bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schlafverhalten bei Kindern mit Tic-Störungen - eine polysomnographische Studie
Authors: Kirov Roumen , Roessner Veit , Uebel Henrik , Banaschewski Tobias , Kinkelbur Jörg , Rothenberger Aribert
Published: March 2007

Zusammenfassung: Fragestellung: Charakterisierung des Schlafmusters einer größeren Gruppe Kinder mit Tic-Störung sowie Untersuchung ob und wie Veränderungen des Schlafs mit der Schwere der Tic-Störung assoziiert sind. Methodik: Das Schlafverhalten von 25, zum Untersuchungszeitpunkt unmedizierten Kinder mit chronischer Tic-Störung wurde polysomnographisch untersucht und mit den Befunden von 22 gesunden Kontrollen verglichen. Zwischen beiden Gruppen bestanden keine Unterschiede hinsichtlich Alter, Geschlechtsverhältnis und Intelligenz. Ergebnisse: Kinder mit einer Tic-Störung zeigten eine reduzierte Schlafqualität sowie vermehrtes, bewegungsbezogenes Arousal im Vergleich zu gesunden Kontrollen. Hinsichtlich des Schlafs ging bei Kindern mit Tic-Störung eine schwerere Ausprägung der Tics mit häufigeren bewegungsbezogenen Arousals einher. Die Anzahl der kurzen, mit motorischen Phänomenen assoziierten Arousals korrelierte mit geringerer Schlafeffizienz, verzögertem Schlafbeginn und verlängerter Tiefschlaflatenz. Des weiteren bestimmten geringere Schlafeffizienz und verlängerte Tiefschlaflatenz bei Kindern mit Tic-Störung die Schwere der Tics am Tag. Schlussfolgerungen: Bei Kindern mit Tic-Störung scheint ein Zusammenhang zwischen den bewegungsbezogenen Arousals im Schlaf und der Ausprägung der Tics am Tag zu bestehen. Beeinträchtigungen des Schlafs bei Tic-Störungen könnten die Tic-Symptomatik am Tag verschlechtern.
Ambulantes Assessment - Verhalten im Alltagskontext erfassen
Authors: Fahrenberg Jochen , Myrtek Michael , Pawlik Kurt , Perrez Meinrad
Published: March 2007

Zusammenfassung. Ambulantes Assessment erfasst Selbstberichte, Verhaltensweisen oder physiologische Messwerte mit computer-unterstützen Methoden, während die Untersuchten ihrem normalen Tageslauf nachgehen. Seit den 1980er Jahren wurden dazu portable Mikrocomputer und Meßsysteme entwickelt. Im Unterschied zur Medizin werden diese neuen Methoden in der Psychologie bis heute nur zögernd genutzt. Hier dominieren weiterhin Fragebogen, trotz der bekannten Mängel retrospektiver Selbstbeurteilungen. Zu den ambulanten Assessmentstrategien gehören u.a.: Kontinuierliches Monitoring, zeit- oder ereignis-abhängiges Monitoring, Feld-Diagnostik, Feld-Experiment, Interaktives Monitoring, Symptom-Monitoring und Selbst-Management. Es sind innovative Ansätze mit Perspektive auf ökologische Validität, Kontextbezug und Praxisnähe. Die methodischen Vorzüge des Ambulanten Assessment sowie Akzeptanz, Compliance und Reaktivität werden erläutert. Viele der technischen Entwicklungen und Forschungsarbeiten stammen aus den deutschsprachigen Ländern und den Niederlanden. Nicht erst, aber auch die gegenwärtige Decade of Behavior der APA legt es nahe, diese neuen Assessmentstrategien zu fördern. Dieses Positionspapier enthält ein Plädoyer, die Chancen - und in einigen Bereichen - die Notwendigkeit des Ambulanten Monitoring und Assessment für eine sich verhaltenswissenschaftlich verstehende Psychologie zu sehen.
Mean annual GPP of Europe derived from its water balance
Authors: Beer C. , Reichstein M. , Ciais P. , Farquhar G. D. , Papale D.
Published: March 2007

On local scale, the eddy covariance technique is suited to estimate gross primary production (GPP). Scaling up such observations to the regional and continental level, however, remains a challenge. Here, we show that there is a surprisingly robust stoichiometric relationship between vegetation CO2 and H2O fluxes, mediated by vapor pressure deficit (VPD), across many different forest vegetation types. This relationship is used to provide a data‐driven estimate of Europe's GPP from its water balance. Namely, watershed‐wide evapotranspiration (ET), as derived from precipitation (P) and river runoff (R), is multiplied by the ratio of GPP to ET as derived from eddy covariance measurements (water‐use efficiency, WUE). In doing so, GPP of Europe is estimated to range between 3.9 and 5.8 PgC/a (median 5 PgC/a). Such GPP estimate is an important independent benchmark for large‐scale ecosystem models and may be extended to global scale when relevant data becomes available.
How ambiguous is the inverse problem of ocean color in coastal waters?
Authors: Defoin‐Platel Michael , Chami Malik
Published: March 2007

The inverse problem of ocean color consists in deriving the inherent optical properties (IOP) of marine particles from a reflectance spectrum measured at the sea surface. Such a problem is ill‐posed or ambiguous because of the nonuniqueness of the solution; that is, several combinations of IOP values can lead to a unique reflectance spectrum. Currently, great efforts are made in the development of inverse methods to accurately retrieve the IOPs. However, many fewer studies have been devoted to the analysis of the ambiguities, which affect yet the error on the IOPs retrieval. In this paper, the ambiguities related to the ocean color problem in coastal waters are characterized and their implications for inverse modeling are studied. A synthetic data set is created on the basis of radiative transfer modeling. The simulations are constrained using in situ observations and statistical rules to make the data set realistic. The ambiguity rate of remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) spectra is around 90%, thus meaning that the ocean color problem is extremely ambiguous. The influence of the ambiguities on the IOPs retrieval is evaluated. It is demonstrated that the error that is ascribed to the occurrence of ambiguity is equal to the dispersion of all the plausible IOPs solutions. The ambiguity error made on the total absorption coefficient is shown to be greater in highly absorbing water mass. On the other hand, the ambiguity error made on the total backscattering coefficient is higher in turbid scattering waters. Finally, different strategies to reduce the effects of ambiguities are discussed.
Activation of 5‐HT1B and 5‐HT1D receptors in the rat nucleus tractus solitarius: opposing action on neurones that receive an excitatory vagal C‐fibre afferent input
Authors: Jeggo R D , Wang Y , Jordan D , Ramage A G
Published: March 2007

Background and purpose:

Central 5‐HT‐containing pathways are known to be important in cardiovascular regulation and a crucial area for this regulation is the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), which contains many of the known 5‐HT receptor subtypes. In this study the role of 5‐HT1B and 5‐HT1D receptors, targets for the antimigraine drugs known collectively as triptans, was examined in the NTS.

Experiment approach:

Extracellular recordings were made, in anaesthetized rats, from 109 NTS neurones that were excited by electrical stimulation of the vagus and drugs were applied ionophoretically to these neurones.

Key results:

The 5‐HT1B/1D receptor agonist sumatriptan applied to 64 neurones produced a 64% reduction in the firing rate of 54 of these neurones. Ketanserin, a 5‐HT1D/2A receptor antagonist, alone had little effect, but co‐applied with sumatriptan significantly attenuated this inhibition, whilst co‐application of the 5‐HT1B receptor antagonist GR55562 resulted in potentiation of this inhibition. Sumatriptan also caused a 25% reduction in vagal afferent evoked activity as well as that caused by stimulation of cardiopulmonary afferents. In another 41 neurones the 5‐HT1B receptor agonist CP‐93 129 produced a doubling of the background firing rate in 31 of these neurones and a significant increase in both vagal afferent evoked activity and that evoked by cardiopulmonary afferent activation.

Conclusions and implications:

Activation of 5‐HT1B and 5‐HT1D receptors have opposing actions on NTS neurones of excitation and inhibition, respectively. As both receptors are negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase this would indicate that they have different anatomical locations within NTS.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 987–995. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707169
Endothelial dysfunction and compromised eNOS/Akt signaling in the thoracic aorta during the progression of Marfan syndrome
Authors: Chung A W Y , Au Yeung K , Cortes S F , Sandor G G S , Judge D P , Dietz H C , van Breemen C
Published: March 2007

Background and purpose:

Aortic complications account for the major mortality in Marfan syndrome (MFS), a connective tissue disorder caused by mutations in FBN1 encoding fibrillin‐1. We hypothesized that MFS impaired endothelial function and nitric oxide (NO) production in the aorta.

Experimental approach:

Mice (at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age) heterozygous for the Fbn1 allele encoding a cysteine substitution (Fbn1
C1039G/+, Marfan mice, n=75), the most common class of mutation in MFS, were compared with age‐matched control littermates (n=75). Thoracic and abdominal aortas from the two groups were studied.

Key results:

Isometric force measurements revealed that relaxation to ACh (but not to sodium nitroprusside) was diminished in the phenylephrine‐precontracted Marfan thoracic aorta at 6 months of age (pEC50=6.12±0.22; maximal response, Emax=52.7±6.8%; control: pEC50=7.34±0.19; Emax=84.8±2.2%). At one year, both inhibition of NO production with Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester, or denudation of endothelium increased the phenylephrine‐stimulated contraction in the control thoracic aorta by 35%, but had no effect in the Marfan aorta, indicating a loss of basal NO production in the Marfan vessel. From 6 months, a reduced phosphorylation of endothelial NOS (eNOS)Ser1177 and AktThr308 detected by Western blotting was observed in the Marfan thoracic aorta, which was accompanied by decreased levels of cGMP. Expressions of Akt and eNOS in the abdominal aorta were not different between the two groups.

Conclusions and Implications:

MFS impairs endothelial function and signaling of NO production in the thoracic aorta, suggesting the importance of NO in the age‐related progression of thoracic aortic manifestations.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 1075–1083. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707181
Recommended Critical Pressures. Part I. Aliphatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Owczarek Iwona , Blazej Krystyna
Published: March 2007

This study presents 95 recommended experimental and 180 calculated values of critical pressures for saturated and unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons. This is the third article in a series dealing with recommended critical data for organic compounds. Previously critically evaluated data on normal boiling temperatures based on recommended experimental data base is also given in this study.
Recommended Vapor–Liquid Equilibrium Data. Part 4. Binary Alkanol–Alkene/Alkyne Systems
Authors: Góral Marian , Bok Andrzej , Kasprzycka–Gutman Teresa , Oracz Paweł
Published: March 2007

The recommended vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) data for binary mixtures of alkanols with alkenes and alkynes have been selected after critical evaluation of all data reported in the open literature up to the end of 2003. The evaluation procedure consisted in combining the thermodynamic consistency tests, data correlation, comparison with enthalpy of mixing data, and comparison of VLE data for various mixtures. The data were correlated with Wilson equation as well as with equation of state appended with chemical term (EoSC) proposed by Góral. The recommended data for 18 systems are presented in the form of individual pages containing tables of data, figures, and auxiliary information. Each page corresponds to one system and contains three isotherms (spaced by at least 15K) and one isobar (preferably at 101.32kPa). Experimental gaps were completed with the predicted data.
Solubility of Structurally Complicated Materials: II. Bone
Authors: Horvath Ari L.
Published: March 2007

Bone is a structurally complex material, formed of both organic and inorganic chemicals. The organic compounds constitute mostly collagen and other proteins. The inorganic or bone mineral components constitute predominantly calcium, phosphate, carbonate, and a host of minor ingredients. The mineralized bone is composed of crystals which are closely associated with a protein of which collagen is an acidic polysaccharide material. This association is very close and the protein integrates into the crystalline structure. The mineralization involves the deposition of relatively insoluble crystals on an organic framework. The solubility process takes place when the outermost ions in the crystal lattice breakaway from the surface and become separated from the crystal. This is characteristic for ions dissolving in water or aqueous solutions at the specified temperature. The magnitude of solubility is temperature and pH dependent. Bone is sparingly soluble in most solvents. Enamel is less soluble than bone and fluoroapatite is the least soluble of all apatites in acid buffers. Collagen is less soluble in neutral salt solution than in dilute acid solutions at ambient temperatures. The solubility of collagens in solvents gradually decreases with increasing age of the bone samples.
Effect of growth catalysts on gas sensitivity in carbon nanotube film based chemiresistive sensors
Authors: Penza M. , Cassano G. , Rossi R. , Rizzo A. , Signore M. A. , Alvisi M. , Lisi N. , Serra E. , Giorgi R.
Published: March 2007

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) films have been deposited by using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system onto Cr–Au patterned alumina substrates for NO2 and NH3 gas sensing applications, at operating temperature of 200°C. Nanoclusters of different MWCNT-growth catalysts (Fe and Co) have been predeposited onto substrates to promote the growth of the carbon nanotube films with different structural properties. It is demonstrated that the gas sensitivity of the MWCNT films depends on catalyst used for their growth with highest gas sensitivity achieved for Co-grown MWCNT films. The chemiresistor gas response is attributed to the p-type conductivity in semiconducting MWCNTs and the electrical charge transfer is found to be the major sensing mechanism. The results obtained demonstrate that the MWCNT-based sensors exhibit high gas sensitivity, fast response and reversibility, good repeatability and reproducibility, and sub-ppm range detection limit with the gas sensing properties of the MWCNT films tailored by catalyst employed in the PECVD growth process.
Determination of the electron anomalous mobility through measurements of turbulent magnetic field in Hall thrusters
Authors: Lazurenko A. , de Wit T. Dudok , Cavoit C. , Krasnoselskikh V. , Bouchoule A. , Dudeck M.
Published: March 2007

Measurements of the turbulent magnetic field in a Hall thruster have been carried out between 1kHz and 30MHz with the aim of understanding electron transport through the magnetic field. Small detecting coils at the exit of the accelerating channel and outside of the ionic plume were used to characterize various instabilities. The characteristic frequencies of the observed power spectral densities correspond to known classes of instabilities: low frequency (20–40kHz), transit time (100–500kHz), and high frequency (5–10MHz). A model of the localized electron currents through a magnetic barrier is proposed for the high-frequency instability, and is found to be in good quantitative agreement with the observations. Based on the measured high-frequency turbulent magnetic field, the turbulent electric field is estimated to be about 1V∕cm outside of the plume and ranges from 10to102V∕cm at the channel midradius at the exit of the thruster. The “anomalous” electron collision frequency, related to the high-frequency instability, is estimated to be <106s−1, which largely exceeds the classical frequency in the core of the exit plasma but is lower than the frequency that is generally used in hybrid codes.
Impact of nitrogen in HfON gate dielectric with metal gate on electrical characteristics, with particular attention to threshold voltage instability
Authors: Yu Xiongfei , Zhu Chunxiang , Yu Mingbin
Published: March 2007

The impact of nitrogen (N) in HfON gate dielectric on electrical characteristics, particularly on charge trapping induced threshold voltage (Vth) instability, has been investigated in n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor with TaN metal gate. Compared to HfO2, the enhanced gate capacitance, slightly increased gate leakage current, and degraded interface properties were observed in the HfON gate dielectric. The incorporation of N into HfO2 also caused mobility degradation at low effective field region. Moreover, charge trapping induced Vth instability was found to be severer in HfON than in HfO2, which could be attributed to increased bulk traps induced by the incorporated N.
Dual-mode switching of a liquid crystal panel for viewing angle control
Authors: Baek Jong-In , Kwon Yong-Hoan , Kim Jae Chang , Yoon Tae-Hoon
Published: March 2007

The authors propose a method to control the viewing angle of a liquid crystal (LC) panel using dual-mode switching. To realize both wide viewing angle (WVA) characteristics and narrow viewing angle (NVA) characteristics with a single LC panel, the authors use two different dark states. The LC layer can be aligned homogeneously parallel to the transmission axis of the bottom polarizer for WVA dark state operation, while it can be aligned vertically for NVA dark state operation. The authors demonstrated that viewing angle control can be achieved with a single panel without any loss of contrast at the front.
Simultaneous detection and identification of multigas pollutants using filament-induced nonlinear spectroscopy
Authors: Xu H. L. , Kamali Y. , Marceau C. , Simard P. T. , Liu W. , Bernhardt J. , Méjean G. , Mathieu P. , Roy G. , Simard J.-R. , Chin S. L.
Published: March 2007

The authors report on an approach for simultaneous monitoring of multigas pollutants based on fluorescence emission of trace gases, induced by the filamentation of intense femtosecond laser pulses in air. The high intensity inside a filament can dissociate the gas molecules into small fragments which emit characteristic fluorescence. This method is illustrated for simultaneously sensing atmospheric trace gases, methane and acetylene. The spectra of an “unknown” mixture were analyzed by using a genetic algorithm, showing good concentration agreement with the experimental results within an error of 25%.
Influence of doping on the performance of terahertz quantum-cascade lasers
Authors: Benz A. , Fasching G. , Andrews A. M. , Martl M. , Unterrainer K. , Roch T. , Schrenk W. , Golka S. , Strasser G.
Published: March 2007

The authors present the effects of the doping concentration on the performance of a set of terahertz quantum-cascade lasers emitting around 2.75THz. The chosen design is based on the longitudinal-optical-phonon depopulation of the lower laser state. An identical structure is regrown varying the sheet density from 5.4×109to1.9×1010cm−2. A linear dependency of the threshold current density on the doping is observed. The applied field where lasing takes place is independent of the doping. The field is responsible for the alignment of the cascades and therefore the transport of the electrons through the structure.
Photoluminescence properties of a single GaN nanorod with GaN∕AlGaN multilayer quantum disks
Authors: Yi S. N. , Na Jong H. , Lee Kwan H. , Jarjour Anas F. , Taylor Robert A. , Park Y. S. , Kang T. W. , Kim S. , Ha D. H. , Andrew G. , Briggs D.
Published: March 2007

Photoluminescence (PL) properties of a single nanorod containing multiple GaN quantum disks separated by AlGaN potential barriers are investigated using micro-PL spectroscopy. Previous studies reported ensemble spectra from many nanorods. The PL spectra show different features depending on the region of the nanorod excited by the laser, including a sharp feature originating from the quantum disk region. The distinct differences between the PL from the different regions are discussed. The results imply that excitons are strongly confined in the quantum disks, and the authors suggest that small quantum disks can be regarded as quantum dots having a discrete density of states.
Science survives budget battles
Authors: Dawson Jim
Published: March 2007

A unique and confusing confluence of three federal budgets triggered a torrent of position papers, letter-writing campaigns, and insider lobbying that, in the end, saved science funding for fiscal year 2007.
Agent-Based Models as Laboratories for Spatially Explicit Planning Policies
Authors: Ligmann-Zielinska Arika , Jankowski Piotr
Published: March 2007

Agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS) has been a part of geospatial sciences for over a decade. Most research activities so far have concentrated on either extending complexity theory to spatially explicit phenomena, or on designing computational models and software tools. Only a few of these activities have focused on using ABMS for spatially explicit modeling of real-world policy scenarios. In this paper we present a realistic application of ABMS to simulating alternative futures for a small community in Washington State, USA. We develop an ABMS assessment benchmark that comprehensively covers diverse aspects of a good operational agent-based model. Using an ABMS software tool-CommunityViz Policy Simulator-we generate future development scenarios in the municipality of Chelan, WA based on the County and the City Comprehensive Growth Plans. Simulation results are compared with Washington State projections for growth-management planning. The indication of the highest probability locations of urban growth in the studied community is crucial for environmental and economic planning and decisionmaking. Endangered salmon protection and recreational and retirement influxes of people from the Puget Sound metropolitan area have a direct impact on future growth of the region. The bottom-up microsimulation allows for interposition of individual decisions and actions into forecasting option generation. The ‘heterogeneity, adaptability, and tractability’ benchmark is instrumental in evaluating CommunityViz Policy Simulator and outlining possible challenges for future development of applied agent-based models.
Consolidated Capital Regulation for Financial Conglomerates
Authors: Jackson Howell E.
Published: March 2007

Over the past few years, financial regulators have devoted considerable attention to the development of consolidated capital rules for financial conglomerates. This chapter explores the theoretical justifications for these new requirements and explains that the case for consolidated capital oversight consists of four separate lines of argument: technical weaknesses inherent in traditional entity-level capital requirements; unique risks associated with financial conglomerates; additional diversification benefits that financial conglomerates enjoy; and recognition that financial firms increasingly employ modern risk management techniques that work on a group-wide basis. The specific rules for consolidated capital requirements that the Basel Committee proposed in April 2003 are reviewed, and it is argued that the Basel proposals constitute a relatively rudimentary system of consolidated capital requirements, dealing primarily with the technical weaknesses of entity level capital and making little effort to deal with more subtle issues such as unique risks of financial conglomerates, diversification benefits, and modern risk-management techniques. A number of significant practical considerations contribute to the relatively limited scope of the Basel Committee's proposal, which will likely prevent the development of a more comprehensive system of consolidated capital oversight for financial conglomerates in the foreseeable future.
Meeting the sexual health care needs of young people: a model that works?
Authors: Perry C. , Thurston M.
Published: March 2007

Introduction  In the UK, young people have been identified as a specific group who experience poor sexual health and there is scope for improving this if sexual health services are sensitive and relevant to their needs. This paper reports on the work of two services which were set up specifically for young people, exploring whether the model of service provision adopted was successful in engaging this group.

Methods  Routine monitoring data (anonymous) in relation to all contacts with the services were collected. After the services had become established, short questionnaires were administered to young people using them.

Results  For service one, 425 contacts were recorded over 34 service sessions. Of these, 149 were new clients: 52% young men (78) and 48% young women (71), with a mean age of 14 years. There were 259 repeat contacts: 74% with young men (191) and 26% with young women (68). For service two, 399 contacts were recorded over 61 service sessions. Of these, 118 were new clients: 32% young men (38) and 68% young women (80), with a mean age of 16.8 years. There were 274 repeat contacts: 40% with young men (108) and 60% (166) with young women. All of the young people were generally very satisfied with the services they received. The youngest young people were less likely to indicate that they would have accessed other sexual health services.

Discussion and conclusions  This study indicates that young people of both sexes, between the ages of 11 and 19 years, can be engaged by sexual health services, if provision is modelled on ‘best practice’ and what is known about the sexual health service needs of young people. Engagement with such services is a prerequisite for addressing the diversity of sexual health needs young people are likely to have in contemporary society and the findings of this study in relation to gender and age are particularly pertinent.
Validation of a clinical prognostic model to identify low‐risk patients with pulmonary embolism
Authors: Aujesky D. , Perrier A. , Roy P.‐M. , Stone R. A. , Cornuz J. , Meyer G. , Obrosky D. S. , Fine M. J.
Published: March 2007

Objective.  To validate the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI), a clinical prognostic model which identifies low‐risk patients with pulmonary embolism (PE).

Design.  Validation study using prospectively collected data.

Setting.  A total of 119 European hospitals.

Subjects.  A total of 899 patients diagnosed with PE.

Intervention.  The PESI uses 11 clinical factors to stratify patients with PE into five classes (I–V) of increasing risk of mortality. We calculated the PESI risk class for each patient and the proportion of patients classified as low‐risk (classes I and II). The outcomes were overall and PE‐specific mortality for low‐risk patients at 3 months after presentation. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values to predict overall and PE‐specific mortality and the discriminatory power using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results.  Overall and PE‐specific mortality was 6.5% (58/899) and 2.3% (21/899) respectively. Forty‐seven per cent of patients (426/899) were classified as low‐risk. Low‐risk patients had an overall mortality of only 1.2% (5/426) and a PE‐specific mortality of 0.7% (3/426). The sensitivity was 91 [95% confidence interval (CI): 81–97%] and the negative predictive value was 99% (95% CI: 97–100%) for overall mortality. The sensitivity was 86% (95% CI: 64–97%) and the negative predictive value was 99% (95% CI: 98–100%) for PE‐specific mortality. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for overall and PE‐specific mortality were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.75–0.86) and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.68–0.86) respectively.

Conclusions.  This validation study confirms that the PESI reliably identifies low‐risk patients with PE who are potential candidates for less costly outpatient treatment.
Myocardial infarction: contemporary management strategies
Authors: Gelfand E. V. , Cannon C. P.
Published: March 2007

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a common clinical diagnosis, associated with significant morbidity and mortality, not only in the short term, but also years following the index event. A more complete understanding of the pathophysiology of MI has ushered the era of multipronged treatment approach, with a combination of goal‐directed revascularization, a broad adjunctive pharmacological therapy and aggressive secondary prevention measures. The goals of this article are to review the basic pathophysiological processes, which lead up to a clinical diagnosis of MI, to highlight the essential elements of clinical presentation and to summarize the evidence for comprehensive therapy. Emphasis has been placed on the choice of primary reperfusion therapy for ST‐elevation MI, on risk‐stratification of patients with non‐ST elevation MI, and on rationale behind the selection of anti‐ischaemic and antithrombotic therapy. Finally, evidence‐based approach to secondary prevention is outlined.
Pro‐inflammatory genetic profiles in subjects with peripheral arterial occlusive disease and critical limb ischemia
Authors: Flex A. , Gaetani E. , Angelini F. , Sabusco A. , Chillà C. , Straface G. , Biscetti F. , Pola P. , Castellot J. J. , Pola R.
Published: March 2007

Objectives.  Single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding inflammatory molecules may determine genetic profiles associated with increased risk of development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we evaluated distribution and reciprocal interaction of a set of functionally important polymorphisms of genes encoding prototypical inflammatory molecules in subjects with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) and critical limb ischemia (CLI). We also investigated whether synergistic interactions between these pro‐inflammatory gene polymorphisms influence the risk of PAOD and CLI.

Design, subjects and methods.  In a genetic association study that included 157 PAOD patients and 206 controls, the following gene polymorphisms were analysed: C‐reactive protein (CRP) 1059 G/C, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)‐174 G/C, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)‐173 G/C, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP‐1) – 2518 A/G, E‐selectin (E‐Sel) Ser128Arg, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) 469 E/K, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)−1 ‐1607 1G/2G, MMP‐3‐1171 5A/6A and MMP‐9‐1563 C/T.

Results:  We found that IL‐6, E‐sel, ICAM‐1, MCP‐1, MMP‐1 and MMP‐3 gene polymorphisms were significantly and independently associated with PAOD. We also found that these pro‐inflammatory polymorphisms determine genetic profiles that are associated with different levels of risk for PAOD and CLI, depending on the number of high‐risk genotypes concomitantly carried by a given individual.

Conclusions:  Pro‐inflammatory genetic profiles are significantly more common in subjects with PAOD. Synergistic effects between pro‐inflammatory genotypes might be potential markers for the presence and severity of atherosclerotic disorders.
Perspective: Hidden diversity in coral endosymbionts unveiled
Authors: VAN OPPEN MADELEINE J. H.
Published: March 2007

Reef corals are especially sensitive to environmental change since their survival is dependent on a delicate balance between the coral host and its algal endosymbiont. Predicting the responses of reef ecosystems to global climate change requires a detailed understanding of the diversity of both partners in this symbiosis. The current perception of coral‐inhabiting symbiont diversity at nuclear ribosomal DNA is shown in this issue of Molecular Ecology to be a significant underestimate of the wide diversity that in fact exists. Apprill & Gates (2007) reveal eight‐ to tenfold greater diversity than previous methods had identified. The authors underline the importance of detailed knowledge of such diversity if we are to predict, or possibly manage, the acclimatization and adaptation of reef corals to climatic change.
Is the reproductive potential of wild house mice regulated by extrinsic or intrinsic factors?
Authors: JACOB J. , HINDS L. A. , SINGLETON G. R. , SUTHERLAND D. R. , YLÖNEN H.
Published: March 2007

Abstract  The regulation of reproductive performance in small mammals may be determined by extrinsic or intrinsic parameters. In a large‐scale, replicated field experiment we monitored the seasonal fluctuation in food availability and tested the effects of food addition on the reproductive performance of wild house mice (Mus domesticus) in south‐eastern Australia. Ovulation rates and litter size increased during spring and peaked in October/November. Ovulation rate was consistently higher than litter size by approximately 1.2 embryos (19%). None of the extrinsic parameters measured (food quality and quantity, mouse abundance) had an impact on reproductive performance. The addition of food did not prevent the mid summer decrease in ovulation rates nor did it alter the difference between ovulation rates and litter size. While the number of previous pregnancies did not affect reproductive performance, the age of mice did: older mice tended to have higher ovulation rates than younger mice. The effect of age‐dependent changes in ovulation rates on population growth rates of house mice seemed to be of limited importance. We conclude that the reproductive output in wild house mice is determined by ovulation rates and not by litter size. The regulation of ovulation rates through an intrinsic factor (age) seems evident but the importance of food availability and house mouse abundance for ovulation rates is low.
Ground‐dwelling beetle assemblages in the northern Cape Floristic Region: Patterns, correlates and implications
Authors: BOTES A. , MCGEOCH M. A. , CHOWN S. L.
Published: March 2007

Abstract Recent studies have both shown and predicted that global climate change will have a substantial influence on biodiversity. This is true especially of a global biodiversity hotspot, the Cape Floristic Region. Although the effects of predicted changes have been widely assessed for plants, little is known about how insect diversity in the region might be affected. In particular, patterns in and the correlates of diversity in the region are poorly understood, and therefore the likely affects of a changing abiotic environment on this significant group of organisms are not clear. Therefore, we investigate patterns in, and correlates of, epigaeic beetle (Tenebrionidae and Carabidae) diversity in one of the most climate change‐sensitive areas in the Cape Floristic Region, the Cederberg. In particular, we determine whether epigaeic beetle assemblage structure differs between the main vegetation types in the Cederberg (Strandveld, Mountain Fynbos and Succulent Karoo), how restricted these beetles are to specific vegetation types, and which environmental variables might be associated with site‐related differences in beetle richness and abundance. Sampling was undertaken during October 2002 and 2003 across an altitudinal gradient ranging from sea level (Lambert's Bay) to approximately 2000 m above sea level (Sneeukop, Cederberg) and down again to 500 m above sea level (Wupperthal) using pitfall traps. The environmental correlates of abundance and species density in the epigaeic beetles were similar to those identified previously for ants across the transect, with both taxa being positively related to several temperature variables. Several species showed habitat specificity and fidelity, and clear distinctions existed between the vegetation types across the transect. A larger proportion of the variance in tenebrionid species density was explained by environmental variables and spatial factors than for carabids. The most likely explanation for this difference is that the correlates might well reflect collinear historical processes, rather than a causal relationship between contemporary environmental variables and species density. If this is the case, it suggests that caution should be exercised when interpreting environmental correlates of species density, and making climate change predictions based on these correlates.
Bayesian Density Regression
Authors: Dunson David B. , Pillai Natesh , Park Ju-Hyun
Published: March 2007

The paper considers Bayesian methods for density regression, allowing a random probability distribution to change flexibly with multiple predictors. The conditional response distribution is expressed as a non-parametric mixture of regression models, with the mixture distribution changing with predictors. A class of weighted mixture of Dirichlet process priors is proposed for the uncountable collection of mixture distributions. It is shown that this specification results in a generalized Pólya urn scheme, which incorporates weights that are dependent on the distance between subjects’ predictor values. To allow local dependence in the mixture distributions, we propose a kernel-based weighting scheme. A Gibbs sampling algorithm is developed for posterior computation. The methods are illustrated by using simulated data examples and an epidemiologic application.
Assimilation and contrast in optical illusions1
Authors: GOTO TAKUO , UCHIYAMA ICHIRO , IMAI AKIRA , TAKAHASHI SHIN’YA , HANARI TAKASHI , NAKAMURA SHINJI , KOBARI HIROYUKI
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  This study has focused on how assimilation and contrast correlate with the generating processes of various optical illusions. First of all, we defined the meanings of assimilation and contrast from two viewpoints, namely, phenomena and mechanisms. We then examined the characteristic appearances of the Delboeuf illusion as a typical size illusion caused by assimilation and contrast, by referring to major studies on this illusion in Japan. To confirm the different size‐judgment processes operating in size illusions of concentric circles, quadrilaterals, lines, and angles, we explored the magnitude of illusion, including peak and conversion from overestimation to underestimation. The consistent occurrences of peak and conversion indicated the antagonistic correlations of assimilation and contrast in the generation of these illusions. Manipulation of figural unification using solid and non‐solid segments had no effect on these illusions, which were constructed almost by their own specific contour‐patterns. Finally, we tried to incorporate assimilation and contrast into our proposition that the combination of three factors (angle/direction, space/position, and assimilation/contrast) explains the generation of many optical illusions.
Haptics can modulate the Hering and Wundt illusions1,2
Authors: OMORI KEIKO , KITAGAWA NORIMICHI , WADA YUJI , NOGUCHI KAORU
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  It is generally believed that, when information from different sensory modalities is in conflict, vision typically dominates touch. In contrast, it has been shown that haptics can play an important role in the development of visual spatial perception in congenitally blind or early blinded people with restored sight. In the present study, the relationship between touch and vision was investigated by examining the effects of haptics on the appearance of the Hering and Wundt optical illusions in sighted individuals. Participants judged the apparent curvature of two lines in Hering‐ and Wundt‐type figures, while they actively explored a wooden board that was shaped concave, convex, or parallel. They were asked to choose a comparison figure whose shape matched the apparent curvature of the two test lines. The results revealed that the participants’ responses were biased towards the curvature obtained by actively touching the haptic stimuli.
Acetylcholine synthesis by choline acetyltransferase of a peripheral type as demonstrated in adult rat dorsal root ganglion
Authors: Bellier Jean‐Pierre , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: March 2007

pChAT is a splice variant of a peripheral type encoded alternatively by the gene for choline acetyltransferase of the common type (cChAT), the enzyme responsible for acetylcholine synthesis. Immunohistochemistry using pChAT antiserum has successfully visualized many known peripheral cholinergic cells, whereas most cChAT antibodies failed to do so. As, however, accumulating evidence indicates that pChAT expression also occurs in various non‐cholinergic neurons, we examined possible acetylcholine production by pChAT in rat dorsal root ganglion as a model. The present study indicated that the ganglion neurons possessed pChAT, but never cChAT, mRNA and protein. Our detailed analysis further showed that, despite low enzyme activities of both choline acetyltransferase and acetylcholinesterase, the level of acetylcholine in the ganglion was as high as to that in various brain regions receiving cholinergic innervation. By using immunoprecipitation methods, we here provide evidence that pChAT definitely has enzyme activity enough to supply physiological concentrations of acetylcholine in the ganglion. We propose that pChAT contributes both to acetylcholine neurotransmission in physiologically identified cholinergic cells and to functions yet unknown in non‐cholinergic neurons. Thus pChAT provides a new window on the role of neuronal acetylcholine.
A human neuronal tissue culture model for Lesch‐Nyhan disease
Authors: Shirley Thomas L. , Lewers J. Chris , Egami Kiyoshi , Majumdar Alokes , Kelly Mairead , Ceballos‐Picot Irene , Seidman Michael M. , Jinnah H. A.
Published: March 2007

Mutations in the gene encoding the purine salvage enzyme, hypoxanthine–guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) cause Lesch‐Nyhan disease, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by cognitive, neurological, and behavioral abnormalities. Despite detailed knowledge of the enzyme’s function, the key pathophysiological changes that accompany loss of purine recycling are unclear. To facilitate delineating the consequences of HPRT deficiency, four independent HPRT‐deficient sublines of the human dopaminergic neuroblastoma, SK‐N‐BE(2) M17, were isolated by targeted mutagenesis with triple helix‐forming oligonucleotides. As a group, these HPRT‐deficient cells showed several significant abnormalities: (i) impaired purine recycling with accumulation of hypoxanthine, guanine, and xanthine, (ii) reduced guanylate energy charge and GTP : GDP ratio, but normal adenylate energy charge and no changes in any adenine nucleotide ratios, (iii) increased levels of UTP and NADP+, (iv) reduced DOPA decarboxylase, but normal monoamines, and (v) reduction in cell soma size. These cells combine the analytical power of multiple lines and a human, neuronal origin to provide an important tool to investigate the pathophysiology of HPRT deficiency.
Reticulon‐1C acts as a molecular switch between endoplasmic reticulum stress and genotoxic cell death pathway in human neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Sano Federica Di , Fazi Barbara , Tufi Roberta , Nardacci Roberta , Piacentini Mauro
Published: March 2007

Damage or stress in many organelles may trigger apoptosis by several not yet fully elucidated mechanisms. A cell death pathway is induced by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress elicited by the unfolded protein response and/or by aberrant Ca2+ signalling. Reticulon‐1C (RTN‐1C) belongs to the reticulon family, neuroendocrine‐specific proteins localized primarily on the ER membrane. In the present study, we demonstrate that RTN‐1C is able to modulate, in a mutually exclusive way, the cellular sensitivity to different apoptosis pathways in human neuroblastoma cells. In fact, the increase of RTN‐1C protein levels per se results in ER stress‐induced cell death, mediated by an increase of cytosolic Ca2+, and significantly sensitizes cells to different ER stress inducers. In line with these findings, the reduction of RTN‐1C, by antisense DNA expression, reduced the sensitivity to ER‐stressors. In the presence of high RTN‐1C levels, genotoxic drugs become ineffective as a consequence of the cytoplasm translocation of p53 protein, while the silencing of endogenous RTN‐1C results in the potentiation of the genotoxic drugs action. These data indicate that RTN‐1C is able to modulate the cellular sensitivity to different apoptotic pathways representing a promising molecular target for new drug development.
Partitioning of the plasma membrane Ca2+‐ATPase into lipid rafts in primary neurons: effects of cholesterol depletion
Authors: Jiang Lei , Fernandes Denzyl , Mehta Nandini , Bean Jennifer L. , Michaelis Mary L. , Zaidi Asma
Published: March 2007

Spatial and temporal alterations in intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i play a pivotal role in a wide array of neuronal functions. Disruption in Ca2+ homeostasis has been implicated in the decline in neuronal function in brain aging and in neurodegenerative disorders. The plasma membrane Ca2+‐ATPase (PMCA) is a high affinity Ca2+ transporter that plays a crucial role in the termination of [Ca2+]i signals and in the maintenance of low [Ca2+]i essential for signaling. Recent evidence indicates that PMCA is uniquely sensitive to its lipid environment and is stimulated by lipids with ordered acyl chains. Here we show that both PMCA and its activator calmodulin (CaM) are partitioned into liquid‐ordered, cholesterol‐rich plasma membrane microdomains or ‘lipid rafts’ in primary cultured neurons. Association of PMCA with rafts was demonstrated in preparations isolated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation and in intact neurons by confocal microscopy. Total raft‐associated PMCA activity was much higher than the PMCA activity excluded from these microdomains. Depletion of cellular cholesterol dramatically inhibited the activity of the raft‐associated PMCA with no effect on the activity of the non‐raft pool. We propose that association of PMCA with rafts represents a novel mechanism for its regulation and, consequently, of Ca2+ signaling in the central nervous system.
A comparison of triple combination cream and hydroquinone 4% cream for the treatment of moderate to severe facial melasma
Authors: Ferreira Cestari Tania , Hassun Karime , Sittart Alexandre , De Lourdes Viegas Maria
Published: March 2007

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a triple combination (TC) cream and monotherapy with hydroquinone (HQ) cream in the treatment of moderate to severe facial melasma. A total of 120 patients applied TC cream once daily or HQ cream twice daily for 8 weeks. Evaluations included static global severity assessment of melasma, improvement of melasma over time, local tolerability, and adverse events. TC cream was significantly more effective than HQ cream from week 4 onwards: lesions were approximately equivalent to the surrounding skin in 35% of all TC‐treated patients, compared to 5% of those who used HQ cream (P = 0.0001). Improvement of more than 75% was achieved by 73% of TC cream patients and 49% of HQ cream patients (P = 0.007). The incidence of adverse events (erythema, burning sensation, and desquamation) was similar in both groups. No patient dropped out of the study because of drug‐related adverse events. TC cream was more effective than the HQ cream for the treatment of moderate to severe facial melasma. Both products had similar safety profiles.
Nail cosmetics in nail disorders
Authors: Iorizzo Matilde , Piraccini Bianca Maria , Tosti Antonella
Published: March 2007

The clinical features of nail dystrophies depend on the part of the nail that has been damaged. Due to the important functions of fingernails and toenails, any abnormality of the nail causes impaired function of the hand or foot. Moreover, the aesthetic aspect of the nail may affect employability, self‐esteem, and interaction with other people.

Because the nails are often difficult to treat, cosmetology may be an effective support to medical treatment. Nail cosmetics may help the patient to cope with his or her nail dystrophy while waiting for treatment to show its efficacy. It may also be the only choice to hide nail dystrophy where the nail is irreversibly damaged. Nail cosmetics may also function at treatment for onychtillomania, nail biting, and nail ingrowing.