bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dopamine release is heterogeneous within microenvironments of the rat nucleus accumbens
Authors: Wightman R. Mark , Heien Michael L.A.V. , Wassum Kate M. , Sombers Leslie A. , Aragona Brandon J. , Khan Amina S. , Ariansen Jennifer L. , Cheer Joseph F. , Phillips Paul E. M. , Carelli Regina M.
Published: September 2007

Many individual neurons within the intact brain fire in stochastic patterns that arise from interactions with the neuronal circuits that they comprise. However, the chemical communication that is evoked by these firing patterns has not been characterized because sensors suitable to monitor subsecond chemical events in micron dimensions have only recently become available. Here we employ a voltammetric sensor technology coupled with principal component regression to examine the dynamics of dopamine concentrations in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of awake and unrestrained rats. The sensor has submillimeter dimensions and provides high temporal (0.1 s) resolution. At select locations spontaneous dopamine transient concentration changes were detected, achieving instantaneous concentrations of ∼50 nm. At other locations, transients were absent even though dopamine was available for release as shown by extracellular dopamine increases following electrical activation of dopaminergic neurons. At sites where dopamine concentration transients occur, uptake inhibition by cocaine enhances the frequency and magnitude of the rapid transients while also causing a more gradual increase in extracellular dopamine. These effects were largely absent from sites that did not support ongoing transient activity. These findings reveal an unanticipated spatial and temporal heterogeneity of dopamine transmission within the NAc that may depend upon the firing of specific subpopulations of dopamine neurons.
Norepinephrine depletion facilitates recovery of function after focal ischemia in the rat
Authors: Windle Victoria , Power Alexandra , Corbett Dale
Published: September 2007

Previous studies have suggested that increased norepinephrine plays an important role in recovery of function after brain injury; however, the majority of these studies used drugs that are known to also affect other monoamines to increase or decrease norepinephrine. The purpose of the present study was to determine if norepinephrine is required to promote recovery after ischemia. A form of enriched rehabilitation was used to rehabilitate animals after ischemia and the neurotoxin N‐(2‐chloroethyl)‐N‐ethyl‐2‐bromobenzylamine was used to selectively destroy norepinephrine projections from the locus coeruleus. Three sensorimotor tests were used to evaluate the recovery of the animals. Depletion of norepinephrine improved sensorimotor recovery in standard‐housed animals and did not impede recovery in the rehabilitation groups. Dopamine beta hydroxylase staining was used to confirm N‐(2‐chloroethyl)‐N‐ethyl‐2‐bromobenzylamine‐depleted terminal norepinephrine levels. The amount of norepinephrine terminal staining negatively correlated with recovery of function in the staircase test after ischemia. In addition, enriched rehabilitation increased, but depletion of norepinephrine had no effect on, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor protein levels, which have also been linked to improved recovery of function. Together the above findings question the previously postulated role of norepinephrine in recovery of function after stroke.
Coding of spatial information by soma and dendrite of pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA1 of behaving rats
Authors: Takahashi Susumu , Sakurai Yoshio
Published: September 2007

The soma and dendrite of a single neuron differ markedly in their anatomical and chemical organization. However, the difference between the neuronal codes by the soma and dendrite in the brain of behaving animals remains unknown. Here, we show that in the hippocampal CA1 of behaving rats, the soma and dendrite of pyramidal cells code distinct spatial information. To detect these neuronal codes, we used a unique extracellular multiunit recording technique with special electrodes (dodecatrodes) and a novel spike‐sorting system with an independent component analysis (ICSort). First, we examined whether ICSort could separate extracellular signals from the soma and those from the dendrite of a single cell, in comparison with the separation obtained by a conventional spike‐sorting technique. The results suggest that ICSort could distinguish extracellular signals originating from the soma and dendrite. Second, we examined spatial information coded by signals from the soma and dendrite of hippocampal pyramidal cells when the rats were moving in a familiar open environment. The results indicate that the somatic units had single place fields, and showed higher spatial specificity, lower sparsity and lower firing rates than the dendritic units. Therefore, we conclude that a hippocampal pyramidal cell has the ability to transform redundant spatial information received from upstream neurons via the dendrite into more place‐specific information along the dendrosomatic axis and transmit this information to downstream neurons via the soma.
Prognostic value of plasma D‐dimer levels in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Kılıc M. , Yoldas O. , Keskek M. , Ertan T. , Tez M. , Gocmen E. , Koc M.
Published: September 2007

Objective  Plasma D‐dimer levels have been shown to be increased in patients with various solid tumours including lung, prostate, cervical, ovarian, breast and colon cancer. The purpose of this prospective study was to estimate the plasma D‐dimer level of patients with colorectal cancer before surgery and to assess whether it has a prognostic value.

Method  The study comprised 51 patients with colorectal cancer. Variables including demographic, clinical, operative and pathological findings and routine laboratory tests were recorded. In addition, tumour markers, coagulation tests and plasma D‐dimer levels were evaluated.

Results  Histological types other than well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma, relatively advanced tumour stage and a high preoperative plasma D‐dimer level were the prognostic factors that were associated with shorter postoperative survival according to univariate analyses. The presence of vascular invasion was associated with higher preoperative D‐dimer levels. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between postoperative survival and the presence of vascular invasion.

Conclusion  Postoperative survival was significantly shorter in colorectal cancer patients with elevated preoperative D‐dimer levels. Evaluation of preoperative D‐dimer level can be used to predict postoperative survival.
Strategy in clinical practice for classification of unselected colorectal tumours based on mismatch repair deficiency
Authors: Jensen L. H. , Lindebjerg J. , Byriel L. , Kolvraa S. , Crüger D. G.
Published: September 2007

Objective  Deficiency of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) causes microsatellite instability (MSI) in a subset of colorectal cancers. Patients with these tumours have a better prognosis and may have an altered response to chemotherapy. Some of the tumours are caused by hereditary mutations (hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer or Lynch syndrome), but most are epigenetic changes of sporadic origin. The aim of this study was to define a robust and inexpensive strategy for such classification in clinical practice.

Method  Tumours and blood samples from 262 successive patients with colorectal adenocarcinomas were collected. Expression of the MMR proteins MLH1, MSH2, and MSH6 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) was compared with MSI DNA analysis. Methylation analysis of MLH1 and mutation analysis for BRAF V600E were compared in samples with MSI and/or lack of MLH1 expression to determine if the tumour was likely to be sporadic.

Results  Thirty‐nine (14.9%) of the tumours showed MMR deficiency by IHC or by microsatellite analysis. Sporadic inactivation by methylation of MLH1 promoter was found in 35 patients whereby the BRAF activating V600E mutation, indicating sporadic origin, was found in 32 tumours. On the basis of molecular characteristics we found 223 patients with intact MMR, 35 patients with sporadic MMR deficiency, and four patients who were likely to have hereditary MMR deficiency.

Conclusion  To obtain the maximal benefit for patients and clinicians, MMR testing should be supplemented with MLH1 methylation or BRAF mutation analysis to distinguish sporadic patients from likely hereditary ones. MMR deficient patients with sporadic disease can be reassured of the better prognosis and the likely hereditary cases should receive genetic counselling.
Colpocystodefecography in obstructed defecation: is it really useful to the surgeon?
Authors: Finco C. , Savastano S. , Luongo B. , Sarzo G. , Vecchiato M. , Gasparini G. , Merigliano S.
Published: September 2007

Objective  Colpocystodefecography images the pelvic floor with the dynamics of defecation, but various authors claim that it overestimates clinical findings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pre‐ and postoperative consistency between clinical and colpocystodefecographic findings in patients undergoing surgery for obstructed defecation.

Method  Between June 2001 and September 2003, 20 patients underwent transvaginal posterior colpoperineorrhaphy and rectal mucosal prolapsectomy with one circular stapler for symptomatic rectocele and concomitant anorectal prolapse. They were prospectively evaluated both before surgery by designed questionnaire on constipation and incontinence, proctological, gynaecological and urological examinations, colpocystodefecography and anorectal manometry, and after operation at 6 months by questionnaire and a proctological check‐up.

The mean follow‐up was 30 months (24–48 months).

Results  At 6 months the questionnaire revealed a major response in terms of symptoms. The proctological visit confirmed the absence of rectocele in 19 (95%) patients, while the anorectal prolapse had completely disappeared in 17 (85%) patients. Postoperative colpocystodefecography demonstrated a general reduction in the dimensions of the rectocele, which had completely disappeared in five (25%) patients; 40% of the patients had a persistent anorectal prolapse.

Conclusion  Preoperative data analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between clinical and radiological findings. Postoperatively the global clinical assessment correlated well with patient satisfaction, while there was evidence of a statistically significant difference between the radiological and clinical findings. Routine postoperative use of colpocystodefecography is unjustified unless there is clinical evidence of surgical failure.
Prognostic value of syndecan‐1 expression in patients treated with radical prostatectomy
Authors: Shariat Shahrokh F. , Svatek Robert S. , Kabbani Wareef , Walz Jochen , Lotan Yair , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Roehrborn Claus G.
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of syndecan‐1 expression with pathological features and disease progression in patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) as syndecan‐1 plays a role in the regulation of cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation and its expression is altered in various malignancies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Syndecan‐1 immunostaining was performed on a tissue microarray containing cores from 232 consecutive patients treated with RP and bilateral lymphadenectomy for clinically localized prostatic adenocarcinoma. Patients were categorized as having features of aggressive progression if they had evidence of metastases, an after progression prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) doubling time of <10 months, and/or failure to respond to local salvage radiation therapy. Expression was defined as ≥ 10% cells staining for syndecan‐1.

RESULTS

Syndecan‐1 was expressed in 86 patients (37.1%). Expression of syndecan‐1 was associated with higher PSA levels (P = 0.004), higher pathological Gleason sum (P = 0.027) and lymph nodes metastases (P = 0.027). Patients with syndecan‐1 expression were at significantly greater risk of PSA‐progression after surgery (P = 0.034) in univariate but not in multivariate analysis. Patients with features of aggressive progression (n = 22) were more likely to express syndecan‐1 than those with features of nonaggressive progression (63.6% vs 36.4%, P = 0.010). Patients with syndecan‐1 expression were at significantly greater risk of aggressive progression after surgery (P = 0.005) in univariate but not in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Expression of syndecan‐1 was associated with established features of biologically aggressive prostate cancer and PSA‐progression in univariate analysis. These findings suggest a role for syndecan‐1 in prostate carcinogenesis and progression.
Using the PRISM to Compare the Explanatory Value of General and Role‐Contextualized Trait Ratings
Authors: Wood Dustin
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT
In an earlier work (Wood & Roberts, 2006), the Personality and Role Identity Structural Model (PRISM) was proposed as a model for organizing the relations between diverse self‐perceptions, with a person's general identity (“how I am in general”) organized above diverse role identities (e.g., “how I am as an employee”), which in turn is organized above role‐specific behaviors and experiences (e.g., typical interactions with coworkers). In the present article, I argue that despite the fact that role trait measures are often much more related to role behaviors than general trait measures in cross‐sectional analyses, general trait measures better capture the dispositional causes of a person's role behavior. In support of this, a brief study is presented illustrating how general traits may be better predictors than role‐contextualized trait ratings of the evolution of an individual's experiences or behaviors within a given context. Finally, I contend that the basic framework of the PRISM, where a person's behaviors and identities within multiple contexts are assessed simultaneously and longitudinally alongside general personality ratings, is necessary to make strong statements concerning the nature of the relationships between personality traits and role experiences.
Compartmentalization and Integration: The Evaluative Organization of Contextualized Selves
Authors: Showers Carolin J. , Zeigler‐Hill Virgil
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT
This article reviews research on the evaluative organization (compartmentalized or integrative) of contextualized selves. Evaluatively compartmentalized self‐structures consist of multiple selves, each of which is either mostly positive or mostly negative. Evaluatively integrative self‐structures represent each self with a mixture of positive and negative attributes. These different styles of organizing self‐knowledge have been linked to current mood and self‐esteem. More recently, studies of evaluative organization have examined self‐esteem stability, coping styles (e.g., self‐enhancement or resilience), change in self‐organization, as well as psychopathology and psychological treatment. Findings suggest that compartmentalized self‐structures, typically associated with the highest levels of self‐esteem, may be vulnerable to instability. In contrast, the more moderate self‐views of individuals with integrative self‐structures may offer greater stability, increased resilience, and a means of coping with extreme stress.
International Organisations: The Challenge of Aligning Mission, Means and Legitimacy
Authors: Lawrence Robert Z.
Published: September 2007

To be effective an international organisation must (a) be given an appropriate mission; (b) be given the means to accomplish its mission; and (c) be viewed as legitimate when carrying out the mission. This paper explores the problems in achieving these prerequisites for success first in a general discussion and then in an application to the WTO. Ensuring these conditions are met is not easy because there is an inherent tendency for many international institutions to experience ‘mission creep’, particularly when accountability for burden sharing is weak. This leads to the central dilemma facing many international organisations. If missions are expanded, and organisations given insufficient means, they are likely to fail (or fall short of optimal behaviour) and be criticised for ineffectiveness. However, the more extensive the means they are given, the more likely that their legitimacy will be questioned. The paper argues that the best way for the WTO to deal with these tensions would be to adopt an approach built on a more variable geometry in which countries would not all be required to participate in a single undertaking.
China or the United States: which threatens energy security?
Authors: Lei Wu , Xuejun Liu
Published: September 2007

As the global energy market undergoes profound changes with price of oil reaching record highs and China emerging as a major force in world energy and global energy geo‐politics, a debate on what has been described as ‘China energy threat’ seems to be gaining ground in western strategic circles. However, this is an illusion that is now somewhat exaggerated and overrated. As a matter of fact, the effect of the United States on global energy security affairs is far greater than that of China, and Washington is also not always the defender of the energy security as it claims to be.
THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF BUDGET DEFICITS
Authors: LEACHMAN LORI L. , ROSAS GUILLERMO , LANGE PETER , BESTER ALAN
Published: September 2007

InLeachman et al. (2005)we use the multicointegration approach to test for sustainable fiscal budgeting processes in a stochastic setting in 15 industrialized countries. In this paper, we extend the analysis in order to rank these same countries as well as an additional three, according to the degree to which their budget processes are sustainable. Rankings are related to theories regarding the political economy of budget deficits. Evidence clearly indicates that fiscal performance is better where fiscal budgeting institutions are strong. Additionally, we find that in conjunction with fiscal strength, greater degrees of federalismpositivelyaffect intertemporal budget management.
The decommodified security ratio: A tool for assessing European social protection systems
Authors: Menahem Georges
Published: September 2007

With a view to better assessment of the roles played by social security and social policy in determining well‐being, this article introduces the “decommodified security ratio” (DSR), an instrument for evaluating an important duty of the social State, namely to maintain and improve people's economic security. To that end we describe the conventions for its use, analyse its main components in 20 European countries in 2002 and simulate the changes in it produced by ten variations in those components. From an analysis of the sensitivities of economic security we then demonstrate three different rationales.
Changes in brain levels of N‐acylethanolamines and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol in focal cerebral ischemia in mice
Authors: Degn Matilda , Lambertsen Kate L , Petersen Gitte , Meldgaard Michael , Artmann Andreas , Clausen Bettina H , Hansen Steen H , Finsen Bente , Hansen Harald S , Lund Trine M
Published: September 2007

The N‐acylethanolamines (NAEs) and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) are bioactive lipids that can modulate inflammatory responses and protect neurons against glutamatergic excitotoxicity. We have used a model of focal cerebral ischemia in young adult mice to investigate the relationship between focal cerebral ischemia and endogenous NAEs. Over the first 24 h after induction of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion, we observed a time‐dependent increase in all the investigated NAEs, except for anandamide. Moreover, we found an accumulation of 2‐AG at 4 h that returned to basal level 12 h after induction of ischemia. Accumulation of NAEs did not depend on regulation of N‐acylphosphatidylethanolamine‐hydrolyzing phospholipase D or fatty acid amide hydrolase. Treatment with the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 (cyclohexyl carbamic acid 3′‐carbamoyl‐biphenyl‐3‐yl ester; 1 mg/kg; i.p.) 1.5 h before arterial occlusion decreased the infarct volume in our model system. Our results suggest that NAEs and 2‐AG may be involved in regulation of neuroprotection during focal cerebral ischemia in mice.
Intracellular signaling mechanisms mediating catecholamine release upon activation of NPY Y1receptors in mouse chromaffin cells
Authors: Rosmaninho‐Salgado Joana , Araújo Inês M. , Álvaro Ana Rita , Duarte Emília P. , Cavadas Cláudia
Published: September 2007

The adrenal chromaffin cells synthesize and release catecholamine (mostly epinephrine and norepinephrine) and different peptides, such as the neuropeptide Y (NPY). NPY stimulates catecholamine release through NPY Y1receptor in mouse chromaffin cells. The aim of our study was to determine the intracellular signaling events coupled to NPY Y1receptor activation that lead to stimulation of catecholamine release from mouse chromaffin cells. The stimulatory effect of NPY mediated by NPY Y1receptor activation was lost in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. On the other hand, inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and guanylyl cyclase also decreased the stimulatory effect of NPY. Moreover, catecholamine release stimulated by NPY or by the nitric oxide donor (NOC‐18) was inhibited by mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase C inhibitors. In summary, in mouse chromaffin cells, NPY evokes catecholamine release by the activation the NPY Y1receptor, in a Ca2+‐dependent manner, by activating mitogen‐activated protein kinase and promoting nitric oxide production, which in turn regulates protein kinase C and guanylyl cyclase activation.
Primary human astrocytes produce 24(S),25‐epoxycholesterol with implications for brain cholesterol homeostasis
Authors: Wong Jenny , Quinn Carmel M. , Guillemin Gilles , Brown Andrew J.
Published: September 2007

Cholesterol is an essential component of the CNS and its metabolism in the brain has been implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases. The oxysterol produced from cholesterol, 24(S)‐hydroxycholesterol, is known to be an important regulator of brain cholesterol homeostasis. In this study, we focussed on another oxysterol, 24(S),25‐epoxycholesterol (24,25EC), which has not been studied before in a neurological context. 24,25EC is unique in that it is synthesized in a shunt in the mevalonate pathway, parallel to cholesterol and utilizing the same enzymes. Considering that all the cholesterol present in the brain is derived from de novo synthesis, we investigated whether or not primary human neurons and astrocytes can produce 24,25EC. We found that astrocytes produced more 24,25EC than neurons under basal conditions, but both cell types had the capacity to synthesize this oxysterol when the enzyme 2,3‐oxidosqualene cyclase was partially inhibited. Furthermore, both added 24,25EC and stimulated cellular production of 24,25EC (by partial inhibition of 2,3‐oxidosqualene cyclase) modulated expression of key cholesterol‐homeostatic genes regulated by the liver X receptor and the sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐2. Moreover, we found that 24,25EC synthesized in astrocytes can be taken up by neurons and exert downstream effects on gene regulation. In summary, we have identified 24,25EC as a novel neurosterol which plays a likely role in brain cholesterol homeostasis.
PERMANENT GENETIC RESOURCES: Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the cichlid fish in Lake Victoria, Haplochromis chilotes
Authors: MAEDA K. , TAKESHIMA H. , MIZOIRI S. , OKADA N. , NISHIDA M. , TACHIDA H.
Published: September 2007

Twelve short tandem repeat markers were successfully isolated from a cichlid, Haplochromis chilotes, in Lake Victoria, and characterized in Haplochromis pyrrhocephalus. The microsatellite regions of these markers were found to have between two and 48 alleles with heterozygosity ranging from 0.07 to 0.97. No loci showed significant departures from the Hardy–Weinberg or linkage equilibrium after the Bonferroni correction (P > 0.05). Cross‐species amplification in other cichlids of Lake Victoria, Haplochromis laparogramma, Lithochromis rubripinnis, L. rufus and Haplochromis sp. ‘rockkribensis’, was successful.
Isotopic and chemical investigations of Fe (III) reduction by Shewanella putrefaciens strain 200R
Authors: GEBREHIWET TSIGABU A. , KRISHNAMURTHY R. V.
Published: September 2007

Experiments were conducted using the Fe+3‐reducing bacterium Shewanella putrefaciens strain 200R to determine the stable carbon isotope fractionation during dissimilatory Fe (III) reduction and associated lactate oxidation at circum‐neutral pH. Previous studies used equilibrium fractionation factors (~14.3‰) between bacterial biomass and synthesized fatty acids to identify the predominant carbon fixation pathways for some of the most frequently isolated microbes including Shewanella under anaerobic conditions. We investigated the carbon isotope disproportionation among organic carbon substrate (lactate), biomass and respired carbon dioxide at the lag to stationary phase of the growth curve. Ferric citrate and sodium lactate were used as electron acceptor and donor, respectively. Sodium bicarbonate or potassium phosphate was used as buffering agent. Iron (II), iron (III), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and carbon isotope ratios were measured for both bicarbonate‐ and phosphate‐buffered systems. Carbon isotope ratio measurements were made on the respired CO2 (as DIC) and microbial biomass for both buffering conditions. The fraction of lactate consumed was estimated using DIC as a proxy and was verified by direct measurement using HPLC. Our result showed that bicarbonate‐buffered system has an enhancing effect in the reduction process compared to the phosphate system. Both systems resulted in carbon isotope fractionations between the lactate substrate and DIC that could be modelled as a Rayleigh process. The biomass produced under both buffer conditions was depleted on average by ~2‰ relative to the substrate and enriched by ~5‰ relative to the DIC. This translates to an overall isotopic fractionation of 10–12‰ between the biomass and respired CO2 in both buffering systems.
Lost Exceptionalism? Comparative Income and Productivity in Australia and the UK, 1861–1948*
Authors: BROADBERRY STEPHEN , IRWIN DOUGLAS A.
Published: September 2007

Australia had one of the highest per capita incomes in the world in the late nineteenth century, although this exceptional position subsequently eroded over time. This paper compares national income and sectoral labour productivity in Australia and the UK between 1861 and 1948 to uncover the underlying sources of Australia's high income and the reasons for its subsequent relative decline. We find that the country's higher per capita income was due primarily to higher labour productivity, because labour force participation, although higher in Australia than in the USA, was lower than in the UK. Australia had a substantial labour productivity lead in agriculture throughout the period, due to the importance of high value‐added, non‐arable farming, and a smaller lead in industry before World War I. The early productivity lead in industry was largely based on the importance of mining, and disappeared as manufacturing became more important. There was little productivity difference in services. These results reaffirm the importance of Australia's successful exploitation of its natural resource endowments in explaining the country's high initial income.
Overcoming Measurement Error Problems in the Use of Survey Data on Expectations*
Authors: LEE KEVIN , SHIELDS KALVINDER
Published: September 2007

Survey data frequently requires conversion from qualitative responses to quantitative series and it is often asserted that the conversion procedures introduce measurement errors that render the series unusable in structural modelling. We investigate the nature and treatment of the measurement error that arises when conversion procedures are used to obtain direct measures of expectations. We use simulation experiments to demonstrate the need for the adequate treatment of conversion errors and show that a procedure proposed to ‘purge’ the series of conversion error is extremely successful in circumventing the problems. We illustrate the procedures in empirical applications using business survey data.
The Characteristics of ‘Gap‐Year’ Students and Their Tertiary Academic Outcomes*
Authors: ROSE BIRCH ELISA , MILLER PAUL W
Published: September 2007

This study examines the determinants of taking a ‘gap‐year’ (the decision to take a year off study between completing high school and commencing university) and the subsequent impact of this decision on marks at university. It finds that the main factors influencing students’ decisions on university deferment are their previous academic achievements, age and location. Students who defer university are found to have higher marks than students who commence university directly after completing high school. This mark advantage is more pronounced among low‐performing students, particularly male students, who are in the lower‐half of the university marks distribution.
THE AUDITORY REGION OF EARLY PALEOCENE PUCADELPHYDAE (MAMMALIA, METATHERIA) FROM TIUPAMPA, BOLIVIA, WITH PHYLOGENETIC IMPLICATIONS
Authors: LADEVÈZE SANDRINE , DE MUIZON CHRISTIAN
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  New petrosal bones, assigned to Pucadelphys and Andinodelphys, from the Lower Paleocene of Tiupampa, Bolivia, are described. These remains provide new information on the anatomy of the ear region of these taxa. The re‐examination of characters from the petrosal and basicranium shed light on the phylogenetic relationships of the three Tiupampan genera known from complete cranial remains (i.e. Mayulestes, Pucadelphys and Andinodelphys). The combination of dental, general cranial and basicranial characters led to two alternative hypotheses. The first is that borhyaenoids (including Mayulestes) are nested within Notometatheria. Pucadelphyds (i.e. Pucadelphys and Andinodelphys) are the sister group of a clade comprising MHNC 8369 (one isolated petrosal from Tiupampa) and Marsupialia. The second favours the paraphyly of ‘borhyaenoids’ (i.e. the exclusion of Mayulestes from borhyaenoids) and the polyphyly of ‘Notometatheria’. In this case, Mayulestes and borhyaenids represent the stem group of a clade including Asiatic, American and Australian metatherians. This analysis of combined datasets (dental, general cranial and basicranial) highlighted contradictory information in the dental and cranial characters, serving to emphasize that in a large anatomical complex like an entire skull mosaic evolution of the characters is likely.
FIRST RECORD OFNILSSONIOPTERIS(GYMNOSPERMOPHYTA, BENNETTITALES) FROM THE CARNIAN (UPPER TRIASSIC) OF LUNZ, LOWER AUSTRIA
Authors: POTT CHRISTIAN , KRINGS MICHAEL , KERP HANS
Published: September 2007

Abstract: The Carnian (Late Triassic) flora of Lunz in Lower Austria is famous for an abundance of well‐preserved bennettitalean and cycadalean foliage and reproductive structures. However, only the fertile remains have been studied in detail to date. Recently completed systematic macromorphological and cuticular analyses of leaf fossils from Lunz revealed that several forms previously accommodated in the genusMacrotaeniopterisdo not represent ferns but rather Bennettitales assignable to the genusNilssoniopteris. We describe three species ofNilssoniopteris, which represent the first records for this genus from Lunz, and one of the earliest accounts ofNilssoniopterisin the Northern Hemisphere. The following new combinations are introduced:Nilssoniopteris haidingeri(Stur ex Krasser, 1909a) comb. nov.,N. angustior(Stur ex Krasser, 1909a) comb. nov. andN. lunzensis(Stur ex Krasser, 1909a) comb. nov. The discovery ofNilssoniopterisfurther substantiates the significance of the Lunz flora as one of the richest and most diverse early Late Triassic floras from the Northern Hemisphere.
MAGNESIUM‐RICH INTRALENSAR STRUCTURES IN SCHIZOCHROAL TRILOBITE EYES
Authors: LEE MARTIN R. , TORNEY CLARE , OWEN ALAN W.
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  The interpretation of the lenses of schizochroal trilobite eyes as aplanatic doublets by Clarkson and Levi‐Setti over 30 years ago has been widely accepted. However, the means of achieving a difference in refractive index across the interface between the two parts of each lens to overcome spherical aberration has remained a matter of speculation and lately it has been argued that the doublet structure itself is no more than a diagenetic artefact. Recent advances in technologies for imaging, chemical analysis and crystallographic characterization of minerals at high spatial resolutions have enabled a re‐examination of the structure of calcite lenses at an unprecedented level of detail. The lenses in the eyes of the specimen of Dalmanites sp. used in the original formulation of the aplanatic doublet hypothesis are shown to have undergone diagenetic alteration, but its products reflect original differences in mineral chemistry between the upper lens unit and lower intralensar bowl. The turbidity of the bowl and of the core within the upper part of the lens are the result of their greater microporosity and abundance of microdolomite inclusions, both of which were products of diagenetic replacement of original magnesian calcite in these areas. Such a difference in magnesium concentration in the original calcite has long been postulated as one of the ways by which the interface between these lens units could have produced an aberration‐free image and the present study provides the first direct evidence of such a chemical contrast, thus confirming the doublet hypothesis.
Gentrification as global habitat: a process of class formation or corporate creation?
Authors: Davidson Mark
Published: September 2007

The relationship between gentrification and globalisation has recently become a significant concern for gentrification scholars. This has involved developing an understanding of how gentrification has become a place‐based strategy of class (re)formation during an era in which globalisation has changed sociological structures and challenged previously established indicators of social distinction. This paper offers an alternative reading of the relationship between gentrification and globalisation through examining the results of a mixed method research project which looked at new‐build gentrification along the River Thames, London, UK. This research finds gentrification not to be distinguished by the gentrifer‐performed practice of habitus within a ‘global context’. Rather, the responsibility for gentrification, and the relationship between globalisation and gentrification, is found to originate with capital actors working within the context of a neoliberal global city. In order to critically conceptualise this form of gentrification, and understand the role of globalisation within the process, the urban theory of Lefebvre is drawn upon.
Thunderclap Headache as Initial Manifestation of Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada Disease
Authors: Cho Jun Hyung , Ahn Jung Yong , Byeon Suk Ho , Huh Ji Soon
Published: September 2007

A 59‐year‐old Asian woman suffered from a TCH followed by sudden, binocular blurred vision, mimicking pituitary apoplexy. The diagnostic workup (including fluorescein angiography, MRI of the brain, and CSF analysis) showed severe optic disc swelling and dye leakage of multiple faint hyperfluorescent spots at retinal pigment epithelium level, diffuse pachymeningeal hypertrophy, and monocytic pleocytosis, respectively. VKH disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with a TCH followed by sudden, bilateral decreased visual acuity.
The Use of Questions to Determine the Presence of Photophobia and Phonophobia During Migraine
Authors: Evans Randolph W. , Seifert Tad , Kailasam Jayasree , Mathew Ninan T.
Published: September 2007

Objective.— To investigate whether the use of more detailed close‐ended questions as part of the routine headache history is helpful when patients initially deny that they are sensitive to light and noise during migraine headaches.

Background.— According to the International Headache Society 2004 criteria, the diagnosis of migraine requires the presence of at least one of the following during a headache: (1) nausea and/or vomiting, (2) photophobia and phonophobia. Evans anecdotally noted that many patients answer the question, “does light or noise bother you during a headache,” with a “no” when the answer is really “yes” if they are asked more detailed close‐ended questions.

Methods.— Consecutive patients fulfilling International Headache Society 2004 criteria for migraine or probable migraine presenting to a headache clinic and a neurology clinic were asked the following questions: “does light bother you during a headache?” If “no,” they were then asked, “during a headache, would you prefer to be in bright sunlight or in a dark room?”“does noise bother you during a headache?” If “no,” they were then asked, “during a headache, would you prefer to be in a room with loud music or in a quiet room?”

Results.— Eighty‐five consecutive patients with migraine or probable migraine were questioned, 71 females (83.5%) and 14 males (16.5%). There was denial of light and sound sensitivity in 24% of patients with routine questioning and then awareness of sensitivity in 93% with the further questioning. A total of 7.1% of the patients were diagnosed with probable migraine. However, if the additional questions were not asked, 8% more of the patients with definite migraine would have been incorrectly diagnosed as probable migraine.

Conclusion.— When patients initially deny light and noise sensitivity during migraine headaches, additional questions should be asked to ensure that their answer is accurate. Not asking the additional questions may result in the over‐diagnosis of probable migraine.
Migraine and Topiramate Induced Dyspnea
Authors: Delpirou‐Nouh Claire , Gelisse Philippe , Chanez Pascal , Carlander Bertrand
Published: September 2007

Topiramate is effective in migraine headache prophylaxis. Pulmonary symptoms are rarely described as adverse effects. We report the case of a 42‐year‐old woman with migraine headaches who developed chronic shortness of breath while taking topiramate.

Our patient experienced hand paresthesiae at a dose of 25 mg daily, and exercise induced dyspnea at doses above 50 mg daily; these symptoms worsened with increasing topiramate doses.

Physical exam and chest x‐ray were normal. Blood gas revealed a metabolic acidosis. Symptoms resolved after discontinuation of topiramate.

Topiramate induces a lowering of blood carbon dioxide, which is usually asymptomatic. This is due to inhibition of carbonic anhydrase at the proximal renal tubule resulting in impaired proximal bicarbonate reabsorption. The decrease in CO2 blood level facilitates the occurrence of metabolic acidosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of topiramate‐induced dyspnea in a patient with migraine headaches.
The Search for Mechanisms of Behavior Change in Evidence‐Based Behavioral Treatments for Alcohol Use Disorders: Overview
Authors: Huebner Robert B. , Tonigan Jeffery Scott
Published: September 2007

Background:  Over the past three decades, the main question of interest to alcohol treatment researchers has concerned the main effects of a particular behavioral intervention or what works. Increasingly, alcohol treatment researchers are turning their attention to the underlying psychological, social, and even neurophysiologic processes or “active ingredients” that are driving therapeutic change.

Method:  The articles contained in this supplement to Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research grew out of invited presentations given at a one‐day satellite session immediately preceding the 28th Annual Meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism (RSA). The conference was a collaborative effort of the Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addiction at the University of New Mexico, the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, Brown University, and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health.

Results:  The conference featured a mix of full‐length presentations on conceptual and methodological issues, reports of original research findings, and lively discussion among speakers and conference participants. Understanding mechanisms of behavior change will benefit the field by identifying the key aspects of therapy that must be present for maximum effect, irrespective of the specific technique being applied; provide a new way to approach patient–treatment interactions; and lay the groundwork for understanding how change is affected by social and other extratreatment factors.

Conclusions:  Although not a new topic to the field, understanding mechanisms of behavior change has begun to capture the interest of an increasing number of alcohol treatment researchers. Understanding behavior change is an exceedingly complex enterprise and innovative thinking and creative research designs will be required to advance the field.
Mechanisms, Determinants and Processes of Change in the Modification of Drinking Behavior
Authors: DiClemente Carlo C.
Published: September 2007

Background:  This article explores the conceptual foundations of the search for mechanisms of change in psychotherapy and behavior change approaches.

Method:  We examine historical and recent attempts to identify mechanisms and discuss results of research studies that examine the modification of drinking and other behaviors. Finally, we describe potential mechanisms of change and offer direction for the future of research.

Results:  A series of key questions is addressed. The first critical question is, Where are the appropriate places to look for mechanisms of change in the modification of drinking behavior: person, provider, intervention, or environment? The second questions what we know about change mechanisms from recent research. The third addresses the appropriate methods and designs to isolate and understand these mechanisms. The final question is, How should we proceed to advance our understanding of the critical mechanisms that drive the process of the modifying drinking and recovery from alcoholism?

Conclusions:  We propose a dynamic, life course and an interactive, multidimensional perspective that focuses on personal mechanisms of change and how they interact with interventions, providers, policies, and other life context factors that facilitate or act as barriers to engaging these mechanisms of change.
A Role for Spiritual Change in the Benefits of 12‐Step Involvement
Authors: Zemore Sarah E.
Published: September 2007

Background:  Emerging evidence implies a role for spirituality in recovery from substance abuse. The current study examines the hypothesis that spiritual change helps mediate (or explain) effects for involvement in 12‐step groups on recovery outcomes among substance‐abusing populations.

Methods:  Participants (baseline N = 733) received treatment at 1 of 5 day hospital and 7 residential substance abuse treatment programs in California. Assessments included a baseline interview and 1‐year follow‐up; analyses incorporated regressions informed by Baron and Kenny (1986) and Sobel’s (1982) test. To assess spirituality, measures included (1) the Religious Background and Behaviors scale and (2) an item assessing whether or not participants had had a spiritual awakening through their involvement with 12‐step groups.

Results:  Results confirmed the hypothesis. Increases in 12‐step involvement from baseline to follow‐up predicted higher odds of total abstinence at follow‐up, and this relationship was partially explained by increases in spirituality. Results held in multivariate analyses and regardless of which spirituality measure was analyzed.

Conclusions:  The present study provides further evidence that spiritual change contributes to recovery, at least within the context of 12‐step involvement. The study also deepens our understanding of how 12‐step involvement works.
Extracranial Vertebral Artery Intervention
Authors: MUKHERJEE DEBABRATA , PINEDA GUILLERMO
Published: September 2007

Atherosclerosis is the commonest cause of vertebral artery stenosis and has a predilection for the origin and proximal section of the extracranial portion of the vessel and also the intracranial portion of the vessel. Although it has generally been thought that extracranial vertebral artery (ECVA) disease has a more benign outcome compared to intracranial vertebral artery disease, significant occlusive disease of the proximal vertebral artery is the primary cause of vertebral artery ischemia in a significant proportion of patients. We focus on the interventional management of patients with proximal ECVA disease in this article.
Defect Chemistry of Undoped and Acceptor‐Doped BaPbO3
Authors: Lu Yu‐Dong , Wang Xin , Zhuang Zhi‐Qiang , Liu Bao‐Ling
Published: September 2007

The equilibrium defect chemistry of polycrystalline, undoped, and acceptor‐doped BaPbO3 was studied by measurement of the equilibrium electrical conductivity as a function of temperature, 800°–900°C, and oxygen activity, 10−18–1 atm. Both equilibrium electrical conductivity data of undoped and acceptor‐doped samples were quantitatively fit to a defect model involving only doubly ionized oxygen vacancies, lead vacancies, holes, and acceptor impurities. The results in low and midrange of oxygen activity are dominated by acceptor impurities, whether deliberately added or not. Only in the highly oxidized condition is the conductivity independent of impurity content, confirming that this region represents the intrinsic behavior of BaPbO3.
Abnormal Grain Growth and New Core–Shell Structure in (K,Na)NbO3‐Based Lead‐Free Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Zhen Yuhua , Li Jing‐Feng
Published: September 2007

A unique core–shell structure was observed in coarse grains in (K,Na)NbO3 (KNN)‐based lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics. It is morphologically different from the chemical inhomogeneity‐induced core–shell grain structure reported previously in BaTiO3‐based ceramics. The core region is composed of highly parallel nanosized subgrains, whereas the shell region consists of larger‐sized but similar self‐assembled subgrains. The electron‐backscattered diffraction analysis and selected area electron diffraction pattern confirmed that coarse grains with a core–shell structure were single‐crystalline‐like grains. The formation process of such coarse grains was then discussed based on mesocrystal growth along with the classical theory of grain growth. The two studied KNN‐based systems showed a similar grain growth transformation: from self‐assembled aggregation clusters with nanosized subgrains to a typical core–shell grain structure when the sintering temperature was increased only by a range of 10°–20°C. The volatilized alkali metal oxides and liquid phase were supposed to accelerate such grain growth transformation. When abnormal grown grains with a core–shell structure occurred, both systems showed the highest densities and dielectric constants along with the lowest dielectric losses, while their piezoelectric properties tended to decline.