bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transportation, need for cognition, and affective disposition as factors in enjoyment of film narratives
Authors: Owen Bradford , Riggs Matt
Published: August 2012

This article proposes and empirically tests a theoretical model in which need for cognition and affective disposition influence viewers’ transportation (absorption in a narrative) which in turn influences enjoyment of the narrative. Using two re-edited versions of the feature film Memento (Nolan, 2000) and the original film as treatments intended to produce varying levels of cognitive challenge, the researchers conducted an experiment with 91 participants. Structural equation modeling analysis results strongly support the model overall; strongly support need for cognition and affective disposition as significant influences on transportation; and strongly support for transportation influencing enjoyment. No significant support was found for the proposed moderating influence of cognitive challenge presented by the narrative on need for cognition or for cognitive challenge as a main influence on transportation.
Wnt-11 and Fz7 reduce cell adhesion in convergent extension by sequestration of PAPC and C-cadherin
Authors: Kraft Bianca , Berger Corinna D. , Wallkamm Veronika , Steinbeisser Herbert , Wedlich Doris
Published: August 2012

Wnt-11/planar cell polarity signaling polarizes mesodermal cells undergoing convergent extension during Xenopus laevis gastrulation. These shape changes associated with lateral intercalation behavior require a dynamic modulation of cell adhesion. In this paper, we report that Wnt-11/frizzled-7 (Fz7) controls cell adhesion by forming separate adhesion-modulating complexes (AMCs) with the paraxial protocadherin (PAPC; denoted as AMCP) and C-cadherin (denoted as AMCC) via distinct Fz7 interaction domains. When PAPC was part of a Wnt-11–Fz7 complex, its Dynamin1- and clathrin-dependent internalization was blocked. This membrane stabilization of AMCP (Fz7/PAPC) by Wnt-11 prevented C-cadherin clustering, resulting in reduced cell adhesion and modified cell sorting activity. Importantly, Wnt-11 did not influence C-cadherin internalization; instead, it promoted the formation of AMCC (Fz7/Cadherin), which competed with cis-dimerization of C-cadherin. Because PAPC and C-cadherin did not directly interact and did not form a joint complex with Fz7, we suggest that Wnt-11 triggers the formation of two distinct complexes, AMCC and AMCP, that act in parallel to reduce cell adhesion by hampering lateral clustering of C-cadherin.
Hsp110 is required for spindle length control
Authors: Makhnevych Taras , Wong Philip , Pogoutse Oxana , Vizeacoumar Franco J. , Greenblatt Jack F. , Emili Andrew , Houry Walid A.
Published: August 2012

Systematic affinity purification combined with mass spectrometry analysis of N- and C-tagged cytoplasmic Hsp70/Hsp110 chaperones was used to identify new roles of Hsp70/Hsp110 in the cell. This allowed the mapping of a chaperone–protein network consisting of 1,227 unique interactions between the 9 chaperones and 473 proteins and highlighted roles for Hsp70/Hsp110 in 14 broad biological processes. Using this information, we uncovered an essential role for Hsp110 in spindle assembly and, more specifically, in modulating the activity of the widely conserved kinesin-5 motor Cin8. The role of Hsp110 Sse1 as a nucleotide exchange factor for the Hsp70 chaperones Ssa1/Ssa2 was found to be required for maintaining the proper distribution of kinesin-5 motors within the spindle, which was subsequently required for bipolar spindle assembly in S phase. These data suggest a model whereby the Hsp70–Hsp110 chaperone complex antagonizes Cin8 plus-end motility and prevents premature spindle elongation in S phase.
A novel split kinesin assay identifies motor proteins that interact with distinct vesicle populations
Authors: Jenkins Brian , Decker Helena , Bentley Marvin , Luisi Julie , Banker Gary
Published: August 2012

Identifying the kinesin motors that interact with different vesicle populations is a longstanding and challenging problem with implications for many aspects of cell biology. Here we introduce a new live-cell assay to assess kinesin–vesicle interactions and use it to identify kinesins that bind to vesicles undergoing dendrite-selective transport in cultured hippocampal neurons. We prepared a library of “split kinesins,” comprising an axon-selective kinesin motor domain and a series of kinesin tail domains that can attach to their native vesicles; when the split kinesins were assembled by chemical dimerization, bound vesicles were misdirected into the axon. This method provided highly specific results, showing that three Kinesin-3 family members—KIF1A, KIF13A, and KIF13B—interacted with dendritic vesicle populations. This experimental paradigm allows a systematic approach to evaluate motor–vesicle interactions in living cells.
Targeting and transport: How microtubules control focal adhesion dynamics
Authors: Stehbens Samantha , Wittmann Torsten
Published: August 2012

Directional cell migration requires force generation that relies on the coordinated remodeling of interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is mediated by integrin-based focal adhesions (FAs). Normal FA turnover requires dynamic microtubules, and three members of the diverse group of microtubule plus-end-tracking proteins are principally involved in mediating microtubule interactions with FAs. Microtubules also alter the assembly state of FAs by modulating Rho GTPase signaling, and recent evidence suggests that microtubule-mediated clathrin-dependent and -independent endocytosis regulates FA dynamics. In addition, FA-associated microtubules may provide a polarized microtubule track for localized secretion of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). Thus, different aspects of the molecular mechanisms by which microtubules control FA turnover in migrating cells are beginning to emerge.
Environmental decoherence versus intrinsic decoherence
Authors: Stamp P. C. E.
Published: August 2012

We review the difference between standard environmental decoherence and ‘intrinsic decoherence’, which is taken to be an ineluctable process of Nature. Environmental decoherence is typically modelled by spin bath or oscillator modes—we review some of the unanswered questions not captured by these models, and also the application of them to experiments. Finally, a sketch is given of a new theoretical approach to intrinsic decoherence, and this scheme is applied to the discussion of gravitational decoherence.
2-Ethyl-6-methylpyridin-3-ol and its salt bis(2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-6-methylpyridinium) succinate
Authors: Lyakhov Alexander S. , Ivashkevich Ludmila S. , Survilo Vladimir L. , Kipnis Alexander M. , Trukhachova Tatjana V.
Published: August 2012

The title compounds, C8H11NO, (I), and 2C8H12NO+·C4H4O42−, (II), both crystallize in the monoclinic space groupP21/c. In the crystal structure of (I), intermolecular O—H...N hydrogen bonds combine the molecules into polymeric chains extending along thecaxis. The chains are linked by C—H...π interactions between the methylene H atoms and the pyridine rings into polymeric layers parallel to theacplane. In the crystal structure of (II), the succinate anion lies on an inversion centre. Its carboxylate groups interact with the 2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-6-methylpyridinium cationsviaintermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds with the pyridine ring H atoms and O—H...O hydrogen bonds with the hydroxy H atoms to form polymeric chains, which extend along the [\overline{1}01] direction and compriseR44(18) hydrogen-bonded ring motifs. These chains are linked to form a three-dimensional network through nonclassical C—H...O hydrogen bonds between the pyridine ring H atoms and the hydroxy-group O atoms of neighbouring cations. π–π interactions between the pyridine rings and C—H...π interactions between the methylene H atoms of the succinate anion and the pyridine rings are also present in this network.
Bipolar disorder in a national survey using the World Mental Health Version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview: the impact of differing diagnostic algorithms
Authors: Mitchell P. B. , Johnston A. K. , Frankland A. , Slade T. , Green M. J. , Roberts G. , Wright A. , Corry J. , Hadzi‐Pavlovic D.
Published: August 2012

Mitchell PB, Johnston AK, Frankland A, Slade T, Green MJ, Roberts G, Wright A, Corry J, Hadzi‐Pavlovic D. Bipolar disorder in a national survey using the World Mental Health Version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview: the impact of differing diagnostic algorithms.

Objective:  The World Mental Health Version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH‐CIDI) DSM‐IV bipolar disorder diagnostic algorithms were recalibrated in about 2006 following evidence of over‐diagnosis of bipolar I disorder. There have been no reports of the impact of this recalibration on epidemiological findings.

Method:  Data were taken from the 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Findings for cases identified by the recalibrated bipolar disorder definition were contrasted against those identified by the un‐recalibrated definition.

Results:  The 12‐month prevalence of recalibrated bipolar disorder and un‐recalibrated bipolar disorder were 0.9% and 1.7% respectively. The un‐recalibrated bipolar disorder group was younger and more likely to have never married than the recalibrated bipolar disorder group. They were also more likely to have a comorbid alcohol use disorder, substance use disorder and asthma or arthritis. While they were more likely to have at least severe interference in at least one of the Sheehan Scale domains of functioning, they were less likely to have made a suicide attempt. Similarly, they were less likely to have consulted a psychiatrist.

Conclusion:  It is not possible to be certain about the nature of these differences. Some may be artifactual (reflecting greater statistical power to detect differences with the larger un‐recalibrated bipolar disorder defined sample), while others may be indicative of the inclusion of a clinically distinct subpopulation with the un‐recalibrated bipolar disorder definition, thereby producing a more heterogeneous sample. These findings indicate the need for clarity in the diagnostic algorithm used in epidemiological reports on bipolar disorder using the World Mental Health Version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview.
Chronic immune activation in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is associated with elevated serum levels of soluble CD14 and CD25 but not endotoxaemia
Authors: Litzman J , Nechvatalova J , Xu J , Ticha O , Vlkova M , Hel Z
Published: August 2012

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), the most frequent symptomatic immunoglobulin primary immunodeficiency, is associated with chronic T cell activation and reduced frequency of CD4+T cells. The underlying cause of immune activation in CVID is unknown. Microbial translocation indicated by elevated serum levels of lipopolysaccharide and soluble CD14 (sCD14) has been linked previously to systemic immune activation in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV-1/AIDS), alcoholic cirrhosis and other conditions. To address the mechanisms of chronic immune activation in CVID, we performed a detailed analysis of immune cell populations and serum levels of sCD14, soluble CD25 (sCD25), lipopolysaccharide and markers of liver function in 35 patients with CVID, 53 patients with selective immunoglobulin (Ig)A deficiency (IgAD) and 63 control healthy subjects. In CVID subjects, the concentration of serum sCD14 was increased significantly and correlated with the level of sCD25, C-reactive protein and the extent of T cell activation. Importantly, no increase in serum lipopolysaccharide concentration was observed in patients with CVID or IgAD. Collectively, the data presented suggest that chronic T cell activation in CVID is associated with elevated levels of sCD14 and sCD25, but not with systemic endotoxaemia, and suggest involvement of lipopolysaccharide-independent mechanisms of induction of sCD14 production.
Immunophenotyping of putative human B1 B cells in healthy controls and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patients
Authors: Suchanek O , Sadler R , Bateman E A , Patel S Y , Ferry B L
Published: August 2012

B1 B cells represent a unique subset of B lymphocytes distinct from conventional B2 B cells, and are important in the production of natural antibodies. A potential human homologue of murine B1 cells was defined recently as a CD20+CD27+CD43+ cell. Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a group of heterogeneous conditions linked by symptomatic primary antibody failure. In this preliminary report, we examined the potential clinical utility of introducing CD20+CD27+CD43+B1 cell immunophenotyping as a routine assay in a diagnostic clinical laboratory. Using a whole blood assay, putative B1 B cells in healthy controls and in CVID patients were measured. Peripheral blood from 33 healthy donors and 16 CVID patients were stained with relevant monoclonal antibodies and underwent flow cytometric evaluation. We established a rapid, whole blood flow cytometric assay to investigate putative human B1 B cells. Examination of CD20+CD27+CD43+ cells is complicated by CD3+CD27+CD43hiT cell contamination, even when using stringent CD20 gating. These can be excluded by gating on CD27+CD43lo–intB cells. Although proportions of CD20+CD27–CD43lo–int cells within B cells in CVID patients were decreased by 50% compared to controls (P < 0·01), this was not significant when measured as a percentage of all CD27+B cells (P = 0·78). Immunophenotypic overlap of this subset with other innate-like B cells described recently in humans is limited. We have shown that putative B1 B cell immunophenotyping can be performed rapidly and reliably using whole blood. CD20+CD27+CD43lo–int cells may represent a distinct B1 cell subset within CD27+B cells. CVID patients were not significantly different from healthy controls when existing CD27+B cell deficiencies were taken into account.
Helicobacter pylori induces in-vivo expansion of human regulatory T cells through stimulating interleukin-1β production by dendritic cells
Authors: Mitchell P J , Afzali B , Fazekasova H , Chen D , Ali N , Powell N , Lord G M , Lechler R I , Lombardi G
Published: August 2012

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common infections in the world. Despite inciting inflammation, immunological clearance of the pathogen is often incomplete. CD4+CD25hiforkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) are potent suppressors of different types of immune responses and have been implicated in limiting inflammatory responses to H. pylori. Investigating the influence of H. pylori on Treg function and proliferation, we found that H. pylori-stimulated dendritic cells (DCs) induced proliferation in Tregs and impaired their suppressive capability. This effect was mediated by interleukin (IL)-1β produced by H. pylori-stimulated DCs. These data correlated with in-vivo observations in which H. pylori+ gastric mucosa contained more Tregs in active cell division than uninfected stomachs. Inciting local proliferation of Tregs and inhibiting their suppressive function may represent a mechanism for the chronic gastritis and carcinogenesis attributable to H. pylori.
A quantitative framework for ovarian dynamics
Authors: Richard Romain , Casas Jérôme
Published: August 2012

Ovarian dynamics describe the highly complex interplay between egg maturation, oviposition, egg resorption and the factors affecting them. While these processes have been intensively studied, further progress has been impeded by the lack of generally applicable quantitative tools to analyse experimental data.

The purpose of this study is to provide a quantitative framework based on a state space describing the different levels of egg maturation and resorption states (non‐mature, mature, resorbing and resorbed eggs). This quantitative framework enables both the transition rates between the observable states and the unobservable states, such as resorbed eggs, to be estimated rigorously. We applied this approach to the ovarian response of the parasitoid species Nasonia vitripennis during a period of host and food deprivation.

A simple system of exclusively linear differential equations with four states captures the salient properties of the data. Resorption is shown to occur concurrently with egg maturation. We highlight widespread confusion associated with the use of the generic term ‘rate of egg resorption’ that has been used to describe three fundamentally different physiological processes that have contrasting rates.

The approach is also applied to an older data set gathered by Edwards (The Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science, 1954, 95, 459–468), which encompasses a wider range of manipulations on host and food availabilities, as well as data on oviposition. Our analysis shows that ovaries only function at full capacity after a first host meal and hints towards anautogeny in this species.

While this study primarily focuses on insects, the methodology is general and is suitable for studying the reproductive biology of a broad class of organisms, including plants.
Combining kriging, multispectral and multimodal microscopy to resolve malaria‐infected erythrocyte contents
Authors: DABO‐NIANG S. , ZOUEU J.T.
Published: August 2012

In this communication, we demonstrate how kriging, combine with multispectral and multimodal microscopy can enhance the resolution of malaria‐infected images and provide more details on their composition, for analysis and diagnosis. The results of this interpolation applied to the two principal components of multispectral and multimodal images illustrate that the examination of the content of Plasmodium falciparum infected human erythrocyte is improved.
Morphology of organic electronic materials imaged via electron tomography
Authors: ANDERSSON B.V. , MASICH S. , SOLIN N. , INGANÄS O.
Published: August 2012

Organic electronic materials and nanostructures have been studied with the use of electron tomography. Nanostructured materials including contrast enhancing features have been studied and double tilt data collection has been employed to improve reconstructions. Tomography reconstructions of active layers of organic solar cells, where various preparation techniques have been used, have been analysed and compared to device behaviour. Small changes in preparation procedures may lead to large differences in morphology and device performance, and the results also indicate a complex relation between these.
Focused ion beam fabrication of solidified ferritin into nanoscale volumes for compositional analysis using atom probe tomography
Authors: GREENE M.E. , KELLY T.F. , LARSON D.J. , PROSA T.J.
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this investigation was to conduct atom probe tomography (APT) analyses on ferritin specimens prepared with focused ion beam (FIB) to assess whether this approach can be used to effectively characterize biomaterials. Soft matter is particularly sensitive to ion beam exposure which can induce physical and chemical changes. We employ protective metal films and low‐energy ion fluence to mitigate potential problems that may be introduced by FIB. This study had two major objectives: (1) to qualitatively assess the viability of the specimens when subjected to the unique physical conditions of APT analysis, namely ultrahigh vacuum, high electric field, and thermal pulsing using a laser and (2) to quantitatively assess the data from such specimens under various experimental parameters and compare the results with appropriate control specimens. For the first objective, a range of experimental parameters were determined that met the basic criteria necessary to validate that ferritin‐based specimens prepared with FIB can retain structural integrity during APT analysis. Initial field evaporation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (TOF‐MS) data show that the specimens fabricated with FIB are capable of emitting ions under various laser pulsing conditions with a high electric field applied. For the second objective, the experimental parameter space was narrowed to a range that yielded data quality sufficient to produce meaningful comparison between the ferritin‐based specimens and the salt‐only controls.
When less means more: evolutionary and developmental hypotheses in rodent molars
Authors: Labonne G. , Laffont R. , Renvoise E. , Jebrane A. , Labruere C. , Chateau‐Smith C. , Navarro N. , Montuire S.
Published: August 2012

Tooth number in rodents is an example of reduction in evolution. All rodents have a toothless diastema lacking canine and most premolars present in most other mammals. Whereas some rodent lineages retained one premolar (p4), many others lost it during evolution. Recently, an ‘inhibitory cascade’ developmental model (IC) has been used to predict how the first molar (m1) influences the number and relative sizes of the following distal molars (m2 and m3). The model does not, however, consider the presence of premolars, and here we examine whether the premolar could influence and constrain molar proportions during development and evolution. By investigating a large data set of both extinct and extant rodent families over more than 40 million years, we show that the basal phenotype is characterized by the presence of premolars together with equally sized molars. More recent rodent families, with and without premolar, show more unequal molar sizes. Analysing molar areas, we demonstrated that (i) rodents harbour almost all the molar proportions known in mammals, and the IC model can explain about 80% of taxa in our data set; (ii) proportions of molars are influenced by the presence or absence of p4; and (iii) the most variable teeth in the dental row are m1 and m3, whether p4 is present or not. Moreover, m1 can represent up to half of the total molar area when p4 is absent. We hypothesize that p4 loss during evolution released the constraint on m1 development, resulting in a more variable size of m1 and thereby having an indirect effect on the evolution of the whole molar row.
Variation in infectivity and aggressiveness in space and time in wild host–pathogen systems: causes and consequences
Authors: Tack A. J. M. , Thrall P. H. , Barrett L. G. , Burdon J. J. , Laine A.‐L.
Published: August 2012

Variation in host resistance and in the ability of pathogens to infect and grow (i.e. pathogenicity) is important as it provides the raw material for antagonistic (co)evolution and therefore underlies risks of disease spread, disease evolution and host shifts. Moreover, the distribution of this variation in space and time may inform us about the mode of coevolutionary selection (arms race vs. fluctuating selection dynamics) and the relative roles ofG × Ginteractions, gene flow, selection and genetic drift in shaping coevolutionary processes. Although variation in host resistance has recently been reviewed, little is known about overall patterns in the frequency and scale of variation in pathogenicity, particularly in natural systems. Using 48 studies from 30 distinct host–pathogen systems, this review demonstrates that variation in pathogenicity is ubiquitous across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Quantitative analysis of a subset of extensively studied plant–pathogen systems shows that the magnitude of within‐population variation in pathogenicity is large relative to among‐population variation and that the distribution of pathogenicity partly mirrors the distribution of host resistance. At least part of the variation in pathogenicity found at a given spatial scale is adaptive, as evidenced by studies that have examined local adaptation at scales ranging from single hosts through metapopulations to entire continents and – to a lesser extent – by comparisons of pathogenicity with neutral genetic variation. Together, these results support coevolutionary selection through fluctuating selection dynamics. We end by outlining several promising directions for future research.
The learning advantage: bird species that learn their song show a tighter adjustment of song to noisy environments than those that do not learn
Authors: Ríos‐Chelén A. A. , Salaberria C. , Barbosa I. , Macías Garcia C. , Gil D.
Published: August 2012

Song learning has evolved within several avian groups. Although its evolutionary advantage is not clear, it has been proposed that song learning may be advantageous in allowing birds to adapt their songs to the local acoustic environment. To test this hypothesis, we analysed patterns of song adjustment to noisy environments and explored their possible link to song learning. Bird vocalizations can be masked by low‐frequency noise, and birds respond to this by singing higher‐pitched songs. Most reports of this strategy involve oscines, a group of birds with learning‐based song variability, and it is doubtful whether species that lack song learning (e.g. suboscines) can adjust their songs to noisy environments. We address this question by comparing the degree of song adjustment to noise in a large sample of oscines (17 populations, 14 species) and suboscines (11 populations, 7 species), recorded in Brazil (Manaus, Brasilia and Curitiba) and Mexico City. We found a significantly stronger association between minimum song frequency and noise levels (effect size) in oscines than in suboscines, suggesting a tighter match in oscines between song transmission capacity and ambient acoustics. Suboscines may be more vulnerable to acoustic pollution than oscines and thus less capable of colonizing cities or acoustically novel habitats. Additionally, we found that species whose song frequency was more divergent between populations showed tighter noise–song frequency associations. Our results suggest that song learning and/or song plasticity allows adaptation to new habitats and that this selective advantage may be linked to the evolution of song learning and plasticity.
Appraisal of diagnosis and surgical approach for Mirizzi syndrome
Authors: Cui Yunfeng , Liu Yong , Li Zhonglian , Zhao Erpeng , Zhang Hongtao , Cui Naiqiang
Published: August 2012

Background

Mirizzi syndrome is an important and rare complication of gallstone disease. This study aims to evaluate the treatment approach by analysing the diagnostic method and the outcome of surgical treatment in our hospital.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the data of 198 patients with Mirizzi syndrome between January 2004 and January 2010. The records were reviewed for demography, clinical presentation, diagnostic method, operative procedure, postoperative complication and follow‐up.

Results

The incidence of Mirizzi syndrome was 0.66% of 29 875 patients who underwent cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis. The incidence of types I, II, III and IV was 59.1%, 24.7%, 13.1% and 3.1%, respectively. In this study, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) could have the suspicion of Mirizzi syndrome in 77.8% and 82.3% of cases. Cholecystectomy also has been shown to be effective for type I Mirizzi syndrome. Our common surgical approach in Mirizzi syndrome types II and III was partial cholecystectomy without removal of the portion of gallbladder around the fistula margin. For some cases, choledochoplasty was needed. For Mirizzi syndrome type IV, we performed hepaticojejunostomy for all patients.

Conclusion

Ultrasound, MRCP and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in combination with choledochoscope procedure in operation could improve the diagnostic sensitivity of Mirizzi syndrome. Intraoperative choledochoscope is effective to confirm Mirizzi syndrome during operation. Open surgery is the current standard for managing patients with Mirizzi syndrome. Laparoscopic surgery should be confined to Mirizzi syndrome type I and patients should be selected very strictly.
To Study or to Sleep? The Academic Costs of Extra Studying at the Expense of Sleep
Authors: Gillen‐O’Neel Cari , Huynh Virginia W. , Fuligni Andrew J.
Published: August 2012

This longitudinal study examined how nightly variations in adolescents’ study and sleep time are associated with academic problems on the following day. Participants (N = 535, 9th grade Mage = 14.88) completed daily diaries every day for 14 days in 9th, 10th, and 12th grades. Results suggest that regardless of how much a student generally studies each day, if that student sacrifices sleep time to study more than usual, he or she will have more trouble understanding material taught in class and be more likely to struggle on an assignment or test the following day. Because students are increasingly likely to sacrifice sleep time for studying in the latter years of high school, this negative dynamic becomes increasingly prevalent over time.
Cliff or Step? Posture‐Specific Learning at the Edge of a Drop‐Off
Authors: Kretch Kari S. , Adolph Karen E.
Published: August 2012

Infants require locomotor experience to behave adaptively at a drop‐off. However, different experimental paradigms (visual cliff and actual gaps and slopes) have generated conflicting findings regarding what infants learn and the specificity of their learning. An actual, adjustable drop‐off apparatus was used to investigate whether learning to distinguish a step from a cliff transfers from crawling to walking. Experienced 12‐month‐old crawlers (n = 16) refused to crawl over risky drop‐offs but novice 12‐month‐old walkers (n = 17) stepped repeatedly over the edge. Experienced 18‐month‐old walkers (n = 18) refused to walk over risky drop‐offs but descended using alternative methods. These findings suggest that infants do not acquire generalized responses like fear or wariness of heights. Rather, infants learn to perceive affordances for the experienced action.
Digital Terrain Model Resolution and its Influence on Estimating the Extent of Rockfall Areas
Authors: Zieher Thomas , Formanek Tobias , Bremer Magnus , Meissl Gertraud , Rutzinger Martin
Published: August 2012

As rockfall can cause a great deal of damage, it is essential to know its spatial propagation. Rockfall models are sensitive to the resolution of input data, i.e. the Digital Terrain Model (DTM) used. Nowadays, high resolution elevation data are available area‐wide from airborne laser scanning (ALS). However, rockfall models are designed for analysis on a certain scale, which means that high resolution input might not necessarily improve model results (e.g. for regional scale studies). Our aim is to estimate the reach of rockfall by analysing different input resolutions of an ALS DTM. The presented empirically–based model, implemented in Python 2.7, is a modified version of the zenital method including an iterative random walk trajectory model, which is designed for rockfall hazard assessment at the regional scale. Trajectories and rockfall probability maps are generated for selected DTM input resolutions. The comparison shows that high resolution DTMs do consider local topography better and thus lead to more realistic results than low resolution DTMs.
Sleep matters in Parkinson's disease: use of a priority list to assess the presence of sleep disturbances
Authors: Louter M. , van der Marck M. A. , Pevernagie D. A. A. , Munneke M. , Bloem B. R. , Overeem S.
Published: August 2012

Background and purpose

Despite their high prevalence and clinical impact, sleep disorders in Parkinson's disease appear to receive insufficient attention in clinical practice. We compared the importance of sleep disorders relative to other symptoms and daily issues. Furthermore, we determined whether relevance as perceived by patients correlated with the subjective presence of sleep disruption scored with a rating scale.

Methods

We studied a cohort of 153 consecutive patients (95 men) who were referred for problems other than sleep to our referral center. Prior to their visit, patients ranked their individual top five clinical priorities (of 23 items), indicating the most problematic domains for which they requested medical attention. Additionally, nocturnal sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) were assessed with validated questionnaires.

Results

The top three important domains according to the patient were movement (79.9%), medication (73.2%), and physical condition (63.4%). Sleep was the sixth most frequently reported item, marked by 37.9% of the patients. Amongst the patients who scored sleep as a priority, 47 (81%) had a poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index > 5). Although EDS was present in almost 30% of patients, a minority of them put it on their priority list.

Conclusion

A priority list can be used to prioritize patient‐centered quality of life issues. Our results show that sleep is a clinical priority for about one‐third of patients. Surprisingly, EDS was usually not prioritized by patients during the consultation, underscoring the need to use ratings scales alongside subjective priorities.
EFNS task force: the use of neuroimaging in the diagnosis of dementia
Authors: Filippi M. , Agosta F. , Barkhof F. , Dubois B. , Fox N. C. , Frisoni G. B. , Jack C. R. , Johannsen P. , Miller B. L. , Nestor P. J. , Scheltens P. , Sorbi S. , Teipel S. , Thompson P. M. , Wahlund L.‐O.
Published: August 2012

Background and purpose

The European Federation of the Neurological Societies (EFNS) guidelines on the use of neuroimaging in the diagnosis and management of dementia are designed to revise and expand previous EFNS recommendations for the diagnosis and management of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to provide an overview of the evidence for the use of neuroimaging techniques in non‐AD dementias, as well as general recommendations that apply to all types of dementia in clinical practice.

Methods

The task force working group reviewed evidence from original research articles, meta‐analyses and systematic reviews, published before April 2012. The evidence was classified, and consensus recommendations were given and graded according to the EFNS guidance regulations.

Results

Structural imaging, which should be performed at least once in the diagnostic work‐up of patients with cognitive impairment, serves to exclude other potentially treatable diseases, to recognize vascular lesions and to identify specific findings to help distinguish different forms of neurodegenerative types of dementia. Although typical cases of dementia may not benefit from routine functional imaging, these tools are recommended in those cases where diagnosis remains in doubt after clinical and structural imaging work‐up and in particular clinical settings. Amyloid imaging is likely to find clinical utility in several fields, including the stratification of patients with mild cognitive impairment into those with and without underlying AD and the evaluation of atypical AD presentations.

Conclusions

A number of recommendations and good practice points are made to improve the diagnosis of AD and other dementias.
Impact of maternal body mass index on the antenatal detection of congenital anomalies
Authors: Best KE , Tennant PWG , Bell R , Rankin J
Published: August 2012

Please cite this paper as: Best K, Tennant P, Bell R, Rankin J. Impact of maternal body mass index on the antenatal detection of congenital anomalies. BJOG 2012;119:1503–1511.

Objective  To investigate the association between maternal body mass index (BMI) and antenatal ultrasound detection of congenital anomalies.

Design  Population‐based register study.

Setting  North of England (UK).

Population  All pregnancies (n = 3096) associated with a congenital anomaly notified to the Northern Congenital Abnormality Survey (NorCAS) during 2006–2009. Cases with chromosomal and teratogenic anomalies (n = 611) or without information on antenatal scanning (n = 4) were excluded.

Methods  Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for antenatal detection according to maternal BMI categories were estimated using logistic regression.

Main outcome measures  For all anomalies combined, cases were defined as ‘detected’ if any congenital anomaly was suspected antenatally. Organ system‐specific anomalies were defined as detected if an anomaly of the correct system was suspected.

Results  Antenatal detection of any anomaly occurred in 1146 of 2483 (46.2%) cases with normal karyotype. The odds of detection were significantly decreased in obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) women compared with women of recommended BMI (18.5–24.9 kg/m2; aOR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.60–0.99; P = 0.046). Cardiovascular system anomalies were suspected antenatally in 109 of 945 (11.5%) cases. The odds of detecting a cardiovascular anomaly were significantly greater in underweight women (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) than in women of recommended BMI (aOR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.13–7.70; P = 0.027). There was no association between BMI and detection in any other organ system or between BMI and termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly.

Conclusions  Antenatal ultrasound detection of a congenital anomaly is decreased in obese pregnant women. This has implications for the scanning and counselling of obese women.
Reduced soluble receptor for advanced glycation end‐products (sRAGE) scavenger capacity precedes pre‐eclampsia in Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Yu Y , Hanssen KF , Kalyanaraman V , Chirindel A , Jenkins AJ , Nankervis AJ , Torjesen PA , Scholz H , Henriksen T , Lorentzen B , Garg SK , Menard MK , Hammad SM , Scardo JA , Stanley JR , Wu M , Basu A , Aston CE , Lyons TJ
Published: August 2012

Please cite this paper as: Yu Y, Hanssen K, Kalyanaraman V, Chirindel A, Jenkins A, Nankervis A, Torjesen P, Scholz H, Henriksen T, Lorentzen B, Garg S, Menard M, Hammad S, Scardo J, Stanley J, Wu M, Basu A, Aston C, Lyons T. Reduced soluble receptor for advanced glycation end‐products (sRAGE) scavenger capacity precedes pre‐eclampsia in Type 1 diabetes. BJOG 2012;119:1512–1520.

Objective  Increased advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) and their soluble receptors (sRAGE) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia (PE). However, this association has not been elucidated in pregnancies complicated by diabetes. We aimed to investigate the serum levels of these factors in pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), a condition associated with a four‐fold increase in PE.

Design  Prospective study in women with T1DM at 12.2 ± 1.9, 21.6 ± 1.5 and 31.5 ± 1.7 weeks of gestation [mean ± standard deviation (SD); no overlap] before PE onset.

Setting  Antenatal clinics.

Population  Pregnant women with T1DM (n = 118; 26 developed PE) and healthy nondiabetic pregnant controls (n = 21).

Methods  Maternal serum levels of sRAGE (total circulating pool), Nε‐(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), hydroimidazolone (methylglyoxal‐modified proteins) and total AGEs were measured by immunoassays.

Main outcome measures  Serum sRAGE and AGEs in pregnant women with T1DM who subsequently developed PE (DM PE+) versus those who remained normotensive (DM PE−).

Results  In DM PE+ versus DM PE−, sRAGE was significantly lower in the first and second trimesters, prior to the clinical manifestation of PE (P < 0.05). Further, reflecting the net sRAGE scavenger capacity, sRAGE:hydroimidazolone was significantly lower in the second trimester (P < 0.05) and sRAGE:AGE and sRAGE:CML tended to be lower in the first trimester (P < 0.1) in women with T1DM who subsequently developed PE versus those who did not. These conclusions persisted after adjusting for prandial status, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), duration of diabetes, parity and mean arterial pressure as covariates.

Conclusions  In the early stages of pregnancy, lower circulating sRAGE levels, and the ratio of sRAGE to AGEs, may be associated with the subsequent development of PE in women with T1DM.
Vaccination against H1N1 influenza with Pandemrix® during pregnancy and delivery outcome: a Swedish register study
Authors: Källén B , Olausson PO
Published: August 2012

Please cite this paper as: Källén B, Olausson P. Vaccination against H1N1 influenza with Pandemrix® during pregnancy and delivery outcome: a Swedish register study. BJOG 2012;119:1583–1590.

Objective  To describe a large study on pregnancy outcome after vaccination against H1N1 during the 2009/10 pandemic.

Design  A cohort study of women vaccinated with Pandemrix® during pregnancy.

Setting  The Swedish Medical Birth Register was used for the analysis. Information on vaccination and pregnancy week when vaccination was made was obtained from antenatal care documents.

Population  All women who gave birth during 2009 and 2010 in Sweden.

Methods  Characteristics of the vaccinated women and their delivery outcome were compared with two groups of women: women without a known vaccination who gave birth in 2009/10 after 1 October 2009, and women who gave birth during 2009 before 1 October. Adjustment was made for year of delivery, maternal age, parity, smoking habits and body mass index.

Outcome measures  Stillbirth, congenital malformations, preterm birth, low birthweight, small for gestational age.

Results  A total of 18 612 vaccinated women having 18 844 infants were studied. The risk for stillbirth, preterm birth and low birthweight was lower than in the comparison groups whereas the risk for small for gestational age and a congenital malformation (after vaccination during the first trimester) did not differ from the comparison groups. No clear‐cut explanation to the ‘protective’ effect of vaccination was found.

Conclusions  Vaccination during pregnancy with Pandemrix® appeared to have no ill effects on the pregnancy. On the contrary, the rate of preterm birth and low birthweight was lower than expected, which agrees with some previous results.
Sodium channels and the neurobiology of epilepsy
Authors: Oliva Megan , Berkovic Samuel F. , Petrou Steven
Published: August 2012

Voltage‐gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are integral membrane proteins. They are essential for normal neurologic function and are, currently, the most common recognized cause of genetic epilepsy. This review summarizes the neurobiology of VGSCs, their association with different epilepsy syndromes, and the ways in which we can experimentally interrogate their function. The most important sodium channel subunit of relevance to epilepsy is SCN1A, in which over 650 genetic variants have been discovered. SCN1A mutations are associated with a variety of epilepsy syndromes; the more severe syndromes are associated with truncation or complete loss of function of the protein. SCN2A is another important subtype associated with epilepsy syndromes, across a range of severe and less severe epilepsies. This subtype is localized primarily to excitatory neurons, and mutations have a range of functional effects on the channel. SCN8A is the other main adult subtype found in the brain and has recently emerged as an epilepsy gene, with the first human mutation discovered in a severe epilepsy syndrome. Mutations in the accessory β subunits, thought to modulate trafficking and function of the α subunits, have also been associated with epilepsy. Genome sequencing is continuing to become more affordable, and as such, the amount of incoming genetic data is continuing to increase. Current experimental approaches have struggled to keep pace with functional analysis of these mutations, and it has proved difficult to build associations between disease severity and the precise effect on channel function. These mutations have been interrogated with a range of experimental approaches, from in vitro, in vivo, to in silico. In vitro techniques will prove useful to scan mutations on a larger scale, particularly with the advance of high‐throughput automated patch‐clamp techniques. In vivo models enable investigation of mutation in the context of whole brains with connected networks and more closely model the human condition. In silico models can help us incorporate the impact of multiple genetic factors and investigate epistatic interactions and beyond.
Inducibility of Atrial Fibrillation After GP Ablations and “Autonomic Blockade”: Evidence for the Pathophysiological Role of the Nonadrenergic and Noncholinergic Neurotransmitters
Authors: LIU YU , SCHERLAG BENJAMIN J. , FAN YOUQI , VARMA VANDANA , MALE SHAILESH , CHAUDHRY MUHAMMAD A. , HUANG CONGXIN , PO SUNNY S.
Published: August 2012

Autonomic Blockade and Atrial Fibrillation. Background: Recent clinical reports that used cholinergic and adrenergic blockade (CAB) as an alternative to ganglionated plexi (GP) ablation to terminate atrial fibrillation (AF) showed mixed results. We investigated the role of other neurotransmitters in AF inducibility.

Methods:
In 23 pentobarbital anesthetized dogs, a left and right thoracotomy allowed the attachment of electrode catheters to the left and right pulmonary veins and atrial appendages (AA). Programmed stimulation was used to determine the effective refractory periods (ERP) and AF inducibility, measured by the window of vulnerability (WOV). AF duration in response to acetylcholine (Ach; 100 mM) applied to the AA was measured before and after GP ablation + CAB and with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). After GP ablation + CAB, Ach induced AF duration was determined in response to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and its specific antagonist ([Ac‐Tyr1,D‐phe2]‐VIP).

Results:
GP ablation + CAB significantly prolonged ERP, eliminated WOV, and suppressed the duration of Ach induced AF (P ≤ 0.01 for all). Also slowing of the heart rate by VNS was essentially blocked; however, with Ach 100 mM applied to the AA, VNS, and VIP applied to the AA markedly prolonged AF duration. This effect was blocked by the VIP antagonist.

Conclusions:
Neither GP ablation nor CAB can fully suppress AF inducibility arising from the atrial neural network. Our findings suggest that other neurotransmitters, such as VIP released during VNS, can promote sustained AF despite GP ablation and “autonomic blockade,” which may further define the substrate for AF outside the pulmonary vein‐atrial junctions. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 188‐195, February 2013)
Phase Formation, Sintering Behavior, and Magnetic Properties of Low‐Temperature Fired Mg–Cu–Zn Ferrites
Authors: Mürbe Julia , Töpfer Jörg
Published: August 2012

The phase formation, sintering behavior, and magnetic properties of Mg–Cu–Zn ferrites with composition Mg1−x−yCuyZnx+zFe2−zO4−z/2 with 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.8; 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.35; and 0 ≤ z ≤ 0.06 were investigated. Ferrite formation from starting oxides is complete at 900°C. To guarantee sufficient densification at 900°C substoichiometric compositions with small iron deficiency z = 0.02 are required. Substitution of Cu for Mg with 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.35 in a ferrite with x = 0.5 has minor effect on permeability only; however, the shrinkage is significantly shifted to temperatures as low as T < 900°C. The permeability is mainly governed by the Zn concentration; μ increases from μ = 200 to 700 as x increases from x = 0.4 to 0.6, whereas simultaneously the Curie temperature is reduced from 180°C to 40°C, respectively. Mg–Cu–Zn ferrites represent an interesting alternative to Ni–Cu–Zn ferrites with large potential for multilayer applications.