bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental Regulation of Plasticity in the Forepaw Representation of Ferret Somatosensory Cortex
Authors: McLaughlin Debra F. , Juliano Sharon L.
Published: May 2006

This study characterized the spatiotemporal responses in ferret somatosensory cortex after sensory deprivation at different phases of cortical development. We hypothesized that cortical responses to stimulation of intact superficial radial nerve in adults will vary systematically according to maturation of thalamocortical relationships at the time of an ulnar nerve transection. Depending on the age of the animal at the time of the lesion, we found differential effects on the spatial distribution of the short- and long-latency components of the cortical response. In animals lesioned at postnatal days 5–7, when thalamic projections are not yet stabilized and layer 4 is not yet formed, we found that initial (short-latency) cortical responses are widespread and fragmented. Ulnar nerve transections performed at postnatal day 20 or 21, when thalamocortical afferents are more stabilized and layer 4 is clearly identifiable, yield moderate expansions in the distribution of short- and long-latency components of the cortical response. Nerve lesions in adults lead to a wider distribution of long-latency cortical activity. Neonatal lesions broaden the spatial distribution and increase the latency of the initial cortical response; interruption of nerve input in older juveniles alters both the early and later components; and nerve lesions in adult animals expand the distribution of later cortical activity only. These findings demonstrate correlation between developmental phase at the time sensory input is interrupted and the latency of affected components of the cortical response. This supports the hypothesis that differential response changes are regulated by functional reorganization of thalamocortical connections after neonatal lesions and alteration of corticocortical dynamics after adult lesions.
Task-Specific Internal Models for Kinematic Transformations
Authors: Tong Christine , Flanagan J. Randall
Published: May 2006

Numerous studies of motor learning have focused on how people adapt their reaching movements to novel dynamic and visuomotor perturbations that alter the actual or visually perceived motion of the hand. An important finding from this work is that learning of novel dynamics generalizes across different movement tasks. Thus adaptation to an unusual force field generalizes from center-out reaching movements to circular movements ( Conditt et al. 1997 ). This suggests that subjects acquired an internal model of the dynamic environment that could be used to determine the motor commands needed for untrained movements. Using a task interference paradigm, we investigated whether transfer across tasks is also observed when learning visuomotor transformations. On day 1, all subjects adapted to a +30° rotation while making center-out-and-back reaching movements. After a delay of 5 min, different groups of subjects then adapted to a –30° rotation while performing either a continuous tracking task, a figure-eight drawing task, or the center-out-and-back reaching task. All subjects were then retested the next day on the +30° rotation in the reaching task. As expected, subjects who experienced the opposing rotations while performing the same reaching tasks showed no retention of learning for the first rotation when tested on day 2 ( Krakauer et al. 1999 ). In contrast, such retrograde interference was not observed in the two groups of subjects who experienced the opposing rotations while performing different tasks. In fact, their performance on day 2 was similar to that of control subjects who never experienced the opposite rotation. This lack of interference suggests that memory resources for visuomotor rotations are task specific.
Voltage- and Activity-Dependent Chloride Conductance Controls the Resting Status of the Intact Rat Sympathetic Neuron
Authors: Sacchi Oscar , Rossi Maria Lisa , Canella Rita , Fesce Riccardo
Published: May 2006

Remarkable activity dependence was uncovered in the chloride conductance that operates in the subthreshold region of membrane potential, by using the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique in the mature and intact rat sympathetic neuron. Both direct and synaptic neuron tetanization (15 Hz, 10-s duration to saturate the response) resulted in a long-lasting (not less than 15 min) increase of cell input conductance (+70–150% 10 min after tetanus), accompanied by the onset of an inward current with the same time course. Both processes developed with similar properties in the postganglionic neuron when presynaptic stimulation was performed under current- or voltage-clamp conditions and were unaffected by external calcium on direct stimulation. The posttetanic effects were sustained by gCl increase because both conductance and current modifications were blocked by 0.5 mM Anthracene-9-carboxylic acid (a chloride channel blocker) but were unaffected by TEACl or cesium chloride treatments. The chloride channel properties were modified by stimulation: their voltage sensitivity and rate of closure in response to hyperpolarization strongly increased. The voltage dependence of the three major conductances governing the cell subthreshold status ( gCl, gK, and gL) was evaluated over the –40/–110 mV membrane potential range in unstimulated neurons and compared with previous results in stimulated neurons. A drastic difference between the voltage-conductance profiles was observed, exclusively sustained by gCl increase. The chloride channel thus hosts an intrinsic mechanism, a memory of previous neuron activity, which makes the chloride current a likely candidate for natural controller of the balance between opposite resting currents and thus of membrane potential level.
Primate Pupillary Light Reflex: Receptive Field Characteristics of Pretectal Luminance Neurons
Authors: Clarke Robert J. , Zhang Hongyu , Gamlin Paul D. R.
Published: May 2006

This study examined the response properties of luminance neurons found within the pretectal olivary nucleus (PON), which is the pretectal nucleus that mediates the primate pupillary light reflex. We recorded the activity of 121 single units in alert, behaving rhesus monkeys trained to fixate a back-projected laser spot while a luminance stimulus was presented. The change in the firing rate of luminance neurons was measured as a function of changes in the size, retinal illuminance, and position of the stimulus. We found that these neurons possessed large receptive fields, which were sufficiently distinct that they could be placed into three classes. Approximately 40% of the PON luminance neurons responded well to stimuli presented in either the contralateral or ipsilateral hemifield. These neurons were classified as “bilateral” neurons. In the primate, retinal projections to the pretectum and other retinorecipient nuclei are organized such that direct retinal input can only account for the contralateral hemifield responses of these neurons. Thus the representation of the ipsilateral hemifield in “bilateral” PON cells must result from input from a nonretinal source. Approximately 30% of PON neurons responded only to stimuli presented in the contralateral hemifield. These neurons were classified as “contralateral” neurons. Finally, approximately 30% of PON neurons responded to stimuli presented at or near the animal's fixation point. These neurons were classified as “macular” neurons. The mean firing rates of all classes of neurons increased with increases in stimulus size and luminance within their receptive fields. The thresholds and magnitude of these responses closely matched those that would be appropriate for mediating the pupillary light reflex. In summary, these results suggest that all three classes of PON neurons contribute to the behaviorally observed pupillomotor field characteristics in which stimuli at the macular produce substantially larger pupillary responses than more peripheral stimuli. The contributions of “bilateral” and “contralateral” cells account for pupillary responses evoked by peripheral changes in luminance, whereas the contributions of all three cell classes account for the larger pupillary responses evoked by stimuli in the central visual field.
Power Developed by Motor Units of the Peroneus Tertius Muscle of the Cat
Authors: Petit Julien , Giroux-Metges Marie-Agnes , Gioux Maxime
Published: May 2006

The mechanical properties of motor units have been extensively studied under isometric conditions. Under dynamic conditions, the relationship between the force developed by single motor units and the muscle shortening velocity was determined for relatively high frequencies of activation. However, the interaction between the force-shortening velocity relation and the force-rate of activation relation was still unknown. We studied the power (which is the product of force and velocity) developed by single or groups of motor units during sinusoidal muscle stretches of 1-, 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-Hz frequency. Motor units were stimulated with frequencies of 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 Hz during the shortening phase of the muscle stretch. The relationships, for different shortening velocities, between the power developed by single or groups of motor units and the frequency of stimulation were sigmoidal. However, these relations were not proportional to the shortening velocity. The relationships, for different frequencies of stimulation, between the power and the shortening velocity exhibited a maximum. The shortening velocity at which this maximum occurred increased with the frequency of stimulation. Slow motor units showed the lowest of those shortening velocities, whereas the fast fatigable motor units showed the highest. Groups of slow (or fast fatigue resistant) motor units had similar shortening velocities to those of single slow (or fast fatigue resistant) motor units. A mathematical function was fitted, using regression analysis, for all single and groups of motor units to the relationship among the power, the shortening velocity, and the frequency of activation. This function allowed examination, for different shortening velocity-frequency of activation combinations, of the relationship between the power developed by single and groups of motor units and the maximal isometric tetanic force they developed. These relationships were usually not monotonic but a monotonic relation could be obtained if slow, fast resistant, and fast fatigable motor units were activated at different frequencies. These results suggest that during a movement, the frequency of activation of motor units is mainly adjusted to the movement velocity and that the power developed by a muscle is mainly adjusted by the number of recruited motor units.
Lung Disease and Brain Development
Authors: Hüppi Petra , Sizonenko Stephane , Amato Maurizio
Published: May 2006

With the technical progress made in fetal and neonatal intensive care, perinatal mortality has decreased by 25% over the last decade and has expanded the surviving premature population. Prematurity drastically changes the environment of the developing organism. Striking evidence from a number of disciplines has focused attention on the interplay between the developing organism and the circumstances in which it finds itself. The environmental event during a sensitive period in development, induces injury and/or biological adaptations that lead to altered differentiation of tissues. The organism can express specific adaptive responses to its environment which include short-term changes in physiology as well as long-term adjustments. This review addresses these short-term as well as longer-term changes occurring in lung and brain tissue and illustrates how these changes can be studied using advanced imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Progress in Discovery and Evaluation of Treatments to Prevent Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: van Marter Linda J.
Published: May 2006

Background: Recent improvements in the survival of extremely preterm infants have been accompanied by evolution in the pathogenesis and histopathology of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Although oxygen and barotrauma-induced injury remain important contributing factors, pulmonary developmental arrest appears to play an equally important causal role in prolonged respiratory illness, especially among the most immature surviving preterm newborns. To date, clinical trials have failed to demonstrate a substantial benefit of a single treatment or preventive strategy for BPD. Objectives: To evaluate the current evidence in favor of treatments that might prevent BPD. Methods: Review of clinical studies of preventive treatment strategies for BPD. Results: High frequency oscillatory ventilation, permissive hypercapnea, and inhaled nitric oxide might offer benefit to infants at risk of BPD. These and other potential preventive therapies for BPD, such as superoxide dismutase, inositol, and α1-proteinase inhibitor, deserve further study. Conclusions: Although some current treatments offer promise, no preventive therapy for BPD has proven safe and effective, except for intramuscular vitamin A. Additional studies of respiratory technologies, management strategies, and protective molecules are needed.
Mechanisms Regulating the Ductus Arteriosus
Authors: Clyman Ronald I.
Published: May 2006

A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) results in increased pulmonary blood flow and redistribution of flow to other organs. Several co-morbidities (i.e., necrotizing enterocolitis, intracranial hemorrhage, pulmonary edema/hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and retinopathy) are associated with the presence of a PDA, but whether or not a PDA is responsible for their development is still unclear. In this review, comparative physiology between the full term and preterm newborn and the barriers preventing the necessary cascade of events leading to permanent constriction of the PDA are reviewed.
Increased Production of Adrenomedullin in Glomeruli from Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Glomerulonephritis Rats Treated with Methylprednisolone
Authors: Iwatsubo Shuji , Fujimoto Shouichi , Matsumoto Michitaka , Sato Yuji , Hara Seiichiro , Kitamura Kazuo , Eto Tanenao
Published: May 2006

Background/Aims: Adrenomedullin (AM) has anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects on mesangial cells (MCs). Both effects play an important role in the progression of glomerulonephritis (GN). Glucocorticoids are widely used for the treatment of GN; however, the relationship between AM regulation in MCs or glomeruli and glucocorticoid treatment has not been clarified. Methods: Using the cultured rat MCs, AM secretion induced by methylprednisolone (m-PSL), and MC proliferation and apoptosis caused by AM were examined. In addition, the role of AM receptor antagonist, AM(22-52), was also investigated. Then, we made an anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) GN rat model and compared the AM expression and production in each glomeruli obtained from the control or m-PSL-treated anti-GBM GN rats. Results: In the cultured rat MCs, AM secretion was increased by m-PSL. MC proliferation was inhibited, while MC apoptosis was increased by AM. MC apoptosis was inhibited by the addition of AM(22-52). M-PSL therapy ameliorated the progression of anti-GBM GN rats. AM expression and production were increased in the glomeruli from m-PSL-treated rats compared to the controls. Conclusion: Considering the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of AM on MCs, increased AM in the glomeruli might participate in the improvement of glomerular lesions in anti-GBM GN rats treated with m-PSL.
Lysine as a Critical Amino Acid for IgE Binding in Phl p 5b C Terminus
Authors: Gehlhar Kirsten , Rajashankar Kanagalaghata R. , Hofmann Eckhard , Betzel Christian , Weber Wolfgang , Werner Sandra , Bufe Albrecht
Published: May 2006

Background: Allergens induce the formation of specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E and harbor at least two IgE-binding regions (epitopes) to facilitate crosslinking of basophilic or mast-cell-bound specific IgE antibodies. Studies mapping linear epitopes have shown that these regions often contain charged or hydrophobic amino acids. Nevertheless, these studies are hampered by limited significance due to the often conformational nature of IgE epitopes. This prompted us to study the role of lysines in the context of an intact 3-dimensional model. Methods: Major allergen Phl p 5b from timothy grass bears 12 lysines in its C-terminal half. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we substituted all 10 surface-exposed lysines by alanines. Results: Although structural integrity of the lysine-deficient mutant was not altered, IgE-binding capacity measured by ELISA inhibition tests and crosslinking activity in ex vivo basophil stimulation and in vivo skin prick tests were significantly diminished. Interestingly, binding of specific IgG antibodies was considerably less reduced by loss of lysines. Conclusion: Lysine is an important amino acid for IgE binding in more than one epitope of major grass pollen allergen Phl p 5b C terminus. Allergenicity, but not IgG binding of the molecule, is substantially diminished by single amino acid substitutions without structural integrity being hampered.
Effects of Childhood Primary Hypertension on Carotid Intima Media Thickness
Authors: Lande Marc B. , Carson Nancy L. , Roy Jason , Meagher Cecilia C.
Published: May 2006

To determine whether carotid intima media thickness is increased in children with primary hypertension, the current study compared carotid intima media thickness in hypertensive children with that of normotensive control subjects matched closely for body mass index and determined the relationship between carotid intima media thickness and hypertension severity determined by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Children with newly diagnosed office hypertension (n=28) had carotid intima media thickness, left ventricular mass index, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring performed. Carotid intima media thickness was performed in normotensive control subjects (n=28) matched pairwise to hypertensive subjects for age (±1 year), gender, and body mass index (±10%). Eighty-two percent of subjects were overweight or obese (body mass index ≥85th percentile). The median carotid intima media thickness of hypertensive subjects was greater than that of matched controls (0.67 versus 0.63 mm;
P
=0.045). In the hypertensive subjects, carotid intima media thickness correlated strongly with several ambulatory blood pressure monitoring parameters, with the strongest correlation for daytime systolic blood pressure index (
r
=0.57;
P
=0.003). In the hypertensive group, the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy was 32%, but unlike carotid intima media thickness, left ventricular mass index did not correlate with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Together, the findings that hypertensive subjects had increased carotid intima media thickness compared with matched controls and that higher carotid intima media thickness correlated with more severe hypertension by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring provide strong evidence that carotid intima media thickness is increased in childhood primary hypertension, independent of the effects of obesity.
Role of T Lymphocytes in Hypertension-Induced Cardiac Extracellular Matrix Remodeling
Authors: Yu Qianli , Horak Katherine , Larson Douglas F.
Published: May 2006

Cardiac remodeling in response to pressure overload involves reorganization of the myocytes and extracellular matrix (ECM). Neurohormonal pathways have been described as effector pathways in left ventricular ECM reorganization in response to pressure overload; we now are assessing the role of the T lymphocyte in this process. Mice with defined differences in T-lymphocyte function (C57BL/6 SCID, C57BL/6 WT, and BALB/c) were treated with 50 mg/L of
N
G
-nitro-
l
-arginine methyl ester in their drinking water for 30 days. The immune function of C57BL/6 WT mice was T-helper type 1 (TH1), BALB/c was TH2, and C57BL/6 SCID was null. The arterial blood pressure increased by 30% in all of the strains of mice. However, ventricular stiffness significantly decreased in the C57 SCID, significantly increased in the BALB/c, and did not change in the C57 WT. The characterization of matrix metalloproteinase induction and activation on day 30 was associated with T-lymphocyte function. The total cardiac fibrillar collagen, percentage of fibrillar collagen cross-linking, and the activity of the cross-linking enzyme lysyl oxidase-like–3 (LOXL-3) significantly decreased in the C57 SCID, significantly increased in the BALB/c, and did not change in the C57 WT. This study revealed that the LOXL-3 pathway, namely, gene expression, enzymatic activities, and LOXL-3–mediated collagen cross-linking, was associated with ventricular stiffness and incongruence with lymphocyte function. These data support the concept that the T lymphocytes may play a fundamental regulatory role in cardiac ECM composition through modulation of collagen synthesis, degradation, and cross-linking.
Impact of fibronectin assembly on platelet thrombus formation in response to type I collagen and von Willebrand factor
Authors: Cho Jaehyung , Mosher Deane F.
Published: May 2006

Plasma fibronectin enhances platelet thrombus formation on surfaces coated with collagen. We investigated the role of fibronectin assembly in this process. Platelets adherent to fibrillar type I collagen, but not platelets adherent to von Willebrand factor (VWF), supported assembly of plasma fibronectin under static conditions. At a shear rate of 1250 s–1, platelets adherent to collagen assembled coperfused plasma fibronectin and formed larger thrombi in a fibronectin-concentration–dependent manner, with a maximum effect at 250 μg/mL. Enhanced thrombus formation on collagen was blocked by a peptide that binds to the N-terminal region of fibronectin and inhibits fibronectin assembly. Cross-linking of fibronectin to collagen prior to exposure to platelets had no effect on thrombus formation. Collagen-induced platelet thrombus formation at a shear rate of 5000 s–1 required coperfusion with VWF and did not result in assembly of coperfused fibronectin. VWF-mediated increase in platelet thrombi on collagen was not enhanced and indeed was somewhat attenuated by coperfused fibronectin at a shear rate of 5000 s–1. These results indicate that, at moderately high but not very high shear rates, fibronectin assembly in platelet aggregates that form in response to collagen enhances thrombus formation and serves as an alternative to VWF-mediated enhancement.
Mental health provision for young offenders: service use and cost
Authors: Barrett Barbara , Byford Sarah , Chitsabesan Prathiba , Kenning Cassandra
Published: May 2006

Background

The full costs of accommodating and supporting young people in the criminal justice system are unknown. There is also concern about the level of mental health needs among young offenders and the provision of appropriate mental health services.

Aims

To estimate the full cost of supporting young people in the criminal justice system in England and Wales and to examine the relationship between needs, service use and cost.

Method

Cross-sectional survey of 301 young offenders, 151 in custody and 150 in the community, conducted in six geographically representative areas of England and Wales.

Results

Mental health service use was low despite high levels of need, particularly in the community Monthly costs were significantly higher among young people interviewed in secure facilities than in the community ($4645 v. $ 1863; P < 0.001). Younger age and a depressed mood were associated with greater costs.

Conclusions

Young people in the criminal justice system are a significant financial burden not only on that system but also on social services, health and education. The relationship between cost and depressed mood indicates a role for mental health services in supporting young offenders, particularly those in the community.
NICE guidance in schizophrenia: how generalisable are drug trials?
Authors: Burns Tom
Published: May 2006

Aims and Method

To test the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) assertion that characteristics of participants in the majority of clinical drug trials in schizophrenia do not reflect clinical practice. In particular they were concerned about the relative exclusion of women, older adults and patients with comorbidity. The baseline characteristics of a sample of 600 patients with schizophrenia recruited to be as representative as possible of UK community practice were compared with those from one of the largest international drug trials of an atypical antipsychotic.

Results

Although comparisons could only be made on a limited range of characteristics the two samples were broadly comparable.

Clinical Implications

Current drug trials from pharmaceutical companies may have more relevance to clinical practice than their stated exclusion criteria may indicate.
A Slight Decrease in Renal Function Further Impairs Bone Mineral Density in Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Gianotti Laura , Tassone Francesco , Cesario Flora , Pia Anna , Razzore Paola , Magro Giampaolo , Piovesan Alessandro , Borretta Giorgio
Published: May 2006

Background: The impairment of renal function can affect the clinical presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), increasing cardiovascular morbidity, fracture rate, and the risk of mortality.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the differences in bone status in a series of consecutive patients affected by PHPT without overt renal failure at diagnosis grouped according to creatinine clearance (Ccr).

Methods: A total of 161 consecutive patients with PHPT were studied. They were divided into two groups based on Ccr. Group A had Ccr 70 ml/min or less (n = 49), and group B had Ccr greater than 70 ml/min (n = 112). PTH, total and ionized serum calcium; urinary calcium and phosphate; serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3; serum and urinary bone markers; lumbar, forearm, and femoral bone mineral density (BMD) were evaluated.

Results: Patients in group A were older than those in group B (P < 0.0001). PTH levels did not differ in the two groups, whereas both urinary calcium and phosphorus were lower in group A than group B (P < 0.01). Lower BMD was evident in group A at lumbar spine (P < 0.002), forearm (P < 0.0001), and femur (P < 0.01). In asymptomatic PHPT, those with Ccr 70 ml/min or less had lower forearm BMD than patients with higher Ccr (P < 0.00001). When adjusting for age and body mass index in PHPT, BMD at each site persisted being lower (P < 0.05) in group A than group B. In all PHPT subjects, Ccr (beta = 0.29, P < 0.0005), age (beta = −0.27, P < 0.00001), and PTH levels (beta = −0.27, P < 0.0005) were all independently associated with forearm BMD.

Conclusions: In PHPT a slight decrease in renal function is associated with more severe BMD decrease, independent of age, body mass index, and PTH levels. This association is also present in asymptomatic PHPT and strengthens the National Institutes of Health recommendations for surgery in patients with mild PHPT.
The link between identification and in‐group favouritism: Effects of threat to social identity and trust‐related emotions
Authors: Voci Alberto
Published: May 2006

The relation between identification and in‐group favouritism was analysed across two studies, in which the relevance of three intervening factors was demonstrated: (a) the moderating role of social identity threat, (b) the mediating role of trust‐related emotions experienced towards in‐group and out‐group members, and (c) the importance of the distinction between in‐group and out‐group evaluations. When the in‐group was not threatened, the link between identification and in‐group bias was unreliable. The effect of in‐group identification on in‐group bias was stronger when either the value or the distinctiveness of the in‐group were threatened. A value threat strengthened the influence of identification on in‐group evaluation and, via out‐group distrust, on out‐group derogation. Under a distinctiveness threat, identification affected out‐group evaluation and intergroup differentiation. These results demonstrate that the relation between identification and in‐group favouritism is reliable only in a clear intergroup context. Moreover, they show that the role and the strength of in‐group and out‐group trust are altered by the type of social identity threat introduced. Finally, they clarify that in‐group love and out‐group hate phenomena are not zero‐sum, and that their presence may be simultaneous when the value of the in‐group is threatened by out‐group members.
Linguistic experts as semantic tour guides
Authors: Solan Lawrence M.
Published: May 2006

This article examines the phenomenon of linguists testifying as experts on meaning in legal disputes over the interpretation of statutes, contracts, transcripts of tape-recorded conversations, and other important legal texts before courts in the USA. It concludes that there is an important role for linguists in such cases – the role of the tour guide. It suggests that judges need not be concerned about linguists usurping the traditional roles of the judge and the jury as ultimate interpreters provided that the linguist's testimony is appropriately circumscribed.
Bilingual legal interpreter education
Authors: Benmaman Virginia
Published: May 2006

The dramatic growth in the number of immigrants in the United States has been paralleled by an ever-increasing demand for interpreters in the courts. The fifth, sixth and fourteenth amendments of the Constitution support the provision of due process and equal protection under the law for all residents. Legal interpreters are therefore needed to provide equal access to justice for linguistic minorities. However, it takes more than bilingualism to make a legal interpreter. The legal interpreter must also be able to manipulate dialect and geographic variation in his/her working languages, possess wide general knowledge, understand both the legal process and the related terminology, and also understand the various discourse styles used in the courtroom. But, despite the stringent requirements needed to perform legal interpreting, academic institutions have been slow to develop suitable programmes. While a few ongoing but limited legal interpreting programmes exist at the undergraduate level, the only comprehensive and graduate programmes are the Master of Arts in Bilingual Legal Interpreting and the Graduate Certificate in Bilingual Legal Interpreting at the University of Charleston, South Carolina.
The impact of court interpreting on the coerciveness of leading questions
Authors: Berk-Seligson Susan
Published: May 2006

Leading questions comprise a powerful weapon in the tactical arsenal of attorneys because such questions to a great degree control the outcome of witnesses’ answers. This paper addresses two research questions. First, ‘What characterizes leading questions, from a linguistic point of view?’ Second, looking at leading questions in a context of foreign-language interpreting, it asks, ‘What impact do court interpreters have on leading questions?’ The findings reveal that in judicial proceedings where court interpreters are at work, the coercive force of leading questions systematically tends to be weakened by interpreters. Of all the factors hypothesized to affect the accuracy with which leading questions are interpreted, only mode of interpreting (simultaneous versus consecutive) and type of judicial proceeding (trial versus hearing versus deposition) were found to be significant predictors.
Interpreting for the police: issues in pre-trial phases of the judicial process
Authors: Berk-Seligson Susan
Published: May 2006

During the investigative phase of the judicial process, interpreting for those who do not speak the language of the courts is often carried out either by bilingual police officers and other employees of the police department, or by relatives and friends of suspects or detainees. In any of these cases, the norms of professional court interpreting can easily be violated. A review of appellate cases coming from California, Florida and New York reveals that when the police make use of unqualified interpreters during their investigative interviews or interrogations, frequently the Miranda rights of detainees are jeopardized. Issues of hearsay also arise in such cases. The use of ad hoc interpreters in police investigative work is questioned by the author.
Hospital Admission Rates for a Racially Diverse Low-Income Cohort of Patients With Diabetes: The Urban Diabetes Study
Authors: Robbins Jessica M. , Webb David A.
Published: May 2006

Objective. We sought to determine the frequency and costs of hospitalization and to assess possible racial/ethnic disparities in a large cohort of low-income patients with diabetes who had received primary care at municipal health clinics.

Methods. Administrative data from Philadelphia Health Care Centers were linked with discharge data from Pennsylvania hospitals for March 1993 through December 2001. We tested differences in hospitalization rates and mean hospital charges by age, gender, and race/ethnicity.

Results. A total of 18 800 patients with diabetes experienced 30 528 hospital admissions, for a hospitalization rate of 0.35 per person-year. Rates rose with age and with the interaction of male gender and age. Rates for non-Hispanic Whites were higher than those for African Americans, whereas those for Hispanics, Asian Americans, and “others” were lower. Patients who were hospitalized at least 5 times made up 10.5% of the study population and accounted for 64% of hospital admissions and hospital charges in this cohort.

Conclusions. Hospitalization rates for this low-income cohort with access to primary care and pharmacy services were comparable to those of other diabetic patient populations, suggesting that reducing financial barriers to care may have benefited these patients. A subgroup of patients with multiple hospitalizations accounted for the majority of hospital admissions.
Multisectoral Responses to HIV/AIDS: Applying Research to Policy and Practice
Authors: Pawinski Robert A. , Lalloo Umesh G.
Published: May 2006

The KwaZulu-Natal Enhancing Care Initiative is a program developed by a consortium of members who represent 4 sectors: academia, government, nongovernmental and community-based organizations, and the business sector. The Initiative was formed to develop a plan for improved care and support for people with HIV/AIDS and who live in resource-constrained settings in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A needs analysis helped to determine the following priorities in prevention, treatment, care, and support: training, grant-seeking, prevention, and care and treatment, including provision of antiretroviral therapy. A partnership approach resulted in better access to a wider community of people, information, and resources, and facilitated rapid program implementation. Creative approaches promptly translated research into policy and practice.
Results of the First Year of Active for Life: Translation of 2 Evidence-Based Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults Into Community Settings
Authors: Wilcox Sara , Dowda Marsha , Griffin Sarah F. , Rheaume Carol , Ory Marcia G. , Leviton Laura , King Abby C. , Dunn Andrea , Buchner David M. , Bazzarre Terry , Estabrooks Paul A. , Campbell-Voytal Kimberly , Bartlett-Prescott Jenny , Dowdy Diane , Castro Cynthia M. , Carpenter Ruth Ann , Dzewaltowski David A. , Mockenhaupt Robin
Published: May 2006

Objectives. Translating efficacious interventions into practice within community settings is a major public health challenge. We evaluated the effects of 2 evidence-based physical activity interventions on self-reported physical activity and related outcomes in midlife and older adults.

Methods. Four community-based organizations implemented Active Choices, a 6-month, telephone-based program, and 5 implemented Active Living Every Day, a 20-week, group-based program. Both programs emphasize behavioral skills necessary to become more physically active. Participants completed pretest and posttest surveys.

Results. Participants (n=838) were aged an average of 68.4 ±9.4 years, 80.6% were women, and 64.1% were non-Hispanic White. Seventy-two percent returned posttest surveys. Intent-to-treat analyses found statistically significant increases in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and total physical activity, decreases in depressive symptoms and stress, increases in satisfaction with body appearance and function, and decreases in body mass index.

Conclusions. The first year of Active for Life demonstrated that Active Choices and Active Living Every Day, 2 evidence-based physical activity programs, can be successfully translated into community settings with diverse populations. Further, the magnitudes of change in outcomes were similar to those reported in the efficacy trials.
Fault detection and isolation for on‐board sensors of a general aviation aircraft
Authors: Bonfè M. , Castaldi P. , Geri W. , Simani S.
Published: May 2006

This paper addresses the problem of the detection and isolation of the input and output sensor faults on a general aviation aircraft, which is characterized by a non‐linear model, in the presence of wind gusts, atmospheric turbulence and measurement errors. In particular, this work proposes a polynomial approach for the design of residual generators in order to realize complete diagnosis schemes when additive faults are present. In fact, the use of an input–output description for the linearized model of the aircraft allows to compute in a straightforward way the residual generators. This approach leads to dynamic filters that can achieve both good disturbance signal decoupling and robustness properties with respect to both linearization error and measurement noise. Mathematical descriptions of the aircraft measurement sensors are also taken into account. The results obtained in the simulation of the faulty behaviour of a PIPER PA30 aircraft and a comparison with other FDI approaches (both linear and non‐linear) are finally reported. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Basic relationships in the pre‐reforming of n‐hexane on Ni/Mgo catalyst
Authors: Arena Francesco
Published: May 2006

The activity‐selectivity‐stability pattern of a 19 wt% Ni/MgO catalyst in the pre‐reforming of n‐hexane (T, 450°C; P, 10‐15 bar; S/C, 1.5‐3.5), in the absence and the presence of H2 (H2/C, 1), is thoroughly addressed. Coking and, to a much lesser extent, sintering phenomena affect the catalyst stability with a 1st‐order dependence of deactivation rate on activity. Regardless of reaction conditions, in the absence of hydrogen a general selectivity‐conversion pattern signals that CO is a primary reaction product from the steam reforming reaction, whereas the prevalence of a hydrogenolysis path enhances reaction rate, methane selectivity, and catalyst stability in the presence of hydrogen, markedly hindering the coking process. Driven by different ensembles of active sites, steam reforming, CO methanation, water‐gas‐shift, hydrogenolysis, and coking functionalities control the behavior pattern of the Ni/MgO catalyst in the pre‐reforming process. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Pulmonary function abnormalities and airway irritation symptoms of metal fumes exposure on automobile spot welders
Authors: Luo Jiin‐Chyuan John , Hsu Kuang‐Hung , Shen Wu‐Shiun
Published: May 2006

Background

Spot or resistance welding has been considered less hazardous than other types of welding. Automobile manufacturing is a major industry in Taiwan. Spot and arc welding are common processes in this industry. The respiratory effects on automobile spot welders exposed to metal fumes are investigated.

Methods

The cohort consisted of 41 male auto‐body spot welders, 76 male arc welders, 71 male office workers, and 59 assemblers without welding exposure. Inductivity Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer (ICP‐MS) was applied to detect metals' (zinc, copper, nickel) levels in the post‐shift urine samples. Demographic data, work history, smoking status, and respiratory tract irritation symptoms were gathered by a standard self‐administered questionnaire. Pulmonary function tests were also performed.

Results

There were significantly higher values for average urine metals' (zinc, copper, nickel) levels in spot welders and arc welders than in the non‐welding controls. There were 4 out of 23 (17.4%) abnormal forced vital capacity (FVC) among the high‐exposed spot welders, 2 out of 18 (11.1%) among the low‐exposed spot welders, and 6 out of 130 (4.6%) non‐welding‐exposed workers. There was a significant linear trend between spot welding exposure and the prevalence of restrictive airway abnormalities (P = 0.036) after adjusting for other factors. There were 9 out of 23 (39.1%) abnormal peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) among high‐exposed spot welders, 5 out of 18 (27.8%) among the low‐exposed spot welders, and 28 out of 130 (21.5%) non‐welding‐exposed workers. There was a borderline significant linear trend between spot welding exposure and the prevalence of obstructive lung function abnormalities (P = 0.084) after adjusting for other factors. There was also a significant dose‐response relationship of airway irritation symptoms (cough, phlegm, chronic bronchitis) among the spot welders. Arc welders with high exposure status also had a significant risk of obstructive lung abnormalities (PEFR reduction). There was also a significant dose‐response relationship of airway irritation symptoms (cough, phlegm, chest tightness, and chronic bronchitis) among the arc welders.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that restrictive and obstructive lung abnormalities, and airway irritation symptoms are associated with spot and arc welding exposures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 49:407–416, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Using the TBX5 transcription factor to grow and sculpt the heart
Authors: Hatcher Cathy J. , McDermott Deborah A.
Published: May 2006

TBX5 mutations cause the cardiac and limb defects of the autosomal dominant Holt–Oram syndrome (HOS). We have explored the role of the TBX5 transcription factor during cardiogenesis and have elucidated some of its functions in regulating myocardial cell proliferation and proepicardial cell migration. Our identification of TBX5 mutations has enabled us to offer genetic testing for diagnosis of HOS in patients and also to perform preimplantation genetic diagnosis on blastocysts for couples desiring to have a child unaffected by HOS. We hope that our genetic testing approach will serve as a paradigm for mutation screening in other inherited syndromes. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Blepharophimosis‐mental retardation (BMR) syndromes: A proposed clinical classification of the so‐called Ohdo syndrome, and delineation of two new BMR syndromes, one X‐linked and one autosomal recessive
Authors: Verloes Alain , Bremond‐Gignac Dominique , Isidor Bertrand , David Albert , Baumann Clarisse , Leroy Marie‐Anne , Stevens René , Gillerot Yves , Héron Delphine , Héron Bénédicte , Benzacken Brigitte , Lacombe Didier , Brunner Han , Bitoun Pierre
Published: May 2006

We report on 11 patients from 8 families with a blepharophimosis and mental retardation syndrome (BMRS) phenotype. Using current nosology, five sporadic patients have Ohdo syndrome, associated with congenital hypothyroidism in two of them (thus also compatible with a diagnosis of Young‐Simpson syndrome). In two affected sibs with milder phenotype, compensated hypothyroidism was demonstrated. In another family, an affected boy was born to the unaffected sister of a previously reported patient. Finally, in the last sibship, two affected boys in addition had severe microcephaly and neurological anomalies. A definitive clinical and etiologic classification of BMRS is lacking, but closer phenotypic analysis should lead to a more useful appraisal of the BMRS phenotype. We suggest discontinuing the systematic use of the term “Ohdo syndrome” when referring to patients with BMRS. We propose a classification of BMRS into five groups: (1) del(3p) syndrome, (possibly overlooked in older reports); (2) BMRS, Ohdo type, limited to the original patients of Ohdo; (3) BMRS SBBYS (Say‐Barber/Biesecker/Young‐Simpson) type, with distinctive dysmorphic features and inconstant anomalies including heart defect, optic atrophy, deafness, hypoplastic teeth, cleft palate, joint limitations, and hypothyroidism. BMRS type SBBYS is probably an etiologically heterogeneous phenotype, as AD and apparently AR forms exist; (4) BMRS, MKB (Maat–Kievit–Brunner) type, with coarse, triangular face, which is probably sex‐linked; (5) BMRS V (Verloes) type, a probable new type with severe microcephaly, hypsarrhythmia, adducted thumbs, cleft palate, and abnormal genitalia, which is likely autosomal recessive. Types MKB and V are newly described here. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationship between the absorption spectra and spatial hindrance in starch graft copolymers
Authors: Fu Zheng Sheng , Xue Hua Li , Wang Chang Qing , Liu Mao Dong , Yuan Li
Published: May 2006

The photochemical trans–cis isomerization of graft copolymers of azo dyes onto starch was studied in liquids spectrophotometrically. The relationship between the absorption spectra and spatial hindrance was investigated. The experimental results showed that the structure of the graft copolymers had a marked influence on photoisomerization. The smaller the spatial hindrance was, the easier the photoisomerization was. The copolymers showed better photoisomerization than their corresponding monomers, and this showed that the backbone of starch in the main chain influenced not the maximum‐wavelength position of the copolymers but the retroactive structure of the copolymers and favored their photoisomerization. In addition, the thermal cis–trans isomerization rate of the graft copolymers was studied in various polar solvents. The results suggested that the solvent polarity had a large effect on the thermal back‐isomerization. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2123–2126, 2006
eJournal interface can influence usage statistics: Implications for libraries, publishers, and Project COUNTER
Authors: Davis Philip M. , Price Jason S.
Published: May 2006

The design of a publisher's electronic interface can have a measurable effect on electronic journal usage statistics. A study of journal usage from six COUNTER‐compliant publishers at 32 research institutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Sweden indicates that the ratio of PDF to HTML views is not consistent across publisher interfaces, even after controlling for differences in publisher content. The number of full‐text downloads may be artificially inflated when publishers require users to view HTML versions before accessing PDF versions or when linking mechanisms, such as CrossRef, direct users to the full text rather than the abstract of each article. These results suggest that usage reports from COUNTER‐compliant publishers are not directly comparable in their current form. One solution may be to modify publisher numbers with “adjustment factors” deemed to be representative of the benefit or disadvantage due to its interface. Standardization of some interface and linking protocols may obviate these differences and allow for more accurate cross‐publisher comparisons.
Commonalities in compensation
Authors: Birchler James A. , Fernandez Harvey R. , Kavi Harsh H.
Published: May 2006

The sex chromosomes of many species differ in dosage but the total gene expression output is similar, a phenomenon referred to as dosage compensation. Previously, diverse mechanisms were postulated to account for compensation in distantly related taxa. However, two recent papers present evidence that dosage compensation in Drosophila, mammals and nematodes share the property that there is an approximately two‐fold upregulation of the single active X chromosome in each case.1,2 The results suggest that a common mechanism might operate in these different cases. BioEssays 28: 565–568, 2006. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.