bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anamneseerhebung: Berücksichtigung von Gegenübertragungsphänomenen und Deutung
Authors: Adler  , Albrecht  , Grögler
Published: March 2011

Während der Anamneseerhebung regt der Patient im Arzt Gefühle und Fantasien an. Diese können mit unbewussten Konflikten des Patienten zusammenhängen, die ihrerseits zum Leiden beitragen. Die Verbalisierung dieser Empfindungen und Fantasien mit Aufzeigen ihrer Beziehung zu unbewussten Konflikten des Patienten vermögen bei bestimmten Patienten zur Linderung seiner Störung beizutragen. Das geschilderte Vorgehen eignet sich nicht bei Patienten, die zwischen Lebensereignissen, ihren Reaktionen darauf und der Verbindung mit unbewussten Vorgängen keine Zusammenhänge erahnen.
Eine deutsche Adaptation des ENRICHD Social Support Inventory (ESSI)
Authors: Kendel Friederike , Spaderna Heike , Sieverding Monika , Dunkel Anne , Lehmkuhl Elke , Hetzer Roland , Regitz-Zagrosek Vera
Published: March 2011

Zusammenfassung. Zur Erfassung der wahrgenommenen emotionalen sozialen Unterstützung bei kardialen Patienten wird das ESSI-D (ENRICHD Social Support Inventory – Deutsch), eine deutsche Adaptation des englischen ESSI, vorgestellt. Mit einer Stichprobe von N = 1597 Patienten (22.7% Frauen), die sich einer Bypass-Operation unterzogen, wurden die psychometrischen Eigenschaften des ESSI-D überprüft. Cronbachs Alpha der Gesamtskala lag bei α = .89. Eine konfirmatorische Faktorenanalyse bestätigte die einfaktorielle Struktur der Skala. Korrelationen mit unterschiedlichen Kriteriumsvariablen wie Partnerstatus, soziale Funktionsfähigkeit, körperliche Funktion und Depressivität lieferten Hinweise für eine zufriedenstellende Konstruktvalidität. Das ESSI-D erweist sich für diese Patientengruppe als ein ökonomisches Instrument zur Erfassung der emotionalen sozialen Unterstützung mit guten psychometrischen Eigenschaften.
Modifikation der IES-R zur Diagnostik posttraumatischer Belastung bei Traumatisierung durch die Diagnose Krebs
Authors: Bölter Annette F. , Lange Julia , Anger Bernd , Geiser Christian , Süß Heinz-Martin , Frommer Jörg
Published: March 2011

Zusammenfassung. Nach DSM-IV können lebensbedrohliche Erkrankungen wie Krebs eine Posttraumatische Belastungsstörung (PTSD) auslösen. Der Erfassung mit üblichen PTSD-Diagnoseinstrumenten wie der Impact-of-Event-Scale (IES-R) mangelt es jedoch an Validität. Methodik: Ein krebsspezifisches PTSD-Konzept wurde theoriebasiert entwickelt und über die IES-R sowie neu formulierte Items erfasst. 400 Rehabilitationspatienten mit heterogenen Tumordiagnosen und Diagnosestellung vor max. einem Jahr wurden untersucht. Faktorenanalytisch (CFA) wurde ein Screeninginstrument, der Fragebogen zur krebsspezifischen posttraumatischen Belastung (PTB-KS), entwickelt. Der Reliabilitätsanalyse folgte eine Konstruktvalidierung. Ergebnis: Die statistischen Analysen unterstützen die Modellannahmen (χ2/df = 2.28; CFI = .960; RMSEA = .057). Der PTB-KS umfasst auf vier Skalen Intrusionen und Vermeidung (IES-R), krebsspezifische Belastung sowie Fehlanpassung. Reliabilität und konvergente Validität sind zufriedenstellend, die diskriminante Validität ist nicht hinreichend gesichert. Diskussion: Das erweiterte diagnostische Modell verbessert die Erfassung von posttraumatischer Belastung bei Krebspatienten. Aus klinischer Sicht eignet es sich trotz methodischer Einschränkungen als Screeninginstrument.
Dienstleistungsqualität in der Universitätsverwaltung: Antezedenzien und Konsequenzen
Authors: Gehring Frank , Hertel Guido
Published: March 2011

Im Rahmen eines Organisationsentwicklungsprojekts in einer Universitätsverwaltung wurden Verwaltungsmitarbeiter und ihre hausinternen Kunden (wissenschaftliche und nichtwissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter, Studierende; insgesamt N = 1.762) zum Thema Dienstleistungsqualität befragt. Als Antezedenzien der Dienstleistungsqualität wurden subjektiv wahrgenommene Arbeits- und Aufgabenmerkmale sowie die Zufriedenheit und Motivation der Verwaltungsmitarbeiter erfasst. Als Konsequenzen wurden das affektive Commitment der Kunden gegenüber der Universität sowie freiwilliges Engagement der Kunden für die Universität (OCB) berücksichtigt. Mittels Regressions- und Strukturgleichungsanalysen wurde gezeigt, dass Zufriedenheit und Motivation der Verwaltungsmitarbeiter signifikant durch wahrgenommene Aufgabenmerkmale vorhergesagt werden können (Bedeutsamkeit, Geschlossenheit, Rückmeldung durch die Arbeit sowie durch andere). Es ergaben sich zudem positive Zusammenhänge zwischen Zufriedenheit und Motivation der Verwaltungsmitarbeiter einerseits und der durch die Kunden eingeschätzten Dienstleistungsqualität andererseits. Die eingeschätzte Dienstleistungsqualität wiederum erwies sich als signifikanter Prädiktor des affektiven Commitments und des OCB der Kunden.
Transformationale, transaktionale und passiv-vermeidende Führung
Authors: Sturm Mareen , Reiher Stephanie , Heinitz Kathrin , Soellner Renate
Published: March 2011

In der vorliegenden Metaanalyse wurde dem Zusammenhang transformationaler, transaktionaler und passiv-vermeidender Führung mit Führungserfolg nachgegangen. Anhand der Methode von Hunter und Schmidt (1990) wurden 56 Primärstudien der Jahre 2001 bis einschließlich März 2006, die Führung mittels des Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) oder Transformational Leadership Inventory (TLI) operationalisiert hatten, metaanalytisch integriert. Es zeigte sich, dass transformationale Führung hoch positiv mit Kriterien des Führungserfolgs zusammenhängt. Auch transaktionale Führung weist positive, passiv-vermeidende Führung dagegen hohe negative Korrelationen mit Führungserfolg auf. Insgesamt sind die Zusammenhänge des TLI mit Führungserfolg geringer als die Korrelationen des MLQ. Als Moderatoren für den Zusammenhang zwischen Führung und Führungserfolg wurden die Operationalisierungen von Führung sowie Führungserfolg, der Organisationstyp und das Untersuchungsland analysiert. Die Variablen Operationalisierung von Führung sowie von Führungserfolg wurden als Moderatoren bestätigt. Für die beiden anderen betrachteten Moderatoren konnten keine durchgängigen Einflüsse auf die untersuchten Zusammenhänge nachgewiesen werden.
Crustal shear wave tomography of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand, via ambient noise correlation between multiple three‐component networks
Authors: Behr Y. , Townend J. , Bannister S. , Savage M. K.
Published: March 2011

The central North Island of New Zealand is characterized by extension, high heat flow, and active volcanism caused by the Pacific plate subducting beneath the Australian plate off the east coast of the North Island. The Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ) is the current locus of rifting and active volcanism. The shear velocity structure derived here from short‐period surface wave analysis fills a gap in the geophysical information obtained in previous active and passive source studies. Using ambient noise correlation techniques, we reprocess data from four three‐component temporary seismic arrays that were deployed between 2001 and 2005 in the central North Island and data from permanent seismic stations operational at the same time. Special attention has been paid to the correction of timing errors and incomplete instrument response information. Low shear velocities in the top 15–20 km of the crust inferred from Rayleigh wave dispersion analysis coincide with the presumed source regions of rhyolitic magma in the TVZ and are correlated with conductive bodies inferred from a 3‐D magnetotelluric survey. Based on the observed changes in shear velocity we use empirical relations to infer an average percentage of partial melt in the upper crust of <4%. Comparison of our shear velocity model with compressional wave cross sections from active and passive source studies and shear velocities derived from previous 3‐D Vp and Vp/Vs models reveals several consistent features, especially in the lower crust. The greater sensitivity of shear velocity than compressional velocity to the presence of melt and other fluids aids in linking seismic and electromagnetic observations and provides additional constraints on the distribution of magmatic structures in active continental rifting environments.
Crustal thickness anomalies in the North Atlantic Ocean basin from gravity analysis
Authors: Wang Tingting , Lin Jian , Tucholke Brian , Chen Yongshun John
Published: March 2011

Gravity‐derived crustal thickness models were calculated for the North Atlantic Ocean between 76°N and the Chain Fracture Zone and calibrated using seismically determined crustal thickness. About 7% of the ocean crust is <4 km thick (designated as thin crust), and 58% is 4–7 km thick (normal crust); the remaining 35% is >7 km thick and is interpreted to have been affected by excess magmatism. Thin crust probably reflects reduced melt production from relatively cold or refractory mantle at scales of up to hundreds of kilometers along the spreading axis. By far the most prominent thick crust anomaly is associated with Iceland and adjacent areas, which accounts for 57% of total crustal volume in excess of 7 km. Much smaller anomalies include the Azores (8%), Cape Verde Islands (6%), Canary Islands (5%), Madeira (<4%), and New England–Great Meteor Seamount chain (2%), all of which appear to be associated with hot spots. Hot spot–related crustal thickening is largely intermittent, suggesting that melt production is episodic on time scales of tens of millions of years. Thickened crust shows both symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns about the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge (MAR) axis, reflecting whether melt anomalies were or were not centered on the MAR axis, respectively. Thickened crust at the Bermuda and Cape Verde rises appears to have been formed by isolated melt anomalies over periods of only ∼20–25 Myr. Crustal thickness anomalies on the African plate generally are larger than those on the North American plate; this most likely results from slower absolute plate speed of the African plate over relatively fixed hot spots.
Visualization of geochemical data for rocks and sediments in Google Earth: Development of a data converter application for geochemical and isotopic data sets in database systems
Authors: Yamagishi Yasuko , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Tamura Hajimu , Yanaka Hiroshi , Tsuboi Seiji
Published: March 2011

We developed a Keyhole Markup Language (KML) generator for converting geochemical and isotopic data sets for rocks and sediments stored in database systems into KML. Our program allows users to visualize geochemical or isotopic data easily in Google Earth. The generator accepts data files produced by the database systems PetDB, SedDB, GEOROC, and GANSEKI. The data are plotted three‐dimensionally as a bar graph on the surface of the virtual Earth at the sampling site. This type of visual presentation, including information on sample localities, directly shows the distribution of isotopic or compositional anomalies of specific samples on the Earth's surface. We provide a Web application for the generator, so anyone can set the parameters for visualization over the Internet. With other KML generators we developed earlier, geochemical data can be overlain on a seismic tomographic model. This overlay image can provide information on the origin of samples in the tomographic model.
A sensorimotor area (NIf) is required for the production of learned vocalizations
Authors: Gobes Sharon , Ölveczky Bence
Published: March 2011

Sensory feedback is essential for the acquisition of complex motor behaviors, including birdsong. In zebra finches, auditory feedback is relayed to the descending motor pathway primarily through the nucleus interfacialis nidopalii (NIf). NIf projects to HVC - a premotor region essential for song, which projects to RA, a motor cortex analogue brain area that drives muscle activity required for vocalizations. NIf is also essential for ‘sleep replay’, a recapitulation of song-related neural dynamics in the motor pathway during sleep. Despite being one of the major inputs to the song control pathway, there is no known role for NIf in the production of zebra finch song. To address this, we reversibly inactivated NIf using TTX or Muscimol in 13 birds. We compared songs before and during inactivation and found large effects of NIf inactivation on song structure. Vocalizations after NIf inactivation resembled subsong, highly variable utterances typical of the very early phases of song learning. Subsong is driven by LMAN, the output nucleus of an avian basal ganglia circuit that projects to RA. To verify that NIf inactivations indeed switched song control from HVC to LMAN, we inactivated LMAN in conjunction with NIf in four birds. As with LMAN inactivations after HVC lesions, this manipulation led to a complete cessation of singing. We also lesioned NIf using ibotenic acid and saw the song recover within a day, consistent with previous studies. Our results show that NIf input to HVC is acutely necessary for generating learned vocal behavior in songbirds, and that in its absence vocal production reverts to subsong driven by LMAN. Absent NIf input, the song circuit reorganizes and recovers its ability to produce pre-lesion song over the course of 1-2 days, suggesting a redundant role for NIf that can be assumed by other parts of the song circuit.
Behavioral Responses to Light by Headless Anesthetized Drosophila Melanogaster
Authors: Egeth Marc
Published: March 2011

The bodies of decapitated fruit flies are known to retain a variety of functional sensory inputs, processing, and behavioral responses. Here I report a previously undescribed phenomenon: headless bodies can respond to a light presentation with movement, walking, and flight. Headless anesthetized flies also respond to a light presentation with behavior, albeit to a lesser degree. The mechanism underlying the behavioral response of headless flies to light might include extracephalic photoreceptors or thermoreceptors.
The role of trust in residents' fire wise actions
Authors: Absher James D. , Vaske Jerry J.
Published: March 2011

Residents’ trust in the managing agency has been heralded as a necessary precursor to success in preventing wildland fire losses in the wildland–urban interface. Trust, however, is a complex concept. Homeowners’ specific fire wise actions may not be easily linked to general measures of trust. This article uses two distinct trust indices to predict residents’ intention to do fire wise actions to their house and adjacent site. Results of structural equation models using a survey of Colorado Front Range residents (n = 456) revealed strong explanatory power: 85% (house behaviours) and 72% (site behaviours) of the variation in intentions were accounted for by trust, previous fire wise behaviours and the perceived effectiveness of the actions. The trust measures, however, were not major influences. ‘Trust in agency competence’ weakly predicted perceived effectiveness for site behaviours; ‘trust in agency information’ weakly predicted past house behaviours. Neither trust variable directly affected intentions to perform these actions. We conclude that trust is best viewed as a broad precursor whose influence on behavioural intentions is mediated by other constructs (e.g. past behaviour, perceived effectiveness). The implications for further work to understand the role of trust and the possible social mechanisms involved are discussed.
Quantifying the fire regime distributions for severity in Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Authors: Thode Andrea E. , van Wagtendonk Jan W. , Miller Jay D. , Quinn James F.
Published: March 2011

This paper quantifies current fire severity distributions for 19 different fire-regime types in Yosemite National Park, California, USA. Landsat Thematic Mapper remote sensing data are used to map burn severity for 99 fires (cumulatively over 97 000 ha) that burned in Yosemite over a 20-year period. These maps are used to quantify the frequency distributions of fire severity by fire-regime type. A classification is created for the resultant distributions and they are discussed within the context of four vegetation zones: the foothill shrub and woodland zone; the lower montane forest zone; the upper montane forest zone and the subalpine forest zone. The severity distributions can form a building block from which to discuss current fire regimes across the Sierra Nevada in California. This work establishes a framework for comparing the effects of current fires on our landscapes with our notions of how fires historically burned, and how current fire severity distributions differ from our desired future conditions. As this process is refined, a new set of information will be available to researchers and land managers to help understand how fire regimes have changed from the past and how we might attempt to manage them in the future.
In vivo imaging reveals a phase-specific role of STAT3 during central and peripheral nervous system axon regeneration
Authors: Bareyre Florence M. , Garzorz Natalie , Lang Claudia , Misgeld Thomas , Büning Hildegard , Kerschensteiner Martin
Published: March 2011

In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), damaged axons regenerate successfully, whereas axons in the CNS fail to regrow. In neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), which extend branches to both the PNS and CNS, only a PNS lesion but not a CNS lesion induces axonal growth. How this differential growth response is regulated in vivo is only incompletely understood. Here, we combine in vivo time-lapse fluorescence microscopy with genetic manipulations in mice to reveal how the transcription factor STAT3 regulates axonal regeneration. We show that selective deletion of STAT3 in DRG neurons of STAT3-floxed mice impairs regeneration of peripheral DRG branches after a nerve cut. Further, overexpression of STAT3 induced by viral gene transfer increases outgrowth and collateral sprouting of central DRG branches after a dorsal column lesion by more than 400%. Notably, repetitive in vivo imaging of individual fluorescently labeled PNS and CNS axons reveals that STAT3 selectively regulates initiation but not later perpetuation of axonal growth. With STAT3, we thus identify a phase-specific regulator of axonal outgrowth. Activating STAT3 might provide an opportunity to “jumpstart” regeneration, and thus prime axons in the injured spinal cord for application of complementary therapies that improve axonal elongation.
Medea, Jason, and their illusions of the Golden Fleece: a Jungian contribution to transference dreaming
Authors: Tyminski Robert
Published: March 2011

Intense projections of love and power regularly occur in the transference relationship. They often objectify archetypal aspects that a client might be struggling to understand. The tale of the Golden Fleece, which stands as a symbol for an inappropriately overvalued attachment, reveals that Jason and Medea were too captivated by their own desires, which they projected onto the Golden Fleece. They failed to appreciate the unattainable – and sacred – nature of the object. The author uses this myth to draw a parallel with certain dynamics of the transference relationship, when the therapist becomes the obscure object of the client's desire or envy. Transference dreaming opens the door to a critical examination of this relationship. The dreamer frequently sees something in the dream that does not add up. This internal uncertainty within the dream indicates that the therapist needs to examine what is happening in the transference or countertransference that heretofore has been accepted uncritically. Three key questions about the analytic relationship are addressed as aspects of what merits further attention in order to be understood and processed collaboratively to make therapeutic space for doubt and illusion.
Deconstruction of archetypal characterization: the case of Nina in Chekhov's The seagull
Authors: Rozik Eli
Published: March 2011

This study explores the Jungian notions of ‘archetype’, ‘projection’ and ‘imago’, and suggests the distinction between ‘archetypal’ and ‘cognitive’ characterization on the level of intention, and its implications regarding dramatic creativity. Whereas archetypal characterization aims at matching archetypes in the spectators’ minds, cognitive characterization aims at saying something true on the nature of real people, in the spirit of naturalism. Archetypal characterization thus offers the opportunity for the spectators to confront suppressed contents of their psyches. This study also suggests a model for the transition from the archetypal mode of characterization to the cognitive one through a process of deconstruction, and applies this model to Nina's process of individuation from adolescence to maturity in Chekhov's The seagull.
The Yershalaim chapters from The Master and Margarita: an anatomy of possession
Authors: Dawson Terence
Published: March 2011

The Yershalaim chapters from Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita (1996/1965–1966) illustrate the three fundamental forms of possession. Kaifa and Levi Matvei respond to Yeshua in apparently opposite ways: the High Priest represses his experience of possession, while Levi Matvei surrenders himself to his. Both lose their footing in reality and begin to live in a fantasy world of their own devising. In contrast, Pilate engages with his experience of possession. He seeks the company of Yeshua not to become his disciple, but to engage him in a dialogue between equals.
Pilot Study of Oral Valganciclovir Therapy in Patients With Classic Kaposi Sarcoma
Authors: Krown Susan E. , Dittmer Dirk P. , Cesarman Ethel
Published: March 2011

We conducted a clinical trial of oral valganciclovir, a drug with in vitro activity against Kaposi sarcoma (KS)–associated herpesvirus (KSHV), in classic KS. Five human immunodeficiency virus–seronegative participants received valganciclovir for up to six 4-week cycles at doses used for cytomegalovirus infection. None of the study subjects showed an objective response; KS progressed in 4 subjects after 1–4 cycles and remained stable in 1 subject after 6 cycles. KS biopsies showed minimal lytic KSHV antigen and gene expression at baseline and no treatment-associated changes. Although valganciclovir was not active against KS in this setting, other appropriately targeted anti-herpesviral strategies may prove to be more effective.
Corn Endosperm Fermentation Using Endogenous Amino Nitrogen Generated by a Fungal Protease
Authors: Vidal Bernardo C. , Rausch Kent D. , Tumbleson M. E. , Singh Vijay
Published: March 2011

Fractionating the corn kernel to separate endosperm from germ and pericarp improves corn ethanol processing by increasing fermentation throughput and generating salable coproducts. One fractionation technology, dry fractionation (DF), suffers from loss of germ‐derived nutrients and amino acids, resulting in poor fermentation performance. Such deficiencies may be addressed by increasing nitrogen and other nutritional supplementation. As an alternative to exogenous nitrogen source, we investigated the use of a fungal protease to generate free amino nitrogen (FAN) from corn endosperm. Incubation of endosperm with protease did not affect subsequent liquefaction and saccharification. FAN supplementation through proteolysis resulted in fermentation being 99% complete in 48 hr, compared to 93% maximum with urea supplementation. Viable cell growth rates were similar in FAN and urea‐supplemented fermentations. Urea and FAN addition resulted in similar fermentation characteristics and similar FAN consumption rates as with FAN alone, which was indicative that FAN was assimilated preferentially. Increased amounts of maltose remaining after fermentation were correlated with initial FAN concentrations in mash. This observed trend was implicated in ethanol yield reduction of 2 g/L at high protease loading (generating 1.6 mg of FAN/g of glucose substrate) compared to a urea control. Using a glucose and maltose solution, we confirmed higher residual maltose in fermentations supplemented with high FAN concentrations. Use of protease to generate optimal FAN concentration in mash (1.2 mg of FAN/g of glucose substrate) could improve economics of dry fractionated corn ethanol production by increasing fermentation rates and, consequently, reducing fermentation time.
Trench Connection
Authors: Jamieson Alan J. , Fujii Toyonobu
Published: March 2011

‘Trench Connection’ was the first international symposium focusing primarily on the hadal zone (depths greater than 6000 m). It was held at the University of Tokyo's Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute in November 2010. The symposium was successful in having attracted an international collective of scientists and engineers to discuss the latest developments in the exploration and understanding of the deepest environments on Earth. The symposium sessions were categorized into three themes: (i) new deep-submergence technology; (ii) trench ecology and evolution; and (iii) the physical environment. Recent technological developments have overcome the challenges of accessing the extreme depths, which have in turn prompted an international renewed interest in researching physical and biological aspects of the hadal ecosystems. This bringing together of international participants from different disciplines led to healthy discussions throughout the symposium, providing potential opportunities and realizations of where the future of unravelling hadal ecology lies. Hadal science is still at relatively rudimentary levels compared with those of shallower marine environments; however, it became apparent at the symposium that it is now an ever-expanding scientific field.
Comparison of cytotoxic T lymphocyte efficacy in acute and persistent lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection
Authors: Graw Frederik , Richter Kirsten , Oxenius Annette , Regoes Roland R.
Published: March 2011

Immune responses mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) have often been found to be functionally impaired in persistent infections. It is assumed that this impairment contributes to persistence of the infection. In this study, we compare the killing efficacy of CD8
+
T-cell responses in mice acutely and persistently infected with the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, using an
in vivo
CTL killing assay. To infer the killing efficacy of CTLs, we developed a new mathematical model describing the disappearance of peptide-pulsed cells from the blood of the mice over time. We estimate a lower half-life for peptide-pulsed cells in acute infection than in persistent infection, which indicates a higher killing efficacy of the CD8
+
T-cell response in acute infection. However, by controlling for the different levels of CTLs in acutely and persistently infected mice, we find that CTLs in persistent infection are only two times less efficacious than CTLs in acute infections. These results strongly suggest that the
in vivo
cytotoxicity of CD8
+
T-cell responses in persistent infection is modulated via the number of CTLs rather than their individual functionality.
Ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra neural correlates of spatial learning
Authors: Martig Adria K. , Mizumori Sheri J. Y.
Published: March 2011

The ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) may provide modulatory signals that, respectively, influence hippocampal (HPC)- and striatal-dependent memory. Electrophysiological studies investigating neural correlates of learning and memory of dopamine (DA) neurons during classical conditioning tasks have found DA neural activity in VTA and SNc to be tightly coupled with reinforcement expectations. Also, VTA integrity and DA in HPC have been found to regulate the encoding of HPC-dependent memories. Therefore, to determine the nature of the neural code HPC may receive from midbrain DA regions, the present study investigated VTA and SNc neural activity as navigating rats engaged in new spatial learning and experienced changes in expected goal locations. VTA and SNc cells were differentially engaged during training to a series of three novel goal locations. During task acquisition, the peak firing rates of VTA neurons decreased at the time of reward and shifted to time points before reward retrieval, whereas the peak firing rates of SNc neurons remained elevated at the time of reward during training to all three goal locations. Both VTA and SNc egocentric coding was strongest during training to the first goal location, which coincided with the time subjects learned the behavioral rules specific to the task. These data imply that VTA and SNc play complementary yet distinct roles in spatial learning to optimize adaptive behavior.
Differential effects of cannabinoid receptor agonist on social discrimination and contextual fear in amygdala and hippocampus
Authors: Segev Amir , Akirav Irit
Published: March 2011

We examined whether the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN; 5 µg/side) microinjected into the hippocampus or the amygdala would differentially affect memory processes in a neutral vs. an aversive task. In the aversive contextual fear task, WIN into the basolateral amygdala impaired fear acquisition/consolidation, but not retrieval. In the ventral subiculum (vSub), WIN impaired fear retrieval. In the neutral social discrimination task, WIN into the vSub impaired both acquisition/consolidation and retrieval, whereas in the medial amygdala WIN impaired acquisition. The results suggest that cannabinoid signaling differentially affects memory in a task-, region-, and memory stage-dependent manner.
Pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Takahashi K , Oharaseki T , Yokouchi Y
Published: March 2011

Kawasaki disease (KD) most frequently affects infants and young children under 5 years of age. This disease is considered a kind of systemic vasculitis syndrome, and primarily invades the medium-sized muscular arteries, including coronary arteries. Diagnosis of KD is based on characteristic clinical signs and symptoms, which are classified as principal clinical findings and other clinical and laboratory findings. Even though the aetiology of KD is unknown, epidemiological data suggest that some kinds of infectious agents are involved in the onset of KD. In addition, the data indicate that host genetics underlie the disease's pathogenesis. Histologically, coronary arteritis begins 6–8 days after the onset of KD, and leads immediately to inflammation of all layers of the artery. The inflammation spreads completely around the artery; as a result, structural components of the artery undergo intense damage; the artery then begins to dilate. Inflammatory cell infiltration continues until about the 25th day of the disease, after which the inflammatory cells gradually decrease in number. KD arteritis is characterized by granulomatous inflammation that consists of severe accumulation of monocytes/macrophages. Aberrant activation of monocytes/macrophages is thought to be involved in the formation of vascular lesions. The lesions in all the arteries are relatively synchronous as they evolve from acute to chronic injury. There is no fibrinoid necrosis nor any mixture of acute inflammatory lesions and scarring lesions, which are characteristics in polyarteritis nodosa in KD.
Cyclophosphamide as induction therapy for Wegener's granulomatosis and microscopic polyangiitis
Authors: Langford C A
Published: March 2011

The introduction of cyclophosphamide (CyP) as a treatment for Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) has been among the most significant contributions in vasculitis. Prior to the introduction of CyP, WG was a uniformly fatal disease, with mortality occurring within 5–12 months from pulmonary or renal failure or from infection due to glucocorticoids. In 1973 Fauci and Wolff, at the National Institutes of Health, published their experience with a regimen that combined CyP and prednisone in which disease remission was seen in 12 of 14 patients. Long-term experience with CyP provided even greater evidence for its efficacy in which an 80% survival rate was seen, with 91% of patients having significant improvement and 75% achieving complete remission. However, extended follow-up also demonstrated that disease relapse occurred in at least 50% of patients and that 42% experienced morbidity solely as a result of treatment. These observations showed that while CyP was life-saving, it did not prevent relapse and was associated with significant toxicity such that safer means to induce remission needed to be pursued. Strategies aimed at reducing exposure to CyP have included intermittent administration, induction–maintenance regimens and avoidance of CyP for non-severe disease. Recently, the introduction of rituximab has raised important questions regarding the place of CyP in the treatment of WG/MPA. This paper examines the past, present and future of CyP through a review of its efficacy and safety.
Three‐dimensional finite element analysis of stress distribution in peri‐implant bone with relined dentures and different heights of healing caps
Authors: Dos SANTOS M. B. F. , Da SILVA NETO J. P. , CONSANI R. L. X. , MESQUITA M. F.
Published: March 2011

Summary  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of height of healing caps and the use of soft liner materials on the stress distribution in peri‐implant bone during masticatory function in conventional complete dentures during the healing period by using finite element analysis. Three‐dimensional models of a severely resorbed mandible with two recently placed implants in the anterior region were created and divided into the following situations: (i) submerged implants, (ii) healing cap at gingival level and (iii) 1·5‐mm supragingival. All these situations were also analysed for a conventional complete denture and a denture relined with a 3‐mm‐thick layer of soft liner material. The models were exported to mechanical simulation software that presented two simulations, one with load in the inferior right canine (35 N) and the other in the inferior right first molar (50 N). Data were evaluated using Maximum Principal Stress provided by the software. All models showed a stress concentration in the cortical bone corresponding to the cervical part of the implant. The simulations with non‐submerged implants showed higher values of stress concentration than those that were submerged. Likewise, soft liner materials presented better results than when the denture base was not relined. The height of the healing caps seems to have a direct influence on the stress distribution in the peri‐implant bone during the healing period. Considering the values obtained in this study, the use of soft liners with submerged implants seems to be the most suitable method to use during the period of osseointegration.
Arabidopsis MAP Kinase Phosphatase 1 (AtMKP1) negatively regulates MPK6‐mediated PAMP responses and resistance against bacteria
Authors: Anderson Jeffrey C. , Bartels Sebastian , Besteiro Marina A. González , Shahollari Bationa , Ulm Roman , Peck Scott C.
Published: March 2011

A primary component of plant defense is the detection of pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by plasma membrane‐localized pathogen recognition receptors. PAMP perception results in rapid and transient activation of phosphorylation‐dependent signaling pathways that lead to a wide array of defense‐related responses, including extensive changes in gene expression. In Arabidopsis, several kinases, including the mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) MPK6 and MPK3, are rapidly activated after PAMP treatment, and are thought to positively regulate a wide array of defense‐related responses. In contrast, negative regulation of PAMP responses by downstream phosphatases remains poorly understood. Here we report the identification of Arabidopsis MAP Kinase Phosphatase 1 (MKP1) as a negative regulator of diverse PAMP responses, including activation of MPK6 and MPK3, transient production of extracellular reactive oxygen species, accumulation of a subset of PAMP‐regulated transcripts, and inhibition of seedling growth. In agreement with the enhanced PAMP response phenotypes observed in the mkp1 mutant, we found that mkp1 seedlings and adult plants are more resistant to the virulent bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pto) DC3000. Further genetic analysis revealed that MPK6, but not MPK3, is required for the mkp1‐dependent increase in resistance to Pto and enhanced PAMP‐induced growth inhibition observed in mkp1 seedlings. Together, our data support a role for MKP1 as a negative regulator of MPK6‐mediated PAMP responses.
HLA‐DR polymorphism modulates response to house dust mites in a transgenic mouse model of airway inflammation
Authors: Rajagopalan G. , Tilahun A. Y. , Iijima K. , David C. S. , Kita H. , Juhn Y. J.
Published: March 2011

We and others have reported that HLA‐DRB1*03 is associated with childhood asthma. To extend this observation and to prove this association, we sensitized and challenged either HLA‐DR2 (HLA‐DRB1*1502) or HLA‐DR3 (HLA‐DRB1*0301) transgenic mice with house‐dust mite extract. Inflammatory cell counts and cytokine levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid between HLA‐DR3 and DR2 mice were compared. HLA‐DR3 transgenic mice had significantly elevated eosinophil counts, Interleukin‐4 and Interleukin‐13 levels in the BAL fluid but not interferron gamma‐γ. Thus, our study suggests that HLA‐DRB1*0301 plays an important role in mounting a Th2‐predominant immune response to house dust mite and Th2‐type inflammation in the lung.
Developmental changes in transcriptional profiles
Authors: Loomis William F. , Shaulsky Gad
Published: March 2011

Recent advances in quantitation of mRNA by hybridization to microarrayed gene sequences or by deep sequencing of cDNA (RNA‐seq) have provided global views of the abundance of each transcript. Analyses of RNA samples taken at 2 or 4 h intervals throughout development of Dictyostelium discoideum have defined the developmental changes in transcriptional profiles. Comparisons of the transcriptome of wild‐type cells to that of mutant strains lacking a gene critical to progression through the developmental stages have defined key steps in the progression. The transcriptional response to cAMP pulses depends on the expression of pulse‐independent genes that have been identified by transcriptional profiling with microarrays. Similar techniques were used to discover that the DNA binding protein GBF functions in a feed‐forward loop to regulate post‐aggregation genes and that expression of a set of late genes during culmination is dependent on the DNA binding protein SrfA. RNA‐seq is able to reliably measure individual mRNAs present as a single copy per cell as well as mRNAs present at a thousand fold higher abundance. Using this technique it was found that 65% of the genes in Dictyostelium change twofold or more during development. Many decrease during the first 8 h of development, while the rest increase at specific stages and this pattern is evolutionarily conserved as found by comparing the transcriptomes of D. discoideum and Dictyostelium purpureum. The transcriptional profile of each gene is readily available at dictyBase and more sophisticated analyses are available on DictyExpress.
Strategies for DNA methylation analysis in developmental studies
Authors: Piperi Christina , Papavassiliou Athanasios G.
Published: March 2011

Developmental processes in eukaryotes are highly dependent on DNA methylation. 5‐methylcytosine (m5C) is the most prevalent and best understood DNA modification implicated in maintenance of genomic integrity and function across species. Although m5C occurs almost exclusively in symmetrical CpG context in vertebrates, additional asymmetrical distribution in CpHpG and CpHpH sites has been observed in plants and embryonic stem cells. To this end, accurate and reproducible methodology for full analysis of the DNA methylome is highly demanded. Fortunately, a variety of methods enable quantitative DNA methylation mapping at a single‐base resolution and in a large scale. Here, we provide a critical overview of methods applied primarily to m5C detection with particular emphasis on technical improvements of the classical bisulfite‐conversion protocol. We further describe strategies in combination with emerging technologies that allow acquisition of highly reliable data for developmental studies.
Genetics of sex determination in the social amoebae
Authors: Bloomfield Gareth
Published: March 2011

The social amoebae possess a sexual cycle that involves transient mutlicellularity: first a zygote attracts surrounding haploid amoebae to form a walled aggregate around it, and then cannibalizes these peripheral cells, eventually forming a dormant single‐celled macrocyst. Self‐fertile homothallic isolates occur as well as breeding groups of self‐infertile heterothallic cells, which commonly have more than two mating types. The mating‐type locus of the widely studied model organism Dictyostelium discoideum, which has three mating types, has recently been identified. Two of the three mating types are determined by single putative regulatory genes bearing no mutual similarity, while the third is specified by homologues of both of these genes. This is the first sex‐determining locus of an Amoebozoan to be described and, since none of the key regulators show homology to known proteins, may be a first glimpse of a novel mode of regulation used in these organisms. The sexual cycle of dictyostelids has been relatively neglected, but continues to yield much interesting biology as well as having the potential to add to the genetic tools available for the study of these organisms.
An Australian tuberous sclerosis cohort: Are surveillance guidelines being met?
Authors: Chopra Maya , Lawson John A , Wilson Meredith , Kennedy Sean E , Taylor Peter , Buckley Michael F , Wargon Orli , Parasivam Gayathri , Camphausen Christoph , Yates Deborah , Mowat David
Published: March 2011

Aim:  This study aims to describe the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of 45 Australian patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), to assess risk factors for intellectual disability, to compare patients with TSC1 and TSC2 mutations and to assess adherence to surveillance recommendations.

Methods:  Phenotypic features were recorded in 45 patients who fulfilled established criteria for a diagnosis of definite TSC. All patients underwent TSC1 and TSC2 sequencing and multiplex ligand probe amplification. Features were compared in patients with TSC1 mutations versus TSC2 mutations. Recent surveillance was recorded at the point of first contact. Surveillance adherence was compared in the adult and paediatric cohorts.

Results:  This cohort consisted of 31 children and 14 adults with definite TSC. The rates of TSC manifestations and TSC1 and TSC2 mutation detection rates were consistent with previous studies. There was a trend towards greater severity for patients with TSC2 mutations compared with their TSC1 counterparts, particularly for autistic spectrum disorder, but this did not reach statistical significance. The presence of seizures was shown to be a risk factor for intellectual disability (P < 0.001). Overall, 12/45 patients (27%) were not undergoing recommended surveillance at the point of first contact. Surveillance guidelines were being followed in 3/31 (11%) children compared with 9/14 (64%) adult patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  The genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of this TSC cohort were consistent with previous studies. Surveillance rates in adult patients were significantly lower than in paediatric patients. This highlights the need for patients with TSC to undergo a focussed transition into adult services.
Fetal and post‐natal diagnosis of major congenital heart disease: Implications for medical and psychological care in the current era
Authors: Sholler Gary F , Kasparian Nadine A , Pye Victoria E , Cole Andrew D , Winlaw David S
Published: March 2011

Aim:  The fetal or post‐natal diagnosis of major congenital cardiac abnormality has important medical and psychological consequences.

Methods:  We reviewed infants who underwent cardiac surgery in the first year of life at the Heart Centre for Children, The Children's Hospital at Westmead during 2009. The aims of this study were to: (i) examine the key features of cardiac diagnosis and clinical outcome, and (ii) consider how these data can inform priorities for the delivery of clinical services.

Results:  Over the 12‐month study period, a first cardiac surgical procedure was performed on 195 infants, with 85 infants (44%) diagnosed in the antenatal period. Of the total sample, a subset of 90 babies (46%) underwent their first procedure in the neonatal period, with 62% having had a fetal diagnosis. Major intracardiac lesions including truncus arteriosus (100%), single ventricular lesions (83%), pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (78%) and transposition of the great arteries (53%) were diagnosed prior to birth. Improved haemodynamic stability at initial presentation was found in those with a fetal diagnosis. The overall mortality rate for all patients was 6.1% at 12 months, with a higher mortality in infants with single ventricle.

Conclusions:  The contemporary paradigm of care for infants with major congenital heart disease requires a multidisciplinary approach to care, with improvements in clinician–clinician and clinician–family communication, and psychological support and education for families. Changes in the allocation of resources are required to meet this model of best practice.
Interpreting positive cultures of endotracheal aspirates: Factors associated with treatment decisions in ventilated neonates
Authors: Murila Florence , Francis Johny V , Bland Amy , Kumbla Surekha , Doherty Richard , Sehgal Arvind
Published: March 2011

Aims:  Diagnosis of ventilator‐associated pneumonia in newborns is challenging because of ease of colonisation, non‐specific chest radiograph changes and lack of a consensus definition. The aims of this study were to review treatment decisions in neonates with culture‐positive endotracheal aspirate and to assess impact on respiratory outcomes using blinded review of radiological studies.

Methods:  Charts from all very low birthweight neonates ventilated for >48 h and with positive culture were assessed. Chest radiographs were reviewed by a radiologist masked to the grouping of the episode (treated/not treated). Clinical, investigational and radiological features used in practice were assessed on impact on treatment decisions. Association between treatment and outcomes was assessed.

Results:  Seventy‐four episodes of culture‐positive endotracheal aspirate were analysed in 38 babies. Fifty‐eight episodes were treated with antibiotics. Gestational age at birth and birthweight in both groups (treated vs. non‐treated) were statistically comparable (25.5 ± 3.1 vs. 27.2 ± 2.3 weeks and 809 ± 302 vs. 870 ± 262 g). Comparative chest radiographs were available in 51 of 58 treated episodes; deterioration was noted in 42 (82.3%). Ventilatory parameters were significantly higher in the treatment group and showed a significant improvement after antibiotics. Twenty‐three babies developed chronic lung disease. Odds ratio (of having chronic lung disease when treatment is initiated) was 4.5 (95% confidence interval = 0.97–20.8, P= 0.06).

Conclusions:  Treated culture‐positive aspirate episodes were accompanied by higher ventilatory requirements, increased symptoms and elevated septic markers. Need for treatment was associated with greater likelihood of developing chronic lung disease.