bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate phenotyping reveals better QTL for waterlogging tolerance in barley
Authors: Zhou M.
Published: July 2010

With 5 figures and 2 tables

Tolerance to soil waterlogging stress is an important plant breeding objective in high rainfall or poorly drained areas across many countries in the world. Similar to other abiotic stresses, waterlogging tolerance is a complicated trait and the selection for tolerance has been a major obstacle in breeding programmes. Molecular marker‐assisted selection (MAS) can be very effective. However, the success of MAS depends on the development of reliable markers which requires accurate phenotyping when searching for the markers linked to the tolerance. In this experiment, a new screening facility, with the environment closer to field conditions, has been used to screen a double haploid population produced from a cross between waterlogging tolerant and susceptible varieties. A new scoring system of plant healthiness (0 = plant died from waterlogging; 10 = not affected by waterlogging) was also used in this experiment. The results were compared with a previous glasshouse pot experiment. Some quantitative trait loci (QTL) identified from the current experiment and previous pot experiment were quite different. From this experiment, two major QTL (QWL.YeFr.4H and QWL.YeFr.2H.2, accounting 24% and 17% of phenotypic variation) and two minor QTL (QWL.YeFr.2H.1 and QWL.YeFr.3H, accounting 8% and 7% of the variation) were found. These four markers can be very effectively used to select waterlogging tolerance. By selecting all four closely linked markers, all the lines will be quite tolerant with an average score of 7.6. In contrast, if none of above markers were selected all the lines would be susceptible with an average score of 1.4.
QTL mapping for resistance to strip virus disease in rice
Authors: Wang BaoXiang , Jiang Ling , Zhang YingXin , Zhang WenWei , Wang MaoQing , Cheng XiaNian , Liu Xi , Zhai HuQu , Wan JianMin
Published: July 2010

With 2 figures and 5 tables

To discover new resistance genes to rice stripe virus disease (RSVD), quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was conducted by using 162 recombinant inbred lines, derived from a cross between ‘Guichao 2’ and ‘Koshihikari’, RSVD resistances were evaluated using both artificial inoculation and natural infection methods by scoring the ratio of the disease rating index. Three QTL‐controlling RSVD resistance were detected by the above two methods, which located on chromosomes 4(qStv4), 9(qStv9) and 12(qStv12), respectively. The qStv9 and qStv12 was repeatedly detected in artificial inoculation test in 2006 and 2008. In natural inoculation test, the qStv4 and qStv9 was detected in 2006, and the qStv12 was detected in 2008. As qStv9 and qStv12 explained 11.3–32.1% of the resistance effect from ‘Guichao 2’ across two environments, they should be a useful genetic resource in rice MAS breeding programme against RSVD. Further analysis revealed that the lines harbouring the alleles of qStv9 and qStv12 exhibited significantly increased resistance to RSVD, implying the possibility of breeding new resistant varieties by pyramiding resistant QTL through marker‐assisted selection.
Egg and sperm recognition systems during fertilization
Authors: Hirohashi Noritaka , Kamei Noriko , Kubo Hideo , Sawada Hitoshi , Matsumoto Midori , Hoshi Motonori
Published: July 2010

Fertilization is a programmed process that has many molecules and sequential events amenable to study. The biochemistry of fertilization has identified cellular and acellular components fundamental to the interactions between sperm and egg. Recent studies highlight the molecular details of the species‐specificity of fertilization that involve protein–protein and protein–carbohydrate interactions. Although the diversity of structure and mechanism may imply rapid evolution of fertilization proteins, understanding the structure–function relationships has become important. Here, we introduce the molecules controlling the sperm AR, sperm attachment to, and penetration through, the egg investments.
Impact of previous mesh hernia repair on the performance of open radical prostatectomy – complications and functional outcome
Authors: Hocaoglu Yasemin , Bastian Patrick , Buchner Alexander , Bauer Ricarda , Bader Markus , Tritschler Stefan , Stanislaus Peter , Stief Christian , Karl Alexander
Published: July 2010

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

OBJECTIVES

To determine the impact of previous inguinal mesh hernia repair (IMHR) on the performance of subsequent open radical retropubic prostatectomy (ORRP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 1466 patients underwent ORRP for clinically localized prostate cancer from 2004 to 2008; 51 patients (3.5%) presented with a history of IMHR. Body‐mass index (BMI), perioperative blood loss (PBL), operating time (OT), performance of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLD), positive resection‐margins (R1), continence and potency between the groups were analysed using Mann–Whitney U and χ2 tests.

RESULTS

Fifty‐one patients with previous IMHR were compared with 1466 patients without previous mesh implantation (nMI) who underwent ORRP. Mean age was 66.8 years and mean BMI 25.7. No statistically difference in the mean OT (68 vs 72 min, P= 0.112), mean PBL (167 vs 156 ml, P= 0.089) or R1 was observed in the pT2‐stage tumors (3% vs 9.7%, P= 0.197), or in the pT3‐stage tumors (16% vs 21%, P= 0.386). After 3 months 85% showed full continence in the nMI group vs 83.9% MI group (P= 0.864) and after 12 months 94.5% of the nMI patients vs 97.6% with mesh (P= 0.610). The IIEF‐5 score after 3 months showed a median of 9.0 in the MI group and 4.5 in the nMI group (P= 0.116) and after 12 months 12.0 in the MI group and 9.0 in the nMI group (P= 0.511). PLD was significantly more feasible in patients that underwent only unilateral IMHR compared with bilateral IMHR (96% vs 40%, P= 0.001) and significantly less feasible if previous IMHR was operated laparoscopically than with an open access (47% vs 88%, P= 0.014).

CONCLUSION

No impairment of perioperative variables or functional outcome during ORRP was observed in patients with IMHR. PLD could be performed in a significantly fewer patients who underwent bilateral IMHR or laparoscopic IMHR.
Body dissatisfaction assessed by the Photographic Figure Rating Scale is associated with sociocultural, personality, and media influences
Authors: SWAMI VIREN , TAYLOR ROSANNE , CARVALHO CHRISTINE
Published: July 2010

Swami, V., Taylor, R. & Carvalho, C. (2011). Body dissatisfaction assessed by the Photographic Figure Rating Scale is associated with sociocultural, personality, and media influences. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 57–53.

This study sought to investigate the convergent validity of a new measure of body dissatisfaction, namely the Photographic Figure Rating Scale (PFRS), in relation to media influence, celebrity worship, the Big Five personality factors, and respondent weight status. A total of 401 female undergraduates completed a battery of scales consisting of the PFRS, the third revision of the Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Scale (SATAQ‐3), a measure of celebrity worship, a measure of the Big Five personality factors, and provided their demographic details. Results of a multiple regression showed that body dissatisfaction was most strongly predicted by two of the SATAQ‐3 subscales and participant body mass index, although celebrity worship and Emotional Stability added incremental variance. Limitations of the current study are discussed in conclusion.
Thematic analysis of Antonovsky’s sense of coherence theory
Authors: GRIFFITHS CHRISTOPHER A. , RYAN PETER , FOSTER JOHN H.
Published: July 2010

Griffiths, C.A., Ryan, P. & Foster, J.H. (2011). Thematic analysis of Antonovsky’s sense of coherence theory. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 168–173.

Antonovsky’s sense of coherence (SOC) theory relates to the adaptive capacity of humans. In response to Antonovsky’s call to study the sense of coherence concept using methods other than his orientation to life questionnaire, and to further test the application of the concept, qualitative research methods were employed. Using thematic analysis this study investigated how sense of coherence theory applied when mapped onto descriptions by 20 mental health service users of how they deal with problems that they face in their lives. The thematic analysis revealed that sense of coherence theory mapped effectively onto the interview transcripts. The analysis identified various factors that can be considered to be general resistance resources in the sense of coherence model. It also revealed distinctions between concrete and relationship orientated problem solving that led to new insights into how mechanisms of sense of coherence theory may operate. The findings suggest that sense of coherence strength may be split into coping and adaptive capacity for concrete problems and coping and adaptive capacity for relationship oriented problems. This highlights the possibility that SOC strength is not an overall adaptive capacity measure which can be applied with equal effectiveness to all challenges/problems experienced in life.
Long‐term Care: A Suitable Case for Social Insurance
Authors: Barr Nicholas
Published: July 2010

There are potentially large welfare gains if people can buy insurance that covers the costs of long‐term care. However, technical problems – largely information problems – face both the providers of insurance and potential buyers. These problems on both the supply and demand sides of the market suggest that the actuarial mechanism is not well suited to addressing risks associated with long‐term care. This line of argument underpins the article's main conclusion – that social insurance is a better fit.
Reforming Long‐term Care Policy in France: Private–Public Complementarities
Authors: Le Bihan Blanche , Martin Claude
Published: July 2010

We argue that the long‐term care (LTC) policy reform in France results from a long‐lasting evolution process that began in the 1980s and has led to the so‐called ‘French compromise’. This combines elements of different types of a fragmented care system including health insurance schemes, domiciliary and residential social care providers, tax deductions and an important private insurance sector, not to mention the crucial contribution of informal caregivers in families. This article concentrates on policies in both the public and the private sectors, as well as their overall cost. We focus on the core of the LTC policy, namely the creation and then the reforms of the cash‐for‐care allowance (Allocation personnalisée à l'autonomie). The evolution of the policy process concluded, after the 2007 Presidential election, with the announcement of a new direction, which has not been implemented yet, but which has raised professional and social concerns. Evidence from France suggests that LTC reform can only take place from a new compromise between three poles of protection: the family, the market and the state.
Likelihood functions for state space models with diffuse initial conditions
Authors: Francke Marc K. , Koopman Siem Jan , De Vos Aart F.
Published: July 2010

State space models with non‐stationary processes and/or fixed regression effects require a state vector with diffuse initial conditions. Different likelihood functions can be adopted for the estimation of parameters in time‐series models with diffuse initial conditions. In this article, we consider profile, diffuse and marginal likelihood functions. The marginal likelihood function is defined as the likelihood function of a transformation of the data vector. The transformation is not unique. The diffuse likelihood is a marginal likelihood for a data transformation that may depend on parameters. Therefore, the diffuse likelihood cannot be used generally for parameter estimation. The marginal likelihood function is based on an orthonormal data transformation that does not depend on parameters. Here we develop a marginal likelihood function for state space models that can be evaluated by the Kalman filter. The so‐called diffuse Kalman filter is designed for computing the diffuse likelihood function. We show that a minor modification of the diffuse Kalman filter is needed for the evaluation of our marginal likelihood function. Diffuse and marginal likelihood functions have better small sample properties compared with the profile likelihood function for the estimation of parameters in linear time series models. The results in our article confirm the earlier findings and show that the diffuse likelihood function is not appropriate for a range of state space model specifications.
Intra‐Dealer Integration
Authors: Germain Laurent , Kluger Brian , Pungulescu Crina , Stolin David , Weaver Daniel
Published: July 2010

This paper examines the quotation behaviour of dealers who made markets in the same stocks on both NASDAQ and either EASDAQ or the LSE. Whereas previous studies examine international integration at the market level, we examine integration at the dealer level. In other words, do dealers within the same market‐making firm use information from their arm on the opposite side of the Atlantic in forming their own quotes? We find that while there is some evidence of integration at the market level, integration is hard to detect at the dealer level. The results are largely unaffected by differences in fungibility between our two samples.
Parallel Proceedings in Investor‐State Treaty Arbitration: Responses for Treaty‐Drafters, Arbitrators and Parties
Authors: Hansen Robin F.
Published: July 2010

Parallel investment treaty arbitrations present a demonstrated risk of inconsistent awards. This article examines several ameliorative responses to parallel investment treaty proceedings, executable by treaty‐drafters, arbitrators and parties themselves. The unique jurisdiction mechanics and applicable law in investment treaty disputes frames the responses available. Despite the unique context within which parallel investment arbitrations occur, the challenges they pose to party interests, to principles including legal fairness and to the effective pursuit of dispute resolution closely resemble those posed by parallel proceedings in other domestic and international legal fora.
Joint Criminal Enterprise
Authors: Krebs Beatrice
Published: July 2010

The doctrine of joint criminal enterprise is in disarray. Despite repeated judicial scrutiny at the highest level, the doctrine's scope, proper doctrinal basis and function in relation to other modes of complicity remain uncertain. This article examines the doctrine's elements and underlying principles. It argues that while joint criminal enterprise is largely used to make individuals liable for offences committed by their associates in excess of the common criminal purpose, its proper function is to police the limits of associate liability and thus to exculpate rather than inculpate. The doctrine governs not only instances of accessorial liability; it also applies where the parties involved are joint principal offenders. As this puts into question the prevalent view that joint criminal enterprise is a form of secondary participation that results in accessorial liability, the article concludes that it is best seen as a doctrine sui generis.
Transcription of the M1 muscarinic receptor gene in neurons and neuronal progenitors of the embryonic rat forebrain
Authors: Williams Brenda P. , Milligan Carol J. , Street Miyoko , Fraser M. Hornby  , Jim Deuchars  , Noel J. Buckley
Published: July 2010

Development of the nervous system is accompanied by expansion and differentiation of the neuronal progenitors within the embryonic neuroepithelium. Although the role of growth factors in this process is well documented, there is increasing evidence for a role of neurotransmitters. Acetylcholine is known to exert many actions on developing neural cells, but its potential role in neurogenesis is unclear. Here, we show that the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor is expressed in the neuroepithelium of the rat forebrain, where it is found on both nestin+progenitor cells and TuJ1+newly differentiated neurons. Furthermore, transcription is governed, at least in part, by regulatoryciselements that are also responsible for driving transcription in neuroblastoma cells. This represents the first demonstration of M1 receptors on neuronal progenitor cells and supports the notion that M1 muscarinic receptors may play a role in development of the nervous system prior to the onset of synaptogenesis and their subsequent role in neurotransmission.
ATP‐induced ATP release from astrocytes
Authors: Anderson Christopher M. , Bergher Jennifer P. , Swanson Raymond A.
Published: July 2010

Propagation of interastrocyte Ca2+waves is mediated by diffusion of extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and may require regenerative release of ATP. The ability of ATP to initiate release of intracellular ATP was assessed by labeling adenine nucleotide pools in astrocyte cultures with14C‐adenine. The14C‐purines released during exposure to ATP were then identified by thin‐layer chromatography. ATP treatment caused a five‐fold increase in release of14C‐ATP but not14C‐ADP or14C‐AMP, indicating selectivity for release of ATP. Other P2 receptor agonists also caused significant14C‐ATP release, and the P2 receptor antagonists suramin, reactive blue‐2 and pyridoxalphosphate‐6‐azo(benzene‐2,4‐disulfonic acid) (PPADS) inhibited ATP‐induced14C‐ATP release to varying degrees, suggesting the involvement of a P2 receptor. ATP‐induced14C‐ATP release was not affected by chelation of intracellular Ca2+with BAPTA‐AM, or by blockers of Ca2+release from intracellular stores or of extracellular Ca2+influx, suggesting a Ca2+‐independent response. ATP‐induced14C‐ATP release was significantly inhibited by non‐selective anion channel blockers but not by blockers of ATP‐binding cassette proteins, gap junction hemichannels, or vesicular exocytosis. Release of adenine nucleotides induced by 0 Ca2+was, in contrast, not selective for ATP, and was susceptible to inhibition by gap junction blockers. These findings indicate that astrocytes are capable of ATP‐induced ATP release and support a role for regenerative ATP release in glial Ca2+wave propagation.
Oleic acid synthesized in the periventricular zone promotes axonogenesis in the striatum during brain development
Authors: Polo‐Hernández Erica , De Castro Fernando , García‐García Alejandro G. , Tabernero Arantxa , Medina José M.
Published: July 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1756–1766.

Our previous works showed that oleic acid synthesized in vitro by astrocytes in response to albumin behaves as a neurotrophic factor in neurons, up‐regulating several proteins, such as the axonal growth marker growth‐associated protein 43(GAP‐43). Although the molecular mechanism of this process is fairly known, there is no evidence pinpointing the region/s in which oleic acid is synthesized. In this study, we show that the rate‐limiting enzyme in oleic acid synthesis, steroyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD‐1), is located in the periventricular zone of the brain of newborn rats, simultaneously to an increase in the amount of free oleic acid in the forebrain. In addition, the spatio‐temporal presence of albumin – the signal that promotes oleic acid synthesis – and that of GAP‐43 are correlated with that of SCD‐1. Using organotypic slice cultures, we found that albumin up‐regulates SCD‐1 and stimulates the growth of GAP‐43‐positive axons in the striatum. The effect of albumin on GAP‐43 was reduced when SCD‐1 was silenced by siRNA. In conclusion, our results suggest that albumin up‐regulates axonogenesis in the striatum by increasing the amount of the neurotrophic factor oleic acid synthesized by SCD‐1 in the periventricular zone of the newborn brain.
The histone acetyltransferase Elp3 plays in active role in the control of synaptic bouton expansion and sleep in Drosophila
Authors: Singh Neetu , Lorbeck Meridith T. , Zervos Ashley , Zimmerman John , Elefant Felice
Published: July 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 493–504.

The histone acetyltransferase Elp3 (Elongator Protein 3) is the catalytic subunit of the highly conserved Elongator complex. Elp3 is essential for the complex functions of Elongator in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of neurons, including the epigenetic control of neuronal motility genes and the acetylation of α‐tubulin that affects axonal branching and cortical neuron migration. Accordingly, misregulation of Elp3 has been implicated in human disorders that specifically affect neuronal function, including familial dysautonomia, a disease characterized by degeneration of the sensory and autonomic nervous system, and the motor neuron degenerative disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These studies underscore the importance of Elp3 in neurodevelopment and disease, and the need to further characterize the multiple nuclear and cytoplasmic based roles of ELP3 required for neurogenesis in animal models, in vivo. In this report, we investigate the behavioral and morphological consequences that result from targeted reduction of ELP3 specifically in the developing Drosophila nervous system. We demonstrate that loss of Elp3 during neurodevelopment leads to a hyperactive phenotype and sleep loss in the adult flies, a significant expansion in synaptic bouton number and axonal length and branching in the larval neuromuscular junction as well as the misregulation of certain genes known to be involved in these processes. Our results uncover a novel role for Elp3 in the regulation of synaptic bouton expansion during neurogenesis that may be linked with a requirement for sleep.
Assembly and intracellular distribution of kainate receptors is determined by RNA editing and subunit composition
Authors: Ball Simon M. , Atlason Palmi T. , Shittu‐Balogun Olayemi O. , Molnár Elek
Published: July 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1805–1818.

Kainate receptors (KARs) modulate neuronal network activity. The molecular mechanisms that control the assembly and trafficking of KARs are unclear. Here, we examined the role of Q/R editing and subunit composition on KAR subunit assembly and subcellular distribution. The majority of GluK2 subunits undergo editing at the Q/R site in the channel pore loop. Cell surface biotinylation, cross‐linking, Endoglycosidase‐H analysis and gradient separation of KAR subunit assembly states revealed that Q/R editing reduces oligomerization, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) export, plasma membrane expression and stability of homomeric GluK2‐containing KARs. These results indicate that Q/R editing of GluK2 may orchestrate channel subunit composition during KAR assembly in the ER. GluK2/GluK5 heteromers are the most abundant KAR subtype in the brain. While subcellular fractionation of brain tissue confirmed that both GluK2/3 and GluK5 are present in synaptosomes and tightly associated with post‐synaptic density fractions, biochemical analysis revealed that endogenous GluK2/3 subunits show less complete assembly and trafficking compared with GluK5. In transgenic mice, the loss of the key assembly partner GluK2 leads to dramatic reduction in GluK5 expression. These results support the idea that the assembly and intracellular distribution of KARs is determined by RNA editing at the Q/R site and subunit composition.
A review of soil quality indicators and five key issues after 12 yr soil quality monitoring in the Waikato region
Authors: Taylor M. D. , Kim N. D. , Hill R. B. , Chapman R.
Published: July 2010

An ongoing programme of soil quality assessment in the Waikato region of New Zealand is providing baseline data and allowing identification of the impacts of land use and associated key soil quality issues. In this paper, we review the strengths and weaknesses of key soil quality indicators and provide summary statistics for chemical, physical and biochemical parameters in both background and production soils of the Waikato Region. Statistical comparison of production to background soils, time related trends, relative surface enrichments, and correlations enable us to infer likely and potential impacts of human activity on the region’s soil resource. Five key issues that cause loss of soil resource have been identified. These are soil compaction, loss of soil organic matter, excessively high fertility levels, erosion risk, and accumulation of contaminants. In addition, evidence exists for accelerated attack or weathering of aluminosilicate minerals in farmed soils [dealumination, Australian Journal Soil Research (2009) vol. 47, 828–838], a process previously only recognized in soils adjacent to aluminium smelters.
Is There a Link between the Late Occurrence of a Brachial Artery Aneurysm and the Ligation of an Arteriovenous Fistula?
Authors: Basile Carlo , Antonelli Maurizio , Libutti Pasquale , Teutonico Annalisa , Casucci Francesco , Lomonte Carlo
Published: July 2010

Arteriomegaly and aneurysms proximal to long‐standing posttraumatic arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) have been described. Much fewer are the reports of the late occurrence of brachial artery aneurysms following the closure of a hemodialysis AVF. Here, we report the case of a 55‐year‐old male patient. He had received a cadaver donor kidney transplant in 1996; his distal radiocephalic (RC) wrist AVF in the left arm had been ligated in 2001; he developed an aneurysm of the left brachial artery 9 years after the ligation of the AVF (2009). He underwent the surgical intervention of aneurysmectomy at the level of the left brachial artery with construction of a bypass with autologous saphenous vein. In conclusion, the development of a RC wrist AVF is an intrinsically dynamic process characterized by the increase in both blood flow rate and internal diameter of the brachial artery; the latter might be associated with enhanced fracture of the elastic fibers with the consequent risk of the development of an aneurysm. Thus, arteriomegaly and aneurysm of the brachial artery proximal to long‐standing AVFs might be seen as a “continuum” of these morphologic modifications.
Changes in Free Water Fraction and Aquaporin Function With Dwell Time During Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Stachowska‐Pietka Joanna , Waniewski Jacek , Vonesh Edward , Lindholm Bengt
Published: July 2010

Diffusive (KBD, A0/Δx(t)) transport parameters and sieving coefficients (S) for small solutes and free water fraction (FWF), that is, the fraction of total water flow that is transported through aquaporins, were assessed as functions of dwell time t for 35 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients using glucose 3.86% dialysis fluid. The individual values of the unrestricted pore area over diffusion distance, A0/Δx(t), were estimated using the mixed effects nonlinear regression and applied for evaluation of S(t) for sodium and FWF(t). FWF decreased on average from the initial 51% of the total transcapillary water flow to 36% at 120 min, whereas the small pore water fraction and sodium sieving coefficient increased. Our results were consistent with the three‐pore model if the contribution of the transcellular pores (αTP) at the beginning of dwell study was doubled and later decreased to the standard value of 0.02. We conclude that transport characteristics of fluid and small solutes should be considered as time‐dependent variables during the peritoneal dialysis.
Are Generalized Tonic–Clonic Seizures Really “Generalized”?
Authors: Miller John W.
Published: July 2010

Cortical and Subcortical Networks in Human Secondarily Generalized Tonic–Clonic Seizures. Blumenfeld H, Varghese GI, Purcaro MJ, Motelow JE, Enev M, McNally KA, Levin AR, Hirsch LJ, Tikofsky R, Zubal IG, Paige AL, Spencer SS. Brain 2009;132(Pt 4):999–1012. Generalized tonic–clonic seizures are among the most dramatic physiological events in the nervous system. The brain regions involved during partial seizures with secondary generalization have not been thoroughly investigated in humans. We used single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to image cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes in 59 secondarily generalized seizures from 53 patients. Images were analyzed using statistical parametric mapping to detect cortical and subcortical regions most commonly affected in three different time periods: 1) during the partial seizure phase prior to generalization; 2) during the generalization period; and 3) postictally. We found that in the pregeneralization period, there were focal CBF increases in the temporal lobe on group analysis, reflecting the most common region of partial seizure onset. During generalization, individual patients had focal CBF increases in variable regions of the cerebral cortex. Group analysis during generalization revealed that the most consistent increase occurred in the superior medial cerebellum, thalamus, and basal ganglia. Postictally, there was a marked progressive CBF increase in the cerebellum that spread to involve the bilateral lateral cerebellar hemispheres, as well as CBF increases in the midbrain and basal ganglia. CBF decreases were seen in the fronto-parietal association cortex, precuneus, and cingulate gyrus during and following seizures, similar to the “default mode” regions reported previously to show decreased activity in seizures and in normal behavioral tasks. Analysis of patient behavior during and following seizures showed impaired consciousness at the time of SPECT tracer injections. Correlation analysis across patients demonstrated that cerebellar CBF increases were related to increases in the upper brainstem and thalamus, and to decreases in the fronto-parietal association cortex. These results reveal a network of cortical and subcortical structures that are most consistently involved in secondarily generalized tonic–clonic seizures. Abnormal increased activity in subcortical structures (cerebellum, basal ganglia, brainstem, and thalamus), along with decreased activity in the association cortex may be crucial for motor manifestations and for impaired consciousness in tonic–clonic seizures. Understanding the networks involved in generalized tonic–clonic seizures can provide insights into mechanisms of behavioral changes, and may elucidate targets for improved therapies.
Counterpoint to “What is an Epileptic Seizure?” by D'Ambrosio and Miller
Authors: Dudek F. Edward , Bertram Edward H.
Published: July 2010

D'Ambrosio and Miller argue that brief (i.e., one to a few seconds), rhythmic electrographic events accompanied by behavioral arrest, which they have observed in rats after lateral fluid percussion (i.e., in an animal model of traumatic brain injury), should be considered seizures in this model of posttraumatic epilepsy (1). A counter argument is that these events are not characteristic of the seizures seen clinically in posttraumatic epilepsy or in other forms of acquired epilepsy. Furthermore, several types of brief, rhythmic activity can be recorded in the electroencephalogram (EEG) of animals and humans without epilepsy. One cannot exclude the possibility that such events represent normal electrical activity, which may (or even may not) occur more often after brain injury. Thus, caution is required. In this counterpoint to “What Is an Epileptic Seizure?” by D'Ambrosio and Miller, the assertion is made that experimental studies on animal models of acquired epilepsy that claim electrographic events to be seizures, when the possibility exists that they may not be seizures characteristic of human acquired epilepsy, could be counterproductive, since research resources could be focused on animal models that may not actually demonstrate acquired epilepsy.
Trekking through the Telencephalon: Hepatocyte Growth Factor-Mediated Guidance for Parvalbumin-Expressing Interneurons
Authors: Naegele Janice R.
Published: July 2010

Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) Modulates GABAergic Inhibition and Seizure Susceptibility. Bae MH, Bissonette GB, Mars WM, Michalopoulos GK, Achim CL, Depireux DA, Powell EM. Exp Neurol 2010;221(1):129–135. Disrupted ontogeny of forebrain inhibitory interneurons leads to neurological disorders, including epilepsy. Adult mice lacking the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor ( Plaur) have decreased numbers of neocortical GABAergic interneurons and spontaneous seizures, attributed to a reduction of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF). We report that by increasing endogenous HGF/SF concentration in the postnatal Plaur null mouse brain maintains the interneuron populations in the adult, reverses the seizure behavior and stabilizes the spontaneous electroencephalogram activity. The perinatal intervention provides a pathway to reverse potential birth defects and ameliorate seizures in the adult.
Real Time Triplane Echocardiography in Aortic Valve Stenosis: Validation, Reliability, and Feasibility of a New Method for Valve Area Quantification
Authors: Alunni Gianluca , Giorgi Mauro , Sartori Chiara , Garrone Paolo , Conrotto Federico , D’Amico Maurizio , Scacciatella Paolo , Andriani Monica , Levis Mario , Marra Sebastiano
Published: July 2010

Aims: The aim of the study was to validate a novel formula for aortic valve area (AVA) based on the principle of continuity equation, that substitutes Doppler‐derived stroke volume (SV) by SV directly measured with real time simultaneous triplane three‐dimensional echocardiography (RT3P). RT3P has proved accuracy for left ventricular volume calculation. So far, however, neither this potential has been applied to hemodynamic assessment, nor RT3P has succeeded in the evaluation of aortic valve disease. Methods and results: AVA was measured in 21 patients with aortic stenosis using Gorlin's equation, Doppler continuity equation (two‐dimensional echocardiography), the novel RT3P method, and by substituting Doppler‐derived SV by SV measured with two‐dimensional stroke volume (2DSV). RT3P has the best linear association (R2= 0.61) and the best correlation with Gorlin of all noninvasive methods (even if not statistically significant). RT3P carries significantly lower mean differences with catheterization, as compared with 2D and 2DSV (Table 4). Standard deviations of mean differences between RT3P and catheterization and between the other echocardiographic methods are not statistically different, even if RT3P seems to be nearer to catheterization. Inter‐ and intraobserver variability were, respectively, 0.03 ± 0.11 cm2 and 0.02 ± 0.03 cm2, better than 2D and 2DSV. Conclusions: RT3P has revealed to be more accurate than two‐dimensional method in AVA quantification, with a better intraobserver agreement. In addition, it allows simple and fast image acquisition. (Echocardiography 2010;27:644‐650)
Perceived Social Support and Quality of Life in Iranian Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Rambod Maasoumeh , Rafii Forough
Published: July 2010

Purpose: To describe the relationship between perceived social support and the quality of life in hemodialysis patients from an Islamic cultural background in Iran.

Design: A cross‐sectional, correlational design was used. Data were collected in hemodialysis units affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences. Two hundred and two Muslim hemodialysis patients were selected by census during 2007.

Methods: The Persian versions of the Personal Resources Questionnaire 85 (PRQ‐85) Part II and the Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index–dialysis version were used. The data were analyzed using chi‐square test and Spearman's rho correlation coefficients.

Findings: There were a statistically significant relationship between perceived social support and health‐functioning (r= .65, p≤ .05), socioeconomic (r= .67, p≤ .05), psychological‐spiritual (r= .63, p≤ .05), and family subscales of quality of life (r= .51, p ≤ .05). Total quality of life was also significantly correlated with perceived social support (r= 0.72, p= .00).

Conclusions: Perceived social support is associated with quality of life in Iranian hemodialysis patients.

Clinical Relevance: It is important to reflect on the impact of culture and religion of Iran on quality of life of hemodialysis patients and their perceived social support.
How Do Forced‐Choice Dilemmas Affect Multiracial People? The Role of Identity Autonomy and Public Regard in Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Sanchez Diana T.
Published: July 2010

The present study reports on correlational data gathered from an Internet survey to explore why forced‐choice dilemma situations relate to depressive symptoms among multiracial people (N = 317). Specifically, a model was tested that explored the role of identity autonomy (the extent to which multiracial people feel they can racially identify however they desire) and public regard (the extent to which multiracial people think others value their multiracial identity). The results of the model suggest that forced‐choice dilemmas predict greater depressive symptoms because forced‐choice dilemmas may promote greater beliefs that their multiracial identity is devalued in society and more generally restrict identity autonomy. Implications are discussed in terms of multiracial health and public policies regarding assessments of racial identities.
An Investigation of the Determinants of Stigmatization and Prejudice Toward People Living With HIV/AIDS
Authors: Von Collani Gernot , Grumm Mandy , Streicher Karoline
Published: July 2010

The components and determinants of HIV/AIDS stigma and prejudice were investigated in an online‐questionnaire study. The results show that the components of the attitude toward people with HIV/AIDS consist of social distance, demands for political measures, negative stereotypes, and attribution of responsibility to people living with HIV/AIDS. Besides antigay attitudes and false beliefs about ways of infection, the HIV/AIDS attitude is connected to and depends on social dominance orientation (SDO) and right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA). Structural equation modeling indicated that antigay attitudes and false beliefs function as mediator variables for SDO and RWA. Implications of the results are discussed.
The Home Field Advantage in Athletics: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Jamieson Jeremy P.
Published: July 2010

This meta‐analysis examined the home‐field advantage in athletics, with an emphasis on potential moderators. The goal of this research was to quantify the probability of a home victory, thus only studies that included win–loss data were included in the meta‐analysis. A significant advantage for home teams was observed across all conditions (Mπ= .604); and time era, season length, game type, and sport moderated the effect. Furthermore, it was found that season length mediated the effect of sport such that differences between sports could be attributed to some sports having longer seasons than other sports. This research has implications for athletes, fans, and the media alike.
The association of genomic variation of Epstein–Barr virus BamHI F fragment with the proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: LIU QIUYU , HAN ANJIA , YOU SHUYUAN , YANG QINGXU , LIANG YINGJIE , DONG YU
Published: July 2010

Liu Q, Han A, You S, Yang Q, Liang Y, Dong Y. The association of genomic variation of Epstein–Barr virus BamHI F fragment with the proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. APMIS 2010; 118: 657–64.

To investigate the f variant of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis, we detected the f variant in primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), metastatic carcinoma of the lymph node (LN), and chronic inflammation of the nasopharynx from the Guangdong region. Meanwhile, we analyzed the relationship between the f variant of EBV and LMP1, Fascin, pStat3, p53, Bcl‐2, and Ki‐67 expression in NPC. The results showed that the f variant of EBV was found in 11 cases of primary NPCs with LN metastasis, 12 LN metastases, and 18 primary NPCs without LN metastasis. However, only one demonstrated the F/f variant in 50 cases of chronic inflammation of the nasopharynx. The expression rate of LMP1, Fascin, pStat3, p53, Bcl‐2, and Ki‐67 in NPC with the f or F/f variant was higher than that with the F prototype. Furthermore, there was a significantly positive correlation between the f variant of EBV and Ki‐67 expression (p < 0.05). Our study suggests that the f variant of EBV may be closely related to nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis.
Avian malariaPlasmodium relictumin native Hawaiian forest birds: epizootiology and demographic impacts on ‵apapaneHimatione sanguinea
Authors: Atkinson Carter T. , Samuel Michael D.
Published: July 2010

The role of introduced avian malariaPlasmodium relictumin the decline and extinction of native Hawaiian forest birds has become a classic example of the potential effect of invasive diseases on biological diversity of naïve populations. However, empirical evidence describing the impact of avian malaria on fitness of Hawai‵i's endemic forest birds is limited, making it difficult to determine the importance of disease among the suite of potential limiting factors affecting the distribution and abundance of this threatened avifauna. We combined epidemiological force‐of‐infection with multistate capture––recapture models to evaluate a 7‐year longitudinal study of avian malaria in ‵apapane, a relatively common native honeycreeper within mid‐elevation Hawaiian forests. We found that malaria transmission was seasonal in this mid‐elevation forest; transmission peaked during fall and during some years produced epizootic mortality events. Estimated annual mortality of hatch‐year birds typically exceeded 50% and mortality of adults exceeded 25% during epizootics. The substantial impact of avian malaria on this relatively common native species demonstrates the key role this disease has played in the decline and extinction of Hawaiian forest birds.
The post‐fledging period in a tropical bird: patterns of parental care and survival
Authors: Tarwater Corey E. , Brawn Jeffrey D.
Published: July 2010

How environmental conditions affect the timing and extent of parental care is a fundamental question in comparative studies of life histories. The post‐fledging period is deemed critical for offspring fitness, yet few studies have examined this period, particularly in tropical birds. Tropical birds are predicted to have extended parental care during the post‐fledging period and this period may be key to understanding geographic variation in avian reproductive strategies. We studied a neotropical passerine, the western slaty‐antshrikeThamnophilus atrinucha, and predicted greater care and higher survival during the post‐fledging period compared to earlier stages. Furthermore, we predicted that duration of post‐fledging parental care and survival would be at the upper end of the distribution for Northern Hemisphere passerines. Correspondingly, we observed that provisioning continued for 6–12 weeks after fledging. In addition, provisioning rate was greater after fledging and offspring survival from fledging to independence was 75%, greater than all estimates from north‐temperate passerines. Intervals between nesting attempts were longer when the first brood produced successful fledglings compared to nests where offspring died either in the nest or upon fledging. Parents delayed initiating second nests after the first successful brood until fledglings were near independence. Our results indicate that parents provide greater care after fledging and this extended care likely increased offspring survival. Moreover, our findings of extended post‐fledging parental care and higher post‐fledging survival compared to Northern Hemisphere species have implications for understanding latitudinal variation in reproductive effort and parental investment strategies.
Acquired vulvar lymphangioma circumscriptum: a comparison of 12 cases with Crohn's associated lesions or radiation therapy induced tumors
Authors: Papalas John A. , Robboy Stanley J. , Burchette James L. , Foo Wen‐Chi , Selim M. Angelica
Published: July 2010

Background: Lymphangioma circumscriptum (LC) is a benign lesion of lymphatic origin. Vulvar involvement occurs in various clinical settings.

Methods: We present 12 cases, and compare lesions in patients with Crohn's disease and those associated with pelvic radiation.

Results: The average age at presentation was 49 years. Thirty‐three percent of the patients had Crohn's disease, 58% had radiation therapy and 9% had no significant medical history. Sixty‐seven percent of the patients had multifocal lesions in anatomically distinct regions. Patients presented on average 16 years after onset of predisposing factors. Presenting complaints were pruritus, wetness and vulvar edema. Lesions were clinically heterogeneous, often found on the labia majora. Lesions consisted of dilated lymphatic channels at the junction of the reticular and papillary dermis. The cells lining these spaces lacked cytologic atypicality or mitotic activity. All lesions so examined were immunoreactive for D240. Patients were most often treated with surgical excision followed by laser ablation. Four of twelve patients, all with radiation‐associated lesions, experienced disease progression necessitating additional surgery.

Conclusions: Patients with LC secondary to radiation, when compared to those with Crohn's disease, were 10 years younger, more likely to have associated co‐morbidities, and frequently experienced disease progression needing additional surgeries. Acquired vulvar LC has multiple causes with differing prognosis.

Papalas JA, Robboy SJ, Burchette JL, Foo W‐C, Selim A. Acquired vulvar lymphangioma circumscriptum: a comparison of 12 cases with Crohn's associated lesions or radiation therapy induced tumors.
Fokalisierung aus anthropologischer Sicht
Authors: De Bruyker Melissa
Published: July 2010

Die vielen Tierdarstellungen kreieren einen kritischen Blick auf das moderne gesellschaftliche Individuum. Während die Innenfokalisierung die Frage aufwirft, ob das Individuum überhaupt noch selbständig zu denken vermag, suggeriert der leidende Körper des Protagonisten die beschwerliche Stellung des zeitgenössischen Menschen. Die Tiere bilden den wichtigsten Leitfaden bei der Rekonstruktion des kulturkritischen Blickwinkels dieses Romans. Sie lassen die vorkriegerische Gesellschaft als erstarrt und unfruchtbar erscheinen. Ihre natürlich‐instinktive Lebensweise wird der Kultivierung gegenübergestellt. Die fremden Tiere und Haustiere evozieren das damalige Rassendenken und die zeitgenössische Nationalpolitik. Die Hauptfigur strebt nach einer Symbiose von Kunst, Politik und Individualität und sie sehnt für die Gesellschaft eine sichere Stellung zwischen Biotop und diskursivem Raum, zwischen Fruchtbarkeit und Ideologie und zwischen Zivilisation und Wildheit herbei. Aus erstarrten kulturellen Zwangsbildern werden besonders die Figuren des Nomaden, der Frau, des Arbeiters und des Tieres freigesetzt. Unfruchtbarkeit, Leiden und eine unnatürliche Kleidung zeigen die kulturelle Überdeterminierung des Körpers an.
Selbstbegegnungen in der Stadt
Authors: Gilson Elke
Published: July 2010

Der Titel von Inka Pareis Debütroman Die Schattenboxerin wird im vorliegenden Aufsatz als programmatisch aufgefasst für ein Schreibprojekt, das die Grenzen zwischen „Innen“ und „Außen“ im Prozess der Wahrnehmung erkundet. Halluzinatorische Erfahrungen, Selbstbegegnungen und Spiegelungen zeugen von einem Reflexivwerden der Wahrnehmung infolge eines traumatischen Ereignisses im persönlichen Leben der Protagonistin. Die Berliner Stadtlandschaft wird im Roman zum Objekt eines „erinnernden Sehens“, das die Folgen der individuellen Vergangenheit mit denen der kollektiven Geschichte parallelisiert. Intertextuelle Bezüge zu Texten aus der Zeit um 1800 (besonders Hoffmann), 1900 (besonders Rilke) und 2000 (Berlinromane), die jeweils an historischen Übergangsmomenten ganz ähnliche Erzählstrategien verwendet haben, verdeutlichen deren Relevanz für die Darstellung der epistemologischen Verunsicherungen, die Jahrhundertwenden zu begleiten scheinen. Zu Überlegungen über die möglichen ethischen und politischen Motivationen für den festgestellten kollektiven Rückgriff auf romantische Motive und Darstellungsweisen zehn Jahre nach dem Fall der Mauer bietet besonders die Situierung der Schattenboxerin im Kontext der zeitgleich veröffentlichten Berlinliteratur Anlass. Das diachrone Nachzeichnen der Konvergenzen zu anderen Texten fördert darüber hinaus die Einsicht in die Spezifität der Erzählkonstruktion Inka Pareis, die für die Realisation eigener Zwecke in einigen wesentlichen Punkten von den verwendeten Modellen abweicht.