bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extrarenal rhabdoid tumors of soft tissue: Clinicopathological and molecular genetic review and distinction from other soft‐tissue sarcomas with rhabdoid features
Authors: Oda Yoshinao , Tsuneyoshi Masazumi
Published: May 2006

Malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) of the soft tissue is a rare and highly aggressive tumor that occurs in infancy or childhood. It predominantly involves a deep axial location such as the neck or paraspinal region. Microscopically, the tumor is composed of a diffuse proliferation of rounded or polygonal cells with eccentric nuclei, prominent nucleoli and glassy eosinophilic cytoplasm containing hyaline‐like inclusion bodies, arranged in sheets and nests. These characteristic ‘rhabdoid cells’ are also present in certain soft‐tissue sarcomas such as synovial sarcoma, extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma. The existence of rhabdoid cells in these other sarcomas is correlated with a worse prognosis for the patients. Cytogenetic and molecular analyses have shown abnormalities in the long arm of chromosome 22 and alteration of the hSNF5/INI1 (SMARCB1) gene in renal, extrarenal and intracranial MRT. This gene alteration has been considered to be a specific molecular event in MRT, but a recent study has also demonstrated frequent alteration of this gene in proximal‐type epithelioid sarcoma (ES). Both MRT of soft tissue and proximal‐type ES show immunoreactivity for vimentin, cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen. The tumor cells of proximal‐type ES are also occasionally positive for CD34 and β‐catenin, whereas MRT of soft tissue has no immunoreaction for these markers. Detailed clinicopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations are necessary to distinguish MRT of soft tissue from proximal‐type ES, because these tumors demonstrated a similar morphology and the same gene alteration.
Immunohistochemical expression of aminopeptidase N (CD13) in human lung squamous cell carcinomas, with special reference to Bestatin adjuvant therapy
Authors: Ichimura Eiji , Yamada Masatoshi , Nishikawa Kiyohiro , Abe Fuminori , Nakajima Takashi
Published: May 2006

Bestatin, a specific inhibitor of aminopeptidase N (CD13), has been reported to prolong survival time in patients with completely resected stage I lung squamous cell carcinoma. Considering the antitumor mechanism of Bestatin, it is interesting to know whether CD13 is expressed in human lung squamous cell carcinoma. The immunohistochemical expression of CD13 was examined in human lung carcinoma and the question of whether CD13 was immunohistochemically expressed in the interstitial tissue was investigated, mainly in the fibroblasts and blood vessels, surrounding the tumor nests of various kinds of non‐small cell lung cancers, especially of squamous cell carcinomas. In Japanese squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, 38 (61.3%) out of 62 cancers were positively stained in the same manner on immunohistochemistry for CD13. The area of interstitial tissue positively stained for CD13 varied depending on the case. To confirm the cell nature of the interstitial tissue with CD13 positivity, double immunohistochemistry using CD34 and α‐smooth muscle actin was performed. Double immunohistochemistry showed that the majority of CD13‐positive cells were slender fibroblastic cells around the blood vessels and some endothelial cells.
Standard organ weights among elderly Japanese who died in hospital, including 50 centenarians
Authors: Sawabe Motoji , Saito Mari , Naka Makiko , Kasahara Ichiro , Saito Yuko , Arai Tomio , Hamamatsu Akihiko , Shirasawa Takuji
Published: May 2006

The present study was conducted to determine standard organ weights among the elderly, because little has been reported on this subject. To analyze the human aging process in terms of organ weights, age‐associated changes and correlations among organ weights and the contributions of age and nutrition to organ weights were also examined. The subjects included 1615 consecutive autopsy cases of patients aged 60–99 years who died between 1995 and 2003, and cases of 50 centenarians who died between 1973 and 2005. The weights of nine organs were measured before formalin fixation. If affected by serious diseases, such as cancer, the organs were excluded from the study. Values beyond 99% of the bilateral measurement limits were also excluded. In this manner the standard organ weights were obtained. The organ weights decreased significantly according to age in all organs except for the heart in men and the lungs in both genders. Undernutrition strongly contributed to organ weight except for the hypophysis, and was especially apparent in the heart and liver. In conclusion, the standard organ weights of elderly patients who died while hospitalized were determined. Undernutrition contributed significantly to a reduction in organ weights.
Unusual subcutaneous splenosis occurring in a gunshot wound scar: Pathology and immunohistochemical identification
Authors: Yeh Chi‐Ju , Chuang Wen‐Yu , Kuo Tseng‐tong
Published: May 2006

Splenosis usually occurs after traumatic rupture of the spleen with autotransplantation of splenic tissue to ectopic sites. Most commonly, it occurs as intraperitoneal nodules, which are found either incidentally or after symptomatic complications. Subcutaneous splenosis is a rare condition mostly observed in abdominal surgical scars. Reported herein is a case of subcutaneous splenosis developed in an exit gunshot wound scar on the left lower chest wall 9 years after splenectomy. The lesion presented as an asymptomatic subcutaneous nodule, which was excised under the impression of a skin tumor. Microscopically, there were multiple subcutaneous nodules resembling splenic tissue with red and white pulp. They were confirmed to be ectopic splenic tissue by immunohistochemical staining of the vascular lining cells (CD8+, CD31+, and CD34–). Only 11 cases of subcutaneous splenosis have been reported before. The present case was the third case occurring in an exit gunshot wound scar, and the diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemical study.
Small bowel strangulation caused by parasitic peritoneal strand
Authors: Masui Nobutaka , Fujima Noriyuki , Hasegawa Takeshi , Kigawa Sanshiro , Kagei Noboru , Nagashima Kazuo , Shimizu Yozo
Published: May 2006

A 51‐year‐old woman with a history of eating raw fish over a period of 2 weeks developed a progressive abdominal pain and leukocytosis with signs of small bowel obstraction. Eosinophilia was not detected in the peripheral blood. The patient underwent surgery to clarify the possibility of ileus. Partial small bowel near the ileum was trapped by a peritoneal strand and was strangulated for approximately 30 cm in length with congestion and edema. The removal of the strand easily released the strangulation and the small bowel returned to a normal appearance. Pathologically, the strand consisted of granulomatous inflammation with a wide zone of necrosis containing a dead ghost feature of a parasite in its center. The necrosis was surrounded by palisading spindle cells with largely lymphocytic inifiltration and a few eosinophils. In the parasite, there presented the polymyalian type muscle layer, ventricles and Renette cells, which suggested that the parasite is compatible with the third stage larva of Anisakis type I, leading to the diagnosis of ectopic anisakidosis. It should be noted that, on rare occasions, Anisakis larva migrans can form a peritoneal strand with a wide zone of necrosis and cause strangulation ileus, especially in populations with the habit of eating raw fish.
Pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis incidentally detected in a lobectomy specimen for a metastatic colon cancer
Authors: Moritani Suzuko , Ichihara Shu , Seki Yukio , Kataoka Masato , Yokoi Toyoharu
Published: May 2006

Pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis is a rare vascular proliferative disease of unknown etiology. The common clinical features are slowly progressive and finally fatal pulmonary hypertension. The clinical diagnosis is usually difficult. Because most reported cases are of autopsy, little is known about its incipient lesion and natural history. Presented herein is a case of pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis incidentally detected in a surgically resected lung for a metastatic colon cancer. The patient was a 60‐year‐old Japanese woman with a history of sigmoid colon cancer 3 years previously. The patient had undergone a right lower lobectomy for a metastatic tumor in the hilar region and a thoracoscopic tumorectomy of the peripheral area of the left upper lobe. Except for an episode of hemoptysis 2 weeks prior to the lung surgery, there were no other clinical symptoms characteristic of pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis. The non‐tumor area of right lower lobe showed multiple foci of capillary proliferation affecting alveolar walls, interlobular septa and pleura associated with patchy hemorrhage. There was a minor degree of vascular and bronchial involvement by capillary proliferation. It is suggested this particular case is an incidentally detected clinically incipient stage of pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis. Passive congestion secondary to metastatic colon cancer in the hilar region may have contributed to the pathogenesis of this lesion.
Use of high‐dose botulinum A toxin in benign essential blepharospasm: is too high too much?
Authors: Pang Anna L‐Y , O’Day Justin
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background:  Botulinum toxin (Botox) is the mainstay treatment for benign essential blepharospasm. Current treatment practice appears restricted by several reports demonstrating adverse effects and resistance to high‐frequency, higher‐dose therapy. This study aimed to explore whether high‐dose, high‐frequency treatments could be used without developing secondary resistance and without significant side‐effects in patients refractory to conventional Botox doses.

Methods:  From a cohort of 120 patients being treated with Botox therapy for benign essential blepharospasm and idiopathic hemifacial spasm, case notes from six patients were retrospectively examined. In these patients, therapy had exceeded the recommended 50 units per side for a duration greater than 12 months and at less than 3 monthly intervals. Patterns in subjective severity grading and percentage of improvement as well as reported side‐effects were analysed.

Results:  All patients described greater than 60% improvement and 0–2 severity grading over a 3‐ to 15‐year period with no evidence of secondary resistance. Side‐effects were minor, transient and less frequently reported at higher doses.

Conclusion:  In a select group of patients, Botox therapy can be used effectively at doses higher than recommended over long periods with minimal side‐effects and little evidence of secondary resistance.
Distribution of parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.), an alien invasive weed species threatening the biodiversity of Islamabad
Authors: SHABBIR ASAD , BAJWA RUKHSANA
Published: May 2006

Biological invasion by alien invasive species is now recognized as one of the major threats to native species and ecosystems. Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.), an alien invasive weed species, is spreading throughout Pakistan. Worldwide, it has been designated as one of the most troublesome weed species. The adverse effects of this weed on human beings, livestock, crop production, and biodiversity are well‐documented. As a result of a lack of information on its spread in Pakistan since its invasion, a phytosociological survey, with special reference to parthenium weed, was carried out in Islamabad from August–October 2002. Six main sectors of Islamabad were selected for sampling. The phytosociological survey of these sectors of Islamabad revealed a total of 30 weed species to be associated with P. hysterophorus. The survey also showed a high relative frequency, relative density, and importance value of P. hysterophorus in general; however, the percentage relative frequency of the weed in these sectors ranged from 10.6–30.3%. This survey revealed that P. hysterophorus had an appreciable degree of sociability with Senna occidentalis (L.) Link, Malvastrum coromandelianum (L.) Garcke and Lantana camara (L.). The data on the association of L. camara with P. hysterophorus suggests that a transition phase of competition or succession is in progress between these two alien species. The population of many common medicinal plants growing in the wastelands of Islamabad might be rapidly declining because of the aggressive colonization by P. hysterophorus. The ever‐increasing infestation of this weed in urban areas also poses a serious threat to the health of the inhabitants of Islamabad.
Herbicidal efficacy and selectivity of pyribenzoxim in turfgrasses
Authors: KOO SUK JIN , KURAMOCHI HITOSHI , CHAE SANG HEON
Published: May 2006

Three field trials were conducted from 2003–2004 at Utsunomiya University, Japan, to evaluate the safety and herbicidal activity of pyribenzoxim (benzophenone O‐[2,6‐bis[(4,6‐dimethoxy‐2‐pyrimidinyl)oxybenzoyl]oxime) in turfgrass. Pyribenzoxim showed a high level of safety in bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.) and zoysiagrass (Zoysia matrella) ≤ 300 g ai ha−1 and it controlled various major grass weeds, including annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.), large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis L.), and green foxtail (Setaria viridis L.), and broadleaf weeds, including common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber), horseweed (Erigeron canadensis L.), shepherd’s‐purse (Capsella bursa‐pastoris (L.) Medic.), common chickweed (Stellaria media L.), common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.), creeping woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata L.), and common dayflower (Commelina communis L.) by fall or spring application. In comparison with bispyribac‐sodium (sodium 2,6‐[bis(4,6‐dimethoxy‐2‐pyrimidin‐2‐yl)oxy]benzoate), pyribenzoxim showed a higher safety level in bentgrass and a stronger herbicidal activity on grass weeds; in particular, annual bluegrass and large crabgrass.
Synthesis and herbicidal activity of new 3‐(3‐bromothiophen‐2‐yl)‐5‐(2,6‐difluorobenzyl)oxymethyl‐5‐methyl‐4,5‐dihydroisoxazole as a paddy field herbicide
Authors: HWANG IN TAEK , KIM HYOUNG RAE , CHOI JUNG SUB , JEON DONG JU , HONG KYUNG SIK , SONG JONG HWAN , CHO KWANG YUN
Published: May 2006

A new compound 3‐(3‐bromothiophen‐2‐yl)‐5‐(2,6‐difluorobenzyl)oxymethyl‐5‐methyl‐4,5‐dihydroisoxazole was synthesized and the herbicidal activity was assessed under glasshouse and flooded paddy field conditions. This compound demonstrated good rice selectivity and potent herbicidal activity against annual weeds at 125 g ai ha−1 under greenhouse conditions. Soil application of this compound showed the complete control of barnyardgrass to the 4th leaf stage at 250 g ai ha−1. Field trials indicated that this compound, combined with pyrazosulfuron‐ethyl, controlled annual and perennial weeds rapidly with good tolerance by transplanted rice seedlings from postemergence and soil application. This compound showed a low mammalian and environmental toxicity in various toxicological tests.
Spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity at resting and conditioned lateral perforant path synapses on granule cells in the dentate gyrus: different roles of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate and group I metabotropic glutamate receptors
Authors: Lin Yi‐Wen , Yang Hsiu‐Wen , Wang Hui‐Ju , Gong Chi‐Li , Chiu Tsai‐Hsien , Min Ming‐Yuan
Published: May 2006

We examined the mechanisms underlying spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity induction at resting and conditioned lateral perforant pathway (LPP) synapses in the rat dentate gyrus. Two stimulating electrodes were placed in the outer third of the molecular layer and in the granule cell layer in hippocampal slices to evoke field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) and antidromic field somatic spikes (afSSs), respectively. Long‐term potentiation (LTP) of LPP synapses was induced by paired stimulation with fEPSP preceding afSS. Reversal of the temporal order of fEPSP and afSS stimulation resulted in long‐term depression (LTD). Induction of LTP or LTD was blocked by d,l‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5), showing that both effects were N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR)‐dependent. Induction of LTP was also blocked by inhibitors of calcium–calmodulin kinase II, protein kinase C or mitogen‐activated/extracellular‐signal regulated kinase, suggesting that these are downstream effectors of NMDAR activation, whereas induction of LTD was blocked by inhibitors of protein kinase C and protein phosphatase 2B. At LPP synapses previously potentiated by high‐frequency stimulation or depressed by low‐frequency stimulation, paired fEPSP–afSS stimulation resulted in ‘de‐depression’ at depressed LPP synapses but had no effect on potentiated synapses, whereas reversal of the temporal order of fEPSP–afSS stimulation resulted in ‘de‐potentiation’ at potentiated synapses but had no effect on depressed synapses. Induction of de‐depression and de‐potentiation was unaffected by ap5 but was blocked by 2‐methyl‐6‐(phenylethynyl) pyridine hydrochloride, a group I metabotropic glutamate receptor blocker, showing that both were NMDAR‐independent but group I metabotropic glutamate receptor‐dependent. In conclusion, our results show that spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity can occur at both resting and conditioned LPP synapses, its induction in the former case being NMDAR‐dependent and, in the latter, group I metabotropic glutamate receptor‐dependent.
CaV1.2 and CaV1.3 neuronal L‐type calcium channels: differential targeting and signaling to pCREB
Authors: Zhang Hua , Fu Yu , Altier Christophe , Platzer Josef , Surmeier D. James , Bezprozvanny Ilya
Published: May 2006

Neurons express multiple types of voltage‐gated calcium (Ca2+) channels. Two subtypes of neuronal L‐type Ca2+ channels are encoded by CaV1.2 and CaV1.3 pore‐forming subunits. To compare targeting of CaV1.2 and CaV1.3 L‐type Ca2+ channels, we transfected rat hippocampal neuronal cultures with surface‐epitope‐tagged sHA‐CaV1.2 or sHA‐CaV1.3a constructs and found that: (i) both sHA‐CaV1.2 and sHA‐CaV1.3a form clusters on the neuronal plasma membrane surface; (ii) when compared with sHA‐CaV1.2 surface clusters, the sHA‐CaV1.3a surface clusters were 10% larger and 25% brighter, but 35% less abundant; (iii) 81% of sHA‐CaV1.2 surface clusters, but only 48% of sHA‐CaV1.3a surface clusters, co‐localized with synapsin clusters; (iv) co‐expression with GFP‐Shank‐1B had no significant effect on sHA‐CaV1.2 surface clusters, but promoted formation and synaptic localization of sHA‐CaV1.3a surface clusters. In experiments with dihydropyridine‐resistant CaV1.2 and CaV1.3a mutants we demonstrated that CaV1.3a L‐type Ca2+ channels preferentially mediate nuclear pCREB signaling in hippocampal neurons at low, but not at high, levels of stimulation. In experiments with primary neuronal cultures from CaV1.3 knockout mice we discovered that CaV1.3 channels play a more important role in pCREB signaling in striatal medium spiny neurons than in hippocampal neurons. Our results provide novel insights into the function of CaV1.2 and CaV1.3 L‐type Ca2+ channels in the brain.
Two PEST‐like motifs regulate Ca2+/calpain‐mediated cleavage of the CaVβ3 subunit and provide important determinants for neuronal Ca2+ channel activity
Authors: Sandoval Alejandro , Oviedo Norma , Tadmouri Abir , Avila Traudy , De Waard Michel , Felix Ricardo
Published: May 2006

An increase in intracellular Ca2+ due to voltage‐gated Ca2+ (CaV) channel opening represents an important trigger for a number of second‐messenger‐mediated effects ranging from neurotransmitter release to gene activation. Ca2+ entry occurs through the principal pore‐forming protein but several ancillary subunits are known to more precisely tune ion influx. Among them, the CaVβ subunits are perhaps the most important, given that they largely influence the biophysical and pharmacological properties of the channel. Notably, several functional features may be associated with specific structural regions of the CaVβ subunits emphasizing the relevance of intramolecular domains in the physiology of these proteins. In the current report, we show that CaVβ3 contains two PEST motifs and undergoes Ca2+‐dependent degradation which can be prevented by the specific calpain inhibitor calpeptin. Using mutant constructs lacking the PEST motifs, we present evidence that they are necessary for the cleavage of CaVβ3 by calpain. Furthermore, the deletion of the PEST sequences did not affect the binding of CaVβ3 to the ion‐conducting CaV2.2 subunit and, when expressed in human embryonic kidney‐293 cells, the PEST motif‐deleted CaVβ3 significantly increased whole‐cell current density and retarded channel inactivation. Consistent with this observation, calpeptin treatment of human embryonic kidney‐293 cells expressing wild‐type CaVβ3 resulted in an increase in current amplitude. Together, these findings suggest that calpain‐mediated CaVβ3 proteolysis may be an essential process for Ca2+ channel functional regulation.
The comparable size and overlapping nature of upper limb distal and proximal muscle representations in the human motor cortex
Authors: Devanne Hervé , Cassim François , Ethier Christian , Brizzi Laurent , Thevenon André , Capaday Charles
Published: May 2006

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative size and location of proximal and distal upper limb muscle representations in the human motor cortex. Motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation were recorded in the proximal muscle anterior deltoid (AD) and in the distal muscles extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and first dorsal interosseus (1DI). The coil was moved in steps of 1 cm along a grid drawn on a tight‐fitting polyester cap placed on the subject's head. At each location, four stimuli were delivered at 1.2 times the active motor threshold (AMT), and MEPs averaged in real‐time. The peak‐to‐peak amplitude of each muscle's mean MEP was measured at each stimulation site. The area of a muscle's representation was measured by a pixel‐counting algorithm. The optimal point of each muscle's areal representation, which corresponds to the locus near which the largest MEPs are obtained, was determined by fitting a 3D Lorentzian function to the data points. The optimal point of distal muscles tended to be situated more laterally along the motor strip than that of proximal muscles. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the size of the areal representations and they overlapped considerably. Additionally, in another five subjects, using a small 45‐mm coil placed in a hyper‐focal orientation, maps were obtained at a stimulus intensity of 1.1–1.15 times the AMT of the muscle with the lowest threshold, usually the 1DI. Even in this very stringent condition, the mapped representations of the AD, ECR and 1DI overlapped, notwithstanding that sharp demarcations between borders were also apparent. These observations demonstrate that stimulus spread alone does not explain the overlap of muscle representations. These results show that commonly used proximal and distal upper‐limb muscles, taken individually, are controlled by motor cortical territories of approximately equal size that significantly overlap despite differences in the location of their optimal points.
Lesions of an avian forebrain nucleus prevent changes in protein kinase C levels associated with deafening‐induced vocal plasticity in adult songbirds
Authors: Watanabe Aiko , Li Rui , Kimura Takeji , Sakaguchi Hironobu
Published: May 2006

We investigated the participation of protein kinase C (PKC) in the regulation of vocal plasticity in songbirds. Deafening of adult Bengalese finches causes initial song alteration, followed by stabilization. In parallel, the expression of PKC β1 increases transiently 2 weeks after deafening, and then decreases gradually in the robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA) of Bengalese finches, similar to the pattern observed during developmental song learning. First, we showed that in adult zebra finches, whose songs change more gradually after auditory deprivation than those of Bengalese finches, PKC in RA also increased to an equal degree 2 weeks after deafening, despite the species difference. Second, double‐labeling with an anterograde tracer and PKC immunofluorescence revealed that PKC immunoreactivity in RA was detected on the synaptic terminals from a high premotor vocal nucleus (HVC), but not from the lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium (LMAN). To determine what causes deafening‐induced PKC increases, we blocked signals from LMAN, the final output nucleus to RA in the anterior forebrain pathway (AFP), by a unilateral LMAN lesion prior to auditory deprivation of adult Bengalese finches. The PKC immunoreactivity increased in RA of the intact hemisphere; however, in RA on the lesioned side, it was less intense than that of the unlesioned side. Thus, the deafening‐induced PKC expression was suppressed by lesioning of LMAN. These results suggest that an output signal from the AFP via LMAN induces the increase in PKC activity on HVC‐RA synapses that may regulate song plasticity.
Compensatory changes in the hippocampus of somatostatin knockout mice: upregulation of somatostatin receptor 2 and its function in the control of bursting activity and synaptic transmission
Authors: Cammalleri Maurizio , Cervia Davide , Monte Massimo Dal , Martini Davide , Langenegger Daniel , Fehlmann Dominique , Feuerbach Dominik , Pavan Barbara , Hoyer Daniel , Bagnoli Paola
Published: May 2006

Somatostatin‐14 (SRIF) co‐localizes with γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the hippocampus and regulates neuronal excitability. A role of SRIF in the control of seizures has been proposed, although its exact contribution requires some clarification. In particular, SRIF knockout (KO) mice do not exhibit spontaneous seizures, indicating that compensatory changes may occur in KO. In the KO hippocampus, we examined whether specific SRIF receptors and/or the cognate peptide cortistatin‐14 (CST) compensate for the absence of SRIF. We found increased levels of both sst2 receptors (sst2) and CST, and we explored the functional consequences of sst2 compensation on bursting activity and synaptic responses in hippocampal slices. Bursting was decreased by SRIF in wild‐type (WT) mice, but it was not affected by either CST or sst2 agonist and antagonist. sst4 agonist increased bursting frequency in either WT or KO. In WT, but not in KO, its effects were blocked by agonizing or antagonizing sst2, suggesting that sst2 and sst4 are functionally coupled in the WT hippocampus. Bursting was reduced in KO as compared with WT and was increased upon application of sst2 antagonist, while SRIF, CST and sst2 agonist had no effect. At the synaptic level, we observed that in WT, SRIF decreased excitatory postsynaptic potentials which were, in contrast, increased by sst2 antagonist in KO. We conclude that sst2 compensates for SRIF absence and that its upregulation is responsible for reduced bursting and decreased excitatory transmission in KO mice. We suggest that a critical density of sst2 is needed to control hippocampal activity.
Motor facilitation during action observation: topographic mapping of the target muscle and influence of the onlooker's posture
Authors: Urgesi Cosimo , Candidi Matteo , Fabbro Franco , Romani Michela , Aglioti Salvatore M.
Published: May 2006

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies report that viewing a given action performed by a model activates the neural representation of the onlooker's muscles that are activated during the actual execution of the observed action. Here we sought to determine whether this mirror observation‐execution facilitation reflects only muscular specificity or whether it is also influenced by postural congruency between onlooker/model body parts. We recorded motor potentials evoked by single‐pulse TMS from the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscles during observation of the right index and little finger abduction/adduction movements of models who kept their hands in a palm‐down or palm‐up position. Moreover, in different experiments observers kept their right hand palm down or palm up. Selective motor facilitation was observed during observation of movements that map the motor function of the targeted muscles, regardless of the posture of the observed hand. Modulation of FDI, however, was obtained only when participants kept their hand palm down; by contrast, modulation of ADM was obtained only when participants kept their hand palm up. Interestingly, electromyographic recordings showed that FDI is mostly active when index abduction/adduction movements are performed in the palm‐down position, whereas ADM is mostly active when little finger abduction/adduction movements are performed in the palm‐up position. Results show that the influence of the onlooker's hand posture is comparable in action execution and observation, thus indicating a fine‐grain functional correspondence between these two processes.
Functional and effective connectivity in an fMRI study of an auditory‐related task
Authors: Caclin Anne , Fonlupt Pierre
Published: May 2006

This study investigates the sets of brain areas that are functionally connected during an auditory goal‐directed task. We used a paradigm including a resting state condition and an active condition, which consisted in active listening to the footsteps of walking humans. The regional brain activity was measured using fMRI and the adjusted values of activity in brain regions involved in the task were analysed using both principal component analysis and structural equation modelling. A first set of connected areas includes regions located in Heschl's gyrus, planum temporale, posterior superior temporal sulcus (in the so‐called ‘social cognition’ area), and parietal lobe. This network could be responsible for the perceptual integration of the auditory signal. A second set encompassing frontal regions is related to attentional control. Dorsolateral‐ and medial‐prefrontal cortex have mutual negative influences which are similar to those described during a visual goal‐directed task [T. Chaminade & P. Fonlupt (2003) Eur. J. Neurosci., 18, 675–679.]. Moreover, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) exerts a positive influence on the auditory areas during the task, as well as a strong negative influence on the visual areas. These results show that: (i) the negative influence between the medial and lateral parts of the frontal cortex during a goal‐directed task is not dependent on the input modality (visual or auditory), and (ii) the DLPFC activates the pathway of the relevant sensory modality and inhibits the nonrelevant sensory modality pathway.
A novel RNA binding protein that interacts with NMDA R1 mRNA: regulation by ethanol
Authors: Anji Antje , Kumari Meena
Published: May 2006

Excitatory NMDA receptors are an important target of ethanol. Chronic ethanol exposure, in vivo and in vitro, increases polypeptide levels of NR1 subunit, the key subunit of functional NMDA receptors. In vitro, chronic ethanol treatment increases the half‐life of NR1 mRNA and this observation is dependent on new protein synthesis. The present study was undertaken to locate cis‐acting region(s) within the NR1 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) and identify NR1 3′‐UTR binding trans‐acting proteins expressed in mouse fetal cortical neurons. Utilizing RNA gel shift assays we identified a 156‐nt cis‐acting region that binds to polysomal trans‐acting proteins. This binding was highly specific as inclusion of cyclophilin RNA or tRNA did not interfere with cis–trans interactions. Importantly, the 3′‐UTR binding activity was significantly up‐regulated in the presence of ethanol. UV cross‐link analysis detected three NR1 3′‐UTR binding proteins and their molecular mass calculated by Northwestern analysis was ∼88, 60 and 47 kDa, respectively. Northwestern analysis showed a significant up‐regulation of the 88‐kDa protein after chronic ethanol treatment. The 88‐kDa protein was purified and identified by tandem mass spectrometry as the beta subunit of alpha glucosidase II (GIIβ). That GIIβ is indeed a trans‐acting protein and binds specifically to 3′‐UTR of NR1 mRNA was confirmed by RNA gel mobility supershift assays and immuno RT‐PCR. Western blotting data established a significant increase of GIIβ polypeptide in chronic ethanol‐exposed fetal cortical neurons. We hypothesize that the identified cis‐acting region and the associated RNA‐binding proteins are important regulators of NR1 subunit gene expression.
OprF polymorphism as a marker of ecological niche in Pseudomonas
Authors: Bodilis Josselin , Hedde Mickaël , Orange Nicole , Barray Sylvie
Published: May 2006

OprF is the major outer‐membrane protein of Pseudomonas sensu stricto (rRNA group I). In addition to playing a role as porin, membrane structural protein and root adhesion, this pleiotropic protein shows a length polymorphism corresponding to two types of OprF, termed OprF type 1 and OprF type 2. In a previous work, all the P. fluorescens isolated from bulk soil (non‐rhizospheric) were shown to possess oprF type 1, while all the clinical P. fluorescens isolates and most rhizospheric strains corresponded to type 2. In this study, we further investigated the relation between the OprF polymorphism and the ecological niche by developing a culture‐independent approach (a ratio polymerase chain reaction) to measure the percentage of each oprF type in environmental DNA samples, including two different soils and three different cultured plants (flax, wheat and grassland). Although the proportions of oprF type 2 between rhizospheric samples were quite variable, they were always very significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the proportions of oprF type 2 of the adjacent bulk soil where the vast majority of oprF (> 95%) corresponded to type 1. We discuss the potential applications of this ecological fingerprint in an agronomic and taxonomic point of view.
Impact of prehybridization PCR amplification on microarray detection of nitrifying bacteria in wastewater treatment plant samples
Authors: Siripong Slil , Kelly John J. , Stahl David A. , Rittmann Bruce E.
Published: May 2006

A gel‐based microarray that included a set of 26 oligonucleotide probes targeting all nitrifying bacteria at varying levels of specificity suggested the presence of targeted microorganisms when hybridized to RNA isolated from a wastewater treatment plant, but could not discriminate between perfectly matched and mismatched sequences due in part to low signal intensity. To enhance sensitivity and improve discrimination, polymerase chain reaction was used to selectively amplify the 16S rRNA genes of specific nitrifier groups. RNA transcribed from these DNA templates was hybridized to the microarray and thermal dissociation analysis was used to characterize the specificity of hybridization. Amplification with Nitrospira‐specific primers resulted in the selective amplification of this target group, confirmed by both a significant increase in signal intensity and a melting profile identical to the reference RNA. In contrast, Nitrobacter was not detected in the environmental samples with probe Nbac1000 despite pre‐amplification with Nitrobacter‐specific primers, indicating the absence of strains containing this Nitrobacter‐specific sequence. Pre‐amplification using primers specific for β‐Proteobacterial ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria resulted in a significant increase in signal intensity for probe Nso190, but melting profiles for probe Nso190 showed a slight deviation between amplified RNA and the reference microorganism, suggesting that the amplification products contained some sequences that varied by a single nucleotide difference in the probe target region.
High predictability of the seasonal dynamics of a species‐like Polynucleobacter population in a freshwater lake
Authors: Wu Qinglong L. , Hahn Martin W.
Published: May 2006

One of the key questions in microbial ecology is if seasonal patterns of bacterial community composition (BCC) observed in one year repeat in the following years. We have investigated if the recorded annual dynamics of a species‐like Polynucleobacter (subcluster PnecB) population allowed the prediction of the population dynamics in another year. The abundance of PnecB bacteria in the pelagic of temperate Lake Mondsee was investigated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) over three consecutive years. The PnecB bacteria formed a persistent population, and were present in the entire water body of the lake. Two of the three investigated years differed strongly in summer temperatures and precipitation, which resulted in markedly different growth conditions. But despite of these different environmental conditions, the PnecB population demonstrated remarkably similar seasonal dynamics in the three investigated years. Water temperature was the best predictor of the population dynamics during the first half of the annual cycles. Statistical analysis also indicated influences of phytoplankton and metazooplankton successions on the PnecB population dynamics. Furthermore, 65 lakes and ponds were investigated for the presence of PnecB bacteria. They were detected in the majority (78%) of circum‐neutral and alkaline freshwater habitats, but not in any investigated acidic or saline habitat.
A preliminary revision of the genusPlecotus(Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) based on genetic and morphological results
Authors: Spitzenberger Friederike , Strelkov Petr P. , Winkler Hans , Haring Elisabeth
Published: May 2006

The phylogenetic relationships within the genusPlecotuswere assessed using molecular as well as morphological methods. With only three species missing, our study is based on an almost comprehensive taxonomic sampling. The genetic analysis comprised 151 individuals from throughout the range. Sequences of two mitochondrial sections, parts of the 16S rRNA gene (16S) and of the control region (CR) were analysed. The morphological analysis of cranial and external characters comprised 697 individuals, including 10 holotypes and one lectotype. Data from 15 craniometric characters of 442 specimens were used in the multivariate analyses. The molecular data identified nine primary clades representing 11 species, 10 of which could be assigned to described taxa, whereas one was described as a new species,Plecotus strelkoviSpitzenberger sp. nov. The tree based on 16S revealed two major lineages, one consisting of only one primary clade restricted to the Mediterranean, the other consisting of eight primary clades representing Eurasian taxa. The morphological analysis revealed five additional species, two of them not described. Together with the recently describedP. taivanus,P. sardusandP. balensis, which were not included in our analysis, the genusPlecotuscomprises at least 19 more or less cryptic species. Phylogenetic and phenetic analyses resulted in similar but not completely concordant arrangements of the species. The proposed classification relies mainly on the tree based on 16S sequences. The current distribution indicates that 16 species can be linked to arboreal refugia, three to eremial refugia. We assume that speciation within the gleaning, rather slow flying long‐eared bats is due to a multitude of disruption and isolation processes within a formerly continuous range of the broad‐leaved Arcto‐Tertiary forest in whichPlecotusprobably originated. An exact calibrated molecular dating of the splits is not possible. The Early Oligocene age of the presumed ancestor of the Plecotini and a correlation of the molecular diversifications with palaeogeographic reconstructions suggest that the divergence of the two major lineages may have occurred already during the Middle Miocene, 14.5 Mya.
Comparison of insulin lispro mixture 25/75 with insulin glargine during a 24‐h standardized test‐meal period in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Roach P. , Malone J. K.
Published: May 2006

Aims  To compare insulin lispro mixture (25% insulin lispro and 75% NPL; Mix 25/75) twice‐daily plus oral glucose‐lowering medications (metformin and/or sulphonylurea) with once‐daily insulin glargine plus oral agents with respect to postprandial glycaemic control and other glucose and lipid parameters in patients with Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with insulin and/or oral glucose‐lowering agents.

Methods  This was a randomized, open‐label, crossover study. Prestudy oral agents were continued and patients not already on oral agents were treated with metformin. Mix 25/75 and insulin glargine were adjusted over 3 months to attain premeal plasma glucose (PG) < 6.0 mmol/l and were then given during a 24‐h in‐patient test meal period with frequent PG, serum triglyceride (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA) measurements.

Results  Twenty patients (10 F/10 M; mean ±sd age 54.0 ± 10.7 years, body mass index 37.0 ± 8.6 kg/m2, HbA1c 8.4 ± 1.01%) participated. Mean doses were 23 U before the morning and 37 U before the evening meal for Mix 25/75 and 44 U for insulin glargine. The combined 2‐h morning and evening meal postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) was not different between groups (9.2 ± 2.04 vs. 9.9 ± 1.66 mmol/l, P = 0.161). Mix 25/75 was associated with a lower mean 2‐h PPG for all meals combined (9.0 ± 1.88 vs. 9.9 ± 1.80 mmol/l, P < 0.05) and lower mean 24‐h PG (6.7 ± 1.00 vs. 7.5 ± 1.32 mmol/l, P < 0.01). Eight patients experienced mild hypoglycaemia (PG < 3.5 mmol/l) with Mix 25/75 and 3 with insulin glargine. The endpoint HbA1c was lower with Mix 25/75 (6.9 ± 0.52% vs. 7.3 ± 0.81%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions  In a 24‐h test‐meal setting in 20 patients, Mix 25/75 insulin plus oral glucose‐lowering agents was associated with lower mean PPG and 24‐h PG, more mild hypoglycaemia and similar TG, FFA and fasting PG concentrations. HbA1c was lower with Mix 75/25 plus oral agents, although it may not have reached steady state due to ongoing dose adjustment.
Socioeconomic Status in Childhood and Adulthood: Associations With Dispositional Optimism and Pessimism Over a 21‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Heinonen Kati , Räikkönen Katri , Matthews Karen A. , Scheier Michael F. , Raitakari Olli T. , Pulkki Laura , Keltikangas‐Järvinen Liisa
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT
We examined whether dispositional optimism and pessimism (overall LOT‐R and optimism and pessimism component scores) of 694 adults aged 24 and 27 were associated with socioeconomic status (SES) measured concurrently and in childhood at ages 3 and 6. SES measures included education, occupational status and unemployment, and income. Concurrent adulthood SES was associated with the overall LOT‐R and optimism and the pessimism component scores. Childhood family SES predicted overall LOT‐R and pessimism component scores, even after controlling statistically for the adulthood SES. Social mobility between SES of family of origin and current SES also influenced the scores. The current findings suggest that the foundation of dispositional optimism and pessimism is related to early SES of the family.
Why Extraverts Are Happier Than Introverts: The Role of Mood Regulation
Authors: Lischetzke Tanja , Eid Michael
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT
Three studies tested the hypotheses that extraverts demonstrate better mood maintenance abilities than introverts and that these mood regulation abilities can account for the higher habitual happiness of extraverts. Using self‐ and peer‐rated trait measures, Study 1 provided multimethod evidence that mood maintenance, but not mood repair, accounted for the link between extraversion and pleasant‐unpleasant trait mood. Study 2 replicated this finding in a different sample of self‐reports. Using a within‐subjects design, Study 3 demonstrated that when confronted with an affectively ambivalent situation, extraverts maintained a more positive affect balance than introverts. Habitual mood maintenance mediated the effect of extraversion on pleasant‐unpleasant affect change. Taken together, the findings support a self‐regulation explanation of the extraversion‐pleasant affect link.
Adult Attachment and the Perception of Emotional Expressions: Probing the Hyperactivating Strategies Underlying Anxious Attachment
Authors: Chris Fraley R. , Niedenthal Paula M. , Marks Michael , Brumbaugh Claudia , Vicary Amanda
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT
According to adult attachment theory, individual differences in attachment‐related anxiety reflect variation in individuals' vigilance to cues relevant to appraising and monitoring the availability and responsiveness of significant others. To investigate this assumption, the authors adopted a morph movie paradigm in which participants were shown movies of faces in which an emotional facial expression changed gradually to a neutral one (Study 1) or a neutral expression changed to an emotional one (Studies 2–4). Participants were asked to judge the point at which the emotional expression had disappeared or emerged, respectively. Individuals who were highly anxious with respect to attachment were more likely to perceive the offset (Study 1) as well as the onset (Studies 2 and 3) of the facial expressions of emotion earlier than other people. Moreover, this heightened state of vigilance may have led to poorer accuracy in judging facial expressions of emotion (Study 3), an effect that was reversed when anxious individuals were required to watch the movies for the same length of time as less anxious participants (Study 4). The results indicate that variation in attachment anxiety reflects, in part, differences in vigilance to cues of social and emotional significance.
Does Ideology Transcend Culture? A Preliminary Examination in Romania
Authors: Krauss Stephen
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT
This article represents a preliminary attempt to develop a culturally universal structural model of ideology. In Study 1, an indigenous model of Romanian ideology was developed. The structural model was created by converting 245 dictionary definitions of Romanian ideological concepts into questionnaire items. Using a sample of 420 Romanians, the most replicable structure indicated four broad dimensions that appeared to roughly correspond to the four factors in Saucier's (2000) American model of ideology. Study 2 replicated the structural model and compared it with existing ideological measures. Authoritarianism and traditional religiosity were a key component of the largest factor. Communism and some aspects of social dominance orientation were key components of the second largest factor. The findings may represent the beginnings of a culturally universal structure model of ideology.