bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring Primary Systemic Therapy of Large and Locally Advanced Breast Cancer by Using Sequential Positron Emission Tomography Imaging With [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose
Authors: Schwarz-Dose Jörg , Untch Michael , Tiling Reinhold , Sassen Stefanie , Mahner Sven , Kahlert Steffen , Harbeck Nadia , Lebeau Annette , Brenner Winfried , Schwaiger Markus , Jaenicke Fritz , Avril Norbert
Published: December 2008

Purpose

To evaluate positron emission tomography (PET) using [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) for prediction of histopathologic response early during primary systemic therapy of large or locally advanced breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

In a prospective multicenter trial, 272 FDG-PET scans were performed in 104 patients at baseline (n = 104) and after the first (n = 87) and second cycle (n = 81) of chemotherapy. The level and relative changes in standardized uptake value (SUV) of FDG uptake were assessed regarding their ability to predict histopathologic response. All patients underwent surgery after chemotherapy, and histopathologic response defined as minimal residual disease or gross residual disease served as the reference standard.

Results

Seventeen (16%) of 104 patients were histopathologic responders and 87 were (84%) nonresponders. All patients for whom baseline SUV was less than 3.0 (n = 24) did not achieve a histopathologic response. SUV decreased by 51% ± 18% after the first cycle of chemotherapy in histopathologic responders (n = 15), compared with 37% ± 21% in nonresponders (n = 54; P = .01). A threshold of 45% decrease in SUV correctly identified 11 of 15 responders, and histopathologic nonresponders were identified with a negative predictive value of 90%. Similar results were found after the second cycle when using a threshold of 55% relative decrease in SUV.

Conclusion

FDG-PET allows for prediction of treatment response by the level of FDG uptake in terms of SUV at baseline and after each cycle of chemotherapy. Moreover, relative changes in SUV after the first and second cycle are a strong predictor of response. Thus, FDG-PET may be helpful for individual treatment stratification in breast cancer patients.
Phase I Trial and Pharmacokinetic Study of Ixabepilone Administered Daily for 5 Days in Children and Adolescents With Refractory Solid Tumors
Authors: Widemann Brigitte C. , Goodspeed Wendy , Goodwin Anne , Fojo Tito , Balis Frank M. , Fox Elizabeth
Published: December 2008

Purpose

The objectives of this phase I trial were to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), toxicity profile, dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), pharmacokinetics, and preliminary response rate for ixabepilone, a microtubule-stabilizing agent, administered intravenously daily for 5 days in children and adolescents.

Patients and Methods

Patients ≥ 2 and ≤ 18 years with relapsed or refractory solid tumors were enrolled onto sequential cohorts to the following five dose levels: 3.0 (n = 3), 4.5 (n = 4), 6.0 (n = 3), 8.0 (n = 6), and 10 (n = 3) mg/m2/d. Eligibility criteria, dose levels, definitions of DLT and MTD, and pharmacokinetic sampling times were designed to be as similar as possible to the adult phase I trial of ixabepilone on the same schedule.

Results

Nineteen children (median age, 10 years; range, 2 to 18 years) were enrolled, and 18 (12 with sarcomas) were assessable for toxicity. DLTs (grade 4 neutropenia for > 5 days and grade 3 fatigue) were observed in two of three patients receiving 10 mg/m2/d. The MTD of ixabepilone administered daily for 5 days every 21 days was 8 mg/m2/d. Myelosuppression, GI, and hepatic toxicities were common non-DLTs. Peripheral neuropathy was uncommon. Ixabepilone clearance was 475 ± 247 mL/min/m2, volume of distribution at steady-state was 12.2 ± 5.4 L/kg, and half-life was 14 hours.

Conclusion

The recommended dose of ixabepilone for phase II trials in solid tumors is 8 mg/m2/d daily for 5 days every 21 days. This dose is 33% higher than the MTD in adults receiving the same dosing schedule. Pharmacokinetic parameters in children and adolescents were highly variable but similar to adults.
Dysregulation of the C/EBPα Differentiation Pathway in Human Cancer
Authors: Koschmieder Steffen , Halmos Balazs , Levantini Elena , Tenen Daniel G.
Published: December 2008

While much is known about aberrant pathways affecting cell growth and apoptosis, our understanding of another critical step of neoplastic transformation, differentiation arrest, remains poor. The differentiation-inducing transcription factor CCAAT enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) is required for proper control of adipogenesis, glucose metabolism, granulocytic differentiation, and lung development. Studies investigating the function of this protein in hematopoietic malignancies as well as in lung and skin cancer have revealed numerous ways how tumor cells abrogate C/EBPα function. Genetic and global expression analysis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases identifies C/EBPα-deficient AML as a separate entity yielding novel classification schemes. In patients with a dysfunctional C/EBPα pathway, targeted therapies may overcome the block in differentiation, and in combination with conventional chemotherapy, may lead to complete eradication of the malignant clone. Overall, a better understanding of the mechanisms of how C/EBPα dysregulation participates in the neoplastic process has opened new gateways for differentiation biology research.
Effective Treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia With All-Trans-Retinoic Acid, Arsenic Trioxide, and Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin
Authors: Ravandi Farhad , Estey Eli , Jones Dan , Faderl Stefan , O'Brien Susan , Fiorentino Jackie , Pierce Sherry , Blamble Deborah , Estrov Zeev , Wierda William , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Verstovsek Srdan , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Cortes Jorge , Kantarjian Hagop
Published: December 2008

Purpose

We examined the outcome of patients with newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) treated with all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) with or without gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) but without traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Patients and Methods

From February 2002 to March 2008, 82 patients with APL were treated with a combination of ATRA plus ATO. The first cohort of 65 patients received ATRA and ATO (beginning on day 10 of ATRA). High-risk patients (WBCs ≥ 10 × 109/L) received GO on the first day. From July 2007, the second cohort of 17 patients received ATRA and ATO concomitantly on day 1. They also received GO on day 1, if high risk, and if their WBC increased to more than 30 × 109/L during induction. Monitoring for PML-RARA fusion gene was conducted after induction and throughout consolidation and follow-up.

Results

Overall, 74 patients achieved complete remission (CR) and one achieved CR without full platelet recovery after the induction, for a response rate of 92%. Seven patients died at a median of 4 days (range, 1 to 24 days) after inclusion in the study from disease-related complications. The median follow-up is 99 weeks (range, 2 to 282 weeks). Among the responding patients, three experienced relapse at 39, 52, and 53 weeks. Three patients died after being in CR for 14, 21, and 71 weeks, all from a second malignancy. The estimated 3-year survival rate is 85%.

Conclusion

The combination of ATRA and ATO (with or without GO) as initial therapy for APL was effective and safe and can substitute chemotherapy-containing regimens.
Elevated Plasma YKL-40 Predicts Increased Risk of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Decreased Survival After Any Cancer Diagnosis in the General Population
Authors: Johansen Julia S. , Bojesen Stig E. , Mylin Anne K. , Frikke-Schmidt Ruth , Price Paul A. , Nordestgaard Børge G.
Published: December 2008

Purpose

Elevated plasma YKL-40 is a biomarker of poor prognosis in cancer patients. We tested the hypotheses that elevated plasma YKL-40 predicts risk of cancer as well as survival after a cancer diagnosis in the general population.

Patients and Methods

A prospective cohort study of 8,899 subjects (20 to 95 years) from the Danish general population, the Copenhagen City Heart Study, observed for 11 years for cancer incidence and 14 years for death: 1,432 participants had a first incident cancer, 968 of these died. Hazard ratios (HRs) for cancer events and death after events according to plasma YKL-40 in sex and 10 years age percentile categories: 0% to 33%, 34% to 66%, 67% to 90%, 91% to 95%, and 96% to 100%.

Results

The cumulative incidence of gastrointestinal cancer increased with increasing YKL-40 (trend P < .0001). Multifactorially adjusted HRs for gastrointestinal cancer were 1.0 (95% CI, 0.7 to 1.5) for YKL-40 in category 34% to 66%, 1.5 for 67% to 90% (95% CI, 1.0 to 2.3), 2.4 for 91% to 95%, (95% CI, 1.3 to 4.6), and 3.4 for 96% to 100% (95% CI, 1.9 to 6.1) versus YKL-40 category 0% to 33% (P < .0001). Participants with any cancer event and YKL-40 category 91% to 100% had a median survival time after the diagnosis of 1 year versus 4 years in participants with YKL-40 category 0% to 33% (P < .0001). Corresponding values for gastrointestinal cancer were 6 months versus 1 year (P = .007). Multifactorially adjusted HRs for early death were 1.8 (95% CI, 1.3 to 2.5; P < .0001) after any cancer and 2.4 (95% CI, 1.3 to 4.3; P = .005) after gastrointestinal cancer in participants with YKL-40 category 91% to 100% versus 0% to 33%.

Conclusion

In the general population, elevated plasma YKL-40 predicts increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer and decreased survival after any cancer diagnosis.
Powered ankle exoskeletons reveal the metabolic cost of plantar flexor mechanical work during walking with longer steps at constant step frequency
Authors: Sawicki Gregory S. , Ferris Daniel P.
Published: December 2008

We examined the metabolic cost of plantar flexor muscle–tendon mechanical work during human walking. Nine healthy subjects walked at constant step frequency on a motorized treadmill at speeds corresponding to 80% (1.00 m s–1), 100% (1.25 m s–1), 120% (1.50 m s–1) and 140% (1.75 m s–1) of their preferred step length (L*) at 1.25 m s–1. In each condition subjects donned robotic ankle exoskeletons on both legs. The exoskeletons were powered by artificial pneumatic muscles and controlled using soleus electromyography (i.e. proportional myoelectric control). We measured subjects' metabolic energy expenditure and exoskeleton mechanics during both unpowered and powered walking to test the hypothesis that ankle plantarflexion requires more net metabolic power (W kg–1) at longer step lengths for a constant step frequency (i.e. preferred at 1.25 m s–1). As step length increased from 0.8 L* to 1.4 L*, exoskeletons delivered ∼25% more average positive mechanical power (P=0.01; +0.20±0.02 W kg–1to +0.25±0.02 W kg–1, respectively). The exoskeletons reduced net metabolic power by more at longer step lengths (P=0.002;–0.21±0.06 W kg–1 at 0.8 L* and–0.70±0.12 W kg–1 at 1.4 L*). For every 1 J of exoskeleton positive mechanical work subjects saved 0.72 J of metabolic energy (`apparent efficiency'=1.39) at 0.8 L* and 2.6 J of metabolic energy (`apparent efficiency'=0.38) at 1.4 L*. Declining ankle muscle–tendon `apparent efficiency' suggests an increase in ankle plantar flexor muscle work relative to Achilles' tendon elastic energy recoil during walking with longer steps. However, previously stored elastic energy in Achilles' tendon still probably contributes up to 34% of ankle muscle–tendon positive work even at the longest step lengths we tested. Across the range of step lengths we studied, the human ankle muscle–tendon system performed 34–40% of the total lower-limb positive mechanical work but accounted for only 7–26% of the net metabolic cost of walking.
Swimming for your life: locomotor effort and oxygen consumption during the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchling frenzy
Authors: Booth David T.
Published: December 2008

Swimming effort and oxygen consumption of newly emerged green turtle Chelonia mydas hatchlings was measured simultaneously and continuously for the first 18 h of swimming after hatchlings entered the water. Oxygen consumption was tightly correlated to swimming effort during the first 12 h of swimming indicating that swimming is powered predominantly by aerobic metabolism. The patterns of swimming effort and oxygen consumption could be divided into three distinct phases: (1) the rapid fatigue phase from 0 to 2 h when the mean swim thrust decreased from 45 to 30 mN and oxygen consumption decreased from 33 to 18 ml h–1; (2) the slow fatigue phase from 2 to 12 h when the mean swim thrust decreased from 30 to 22 mN and oxygen consumption decreased from 18 to 10 ml h–1; and(3) the sustained effort phase from 12 to 18 h when mean swim thrust averaged 22 mN and oxygen consumption averaged 10 ml h–1. The decrease in mean swim thrust was caused by a combination of a decrease in front flipper stroke rate during a power stroking bout, a decrease in mean maximum thrust during a power stroking bout and a decrease in the proportion of time spent power stroking. Hence hatchlings maximise their swimming thrust as soon as they enter the water, a time when a fast swimming speed will maximise the chance of surviving the gauntlet of predators inhabiting the shallow fringing reef before reaching the relative safety of deeper water.
Source, topography and excitatory effects of GABAergic innervation in cockroach salivary glands
Authors: Rotte Cathleen , Witte Jeannine , Blenau Wolfgang , Baumann Otto , Walz Bernd
Published: December 2008

Cockroach salivary glands are innervated by dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons. Both transmitters elicit saliva secretion. We studied the distribution pattern of neurons containing γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)and their physiological role. Immunofluorescence revealed a GABA-immunoreactive axon that originates within the subesophageal ganglion at the salivary neuron 2 (SN2) and this extends within the salivary duct nerve towards the salivary gland. GABA-positive fibers form a network on most acinar lobules and a dense plexus in the interior of a minor fraction of acinar lobules. Co-staining with anti-synapsin revealed that some putative GABAergic terminals seem to make pre-synaptic contacts with GABA-negative release sites. Many putative GABAergic release sites are at some distance from other synapses and at distance from the acinar tissue. Intracellular recordings from isolated salivary glands have revealed that GABA does not affect the basolateral membrane potential of the acinar cells directly. When applied during salivary duct nerve stimulation, GABA enhances the electrical response of the acinar cells and increases the rates of fluid and protein secretion. The effect on electrical cell responses is mimicked by the GABAB receptor agonists baclofen and SKF97541, and blocked by the GABAB receptor antagonists CGP52432 and CGP54626. These findings indicate that GABA has a modulatory role in the control of salivation, acting presynaptically on serotonergic and/or dopaminergic neurotransmission.
Habitat temperature is an important determinant of cholesterol contents in copepods
Authors: Hassett R. Patrick , Crockett Elizabeth L.
Published: December 2008

Effects of habitat and acclimation temperature on cholesterol contents were examined in oceanic and inshore species of copepods. The cholesterol content of five species of thermally acclimated copepods was determined, and nine species (representing six families) were sampled to assess the role of habitat temperature. The species selected have maximum habitat temperatures (and temperature tolerances) that vary at least twofold. Levels of dietary cholesterol required to achieve maximum growth were also studied at different acclimation temperatures in a eurythermal copepod. Both eggs and copepodites of Calanus finmarchicus had higher cholesterol levels at the warm acclimation temperature (16°C) than at the cooler temperature (6°C). Neither Acartia tonsa, Acartia hudsonica, Temora longicornis nor Eurytemora affinis altered cholesterol contents with acclimation temperature. Maximum growth rates were achieved at fourfold higher concentrations of dietary cholesterol in warm-acclimated Eurytemora affinis than in cold-acclimated animals. The most consistent trend is the positive relationship between cholesterol content and habitat temperature. Species residing in warmer habitats (e.g. Centropages typicus, Eurytemora affinis) had approximately twice the cholesterol of species living in colder waters (e.g. Calanus glacialis, Euchaeta norvegica). A similar pattern was observed for comparisons of species within genera (Calanus,Acartia and Centropages), with the species abundant at lower latitudes having more cholesterol than the northern congener. These data indicate that habitat temperature is an important determinant of cholesterol content, and cholesterol endows membranes with the stability required for a range of body temperatures.
Intense echolocation calls from two `whispering' bats,Artibeus jamaicensisandMacrophyllum macrophyllum(Phyllostomidae)
Authors: Brinkløv Signe , Kalko Elisabeth K. V. , Surlykke Annemarie
Published: December 2008

Bats use echolocation to exploit a variety of habitats and food types. Much research has documented how frequency–time features of echolocation calls are adapted to acoustic constraints imposed by habitat and prey but emitted sound intensities have received little attention. Bats from the family of Phyllostomidae have been categorised as low intensity (whispering)gleaners, assumed to emit echolocation calls with low source levels(approximately 70 dB SPL measured 10 cm from the bat's mouth). We used a multi-microphone array to determine intensities emitted from two phyllostomid bats from Panamá with entirely different foraging strategies. Macrophyllum macrophyllum hunts insects on the wing and gaffs them with its tail membrane and feet from or above water surfaces whereas Artibeus jamaicensis picks fruit from vegetation with its mouth. Recordings were made from bats foraging on the wing in a flight room. Both species emitted surprisingly intense signals with maximum source levels of 105 dB SPL r.m.s. for M. macrophyllum and 110 dB SPL r.m.s. for A. jamaicensis, hence much louder than a `whisper'. M. macrophyllumwas consistently loud (mean source level 101 dB SPL) whereas A. jamaicensis showed a much more variable output, including many faint calls and a mean source level of 96 dB SPL. Our results support increasing evidence that echolocating bats in general are much louder than previously thought. We discuss the importance of loud calls and large output flexibility for both species in an ecological context.
Kinematics of benthic suction feeding in Callichthyidae and Mochokidae,with functional implications for the evolution of food scraping in catfishes
Authors: Van Wassenbergh Sam , Lieben Tim , Herrel Anthony , Huysentruyt Frank , Geerinckx Tom , Adriaens Dominique , Aerts Peter
Published: December 2008

Food scraping has independently evolved twice from suction feeding in the evolution of catfishes: within neotropical Loricarioidea and paleotropical Mochokidae. To gain insight in the evolutionary transitions associated with the evolution towards scraping, we analyzed prey capture kinematics in two species of benthic suction feeders which belong to taxa that are closely related to the scraper lineages (respectively, Corydoras splendensand Synodontis multipunctatus), and compared it to prey capture in a more distantly related, generalist suction feeder (Clarias gariepinus). Simultaneous ventral and lateral view high-speed videos were recorded to quantify the movements of the lower jaw, hyoid, pectoral girdle and neurocranium. Additionally, ellipse modeling was applied to relate head shape differences to buccal expansion kinematics. Similarly to what has been observed in scrapers, rotations of the neurocranium are minimal in the benthic suction feeders, and may consequently have facilitated the evolution of a scraping feeding mechanism. The hypothesis that fish with a more laterally compressed head rely more heavily on lateral expansion of the buccal cavity to generate suction, was confirmed in our sample of catfish species. Since an important contribution of lateral expansion of the head to suction may avoid the need for a strong, ventral depression of the mouth floor during feeding,we hypothesized that this may have allowed a closer association with the substrate in the ancestors of scrapers. However, our hypothesis was not supported by an ancestral state reconstruction, which suggests that scraping probably evolved from sub-terminal mouthed ancestors with dorsoventrally flattened heads.
The unequal influences of the left and right vagi on the control of the heart and pulmonary artery in the rattlesnake,Crotalus durissus
Authors: Taylor E. W. , Andrade Denis V. , Abe Augusto S. , Leite Cleo A. C. , Wang Tobias
Published: December 2008

Autonomic control of the cardiovascular system in reptiles includes sympathetic components but heart rate (fH), pulmonary blood flow (Q̇pul) and cardiac shunt patterns are primarily controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system. The vagus innervates both the heart and a sphincter on the pulmonary artery. The present study reveals that whereas both the left and right vagi influence fH, it is only the left vagus that influences pulmonary vascular resistance. This is associated with the fact that rattlesnakes, in common with some other species of snakes, have a single functional lung, as the other lung regresses during development. Stimulation of the left cervical vagus in anaesthetised snakes slowed the heart and markedly reduced blood flow in the pulmonary artery whereas stimulation of the right cervical vagus slowed the heart and caused a small increase in stroke volume (VS) in both the systemic and pulmonary circulations. Central stimulation of either vagus caused small (5–10%)reductions in systemic blood pressure but did not affect blood flows or fH. A bilateral differentiation between the vagi was confirmed by progressive vagotomy in recovered snakes. Transection of the left vagus caused a slight increase in fH (10%) but a 70%increase in Q̇pul, largely due to an increase in pulmonary stroke volume (VS,pul). Subsequent complete vagotomy caused a 60% increase in fHaccompanied by a slight rise in Q̇pul, with no further change in VS,pul. By contrast, transection of the right vagus elicited a slight tachycardia but no change in VS,pul. Subsequent complete vagotomy was accompanied by marked increases in fH, Q̇puland VS,pul. These data show that although the heart receives bilateral vagal innervation, the sphincter on the pulmonary artery is innervated solely by the left vagus. This paves the way for an investigation of the role of the cardiac shunt in regulating metabolic rate, as chronic left vagotomy will cause a pronounced left–right shunt in recovered animals,whilst leaving intact control of the heart, via the right vagus.
Influence of counterbody material on fretting wear behaviour of uncoated and diamond-like carbon-coated Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Raman Ganesh Sundara S , Navaneethakrishnan P , Gnanamoorthy R
Published: December 2008

Fretting wear tests were carried out at different normal loads on uncoated and diamond-like carbon (DLC)-coated Ti-6Al-4V samples against two counterbody materials: alumina and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Tangential force coefficient (TFC) values obtained with alumina counterbody were much higher than those obtained with UHMWPE. A significant reduction in TFC was noticed in DLC-coated samples compared with uncoated specimens when tested against alumina counterbody at normal loads of 1.96 and 9.8 N. There was not much difference between TFC values of DLC-coated and uncoated specimens when tested against UHMWPE counterbody. DLC-coating reduced specific wear rate significantly at 1.96 N when the sample was tested against alumina counterbody. However, at higher loads, both uncoated and DLC-coated samples exhibited similar specific wear rates. As initial maximum contact pressure was relatively very low, no fretting scar was observed both in uncoated and DLC-coated samples tested against UHMWPE counterbody.
Industry versus democracy: the new Audiovisual Media Services Directive as a site of ideological struggle
Authors: Gollmitzer Mirjam
Published: December 2008

This article explores the new Audiovisual Media Services Directive which will be the main instrument of media regulation in the European Union for the next years. However, instead of analyzing the directive itself which entered into force in December 2007 I am interested in its history.
I will focus on 2 years of intense deliberation among EU institutions that preceded the final directive. A discourse analysis highlights the conflicting rationales that two EU institutions, the European Parliament and the European Commission, use in their respective drafts of the directive.
The central point of reference in the Commission's draft is the Single Market, with Europeans being addressed as consumers. In contrast, at the heart of the Parliament's concept of media regulation is a European public sphere composed of European citizens. My analysis illustrates how, in the
process of drafting and redrafting the law text, the Parliament's emphasis on the media's role for democracy is considerably stripped down.
Public television policies in Europe: The cases of France and Greece
Authors: Iosifidis Petros
Published: December 2008

The aim of this article is to examine the way technological developments and the internationalisation of the television industry affects public television (PTV) broadcasters in Europe. The work focuses on the policies pursued by PTV broadcasters in selected European countries in response to the challenges that confront them in the era of digital convergence. The changes in the European television landscape force public channels to rethink their position towards new digital technologies, organisational structures and programming policy and scheduling. To illustrate the difficulties but also the opportunities that arise during this period of change, the article analyses specific activities and strategies undertaken by public channels in the main areas examined (reorganisation, programming and technology) in one large (France) and one small European country (Greece).
Reviews
Authors: Benson Rodney , Bratich Jack Z , Schack Todd
Published: December 2008

Atlantic Reverberations: French Representations of an American Presidential Election, Paul C. Adams (2007) Aldershot, UK: Ashgate, 240 pp., ISBN 978-0754670230 (hbk), 55.00

The Citizen Audience: Crowds, Publics, and Individuals, Richard Butsch (2007) London:
Routledge, 200 pp., ISBN: 978-0415977890, 95.00 (hbk), ISBN: 978-0415977906, 27.95 (pbk)

Who among us is free from genocide? A review of Terror's Advocate

Terror's Advocate (2007, DVD Release Feb. 19, 2008), Directed by Barbet Schroeder, French, with English, German
and Khmer subtitles, Produced by Canal+ and Magnolia Pictures, 135 minutes
Der Virtuose geht. Waslaw NijinskysL'Après-midi d'un faune
Authors: Ruprecht Lucia
Published: December 2008

This article explores aspects of Vaslav Nijinsky's first choreography, which have so far received little sustained critical attention. The celebrated dancer's refusal to stage his own virtuoso skills allows us to investigate his decision to base his choreography largely on the analytical de- and reconstruction of walking. This opening of a “kinetic unconscious”, this move towards what is called here “microscopic virtuosity”, is related to other contemporary theoretical, scientific, and literary explorations: Walter Benjamin's “optical unconscious”, research into human movements and gestures, Paul Valéry's writings on dance, and an account of foot fetishism in Wilhelm Jensen's novella “Gradiva”. We may thus take stock of the wide-ranging aesthetic ramifications of Nijinsky's specific and groundbreaking inclusion of forms of stillness into dance.
‘Grüße vom Bären’. Die russische Internet-Folklore als narrativer Nährstoff der Literatur
Authors: Burkhart Dagmar , Schmidt Henrike
Published: December 2008

Communication via internet has produced an “internet-lore” or “web folklore”, which is of great interest not only to cultural sociologists but also to those who study folklore and literature. The currently circulating illustrated tale Medved (Bear) serves as an example of the emergence and dissemination of web folklore on the Russian internet. Traditional fairy-tale motifs and media-generated myths mingle here in a multi-layered process of reception, and they meander through forums, websites and blogs on the worldwide web. In the process, they undergo (re)folklorization and a parodic literarization. The hybridity of this massive “grass roots” production of creative texts flits between written, oral and pictorial traditions. It is predestined to become literature's narrative feedstuff.
Is There Life Beyond Generative Syntax?
Authors: Fischer Olga
Published: December 2008

Unmittelbaren Anstoss für diesen Artikel gab das Erscheinen von Blackwells fünfbändigem Handbuch zur Syntax, in dem die Erträge von inzwischen fast fünf Jahrzehnten generativer Forschung bilanziert werden. Die Autorin nimmt dies zum Anlass für eine grundsätzliche Reflexion des Verhältnisses von generativer Linguistik und historischer Linguistik. Wo und inwiefern können historische Sprachwissenschaftler von den Erkenntnissen der generativen Syntaxforschung profitieren? Aber auch: An welchen Stellen könnte bzw. müsste die generative Forschung verstärkt auch Einsichten und/oder Konzepte der historischen Sprachwissenschaft heranziehen, um den hohen explanativen Anspruch einzulösen zu können, den sie für sich formuliert. Die Autorin illustriert dies sehr anschaulich an mehreren konkreten Beispielen, die in Blackwells Handbuch ausführlich behandelt werden – darunter eine Reihe von Phänomenen wie A.c.i., PPA etc., die auch für die Entwicklungsgeschichte des Deutschen von Interesse sind.
Bild, Bildlichkeit und Ein-Bildung im Dienst von Glaubensvermittlung und Einübung religiöser Praktiken in drei Eucharistiepredigten der zweiten Hälfte des 14. Jahrhunderts (›Engelberger Predigten‹, Engelberg, Stiftsbibliothek, Cod. 336, Eb 3–5)
Authors: Wetzel René , Flückiger Fabrice
Published: December 2008

The study discusses the deployment of visualisation strategies which serve both the mediation of faith and the acquisition of religious practices. It is based on a series of mystical sermons on the Eucharist which originated in a 14th century monastic context. The focus lies on images evoked by linguistic means – the so called figurae-forms. Just as painted images, they may be embodiments and actualisations of the concept they stand for. Thus, they can ensure a function of representation. The study distinguishes, following Jean-Claude Schmitt, between imago, imaginatio and ›imaginaire‹ – a term based on conceptions of collective thought. By means of these categories the study examines the interactions and interferences the sermons are calculating on.
Molecular Population Genetics of theSRKandSCRSelf-Incompatibility Genes in the Wild Plant SpeciesBrassica cretica(Brassicaceae)
Authors: Edh Kristina , Widén Björn , Ceplitis Alf
Published: December 2008

Self-incompatibility (SI) in plants is a classic example of a trait evolving under strong frequency-dependent selection. As a consequence, population genetic theory predicts that the S locus, which controls SI, should maintain numerous alleles, display a high level of nucleotide diversity, and, in structured populations, show a lower level of among-population differentiation compared to neutral loci. Population-level investigations of DNA sequence variation at the S locus have recently been carried out in the genus Arabidopsis, largely confirming results from theoretical models of S-locus evolutionary dynamics, but no comparable studies have been done in wild Brassica species. In this study, we sequenced parts of the S-locus genes SRK and SCR, two tightly linked genes that are directly involved in the determination of SI specificity in samples from four natural populations of the wild species Brassica cretica. The amount and distribution of nucleotide diversity, as well as the frequency spectrum of putative functional haplotypes, observed at the S locus in B. cretica fit very well with expectations from theoretical models, providing strong evidence for frequency-dependent selection acting on the S locus in a wild Brassica species.
Correcting Estimators of θ and Tajima's D for Ascertainment Biases Caused by the Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Discovery Process
Authors: Ramírez-Soriano Anna , Nielsen Rasmus
Published: December 2008

Most single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data suffer from an ascertainment bias caused by the process of SNP discovery followed by SNP genotyping. The final genotyped data are biased toward an excess of common alleles compared to directly sequenced data, making standard genetic methods of analysis inapplicable to this type of data. We here derive corrected estimators of the fundamental population genetic parameter θ = 4Neμ (Ne, effective population size; μ, mutation rate) on the basis of the average number of pairwise differences and on the basis of the number of segregating sites. We also derive the variances and covariances of these estimators and provide a corrected version of Tajima's D statistic. We reanalyze a human genomewide SNP data set and find substantial differences in the results with or without ascertainment bias correction.
gem-1 Encodes an SLC16 Monocarboxylate Transporter-Related Protein That Functions in Parallel to the gon-2 TRPM Channel During Gonad Development in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kemp Benedict J , Church Diane L , Hatzold Julia , Conradt Barbara , Lambie Eric J
Published: December 2008

The gon-2 gene of Caenorhabditis elegans encodes a TRPM cation channel required for gonadal cell divisions. In this article, we demonstrate that the gonadogenesis defects of gon-2 loss-of-function mutants (including a null allele) can be suppressed by gain-of-function mutations in the gem-1 (gon-2extragenic modifier) locus. gem-1 encodes a multipass transmembrane protein that is similar to SLC16 family monocarboxylate transporters. Inactivation of gem-1 enhances the gonadogenesis defects of gon-2 hypomorphic mutations, suggesting that these two genes probably act in parallel to promote gonadal cell divisions. GEM-1∷GFP is expressed within the gonadal precursor cells and localizes to the plasma membrane. Therefore, we propose that GEM-1 acts in parallel to the GON-2 channel to promote cation uptake within the developing gonad.
Extensive Long-Range and Nonsyntenic Linkage Disequilibrium in Livestock Populations: Deconstruction of a Conundrum
Authors: Lipkin E , Straus K , Stein R Tal , Bagnato A , Schiavini F , Fontanesi L , Russo V , Medugorac I , Foerster M , Sölkner J , Dolezal M , Medrano J F , Friedmann A , Soller M
Published: December 2008

Great interest was aroused by reports, based on microsatellite markers, of high levels of statistically significant long-range and nonsyntenic linkage disequilibrium (LD) in livestock. Simulation studies showed that this could result from population family structure. In contrast, recent SNP-based studies of livestock populations report much lower levels of LD. In this study we show, on the basis of microsatellite data from four cattle populations, that high levels of long-range LD are indeed obtained when using the multi-allelic D′ measure of LD. Long-range and nonsyntenic LD are exceedingly low, however, when evaluated by the standardized chi-square measure of LD, which stands in relation to the predictive ability of LD. Furthermore, specially constructed study populations provided no evidence for appreciable LD resulting from family structure at the grandparent level. We propose that the high statistical significance and family structure effects observed in the earlier studies are due to the use of large sample sizes, which accord high statistical significance to even slight deviations from asymptotic expectations under the null hypothesis. Nevertheless, even after taking sample size into account, our results indicate that microsatellites testify to the presence of usable LD at considerably wider separation distances than SNPs, suggesting that use of SNP haplotypes may considerably increase the usefulness of a given fixed SNP array.
Polymorphism Due to Multiple Amino Acid Substitutions at a Codon Site Within Ciona savignyi
Authors: Donmez Nilgun , Bazykin Georgii A , Brudno Michael , Kondrashov Alexey S
Published: December 2008

We compared two haploid genotypes of one Ciona savignyi individual and identified codons at which these genotypes differ by two nonsynonymous substitutions. Using the C. intestinalis genome as an outgroup, we showed that both substitutions tend to occur in the same genotype. Only in 53 (34.4%) of 154 codons, one substitution occurred in each of the two genotypes, although 77 (50%) of such codons are to be expected if substitutions were independent. We considered two feasible evolutionary causes for the observed pattern: substitutions driven by positive selection and compensatory substitutions, as well as several potential biases. However, none of these explanations is fully compelling, and data on multiple genotypes of C. savignyi would help to elucidate the causes of this pattern.
Stem Cells, Their Niches and the Systemic Environment: An Aging Network
Authors: Drummond-Barbosa Daniela
Published: December 2008

Stem cells have a fascinating biology and offer great prospects for therapeutic applications, stimulating intense research on what controls their properties and behavior. Although there have been significant advances in our understanding of how local microenvironments, or niches, control the maintenance and activity of stem cells, it is much less well understood how stem cells sense and respond to variable external, physiological, or tissue environments. This review focuses on the multidirectional interactions among stem cells, niches, tissues, and the systemic environment and on potential ideas for how changes in this network of communication may relate to the aging process.
A Genomewide Analysis of the Cinnamyl Alcohol Dehydrogenase Family in Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench] IdentifiesSbCAD2as theBrown midrib6Gene
Authors: Saballos Ana , Ejeta Gebisa , Sanchez Emiliano , Kang ChulHee , Vermerris Wilfred
Published: December 2008

The content and composition of the plant cell wall polymer lignin affect plant fitness, carbon sequestration potential, and agro-industrial processing. These characteristics, are heavily influenced by the supply of hydroxycinnamyl alcohol precursors synthesized by the enzyme cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD). In angiosperms, CAD is encoded by a multigene family consisting of members thought to have distinct roles in different stages of plant development. Due to the high sequence similarity among CAD genes, it has been challenging to identify and study the role of the individual genes without a genome sequence. Analysis of the recently released sorghum genome revealed the existence of 14 CAD-like genes at seven genomic locations. Comparisons with maize and rice revealed subtle differences in gene number, arrangement, and expression patterns. Sorghum CAD2 is the predominant CAD involved in lignification based on the phylogenetic relationship with CADs from other species and genetic evidence showing that a set of three allelic brown midrib (bmr) lignin mutants contained mutations in this gene. The impact of the mutations on the structure of the protein was assessed using molecular modeling based on X-ray crystallography data of the closely related Arabidopsis CAD5. The modeling revealed unique changes in structure consistent with the observed phenotypes of the mutants.
Linking Process to Outcome: Are We Training Pediatricians to Meet Evolving Health Care Needs?
Authors: Jones M. Douglas , McGuinness Gail A. , First Lewis R. , Leslie Laurel K. ,   and the Residency Review and Redesign in Pediatrics Committee
Published: December 2008

The Residency Review and Redesign in Pediatrics (R3P) Project began in 2005 and will have been completed in 2009. The purpose was to conduct a comprehensive reassessment of general pediatric residency education. The project convened 3 major colloquia supplemented by numerous meetings of an R3P committee and by surveys of residents, subspecialty fellows, and generalist and subspecialty practitioners. A principal conclusion was that resident learning opportunities should be more flexibly directed toward the variety of career choices available to pediatricians. Another conclusion was that reasonable expectations for residency education are most likely if learning is regarded as an integrated continuum, beginning in medical school and continuing throughout a career in practice. The R3P Committee declined to create a list of recommendations for immediate changes in residency education; instead, it recommends that changes be based on evidence of education outcomes that are important to improving the health of children, adolescents, and young adults.
Report of Colloquium II: The Theory and Practice of Graduate Medical Education—How Do We Know When We Have Made a “Good Doctor”?
Authors: Carraccio Carol , Sectish Theodore C.
Published: December 2008

Participants of the second colloquium of the Residency Review and Redesign in Pediatrics (R3P) Project considered 3 primary questions: What is a “good doctor”? How do we make one? and How do we know when we have made one? Experts from other countries and other medical specialties helped participants wrestle with these most basic questions. Participants emerged with a better feeling of the utility of different types of evaluations needed to determine resident competence. It was clear that the complexity of the task requires faculty education and development. Most important, it requires the ongoing commitment of all of pediatrics as we seek to link education directly to better health outcomes for children, adolescents, and young adults.
Recently Trained General Pediatricians: Perspectives on Residency Training and Scope of Practice
Authors: Freed Gary L. , Dunham Kelly M. , Switalski Kara E. , Jones M. Douglas , McGuinness Gail A. ,   and the Research Advisory Committee of the American Board of Pediatrics
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE. Because of the increase in both the prevalence and complexity of chronic diseases in children, there is heightened awareness of the need for general pediatricians to be prepared to comanage their patients with chronic disorders with subspecialists. It is not known currently how well prepared general pediatricians believe themselves to be for these roles after residency training. This study was conducted to determine the perspectives of recently trained general pediatricians in practice regarding their decisions on residency choice, career choice, and adequacy of training.

METHODS. A random sample of 600 generalists whose initial application for general pediatric certification occurred between 2002 and 2003 (4–5 years out of training) and 600 generalists who applied for board certification between 2005 and 2006 and who were not currently enrolled in or had completed subspecialty training (1–2 years out of training) received a structured questionnaire by mail. The survey focused on decision-making in selection of residency programs, strength of residency training in preparation for clinical care, and scope of practice.

RESULTS. The overall response rate was 76%. The majority of generalists reported that their residency training was adequate in most subspecialty areas. However, a large proportion of generalists indicated that they could have used additional training in mental health (62% [n = 424]), sports medicine (51% [n = 345]), oral health (52% [n = 356]), and developmental/behavioral pediatrics (48% [n = 326]). Most generalist respondents reported that they are comfortable comanaging cases requiring subspecialty care with a subspecialist. However, generalist respondents without local access to subspecialists were more likely to report that they are comfortable managing patients who require subspecialty care.

CONCLUSIONS. The training of general pediatricians, and the needs for their adequate preparation to care for patients, should be a dynamic process. As the nature and epidemiology of pediatric care change, our educational system must change as well.
Pediatric Personal Health Records: Current Trends and Key Challenges
Authors: Britto Maria T. , Wimberg Janet
Published: December 2008

Personal health records may enhance pediatric care and outcomes. Few systems have been developed or customized for pediatrics, and evaluations are scarce. Special considerations in pediatrics include pediatric content such as growth charts, complex privacy and confidentiality considerations, and the changing developmental needs of children and adolescents.
Antenatal Betamethasone and Fetal Growth in Prematurely Born Children: Implications for Temperament Traits at the Age of 2 Years
Authors: Pesonen Anu-Katriina , Räikkönen Katri , Lano Aulikki , Peltoniemi Outi , Hallman Mikko , Kari M. Anneli
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE. We explored whether repeated dose of antenatal betamethasone and variation in intrauterine growth of prematurely born children predict temperament characteristics at the age of 2 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS. The patients (n = 142) were prematurely born children (mean gestational age: 31.0 weeks; range: 24.6–35.0 weeks) who participated in a randomized and blinded trial testing the effects of a repeated dose of antenatal betamethasone in imminent preterm birth. Fetal growth was estimated as weight, length, and head circumference in SDs according to Finnish growth charts. Parents assessed their toddlers' temperament with 201 items of the Early Childhood Temperament Questionnaire (mean child corrected age: 2.1 years).

RESULTS. No significant main effects of repeated betamethasone on toddler temperament existed. However, a significant interaction between study group and duration of exposure to betamethasone emerged; those exposed to a repeated dose for >24 hours before delivery were more impulsive. One-SD increases in weight, length, and head circumference at birth were associated with 0.14- to 0.19-SD lower levels of negative affectivity (fearfulness, anger proneness, and sadness); 1-SD increases in length, weight, and head circumference at birth were associated with 0.14- to 0.18-SD higher levels of effortful control (self-regulation).

CONCLUSIONS. Repeated antenatal betamethasone did not induce alterations in toddler temperament. The results, however, suggest that a longer duration of exposure is associated with higher impulsivity scores. Regardless of betamethasone exposure, slower fetal growth exerted influences on temperament. Our findings indicate prenatal programming of psychological development and imply that more attention is needed to support the development of infants born at the lower end of the fetal growth distribution.
Correlation of the Transport Properties for the Ethanol-Water System Using Neural Networks
Authors: Haelssig Jan B , Thibault Jules , Tremblay Andre Y.
Published: December 2008

Process design and simulation rely heavily on the accuracy and availability of transport property correlations. General models that combine the properties of pure components often lack the necessary accuracy. In this investigation, neural networks were used to model some important transport properties for the ethanol-water binary system. Specifically, a three-layer feed-forward neural network with six neurons in the hidden layer was used to model viscosity, thermal conductivity, surface tension and the Fick diffusion coefficient based on an array of experimental data. These neural network models were then compared to some conventional models that are commonly used to predict the aforementioned transport properties. The results showed that the neural network models were able to represent the experimental data very well for the system studied. One advantage in using neural network models to represent these properties is their ability to predict complex and interrelated behaviors without a priori information about the underlying model structure. Further, since all the models retain the same simple matrix structure, their integration into computer codes becomes straightforward and non-repetitive.