bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FAK Pathway Regulates PGE2 Production in Compressed Periodontal Ligament Cells
Authors: Kang Y.-G. , Nam J.-H. , Kim K.-H. , Lee K.-S.
Published: October 2010

This study examined the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as a mechanoreceptor in human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells. hPDL cells were obtained from premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes. Mechanical stress was applied in a compressive manner (2 g/cm2) for various time durations (0.5, 2, 6, 24, 48 hrs) with or without a knockdown treatment for FAK. Compressive stimulation increased the level of phosphorylated FAK and prostaglandin E2 production. The FAK-knockdown cells showed significantly lower prostaglandin E2 levels than the control cells. Furthermore, compressive stress up-regulated cyclo-oxygenase-2 mRNA, whereas there were no changes observed in the FAK-knockdown cells. These results suggest that FAK regulates the production of prostaglandin E2 via the transcriptional regulation of COX-2 mRNA in compressive stimulated PDL cells. The FAK-integrin complex plays a role in mechanoreception and mechanotransduction in hPDL cells.
Recent Advances and Developments in Composite Dental Restorative Materials
Authors: Cramer N.B. , Stansbury J.W. , Bowman C.N.
Published: October 2010

Composite dental restorations represent a unique class of biomaterials with severe restrictions on biocompatibility, curing behavior, esthetics, and ultimate material properties. These materials are presently limited by shrinkage and polymerization-induced shrinkage stress, limited toughness, the presence of unreacted monomer that remains following the polymerization, and several other factors. Fortunately, these materials have been the focus of a great deal of research in recent years with the goal of improving restoration performance by changing the initiation system, monomers, and fillers and their coupling agents, and by developing novel polymerization strategies. Here, we review the general characteristics of the polymerization reaction and recent approaches that have been taken to improve composite restorative performance.
Estimating a Preference-Based Index for a 5-Dimensional Health State Classification for Asthma Derived from the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire
Authors: Yang Yaling , Brazier John E. , Tsuchiya Aki , Young Tracey A.
Published: October 2010

Background: This article presents a valuation study to estimate a preference-based index for a 5-dimensional health state classification for asthma (AQL-5D) derived from the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Methods: A sample of 307 members of the UK general population valued 99 asthma health states selected from the AQL-5D using the time tradeoff technique. Models were estimated to predict all possible 3125 health states defined by the AQL-5D, and the models were compared in terms of their ability to predict mean values for the 99 states. Results: Mean health state values ranged from 0.39 to 0.94 based on an average of 22 valuations per state. A main effects model estimated on mean health state values and adjusted for consistency had the best predictive ability (mean absolute error of 0.047 and only 9/98 states with errors >0.1) and the most logical consistency with levels of the AQL-5D. The low number of valuations per state may have resulted in unreliable estimates for the models. Preference-based condition specific measures are limited in their ability to make cross-disease comparisons. Conclusion: This is the first study to derive a condition-specific preference-based measure from an existing measure of health-related quality of life in asthma for use in economic evaluation.
Estimation of a Preference-Based Carer Experience Scale
Authors: Al-Janabi Hareth , Flynn Terry N. , Coast Joanna
Published: October 2010

Background. There is growing interest in incorporating the effects of interventions on unpaid carers in economic evaluation. Current methods focus on using health measures (which neglect important aspects of care-related quality of life) or using carer-specific sum score measures (which are not preference based). Objective. To estimate preference-based index values for a profile measure of the caring experience (the Carer Experience Scale). Methods. Eighteen profiles from the Carer Experience Scale were included in a best-worst scaling experiment. In each profile, respondents were asked to pick the best and worst attribute level from the profiles. The choice task was completed in a postal questionnaire by 162 unpaid carers of older people from 5 geographical locations in the United Kingdom. Logistic regression was used to estimate utility weights for the attribute levels of the Carer Experience Scale. Alternative modeling assumptions were employed to determine the stability of the parameter estimates. These parameter estimates were rescaled so that the profile index values for the Carer Experience Scale lay on a 0-to-100 scale. Results. The results indicate that low levels of “activities” and “getting on” result in larger decrements to utility than other attributes of the caring experience. In general, greater value is placed on differences between the bottom and middle levels of attributes than between the middle and top levels. Alternative modeling approaches had a negligible effect on the index values. Conclusion. The index values reported in this study offer a new preference-based approach to incorporating the effects on carers in economic evaluation, focusing on care (rather than health)–related quality of life.
From passive revolution to silent revolution: Class forces and the production of state, space and scale in modern Mexico
Authors: Hesketh Chris
Published: October 2010

This article draws on Antonio Gramsci’s key concepts of passive revolution and hegemony to explore how specific scalar and spatial configurations have been historically produced in Mexico, within the conditions of worldwide capitalist development. It argues that passive revolution—understood as the state-led reorganisation of social relations that seeks to maintain or restore class domination—can be seen as a recurring theme of Mexican history in the 20th century. In order to make this case, the author examines the Mexican Revolution and elaborates the case for labelling it as a ‘passive revolution’. Following this, the contradictory character of Mexico’s development trajectory is explored, and the resulting restructuring of the economy along neoliberal lines is interpreted as a second phase of passive revolution. Through an analysis of changing state formation and the spaces and scales associated with it, the article thereby highlights the key antinomies of capitalist development that have augured the recurrence of passive revolutions.
Labour and the state in China’s passive revolution
Authors: Gray Kevin
Published: October 2010

This article begins by engaging with some recent attempts to bring the study of the agency of labour into analyses of global capitalism, and argues that these approaches fail to capture the ways in which labour movements impact upon state strategies and, in turn, how this affects the spatial and temporal nature of global capitalist restructuring. Through adopting Antonio Gramsci’s concept of passive revolution, the article shows that whilst China has witnessed a significant degree of spontaneous and unorganised labour unrest, the state has been highly active in seeking to forestall the emergence of a politically conscious organised labour movement in ways that have important implications for the mode of China’s insertion into the international division of labour. In accordance with Gramsci’s framework, this ‘revolution from above’ should be understood within the framework and the specificity of the international states system. Labour struggles, class formation and the role of the state in these processes are conditioned both by geopolitical rivalry and by the demonstrative effects of earlier cases of successful industrialisation, as well as by examples of resultant labour struggles.
From Intuition to Data: Using Logic Models to Measure Professional Development Outcomes for Educators Working With Students on the Autism Spectrum
Authors: Bellini Scott , Henry Daniel , Pratt Cathy
Published: October 2010

Given the substantial increase in the numbers of students identified with an autism spectrum disorder, it is imperative that effective training for classroom teachers, administrators, and other support staff be undertaken to increase the capacity within schools to effectively educate these students. Although many professional development programs exist, the outcomes of these programs are seldom evaluated. This article discusses the benefits of using a logic model framework to develop and measure the outcomes of professional development programs. The article discusses two main types of goals that need to be developed and included in such evaluations: (a) knowledge, awareness, and perception goals and (b) action goals. This article presents detailed information about the use of logic models in training program evaluations and gives examples of how program elements can be planned, presented, and evaluated in light of the utility of logic models.
Updates on the Genetics of Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Tsuang Debby W. , Jayadev Suman , Bird Thomas D.
Published: October 2010

Since the publication in 1998 of the last special issue of JGPN on the genetics of dementia, we have witnessed the completion of the Human Genome Project and an exponential increase in the identification of causative genes in human diseases. This special issue revisits the 6 neurodegenerative disorders described in that issue, offering important updates to the genetic findings for these disorders that together comprise the most common causes of dementia among elderly people. It is critical for practicing neurologists, psychiatrists, and geriatricians to keep abreast of these advances as they will impact the clinical diagnosis and management of these disorders. The reviews in this issue have been written by an outstanding group of international experts who provide a clear and insightful update on the molecular genetic advances and genetic counseling principles for each disorder.
Towards a new definition of professionalism for college leaders: a Scottish perspective
Authors: Lowe Janet , Gayle Vernon
Published: October 2010

In 1993, colleges in Scotland became independent corporate bodies, funded directly by central government. This article is a review of the evolution of college management practice within the context of the political reform of the public services and recent educational policy developments in Scotland. It is an analysis of a complex and continuous process of structural and political change that has revolutionised the role of college leaders. Public and political interest in moving towards ‘world class’ institutions has created a context for a new discourse of professionalism in the leadership and management of colleges. In this article we present a new and more comprehensive definition of professionalism, which offers a sharp contrast with the older public service ethic and with the simple rhetoric of managerialism. It is proposed that professionalism in further education management should, in future, be defined in terms of four inter-related dimensions. It is further suggested that the concept of professionality should be embraced, emphasising the ability to create a value base and an institutional culture which locates management, not above and in isolation from other staff, but as part of a network of professional expertise that has, at its core, a focus upon the complexity of the needs, values and expectations of lifelong learners.
Is the process of special measures an effective tool for bringing about authentic school improvement?
Authors: Willis Lynne
Published: October 2010

Managing change in education is a complex process, but to do so under the pressure of a punishment-based measurement system (Fullan, 2008) makes sustainable and meaningful change increasingly difficult. Systems which produce high stakes accountability measures, which bring with it sanctions that create a greater sense of distrust, demoralization and anxiety (Myers and Goldstein, 1998), may be popular with policy makers influenced by the wider, global agendas (Bottery, 2001), but do little to support schools in challenging circumstances trying to bring about meaningful change. This article explores the wider issues surrounding the policy makers’ decisions to create more centrally controlled monitoring systems through considering the experiences of three primary school Head teachers who have endured the ‘pain’ of special measures. The article considers the best way forward for the future of authentic school improvement.
Tracing the Tenets of Fourth Generation Warfare in Terrorist and Insurgent Groups
Authors: Priyedarshi Vinita
Published: October 2010

One of the dominant theories of international politics, the theory of Fourth Generation Warfare (4GW), postulates that warfare in modern era has changed and its principle are very different from the features of conventional warfare which the states so far has been engaged in. The literatures produced by the terrorists (like Abu Musab al Suri’s ‘Call for a Global Islamic Resistance’) have shown that the terrorists are fast adopting the tenets propounded by the theory of 4GW in an attempt to build a ‘global jihad’. This article tries to trace the adherence of the tenets of 4GW by the terrorists and insurgent groups, focussing on the functioning and organisation of al Qaeda with the intention of suggesting that the state forces needs to reorient their strategies to fight this new mode of asymmetric warfare in the light of new principles governing Fourth Generation Warfare. The article argues that terrorists have been far more innovative and adaptive in adopting the tenets of 4GW and if the state forces (particularly Indian forces) fail to take the hint from the terrorists and the insurgents, the victory is likely to elude them in the near future.
An ANZAC1-Indo-Russian Alliance?
Authors: Bolton Kerry R.
Published: October 2010

Since the implosion of the Soviet bloc, a ‘unipolar’ world has emerged around the USA, challenged by an Islamic bloc. The USA takes advantage of this Islamic opposition to vigorously pursue its world policies in the name of ‘the war on terrorism’ this being the guise by which President George H.W. Bush announced the intention of leading the United Nations into a ‘new world order’. Russia and China have attempted to confront this mono-polar post-Cold War situation by forming a pact between each other and bordering states, the Central Asia and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. This holds out the prospect of a Eurasian bloc to confront the world hegemony of the USA, which seeks to draw to it the European Union and return Europe to the subordinate role she played vis-é-vis the USA during the Cold War, pushed into coming under the US orbit by the fear of Warsaw Pact invasion.

It is by no means clear that the USA has a long-range commitment to containing China, despite its anti-China lobby. There has for decades existed a pro-China lobby, including some of the USA’s leading political and business figures, one of whose public manifestations is the Trilateral Commission created by David Rockefeller. These ‘Trilateralists’, et al. see the creation of regional blocs as the prelude to a ‘new world order’, and one such bloc is envisaged as being that of an Asian economic community along similar lines to that of the European Union. The expanding economic, military and diplomatic influence of China and the recent emergence of India as a rival power in Asia have wide geopolitical implications that involve Russia. Between these powers and the possibility of military confrontation over water resources, the traditionally ‘Western’ societies of Australia and New Zealand have placed their futures in a China-dominated Asian bloc, in the belief that their export-driven economies can only thrive in such a vast market.

This article proposes a radical new alliance away from a China-dominated Asia and towards an Indo-Russian orientation.

The methodology, including points of difference, is inspired by Professor Alexander Dugin’s ‘Eurasian’ geopolitical paradigm.
Clinical and Economic Impact of Clinical Pharmacy Service on Hyperlipidemic Management in Hong Kong
Authors: Chung Jennifer S. T. , Lee Kenneth K. C. , Tomlinson Brian , Lee Vivian W. Y.
Published: October 2010

Objective: To assess the clinical and economic outcomes of a clinical pharmacy service (CPS) in dyslipidemic management. Method: This was a 24-month prospective controlled trial conducted at the lipid clinic of a public hospital in Hong Kong. In the intervention group, a clinical pharmacist assessed low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and provided recommendations in accordance to the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) guidelines. Medication compliance and the proper use of drugs were assessed. Education on healthy lifestyles was reinforced. Monthly telephone follow-ups were made to check on the progress of patients. In the control group, patients received usual medical care with no pharmacist intervention. Primary outcome was the percentage of patients achieving the ATP III LDL-C goal at the end of study. The estimated cost of such service was also evaluated. Results: A total of 300 patients were recruited into the study (150 in intervention group and 150 in control group). In the intervention group, 58.7% patients achieved LDL-C goals compared with 45.3% in the control group (P < .05). The intervention group achieved 26.4%, 17.4%, and 30.0% mean reduction in LDL-C, total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG) levels, respectively, compared with 12.6%, 6.6%, and 11.5% in the control group (P < .05). The estimated cost for this clinical service was US$385/month for a total of 600 dyslipidemic patients seen per year. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate the positive impact CPS can have on achieving treatment goals in lipid management. Similar services for other problematic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus may also be benefited by similar CPSs.
Review: Antiplatelet Therapy in Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Aragam Krishna G. , Bhatt Deepak L.
Published: October 2010

Antiplatelet therapy is integral to the acute and long-term management of acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) and for minimizing the thrombotic complications of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This article reviews the most commonly used antiplatelet agents in ACS therapy—aspirin, adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-receptor blockers, and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. More recent data are also reviewed on novel ADP-receptor blockers and thrombin inhibitors before addressing issues of adherence to antiplatelet regimens.
Sensitivity and specificity of the ankle—brachial index to diagnose peripheral artery disease: a structured review
Authors: Dachun Xu  , Jue Li  , Liling Zou  , Yawei Xu  , Dayi Hu  , Pagoto Sherry L , Yunsheng Ma
Published: October 2010

The ankle—brachial index (ABI) is a simple, inexpensive diagnostic test for peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, it has shown variable accuracy for identification of significant stenosis. The authors performed a structured review of the sensitivity and specificity of ABI ≤ 0.90 for the diagnosis of PAD. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane databases, Science Citation Index database, and Biological Abstracts database were searched for studies of the sensitivity and specificity of using ABI ≤ 0.90 for the diagnosis of PAD. Eight studies comprising 2043 patients (or limbs) met the inclusion criteria. The result indicated that, although strict inclusion criteria on studies were formulated, different reference standards were found in these studies, and methods of ABI determination and characteristics of populations varied greatly. A high level of specificity (83.3—99.0%) and accuracy (72.1—89.2%) was reported for an ABI ≤ 0.90 in detecting ≥ 50% stenosis, but there were different levels of sensitivity (15—79%). Sensitivity was low, especially in elderly individuals and patients with diabetes. In conclusion, the test of ABI ≤ 0.90 can be a simple and useful tool to identify PAD with serious stenosis, and may be substituted for other non-invasive tests in clinical practice.
Cholinergic activation of hematopoietic stem cells: role in tobacco-related disease?
Authors: Chang Edwin , Forsberg E. Camilla , Wu Jenny , Bingyin Wang  , Prohaska Susan S , Allsopp Rich , Weissman Irving L , Cooke John P
Published: October 2010

Tobacco use is associated with an increase in the white blood cell (WBC) count. This association has been attributed to bronchopulmonary inflammation and/or infection. It is not known if nicotine itself may play a role. The objective of this study was to determine whether nicotine itself could affect the WBC count, and to determine whether this was due to a direct effect on hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). C57Bl6J mice received nicotine orally, and measurements of the WBC count, bone marrow and spleen cellularity, and HSC count were made. To determine the functionality of HSCs, irradiated animals received bone marrow transplants from vehicle or nicotine-treated mice. Nicotine increased leukocytes in the peripheral blood, bone marrow and spleen. The peripheral red cell and platelet count were unaffected. Nicotine increased the frequency of HSC in the bone marrow. Isolated long-term HSCs from nicotine-treated mice transplanted into irradiated mice regenerated all hematopoietic cell lineages, demonstrating the functional competence of those HSCs. HSCs expressed nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), as documented by FITC-conjugated alpha-bungarotoxin binding. Nicotine increased soluble Kit ligand, consistent with stem cell activation. In conclusion, the data suggest a new mechanism for the increased WBC associated with tobacco use. The effect of nicotine to activate hematopoiesis may contribute to tobacco-related diseases.
Mesenteric venous thrombosis
Authors: Harnik Ian G , Brandt Lawrence J
Published: October 2010

First differentiated from arterial causes of acute mesenteric ischemia 75 years ago, acute mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) is an uncommon disorder with non-specific signs and symptoms, the diagnosis of which requires a high index of suspicion. The location, extent, and rapidity of thrombus formation determine whether intestinal infarction ensues. Etiologies, when identified, usually can be separated into local intra-abdominal factors and inherited or acquired hypercoagulable states. The diagnosis is most often made by contrast-enhanced computed tomography, though angiography and exploratory surgery still have important diagnostic as well as therapeutic roles. Anticoagulation prevents clot propagation and is associated with decreased recurrence and mortality. Thrombectomy and thrombolysis may preserve questionably viable bowel and should be considered under certain circumstances. Evidence of infarction mandates surgery and resection whenever feasible. Although its mortality rate has fallen over time, acute MVT remains a life-threatening condition requiring rapid diagnosis and aggressive management. Chronic MVT may manifest with complications of portal hypertension or may be diagnosed incidentally by noninvasive imaging. Management of chronic MVT is directed against variceal hemorrhage and includes anticoagulation when appropriate; mortality is largely dependent on the underlying risk factor.
Polymorphisms of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 gene and peripheral artery disease
Authors: Bahadori Babak , Uitz Elisabeth , Mayer Andreas , Harauer Jürgen , Dam Karl , Truschnig-Wilders Martini , Pilger Ernst , Renner Wilfried
Published: October 2010

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1) is a key regulator of angiogenesis and is involved in inflammation, which are two important features of the pathogenesis of peripheral artery disease (PAD). The gene for the HIF1-alpha subunit ( HIF1A) carries two common mis-sense mutations, P582S (C>T, rs11549465) and A588T (G>A, rs11549467), which both have been related to increased trans-activation capacity of HIF1-alpha. The aim of the present study was to analyze the role of these polymorphisms in PAD. The study was designed as a case-control study including 917 patients with documented PAD and 969 control subjects. HIF1A genotypes were determined by exonuclease (TaqMan) assays. HIF1A P582S genotype frequencies were not significantly different between PAD patients (PP 82.2%; PS 16.5%; SS 1.3%) and control subjects (83.2%; 15.3%; 1.5%; p = 0.72). Similarly, HIF1A A588T genotype frequencies did not differ significantly between PAD patients (AA 95.9%; AT 4.1%) and control subjects (AA 96.8%; AT 3.2%; p = 0.28). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis including age, sex, smoking, diabetes, arterial hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, neither the HIF1A P582S polymorphism (odds ratio: 1.26; 95% confidence interval 0.92—1.74; p = 0.16) nor the A588T polymorphism (odds ratio: 1.17; 95% confidence interval 0.59—2.35; p = 0.66) was significantly associated with the presence of PAD. Both polymorphisms were furthermore not associated with age at onset of PAD, Fontaine stage of the disease or the ankle/brachial index of patients. We conclude that functional polymorphisms in the HIF1A gene do not contribute to susceptibility to PAD.
Fibrinolysis for acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Piazza Gregory , Goldhaber Samuel Z
Published: October 2010

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) presents as a constellation of clinical syndromes with a variety of prognostic implications. Patients with acute PE who have normal systemic arterial blood pressure and no evidence of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction have an excellent prognosis with therapeutic anticoagulation alone. Normotensive acute PE patients with evidence of RV dysfunction are categorized as having submassive PE and comprise a population at intermediate risk for adverse events and early mortality. Patients with massive PE present with syncope, systemic arterial hypotension, cardiogenic shock, or cardiac arrest and have the highest risk for short-term mortality and adverse events. The majority of deaths from acute PE are due to RV pressure overload and subsequent RV failure. The goal of fibrinolysis in acute PE is to rapidly reduce RV afterload and avert impending hemodynamic collapse and death. Although generally considered to be a life-saving intervention in massive PE, fibrinolysis remains controversial for submassive PE. Successful administration of fibrinolytic therapy requires weighing benefit versus risk. Major bleeding, in particular intracranial hemorrhage, is the most feared complication of fibrinolysis. Alternatives to fibrinolysis for acute PE, including surgical embolectomy, catheter-assisted embolectomy, and inferior vena cava (IVC) filter insertion, should be considered when contraindications exist or when patients have failed to respond to an initial trial of fibrinolytic therapy. Patients with massive and submassive PE may be best served by rapid triage to specialized centers with experience in the administration of fibrinolytic therapy and the capacity to offer alternative advanced therapies such as surgical and catheter-assisted embolectomy.
Socio-Dramatic Affective-Relational Intervention for Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome & High Functioning Autism: Pilot Study
Authors: Lerner Matthew D. , Mikami Amori Yee , Levine Karen
Published: October 2010

This study examined the effectiveness of a novel intervention called ‘socio-dramatic affective-relational intervention’ (SDARI), intended to improve social skills among adolescents with Asperger syndrome and high functioning autism diagnoses. SDARI adapts dramatic training activities to focus on in vivo practice of areas of social skill deficit among this population. SDARI was administered as a six-week summer program in a community human service agency. Nine SDARI participants and eight age- and diagnosis-group matched adolescents not receiving SDARI were compared on child- and parent-report of social functioning at three week intervals beginning six weeks prior to intervention and ending six weeks post-intervention. Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) was used to estimate growth trends between groups to assess treatment outcomes and post-treatment maintenance. Results indicated significant improvement and post-treatment maintenance among SDARI participants on several measures of child social functioning. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
The social interactive behaviour of young children with autism spectrum disorder and their mothers
Authors: Meirsschaut Mieke , Roeyers Herbert , Warreyn Petra
Published: October 2010

In this study the social behaviour of young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their mothers is compared within two different dyads: a dyad consisting of a mother and her own child and a dyad consisting of a mother and an unfamiliar child. Mothers did not change the frequency of their social initiatives and responsiveness with an unfamiliar child, but they became less directive than with their own child. Children with ASD did not show significantly better social behaviour with their own mother than with an unfamiliar mother. The results suggest that the social behaviour of a child with autism is not significantly enhanced by the familiarity of the social partner, but rather by the partner’s autism-adapted interaction style. Clinical implications of these findings have been discussed.
Self-referenced processing, neurodevelopment and joint attention in autism
Authors: Mundy Peter , Gwaltney Mary , Henderson Heather
Published: October 2010

This article describes a parallel and distributed processing model (PDPM) of joint attention, self-referenced processing and autism. According to this model, autism involves early impairments in the capacity for rapid, integrated processing of self-referenced (proprioceptive and interoceptive) and other-referenced (exteroceptive) information. Measures of joint attention have proven useful in research on autism because they are sensitive to the early development of the ‘parallel’ and integrated processing of self- and other-referenced stimuli. Moreover, joint attention behaviors are a consequence, but also an organizer of the functional development of a distal distributed cortical system involving anterior networks including the prefrontal and insula cortices, as well as posterior neural networks including the temporal and parietal cortices. Measures of joint attention provide early behavioral indicators of atypical development in this parallel and distributed processing system in autism. In addition it is proposed that an early, chronic disturbance in the capacity for integrating self- and other-referenced information may have cascading effects on the development of self awareness in autism. The assumptions, empirical support and future research implications of this model are discussed.
Early symptoms and recognition of pervasive developmental disorders in Germany
Authors: Noterdaeme Michele , Hutzelmeyer-Nickels Anna
Published: October 2010

Pervasive developmental disorders are characterised by the presence of abnormalities in social interaction and communication as well as repetitive patterns of behaviours. Although early symptoms of the disorder often appear during the first two years of life, its diagnosis is often delayed. The purpose of this study is to analyse the delay between age at first symptoms and age at diagnosis as well as the characteristics of the first symptoms for the different subcategories of pervasive developmental disorders. The sample consists of 601 children with a diagnosis of a pervasive developmental disorder. Age at first symptoms, age at diagnosis and the type of the first problems are registered. The results show that children with autism show first symptoms at a mean age of 15 months whereas diagnosis is made at a mean age of 76 months. Children with Asperger’s syndrome show first symptoms at a mean age of 26 months, while diagnosis is made at the mean age of 110 months. There is still a large delay between the age at which parents first report first symptoms and age at diagnosis. To improve early detection, systematic screening and training of primary care paediatricians should be implemented.
Recognizing faces based on inferred traits in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Ramachandran Rajani , Mitchell Peter , Ropar Danielle
Published: October 2010

Recent findings indicate that individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) could, surprisingly, infer traits from behavioural descriptions. Now we need to know whether or not individuals with ASD are able to use trait information to identify people by their faces. In this study participants with and without ASD were presented with pairs of faces each accompanied by a sentence. One sentence allowed a trait to be inferred (e.g. ‘This is Ross who smiled and said hello to everyone at the party.’) and one allowed a fact to be inferred (e.g. ‘This is Ben who has to bend down to enter most doors.’). Subsequently, the same face stimuli were presented with a single descriptive trait, fact or name cue (e.g. friendly or tall and Ross or Ben respectively in the above examples). Participants had to choose which of the faces best related to the cue word. Participants with ASD performed surprisingly well in associating traits, facts, and names to the appropriate person significantly above what would be expected by chance. Indeed, they performed as well as participants without ASD.
A comparison of a specialist autism spectrum disorder assessment team with local assessment teams
Authors: Mcclure Iain , Mackay Tommy , Mamdani Haider , Mccaughey Roslyn
Published: October 2010

Background: Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is of crucial importance, but lengthy delays are common. We examined whether this issue could be reliably addressed by local teams trained by a specialist ASD assessment team. Method: Four local teams were trained in diagnostic assessment. Their assessments of 38 children and young people using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule—Generic (ADOS-G) were video recorded and independently assessed by the specialist team. Results: There was a high level of correspondence between the diagnoses of the local teams and of the specialist team. The number of assessments carried out increased and there was a considerable reduction in waiting times. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated the potential feasibility of creating local, multi-agency ASD assessment teams, which will serve to reduce waiting times, improve clinical skills at a lower level of specialism and thereby improve the overall quality of ASD services.
Narrowing the broader autism phenotype
Authors: Whitehouse Andrew J.O. , Coon Hilary , Miller Judith , Salisbury Bryanna , Bishop Dorothy V.M.
Published: October 2010

This study investigated whether the Communication Checklist — Adult (CC-A) could identify subtypes of social and communication dysfunction in autism probands and their parents. The CC-A is divided into subscales measuring linguistic ability as well as two aspects of social communication: the Pragmatic Skills subscale assesses the level of pragmatic oddities (e.g. excessive talking), while the Social Engagement subscale picks up on those behaviours that reflect a more passive communication style (e.g. failure to engage in social interactions). CC-A data were collected for 69 autism probands, 238 parents of autism probands and 187 typical participants. The CC-A proved sensitive to the communication difficulties of autism probands and a proportion of their parents. The majority of parents who demonstrated the broader phenotype scored poorly on either the Pragmatic Skills or Social Engagement scale only. The Social Engagement scale was particularly sensitive to the difficulties of the parents, indicating that social-communicative passivity may be an important part of the broader autism phenotype. The findings provide evidence for the existence of more constrained pragmatic phenotypes in autism. Molecular genetic studies in this area may benefit from stratifying samples according to these phenotypes.
Inpatient Heart Failure Specialty Units
Authors: Azarbal Babak , Hamilton Michele
Published: October 2010

Congestive heart failure is a major public health challenge and a leading cause of hospitalization in the United States. Despite major recent advances in the treatment of this condition, morbidity and mortality rates remain unacceptably high, and readmission rates can approach 50% at 6 months. Rehospitalization rates associated with this condition pose a significant economic burden on the health care budget. The main purpose of this article is to address how utilization of multidisciplinary heart failure units for the treatment of acute heart failure can lead to optimization of health care delivery for this condition, improved clinical outcomes, decreased rehospitalization rates, and reduced health care costs. We will explore the societal impact of heart failure and economic burden of this condition, with special focus on the impact of acutely hospitalized heart failure patients. Shortcomings and windfalls in the delivery of health care for this condition will be addressed. The multiple components of care essential to successful treatment of heart failure will be discussed. The article will then discuss how development of a formal multidisciplinary inpatient heart failure disease management program will consolidate and centralize all these various components and provide for optimal delivery of health care for this condition.
Implementation of a Safe Glycemic Control Protocol in Hospitalized Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Balfe David
Published: October 2010

Implementation of tight glycemic control in hospitalized ICU patients presents a significant health care challenge. Many patients are involved, and implementation of tight glycemic control uses many hours of critical care nursing time. The current literature provides little practical guidance, older literature offers examples of tight glycemic control protocols, and the more recent NICE-SUGAR study involved the use of a computer-driven algorithm. This article provides the critical care physician direction for the organization of blood glucose control in the ICU. Discussion of an effective, safe, and user-friendly algorithm for intravenous insulin administration is presented, and safety considerations are discussed.
Self-Control at High and Low Levels of Mental Construal
Authors: Schmeichel Brandon J. , Vohs Kathleen D. , Duke S. Cristina
Published: October 2010

The present experiment tested the hypothesis that low-level construals—a known contributor to self-control failure—can improve self-control under some circumstances. In support of this hypothesis, the authors found evidence that low-level construals (relative to high-level construals) improve performance on a measure of response inhibition that requires close attention and responsiveness to the immediate environment—the stop signal task (SST). They also found evidence, consistent with previous research, that high-level construals (relative to low-level construals) improve performance on a modified version of the SST (i.e., the delay SST) that requires both response inhibition and goal maintenance in working memory. These results suggest that, depending on the nature of the task, either low-level construals or high-level construals can enhance self-control.
DiffCoEx: a simple and sensitive method to find differentially coexpressed gene modules
Authors: Tesson Bruno M , Breitling Rainer , Jansen Ritsert C
Published: October 2010

Background

Large microarray datasets have enabled gene regulation to be studied through coexpression analysis. While numerous methods have been developed for identifying differentially expressed genes between two conditions, the field of differential coexpression analysis is still relatively new. More specifically, there is so far no sensitive and untargeted method to identify gene modules (also known as gene sets or clusters) that are differentially coexpressed between two conditions. Here, sensitive and untargeted means that the method should be able to constructde novomodules by grouping genes based on shared, but subtle, differential correlation patterns.

Results

We present DiffCoEx, a novel method for identifying correlation pattern changes, which builds on the commonly used Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis (WGCNA) framework for coexpression analysis. We demonstrate its usefulness by identifying biologically relevant, differentially coexpressed modules in a rat cancer dataset.

Conclusions

DiffCoEx is a simple and sensitive method to identify gene coexpression differences between multiple conditions.
(Not) Keeping the stem straight: a proteomic analysis of maritime pine seedlings undergoing phototropism and gravitropism
Authors: Herrera Raul , Krier Catherine , Lalanne Celine , Ba ElHadji Maodo , Stokes Alexia , Salin Franck , Fourcaud Thierry , Claverol Stéphane , Plomion Christophe
Published: October 2010

Background

Plants are subjected to continuous stimuli from the environment and have evolved an ability to respond through various growth and development processes. Phototropism and gravitropism responses enable the plant to reorient with regard to light and gravity.

Results

We quantified the speed of maritime pine seedlings to reorient with regard to light and gravity over 22 days. Seedlings were inclined at 15, 30 and 45 degrees with vertical plants as controls. A lateral light source illuminated the plants and stem movement over time was recorded. Depending on the initial angle of stem lean, the apical response to the lateral light source differed. In control and 15° inclined plants, the apex turned directly towards the light source after only 2 h. In plants inclined at 30° and 45°, the apex first reoriented in the vertical plane after 2 h, then turned towards the light source after 24 h. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry was then used to describe the molecular response of stem bending involved in photo- and gravi-tropism after 22 hr and 8 days of treatment. A total of 486 spots were quantitatively analyzed using image analysis software. Significant changes were determined in the protein accumulation of 68 protein spots. Early response gravitropic associated proteins were identified, which are known to function in energy related and primary metabolism. A group of thirty eight proteins were found to be involved in primary metabolism and energy related metabolic pathways. Degradation of Rubisco was implicated in some protein shifts.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates a rapid gravitropic response in apices of maritime pine seedlings inclined >30°. Little or no response was observed at the stem bases of the same plants. The primary gravitropic response is concomitant with a modification of the proteome, consisting of an over accumulation of energy and metabolism associated proteins, which may allow the stem to reorient rapidly after bending.
Novel concept microarray enabling PCR and multistep reactions through pipette-free aperture-to-aperture parallel transfer
Authors: Kinoshita Yasunori , Tayama Takahiro , Kitamura Koichiro , Salimullah Md , Uchida Hidekazu , Suzuki Miho , Husimi Yuzuru , Nishigaki Koichi
Published: October 2010

Background

The microarray has contributed to developing the omic analysis. However, as it depends basically on the surface reaction, it is hard to perform bulk reactions and sequential multistep reactions. On the other hand, the popular microplate technology, which has a great merit of being able to perform parallel multistep reactions, has come to its limit in increasing the number of wells (currently, up to 9600) and reducing the volume to deal with due to the difficulty in operations.

Results

Here, we report a novel microarray technology which enables us to explore advanced applications, termed microarray-with-manageable volumes (MMV). The technical essence is in the pipette-free direct parallel transfer from well to well performed by centrifugation, evading the evaporation and adsorption-losses during handling. By developing the MMV plate, accompanying devices and techniques, generation of multiple conditions (256 kinds) and performance of parallel multistep reactions, including PCR and in vitro translation reactions, have been made possible. These were demonstrated by applying the MMV technology to searching lysozyme-crystallizing conditions and selecting peptides aimed for Aβ-binding or cathepsin E-inhibition.

Conclusions

With the introduction of a novel concept microarray (MMV) technology, parallel and multistep reactions in sub-μL scale have become possible.
Expression of Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channels by an Inducible Adenoviral Vector Reduced the Neuronal Hyperexcitability and Hyperalgesia Produced by Chronic Compression of the Spinal Ganglion
Authors: Ma Chao , Rosenzweig Jason , Zhang Pu , Johns David C , LaMotte Robert H
Published: October 2010

Background:

A chronic compressed dorsal root ganglion (CCD) in rat produces pain behavior and an enhanced excitability of neurons within the compressed ganglion. Kir2.1 is an inwardly rectifying potassium channel that acts to stabilize the resting potential of certain cell types. We hypothesized that an inducible expression of Kir2.1 channels in CCD neurons might suppress neuronal excitability in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and reduce the associated pain behavior.

Results:

We delivered, by microinjection into the fourth lumbar (L4) DRG, an adenoviral vector containing a reporter gene encoding the enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) and a Kir2.1 channel (AdKir). At the same time the ganglion was compressed by implantation of a rod through the intervertebral foramen (CCD). The in vivo expression of the transferred gene was controlled by an ecdysone analog via an ecdysone-inducible promoter in the viral vector. In comparison with the effects of vehicle or a control vector containing only the GFP gene, AdKir significantly reduced the neuronal hyperexcitability after CCD. Electrophysiological recordings, in vivo, from nociceptive and non-nociceptive DRG neurons expressing the virally produced Kir2.1 channels revealed a hyperpolarized resting membrane potential, an increased rheobase, and lack of spontaneous activity. Inducing the Kir2.1 gene at the beginning of CCD surgery partially prevented the development of mechanical hyperalgesia. However, a delayed induction of the Kir2.1 gene (3 days after CCD surgery) produced no significant effect on the pain behavior.

Conclusions:

We found that an inducible expression of Kir2.1 channels in chronically compressed DRG neurons can effectively suppress the neuronal excitability and, if induced at the beginning of CCD injury, prevent the development of hyperalgesia. We hypothesize that a higher level of neuronal hyperexcitability in the DRG is required to initiate than to maintain the hyperalgesia and that the hyperexcitability contributing to neuropathic pain is best inhibited as soon as possible after injury.