bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of the period between biopsy and diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging on cancer staging in localized prostate cancer
Authors: Park Kyung Kgi , Lee Seung Hwan , Lim Beom Jin , Kim Joo Hee , Chung Byung Ha
Published: March 2010

Study Type – Diagnosis (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether there are any differences between preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the final pathology results, based on the time between biopsy and preoperative MRI, as there are reports recommending ≥3 weeks after a prostate biopsy, primarily because haemorrhaging interferes with the interpretation of MRI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between December 2007 and December 2008, we retrospectively analysed 69 consecutive patients who had biopsy‐confirmed prostate cancer. The inclusion criteria for the study were a history of MRI investigation (combined T2‐weighted and diffusion‐weighted MRI) and robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The exclusion criteria included an MRI investigation‐to‐surgery interval of ≥1 week, a biopsy having been taken in another hospital, or other than 12 biopsy cores. The amount of haemorrhaging, number of haemorrhaging sites, and the location of the cancer were determined. For this, the prostate was divided into 12 segments which anatomically corresponded to the sites where the 12 core biopsies were taken. Each haemorrhagic prostate segment was scored according to its diameter. Pathology results were reviewed in the same manner. Finally, we assessed any discordance between the sets of results according to the period between the biopsy and the MRI. The association between the MRI and pathology results, in relation to the period between the biopsy and MRI, was plotted and tested using Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

Five of the 69 patients were excluded because they had a biopsy at another hospital, 12 were excluded because the period between the MRI and the surgery was >7 days. Suspected prostate haemorrhage was detected in 49 of 52 (94%) patients who had MRI. There was a significantly negative correlation with the period between biopsy and MRI (coefficient – 0.285, P= 0.041). There were no significant differences in cancer localization between MRI and pathology results according to the period between the biopsy and MRI (coefficient 0.028, P= 0.874). The rate of matching between MRI results and pathology results was 74%.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no significant differences in cancer localization between MRI and final pathology according to the period between the biopsy and MRI. Because of this finding, we do not recommend deferring MRI for the purpose of more accurate cancer staging.
New insights into global patterns of ocean temperature anomalies: implications for coral reef health and management
Authors: Selig Elizabeth R. , Casey Kenneth S. , Bruno John F.
Published: March 2010

Aim  Coral reefs are widely considered to be particularly vulnerable to changes in ocean temperatures, yet we understand little about the broad‐scale spatio‐temporal patterns that may cause coral mortality from bleaching and disease. Our study aimed to characterize these ocean temperature patterns at biologically relevant scales.

Location  Global, with a focus on coral reefs.

Methods  We created a 4‐km resolution, 21‐year global ocean temperature anomaly (deviations from long‐term means) database to quantify the spatial and temporal characteristics of temperature anomalies related to both coral bleaching and disease. Then we tested how patterns varied in several key metrics of disturbance severity, including anomaly frequency, magnitude, duration and size.

Results  Our analyses found both global variation in temperature anomalies and fine‐grained spatial variability in the frequency, duration and magnitude of temperature anomalies. However, we discovered that even during major climatic events with strong spatial signatures, like the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, areas that had high numbers of anomalies varied between years. In addition, we found that 48% of bleaching‐related anomalies and 44% of disease‐related anomalies were less than 50 km2, much smaller than the resolution of most models used to forecast climate changes.

Main conclusions  The fine‐scale variability in temperature anomalies has several key implications for understanding spatial patterns in coral bleaching‐ and disease‐related anomalies as well as for designing protected areas to conserve coral reefs in a changing climate. Spatial heterogeneity in temperature anomalies suggests that certain reefs could be targeted for protection because they exhibit differences in thermal stress. However, temporal variability in anomalies could complicate efforts to protect reefs, because high anomalies in one year are not necessarily predictive of future patterns of stress. Together, our results suggest that temperature anomalies related to coral bleaching and disease are likely to be highly heterogeneous and could produce more localized impacts of climate change.
Appraising Performance across Borders: An Empirical Examination of the Purposes and Practices of Performance Appraisal in a Multi‐Country Context
Authors: Chiang Flora F. T. , Birtch Thomas A.
Published: March 2010

abstract

This study empirically investigated culture's consequences on the major purposes and practices of performance appraisal using a sample (n = 1749) drawn from the banking industry in seven countries across Europe, Asia, and North America. We found that the effects and predictive capability of assertiveness, uncertainty avoidance, in‐group collectivism, and power distance should not be overstated nor are they straightforward. Organizations must be cognizant of the potential influence that a range of other organizational, institutional, and economic factors may wield on appraisal. These findings hold significant implications for the theoretical underpinnings of appraisal, a management tool largely rooted in US equity, expectancy, and procedural justice values and traditions. They also offer important lessons for practice. Not only is the transferability of appraisal and its operationalization affected by interactions with divergent cultures and contextual settings, but new hybrid appraisal architectures are emerging that necessitate further research.
Physical activity and weight loss following bariatric surgery
Authors: Jacobi D. , Ciangura C. , Couet C. , Oppert J.‐M.
Published: March 2010

Physical activity is a cornerstone in the medical management of obesity and could be important for weight loss following bariatric surgery. This review aims to describe the evolution of physical activity following massive weight loss induced by bariatric surgery, and to identify the relationship between physical activity and amount of weight loss. A literature search identified 20 publications (19 studies) reporting physical activity data in relation to bariatric surgery. All studies were observational. Self‐assessment of physical activity was used in all the studies. Objective measures (pedometry) were used in two studies. The time frame for physical activity assessment varied: before surgery in two publications, after surgery in nine, and longitudinal pre‐ to post‐operative evolution in nine. The latter nine publications found an increase in physical activity after bariatric surgery. In 10/13 studies where it was described, there was a positive relationship between physical activity level and amount of weight loss. In conclusion, observational evidence of self‐reported physical activity suggests that physical activity increases after bariatric surgery and that physical activity is associated with surgically induced weight loss. However, these findings warrant further evaluation using objective measures of physical activity and testing in controlled trials.
The Nature of Ideas, and Why Political Scientists Should Care: Analysing the Danish Jobcentre Reform from an Ideational Perspective
Authors: Carstensen Martin B.
Published: March 2010

Research on the role of ideas has contributed greatly to our understanding of processes of policy change. The article suggests that theories that deal with interest-driven reform processes might also benefit in important ways from including ideas as a variable in their models. Arguing that ideas are useful to power-seeking actors, the article develops a theory about the nature of ideas that emphasises the dynamic and open-ended relation between actors and ideas: actors can use different strategies to affect ideas to work in their interest, but because of their intersubjective nature, ideas have a life of their own and are never fully controllable. Analysing the case of the Danish jobcentre reform it is demonstrated how ideas may be introduced by actors in order to promote their interests, but actors must use ideas with due attention to the historical background of the idea as well as which other ideas can be associated with them, both in present and future policy processes. In this way ideas create – with their dynamic nature – both possibilities and limits for power-seeking actors.
To Buy or Not to Buy: Who are Political Consumers? What do they Think and How do they Participate?
Authors: Baek Young Min
Published: March 2010

Political consumerism has recently generated academic interest among political participation researchers. While some scholars underscore political consumerism as an emerging civic and political engagement, others discredit its democratic potentials. Drawing on two national survey samples in 2002 that measured both boycotting and ‘buycotting’, this study examines political consumers' demographic backgrounds, socio-political attitudes, issue orientations and their status of civic and political participation. Findings suggest that: (1) boycotters and buycotters should be distinguished because their demographic backgrounds are substantially different; (2) political consumers possess post-material values and are mainly interested in lifestyle-oriented social issues; and (3) political consumers are more active political participants. Theoretical implications of the findings and an agenda for future studies are also discussed.
Women's Representation in Parliament: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Krook Mona Lena
Published: March 2010

In recent years, statistical and case study research has increasingly reached conflicting findings in terms of the factors explaining cross-national variations in the percentage of women elected to national parliaments. To reconcile the conclusions of large- n and small- n research, this article employs qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), a medium- n technique, to study two populations of cases, Western and sub-Saharan African countries. In contrast to work predicated on assumptions of causal homogeneity and causal competition, the study reveals that multiple combinations of conditions lead to higher and lower levels of female representation. This finding corroborates the two guiding principles of QCA, causal combination and equifinality, suggesting that these methods may offer greater leverage than traditional techniques in discerning the various factors facilitating and hindering women's access to political office.
Executive working memory processes in dyslexia: Behavioral and fMRI evidence
Authors: BENEVENTI HARALD , TØNNESSEN FINN EGIL , ERSLAND LARS , HUGDAHL KENNETH
Published: March 2010

Beneventi, H., Tønnessen, F. E., Ersland, L. & Hugdahl, K. (2010). Executive working memory processes in dyslexia: Behavioral and fMRI evidence. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 51, 192–202.

Dyslexia is an impairment in learning to read and write, primarily associated with a phonological core deficit. However, the manifestation of symptoms in dyslexia also includes impaired working memory (WM). The aim of this study was to investigate cortical activation related to verbal WM in dyslexic and normal readers aged around 13 years, controlling for phonological awareness processing. We used a modified WM n‐back task where the participants remembered the first or last speech segment (phonemes) of the names of common objects shown as pictures. Dyslexic readers were impaired compared with the control group. Compared with the dyslexic readers, controls showed increased fMRI activation in the left superior parietal lobule and the right inferior prefrontal gyrus. Unlike controls, dyslexics did not show a significant increase in activation in WM areas with increased memory load. These findings provide support for a specific working memory deficit in dyslexic individuals.
The Evolving Law of Disputed Relocation: Constructing Inner‐City Renewal Practices in Shanghai, 1990–2005
Authors: SHIH MI
Published: March 2010

The forceful pursuit of inner‐city renewal in Shanghai since the early 1990s has to a great extent achieved spatial modernization, but at the same time it has given rise to increasing conflicts over residential relocation. Using law as a prism through which to examine the dialectic relationship between renewal practices and disputed relocation, this article argues that the series of unprecedented enactments in law that have taken place during this period have both paved the way for real estate market expansion and been a significant source of relocation disputes in Shanghai. Rather than viewing law as simply given and determinate, the article traces the regulatory regime's codification of property practices as a means of actively responding to the requirements of the real estate market. Under large‐scale renewal practices, residents' legal rights of ‘return settlement’ (huiban) in inner‐city areas were largely denied in the early 1990s, before being effectively abolished by the adoption of monetary compensation for displacement in the 2000s. The evolving law on property practices has greatly shaped the process of disputed relocation while simultaneously posing a potential challenge to China's use of law for market‐oriented development.

Depuis le début des années 1990, la rénovation énergique du centre‐ville de Shanghai a largement réussi à moderniser l’espace mais, en même temps, elle a suscité des conflits grandissants à propos des transferts de logement. Utilisant la loi comme prisme d’examen de la relation dialectique entre les pratiques de rénovation et le relogement mis en cause, l’article préconise qu’à Shanghai, la série sans précédent de lois promulguées durant cette période a à la fois ouvert la voie à l’essor du marché immobilier et nourri une source de différends liés au relogement. Plutôt que de voir la loi comme simplement fixe et définitive, ce travail révèle dans la codification de la réglementation sur les pratiques de propriété, un moyen de répondre concrètement aux exigences du marché immobilier. En vertu de pratiques de rénovation à grande échelle, les droits juridiques des résidents à‘un relogement sur place’ (huiban) dans un quartier du centre‐ville ont été très souvent refusés au début des années 1990, avant d’être supprimés dans les faits via l’adoption d’une indemnisation financière de déménagement dans les années 2000. La loi évolutive sur les pratiques de propriété a considérablement modelé le processus de relogement mis en cause, tout en interrogeant l’usage fait de la loi chinoise au bénéfice d’une orientation vers le marché.
A comparison of two bench‐scale anaerobic systems used for the treatment of dairy effluents
Authors: BELANÇON DEBORA , FUZZATO MAÍRA C , GOMES DOUGLAS R S , CICHELLO GIOVANNA C V , De PINHO SAMANTHA C , RIBEIRO ROGERS , TOMMASO GIOVANA
Published: March 2010

The objective of this work was to compare two anaerobic reactor configurations, a hybrid upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASBh) reactor and an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor with immobilised biomass (ASBBR) treating dairy effluents. The reactors were fed with effluent from the milk pasteurisation process (effluent 1—E1) and later with effluent from the same process combined with the one from the cheese manufacturing (effluent 2—E2). The ASBBR reactor showed average organic matter removal efficiency of 95.2% for E1 and 93.5% for E2, while the hybrid UASB reactor showed removal efficiencies of 90.3% and 80.1% respectively.
Intracerebroventricular infusion of monoclonal antibody or its derived Fab fragment against misfolded forms of SOD1 mutant delays mortality in a mouse model of ALS
Authors: Gros‐Louis Francois , Soucy Geneviève , Larivière Roxanne , Julien Jean‐Pierre
Published: March 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 1188–1199.

The finding of a secretion pathway and toxicity for mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) raised up the possibility of using immunization approaches to reduce or neutralize the burden of toxic SOD1 species in the nervous system. Here we tested a passive immunization approach based on intracerebroventricular infusion in G93A‐SOD1 mice of monoclonal antibodies specific to misfolded forms of SOD1 (mSOD1). We tested two monoclonal antibodies that bind distinct epitopes in mSOD1 and that do not bind to intact wild‐type (WT) SOD1. One antibody succeeded in reducing the level of mSOD1 by 23% in the spinal cord and in prolonging the lifespan of G93A‐SOD1 mice in proportion to the duration of treatment. However, another monoclonal antibody binding to a different SOD1 epitope failed to confer protection indicating that not all anti‐SOD1 antibodies might be suitable for immunotherapy. Interestingly, the variable Fab fragment of an anti‐SOD1 antibody was sufficient to confer some protection in G93A‐SOD1 mice. The partial dispensability of Fc region should offer some advantages for development of immunotherapy with antibodies of smaller molecular size and low immunogenicity. From these results, we propose that passive immunization strategies should be considered as potential avenues for treatment of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis caused by SOD1 mutations.
Regional metabolite levels and turnover in the awake rat brain under the influence of nicotine
Authors: Wang Jie , Jiang Lihong , Jiang Yifeng , Ma Xiaoxian , Chowdhury Golam M. I. , Mason Graeme F.
Published: March 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 1447–1458.

As one of the most widespread drugs of abuse, nicotine has long been known to impact the brain, particularly with respect to addiction. However, the regional effects of nicotine on the concentrations and kinetics of amino acid neurotransmitters and some energetically related neurochemicals have been little studied. In this investigation, acute effects of nicotine were measured by 1H‐observed/13C‐edited nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy method in extracts obtained from nicotine‐naïve, freely moving rats given 0.7 mg/kg nicotine or saline, with [1‐13C] glucose to track metabolism. Nicotine was observed to exert significant effects on the concentrations of N‐acetylaspartate and GABA, particularly in the striatum. Nicotine decreased brain glucose oxidation, glutamate‐glutamine neurotransmitter cycling, and GABA synthesis regionally, including in the parietal and occipital cortices and the striatum. The olfactory bulb showed kinetics that differed markedly from those observed in the rest of the brain. Independently of nicotine, the concentration of glutamate was found to be correlated significantly with levels of N‐acetylaspartate and GABA, suggesting a potential interplay of energetics and excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. In summary, the study revealed that the neurochemicals were most affected in the cortex and striatum of the rat brain after acute nicotine treatment.
Anoxia leads to a rapid translocation of human trypsinogen 4 to the plasma membrane of cultured astrocytes
Authors: Tárnok Krisztián , Szilágyi László , Berki Tímea , Németh Péter , Gráf László , Schlett Katalin
Published: March 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 314–324.

Trypsinogen 4 is specifically expressed in the human brain, mainly by astroglial cells. Although its exact role in the nervous tissue is yet unclear, trypsin 4‐mediated pathological processes were suggested in Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and ischemic injury. In the present study, we analyzed the intracellular distribution of fluorescently tagged human trypsinogen 4 isoforms during normal and anoxic conditions in transfected mouse primary astrocytes. Our results show that initiation of anoxic milieu by the combined action of KCN treatment and glucose deprivation rapidly leads to the association of leader peptide containing trypsinogen 4 constructs to the plasma membrane. Using rhodamine 110 bis‐(CBZ‐L‐isoleucyl‐L‐prolyl‐L‐arginine amide), a synthetic chromogen peptide substrate of trypsin, we show that anoxia can promote extracellular activation of trypsinogen 4 indicating that extracellular activation of human trypsinogen 4 can be an important component in neuropathological changes of the injured human brain.
Fluidized muds: a novel setting for the generation of biosphere diversity through geologic time*
Authors: ALLER J. Y. , ALLER R. C. , KEMP P. F. , CHISTOSERDOV A. Y. , MADRID V. M.
Published: March 2010

Reworked and fluidized fine‐grained deposits in energetic settings are a major modern‐day feature of river deltas and estuaries. Similar environments were probably settings for microbial evolution on the early Earth. These sedimentary systems act as efficient biogeochemical reactors with high bacterial phylogenetic diversity and functional redundancy. They are temporally rather than spatially structured, with repeated cycling of redox conditions and successive stages of microbial metabolic processes. Intense reworking of the fluidized bed entrains bacteria from varied habitats providing new, diverse genetic materials to contribute to horizontal gene transfer events and the creation of new bacterial ecotypes. These vast mud environments may act as exporters and promoters of biosphere diversity and novel adaptations, potentially on a globally important scale.
How Area Sensitivity in Birds is Studied
Authors: BAYARD TRINA S. , ELPHICK CHRIS S.
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  Studies of avian area sensitivity have been prolific over the last 3 decades, yet general conclusions about the phenomenon are lacking. We undertook a systematic literature review to determine how widespread area sensitivity is; whether published information is biased toward certain geographic regions, habitat types, or taxonomic groups; whether the nature of area effects varies with respect to these criteria; and whether tests of area effects for individual species produce consistent results. Analysis of over 2700 area sensitivity tests, from more than 870 species, indicated the phenomenon is widespread across regions, habitats, and taxonomic groups, but that significant biases in research focus exist. North American forest habitats and Passeriformes (especially Fringillidae, Regulidae, and Paridae) are disproportionately represented in the literature. Detection of area effects was more common in tests of occurrence (47%) than in those for abundance (25%) and varied significantly among regions, habitats, and taxonomic groups. Inconsistent results for species studied multiple times and between tests of occurrence and abundance were common. These results suggest a need for future research to focus more on why area sensitivity patterns differ among studies and less on simple pattern description.
The Paradox of the Long‐Term Positive Effects of a North American Crayfish on a European Community of Predators
Authors: TABLADO ZULIMA , TELLA JOSÉ L. , SÁNCHEZ‐ZAPATA JOSÉ A. , HIRALDO FERNANDO
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  Invasions of non‐native species are one of the major causes of losses of native species. In some cases, however, non‐natives may also have positive effects on native species. We investigated the potential facilitative effects of the North American red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) on the community of predators in southwestern Spain. To do so, we examined the diets of predators in the area and their population trends since introduction of the crayfish. Most predator species consumed red swamp crayfish, which sometimes occurred in over 50% of their diet samples. Moreover, the abundance of species preying on crayfish increased significantly in the area as opposed to the abundance of herbivores and to predator populations in other areas of Europe, where those predators are even considered threatened. Thus, we report the first case in which one non‐native species is both beneficial because it provides prey for threatened species and detrimental because it can drive species at lower trophic levels to extinction. Increases in predator numbers that are associated with non‐native species of prey, especially when some of these predators are also invasive non‐natives, may increase levels of predation on other species and produce cascading effects that threaten native biota at longer temporal and larger spatial scales. Future management plans should include the complexity of interactions between invasive non‐natives and the entire native community, the feasibility of successful removal of non‐native species, and the potential social and economic interests in the area.
Effects of Accelerated Artificial Daylight Aging on Bending Strength and Bonding of Glass Fibers in Fiber‐Embedded Maxillofacial Silicone Prostheses
Authors: Hatamleh Muhanad M. , Watts David C.
Published: March 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the effect of different periods of accelerated artificial daylight aging on bond strength of glass fiber bundles embedded into maxillofacial silicone elastomer and on bending strength of the glass fiber bundles.

Methods and Materials: Forty specimens were fabricated by embedding resin‐impregnated fiber bundles (1.5‐mm diameter, 20‐mm long) into maxillofacial silicone elastomer. Specimens were randomly allocated into four groups, and each group was subjected to different periods of accelerated daylight aging as follows (in hours); 0, 200, 400, and 600. The aging cycle included continuous exposure to quartz‐filtered visible daylight (irradiance 760 W/m2) under an alternating weathering cycle (wet for 18 minutes, dry for 102 minutes). Pull‐out tests were performed to evaluate bond strength between fiber bundles and silicone using a universal testing machine at 1 mm/min crosshead speed. Also a three‐point bending test was performed to evaluate bending strength of the fiber bundles. One‐way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests were carried out to detect statistical significance (p < 0.05).

Results: Mean (SD) values of maximum pull‐out forces (in N) for groups 1 to 4 were: 13.63 (7.45), 19.67 (1.37), 13.58 (2.61), and 10.37 (2.52). Group 2 exhibited the highest pull‐out force that was statistically significant when compared to the other groups. Maximum bending strengths of fiber bundles were in the range of 917.72 MPa to 1124.06 MPa. Bending strength significantly increased after 200 and 400 hours of aging only.

Conclusions: After 200 hours of exposure to artificial daylight and moisture conditions, bond strength between glass fibers and heat‐cured silicones is optimal, and the bending strength of the glass fiber bundles is enhanced.
Laser‐Welded Hollow Pontic Full‐Gold Fixed Dental Prosthesis
Authors: Sutton Alan J. , Winn Terry R.
Published: March 2010

This article describes a technique for the fabrication of a laser‐welded hollow pontic full‐gold fixed dental prosthesis.

Reference to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Government. The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the U.S. Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
Ranolazine—Treatment of Ventricular Tachycardia and Symptomatic Ventricular Premature Beats in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: NANDA SUDIP , LEVIN VADIM , MARTINEZ MATTHEW W. , FREUDENBERGER RONALD
Published: March 2010

Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are a frequent occurrence in the presence of ischemic heart disease. A very high PVC load can be symptomatic or occasionally result in a cardiomyopathy (CMP). Treatment options include pharmacologic agents and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). RFA has been successful in treating PVCs in symptomatic patients or in the presence of unexplained CMP. Ranolazine is a piperazine derivative used for treating chronic stable angina. It also has antiarrhythmic properties. We report a patient with ischemic CMP, symptomatic PVCs, and monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) despite attempts to control symptoms with two antiarrhythmic drugs. Initiation of ranolazine led to marked reduction in PVCs along with control of VT and symptoms. (PACE 2010; 33:e119–e120)
Laser Extraction of a Trapped Infected Port Catheter in a Child Using Existing Experience from Pacemaker and ICD Lead Removal
Authors: BASTIAN DIRK , FESSELE KLAUS , BEDNARSKI PIOTR , BODENSCHATZ KARL , PAUSCHINGER MATTHIAS , GÖHL KONRAD
Published: March 2010

A 9‐year‐old girl presented with systemic infection related to a Port‐a‐Cath system (PAC); therefore, the urgent removal of the PAC was indicated. However, the catheter was trapped and not extractable by conventional means. Using existing comprehensive experience in the removal of pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator leads, the entrapped PAC was successfully extracted by laser technique, thus avoiding open heart surgery. (PACE 2011; e9–e10)
Transfer of Triazine‐iron(II) Chromic Complexes Left by Iron Items on Textile Background and Human Skin
Authors: Szumera Jakub , Wełniak Mirołsaw , Olejniczak Andrzej , Lukaszewicz Jerzy P.
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  The research is focused on the detection and transfer of iron traces left by iron items on clothing and human skin. The method is based on the formation of colored complexes between ferrous ions and five synthesized, mostly new triazines. Iron traces originally were left by iron rings on slightly wetted (artificial sweat) cotton fabrics and subsequently transferred to a separate textile substrate. Prior to the use of trazines the contact spots were treated with a new inorganic reducing agent (Sn2+) to reduce Fe3+ to Fe2+. The method is sensitive to detect iron traces on wetted canvas after 10 min contact with iron items. More spectacular results were obtained for traces left on human palm even after very short contact (10 sec). The new iron‐trace‐transfer method eliminated the contact of triazines solutions with human skin. Transmission visible spectra of Fe(II)–triazine complexes were determined.
Heteroplasmy in Hair: Study of Mitochondrial DNA Third Hypervariable Region in Hair and Blood Samples*†
Authors: Paneto Greiciane G. , Longo Larissa V.G. , Martins Joyce A. , De Camargo Maria Angélica , Costa Jeane C. , De Mello Aline C.O. , Chen Bety , Oliveira Rogério N. , Hirata Mário H. , Cicarelli Regina M.B.
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis has proved useful for forensic identification especially in cases where nuclear DNA is not available, such as with hair evidence. Heteroplasmy, the presence of more than one type of mtDNA in one individual, is a common situation often reported in the first and second mtDNA hypervariable regions (HV1/HV2), particularly in hair samples. However, there is no data about heteroplasmy frequency in the third mtDNA hypervariable region (HV3). To investigate possible heteroplasmy hotspots, HV3 from hair and blood samples of 100 individuals were sequenced and compared. No point heteroplasmy was observed, but length heteroplasmy was, both in C‐stretch and CA repeat. To observe which CA “alleles” were present in each tissue, PCR products were cloned and re‐sequenced. However, no variation among CA alleles was observed. Regarding forensic practice, we conclude that point heteroplasmy in HV3 is not as frequent as in the HV1/HV2.
Development of a Simple and Low‐Cost Enzymatic Methodology for Quantitative Analysis of Carbamates in Meat Samples of Forensic Interest
Authors: Sabino Bruno Duarte , Torraca Tathiana Guilliod , Moura Claudia Melo , Rozenbaum Hannah Felicia , De Castro Faria Mauro Velho
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  Foods contaminated with a granulated material similar to Temik (a commercial pesticide formulation containing the carbamate insecticide aldicarb) are often involved in accidental ingestion, suicides, and homicides in Brazil. We developed a simple technique to detect aldicarb. This technique is based on the inhibition of a stable preparation of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, and it is specially adapted for forensic purposes. It comprises an initial extraction step with the solvent methylene chloride followed by a colorimetric acetylcholinesterase assay. We propose that results of testing contaminated forensic samples be expressed in aldicarb equivalents because, even though all other carbamates are also potent enzyme inhibitors, aldicarb is the contaminant most frequently found in forensic samples. This method is rapid (several samples can be run in a period of 2 h) and low cost. This method also proved to be precise and accurate, detecting concentrations as low as 40 μg/kg of aldicarb in meat samples.
An Evaluation of Statistical Methods for the Determination of Age of Death Using Dental Root Translucency and Periodontosis
Authors: Schmitt Aurore , Saliba‐Serre Bérengère , Tremblay Marie , Martrille Laurent
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  Lamendin and colleagues (1992) proposed to assess age‐at‐death from root translucency and periodontosis. Several teeth from the same individual were included in their study. In our work, we evaluate the reliability of their formulas without introducing this bias. Our sample was constituted of 214 individuals (114 males and 100 women) selected from the Terry collection (U.S.A.). The R2 between age and both indicators is equal to 0.33 and 0.08 (p < 0.001). Based on linear regression, the mean of standard error for individual age prediction was equal to 13.67 years, and the mean interval length is equal to 53.89 years. Multinomial logistic regression and Bayesian approach failed to give satisfactory results when classifying the individuals in age categories. Therefore, the use of root translucency and periodontosis may lead to incorrect age‐at‐death assessment, and it is thus necessary to complement this approach with other techniques to assess age‐at‐death.
The Development and Evaluation of Radiological Decontamination Procedures for Documents, Document Inks, and Latent Fingermarks on Porous Surfaces*†
Authors: Parkinson Andrew , Colella Michael , Evans Tegan
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  Criminal acts such as an attack utilizing a radiological dispersal device (RDD or dirty bomb), the manufacture of such a device, or the illicit trafficking of radioactive materials would warrant a criminal investigation. This could involve the collection, transportation, and analysis of radiologically contaminated trace evidence. But are law enforcement agencies and forensic scientists capable of dealing with this? This research investigates the decontamination efficacy of two decontamination techniques (chemical and physical) designed for the removal of radiological material from documents of forensic importance. The impact that these procedures have on the development of latent fingermarks and the forensic analysis of the inks on these documents is also studied. It was found that slight changes in the color and chemical composition of a variety of document inks and a destruction of fingermark ridges occurred after chemical decontamination. Physical decontamination had no impact on these parameters.
The LongPen™—The World’s First Original Remote Signing Device*
Authors: Kruger Diane M.
Published: March 2010

Abstract: The LongPen™ is a remote‐controlled pen and videoconferencing device conceived by Canadian author Margaret Atwood in 2004 and initially intended to bring “live” author signings to far away locations. The LongPen™ allows for individually inscribed long distance signatures and writing while maintaining an original record, written with pen and ink. LongPen™ specimens were compared with control specimens using different speeds, pen pressures, and types of pens. Preliminary indications are that LongPen™ inscriptions can be identified or associated with their author. Size and form are maintained and artifacts are subtle. Some limitations with respect to the capture of long tapered strokes, delicate connecting strokes, and differences in line width were noted. Factors which may impact forensic handwriting examinations include limited amounts of writing, light pen pressure, date of the writing, type of writing instrument, dimensions of the writing, and failure to consider that the device has been used.
1,2,4‐Triazine‐Based Chromogenic Reagents for the Detection of Microtraces of Various Metals Left on Human Skin*
Authors: Olejniczak Andrzej , Cyganiuk Aleksandra W. , Lukaszewicz Jerzy P.
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  This article extends the application of 1,2,4‐triazine‐based chromogenic reagents to the detection of nonferrous metal traces left on contact with canvas and human skin. The possibility of detection of iron traces resulting from contact with objects made of stainless steel was investigated as well. Additionally, the ability of triazines to form chromatic complexes with Zn2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Cr3+, and Al3+ ions was studied spectrophotometrically. Molar absorption coefficients, ranging from 8.8 to 29.9 × 103/M/cm, provide high sensitivity of 1,2,4‐triazines toward nonferrous ions, thus, enabling the detection at concentrations as low as a few μM. The method was sensitive enough to detect traces resulting from a 1‐min contact with a stainless steel made object, which is commonly considered as a corrosion‐resistant material. The amounts of metal ions transferred to the skin after a 2‐min contact with objects made of brass, zinc, and copper were sufficient to develop chromatic imprints.
The zinc finger domain of IKKγ (NEMO) protein in health and disease
Authors: Shifera Amde Selassie
Published: March 2010

Inhibitor of κB kinase gamma (IKKγ) protein, a key component of the NF‐κB pathway

The domain structure of IKKγ protein

Mutations involving the zinc finger of IKKγ

The roles of the zinc finger domain of IKKγ

Conclusions and perspectives

Inhibitor of κB kinase (IKK) gamma (IKKγ), also known as nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) essential modulator (NEMO), is a component of the IKK complex that is essential for the activation of the NF‐κB pathway. The NF‐κB pathway plays a major role in the regulation of the expression of genes that are involved in immune response, inflammation, cell adhesion, cell survival and development. As part of the IKK complex, IKKγ plays a regulatory role by linking the complex to upstream signalling molecules. IKKγ contains two coiled‐coil regions, a leucine zipper domain and a highly conserved zinc finger domain. Mutations affecting IKKγ have been associated with X‐linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with immune deficiency (HED‐ID), with the majority of these mutations affecting the C‐terminal region of the protein where the zinc finger is located. The zinc finger of IKKγ is needed for NF‐κB activation in a cell‐ and stimulus‐specific manner. The major mechanism by which the zinc finger plays this role appears to be the recognition of polyubiquitinated upstream signalling intermediates. This assertion reinforces the current notion that ubiquitination plays a major role in mediating protein–protein interactions in the NF‐κB signalling pathway. Because the zinc finger domain of IKKγ is very likely involved in mediating interactions with ubiquitinated proteins, investigations that look for upstream activators or inhibitors of the IKK complex that bind to and interact with the zinc finger of IKKγ are required to gain a better insight into the exact roles of this domain and into the pathogenesis of HED‐ID.
Marathon of eponyms: 10 Jadassohn‐Lewandowsky syndrome (Pachyonychia congenita)
Authors: Scully C , Langdon J , Evans J
Published: March 2010

Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 310–311

The use of eponyms has long been contentious, but many remain in common use, as discussed elsewhere (Editorial: Oral Diseases. 2009: 15; 185). The use of eponyms in diseases of the head and neck is found mainly in specialties dealing with medically compromised individuals (paediatric dentistry, special care dentistry, oral and maxillofacial medicine, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology and oral and maxillofacial surgery) and particularly by hospital‐centred practitioners. This series has selected some of the more recognised relevant eponymous conditions and presents them alphabetically. The information is based largely on data available from MEDLINE and a number of internet websites as noted below: the authors would welcome any corrections. This document summarises data about Jadassohn‐Lewandowsky syndrome.
Quantification of taurodontism: interests in the early diagnosis of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia
Authors: Gros C‐I , Clauss F , Obry F , Manière MC , Schmittbuhl M
Published: March 2010

Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 292–298

Objective:  The aim of this study was to provide a quantification of taurodontism in Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (HED) and to report its occurrence in a cohort of HED patients to assess phenotypic–genotypic correlations.

Patients and methods:  Of 68 HED patients retrospectively reviewed, 16 patients aged 7–51 years were selected and compared with a control sample (n = 351). The pulp surface index of the first lower permanent molar was calculated from the panoramic radiograph of each individual, and statistical comparisons between the HED patients and the control sample were performed.

Results:  Whatever the genetic disorder, 81.25% of the HED patients exhibited a relative enlargement (≥1 s.d.) of the pulp. Major deviations (>5 s.d.) were respectively related to men affected by large deletion of the EDA gene or missense mutation. The autosomal recessive form was linked to a relative moderate pulp enlargement (3.44 s.d.). In NEMO forms, the increase of pulp size in men appeared to be less marked than in EDA mutations.

Conclusion:  This study provides for the first time an objective assessment of pulp enlargement in HED patients, and the various degrees of taurodontism depicted could be interesting dental phenotypic markers of HED forms.
Who Wins and Who Loses? Public Transfer Accounts for US Generations Born 1850 to 2090
Authors: Bommier Antoine , Lee Ronald , Miller Tim , Zuber Stéphane
Published: March 2010

Public transfer programs in industrial countries are thought to benefit the elderly through pension and health care programs at the expense of the young and future generations. This intergenerational picture changes, however, if public education is also considered as a transfer program. We calculate the net present value at birth of benefits received minus taxes paid for US generations born 1850 to 2090. Surprisingly, all generations 1950 to 2050 are net gainers, while many current elderly are net losers. Windfall gains from starting Social Security and Medicare partially offset windfall losses from starting public education, roughly consistent with the arguments of Becker and Murphy.
Well‐Being, Front and Center: A Note on the Sarkozy Report
Authors: Easterlin Richard A.
Published: March 2010

The Sarkozy Report is a study commissioned by the French President on better ways to measure the level and progress of societal well‐being than conventional economic indicators such as GDP. Despite being prepared by prominent economists—the commission was led by Joseph Stiglitz, Amartya Sen, and Jean‐Paul Fitoussi—the Report rejects reliance on “production‐oriented” measures of progress in favor of a broader array of quality‐of‐life indicators, some of them subjective, and measures of the sustainability of well‐being into the future. These multiple dimensions of well‐being, it argues, should be used in policy decisions and welfare evaluations. The views expressed in the Report may portend a sea‐change in the way economists think about the benefits of economic growth.
Growing Diversity among America's Children and Youth: Spatial and Temporal Dimensions
Authors: Johnson Kenneth M. , Lichter Daniel T.
Published: March 2010

This study documents the changing racial and ethnic mix of America's children. Specifically, we focus on the unusually rapid shifts in the composition and changing spatial distribution of America's young people between 2000 and 2008. Minorities grew to 43 percent of all children and youth, up from 38.5 percent only eight years earlier. In 1990, this figure stood at 33 percent. Among 0–4‐year‐olds, 47 percent of all children were minority in 2008. Changes in racial and ethnic composition are driven by two powerful demographic forces. The first is the rapid increase since 2000 in the number of minority children—with Hispanics accounting for 80 percent of the growth. The second is the absolute decline in the number of non‐Hispanic white children and youth. The growth of minority children and racial diversity is distributed unevenly over geographical space. Over 500 (or roughly 1 in 6) counties now have majority‐minority youth populations. Broad geographic areas of America nevertheless remain mono‐racial, where only small shares of minorities live.
Copulatory Pattern of Male Rats in a Multiple Partner Choice Arena
Authors: Ferreira-Nuño Armando , Fernández-Soto Claudia , Olayo-Lortia Jesús , Ramirez-Carreto Raúl , Paredes Raúl G. , Velázquez-Moctezuma Javier , Morales-Otal Adriana
Published: March 2010

Introduction

It has been demonstrated that testing conditions may influence sexual performance in many mammals, including male rats. We recently developed a multiple partner choice arena (MPCA) consisting of four acrylic cylinders placed in a cross pattern with one male in each cylinder. A sexually receptive female rat was introduced into the center of the MPCA and was allowed to choose a male to copulate with. The female showed a preference for one of the four males, remaining longer and copulating more times with it.

Aim

The study aims to evaluate and compare the copulatory pattern of male rats in two arenas: the standard arena (SA) and the MPCA.

Methods

In Experiment 1, a group of 10 male rats mated in an SA (a closed cylinder) and 2 weeks later they mated in the MPCA, in order to compare different parameters of male sexual behavior. In Experiment 2, the sexual behavior of two different groups of sexually experienced male rats was tested in two conditions: the SA and the MPCA. In the latter, only the behavior of the preferred (P) males and nonpreferred (NP) males that ejaculated was recorded.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome is the number of intromissions preceding ejaculation and the latencies to mount, intromit, and ejaculate.

Results

In Experiment 1, the number of intromissions was significantly reduced and the intromission and ejaculation latencies were significantly shortened when the males were tested in the MPCA rather than in the SA. In Experiment 2, both groups of males tested in the MPCA (P and NP) showed a significant reduction in the number of intromissions preceding ejaculation and shorter mounting and ejaculation latencies in comparison with rats in the SA. This decrease was more noticeable in NP males.

Conclusions

The MPCA reduce significantly the ejaculatory pattern in male rats.