bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of sequence-based typing for investigation of a case of nosocomial legionellosis
Authors: Wong Sallene , Pabbaraju Kanti , Burk Veronica F. , Broukhanski George C. , Fox Julie , Louie Tom , Mah Manuel W. , Bernard Kathryn , Tilley Peter A. G.
Published: November 2006

A fatal case of nosocomial legionellosis in a low prevalence region (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) prompted investigation into the source of infection. Hospital water systems contaminated with Legionella pneumophila have been shown to pose a risk to compromised patients. Typing of an L. pneumophila serogroup 1 strain isolated from the patient using sequence-based typing (SBT) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis linked it to a persistent and widespread strain isolated from the hospital water system establishing a nosocomial mode of acquisition. Different SBT and AFLP patterns were determined for non-epidemiologically linked cases and isolates from different hospitals.
Fusion of NUP98 and the SET binding protein 1 (SETBP1) gene in a paediatric acute T cell lymphoblastic leukaemia with t(11;18)(p15;q12)
Authors: Panagopoulos Ioannis , Kerndrup Gitte , Carlsen Niels , Strömbeck Bodil , Isaksson Margareth , Johansson Bertil
Published: November 2006

Three NUP98 chimaeras have previously been reported in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T‐ALL): NUP98/ADD3, NUP98/CCDC28A, and NUP98/RAP1GDS1. We report a T‐ALL with t(11;18)(p15;q12) resulting in a novel NUP98 fusion. Fluorescent in situ hybridisation showed NUP98 and SET binding protein 1(SETBP1) fusion signals; other analyses showed that exon 12 of NUP98 was fused in‐frame with exon 5 of SETBP1. Nested polymerase chain reaction did not amplify the reciprocal SETBP1/NUP98, suggesting that NUP98/SETBP1 transcript is pathogenetically important. SETBP1 has previously not been implicated in leukaemias; however, it encodes a protein that specifically interacts with SET, fused to NUP214 in a case of acute undifferentiated leukaemia.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ agonists as potential anti‐inflammatory agents in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Spears M. , McSharry C. , Thomson N. C.
Published: November 2006

Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective therapy for chronic persistent asthma and have a role in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, corticosteroids have reduced efficacy in some patients with asthma and fail to halt the progressive deterioration in lung function characteristic of COPD. Additional or alternative drug treatments to corticosteroids are required to improve control of inflammation in patients with therapy resistant airway disease. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) agonists have displayed potent anti‐inflammatory properties in experimental models of asthma and other airway diseases and as a result have the potential to become an additional treatment for asthma and COPD. We review the evidence from these experimental models and their applicability to asthma and COPD and the requirements for future clinical and experimental research.
Do serum leptin levels have a role in the prediction of pregnancy outcome in case of threatened miscarriage?
Authors: Tommaselli Giovanni A. , Di Spiezio Sardo Attilio , Di Carlo Costantino , Bifulco Giuseppe , Cerrota Giuseppe , Cirillo Domenico , Greco Elena , Nappi Carmine
Published: November 2006

Objective  To determine whether maternal serum leptin levels can predict pregnancy outcome in cases of threatened miscarriage.

Design  Observational study.

Patients  Fifty‐seven women with normal pregnancy (group A), 19 women with threatened miscarriage who delivered at term (group B), 22 women with threatened miscarriage with subsequent miscarriage (group C) and 27 women with delayed miscarriage (group D).

Measurements  Maternal serum leptin was determined using a commercial radioimmunoassay (RIA) kit.

Results  Serum leptin levels were not significantly different among groups A, B and C [median (range) 17·6 (10·1–26·5), 18·2 (12·5–25·6) and 17·3 (11·2–27·6) µg/l, respectively]. Women in group D showed significantly lower serum leptin levels in comparison with other groups [14 (6·7–21·3) µg/l; P < 0·05].

Conclusions  Serum leptin levels in the first trimester of pregnancy may not be the primary indicator of miscarriage in cases of threatened abortion.
Elevated circulating adiponectin in type 1 diabetes is associated with long diabetes duration
Authors: Lindström Torbjörn , Frystyk Jan , Hedman Christina A. , Flyvbjerg Allan , Arnqvist Hans J.
Published: November 2006

Objective  To study circulating adiponectin concentrations in relation to diabetes duration and endogenous insulin secretion in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Patients  Patients with haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) < 6% (reference range 3·6–5·4%) were selected for the study. Twenty‐two men and 24 women [age 41·3 ± 13·8 years (mean ± SD), diabetes duration 4 months to 52 years] participated. Healthy controls (15 women and nine men, age 41·3 ± 13·0 years) were also included. Overnight fasting serum samples were analysed for adiponectin, HbA1c, C‐peptide and lipoproteins.

Results  Significant positive associations were found between adiponectin concentrations and diabetes duration in univariate and multiple regression analyses. Serum adiponectin averaged 9·7 ± 5·3 [median 8·1, interquartile range (IQR) 3·6] mg/l in patients with diabetes duration less than 10 years and 17·8 ± 10·7 (median 14·7, IQR 7·5) mg/l in patients with longer duration (P = 0·0001). Among the patients, 24 were without detectable (< 100 pmol/l) and 22 with detectable C‐peptide levels (185 ± 91 pmol/l). C‐peptide levels in controls averaged 492 ± 177 pmol/l. HbA1c was 5·7 ± 0·6% in patients without detectable C‐peptide and 5·6 ± 0·4% in patients with detectable C‐peptide (ns). Serum adiponectin was higher in patients without detectable C‐peptide than in patients with detectable C‐peptide [17·3 ± 11·1 vs. 10·6 ± 5·8 mg/l (P < 0·005)] and in the controls [10·1 ± 2·9 mg/l (P < 0·001 vs. patients without detectable C‐peptide)].

Conclusions  The increase in circulating adiponectin concentrations in patients with type 1 diabetes appears to be strongly associated with long diabetes duration, irrespective of the metabolic control. Among other factors, a putative role for residual β‐cell function in the regulation of circulating adiponectin levels can be considered but we did not find sufficient evidence for this in the present study.
Intravenous polyclonal IgM‐enriched immunoglobulin therapy in sepsis: a review of clinical efficacy in relation to microbiological aetiology and severity of sepsis
Authors: NORRBY‐TEGLUND A. , HAQUE K. N. , HAMMARSTRÖM L.
Published: November 2006

The efficacy of intravenous polyclonal immunoglobulin (IVIG) as adjunct therapy in sepsis has long been debated. Clinical trials have yielded contradicting results, in part due to the varying study design and varying microbiological aetiologies. In most trials, the study drug has been IVIG containing polyclonal IgG. However, in recent reports, the efficacy of IgM‐enriched IVIG as adjunct therapy in sepsis has been highlighted. Here we review studies on IgM‐enriched IVIG therapy in sepsis and we discuss the clinical efficacy in relation to microbiological aetiology and severity of sepsis. The results suggest that patients most likely to benefit from IgM‐enriched IVIG therapy are those with Gram‐negative septic shock.
Modelling and estimating pollen movement in oilseed rape (Brassica napus) at the landscape scale using genetic markers
Authors: DEVAUX C. , LAVIGNE C. , AUSTERLITZ F. , KLEIN E. K.
Published: November 2006

Understanding patterns of pollen movement at the landscape scale is important for establishing management rules following the release of genetically modified (GM) crops. We use here a mating model adapted to cultivated species to estimate dispersal kernels from the genotypes of the progenies of male‐sterile plants positioned at different sampling sites within a 10 × 10‐km oilseed rape production area. Half of the pollen clouds sampled by the male‐sterile plants originated from uncharacterized pollen sources that could consist of both large volunteer and feral populations, and fields within and outside the study area. The geometric dispersal kernel was the most appropriate to predict pollen movement in the study area. It predicted a much larger proportion of long‐distance pollination than previously fitted dispersal kernels. This best‐fitting mating model underestimated the level of differentiation among pollen clouds but could predict its spatial structure. The estimation method was validated on simulated genotypic data, and proved to provide good estimates of both the shape of the dispersal kernel and the rate and composition of pollen issued from uncharacterized pollen sources. The best dispersal kernel fitted here, the geometric kernel, should now be integrated into models that aim at predicting gene flow at the landscape level, in particular between GM and non‐GM crops.
Recent Outbreaks of Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease Type Asia 1 in China
Authors: Guo H. , Liu X. , Liu Z. , Yin H. , Ma J. , Wang Y. , Shang Y. , Zhang Q. , Li D. , Guo J. , Lu Z. , Xie Q.
Published: November 2006

Foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) virus is the aetiological agent of an important disease of livestock and has a great global impact. The outbreak of FMD type Asia 1 in China was first confirmed at the beginning of May 2005. Subsequent outbreaks occurred in 10 areas in different provinces of China.
A Review of Serological Investigations of Brucellosis Among Farm Animals and Humans in Northern Provinces of Iraq (1974–2004)
Authors: Shareef J. M.
Published: November 2006

Brucellosis is an endemic anthropozoonotic disease in most Middle East countries including Iraq. It causes considerable loss of economy and energy, particularly in the rural areas. Since 1966 when the prevalence of brucella agglutinin from slaughtered sheep and goat was reported in Baghdad, several trials have been conducted including serological studies of brucellosis in the northern provinces of Iraq (Nainava, Duhok, Erbil, Kirkuk and Sulaimani). Humans, sheep, goats, cattle and buffalo have been involved. The studies also included isolation and identification of Brucella species, including B. abortus, B. melitensis and B. ovis. Local veterinary authorities, international organizations, universities and some NGOs have been involved. Moreover, limited efforts have been reported concerning the control and eradication of the disease among goats and sheep in some restricted areas. A limited vaccination program for newborn lambs and kids also has been conducted by the FAO, which was involved in the veterinary emergency plan for brucellosis in 2000. Northern provinces share an extensive border with Iran, Turkey and Syria, in addition to the direct and intimate contacts with other provinces of Iraq, which share borders with Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Hence any strategic planning for the control or eradication of this devastating anthropozoonotic disease in the country should be implemented regionally and not locally.
The Epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis in Buffalo in Iran
Authors: Tadayon K. , Mosavari N. , Shahmoradi A. H. , Sadeghi F. , Azarvandi A. , Forbes K.
Published: November 2006

Mycobacterium bovis is the cause of bovine tuberculosis (bovine Tb) in animals and is considered to be zoonotic and accordingly it infects humans, although cattle are the main host. Buffalo can also be infected and develop bovine Tb. In Iran, almost half a million buffaloes are farmed, mainly in three provinces. In West Azerbaijan, which has the largest numbers of buffaloes, cattle and buffalo are often farmed together. According to the reports of the Iranian Veterinary Organization over the last 25 years, there have been no reports of bovine Tb in buffalo, although the disease is often reported in cattle in this province. Eighteen and 140 pathology specimens from cattle and buffalo, respectively, collected from West Azerbaijani abattoirs were cultured. From one buffalo specimen out of 140, M. bovis was recovered, whereas the pathogen was isolated from 13 cattle specimens. Spoligotyping showed a relatively higher polymorphism within these isolates compared with M. bovis isolated from other Iranian provinces.
Phylogenetic correspondence of the body axes in bilaterians is revealed by the right‐sided expression of Pitx genes in echinoderm larvae
Authors: Hibino Taku , Nishino Atsuo , Amemiya Shonan
Published: November 2006

Chordates and echinoderms are two of the three major deuterostome phyla and show conspicuous left‐right (LR) asymmetry. The establishment of LR asymmetry has been explored in vertebrates, but is largely unknown in echinoderms. Here, we report the expression pattern of genes that are orthologous to the chordate left‐side specific gene Pitx, cloned from the sea urchin Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus (HpPitx) and the starfish Asterina pectinifera (ApPitx). HpPitx transcripts were first detected bilaterally in one cell of the ventrolateral primary mesenchyme‐cell aggregate of early prism larvae. New expression was detected asymmetrically in the right counterpart of a bilateral pair of mesodermal coelomic pouches and in the right ectoderm. In starfish bipinnaria larvae, the ApPitx signal was detected in the right coelomic pouch and in the right half of the ectoderm along the ciliary bands. These results suggest that the function of Pitx in establishing LR asymmetry was introduced in the last common ancestor of echinoderms and chordates. However, the right‐side specific expression in echinoderm larvae is inverted compared to chordate embryos. This indicates that the LR axis is inversely represented between echinoderms and chordates, which supports the scenario that dorsoventral axis inversion was introduced into the chordate lineage by turning upside down.
Development of calcium releasing activity induced by inositol trisphosphate and cyclic ADP‐ribose during in vitro maturation of sea urchin oocytes
Authors: Miyata Ken , Nakano Takashi , Kuroda Ritsu , Kuroda Hideyo
Published: November 2006

During fertilization of sea urchin eggs, the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) transiently increases (Ca2+ transient). Increased [Ca2+]i results from a rapid release from intracellular stores, mediated by one or both of two signaling pathways; inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) and IP3 receptor (IP3R) or cyclic GMP (cGMP), cyclic ADP‐ribose (cADPR) and ryanodine receptor (RyR). During fertilization, cGMP and cADPR increase preceding the Ca2+ transient, suggesting their contribution to this. If the RyR pathway contributed to the Ca2+ transient, its Ca2+ releasing activity would develop in parallel with that of the IP3 system during maturation of oocytes. Sea urchin oocytes were cultivated in vitro and Ca2+ transients induced by photolysis of caged IP3 or caged cADPR were measured during maturation. Oocytes spontaneously began to maturate in seawater. More than 50% of oocytes underwent germinal vesicle breakdown within 25 h and the second meiosis within 35 h, but it took more than 24 h until they became functionally identical to in vivo‐matured eggs. Both IP3 and cADPR induced Ca2+ transients comparable to those of in vivo‐matured eggs later than 24 h from the second meiosis. However, cADPR induced a small Ca2+ transient even before meiosis, whereas IP3 and sperm almost did not.
Wilson’s disease associated with delusional disorder
Authors: WICHOWICZ HUBERT MICHAŁ , CUBAŁA WIESŁAW JERZY , SŁAWEK JAROSŁAW
Published: November 2006

Abstract  Wilson’s disease (WD), or hepatolenticular degeneration, is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder of copper metabolism. It is an uncommon medical condition that produces psychiatric symptoms during the early phase in approximately 50% of patients. Reported herein is a case of WD in a young man presenting persistent delusional disorder of organic etiology, which resolved entirely after 4 months of combined pharmacotherapy. The present case demonstrates the importance of considering the occurrence of psychotic symptoms in WD patients given that psychiatric manifestations in WD are known to be uncommon as well as inhomogeneous. It also supports the hypothesis that psychopathologic features in WD have an organic foundation.
Creep deformation and rupture behaviour of directionally solidified GTD 111 superalloy
Authors: IBANEZ A. R. , SRINIVASAN V. S. , SAXENA ASHOK
Published: November 2006

The creep behaviour of directionally solidified (DS) Ni‐base superalloy GTD 111 has been investigated at various temperatures (649 °C to 982 °C) and stresses (124 MPa to 896 MPa). Specimens machined in longitudinal and transverse directions with respect to the grain orientation from three batches of the material were tested. The specimens in the longitudinal direction consistently exhibited higher creep rupture life and creep ductility than specimens from the transverse direction. There were some systematic variations in creep deformation and rupture behaviour among specimens from different batches. Optical and scanning electron microscopy investigations were conducted to understand the creep rupture behaviour. Various deformation and rupture models were evaluated for representing the creep behaviour of the alloy and a neural network model was applied to creep rupture data to assess its predictive capability.
FROM EXOGENOUS TO ENDOGENOUS ECONOMIC NETWORKS: INTERNET APPLICATIONS
Authors: D'Ignazio Alessio , Giovannetti Emanuele
Published: November 2006

Abstract Economic agents' behaviour is affected by their position in a network, either exogenous or endogenous, in which they interact with a sub‐set of neighbours only. The network's links, which may be generated by vertical and/or horizontal relations, or by more complex morphologies, may explain the transition between dynamic equilibria and the instability of economic aggregates. Moreover, networks shape strategic interaction among agents by determining their strategies; the problem of access and interconnection, particularly relevant in the Internet, is perhaps the best example. A two‐way feedback between strategies and network structures arises instead when links are endogenous: those features are clearly shown in the mechanism underlying the formation of peering links and R & D networks.
Decreased approach motivation in depression
Authors: WANG CATHARINA E. , BRENNEN TIM , HOLTE ARNE
Published: November 2006

The present study examined relations between choice preference and reaction time to emotionally valenced words, dysphoric symptoms (BDI), and dysfunctional attitudes (DAS) in clinically depressed (CD; n= 61), previously depressed (PD; n= 42), and never depressed controls (ND; n= 46). The results showed: (1) NDs and PDs exhibited a choice preference for the relatively more positive words and differed significantly from CDs; (2) PDs and CDs exhibited longer reaction time and differed significantly from NDs; and (3) BDI and DAS were positively associated with reaction time to positively valenced words, whereas no associations were found for reaction time to negatively valenced words. The increased reaction time, in PDs and CDs, is discussed as a possible vulnerability factor to depression, which may be related to decreased approach motivation.
Immigration, lack of control and psychological distress: Findings from the Oslo Health Study
Authors: DALGARD ODD STEFFEN , THAPA SURAJ BAHADUR , HAUFF EDVARD , MCCUBBIN MICHAEL , SYED HAMMAD RAZA
Published: November 2006

The aims of this study are to compare the level of psychological distress between Norwegian born and immigrants from countries with different income levels and culture, and to investigate the explanatory effect of socioeconomic and psychosocial factors, with special emphasis on lack of control (powerlessness and self‐efficacy). A cross‐sectional survey with self‐administered questionnaire was conducted in 2000–2001 in a sample of 15,723 adults living in Oslo. Psychological distress was measured by a ten‐item shortened version of Hopkins Symptom Checklist‐25 items, whereas psychosocial variables were measured by various instruments. The results show that the level of psychological distress is significantly higher in immigrants from low‐ and middle‐income countries than in the Norwegian born and the immigrants from high‐income countries. They also report more powerlessness, more negative life events, less social support, less income and less paid work. It is concluded that negative life events, mainly related to social network, somatic health and economic situations, as well as lack of social support, are important mediators between immigration from low‐ and middle‐income countries to Norway and psychological distress. Powerlessness also plays a role, but this is mainly because of a concept overlap between psychological distress and powerlessness.
Reading words with irregular decoding rules: A test of premorbid cognitive function?
Authors: TALLBERG ING‐MARI , WENNEBORG KLARA , ALMKVIST OVE
Published: November 2006

The present study investigated the relation between level of general cognitive function and the oral reading of irregular words in Swedish. Swedish is an orthographically regular language, so many irregular words are loan words from other languages. A test comprising such words (irregularly spelled words (ISW)) was designed, and tested on a sample of 48 healthy Swedish adults, stratified according to age, gender, and level of education. The results confirmed that the ability to read words that do not follow the regular rules for decoding in Swedish was positively related to general cognitive level. ISW in combination with demographic variables gave a good estimate of general cognitive function and a better estimate than demographic variables alone. Exposure to written and spoken vocabulary during the lifespan may be indexed by ISW performance, for factor analysis suggested that this may constitute a discrete factor contributing to cognitive function.
The Sociological Imagination of R. D. Laing
Authors: Scott Susie , Thorpe Charles
Published: November 2006

The work of psychiatrist R. D. Laing deserves recognition as a key contribution to sociological theory, in dialogue with the interactionist and interpretivist sociological traditions. Laing encourages us to identify meaningful social action in what would otherwise appear to be nonsocial phenomena. His interpretation of schizophrenia as a rational strategy of withdrawal reminds us of the threat that others can pose to the self and how social relations are implicated in even the most “private” and “internal” of experiences. He developed a far-reaching critical theory of the self in modern society, which challenges the medicalization and biochemical reduction of human problems. Using the case of shyness as an example, the article seeks to demonstrate the importance of Laing's theories for examining the fragility of the self in relation to contemporary social order.
Some peculiarities of korean kes cleft constructions*
Authors: Kang Bosook
Published: November 2006

Abstract.  This paper investigates the Korean cleft construction focusing on the following three facts: i) argument clefting is immune from wh‐islands, while adjunct clefting is strictly clause‐bound, ii) structural Cases must be dropped in the focus phrase while quasi adjunct postpositions can optionally appear, and iii) the presence or absence of the postposition in the focus phrase has an effect on locality; when the postposition is dropped, the clause‐boundedness effect disappears. To account for these data, we propose a novel analysis of Korean cleft constructions by relating clefting to scrambling. Adopting Bošković and Takahashi's (1998) approach to scrambling as base‐generation, we show that base‐generation of a null operator, which is followed by lowering for Case reason, can capture the peculiar locality facts. Lowering being driven by the need to check Case feature, it is only available with NPs, but not with non‐NPs, in accordance with Last Resort. This explains the clause‐boundedness of adjunct clefting. The lack of wh‐island effects in argument clefting also naturally follows since Relativized Minimality (Rizzi 1990), defined in terms of c‐command, is irrelevant to lowering, as Bošković and Takahashi showed. The effect of postposition dropping on locality is shown to provide strong support for Case‐driven lowering. As for the obligatory dropping of structural Case in the focus phrase, we argue that structural Case is never assigned to the focus phrase by the verb inside the cleft clause. Rather, the focus phrase is selected by the copula verb as an argument, as Sharvit (1999) proposed. Since copula verbs are not able to assign either Nominative or Accusative Case, the lack of structural Case in the focus phrase is expected.
Melanoma/skin cancer screening in a Mediterranean country: results of the Euromelanoma Screening Day Campaign in Greece
Authors: Stratigos A , Nikolaou V , Kedicoglou S , Antoniou C , Stefanaki I , Haidemenos G , Katsambas AD
Published: November 2006

Background  Since the year 2000 a melanoma/skin cancer screening campaign has been organized annually in Greece in the context of the Euromelanoma Screening Day Campaign.

Objectives  We aimed to analyse the characteristics of the screened population, to recognize relevant risk factors and to identify the cases of histologically confirmed malignant melanoma (MM) in individuals with suspicious skin lesions.

Methods  An analysis of the completed screening forms from the years 2000–2004 was performed with respect to relevant demographic, epidemiological and clinical data.

Results  A total of 9723 individuals were screened, most of whom where below the age of 50 years (71%), female (59%), and of skin phototype II and III (76%). Sunburn during childhood was reported in 47% of participants, while 5% of the screened population had a personal or family history of melanoma. On clinical examination, 14.4% had actinic keratoses, 31.2% had dysplastic nevi, while 6.4% carried a presumptive diagnosis of non‐melanoma skin cancer. In the 2003–2004 screening campaign, 19 out of the 171 clinically suspicious lesions were histologically proven to be MM, the majority of which (58%) were ‘thin’ melanomas (Breslow's thickness of ≤ 1 mm) of the superficial spreading type.

Conclusions  Our study suggested that, a melanoma/skin cancer screening programme in a Mediterranean country, supported by an intense publicity campaign, attracted many individuals at risk for skin cancer and detected mostly thin melanomas of the superficial spreading type.
Fear acquisition requires awareness in trace but not delay conditioning
Authors: Weike Almut I. , Schupp Harald T. , Hamm Alfons O.
Published: November 2006

The present study explored fear acquisition in differential delay versus trace conditioning in regard to the potential role of the acquired contingency awareness. One of two neutral pictures (CS+) either coterminated with (delay group;n=32) or was followed by the aversive unconditioned stimulus (UCS) after CS offset (trace group;n=32), while startle blink and skin conductance responses (SCR) were measured. As expected, the acquisition of conditioned startle potentiation in delay conditioning was independent of contingency awareness. In contrast, fear‐potentiated startle in trace conditioning was only observed for those participants who were aware of the CS–UCS contingencies. SCR conditioning was generally only obtained for aware participants. The present results suggest a more implicit learning process in delay fear conditioning, whereas the explicit acquisition of contingency awareness might be a prerequisite for trace fear conditioning.
Differential roles of Rap1 and Rap2 small GTPases in neurite retraction and synapse elimination in hippocampal spiny neurons
Authors: Fu Zhanyan , Lee Sang Hyoung , Simonetta Alyson , Hansen Jonathan , Sheng Morgan , Pak Daniel T. S.
Published: November 2006

The Rap family of small GTPases is implicated in the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, particularly synaptic depression. Here we studied the role of Rap in neuronal morphogenesis and synaptic transmission in cultured neurons. Constitutively active Rap2 expressed in hippocampal pyramidal neurons caused decreased length and complexity of both axonal and dendritic branches. In addition, Rap2 caused loss of dendritic spines and spiny synapses, and an increase in filopodia‐like protrusions and shaft synapses. These Rap2 morphological effects were absent in aspiny interneurons. In contrast, constitutively active Rap1 had no significant effect on axon or dendrite morphology. Dominant‐negative Rap mutants increased dendrite length, indicating that endogenous Rap restrains dendritic outgrowth. The amplitude and frequency of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate (AMPA)‐mediated miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) decreased in hippocampal neurons transfected with active Rap1 or Rap2, associated with reduced surface and total levels of AMPA receptor subunit GluR2. Finally, increasing synaptic activity with GABAA receptor antagonists counteracted Rap2’s inhibitory effect on dendrite growth, and masked the effects of Rap1 and Rap2 on AMPA‐mediated mEPSCs. Rap1 and Rap2 thus have overlapping but distinct actions that potentially link the inhibition of synaptic transmission with the retraction of axons and dendrites.
TAXONOMY OF ALBIAN GAVELINELLIDAE (FORAMINIFERA) FROM THE LOWER SAXONY BASIN, GERMANY
Authors: TYSZKA JAROSŁAW
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  The family Gavelinellidae was one of the most widespread and abundant groups of benthic foraminifers in the Cretaceous. This group evolved in the Early Cretaceous and became dominant in the Aptian and Albian together with some other families of Rotaliina. The reasons for this evident evolutionary success are unclear, and even the taxonomy and palaeoecology of the group are still a matter of debate. This paper goes ‘back to basics’ and begins by adjusting the terminology, description and evaluation of gavelinellid species identified during high‐resolution studies of the Albian Kirchrode borehole in the Lower Saxony Basin. This is the type area of Reuss' classical (1863) monograph on foraminifera from north German Hils and Gault. In order to avoid terminological misunderstandings, a new definition of test orientation applied to gavelinellids is used. The ventral side is described here as the side that bears the aperture or its extension along the margin, and the dorsal side is the opposite side of the test. The interpretative relationship of the test to the substrate is, therefore, avoided. Albian gavelinellids from the Kirchrode II borehole are represented by two genera, Berthelina and Lingulogavelinella, and six species. The morphology of most gavelinellids, including all documented taxa, is indistinct, which is the main reason for their confusing taxonomy. Species often show strongly overlapping characters, and variability within the species may be comparable or even higher than the variability between different taxa. Morphological details are usually the only features enabling the identification of species. The detailed description and photographic documentation of identified gavelinellid taxa presented herein is based on investigations of over 14 000 individuals augmented by comparative studies of various archival collections. Several diagnostic characters of gavelinellid tests, useful for taxonomic identification, are discussed and compared.
Development of a new canine osteosarcoma cell line
Authors: Séguin B. , Zwerdling T. , McCallan J. L. , DeCock H. E. V. , Dewe L. L. , Naydan D. K. , Young A. E. , Bannasch D. L. , Foreman O. , Kent M. S.
Published: November 2006

Establishing a canine osteosarcoma (OSA) cell line can be useful to develop in vivo and in vitro models of OSA. The goal of this study was to develop, characterize and authenticate a new canine OSA cell line and a clone. A cell line and a clone were developed with standard cell culture techniques from a naturally occurring OSA in a dog. The clonal cell line induced a tumour after injection in RAG 1‐deficient mouse. Histology was consistent with OSA. The original tumour from the dog and the tumour induced in the mouse were both reactive with vimentin and osteonectin (ON). The parent cell line and clonal cell line were reactive with ON, osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase. Loss of heterozygosity was found in the same three microsatellite markers in the parent and clonal cell lines, and the tumour tissue grown in the mouse.
Photoyellowing of wool. Part 2: Photoyellowing mechanisms and methods of prevention†
Authors: Millington Keith R
Published: November 2006

Part 1 of this review discussed the effects of light on wool keratin and the factors that affect the rate of photoyellowing. Part 2 describes the various photochemical mechanisms that have been proposed to account for photoyellowing of wool by sunlight, and focuses in particular on their strengths and weaknesses. The mechanisms involved in the rapid photoyellowing of wool treated with a fluorescent whitening agent are described in some detail since this remains a serious commercial problem. Existing methods for reducing the rate of wool photoyellowing are reviewed, together with a discussion of the remaining scientific and technical challenges to achieve bright, white wool fabrics and garments of high photostability.
Urea/alkali‐free printing of cotton with reactive dyes
Authors: Ahmed Nahed S E , Youssef Y A , El‐Shishtawy Reda M , Mousa A A
Published: November 2006

Urea reduction or elimination in reactive dye print pastes is of ecological interest. Sodium edetate is presented as a complete substitution of urea in the conventional print paste of reactive dyes, namely CI Remazol Black B and Remazol Brilliant Orange 3R using a constant amount of sodium alginate as the thickening agent. Three different print pastes containing urea/NaHCO3, sodium edetate/NaHCO3 and sodium edetate were thoroughly investigated. Different factors that may affect the printability of cotton, such as the concentrations of sodium edetate, urea, dye, absence or presence of alkali and steaming time in the prints obtained were evaluated with respect to the dye fixation, colour strength, dye penetration, levelling and the fastness properties. Excellent to good fastness was obtained for all samples irrespective of the print paste used.
Dyeability of new polyesters
Authors: Klančnik Maja
Published: November 2006

The popularity of comfortable stretch garments led to the rediscovery of polybutyleneterephthalate and to the development of a new inherently elastic bicomponent polyethyleneterephthalate–polytrimethyleneterephthalate fibre. The aim of this study was a comparison of the dyeability of these new elastic polyesters and a regular polyethyleneterephthalate fibre in an exhaust dyeing procedure as a function of temperature in the range 100–130 °C. Dyeing was evaluated in terms of colour strength, colour characteristics and fastness properties.
Risk‐Based Objectives for the Allocation of Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Air Emissions Sensors
Authors: Lambert James H. , Farrington Mark W.
Published: November 2006

This article addresses the problem of allocating devices for localized hazard protection across a region. Each identical device provides only local protection, and the devices serve localities that are exposed to nonidentical intensities of hazard. A method for seeking the optimal allocation Policy Decisions is described, highlighting the potentially competing objectives of maximizing local risk reductions and coverage risk reductions. The metric for local risk reductions is the sum of the local economic risks avoided. The metric for coverage risk reductions is adapted from the p‐median problem and equal to the sum of squares of the distances from all unserved localities to their closest associated served locality. Three graphical techniques for interpreting the Policy Decisions are presented. The three linked graphical techniques are applied serially. The first technique identifies Policy Decisions that are nearly Pareto optimal. The second identifies locations where sensor placements are most justified, based on a risk‐cost‐benefit analysis under uncertainty. The third displays the decision space for any particular policy decision. The method is illustrated in an application to chemical, biological, and/or radiological weapon sensor placement, but has implications for disaster preparedness, transportation safety, and other arenas of public safety.
Risk and Return in the U.S. Housing Market: A Cross‐Sectional Asset‐Pricing Approach
Authors: Cannon Susanne , Miller Norman G. , Pandher Gurupdesh S.
Published: November 2006

This article carries out an asset‐pricing analysis of the U.S. metropolitan housing market. We use ZIP code–level housing data to study the cross‐sectional role of volatility, price level, stock market risk and idiosyncratic volatility in explaining housing returns. While the related literature tends to focus on the dynamic role of volatility and housing returns within submarkets over time, our risk–return analysis is cross‐sectional and covers the national U.S. metropolitan housing market. The study provides a number of important findings on the asset‐pricing features of the U.S. housing market. Specifically, we find (i) a positive relation between housing returns and volatility, with returns rising by 2.48% annually for a 10% rise in volatility, (ii) a positive but diminishing price effect on returns and (iii) that stock market risk is priced directionally in the housing market. Our results on the return‐volatility‐price relation are robust to (i) metropolitan statistical area clustering effects and (ii) differences in socioeconomic characteristics among submarkets related to income, employment rate, managerial employment, owner‐occupied housing, gross rent and population density.
Hispanic Ethnicity, Gender, and the Change in the LEP‐Earnings Penalty in the United States During the 1990s*
Authors: Mora Marie T. , Dávila Alberto
Published: November 2006

Objective. Although studies suggest that the earnings of limited‐English‐proficient (LEP) Hispanic men have recently improved relative to the English fluent, it remains unclear as to whether specific Hispanic groups experienced similar improvements.

Methods. Using 1990 and 2000 U.S. Census data, this study employs regression, wage decomposition, and quantile regression analyses to examine how gender and Hispanic ethnicity relate to the LEP‐earnings penalty.

Results. The LEP‐earnings penalty fell significantly for Mexican‐American men between 1990 and 2000. However, additional results suggest that this penalty increased for Cuban‐American men and women (and, to a lesser extent, for Mexican‐American women).

Conclusions. Expanding trade and ethnic networks as well as reduced statistical discrimination have not systematically benefited all LEP Hispanic populations. Therefore, policies designed to enhance English‐language proficiency may yield heterogeneous socioeconomic outcomes along the ethnic, gender, and income class dimensions.
Atrial Anatomy and Imaging in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Authors: McGAVIGAN ANDREW D. , KALMAN JONATHAN M.
Published: November 2006

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) can be a technically challenging procedure, requiring detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the atria and thoracic veins to achieve successful cure of AF with a low complication rate. In this article, we review the anatomy relevant to AF ablation: the intraatrial septum, the pulmonary veins and left atrial antral region, the left atrial vestibule, the right atrium and related veins, and the esophagus. We focus on normal variations of anatomy and the role of the available imaging modalities in facilitating safe and effective ablation of this common and complex arrhythmia.
Emerging Energy Sources for Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: YIU KAI‐HANG , LAU CHU‐PAK , LEE KATHY LAI‐FUN , TSE HUNG‐FAT
Published: November 2006

Catheter‐based ablation techniques have been increasingly used as a curative therapy for treating atrial fibrillation (AF). Currently, radiofrequency (RF) energy is the most widely accepted and used method for catheter ablation of AF. However, RF ablation has potential disadvantages, including endocardial disruption, charring, platelet activation, pulmonary vein stenosis, and thrombus formation, and has limited efficacy in performing atrial linear ablation. As a result, new alterative energy sources have been explored for AF ablation. These new technologies, including cryoablation, microwave, ultrasound, and laser have different potential advantages over RF, but all of them have limited clinical experiences. Furthermore, the emergence of these new ablation energy sources should be paralleled with development of new ablation catheters, mapping and imaging tools to improve the successful rate of AF ablation. In the future, conventional RF ablation will remain the standard approach for AF, but some of these energies may be used in combination at specific sites for safety reasons, such as the use of cryoablation inside PVs or the use of microwave to create long atrial linear ablation more effectively.
Stepwise Catheter Ablation of Chronic Atrial Fibrillation:Importance of Discrete Anatomic Sites for Termination
Authors: JAÏS PIERRE , O'NEILL MARK D. , TAKAHASHI YOSHIHIDE , JÖNSSON ANDERS , HOCINI MÉLÈZE , SACHER FRÉDÉRIC , SANDERS PRASHANTHAN , KODALI SATHISH , ROSTOCK THOMAS , ROTTER MARTIN , CLÉMENTY JACQUES , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL
Published: November 2006

Background: Chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF) can be acutely terminated using a combination of approaches targeting thoracic veins, left atrial areas showing rapid/heterogeneous electrical activity, and by linear ablation. This observational study emphasizes the crucial role for conventional endocardial mapping to identify discrete anatomical sites, ablation of which is indispensable for the achievement of atrial fibrillation (AF) termination.

Methods: Eighty consecutive patients with CAF underwent catheter ablation using the stepwise approach. Pulmonary vein isolation and roof‐line ablation were performed as the initial two steps in all patients. In the presence of locally rapid or heterogeneous activity, ablation was then performed at all sites within the left atrium and coronary sinus (CS) region with the endpoint of local organization or slowing. If AF persisted, the mitral isthmus was targeted. Patients in whom AF terminated during one of these five ablation steps were differentiated from those in whom AF was terminated by radiofrequency ablation at a single discrete anatomic site within 1 minute. Electrograms at discrete anatomic sites of termination were classified according to morphology.

Results: Termination of AF was achieved in 69 (86%) patients by ablation alone. In 50 patients (72%), this occurred while following the predetermined ablation schema. In the remaining 19 patients (28%), ablation targeting a discrete site (preferentially located at the CS, the base of left atrial appendage, and the interatrial septum) terminated AF. Such sites were identified by (1) continuous electrical activity and fractionation and (2) bursts of short cycle activity (130–160 msec), centrifugal activation or local activation gradients, indicating sources perpetuating AF.

Conclusion: In 28% of patients with termination of CAF, the final successful ablation site is anatomically discrete and displays electrophysiological characteristics that can be effectively identified by point and activation mapping. Failure to identify these sites may significantly reduce the likelihood of termination of CAF by catheter ablation.
Th1 and Th2 cytokine gene polymorphisms in two indigenous ethnic groups in Iran
Authors: Amirzargar A. , Sadeghi M. , Khosravi F. , Dianat S. , Naroueynejad M. , Nicknam M. H. , Hatmi N. , Ansaripour B. , Moradi B. , Nikbin B.
Published: November 2006

Cytokines are important immunomodulatory molecules in immune responses against microorganisms and also have an important role in the setting of disorders affecting immune system. Cytokine single nucleotide polymorphisms have been extensively studied in different normal populations as well as in relation to diseases. Some of these polymorphisms (SNP) affect cytokine gene transcription and expression. The polymorphisms of cytokine genes are potentially important as genetic predictors of the disease susceptibility and clinical outcome or as a tool for anthropological studies. In this study, samples have been collected from 261 healthy individuals located in two different regions of Iran (Tehran and Yazd). The allele and genotype frequencies of Th1 and Th2 cytokines SNP including interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interferon (IFN)‐γ have been investigated, using the polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐specific primer method.

The allele and genotype frequencies in Tehran and Yazd populations were similar except for the IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6 and IL‐10. The IL‐4 C allele, C/C −33 and T/T −1098 genotype were significantly more frequent in Tehran than in Yazd population (P = 0.04, P = 0.004 and P = 0.001, respectively). The G/A genotype of the IL‐6 (nt565) and IL‐10 (−1082) was significantly less frequent in Tehran than in Yazd population (P = 0.01 and P = 0.003, respectively). The GT haplotype of the IL‐2 (−330, +166) was significantly less frequent in Tehran than in Yazd population (P = 0.0002).

We have also compared our whole samples with the reported data from other countries showing that Iranian population have cytokine gene polymorphism profile similar to that of Caucasians, especially Italian population.
Current legal responses to elder abuse
Authors: Buka Paul , Sookhoo Dave
Published: November 2006

Abstract.  In this paper, legal provisions for dealing with elder abuse in social or healthcare settings will be considered. The need for such measures for detection and management of elder abuse will be highlighted. Interventions should take into account elderly victims’ vulnerability, which may be due to physical and/or psychological dependence. The effectiveness of current interventions is limited due to a lack of cohesion and the absence of a specific legal framework. The term ‘vulnerable adults’ is broader than ‘elder abuse’. It is difficult to estimate the extent of the problem of elder abuse because of the usually intimate settings within which it takes place – this may affect the strength of the evidence. The purpose of this paper is to encourage a debate on the effectiveness of current legal responses to elder abuse. The true figures of the incidence of abuse may never be known. Consequently, in criminal law trials, providing evidence on abuse can be very traumatic and intimidating for a victim because of the circumstances in which it generally takes place. The irony is that the likelihood of a criminal prosecution may be higher in more serious types of abuse where the evidence is overwhelming, on the basis of the res ipsa loquitor (facts speak for themselves) principle. The abuse in question may be domestic or institutional; the effects nevertheless are the same.