bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thinking outside the cortex: social motivation in the evolution and development of language
Authors: Syal Supriya , Finlay Barbara L.
Published: November 2010

Alteration of the organization of social and motivational neuroanatomical circuitry must have been an essential step in the evolution of human language. Development of vocal communication across species, particularly birdsong, and new research on the neural organization and evolution of social and motivational circuitry, together suggest that human language is the result of an obligatory link of a powerful cortico‐striatal learning system, and subcortical socio‐motivational circuitry.
Evidence for syntactic alignment in children with autism
Authors: Allen Melissa L. , Haywood Sarah , Rajendran Gnanathusharan , Branigan Holly
Published: November 2010

We report an experiment that examined whether children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) spontaneously converge, or align, syntactic structure with a conversational partner. Children with ASD were more likely to produce a passive structure to describe a picture after hearing their interlocutor use a passive structure to describe an unrelated picture when playing a card game. Furthermore, they converged syntactic structure with their interlocutor to the same extent as did both chronological and verbal age‐matched controls. These results suggest that the linguistic impairment that is characteristic of children with ASD, and in particular their difficulty with interactive language usage, cannot be explained in terms of a general deficit in linguistic imitation.
Utility of language comprehension tests for unintelligible or non‐speaking children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Authors: GEYTENBEEK JOKE , HARLAAR LAURIKE , STAM MARLOES , KET HANS , BECHER JULES G , OOSTROM KIM , VERMEULEN JEROEN
Published: November 2010

Aim  To identify the use and utility of language comprehension tests for unintelligible or non‐speaking children with severe cerebral palsy (CP).

Method  Severe CP was defined as severe dysarthria (unintelligible speech) or anarthria (absence of speech) combined with severe limited mobility, corresponding to Gross Motor Function Classification System levels IV to V. An electronic search in the databases of PubMed, PsychInfo, Embase, and CINAHL was made of studies published between January 1965 and December 2008. Indexing terms and free‐text terms for ‘cerebral palsy’, ‘language’, and ‘instrumentation’ were used. Studies were included when (1) the focus was to investigate comprehension of spoken language of children (0–18y) with severe CP, and (2) language tests were described.

Results  Twelve standardized tests and five experimental instruments were identified. All standardized tests were developed for children without limited mobility. Only the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test – Revised was frequently used and feasible for older children with severe CP (>9y). The other tests were used occasionally. To establish utility, adaptations of standardized test procedures were necessary.

Interpretation  Language comprehension tests for children with severe CP are scarce. A language comprehension test specifically designed for these children is warranted.

Cite this as: Dev Med Child Neurol 52: e267–e277
Interoceptive threat leads to defensive mobilization in highly anxiety sensitive persons
Authors: Melzig Christiane A. , Holtz Katharina , Michalowski Jaroslaw M. , Hamm Alfons O.
Published: November 2010

To study defensive mobilization elicited by the exposure to interoceptive arousal sensations, we exposed highly anxiety sensitive students to a symptom provocation task. Symptom reports, autonomic arousal, and the startle eyeblink response were monitored during guided hyperventilation and a recovery period in 26 highly anxiety sensitive persons and 22 controls. Normoventilation was used as a non‐provocative comparison condition. Hyperventilation led to autonomic arousal and a marked increase in somatic symptoms. While high and low anxiety sensitive persons did not differ in their defensive activation during hyperventilation, group differences were detected during early recovery. Highly anxiety sensitive students exhibited a potentiation of startle response magnitudes and increased autonomic arousal after hyper‐ as compared to after normoventilation, indicating defensive mobilization evoked by the prolonged presence of feared somatic sensations.
Children with Atopic Dermatitis Appear Less Likely to Be Infected with Community Acquired Methicillin‐ResistantStaphylococcus aureus: The San Diego Experience
Authors: Matiz Catalina , Tom Wynnis L. , Eichenfield Lawrence F. , Pong Alice , Friedlander Sheila Fallon
Published: November 2010

Abstract: Given the increasing rate of community‐acquired methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureusskin infections in the population, such infections might be concurrently increasing in patients with atopic dermatitis. This study assessed current and prior rates of community‐acquired methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureusand methicillin‐susceptibleStaphylococcus aureusskin and soft tissue infections in children with atopic dermatitis compared to the general pediatric population. Other antibiotic sensitivity and resistance patterns, including clindamycin‐inducible resistance, were also identified. Retrospective study of all skin and soft tissue isolates were positive forStaphylococcus aureusduring two distinct 1‐year periods, obtained by the outpatient services and the emergency department at Rady Children’s Hospital, the major regional pediatric health center in San Diego, California. Of theStaphylococcus aureusisolates obtained from January to December 2000, none from atopic dermatitis patients were methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureus, while 4.2% of those obtained from the general outpatient pediatric population showed methicillin resistance. In the period from June 2007 to May 2008, 11 of 78 isolates (14.1%) from children with atopic dermatitis were methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureus.This was significantly lower than the rate of increase noted in the general pediatric population (658 of 1482, or 44.4%, in 2007/2008, p < 0.05). Clindamycin‐inducible resistance was noted in 1.9% of the isolates in the general population; all six tested isolates from atopic patients lacked clindamycin‐inducible resistance. In this study, children with atopic dermatitis had a much lower rate of community‐acquired methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureusinfection compared to the general outpatient pediatric population. Clindamycin‐inducible resistance was very low in both groups.
Economic Feasibility of Recycling Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Choi Jun‐Ki , Fthenakis Vasilis
Published: November 2010

The market for photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation has boomed over the last decade, and its expansion is expected to continue with the development of new technologies. Taking into consideration the usage of valuable resources and the generation of emissions in the life cycle of photovoltaic technologies dictates proactive planning for a sound PV recycling infrastructure to ensure its sustainability. PV is expected to be a “green” technology, and properly planning for recycling will offer the opportunity to make it a “double‐green” technology—that is, enhancing life cycle environmental quality. In addition, economic feasibility and a sufficient level of value‐added opportunity must be ensured, to stimulate a recycling industry. In this article, we survey mathematical models of the infrastructure of recycling processes of other products and identify the challenges for setting up an efficient one for PV. Then we present an operational model for an actual recycling process of a thin‐film PV technology. We found that for the case examined with our model, some of the scenarios indicate profitable recycling, whereas in other scenarios it is unprofitable. Scenario SC4, which represents the most favorable scenario by considering the lower bounds of all costs and the upper bound of all revenues, produces a monthly profit of $107,000, whereas the least favorable scenario incurs a monthly loss of $151,000. Our intent is to extend the model as a foundation for developing a framework for building a generalized model for current‐PV and future‐PV technologies.
Transient Pseudorestrictive Pattern of Transmitral Flow Velocity Curve in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Motoki Hirohiko , Koyama Jun , Tomita Takeshi , Aizawa Kazunori , Kasai Hiroki , Koshikawa Megumi , Izawa Atsushi , Kumazaki Setsuo , Takahashi Masafumi , Ikeda Uichi
Published: November 2010

Background: Early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus and transmitral flow propagation velocity are reported as more reliable determinants of left ventricular diastolic function in patients with atrial fibrillation than are transmitral Doppler indices. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that transmitral flow curve shows pseudorestrictive pattern during rate‐controlled atrial fibrillation. Methods: Thirteen paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients were monitored for three phases: before atrial fibrillation, during atrial fibrillation, and after the recovery of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. Standard two‐dimensional, color flow, and tissue Doppler echocardiography were performed. We compared the indices of left ventricular diastolic function among the three phases. Results: The early diastolic velocity of transmitral flow increased significantly during atrial fibrillation (before, 0.76 ± 0.19 m/sec; during, 0.86 ± 0.20 m/sec; after recovery to sinus rhythm, 0.73 ± 0.16 m/sec; P < 0.01). The deceleration time of early transmitral diastolic wave decreased during atrial fibrillation (182.5 ± 39.6 ms; 149.1 ± 38.7 ms; 184.0 ± 44.5 ms, respectively, P < 0.01). The early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus increased during atrial fibrillation (5.37 ± 1.31 cm/sec; 7.29 ± 1.25 cm/sec; 5.37 ± 1.32 cm/sec; respectively, P < 0.01). The transmitral propagation velocity did not change significantly during atrial fibrillation. Conclusion: Although conventional Doppler indices showed abnormal relaxation pattern, left ventricular diastolic function was preserved during rate‐controlled atrial fibrillation, as determined from early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus and transmitral flow propagation velocity. (Echocardiography 2011;28:289‐297)
Neoliberalism and the rewriting of the Indian leader
Authors: RAO URSULA
Published: November 2010

In this article, I discuss recent changes in Indian leadership images. In a commercialized press, political journalists have adopted new writing styles that turn former political heroes into ambiguous human beings. This development is fueled by a neoliberal restructuring that has fundamentally altered journalists’ professional environment. By viewing press activity through the lens of a major ideological shift, I seek to contribute to an emerging debate about neoliberal practices. I contend that current transitions within the Indian press are not a smooth sail into a new ideological realm but a contradictory practice of personal empowerment through selective reflexivity.
Warriors, hunters, and Bruce Lee: Gendered agency and the transformation of Amazonian masculinity
Authors: HIGH CASEY
Published: November 2010

In this article, I examine the ways in which young Waorani men in Amazonian Ecuador express specific generational forms of masculinity in reference to past violence, urban intercultural relations, and global film imagery. By drawing on Amazonian and anthropological conceptualizations of “gendered agency,” I consider how emerging masculine fantasies point to young men's reduced ability to demonstrate particular forms of agency associated with male elders and ancestors. I suggest that a Waorani “masculinity crisis” in the wake of social and economic transformation has not led to the gendered antagonisms and violence toward women familiar to studies of “hegemonic” masculinities.
Latitudes of loss: On the vicissitudes of empathy
Authors: THROOP C. JASON
Published: November 2010

In this article, I examine loss, the vicissitudes of empathy, and the existential complexity of one's subjective life in relation to the lived experiences of others. I focus specifically on some observations I made about the dynamics of empathy and the experience of grief during a recent trip back to the island of Yap (Waqab), Federated States of Micronesia. In so doing, I argue for the significance of recognizing that empathy is rarely an all or nothing affair. Nor is it necessary that it be based on some set of homologous experiences shared between individuals. It is, instead, a process that is temporally arrayed, intersubjectively constituted, and culturally patterned. Even in the face of mutual misunderstanding, possibilities still exist for moments of empathetic insight to arise.
Fitness trade‐offs associated with oviposition strategy in the winter cherry bug, Acanthocoris sordidus
Authors: Nakajima Yuji , Fujisaki Kenji
Published: November 2010

In phytophagous insects, oviposition strategy is determined by complex trade‐offs among many factors. The winter cherry bug, Acanthocoris sordidus Thunberg (Heteroptera: Coreidae), deposits its eggs not only on host plants, but also on non‐host plants. Oviposition on non‐host plants may cause higher nymph mortality, as nymphs may be unable to find their host plants during the second instar when the first feeding occurs. Therefore, we hypothesised that this uncommon oviposition strategy would be maintained by a trade‐off between egg and nymphal mortality risks. To test this hypothesis, we conducted field surveys to compare egg mortality due to biotic (predation and parasitism) and abiotic factors on host plants vs. non‐host plants. We also conducted a semi‐field experiment to quantify the risk of nymphal mortality caused by oviposition on non‐hosts during the second instar. In terms of mortality risk during the egg stage, a 2‐year field survey revealed that oviposition on non‐host plants resulted in higher survival of eggs than on host plants; this strategy was also particularly effective for avoiding attacks by ground‐living arthropod predators. In terms of mortality risk during the nymphal stage, the semi‐field experiment demonstrated that nymphs placed off host plants do risk being unable to reach host plants. However, the presence of conspecific adults on host plants increased the probability that nymphs reached host plants. Therefore, second instars may have evolved the ability to utilise chemical cues emitted by adults on host plants or by host plants fed by adults to reduce their risk of not reaching host plants. We concluded that oviposition on non‐host plants by A. sordidus females could be maintained by the balance between the benefit of lower egg mortality and the cost of higher nymph mortality compared to oviposition on host plants.
Evidence‐based periodontal plastic surgery: an assessment of quality of systematic reviews in the treatment of recession‐type defects
Authors: Chambrone Leandro , Faggion Jr. Clovis Mariano , Pannuti Claudio Mendes , Chambrone Luiz A.
Published: November 2010

Chambrone L, Faggion CM Jr, Pannuti CM, Chambrone LA. Evidence‐based periodontal plastic surgery: an assessment of quality of systematic reviews in the treatment of recession‐type defects. J Clin Periodontol 2010; doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2010.01634.x.

Objective: To assess methods, quality and outcomes of systematic reviews (SRs) conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of root coverage (RC) procedures in the treatment of recession‐type defects (RTD).

Methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched up to and including April 2010 to identify SRs investigating the effectiveness/efficacy of surgical interventions for the treatment of patients with RTD. Searching was conducted independently by two reviewers, and data extraction was based on the methodological criteria applied and on the effects of interventions reported by each SR. The checklist proposed by Glenny and colleagues, the Overview Quality Assessment Questionnaire and the “Assessment of Multiple systematic Reviews”, instrument were used to assess the quality of SRs. Additionally, the methodological criteria applied by included reviews were compared with those proposed by the Cochrane Collaboration.

Results: Search strategy identified 716 potentially eligible articles, of which 12 papers regarding 10 SRs were included in the study. Results from different SRs showed that subepithelial connective tissue grafts associated or not to coronally advanced flaps can be used to reduce recession depth and improve the width of keratinized tissue. All quality assessment tools showed that most of the SRs were of good methodological quality, but they also highlighted key points that could be improved in future reviews. Only two SRs followed in full the guidelines proposed by the Cochrane Collaboration.

Conclusions: All SRs agree that RC may be anticipated by different surgical procedures. However, differences in the methodological quality between reviews were quite evident, and thus making a clear indication that there is a need of standardization of the methods that will be applied by future SRs. As a result, a standardized checklist for reporting SRs was proposed by the authors.
Review Article: Periodontal disease and pre‐eclampsia: a systematic review
Authors: Kunnen Alina , Van Doormaal Jasper J. , Abbas Frank , Aarnoudse Jan G. , Van Pampus Maria G. , Faas Marijke M.
Published: November 2010

Kunnen A, van Doormaal JJ, Abbas F, Aarnoudse JG, van Pampus MG, Faas MM. Periodontal disease and pre‐eclampsia: a systematic review. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 1075–1087. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2010.01636.x

Aim: This review evaluates the possible relationship between periodontal disease and pre‐eclampsia, a major pregnancy complication. A generalized inflammatory response plays an important role in the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia. Because periodontal disease is a low‐grade inflammatory state, periodontal disease might contribute to the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia.

Main Findings and Conclusion: A literature search of PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL until August 2010 revealed 12 eligible observational studies and three randomized‐controlled trials (RCTs). It appeared difficult to compare these studies, due to variations in definitions of periodontal disease and pre‐eclampsia, timing of periodontal examination and inadequate control for confounding factors. Eight observational studies reported a positive association, while four studies found no association. None of the RTCs reported reductions in pre‐eclamptic rate after periodontal therapy during pregnancy. Therefore, it is questionable whether periodontal disease plays a causal role in the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia. The observed association in eight observational studies might be the result of induction of periodontal disease due to the pre‐eclamptic state or it may be an epiphenomenon of an exaggerated inflammatory response to pregnancy. Larger RCTs with pre‐eclampsia as the primary outcome and pathophysiological studies are required to explore causality and to dissect biological mechanisms involved.
Biotic and abiotic variables show little redundancy in explaining tree species distributions
Authors: Meier Eliane S. , Kienast Felix , Pearman Peter B. , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Thuiller Wilfried , Araújo Miguel B. , Guisan Antoine , Zimmermann Niklaus E.
Published: November 2010

Abiotic factors such as climate and soil determine the species fundamental niche, which is further constrained by biotic interactions such as interspecific competition. To parameterize this realized niche, species distribution models (SDMs) most often relate species occurrence data to abiotic variables, but few SDM studies include biotic predictors to help explain species distributions. Therefore, most predictions of species distributions under future climates assume implicitly that biotic interactions remain constant or exert only minor influence on large‐scale spatial distributions, which is also largely expected for species with high competitive ability. We examined the extent to which variance explained by SDMs can be attributed to abiotic or biotic predictors and how this depends on species traits. We fit generalized linear models for 11 common tree species in Switzerland using three different sets of predictor variables: biotic, abiotic, and the combination of both sets. We used variance partitioning to estimate the proportion of the variance explained by biotic and abiotic predictors, jointly and independently. Inclusion of biotic predictors improved the SDMs substantially. The joint contribution of biotic and abiotic predictors to explained deviance was relatively small (~9%) compared to the contribution of each predictor set individually (~20% each), indicating that the additional information on the realized niche brought by adding other species as predictors was largely independent of the abiotic (topo‐climatic) predictors. The influence of biotic predictors was relatively high for species preferably growing under low disturbance and low abiotic stress, species with long seed dispersal distances, species with high shade tolerance as juveniles and adults, and species that occur frequently and are dominant across the landscape. The influence of biotic variables on SDM performance indicates that community composition and other local biotic factors or abiotic processes not included in the abiotic predictors strongly influence prediction of species distributions. Improved prediction of species' potential distributions in future climates and communities may assist strategies for sustainable forest management.
Delayed density‐dependent onset of spring reproduction in a fluctuating population of field voles
Authors: Ergon Torbjørn , Ergon Rolf , Begon Mike , Telfer Sandra , Lambin Xavier
Published: November 2010

Delayed density‐dependent demographic processes are thought to be the basis for multi‐annual cyclic fluctuations in small rodent populations, but evidence for delayed density dependence of a particular demographic trait is rare. Here, using capture–recapture data from 22 sites collected over nine years, we demonstrate a strong effect of population density with a one‐year lag on the timing of the onset of spring reproduction in a cyclically fluctuating population of field voles Microtus agrestis in northern England. The mean date for the onset of spring reproduction was delayed by about 24 days for every additional 100 voles ha−1 in the previous spring. This delayed density dependence is sufficient to generate the type of cyclic population dynamics described in the study system.
Heptanol triggers cardioprotection via mitochondrial mechanisms and mitochondrial potassium channel opening in rat hearts
Authors: Johansen D. , Sanden E. , Hagve M. , Chu X. , Sundset R. , Ytrehus K.
Published: November 2010

Aim:  To investigate mechanisms behind heptanol (Hp)‐induced infarct size reduction and in particular if protection by pre‐treatment with Hp is triggered through mitochondrial mechanisms.

Methods:  Langendorff perfused rat hearts, isolated mitochondria and isolated myocytes were used. Infarct size, mitochondrial respiration, time to mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening and AKT and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK‐3β) phosphorylation were examined.

Results:  Pre‐treatment with Hp reduced infarct size from 29.7 ± 3.4% to 12.6 ± 2.1%. Mitochondrial potassium channel blockers 5‐hydroxy decanoic acid (5HD) blocking mitoKATP and paxilline (PAX) blocking mitoKCa abolished cardioprotective effect of Hp (Hp + 5HD 36.7 ± 2.9% and Hp + PAX 40.2 ± 2.8%). Hp significantly reduced respiratory control ratio in both subsarcolemmal and interfibrillar mitochondria in a dose‐dependent manner (0.5–5.0 mm). The ADP oxygen ratio was also significantly reduced by Hp (2 mm). Laser scanning confocal microscopy of tetramethylrhodamine‐loaded isolated rat myocytes using line scan mode showed that Hp increased time to MPTP opening. Western blot analysis showed that pre‐treatment with Hp increased phosphorylation of AKT and GSK‐3β before ischaemia and after 30 min of global ischaemia.

Conclusion:  Pre‐treatment with Hp protects the heart against ischaemia‐reperfusion injury. This protection is most likely mediated via mitochondrial mechanisms which initiate a signalling cascade that converges on inhibition of opening of MPTP.
Caring for Creation and Striving for Climate Justice: Implications for mission and spirituality1
Authors: Kerber Guillermo
Published: November 2010

Presenting climate change as one of the most important challenges the world faces today, and one that already affects populations in the Pacific, in Africa, in the Caribbean and in Southeast Asia, the author links spirituality and mission with the advocacy work being carried on by the World Council of Churches on climate change issues. The article asserts that the ecumenical work on climate change is rooted in a biblical imperative. Two biblical insights, the wholeness of creation and the commitment for justice, are unfolded as guidelines for the ecumenical concern on climate change. The first one requests a renewed theology of creation that responds adequately to the accusation that Christianity is anthropocentric. In this theology, the trinitarian understanding of creation and the role of the Holy Spirit are highlighted. Together with theology, ethics is a core contribution churches make to the climate change debate. This ethical approach is based on the commitment for justice, biblically rooted, which pays special attention to the poor, the vulnerable ones. Main principles of climate justice from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change are also analyzed. Finally, the spiritual dimension is presented following texts of Leonardo Boff and Larry Rasmussen, among others, as a specific contribution Christian churches make to climate change, ecology and environmental issues.
Creation, Theological Imagination and Questions about Discipleship
Authors: Motte Mary
Published: November 2010

Science yields factual data about the unfolding nature of the universe that challenges us profoundly and with urgency. This data verifies we are living in a dynamic world within a dynamic universe that is still in the process of creation. This process is wrought with risk and is also defined by relationships that emerge from the most basic elements of life. These times require a new cosmology. Haught reminds us that the adventurous narrative of love and liberation at work beneath the surface available to science is the work space of theologians. The patterns of relationships in all life forms evoke the image of the Trinity as a communion of relations. Discovering a new way of seeing requires doing theology in new ways and Delio notes this means a search for the newness of God evident in the New Testament. Ultimately, new ways of seeing require examining discipleship. Contemplation through the ages permits us to grasp that this Trinity of Love is our God who dwells with us. Our insight into God continually unfolds in history through the continuity of the Paschal Mystery of Christ in his incarnation, death and resurrection. Profound suffering, disaster and tragedy mark the age in which we live. Yet God is not absent. The call to discipleship with the One who has realized God's presence among us in the Paschal Mystery is a realization of a humility that is far removed from power, control and domination. We discover a humble God in the place of the poor because this is how God has become incarnate among us.
Interrogation, Interpretation and Integration of Spirituality: Insights from Sri Aurobindo for “Care for Creation”
Authors: Prince Brainerd
Published: November 2010

This paper brings together three strands of enquiry – interrogation of spirituality, interpretation of spirituality and Sri Aurobindo's integrative spirituality – which form the three natural parts of the paper. In the first part I interrogate the idea and category “spirituality” and argue that this term came to be understood in opposition to the “material” only in medieval times, and thus the common notion of spirituality as opposed to materiality is misplaced. In the second part, in light of George Lindbeck's work, I will explore the question – is it possible for different traditions that interpret spirituality differently to hold a common unifying position? I will argue that if we are to arrive at an understanding of spirituality that will be acceptable to different traditions, then the very conception of spirituality must be informed by all. In the final part, I will argue that Sri Aurobindo's integrative spirituality offers a sufficient rationale for creation‐care by proposing a view of spirituality which, on the one hand, overcomes the spiritual‐material dichotomy, while on the other, contains an implicit guard against imposing its view of spirituality on other traditions. Finally, by bringing Sri Aurobindo into the dialogue I demonstrate how insights from another tradition can be drawn to enrich our understanding of spirituality.
Management of hepatitis B: Consensus of the Japan Society of Hepatology 2009
Authors: Yokosuka Osamu , Kurosaki Masayuki , Imazeki Fumio , Arase Yasuji , Tanaka Yasuhito , Chayama Kazuaki , Tanaka Eiji , Kumada Hiromitsu , Izumi Namiki , Mizokami Masashi , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: November 2010

Recently, much progress has been made in the field of hepatitis B, such as natural history of the disease in relation to the amount of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, genotypes of HBV influencing the natural course and treatment effects, mutations of HBV influencing the severity of the disease and development of hepatocellular carcinoma, and antiviral treatment such as nucleos(t)ide analogues and pegylated interferon. To make the consensus for the diagnosis, management and treatment of hepatitis B, a meeting was held during 45th annual meeting of Japan Society of Hepatology (JSH) in June 2009. In the meeting, recommendations and informative statements were discussed on the following subjects: (i) natural history of HBV infection; (ii) clinical implication of HBV genotypes; (iii) HBV mutations and their potential impact on pathogenesis of HBV infection; (iv) indications for antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B; (v) nucleos(t)ide analogues for chronic hepatitis B; and (vi) interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis B. The presenters reviewed the data on these subjects and proposed the consensus statements and recommendations. These statements were discussed among the organizers and presenters, and were approved by the participants of the meeting. In the current report, the relevant data were reviewed and the 12 consensus statements and nine recommendations on chronic hepatitis B were described.
How Learning to Read Changes the Cortical Networks for Vision and Language
Authors: Dehaene Stanislas , Pegado Felipe , Braga Lucia W. , Ventura Paulo , Filho Gilberto Nunes , Jobert Antoinette , Dehaene-Lambertz Ghislaine , Kolinsky Régine , Morais José , Cohen Laurent
Published: November 2010

Reading, Writing, and Face Recognition

Reading, not to mention writing and texting, is a relatively recent invention, and hence it is believed that a preliterate brain must adapt on the fly, so to speak, in learning how to process written words, rather than being able to rely upon evolutionarily ancient modifications of the visual system pathways.

Dehaene
et al.

(p.
1359
, published online 11 November) examined the neural response to a range of visual stimuli in three groups: illiterate adults, adults who learned to read as children, and adults who learned to read as adults. Reading induced a greater facility in processing horizontally oriented stimuli at early stages in the visual pathway and was also associated with the appearance of an area specialized for words. This gain of function appeared to occur at a cost—the area in the temporal cortex devoted to face processing shrank.
Lynx1, a Cholinergic Brake, Limits Plasticity in Adult Visual Cortex
Authors: Morishita Hirofumi , Miwa Julie M. , Heintz Nathaniel , Hensch Takao K.
Published: November 2010

Lynx Vision

Early in development, correct visual experiences during the so-called “critical period” build the foundations for visual function in adulthood. Hence, when one eye is not working together with the other, an adult may be left with imperfect vision. The plasticity characteristic of the critical period does not persist into adulthood, and later readjustments to visual function may not be fully successful.

Morishita
et al.

(p.
1238
, published online 11 November; see the Perspective by

Higley and Strittmatter

) have identified a gene in mice called
Lynx1
, which shows increased expression after the critical period. The Lynx1 protein binds to and reduces the sensitivity of acetylcholine receptors, but if mice were treated to enhanced cholinergic signaling, their adult visual plasticity was improved and if mice lacked the
Lynx1
gene altogether, they were able to recover visual function even in adulthood.
A Cryptic Sulfur Cycle in Oxygen-Minimum–Zone Waters off the Chilean Coast
Authors: Canfield Don E. , Stewart Frank J. , Thamdrup Bo , De Brabandere Loreto , Dalsgaard Tage , Delong Edward F. , Revsbech Niels Peter , Ulloa Osvaldo
Published: November 2010

Cryptic Sulfur Cycling

Aerobic bacteria and ocean circulation patterns control the formation and distribution of oxygen-minimum zones at moderate depth in the oceans. These habitats host microorganisms that thrive on other metabolic substrates in the absence of oxygen—most commonly, metabolizing thermodynamically favorable nitrogen compounds like nitrate. Off the coast of Chile, however,

Canfield
et al.

(p.
1375
, published online 11 November; see the Perspective by

Teske

) suggest that bacteria may often reduce sulfate as well. Metagenomic sequencing revealed the presence of both sulfate-reducing and sulfide-oxidizing bacteria. With the coincidence of sulfate and nitrate reduction, the sulfur and nitrogen cycles may be intimately linked; for example, sulfate reduction could provide nitrogen-rich ammonium for bacteria that ultimately transform it into nitrogen gas.
Legal physician-assisted suicide in Oregon and The Netherlands: evidence concerning the impact on patients in vulnerable groups—another perspective on Oregon's data
Authors: Finlay I G , George R
Published: November 2010

Battinet alexamined data on deaths from physician-assisted suicide (PAS) in Oregon and on PAS and voluntary euthanasia (VE) in The Netherlands. This paper reviews the methodology used in their examination and questions the conclusions drawn from it—namely, that there is for the most part ‘no evidence of heightened risk’ to vulnerable people from the legalisation of PAS or VE. This critique focuses on the evidence about PAS in Oregon. It suggests that vulnerability to PAS cannot be categorised simply by reference to race, gender or other socioeconomic status and that the impetus to seek PAS derives from factors, including emotional state, reactions to loss, personality type and situation and possibly to PAS contagion, all factors that apply across the social spectrum. It also argues, on the basis of official reports from the Oregon Health Department on the working of the Oregon Death with Dignity Act since 2008, that, contrary to the conclusions drawn by Battinet al, the highest resort to PAS in Oregon is among the elderly and, on the basis of research published since Battinet alreported, that there is reason to believe that some terminally ill patients in Oregon are taking their own lives with lethal drugs supplied by doctors despite having had depression at the time when they were assessed and cleared for PAS.
Presence of the glycogen synthase 1 (GYS1) mutation causing type 1 polysaccharide storage myopathy in continental European draught horse breeds
Authors: Baird J. D. , Valberg S. J. , Anderson S. M. , McCue M. E. , Mickelson J. R.
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this study was to determine which continental European draught horse breeds harbour a mutation in the glycogen synthase 1 gene (GYS1) that is known to be responsible for type 1 polysaccharide storage myopathy in quarter horses and North American draught horses. Of a non‐random selection of continental European draught horses belonging to 13 breeds, 62 per cent (250 of 403) tested were found to carry the mutant allele. The horses were located in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden. The mutation was identified in animals from each of the breeds examined. In the breeds in which more than 15 animals were available for testing, the highest percentages of GYS1 ‐positive horses were found in the Belgian trekpaard (92 per cent; 35 of 38 horses tested), Comtois (80 per cent; 70 of 88), Netherlands trekpaard (74 per cent; 17 of 23), Rheinisch‐Deutsches kaltblut (68 per cent; 30 of 44) and Breton (64 per cent; 32 of 51).
Simultaneously accounting for population structure, genotype by environment interaction, and spatial variation in marker–trait associations in sugarcaneThis article is one of a selection of papers from the conference “Exploiting Genome-wide Association in Oilseed Brassicas: a model for genetic improvement of major OECD crops for sustainable farming”.
Authors: Wei Xianming , Jackson Phillip A. , Hermann Scott , Kilian Andrzej , Heller-Uszynska Katarzyna , Deomano Emily
Published: November 2010

Few association mapping studies have simultaneously accounted for population structure, genotype by environment interaction (GEI), and spatial variation. In this sugarcane association mapping study we tested models accounting for these factors and identified the impact that each model component had on the list of markers declared as being significantly associated with traits. About 480 genotypes were evaluated for cane yield and sugar content at three sites and scored with DArT markers. A mixed model was applied in analysis of the data to simultaneously account for the impacts of population structure, GEI, and spatial variation within a trial. Two forms of the DArT marker data were used in the analysis: the standard discrete data (0, 1) and a continuous DArT score, which is related to the marker dosage. A large number of markers were significantly associated with cane yield and sugar content. However, failure to account for population structure, GEI, and (or) spatial variation produced both type I and type II errors, which on the one hand substantially inflated the number of significant markers identified (especially true for failing to account for GEI) and on the other hand resulted in failure to detect markers that could be associated with cane yield or sugar content (especially when failing to account for population structure). We concluded that association mapping based on trials from one site or analysis that failed to account for GEI would produce many trial-specific associated markers that would have low value in breeding programs.
Statistical genetic issues for genome-wide association studiesThis article is one of a selection of papers from the conference “Exploiting Genome-wide Association in Oilseed Brassicas: a model for genetic improvement of major OECD crops for sustainable farming”.
Authors: Weir Bruce S.
Published: November 2010

Genotyping technology now allows the rapid and affordable generation of million-SNP profiles for humans, leading to considerable activity in association mapping. Similar activity is anticipated for many plant species, including Brassica . These plant association mapping activities will require the same care in quality control and quality assurance as for humans. The subsequent analyses may draw upon the same body of theory that is described here in the language of quantitative genetics.
Numerical solution for two-dimensional flow under sluice gates using the natural element method
Authors: Daneshmand Farhang , Javanmard S.A. Samad , Liaghat Tahereh , Moshksar Mohammad Mohsen , Adamowski Jan F.
Published: November 2010

Fluid loads on a variety of hydraulic structures and the free surface profile of the flow are important for design purposes. This is a difficult task because the governing equations have nonlinear boundary conditions. The main objective of this paper is to develop a procedure based on the natural element method (NEM) for computation of free surface profiles, velocity and pressure distributions, and flow rates for a two-dimensional gravity fluid flow under sluice gates. Natural element method is a numerical technique in the field of computational mechanics and can be considered as a meshless method. In this analysis, the fluid was assumed to be inviscid and incompressible. The results obtained in the paper were confirmed via a hydraulic model test. Calculation results indicate a good agreement with previous flow solutions for the water surface profiles and pressure distributions throughout the flow domain and on the gate.
Mechanistic road upgrade structural design evaluation using rapid triaxial frequency sweep testing and linear elastic modeling
Authors: Xu Jing , Berthelot Curtis
Published: November 2010

Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure employ modified Shell nomographs for flexible pavement thickness design. These modified design nomographs for typical 1970s Saskatchewan field state conditions are based on the local calibration of Shell design curves. However, the modified Shell nomographs are not applicable for the design of recycled pavement systems, particularly full depth reclamation and granular base strengthened systems. This paper presents a mechanistic based thickness design methodology using linear elastic road modeling and a field validation study based on granular base stabilization and strengthening pilot project on Control Section (C.S.) 15-11 in Saskatchewan. The mechanistic methodology of this research included triaxial frequency sweep dynamic modulus and Poisson’s ratio characterization of various strengthened materials taken from the C.S. 15-11 test sections, pavement structural modeling using linear elastic theory, and calculating critical pavement design strain responses. As demonstrated in this research, strengthened pavement structures can be evaluated and designed based on mechanistic testing and linear elastic modeling results. The modeling results revealed rutting and shoving failure concurred with the field performance observed. Predicted primary deflection responses also concurred with those quantified in the field using a non-destructive falling weight deflectometer.
Reduction of scouring depth by using inclined piers
Authors: Bozkus Zafer , Çeşme Murat
Published: November 2010

The aim of this experimental study is to examine the effect of inclination of dual bridge piers on scour depth under clear-water conditions for various uniform flow depths. Duration of 4 h was used in the experiments for each run. Scour depths were measured at four different points around the piers. The depths of local scour around inclined piers were found to be substantially smaller than the scour depths around vertical piers. Dimensional and nondimensional curves were developed and presented to show the variation of scour depth with relevant parameters obtained in the dimensional analysis. Results of the study were compared to those obtained from a similar study performed with single inclined piers to see the effect of the second pier on scour depths. Useful equations for the design engineers were developed based on multiple regression analyses, to be used for predicting local scour depths around vertical and (or) inclined piers in uniform and (or) nonuniform sediments. Normalized scour depths measured around the vertical piers in the present study were compared with those computed by an equation suggested by Melville and Sutherland (1988), and also by an equation developed in the present study.
A practical method of design of concrete pedestals for columns for anchor rod tension breakout
Authors: Ashkinadze Konstantin
Published: November 2010

This technical note considers concrete pedestals bearing steel and concrete columns attached to the foundation with cast-in anchor rods. One mechanism of pedestal failure — the anchor rod breakout in tension — is considered. Uplift and shear forces and bending moments in the base cause tension in the anchor rods. Classical methods of statics and finite element analysis (FEA) are applicable to establish the anchor likely to fail first. For the design of the anchor rod embedment in the concrete, the new “cone balancing” method is proposed. It considers equilibrium of the pullout cone of concrete, ascertained by development of vertical reinforcing bars into the pullout cone and below the failure plane. The method allows determination of tensile force in each individual rebar and direct checking of its size and development length.
QUANTUM GROUPS, q-BOSON ALGEBRAS AND QUANTIZED WEYL ALGEBRAS
Authors: FANG XIN
Published: November 2010

We give a unified construction of quantum groups, q-boson algebras and quantized Weyl algebras and an action of quantum groups on quantized Weyl algebras. This enables us to give a conceptual proof of the semi-simplicity of the category [Formula: see text] introduced by Nakashima and the classification of all simple objects in it.
COUNTING THE RELATIONS COMPATIBLE WITH AN ALGEBRA
Authors: DAVEY BRIAN A. , PITKETHLY JANE G.
Published: November 2010

We investigate when a finite algebra admits only a finite number of compatible relations (modulo a natural equivalence). This finiteness condition is closely related to others in the literature, and arises naturally in duality theory. We find necessary conditions for a finite algebra to admit only finitely many compatible relations, as well as a family of examples of such algebras.
INVERSE SEMIGROUPS OF PARTIAL AUTOMATON PERMUTATIONS
Authors: OLIJNYK A. S. , SUSHCHANSKY V. I. , SLUPIK J. K.
Published: November 2010

The inverse semigroup of partial automaton permutations over a finite alphabet is characterized in terms of wreath products. The permutation conjugacy relation in this semigroup and the Green's relations are described. Criteria of primary conjugacy and conjugacy are given for certain naturally defined families of partial automaton permutations. Sufficient conditions under which an inverse semigroup admits a level transitive action are presented. We give explicit examples (monogenic inverse semigroups and some commutative Clifford semigroups) of inverse semigroups generated by finite automata.
Providing K-Anonymity in location based services
Authors: Gkoulalas-Divanis Aris , Kalnis Panos , Verykios Vassilios S.
Published: November 2010

The offering of anonymity in relational databases has attracted a great deal of attention in the database community during the last decade [4]. Among the different solution approaches that have been proposed to tackle this problem, K-anonymity has received increased attention and has been extensively studied in various forms. New forms of data that come into existence, like location data capturing user movement, pave the way for the offering of cutting edge services such as the prevailing Location Based Services (LBSs). Given that these services assume an in-depth knowledge of the mobile users' whereabouts it is certain that the assumed knowledge may breach the privacy of the users. Thus, concrete approaches are necessary to preserve the anonymity of the mobile users when requesting LBSs. In this work, we survey recent advancements for the offering of K-anonymity in LBSs. Most of the approaches that have been proposed heavily depend on a trusted server component -- that acts as an intermediate between the end user and the service provider - to preserve the anonymity of the former entity. Existing approaches are partitioned in three categories: (a) historical K-anonymity, (b) location K-anonymity, and (c) trajectory K-anonymity. In each of these categories we present some of the most prevalentmethodologies that have been proposed and highlight their operation.