepatoprotective potential of CG extract was examined in experimental model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4)-induced hepatotoxicity. Acute and subchronic toxicity tests revealed that CG extract is non-toxic and its median lethal dose (LD50) value is >5000 mg/kg bodyweight. Also, rats pretreated with CG extract followed by administration of CCl4 recorded significant decrement in plasma marker enzymes of hepatic damage, total bilirubin content and hepatic lipid peroxidation. While, hepatic reduced glutathione, ascorbic acid content, activity levels of superoxide and catalase and plasma total protein content were significantly increased. Microscopic examination of liver showed that pretreatment with CG extract prevented CCl4-induced hepatic damage in CG + CCl 4 group. CG extract has hepatoprotective potential by modulating activity levels of enzymes and metabolites governing liver function and by helping in maintaining cellular integrity of hepatocytes that is comparable with that of standard drug silymarin. CG extract exhibits potent hepatoprotective activity against CCl4-induced hepatic damage but does not exhibit any toxic manifestations.