bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Terrorist Attacks on International Stock Markets
Authors: Brounen Dirk , Derwall Jeroen
Published: September 2009

We examine the effects of terrorist attacks on stock markets, using a dataset that covers all significant events and that directly relate to the major economies of the world. Our event study suggests that terrorist attacks produce mildly negative price effects. We compare these price reactions to those from an alternative type of unanticipated disaster, earthquakes, and find that price declines following terror attacks are more pronounced. However, in both cases prices rebound within the first week of the aftermath. We also compare price responses internationally and for separate industries, and find that reactions are strongest for local markets and for industries that are directly affected by the attack. Our results suggest that financial markets react strongly to terror events but then recover swiftly and soon return to business as usual. The September 11th attacks turn out to be the only event that caused long‐term effects on financial markets, especially in terms of industries' systematic risk.
Insights into reasons for discontinuation according to year of starting first regimen of highly active antiretroviral therapy in a cohort of antiretroviral‐naïve patients
Authors: Cicconi P , Cozzi‐Lepri A , Castagna A , Trecarichi EM , Antinori A , Gatti F , Cassola G , Sighinolfi L , Castelli P , D'Arminio Monforte A ,   for the ICoNA Foundation Study Group
Published: September 2009

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine whether the incidence of first‐line treatment discontinuations and their causes changed according to the time of starting highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in an Italian cohort.

Methods

We included in the study patients from the Italian COhort Naïve Antiretrovirals (ICoNA) who initiated HAART when naïve to antiretroviral therapy (ART). The endpoints were discontinuation within the first year of ≥1 drug in the first HAART regimen for any reason, intolerance/toxicity, poor adherence, immunovirological/clinical failure and simplification. We investigated whether the time of starting HAART (stratified as ‘early’, 1997–1999; ‘intermediate’, 2000–2002; ‘recent’, 2003–2007) was associated with the probability of reaching the endpoints by a survival analysis.

Results

Overall, the 1‐year probability of discontinuation of ≥1 drug in the first regimen was 36.1%. The main causes of discontinuation were intolerance/toxicity (696 of 1189 patients; 58.5%) and poor adherence (285 of 1189 patients; 24%). The hazards for all‐reason change were comparable according to calendar period [2000–2002, adjusted relative hazard (ARH) 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69–0.98; 2003–2007, ARH 0.94, 95% CI 0.76–1.16, vs. 1997–1999; global P‐value=0.08]. Patients who started HAART during the ‘recent’ period were less likely to change their initial regimen because of intolerance/toxicity (ARH 0.67, 95% CI 0.51–0.89 vs. ‘early’ period). Patients who started in the ‘intermediate’ and ‘recent’ periods had a higher risk of discontinuation because of simplification (ARH 15.26, 95% CI 3.21–72.45, and ARH 37.97, 95% CI 7.56–190.64, vs. ‘early’ period, respectively).

Conclusions

It seems important to evaluate reason‐specific trends in the incidence of discontinuation in order to better understand the determinants of changes over time. The incidence of discontinuation because of intolerance/toxicity has declined over time while simplification strategies have become more frequent in recent years. Intolerance/toxicity remains the major cause of drug discontinuation.
Fiscal Decentralization and Economic Growth in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ‐POSE ANDRÉS , KRØIJER ANNE
Published: September 2009

The majority of the literature on fiscal decentralization has tended to stress that the greater capacity of decentralized governments to tailor policies to local preferences and to be innovative in the provision of policies and public services, the greater the potential for economic efficiency and growth. There is, however, little empirical evidence to substantiate this claim. In this paper we examine, using a panel data approach with dynamic effects, the relationship between the level of fiscal decentralization and economic growth rates across 16 Central and Eastern European countries over the 1990–2004 period. Our findings suggest that, contrary to the majority view, there is a significant negative relationship between two out of three fiscal decentralization indicators included in the analysis and economic growth. However, the use of different time lags allows us to nuance this negative view and show that long‐term effects vary depending on the type of decentralization undertaken in each of the countries considered. While expenditure at and transfers to sub‐national tiers of government are negatively correlated with economic growth, taxes assigned at the sub‐national level evolve from having a significantly negative to a significantly positive correlation with the national growth rate. This supports the view that sub‐national governments with their own revenue source respond better to local demands and promote greater economic efficiency
Poverty and Local Governments: Economic Development and Community Service Provision in an Era of Decentralization
Authors: LOBAO LINDA , KRAYBILL DAVID
Published: September 2009

Social scientists have given substantial attention to poverty across U.S. localities. However, most work views localities through the lens of population aggregates, not as units of government. Few poverty researchers question whether governments of poorer localities have the capacity to engage in economic development and service activities that might improve community well‐being. This issue is increasingly important as responsibilities for growth and redistribution are decentralized to local governments that vary dramatically in resources. Do poorer communities have less activist local governments? Are they more likely to be engaged in a race to the bottom, focusing on business attraction activities but neglecting services for families and working people? We bring together two distinct literatures, critical research on decentralization and research on local development efforts, that provide contrasting views about the penalty of poverty. Data are from a unique, national survey of county governments measuring activity across two time points. The most consistent determinants of activity are local government capacity, devolutionary pressures, and inertia or past use of strategies. Net of these factors, levels and changes in poverty do not significantly impact government activity. There is no evidence the nations' poorest counties are racing to the bottom. Findings challenge views that poverty is a systematic structural barrier to pursuing innovative economic development policies and suggest that even poorer communities can take steps to build local capacity, resources, and networks that expand programs for local businesses and low‐wage people.
Follow‐up of actinic keratoses after shave biopsy by in‐vivo reflectance confocal microscopy – a pilot study
Authors: Richtig E , Ahlgrimm‐Siess V , Koller S , Gerger A , Horn M , Smolle J , Hofmann‐Wellenhof R
Published: September 2009

Background  Monitoring of treatment efficacy after shave biopsy of actinic keratoses (AK) is often difficult, as clinical and dermoscopic features may not be reliable.

Objectives  We investigated the applicability of in‐vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) for the follow‐up of AK after shave biopsy.

Methods  A total of 10 lesions were investigated by RCM before shave biopsy, after 3 and 12 months by two observers in agreement blinded to location, patients and time interval.

Results  At baseline all lesions showed typical clinical, dermoscopic and RCM criteria of AK. Three months after shave biopsy, all lesions presented clinically as normal skin (NS), but two lesions showed features suspicious for AK by RCM. After 12 months, one lesion of these two lesions changed into NS in RCM, whereas the other lesion progressed into clinical visible AK. At baseline, the two observers diagnosed 10 of 10 lesions correctly in RCM, after 3 months eight of 10 lesions and after 12 months all lesions were diagnosed correctly.

Conclusions  Our results suggest that RCM might be a useful tool in the follow‐up of AK after shave biopsy and might be used in inconclusive clinical and dermoscopic presentations of lesions after surgery or other treatment modalities.
Bridging the generation gap: flowering plant gametophytes and animal germlines reveal unexpected similarities
Authors: Dickinson Hugh G. , Grant‐Downton Robert
Published: September 2009

Alternation of generations underpins all plant life histories and is held to possess important adaptive features. A wide range of data have accumulated over the past century which suggest that alternation from sporophyte to gametophyte in angiosperms includes a significant phase of ‘informational reprogramming’, leaving the founder cells of the gametophyte developmentally uncommitted. This review attempts to bring together results from these historic studies with more recent data on molecular and epigenetic events which accompany alternation, gametophyte development and gametogenesis in angiosperms. It is striking that most members of the other principal group of multicellular eukaryotes – the animals ‐ have a completely different a life history: animals generate their gametes directly from diploid germlines, often set aside early in development. Nevertheless, a comparison between animal germlines and angiosperm gametophyte development reveals a number of surprising similarities at the cytological and molecular levels. This difference in life history but similarity in developmental process is reviewed in the context of the very different life strategies adopted by plants and animals, and particularly the fact that plants do not set aside diploid germlines early in development.
Emergence of Nordic nursing research: no position is an Island
Authors: Larsen Kristian , Adamsen Lis
Published: September 2009

This paper reports on a detailed analysis of findings from a larger study of ‘Nordic nursing theorists and clinical nurses’ reflections on and experience with production and use of research, theory and findings’. The development of nursing science in the Nordic countries goes back to the late 1970s. With use of a sociological approach the aim was to explore whether nursing science has constituted itself as an autonomous nursing research field in Bourdieu’s terms. In‐depth interviews were undertaken with a purposive sample of 10 professors drawn from seven universities in the Nordic countries. The interview agenda explored the participants’ research activities and knowledge production. Our conclusion is that one cannot speak of nursing research in the Nordic countries as a fully developed and autonomous field. Yet we see the outlines of an emerging nursing research field with a common doxa. At least three distinct positions operate in Nordic nursing research: a clinical and applied oriented position, a profession and knowledge oriented position and a theoretical and concept oriented position. Epistemologically speaking the positions are of a ‘spontaneous’, ‘cyclical’ and ‘break’ character. In a relational perspective each position has created its specific form via its relations with other positions in the field.
Being first on the scene of an accident – experiences of ‘doing’ prehospital emergency care
Authors: Elmqvist Carina , Brunt David , Fridlund Bengt , Ekebergh Margaretha
Published: September 2009

Scand J Caring Sci; 2010; 24; 266–273
 
Being first on the scene of an accident – experiences of ‘doing’ prehospital emergency care

Prehospital emergency care includes the care and treatment of patients prior to them reaching hospital. This is generally a field for the ambulance services, but in many cases firemen or police can be the ones to provide the first responses. The aim of this study was to describe and understand experiences of being the first responder on the scene of an accident, as described by policemen, firemen and ambulance staff. A lifeworld perspective was used in four different traumatic situations from southern Sweden. The data consisted of 13 unstructured interviews with first responders. The phenomenological analysis showed that experiences of being the first responder on the scene of an accident is expectations of doing a systematic course of action, dressed in the role of a hero, and at the same time being genuine in an interpersonal encounter. This entails a continuous movement between ‘being’ and ‘doing’. It is not a question of either – or, instead everything is to be understood in relation to each other at the same time. Five constituents further described the variations of the phenomenon; a feeling of security in the uncertainty, a distanced closeness to the injured person, one moment in an eternity, cross‐border cooperation within distinct borders and a need to make the implicit explicit. This finding highlights the importance of using policemen and firemen in doing life support measures while waiting for the ambulance staff, and would in turn increase the importance of the relationship between the different professionals on the scene of an accident.
Soil compaction and soil management – a review
Authors: Batey T.
Published: September 2009

Soil compaction is an important component of the land degradation syndrome which is an issue for soil management throughout the world. It is a long standing phenomenon not only associated with agriculture but also with forest harvesting, amenity land use, pipeline installation, land restoration and wildlife trampling. This review concentrates on the impact of soil compaction on practical soil management issues, an area not previously reviewed. It discusses in the context of the current situation, the causes, identification, effects and alleviation of compaction. The principal causes are when compressive forces derived from wheels, tillage machinery and from the trampling of animals, act on compressible soil. Compact soils can also be found under natural conditions without human or animal involvement. Compaction alters many soil properties and adverse effects are mostly linked to a reduction in permeability to air, water and roots. Many methods can be used to measure the changes. In practical situations, the use of visual and tactile methods directly in the field is recommended. The worst problems tend to occur when root crops and vegetables are harvested from soils at or wetter than field capacity. As discussed by a farmer, the effects on crop uniformity and quality (as well as a reduction in yield) can be marked. By contrast, rendzinas and other calcareous soils growing mainly cereals are comparatively free of compaction problems. The effect of a given level of compaction is related to both weather and climate; where soil moisture deficits are large, a restriction in root depth may have severe effects but the same level of compaction may have a negligible effect where moisture deficits are small. Topsoil compaction in sloping landscapes enhances runoff and may induce erosion particularly along wheeltracks, with consequent off‐farm environmental impacts. Indirect effects of compaction include denitrification which is likely to lead to nitrogen deficiency in crops. The effects of heavy tractors and harvesters can to some extent be compensated for by a reduction in tyre pressures although there is concern that deep‐seated compaction may occur. Techniques for loosening compaction up to depths of 45 cm are well established but to correct deeper problems presents difficulties. Several authors recommend that monitoring of soil physical conditions, including compaction, should be part of routine soil management.
A lysimeter study of nitrate leaching from grazed grassland as affected by a nitrification inhibitor, dicyandiamide, and relationships with ammonia oxidizing bacteria and archaea
Authors: Di H. J. , Cameron K. C. , Shen J. P. , He J. Z. , Winefield C. S.
Published: September 2009

Nitrate (NO3−) can contribute to surface water eutrophication and is deemed harmful to human health if present at high concentrations in the drinking water. In grazed grassland, most of the NO3−‐N leaching occurs from animal urine‐N returns. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a nitrification inhibitor, dicyandiamide (DCD), in decreasing NO3− leaching in three different soils from different regions of New Zealand under two different rainfall conditions (1260 mm and 2145 mm p.a.), and explore the relationships between NO3−‐N leaching loss and ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia oxidizing archaea (AOA). The DCD nitrification inhibitor was found to be highly effective in decreasing NO3−‐N leaching losses from all three soils under both rainfall conditions. Total NO3−‐N leaching losses from the urine patch areas were decreased from 67.7–457.0 kg NO3−‐N/ha to 29.7–257.4 kg NO3−‐N/ha by the DCD treatment, giving an average decrease of 59%. The total NO3−‐N leaching losses were not significantly affected by the two different rainfall treatments. The total NO3−‐N leaching loss was significantly related to the amoA gene copy numbers of the AOB DNA and to nitrification rate in the soil but not to that of the AOA. These results suggest that the DCD nitrification inhibitor is highly effective in decreasing NO3− leaching under these different soil and rainfall conditions and that the amount of NO3−‐N leached is mainly related to the growth of the AOB population in the nitrogen rich urine patch soils of grazed grassland.
Learning by Doing, Scale Effects, or Neither? Cardiac Surgeons after Residency
Authors: Huesch Marco D.
Published: September 2009

Objective. To examine impacts of operating surgeon scale and cumulative experience on postoperative outcomes for patients treated with coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG) by “new” surgeons. Pooled linear, fixed effects panel, and instrumented regressions were estimated.

Data Sources. The administrative data included comorbidities, procedures, and outcomes for 19,978 adult CABG patients in Florida in 1998–2006, and public data on 57 cardiac surgeons who completed residencies after 1997.

Study Design. Analysis was at the patient level. Controls for risk, hospital scale and scope, and operating surgeon characteristics were made. Patient choice model instruments were constructed. Experience was estimated allowing for “forgetting” effects.

Principal Findings. Panel regressions with surgeon fixed effects showed neither surgeon scale nor cumulative volumes significantly impacted mortality nor consistently impacted morbidity. Estimation of “forgetting” suggests that almost all prior experience is depreciated from one quarter to the next. Instruments were strong, but exogeneity of volume was not rejected.

Conclusions. In postresidency surgeons, no persuasive evidence is found for learning by doing, scale, or selection effects. More research is needed to support the cautious view that, for these “new” cardiac surgeons, patient volume could be redistributed based on realized outcomes without disruption.
Development of a Measure of Patient Safety Event Learning Responses
Authors: Ginsburg Liane R. , Chuang You‐Ta , Norton Peter G. , Berta Whitney , Tregunno Deborah , Ng Peggy , Richardson Julia
Published: September 2009

Objective. To define patient safety event (PSE) learning response and to provide preliminary validation of a measure of PSE learning response.

Data Sources. Ten focus groups with front‐line staff and managers, an expert panel, and cross‐sectional survey data from patient safety officers in 54 general acute hospitals.

Study Design. A mixed methods study to define a measure of learning responses to patient safety failures that is rooted in theory, expert knowledge, and organizational practice realities.

Extraction Methods. Learning response items developed from the literature were modified and validated in front‐line staff and manager focus groups and by an expert panel and second group of external experts. Actual learning responses gleaned from survey data were examined using exploratory factor analyses and reliability analysis.

Principal Findings. Unique learning response items were identified for minor, moderate, major events, and major near misses by an expert panel. A two‐factor model of major event learning response was identified (factor 1=event analysis, factor 2=dissemination/communication of learnings). Organizations engage in greater learning responses following major events than less severe events and, for major events, organizations engage in more factor 1 responses than factor 2 learning responses.

Conclusions. Eleven to 13 items can measure learning responses to PSEs of differing severity. The items are feasible, grounded in theory, and reflect expert opinion as well as practice setting realities. The items have the potential for use to assess current practice in organizations and set future improvement goals.
Evaluating Risks for Vigabatrin Treatment
Authors: Krauss Gregory L.
Published: September 2009

Approximately 30 to 40 percent of adults with epilepsy treated chronically with vigabatrin develop concentric visual field constrictions. These deficits are generally mild and asymptomatic, but are usually irreversible, so risks and benefits for vigabatrin treatment must be carefully reviewed. Infantile spasms, a particularly severe form of epilepsy, may respond to vigabatrin; however, some infants treated with the drug develop MRI evidence of possible intramyelinic edema in subcortical structures. This article reviews the benefits of vigabatrin treatment, the risks it poses to the retina and the developing brain, as well as possible subgroups of adults and infants with severe epilepsy for whom treatment may, nevertheless, be warranted.
Psychiatric History and Temporal Lobectomy Outcome: Looking to the past to Predict the Future
Authors: Haut Sheryl
Published: September 2009

A Lifetime Psychiatric History Predicts a Worse Seizure Outcome Following Temporal Lobectomy. Kanner AM, Byrne R, Chicharro A, Wuu J, Frey M. Neurology 2009;72(9):793–799. PURPOSE: To identify the psychiatric and epilepsy variables predictive of postsurgical seizure outcome after anterotemporal lobectomy (ATL). METHODS: Retrospective study of 100 consecutive patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) who underwent ATL. The mean (±SD) follow-up period was 8.3 (±3.1) years. Three types of surgical outcomes were examined at 2 years after surgery and at last contact: class IA (no disabling seizures no auras), class IA + IB (no disabling seizures), and class IA + IB + IC (no or rare disabling seizures in the first postsurgical year). Logistic regression analyses were performed separately for the three types of surgical outcomes. The epilepsy-related independent variables included age at onset, cause of TLE (mesial temporal sclerosis, lesional and cryptogenic TLE), extent of resection of mesial structures, neuropathologic abnormalities, having only complex partial seizures, and duration of the seizure disorder. The psychiatric independent variables included a postsurgical and presurgical lifetime history of mood, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity, and psychotic disorders. RESULTS: The absence of a psychiatric history was an independent predictor of all three types of surgical outcomes. In addition, a larger resection of mesial structures was a predictor for class IA outcome, and having only complex partial seizures (vs generalized tonic–clonic seizures) was a predictor for class IA + IB and IA + IB + IC. Having mesial temporal sclerosis (vs other causes of TLE) was a predictor for class IA + IB + IC as well. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that a lifetime psychiatric history may be predictive of a worse postsurgical seizure outcome after an anterotemporal lobectomy.
To Comply with AED Therapy…What Patients Are Not Told!
Authors: Kanner Andres M.
Published: September 2009

Nonadherence to Antiepileptic Drugs and Increased Mortality: Findings from the RANSOM Study. Faught E, Duh MS, Weiner JR, Guérin A, Cunnington MC. Neurology 2008;71(20):1572–1578. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to investigate whether nonadherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is associated with increased mortality and the secondary objective to examine whether nonadherence increases the risk of serious clinical events, including emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, motor vehicle accident (MVA) injuries, fractures, and head injuries. METHODS: A retrospective open-cohort design was employed using Medicaid claims data from Florida, Iowa, and New Jersey from January 1997 through June 2006. Patients aged 18 years with 1 diagnosis of epilepsy by a neurologist and 2 AED pharmacy dispensings were selected. Medication possession ratio (MPR) was used to evaluate AED adherence on a quarterly basis with MPR 0.80 considered adherent and <0.80 nonadherent. The association of nonadherence with mortality was assessed using a time-varying Cox regression model adjusting for demographic and clinical confounders. Incidence rates for serious clinical events were compared between adherent and nonadherent quarters using incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% CIs calculated based on the Poisson distribution. RESULTS: The 33,658 study patients contributed 388,564 AED-treated quarters (26% nonadherent). Nonadherence was associated with an over threefold increased risk of mortality compared to adherence (hazard ratio = 3.32, 95% CI = 3.11–3.54) after multivariate adjustments. Time periods of nonadherence were also associated with a significantly higher incidence of ED visits (IRR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.49–1.52), hospital admissions (IRR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.84–1.88), MVA injuries (IRR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.81–2.39), and fractures (IRR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.18–1.23) than periods of adherence. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that nonadherence to antiepileptic drugs can have serious or fatal consequences for patients with epilepsy.
Rat Kainic Acid Model Provides Unexpected Insight into an Emerging Epilepsy Syndrome in Sea Lions
Authors: Ramsdell John S. , Stafstrom Carl E.
Published: September 2009

Novel Symptomatology and Changing Epidemiology of Domoic Acid Toxicosis in California Sea Lions ( Zalophus californianus): An Increasing Risk to Marine Mammal Health. Goldstein T, Mazet JAK, Zabka TS, Langlois G, Colegrove KM, Silver M, Bargu S, Van Dolah F, Leighfield T, Conrad PA, Barakos J, Williams DC, Dennison S, Haulena M, Gulland FMD. Proc Biol Sci 2008;275(1632):267–276. Harmful algal blooms are increasing worldwide, including those of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. producing domoic acid off the California coast. This neurotoxin was first shown to cause mortality of marine mammals in 1998. A decade of monitoring California sea lion ( Zalophus californianus) health since then has indicated that changes in the symptomatology and epidemiology of domoic acid toxicosis in this species are associated with the increase in toxigenic blooms. Two separate clinical syndromes now exist: acute domoic acid toxicosis as has been previously documented, and a second novel neurological syndrome characterized by epilepsy described here associated with chronic consequences of previous sub-lethal exposure to the toxin. This study indicates that domoic acid causes chronic damage to California sea lions and that these health effects are increasing.
Breaching the Barrier and Inflaming Epilepsy Research
Authors: Sills Graeme J. , Solomon Tom
Published: September 2009

A Role for Leukocyte-Endothelial Adhesion Mechanisms in Epilepsy. Fabene PF, Navarro Mora G, Martinello M, Rossi B, Merigo F, Ottoboni L, Bach S, Angiari S, Benati D, Chakir A, Zanetti L, Schio F, Osculati A, Marzola P, Nicolato E, Homeister JW, Xia L, Lowe JB, McEver RP, Osculati F, Sbarbati A, Butcher EC, Constantin G. Nat Med 2008;14(12):1377–1383. The mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder that affects approximately one percent of the world population, are not well understood. 1 – 3 Using a mouse model of epilepsy, we show that seizures induce elevated expression of vascular cell adhesion molecules and enhanced leukocyte rolling and arrest in brain vessels mediated by the leukocyte mucin P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1, encoded by Selplg) and leukocyte integrins α4β1 and αLβ2. Inhibition of leukocyte-vascular interactions, either with blocking antibodies or by genetically interfering with PSGL-1 function in mice, markedly reduced seizures. Treatment with blocking antibodies after acute seizures prevented the development of epilepsy. Neutrophil depletion also inhibited acute seizure induction and chronic spontaneous recurrent seizures. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage, which is known to enhance neuronal excitability, was induced by acute seizure activity but was prevented by blockade of leukocyte-vascular adhesion, suggesting a pathogenetic link between leukocyte-vascular interactions, BBB damage and seizure generation. Consistent with the potential leukocyte involvement in epilepsy in humans, leukocytes were more abundant in brains of individuals with epilepsy than in controls. Our results suggest leukocyte-endothelial interaction as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of epilepsy.

Myelomonocytic Cell Recruitment Causes Fatal CNS Vascular Injury during Acute Viral Meningitis. Kim JV, Kang SS, Dustin ML, McGavern DB. Nature 2009;457(7226):191–195. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus1 infection of the mouse central nervous system (CNS) elicits fatal immunopathology through blood–brain barrier breakdown2 and convulsive seizures3. Although lymphocytic-choriomeningitis-virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are essential for disease4, their mechanism of action is not known. To gain insights into disease pathogenesis, we observed the dynamics of immune cells in the meninges by two-photon microscopy. Here we report visualization of motile CTLs and massive secondary recruitment of pathogenic monocytes and neutrophils that were required for vascular leakage and acute lethality. CTLs expressed multiple chemoattractants capable of recruiting myelomonocytic cells. We conclude that a CD8+ T-cell-dependent disorder can proceed in the absence of direct T-cell effector mechanisms and rely instead on CTL-recruited myelomonocytic cells.
Microseizures in Human Neocortex: A Role for Ultra-Small Seizures?
Authors: Dudek F. Edward
Published: September 2009

Microphysiology of Epileptiform Activity in Human Neocortex. Schevon CA, Ng SK, Cappell J, Goodman RR, McKhann G Jr, Waziri A, Branner A, Sosunov A, Schroeder CE, Emerson RG. J Clin Neurophysiol 2008;25(6):321–330. SUMMARY: The authors report the use of dense two-dimensional microelectrode array recordings to characterize fine resolution electrocortical activity (“μEEG”) in epileptogenic human cortex. A 16-mm2 96 microelectrode array with 400-μm interelectrode spacing was implanted in five patients undergoing invasive EEG monitoring for medically refractory epilepsy. High spatial resolution data from the array were analyzed in conjunction with simultaneously acquired data from standard intracranial electrode grids and strips. μEEG recorded from within the epileptogenic zone demonstrates discharges resembling both interictal epileptiform activity (“microdischarges”) and electrographic seizures (“microseizures”) but confined to cortical regions as small as 200 μm2. In two patients, this activity appeared to be involved in the initiation or propagation of electrographic seizures. The authors hypothesize that microdischarges and microseizures are generated by small cortical domains that form the substrate of epileptogenic cortex and play important roles in seizure initiation and propagation.
Risk Analysis of the Vessel Traffic in the Strait of Istanbul
Authors: Ulusçu Özgecan S. , Özbaş Birnur , Altıok Tayfur , Or İlhan
Published: September 2009

The Strait of Istanbul, the narrow waterway separating Europe from Asia, holds a strategic importance in maritime transportation as it links the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. It is considered as one of the world's most congested and difficult‐to‐navigate waterways. Over 55,000 transit vessels pass through the Strait annually, roughly 20% of which carry dangerous cargo. In this study, we have analyzed safety risks pertaining to transit vessel maritime traffic in the Strait of Istanbul and proposed ways to mitigate them. Safety risk analysis was performed by incorporating a probabilistic accident risk model into the simulation model. A mathematical risk model was developed based on probabilistic arguments regarding instigators, situations, accidents, consequences, and historical data, as well as subject‐matter expert opinions. Scenario analysis was carried out to study the behavior of the accident risks, with respect to changes in the surrounding geographical, meteorological, and traffic conditions. Our numerical investigations suggested some significant policy indications. Local traffic density and pilotage turned out to be two main factors affecting the risks at the Strait of Istanbul. Results further indicate that scheduling changes to allow more vessels into the Strait will increase risks to extreme levels. Conversely, scheduling policy changes that are opted to reduce risks may cause major increases in average vessel waiting times. This in turn signifies that the current operations at the Strait of Istanbul have reached a critical level beyond which both risks and vessel delays are unacceptable.
Imaging of Right Coronary Artery Ostial Stents by Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Silbiger Jeffrey J.
Published: September 2009

A 55‐year‐old female with a history of rheumatic mitral stenosis and coronary artery disease underwent a transesophageal echocardiographic examination to assess the feasibility of performing balloon mitral valvuloplasty. During the examination, an unusual echodensity was incidentally discovered in the right sinus of Valsalva which represented a coronary artery stent. Transesophageal imaging of ostial stents have rarely been described in the literature. Their characteristic echocardiographic findings are discussed.
Enormous Right Atrial Hemangioma in an Asymptomatic Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Mongal Lucretia S. , Salat Reema , Anis Ather , Esrig Barry C. , Oz Mehmet , Klapholz Marc , Maldjian Pierre , Saric Muhamed
Published: September 2009

We report the case of an enormous right atrial hemangioma in an asymptomatic 42‐year‐old woman. The diagnosis was made by echocardiogram after the patient was found to have an abnormal EKG during a routine medical exam. The hemangioma is the largest described in English literature. The tumor was surgically resected and the patient did well postoperatively. In this case report, we discuss the discovery of the tumor and treatment of our patient. A brief discussion of cardiac hemangiomas follows.
Continuing Medical Education Program in Echocardiography
Authors: Fan Pohoey , Sud Sachin , Massel David
Published: September 2009

Article Title: An Echocardiographic Study of the Limitations of the TEI Index in Aortic Stenosis
Myometrial interstitial cells and the coordination of myometrial contractility
Authors: Hutchings G. , Williams Olivia , Cretoiu D. , Ciontea Sanda M.
Published: September 2009

Introduction

Nomenclature

Uterine contractions and the ‘functional syncytium theory’

Interstitial cells of Cajal in the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts

Are there m‐ICLC in myometrium?

The effect of c‐kit inhibition on myometrial contractility

Electrophysiology of m‐ICLC

Imaging of tissue level signals in myometrium

Emerging concepts – the possible role of extracellular ATP in myometrial contractility

Where do m‐ICLC fit in with a model for the generation of myometrial contractions?

Future research directions

Conclusion

A strict regulation of contractility in the uterus and fallopian tube is essential for various reproductive functions. The uterus contributes, through either increased contractility or periods of relative quiescence, to: (i) expulsion of menstrual debris, (ii) sperm transport, (iii) adequate embryo placement during implantation, (iv) enlarging its capacity during pregnancy and (v) parturition. The dominant cell population of the uterine wall consists of smooth muscle cells that contain the contractile apparatus responsible for the generation of contractile force. Recent interest has focused on a new population of cells located throughout the myometrium on the borders of smooth muscle bundles. These cells are similar to interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the gut that are responsible for the generation of electrical slow waves that control peristalsis. A precise role for myometrial Cajal‐like interstitial cells (m‐ICLC) has not been identified. m‐ICLC express the c‐kit receptor, involved in creating and maintaining the ICC phenotype in the gastrointestinal tract. However, both acute and prolonged inhibition of this receptor with the c‐kit antagonist imatinib mesylate does not appear to affect the spontaneous contractility of myometrium. Calcium imaging of live tissue slices suggests that contractile signalling starts on the borders of smooth muscle bundles where m‐ICLC are located and recently the possible role of extracellular ATP signalling from m‐ICLC has been studied. This manuscript reviews the evidence regarding tissue‐level signalling in the myometrium with a particular emphasis on the anatomical and possible functional aspects of m‐ICLC as new elements of the contractile mechanisms in the uterus.
Intracellular Assembly and Trafficking of MHC Class I Molecules
Authors: Donaldson Julie G. , Williams David B.
Published: September 2009

The presentation of antigenic peptides by class I molecules of the major histocompatibility complex begins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where the co‐ordinated action of molecular chaperones, folding enzymes and class I‐specific factors ensures that class I molecules are loaded with high‐affinity peptide ligands that will survive prolonged display at the cell surface. Once assembled, class I molecules are released from the quality‐control machinery of the ER for export to the plasma membrane where they undergo dynamic endocytic cycling and turnover. We review recent progress in our understanding of class I assembly, anterograde transport and endocytosis and highlight some of the events targeted by viruses as a means to evade detection by cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells.
Live Cell Multicolor Imaging of Lipid Droplets with a New Dye, LD540
Authors: Spandl Johanna , White Daniel J. , Peychl Jan , Thiele Christoph
Published: September 2009

A lipophilic dye based on the Bodipy fluorophore, LD540, was developed for microscopic imaging of lipid droplets. In contrast to previous lipid droplet dyes, it can spectrally be resolved from both green and red fluorophores allowing multicolor imaging in both fixed and living cells. Its improved specificity, brightness and photostability support live cell imaging, which was used to demonstrate by two‐color imaging lipid droplet motility along microtubules.
Long‐term drivers of change in Polylepis woodland distribution in the central Andes
Authors: Gosling William D. , Hanselman Jennifer A. , Knox Christopher , Valencia Bryan G. , Bush Mark B.
Published: September 2009

Question: Is the modern patchy distribution of highly biodiverse Polylepis woodlands a consequence of human activity or natural fluctuations in environmental conditions? What are the consequences of changing climate for the tree genus Polylepis?

Location: High central tropical Andes.

Methods: We characterized the ecological baseline conditions for Polylepis woodlands over the last ca. 370 000 years through: (i) examination of fossil pollen records (Salar de Uyuni and Lake Titicaca) and (ii) a review of autecological information concerning Polylepis.

Results: Fossil pollen data revealed fluctuations in the abundance (ca. 0‐34%) of Polylepis pollen before the arrival of humans in South America (>12 000 years ago), indicating that Polylepis did not form permanent continuous woodland before the arrival of humans and that climatic factors can drive rapid vegetation change. Autecological assessment of Polylepis revealed: (i) negative moisture balance, (ii) fire, (iii) waterlogging, and (iv) cloud cover to be critical in determining the niche space available for Polylepis.

Conclusions: Polylepis niche space in the central Andes was at a maximum during warm and wet conditions in the past, but might be at a minimum during the warmer and drier than modern conditions predicted for later this century. The sensitivity to past global climate change emphasizes the need for conservation planners to consider model predictions of a warmer central Andes in the coming decades when developing planting schemes. Natural fluctuations in woodland abundance suggest the most effective way for conservation efforts to “mimic” the natural baseline would be to develop a reproductively connected patchwork of communities.
Plant diversity, species turnover and shifts in functional traits in coastal dune vegetation: Results from permanent plots over a 52‐year period
Authors: Kuiters A. T. , Kramer K. , Van der Hagen H. G. J. M. , Schaminée J. H. J.
Published: September 2009

Question: What is the relationship between plant diversity and species turnover in coastal dune vegetation plots? How is the long‐term change in species composition of vegetation plots related to shifts in functional traits, and what does it tell us about the dominant processes?

Location: Coastal dunes, the Netherlands.

Methods: Our data set comprised 52 years of vegetation data from 35 permanent plots in grassland/scrub/woodland vegetation. Vegetation dynamics were described in terms of changes in species composition and abundance, and shifts in 13 functional traits related to resources capture and forage quality, regeneration and dispersal.

Results: Species turnover in the plots was high, because of local extinction and colonization. Species‐rich plots were more stable in terms of species abundance and composition compared with species‐poor plots. Over time, the plots converged with respect to their abiotic conditions, as reflected by Ellenberg indicator values – indicating that the prevailing process was succession. The high species turnover reflected high invasibility: accordingly, the relative importance of annuals increased. Most newcomer annuals, however, were competitive generalists of little conservation value. The functional trait analysis allowed us to unravel the complexity of effects of disturbances and succession, and yielded information on the processes driving the observed vegetation dynamics.

Conclusions: In this study, small‐scale species turnover was negatively related to species diversity, indicating more stability in species‐rich communities. Regarding shifts in trait diversity, unifying filters appeared to be more dominant than diversifying filters. Counteracting this homogenization process poses a challenge for nature management.
Evolutionary changes to transthyretin: evolution of transthyretin biosynthesis
Authors: Richardson Samantha J.
Published: September 2009

Thyroid hormones are involved in growth and development, particularly of the brain. Thus, it is imperative that these hormones get from their site of synthesis to their sites of action throughout the body and the brain. This role is fulfilled by thyroid hormone distributor proteins. Of particular interest is transthyretin, which in mammals is synthesized in the liver, choroid plexus, meninges, retinal and ciliary pigment epithelia, visceral yolk sac, placenta, pancreas and intestines, whereas the other thyroid hormone distributor proteins are synthesized only in the liver. Transthyretin is synthesized by all classes of vertebrates; however, the tissue specificity of transthyretin gene expression varies widely between classes. This review summarizes what is currently known about the evolution of transthyretin synthesis in vertebrates and presents hypotheses regarding tissue‐specific synthesis of transthyretin in each vertebrate class.
Evolutionary changes to transthyretin: developmentally regulated and tissue‐specific gene expression
Authors: Yamauchi Kiyoshi , Ishihara Akinori
Published: September 2009

A survey of the expression of the transthyretin and thyroxine‐binding globulin genes in various species during development provides clues as to how the present thyroid hormone distribution network in extracellular compartments developed during vertebrate evolution. Albumin may be the ‘oldest’ component of the thyroid hormone distribution network as it is found in the plasma of all vertebrates investigated. Subsequent to albumin, transthyretin appeared as the second component in this network during the evolution of vertebrates. The strong expression of transthyretin genes in the liver coincides with the presence of recognition site(s) for liver‐enriched transcription factors, such as HNF‐3β (Foxa2), in the transthyretin promoter regions of vertebrates. Finally, the addition of thyroxine‐binding globulin to this network occurred at postnatal stages in some marsupials and rodents and in perinatal to adult stages in most eutherians. All vertebrates have defined developmental stages when thyroid hormone‐dependent transition from larval to juvenile forms occurs. The inclusion of transthyretin and thyroxine‐binding globulin in the thyroid hormone distribution network may be correlated with the increased requirement of thyroid hormones for thyroid hormone‐dependent tissue remodeling during these stages and/or increased metabolism in thyroid hormone‐target tissues with the acquisition of homeothermy.
Evolutionary changes to transthyretin: structure and function of a transthyretin‐like ancestral protein
Authors: Hennebry Sarah C.
Published: September 2009

The structure of the thyroid hormone distributor protein, transthyretin, has been highly conserved during the evolution of vertebrates. Over the last decade, studies into the evolution of transthyretin have revealed the existence of a transthyretin homolog, transthyretin‐like protein, in all kingdoms. Phylogenetic studies have suggested that the transthyretin gene in fact arose as a result of a duplication of the transthyretin‐like protein gene in early protochordate evolution. Structural studies of transthyretin‐like proteins from various organisms have revealed the remarkable conservation of the transthyretin‐like protein/transthyretin fold. The only significant differences between the structures of transthyretin‐like protein and transthyretin were localized to the dimer–dimer interface and indicated that thyroid hormones could not be bound by transthyretin‐like protein. All transthyretin‐like proteins studied to date have been demonstrated to function in purine metabolism by hydrolysing the oxidative product of uric acid, 5‐hydroxyisourate. The residues characterizing the catalytic site in transthyretin‐like proteins are 100% conserved in all transthyretin‐like protein sequences but are absent in transthyretins. Therefore, it was proposed that following duplication of the transthyretin‐like protein gene, loss of these catalytic residues resulted in the formation of a deep, negatively charged channel that runs through the centre of the transthyretin tetramer. The results thus demonstrate the remarkable evolution of the transthyretin‐like protein/transthyretin protein from a hydrolytic enzyme to a thyroid hormone distributor protein.