bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scale, causality, complexity and emergence: rethinking scale’s ontological significance
Authors: Chapura Mitch
Published: September 2009

Scale remains a pivotal yet highly contentious concept in geography. I survey the lively discussions engaged in recently by many critical/radical geographers regarding the theoretical status of scale. While these discussions have been intellectually fruitful, I argue that much more needs to be said. Drawing from complex systems theory, I argue that scale should be understood as an ontological category essential to understanding causality. Revalorising Aristotle’s four categories of cause – formal, final, material and efficient – from two centuries of positivist thinking facilitates this endeavour. Research on the relationship between university‐based poultry scientists and the poultry industry illustrates the explanatory potential of poly‐scalar analysis.
Placing political economy: organising opposition to free trade before the abolition of the Corn Laws
Authors: Griffin Carl J
Published: September 2009

The unfurling of global capitalism – and its attendant effects – has long been fertile intellectual terrain for geographers. But whilst studies of the processes and mechanisms of globalisation undoubtedly assume a talismanic importance in the discipline, geographers, with few exceptions, have left examinations of early economic liberalism to historians. One such critically important episode in the evolution of the liberal economic project was the repeal of the so‐called ‘Corn Laws’ in 1846. Whilst the precise impact of the Manchester‐based Anti‐Corn Law League (ACLL) continues to be a matter of conjecture, Eric Sheppard has asserted that their particular take on political economy managed to assume a ‘truth‐like status’ and worldwide universality. But the ACLL’s campaign represents only one, albeit decisive, stage in the long intellectual and practical struggle between ‘protectionists’ and the disciples of free trade. Studies of the non‐’Manchester’ components have tended to focus squarely upon national politics. This paper examines a pivotal attempt in 1838 by Lord Melbourne’s Government to experiment with the effective elimination of import duties on fresh fruit. Unlike most agricultural commodities, table fruit was produced in a tightly defined area, thus allowing the Government’s experiment to play out, in theory, without national political fallout. Whilst the Government’s clandestine actions left little time for a concerted opposition to develop, Kentish fruit growers soon organised. A formidable lobby was forged that drew wide local support yet also evolved beyond the original ‘epistemic community’. Whilst the coalition failed in their efforts to reintroduce protective duties, their actions allow us to see how protectionist ideologies and policies were vivified through practices at many different spatial scales and to better understand the complex spatiality of protectionist takes on political economy. Their campaign also changed – at least in the short term – the course of British mercantile policy.
TRADER EXPLOITATION OF ORDER FLOW INFORMATION DURING THE LTCM CRISIS
Authors: Cai Fang
Published: September 2009

By using a unique data set of audit trail transactions, I examine the trading behavior of market makers in the Treasury‐bond futures market during the Long‐Term Capital Management (LTCM) crisis in 1998. I find strong evidence that during the crisis market makers in the aggregate engaged in anticipatory trading against customer orders from a particular clearing firm (coded PI7) that closely match various features of LTCM's trades through Bear Stearns. I also show that a significant percentage of market makers made abnormal profits during the crisis. Their aggregate abnormal profits, however, were more than offset by abnormal losses following the recapitalization of LTCM.
INTERNALIZATION AND MARKET QUALITY: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION
Authors: Larrymore Norris L. , Murphy Albert J.
Published: September 2009

We explore the relation between market quality and internalization through a pre‐ and postenactment analysis of the implementation of the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE) Price Improvement Rule on October 26, 1998. We find that the rule revision is accompanied by falls in the bid–ask spread and the variance of the pricing error and by rising internalization rates. This study informs proponents of market concentration, brokers, dealers, exchange administrators, and market regulators that a judicious regime of regulated internalization may be associated with superior market effectiveness.
“Universal Precautions”: Perinatal Touch and Examination after Childhood Sexual Abuse
Authors: Coles Jan , Jones Kay
Published: September 2009

Background:
Childhood sexual abuse is a common experience of Australian women with 1 woman in 3 reporting unwanted sexual activity, and 1 in 10 reporting attempted or penetrative sexual abuse before 16 years of age. The objective of this study was to explore women's responses to perinatal professional touch and examination of themselves and their babies.
Methods:
Eighteen women were interviewed using an in‐depth semistructured qualitative method. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. The interviews were coded and thematically analyzed, using NVivo to assist with data management. To ensure rigor, four initial interviews were coded by a second researcher and discrepancies resolved.
Results:
Two key themes were identified by childhood sexual abuse survivors as important in improving service provision: safety issues for survivors and their babies in the clinical encounter and ways of making service provision safer.
Conclusions:
Childhood sexual abuse survivors experienced pain, dissociation, fear, blame, helplessness, and guilt in their encounters with health care practitioners. These experiences led to the development of a set of “Universal Precautions” for perinatal professionals responding to women and their children.
Women's Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine During Pregnancy: A Critical Review of the Literature
Authors: Adams Jon , Lui Chi‐Wai , Sibbritt David , Broom Alex , Wardle Jon , Homer Caroline , Beck Shoshannah
Published: September 2009

Background:
The use of complementary and alternative medicine has attracted much attention and debate in recent years. The objective of this critical review is to examine the evidence base on use of complementary products and therapies during pregnancy. It examines an important but neglected issue in maternity care.
Methods:
A database search was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, and Maternity and Infant Care. A total of 24 papers published between 1999 and 2008 met the selection criteria and were included in the review.
Results:
Findings of these 24 papers were extracted and reported under four themes: “user prevalence and profile,”“motivation and condition of use,”“perception and self‐reported evaluation,” and “referral and information sources.”
Conclusions:
This review highlights four research gaps in the literature, a lack of: large representative samples; in‐depth understanding of user experiences and risk perceptions; research comparing consumption patterns across cultures and over time; and work exploring the nature of the therapeutic encounter with complementary practitioners in this area of women's health care.
Does Acupuncture Have a Place as an Adjunct Treatment During Pregnancy? A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Systematic Reviews
Authors: Smith Caroline A. , Cochrane Suzanne
Published: September 2009

Background:
Complementary medicine has become popular throughout many Western countries and is widely used by women across all stages of their life cycle. Acupuncture is used by women during their pregnancy, and research suggests that acupuncture may be used as an adjunct to their existing conventional care. The aim of this paper was to summarize the evidence examining the effectiveness of acupuncture during pregnancy and birthing, and to discuss its role as an adjunct treatment.
Methods:
We conducted a systematic literature search using several electronic databases. We included all placebo‐controlled randomized trials of parallel design, and systematic reviews that evaluated the role of acupuncture during pregnancy and birthing. A critical appraisal of clinical trials and systematic reviews was undertaken.
Results:
The summarized findings indicated a small but growing body of acupuncture research, with some evidence suggesting a benefit from acupuncture to treat nausea in pregnancy. Findings from the review also highlighted promising evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture to manage back and pelvic pain, acupuncture‐type interventions to induce change in breech presentation, and pain relief in labor. The methodological quality of recent trials has improved, and the quality of systematic reviews was high.
Conclusions:
Interest is growing in the use of acupuncture to treat some complaints during pregnancy and childbirth, and evidence is beginning to consolidate that acupuncture may assist with the management of some complaints during pregnancy. However, definitive conclusions about its effectiveness cannot be reached and further research is justified.
Estimating the Rate of Cesarean Section by Maternal Request: Anonymous Survey of Obstetricians in Australia
Authors: Robson Stephen J. , Tan Woo Syong , Adeyemi Adebayo , Dear Keith B. G.
Published: September 2009

Background:
The rate of cesarean section in Australia now exceeds 30 percent, and evidence from population studies indicates that maternal requests for elective cesarean delivery might make an important contribution. The objective of this study was to explore the rate of such deliveries in Australia, in the absence of a formal investigation.
Methods:
An anonymous survey was sent to all 1,239 specialist obstetricians and 317 obstetric specialty trainees in Australia. Specialists were asked the number of elective cesarean deliveries they performed in 2006 that satisfied the National Institutes of Health definition of maternal request cesarean delivery. Trainees were asked whether they intended to agree to maternal requests for cesarean section in their future specialist practice.
Results:
The response rate from specialists was 98.6 percent, and from trainees was 81 percent. To account for possibility of multiple submissions, we performed two analyses: one using all responses, the other after removing 297 surveys in the second mail‐out that were identical to surveys received from the first mail‐out (n = 735). Proportions were similar in both groups. We estimated that between 8,553 and 12,434 maternal request cesarean sections were performed in Australia in 2006, representing at least 17 percent of all elective cesarean sections, and slightly more than 3 percent of all births.
Conclusion:
Maternal request is an important contributor to cesarean section rates in Australia.
Differential expression of cyclooxygenases in hypertrophic scar and keloid tissues
Authors: Rossiello Luigi , D'Andrea Francesco , Grella Roberto , Signoriello Giuseppe , Abbondanza Ciro , De Rosa Caterina , Prudente Mariaevelina , Morlando Marianna , Rossiello Raffaele
Published: September 2009

Hypertrophic scar (HS) and keloid (KL) are two forms of an abnormal cutaneous scarring process, mainly characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition and fibroblast proliferation. Despite the increased understanding of the molecular and cellular events leading to HS and KL, the pathogenesis of these lesions remains poorly understood. A pivotal role in the formation of abnormal scars has been ascribed to transforming growth factor‐β, whose activity appears to be mediated through a link with pathways acting via cyclooxygenases (COX‐1 and COX‐2). To date, there is no report on the in vivo expression of COX‐1 and COX‐2 in human HS and KL tissues. Therefore, using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, we investigated 36 cases of KL, 32 cases of HS, and 25 cases of normal skin in order to define the localization and distribution of COX‐1 and COX‐2 in the tissues of these scar lesions and the overlying epidermis. The results mainly show the following: (a) a significant overexpression of COX‐1 in HS tissues and the overlying epidermis as compared with normal skin and KL tissues and (b) a significant overexpression of COX‐2 in KL tissue and the overlying epidermis in contrast to normal skin and HS tissues. Our data support the hypothesis that both COXs are involved in the pathogenesis of scar lesions in different ways and, particularly, COX‐1 in the formation of HS and COX‐2 in the formation of KL. In addition, the overexpression of COX‐1 and COX‐2 in the epidermis overlying HS and KL tissues, respectively, underlines the importance of epithelial–mesenchymal interactions in the pathogenesis of scar lesions.
3‐Deoxyglucosone‐collagen alters human dermal fibroblast migration and adhesion: Implications for impaired wound healing in patients with diabetes
Authors: Loughlin Danielle T. , Artlett Carol M.
Published: September 2009

The interaction of fibroblasts with the extracellular matrix is critical for wound healing. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) occur through nonenzymatic glycation of long‐lived proteins such as collagens. One precursor to these modifications, 3‐deoxyglucosone (3DG), is elevated in patients with diabetes and contributes to the accumulation of AGEs on collagen with increasing chronological age. Because wound repair is dependent on fibroblast migration, proliferation, and expression of extracellular matrix proteins, we examined the role of 3DG‐treated collagen and the subsequent response of fibroblasts to this modification. We found that fibroblasts adhere more strongly to 3DG‐treated collagen and do not migrate efficiently into the wound site. We further show that 3DG‐treated collagen induces perinuclear localization of focal adhesion kinase and paxillin, indicative of decreased association of these proteins with the cytoskeleton. Additionally, these cells expressed higher levels of the misfolded indicator protein growth arrest and DNA damage inducible gene 153. These data suggest that fibroblast/matrix interactions are altered as AGEs accumulate and affect focal adhesion formation. Furthermore, 3DG may be a factor mediating chronic wounds observed in patients with diabetes and in the elderly by altering the signaling within the fibroblast and inducing the misfolding of proteins.
The insect upper lip (labrum) is a nonsegmental appendage‐like structure
Authors: Posnien Nico , Bashasab Fakrudin , Bucher Gregor
Published: September 2009

SUMMARY
The insect upper lip—the labrum—is a lobe‐like structure anterior to the mouth opening. Whether the labrum represents a fused pair of segmental appendages or evolved independently is heavily debated. Here, we identify additional similarities of the regulatory gene network active in labrum and trunk appendages. However, we do not find a labral parasegment boundary and we show that labral Tc‐Dll expression is independent of Tc‐wg and Tc‐hh signals. In contrast, Tc‐Dll expression in all trunk appendages does require these signals. Finally, we identify crucial differences between the location of the labrum and trunk appendages: the labrum develops in median rather than lateral tissues and is part of an anterior nonsegmental tissue marked by and dependent on Tc‐six3 activity. To reconcile these seeming contradictory results, we propose that the genetic network evolved in either labrum or trunk appendages and became redeployed at a novel location to form the other structure.
Tracking the origins of the bilaterian Hox patterning system: insights from the acoel flatworm Symsagittifera roscoffensis
Authors: Moreno Eduardo , Nadal Marga , Baguñà Jaume , Martínez Pedro
Published: September 2009

SUMMARY
Genes of the Hox cluster encode for transcriptional regulators that show collinear expression along the anteroposterior (AP) body axis in all bilateral animals. However, it is still unclear when in the evolutionary history of bilaterians the Hox system first conferred positional identity along the AP‐axis. Recent molecular phylogenies have convincingly shown that the acoel flatworms, traditionally classified within the Platyhelminthes, are the sister group of the remaining Bilateria, branching out before the common ancestor of protostomes, and deuterostomes (the so‐called PDA). This key phylogenetic position offers the opportunity to search for the presence and early role of Hox cluster genes to pattern the AP axis in acoels. Here, we report on the cloning, genomic arrangement, and expression domains of Hox genes in Symsagittifera roscoffensis. Three Hox genes were detected: one from each of the major groups of Hox genes, which are anterior, central, and posterior. In bacterial artificial chromosome cloning, sequencing, and chromosomal fluorescence in situ hybridization, Hox genes were not observed as being clustered in a unique genomic region. Nevertheless, despite its dispersion within the genome, Hox genes are expressed in nested domains along the AP axis in the juvenile worm. The basic set of Hox genes in acoels and their coarse nested spatial deployment might be the first indicators of the role of Hox genes in the evolution of bilateral symmetry and AP positional identity from a hypothetical radial ancestor.
Developmental constraints revealed by co‐variation within and among molar rows in two murine rodents
Authors: Renaud Sabrina , Pantalacci Sophie , Quéré Jean‐Pierre , Laudet Vincent , Auffray Jean‐Christophe
Published: September 2009

SUMMARYMorphological integration corresponds to interdependency between characters that can arise from several causes. Proximal causes of integration include that different phenotypic features may share common genetic sets and/or interact during their development. Ultimate causes may be the prolonged effect of selection favoring integration of functionally interacting characters, achieved by the molding of these proximal causes. Strong and direct interactions among successive teeth of a molar row are predicted by genetic and developmental evidences. Functional constraints related to occlusion, however, should have selected more strongly for a morphological integration of occluding teeth and a corresponding evolution of the underlying developmental and genetic pathways. To investigate how these predictions match the patterns of phenotypic integration, we studied the co‐variation among the six molars of the murine molar row, focusing on two populations of house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) and wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus).

The size and shape of the three upper and lower molars were quantified and compared. Our results evidenced similar patterns in both species, size being more integrated than shape among all the teeth, and both size and shape co‐varying strongly between adjacent teeth, but also between occluding teeth. Strong co‐variation within each molar row is in agreement with developmental models showing a cascade influence of the first molar on the subsequent molars. In contrast, the strong co‐variation between molars of the occluding tooth rows confirms that functional constraints molded patterns of integration and probably the underlying developmental pathways despite the low level of direct developmental interactions occurring among molar rows. These patterns of co‐variation are furthermore conserved between the house mouse and the wood mouse that diverged >10 Ma, suggesting that they may constitute long‐running constraints to the diversification of the murine rodent dentition.
Structural and regulatory evolution of cellular electrophysiological systems
Authors: Rosati Barbara , McKinnon David
Published: September 2009

SUMMARY
Cellular electrophysiological systems, like developmental systems, appear to evolve primarily by means of regulatory evolution. It is suggested that electrophysiological systems share two key features with developmental systems that account for this dependence on regulatory evolution. For both systems, structural evolution has the potential to create significant problems of pleiotropy and both systems are predominantly computational in nature. It is concluded that the relative balance of physical and computational tasks that a biological system has to perform, combined with the probability that these tasks may have to change significantly during the course of evolution, will be major factors in determining the relative mix of regulatory and structural evolution that is observed for a given system. Physiological systems that directly interface with the environment will almost always perform some low‐level physical task. In the majority of cases this will require evolution of protein function in order for the tasks themselves to evolve. For complex physiological systems a large fraction of their function will be devoted to high‐level control functions that are predominantly computational in nature. In most cases regulatory evolution will be sufficient in order for these computational tasks to evolve.
SYMBIODINIUM (DINOPHYTA) DIVERSITY AND STABILITY IN AQUARIUM CORALS1
Authors: Smith Robin T. , Pinzón Jorge H. , LaJeunesse Todd C.
Published: September 2009

Indo‐Pacific reef corals growing for years in closed‐system aquaria provide an alternate means to investigate host–symbiont specificity and stability. The diversity of dinoflagellate endosymbionts (Symbiodinium spp.) from coral communities in private and public aquaria was investigated using molecular‐genetic analyses. Of the 29 symbiont types (i.e., species) identified, 90% belonged to the most prevalent group of Symbiodinium harbored by Indo‐Pacific reef corals, Clade C, while the rest belonged to Clade D. Sixty‐five percent of all types were known from field surveys conducted throughout the Pacific and Indian oceans. Because specific coral–dinoflagellate partnerships appear to have defined geographic distributions, correspondence of the same symbionts in aquarium and field‐collected specimens identifies regions where particular colonies must have been collected in the wild. Symbiodinium spp. in clade D, believed to be “stress‐tolerant” and/or “opportunistic,” occurred in a limited number of individual colonies. The absence of a prevalent, or “weedy,” symbiont suggests that conditions under which aquarium corals are grown do not favor competitive replacements of their native symbiont populations. The finding of typical and diverse assemblages of Symbiodinium spp. among aquarium corals living many years under variable chemical/physical conditions, artificial and natural light, while undergoing fragmentation periodically, indicates that individual colonies maintain stable, long‐term symbiotic associations.
DESCRIPTION OF TYRANNODINIUM GEN. NOV., A FRESHWATER DINOFLAGELLATE CLOSELY RELATED TO THE MARINE PFIESTERIA‐LIKE SPECIES1
Authors: Calado António J. , Craveiro Sandra C. , Daugbjerg Niels , Moestrup Øjvind
Published: September 2009

On the basis of morphological (light and electron microscopy) as well molecular data, we show that the widely distributed freshwater dinoflagellate presently known as Peridiniopsis berolinensis is a member of the family Pfiesteriaceae, an otherwise marine and estuarine family of dinoflagellates. P. berolinensis is a close relative of the marine species, which it resembles in morphology, mode of swimming, food‐uptake mechanism, and partial LSU rRNA sequences. It differs from all known genera of the family in plate tabulation. P. berolinensis is only distantly related to the type species of Peridiniopsis, P. borgei, and is therefore transferred to the new genus Tyrannodinium as T. berolinense comb. nov. T. berolinense is a very common freshwater flagellate that feeds vigorously on other protists and is able to consume injured metazoans much larger than itself. Production of toxins has not been reported.
Retinal Microvascular Signs and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Liew Gerald , Mitchell Paul , Wong Tien Yin , Lindley Richard I. , Cheung Ning , Kaushik Shweta , Wang Jie Jin
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between retinal microvascular signs, as a proxy for cerebral microvascular disease, and cognitive impairment.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional population‐based study.

SETTING: Urban population survey

PARTICIPANTS: One thousand nine hundred eighty‐eight persons aged 49 to 97.

MEASUREMENTS: All participants underwent retinal photography and had the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) administered by trained personnel. Retinal photographs were masked and graded for retinopathy signs (microaneurysms, hemorrhages, hard exudates, cotton wool spots), and retinal vessel calibers were measured using a validated computer‐assisted method. Cognitive impairment was defined as an MMSE score of 23 or less, in line with other epidemiological studies.

RESULTS: Cognitive impairment was present in 121 participants (6.1%). In the total population, after adjusting for age, sex, blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, smoking, cardiovascular disease, education, and other factors, retinal venular dilation was associated with cognitive impairment (odds ratio (OR)=1.8, 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=1.0–3.2, P=.03). In persons with hypertension, retinopathy signs (adjusted OR=1.7, 95% CI=1.0–3.2, P=.05) and retinal venular dilation (adjusted OR=2.7, 95% CI=1.2–6.1, P=.01) were associated with cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSION: Retinal microvascular signs are associated with significant cognitive impairment, particularly in older persons with hypertension. These findings suggest that cerebral microvascular changes may contribute to cognitive deterioration.
An Empirical Investigation of the Effect of Growth on Short‐Term Changes in Loss Ratios
Authors: Barth Michael M. , Eckles David L.
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Given the use of premium growth as a risk measure in regulatory and private risk assessment models, the impact of growth on underwriting profitability is an important question. Our results show a negative relationship between premium growth and changes in loss ratios, suggesting that premium growth alone does not necessarily result in higher underwriting risk. Further, there is a positive relationship between claim count growth and changes in loss ratios, suggesting that claim count growth may be a preferred measure of underwriting risk.
The Distributions of Policy Reserves Considering the Policy‐Year Structures of Surrender Rates and Expense Ratios
Authors: Tsai Chenghsien , Kuo Weiyu , Chiang Derek Mi‐Hsiu
Published: September 2009

Abstract

In this article, we examine how the policy‐year structures of expense ratios and surrender rates affect the distributions of policy reserves. Our results show that a convex expense ratio curve, though reduces the mean and the uncertainty of reserves, could make the beneficial impact of surrenders on insurers become detrimental. Our results also show that the convexity of the surrender rate curve is favorable to insurers while the volatilities of surrender rates are unfavorable. We further find that neglecting the policy‐year structures of surrender rates and expense ratios may result in overestimation of the mean and the uncertainty of reserves.
Participatory Budgeting in Midwestern States: Democratic Connection or Citizen Disconnection?
Authors: FRANKLIN AIMEE L. , HO ALFRED T. , EBDON CAROL
Published: September 2009

What participation mechanisms connect citizens and city officials? Do they produce valued outcomes? Surveys of elected officials suggest that microlevel mechanisms such as direct citizen contact are more valuable in meeting participation goals than are mechanisms focusing on macrolevel concerns. However, there is a disconnect between perceptions about value and the use of mechanisms. State‐level participation requirements and a city manager have little effect on the value of a mechanism. These findings raise some questions: why are microlevel participation mechanisms favored, why do some mechanisms have value even though respondents have little experience with them, and why is there a misalignment between participatory goals and the mechanisms used?
Blood and Tissue Spatter Associated with Chainsaw Dismemberment
Authors: Randall Brad
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  In response to the unexpected paucity of blood/tissue spatter at the site where a body of an adult woman was dismembered by an electric chainsaw, we dismembered two large pig carcasses with a small electric chainsaw in a controlled environment. These experiments demonstrated first that a large carcass could be easily dismembered by a small electric chainsaw. When the chainsaw bar is held parallel to the ground the majority of the blood and tissue is deposited directly beneath the saw and bar and very little elsewhere. If the discharge chute of the saw however is not oriented directly at the ground, larger amounts of blood and tissue may be sprayed on lateral surfaces or deposited some distance from the chainsaw. The characteristic striations created on the surface of wood as it is cut by a chainsaw can also be found on bony surfaces cut by a chainsaw.
The New Face of Terrorism in Turkey: Actor Unknown Political Murders
Authors: Toprak Sadik
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  In this study, we have analyzed the temporal and spatial trends in actor unknown political murders in Turkey. A total of 1852 cases, defined as actor unknown political murders, occurred in Turkey between 1975 and 2006, with the peak years being 1980 and 1994. Three different time frames could be defined: 1975–1993, 1994–1999, and 2000–2006. During the first period, cases were common all over Turkey, but during the second and third periods, they were more frequent in metropolitan areas and in the southeast. Incidents occurring during the first period could be attributed to the struggle between right‐ and left‐wing supporters, while most murders occurring during the second and third periods seem to have been related to Kurdish separatism. Although the most crucial factor in preventing actor unknown political murders is a politically stable atmosphere, forensics can also play an important role. Turkey needs to improve its forensic services to bring them in line with international standards, namely the Minnesota Protocol.
Asphyxiation by Occlusion of Nose and Mouth by Duct Tape: Two Unusual Suicides
Authors: DeRoux Stephen , Leffers Beverly
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  The most recent U.S. statistics (2005) determined that 22.2% of suicides are by suffocation. This number likely includes suicidal hanging. Based on previous reports the majority of nonhanging suicidal asphyxiations are accomplished by securing a plastic bag over the head. We report two instances of a far less common method of suicidal asphyxiation, occlusion of the nose and mouth by duct tape. One was a 47‐year‐old man with a history of paranoid schizophrenia with suicidal ideation and the other was a 52‐year‐old man who was depressed due to gambling debts. The value of scene investigation, including review of available video surveillance to determine the manner of death is highlighted.
Trajectory Reconstruction Through Analysis of Trace Evidence in Bullet–Intermediate Target Interaction by SEM/EDX
Authors: Hu Sunlin , Shen Hui , Wang Songcai , Fang Chao
Published: September 2009

Abstract: A young male was shot to death by a police officer with a Chinese Type 64 7.62 mm pistol when he was dealing with an aggravated assault arising from a traffic accident. By using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), trace deposits on the discharged bullet and the intermediate target, i.e., a concrete telegraph pole at the scene, were identified to be from each other. The result demonstrated the bullet causing the death ricocheted from the concrete telegraph pole before striking the victim, thus indicating the incident was accidental. The case report illustrates the evidential value of trace materials derived, respectively, from discharged bullets and intermediate targets in bullet–intermediate target interaction for trajectory reconstruction. In addition, it indicates that the SEM/EDX method with its nondestructive nature, compared to other methods, may be more helpful in certain situations in determining the origins of trace evidentially valuable deposits on substrates.
Structure of membrane‐associated neuronal SNARE complex: implication in neurotransmitter release
Authors: Cho Won Jin , Shin Leah , Ren Gang , Jena Bhanu P.
Published: September 2009

To enable fusion between biological membranes, t‐SNAREs and v‐SNARE present in opposing bilayers, interact and assemble in a circular configuration forming ring‐complexes, which establish continuity between the opposing membranes, in presence of calcium ions. The size of a t‐/v‐SNARE ring complex is dictated by the curvature of the opposing membrane. Hence smaller vesicles form small SNARE‐ring complexes, as opposed to large vesicles. Neuronal communication depends on the fusion of 40–50 nm in diameter membrane‐bound synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters at the nerve terminal. At the presynaptic membrane, 12–17 nm in diameter cup‐shaped neuronal porosomes are present where synaptic vesicles transiently dock and fuse. Studies demonstrate the presence of SNAREs at the porosome base. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), electron microscopy (EM), and electron density measurement studies demonstrate that at the porosome base, where synaptic vesicles dock and transiently fuse, proteins, possibly comprised of t‐SNAREs, are found assembled in a ring conformation. To further determine the structure and arrangement of the neuronal t‐/v‐SNARE complex, 50 nm t‐and v‐SNARE proteoliposomes were mixed, allowing t‐SNARE‐vesicles to interact with v‐SNARE vesicles, followed by detergent solubilization and imaging of the resultant t‐/v‐SNARE complexes formed using both AFM and EM. Our results demonstrate formation of 6–7 nm membrane‐directed self‐assembled t‐/v‐SNARE ring complexes, similar to, but twice as large as the ring structures present at the base of neuronal porosomes. The smaller SNARE ring at the porosome base may reflect the 3–4 nm base diameter, where 40–50 nm in diameter v‐SNARE‐associated synaptic vesicle transiently dock and fuse to release neurotransmitters.
Papular mycosis fungoides: two new cases of a recently described clinicopathological variant of early mycosis fungoides
Authors: Martorell‐Calatayud Antonio , Botella‐Estrada Rafael , Sanmartín‐Jimenez Onofre , Requena Celia , Guillén‐Barona Carlos , Sangüeza Omar Pastor
Published: September 2009

Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. In early stages of the disease many different clinicopathologic variants have been observed. Currently, a papular variant of MF which is characterized by a good prognosis has been described.

Objective and Methods: Because only seven cases have been reported in the literature, clinical and morphological data of this variant are not well established. We report the clinical and histopathological characteristics of two new patients with papular mycosis fungoides and review the previous cases reported in the literature.

Results: The two cases of this early variant of MF were characterized by the presence of papules which, unlike the papules of lymphomatoid papulosis, did not show a tendency for spontaneous resolution. Histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of MF in all cases. Immunohistochemical staining for CD30 was negative in all two cases. Follow‐up data of our two patients confirmed the non‐aggressive behavior of the disease, confirming that the lesions were not manifestations of advanced MF.

Conclusion: Papular MF is a new variant of early MF characterized by a good prognosis in the long term follow‐ up. Thus, it should be added to the long list of clinicopathologic subtypes of MF.

Martorell‐Calatayud A, Botella‐Estrada R, Sanmartín‐Jimenez O, Requena C, Guillén‐Barona C, Sangueza OP. Papular mycosis fungoides: two new cases of a recently described clinicopathological variant of early mycosis fungoides.
The prolyl‐hydroxylase EGLN3 and not EGLN1 is inactivated by methylation in plasma cell neoplasia
Authors: Hatzimichael Eleftheria , Dasoula Aggeliki , Shah Reshma , Syed Nelofer , Papoudou‐Bai Alexandra , Coley Helen M. , Dranitsaris George , Bourantas Konstantinos L. , Stebbing Justin , Crook Tim
Published: September 2009

EGLN1 and EGLN3 are members of the egg‐laying‐defective 9 (EglN) prolyl‐hydroxylases which during normoxia catalyse hydroxylation of the hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α, thereby promoting its ubiquitination by a complex containing the von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) tumour suppressor. EGLN3 also has pro‐apoptotic activity in some cell types. Analyses of a well‐characterised series of cases of plasma cell dyscrasias, including multiple myeloma (MM), Waldenström’s macroglobulinaemia (WM) and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) surprisingly demonstrated that the CpG island of EGLN3, and not EGLN1, is frequently methylated in these disorders. Multiple myeloma patients with a methylated EGLN3 promoter showed trends towards an increased risk of death, bone lytic lesions, anaemia, advanced stage of disease and the presence of extramedullary disease. Those individuals with methylation in the EGLN3 CpG island also had significantly lower albumin levels. These data suggest that the prolyl‐hydroxylases may be a novel class of potential tumour suppressors in plasma cell neoplasia that warrant further investigation with regard to their potential utility as biomarkers. Moreover, we observed that EGLN3 is also methylated at high frequency in B‐cell lymphoma subtypes, implying that loss of EGLN3 is an important epigenetic event not only in plasma cell neoplasias but also in B‐cell neoplasias.
Absence of cardiac siderosis by MRI T2* despite transfusion burden, hepatic and serum iron overload in Lebanese patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Inati Adlette , Musallam Khaled M. , Wood John C. , Sheikh‐Taha Marwan , Daou Linda , Taher Ali T.
Published: September 2009

Background:  The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect organ‐specific iron overload is becoming increasingly common. Although hepatic iron overload has been recognized in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), cardiac iron deposition has only been examined in a few reports.

Methods:  This was a cross‐sectional study of 23 patients with SCD. Patient charts were reviewed and data collected for drug use, total lifetime transfusions (TLT), transfusion rate (TR), status of the spleen, and comorbid illnesses or infections. Blood samples were obtained for assessment of hemoglobin, serum ferritin, non‐transferrin‐bound iron (NTBI), and liver enzyme levels. Doppler echocardiography was performed to detect pulmonary hypertension (PHT) and assess left ventricular ejection fraction. Cardiac iron levels were measured by MRI T2*. Direct determination of liver iron concentration (LIC) was performed using R2 MRI. In this study, cardiac T2* >20 ms was considered normal.

Results:  The mean age was 24.4 ± 9.7 yr, with a male to female ratio of 15:8. A total of 9 (49.9%) patients were splenectomized. The mean TR was 14.1 ± 13.2 Units/yr, and the mean hemoglobin level was 9.0 g/dL. PHT was detected in 6 (27.3%) patients, but none had evidence of heart failure. The mean serum ferritin, LIC, and NTBI levels were 997.7 ng/mL, 4.6 mg Fe/g dw, and 1.1 ± 2.2, respectively. TR was a much better predictor of iron burden (LIC, ferritin, NTBI) than TLT. In fact, TR less than 10 Units/yr did not produce significant iron overload reflecting spontaneous losses as high as 0.11 mg/kg/d. None of the patients had evidence of cardiac iron overload (mean cardiac T2* = 37.3 ± 6.2 ms; range: 21.9–46.8 ms). There was also no statistically significant correlation between cardiac T2* values and any of the study variables.

Conclusion:  Our study demonstrates that TR is a stronger predictor of iron overload than TLT. It also confirms cardiac sparing in patients with SCD, even in subjects with significant transfusion burden, systemic and hepatic iron overload.
The immunological synapse controls local and global calcium signals in T lymphocytes
Authors: Kummerow Carsten , Junker Christian , Kruse Karsten , Rieger Heiko , Quintana Ariel , Hoth Markus
Published: September 2009

Summary:  Cell polarization is a key feature of T‐cell function. The immunological synapse (IS) between T cells and antigen‐presenting cells is a beautiful example of how polarization of cells is used to guide cell function. Receptors, signal transducers, the cytoskeleton, and organelles are enriched at or depleted from the IS after its formation, and in many cases these re‐localizations have already been linked with certain T‐cell functions. One key step for T‐cell activation is a rise in the cytoplasmic calcium concentration. Whereas it is undisputed that the IS initiates and controls calcium signals in T cells, very little is known about the role of T‐cell polarization for calcium signals and calcium‐dependent signal transduction. We briefly summarize the basic commonly agreed principles of IS‐dependent calcium signal generation but then focus on the less well understood influence of polarization on calcium signals. The discussion of the role of polarization for calcium signals leads to a model how the IS controls local and global calcium signals and calcium‐dependent T‐cell functions. We develop a theoretical formalism based on existing spatiotemporal calcium dynamic simulations to better understand the model in the future and allow further predictions which can be tested by fast, high resolution live‐cell microscopy.
The functional network of ion channels in T lymphocytes
Authors: Cahalan Michael D. , Chandy K. George
Published: September 2009

Summary: For more than 25 years, it has been widely appreciated that Ca2+influx is essential to trigger T‐lymphocyte activation. Patch clamp analysis, molecular identification, and functional studies using blockers and genetic manipulation have shown that a unique contingent of ion channels orchestrates the initiation, intensity, and duration of the Ca2+signal. Five distinct types of ion channels – Kv1.3, KCa3.1, Orai1+ stromal interacting molecule 1 (STIM1) [Ca2+‐release activating Ca2+(CRAC) channel], TRPM7, and Clswell– comprise a network that performs functions vital for ongoing cellular homeostasis and for T‐cell activation, offering potential targets for immunomodulation. Most recently, the roles of STIM1 and Orai1 have been revealed in triggering and forming the CRAC channel following T‐cell receptor engagement. Kv1.3, KCa3.1, STIM1, and Orai1 have been found to cluster at the immunological synapse following contact with an antigen‐presenting cell; we discuss how channels at the synapse might function to modulate local signaling. Immuno‐imaging approaches are beginning to shed light on ion channel functionin vivo. Importantly, the expression pattern of Ca2+and K+channels and hence the functional network can adapt depending upon the state of differentiation and activation, and this allows for different stages of an immune response to be targeted specifically.
Calcium signaling in the development and function of T‐lineage cells
Authors: Oh‐hora Masatsugu
Published: September 2009

Summary:  Ca2+ signals are essential for diverse cellular functions including differentiation, effector function, and gene transcription in the immune system. In lymphocytes, sustained Ca2+ entry is necessary for complete and long‐lasting activation of calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) pathways. Engagement of immunoreceptors, such as the T‐cell antigen receptor, induces store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) through plasma membrane Ca2+ channels. In lymphocytes, mast cells, and other immune cell types, SOCE through highly Ca2+‐selective Ca2+ release‐activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels constitute the major pathway of intracellular Ca2+ increase. A recent breakthrough in our understanding of CRAC channel function is the identification of STIM and ORAI, two essential regulators of CRAC channel function. This discovery allows us to directly address the physiological role of Ca2+ entry in lymphocytes. A growing number of studies have emphasized that Ca2+/calcineurin/NFAT pathway is crucial for both development and function of all T‐cell lineage cells, such as conventional αβ+ TCR T cells, Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, and invariant natural killer T cells. This review focuses on the role of the signaling pathways upstream and downstream of Ca2+ influx in the development and function in T‐cell lineages.
Successful treatment of large venous malformation with dual wavelength 595 and 1064 nm system
Authors: Pereyra‐Rodríguez José Juan , Boixeda Pablo , Pérez‐Carmona Lucía , Vañó‐Galvan Sergio
Published: September 2009

Venous malformations (VMs) are congenital soft, compressible, non‐pulsatile blue‐purple masses. VMs present a therapeutic challenge. They can be treated with surgery or sclerotherapy as well as with several lasers. We report the successful treatment of two patients with large VMs with combined sequential application of 595 nm pulsed dye laser and 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelengths. At the end of the treatment course, total volume reduction was observed in both. All sessions were well tolerated without anesthesia. In our patients, using this sequential laser device achieved an almost complete clearance of the VM with no scarring.
Fractional 1320 nm Nd : YAG laser in the treatment of acne vulgaris: a pilot study
Authors: Deng Hui , Yuan Ding‐Fen , Yan Chun‐Lin , Ding Xu‐An
Published: September 2009

Thirty‐five patients with moderate to severe acne were treated with a fractional 1320 nm neodymium : yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd : YAG) laser. These patients received six treatment sessions at a 2‐week interval. Inflammatory and non‐inflammatory lesions were counted before and after treatment. Fractional 1320 nm Nd : YAG laser therapy was well tolerated, resulting in the reduction of inflammatory lesions by 57% (P<0.05) and the reduction of non‐inflammatory lesions by 35% (P<0.05). A significant reduction in the skin sebum level by 30% (P<0.05) was also noted after treatment.
Antitumor effect of photodynamic therapy in mice using direct application of Photofrin dissolved in lidocaine jelly
Authors: Murakami Hirotake , Kohno Eiji , Kohmura Yasuhiro , Ozawa Hidechika , Ito Hiroaki , Sugihara Kazuhiro , Horiuchi Kentaro , Hirano Toru , Kanayama Naohiro
Published: September 2009

Background/purpose:Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non‐invasive cancer therapy that has a strong antitumor effect with intravenous administration of Photofrin. However, Photofrin causes light hypersensitivity that impairs the quality of life (QOL) of patients, and thus an improved method of administration is needed. Here, we report the antitumor effect of local administration of Photofrin in combination with a vasodilator, lidocaine hydrochloride.

Method:The antitumor effect was investigated in nude mice transplanted with HeLa cells. An incision was made near the tumor and Photofrin dissolved in lidocaine jelly was applied directly to the tumor. The tumor was irradiated at 100 J/cm2with a yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG)‐dye laser (630 nm) at 2 h after the direct application and the tumor volume was measured for 30 days after PDT to investigate the antitumor effect. In some mice, the tumor was excised 24 h after PDT and the depth of necrosis was measured in the excised specimen.

Result:The tumor was mostly necrotized by PDT following direct application of 10 mg/ml Photofrin dissolved in lidocaine jelly and the effect was greater than with direct application of Photofrin alone. The increase in tumor volume observed in control mice was significantly inhibited in mice that received PDT after direct application of Photofrin in lidocaine jelly.

Conclusion:PDT using direct application of Photofrin in lidocaine jelly has a strong antitumor effect in mice and this approach may avoid the adverse effects of systemic Photofrin administration.