bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flight initiation distance is differentially sensitive to the costs of staying and leaving food patches in a small-mammal prey
Authors: Lagos Patricio A. , Meier Andrea , Tolhuysen Liliana Ortiz , Castro Rodrigo A. , Bozinovic Francisco , Ebensperger Luis A.
Published: November 2009

Escape theory predicts that a prey should flee from an approaching predator at a point in which the cost of staying equals the cost of escape. We manipulated the cost of fleeing upon approaching human predators by providing the small mammal Octodon degus (Molina, 1782) with varying amounts of supplementary food likely to disappear while the animals are not in the food patch (e.g., hidden in their burrows). Simultaneously, we manipulated the risk of remaining in the patch by providing supplementary food at varying distances from the nearest burrow. Degus fled at a shorter distance to approaching predators when foraging in patches closer to the nearest burrow and supplied with relatively high abundance of food, but only when these rodents were foraging socially. Also, degus fled at a greater distance to approaching predators when foraging in patches far from the nearest burrow. Thus, functions linked to the loss of feeding opportunities and the risk of predation interact to influence flight initiation distance after a simulated attack. This study represented one of the few demonstrations of an interactive effect between cost and risks on antipredator behavior in a small, social prey mammal.
Size and spacing of grouse leks: comparing capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and black grouse (Tetrao tetrix) in two contrasting Eurasian boreal forest landscapes
Authors: Rolstad Jørund , Wegge Per , Sivkov Andrey V. , Hjeljord Olav , Storaunet Ken Olaf
Published: November 2009

Capercaillie ( Tetrao urogallus L., 1758) and black grouse ( Tetrao tetrix L., 1758 (= Lyrurus tetrix (L., 1758))) are two sympatric Eurasian lekking grouse species that differ markedly in habitat affinities and social organization. We examined how size and spacing of leks in pristine (Russia) and managed (Norway) forests were related to habitat and social behavior. Leks of both species were larger and spaced farther apart in the pristine landscape. Capercaillie leks were regularly spaced at 2–3 km distance, increasing with lek size, which in turn was positively related to the amount of middle-aged and older forests in the surrounding area. Black grouse leks were irregularly distributed at shorter distances of 1–2 km, with lek size explained by the size of the open bog arena and the amount of open habitat in the surroundings. At the landscape scale, spatial distribution of open bogs and social attraction among male black grouse caused leks to be more aggregated, whereas mutual avoidance in male capercaillie caused leks to be spaced out. In the pristine landscape, large-scale and long-term changes in forest dynamics owing to wildfires, combined with an aggregated pattern of huge bog complexes, presumably provide both grouse species with enough time and space to build up bigger lek populations than in the managed landscape.
No evidence for developmental plasticity of color patterns in response to rearing substrate in pygmy grasshoppers
Authors: Karlsson M. , Johansson J. , Caesar S. , Forsman A.
Published: November 2009

Color polymorphisms in animals may result from genetic polymorphisms, developmental plasticity, or a combination where some phenotypic components are under strong genetic control and other aspects are influenced by developmental plasticity. Understanding how color polymorphisms evolve demands knowledge of how genetic and epigenetic environmental cues influence the development and phenotypic expression of organisms. Pygmy grasshoppers (Orthoptera, Tetrigidae) vary in color pattern within and among populations. Color morphs differ in morphology, behavior, and life history, suggesting that they represent alternative ecological strategies. Pygmy grasshoppers also show fire melanism, a rapid increase in the frequency of black and dark-colored phenotypes in populations inhabiting fire-ravaged areas. We examined the influence of plasticity on color polymorphism in the pygmy grasshopper Tetrix subulata (L., 1761) using a split-brood design. Individuals were experimentally raised in solitude on either crushed charcoal or white aquarium gravel. Our analyses uncovered no plasticity of either color pattern or overall darkness of coloration in response to rearing substrate. Instead, we find a strong resemblance between maternal and offspring color patterns. We conclude that pygmy grasshopper color morphs are strongly influenced by genetic cues or maternal effects, and that there is no evidence for developmental plasticity of coloration in response to rearing conditions in these insects.
Spring migration routes and chronology of surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata): a synthesis of Pacific coast studies
Authors: De La Cruz S.E.W. , Takekawa J. Y. , Wilson M. T. , Nysewander D. R. , Evenson J. R. , Esler D. , Boyd W. S. , Ward D. H.
Published: November 2009

Understanding interconnectivity among wintering, stopover, and breeding areas of migratory birds is pivotal to discerning how events occurring in each might have a cross-seasonal effect on another. Such information can guide the location and timing of conservation efforts. Thus, we examined spring migration routes, chronology, and stopover use of 85 surf scoters ( Melanitta perspicillata (L., 1758)) marked with satellite transmitters at four Pacific Flyway wintering sites: San Quintin Bay, Baja California; San Francisco Bay, California; Puget Sound, Washington; and Strait of Georgia, British Columbia. Eighty-three percent of marked scoters followed two main routes to the breeding area: a Southern Inland route involving staging in Puget Sound and Strait of Georgia and protracted inland migration, or a Northern Coastal route characterized by short movements along the Pacific coast of British Columbia and southeast Alaska with inland migration initiating from Lynn Canal and surrounding areas. Route choice was related to nesting site latitude in the Canadian Northern Boreal Forest. Data from birds tracked over 2 years indicated strong migration route fidelity, but altered chronology and stopover locations between years. Departure date varied by wintering site, but arrival and apparent settling dates were synchronous, suggesting individuals adjusted migration timing to meet an optimized reproductive schedule.
AN ADAPTIVE HYBRID PATTERN-MATCHING ALGORITHM ON INDETERMINATE STRINGS
Authors: SMYTH W. F. , WANG SHU
Published: November 2009

We describe a hybrid pattern-matching algorithm that works on both regular and indeterminate strings. This algorithm is inspired by the recently proposed hybrid algorithm FJS and its indeterminate successor. However, as discussed in this paper, because of the special properties of indeterminate strings, it is not straightforward to directly migrate FJS to an indeterminate version. Our new algorithm combines two fast pattern-matching algorithms, ShiftAnd and BMS (the Sunday variant of the Boyer-Moore algorithm), and is highly adaptive to the nature of the text being processed. It avoids using the border array, therefore avoids some of the cases that are awkward for indeterminate strings. Although not always the fastest in individual test cases, our new algorithm is superior in overall performance to its two component algorithms — perhaps a general advantage of hybrid algorithms.
EDIT DISTANCE WITH COMBINATIONS AND SPLITS AND ITS APPLICATIONS IN OCR NAME MATCHING
Authors: CHRISTODOULAKIS MANOLIS , BREY GERHARD
Published: November 2009

Approximate pattern matching has a wide range of applications and, depending on the type of approximation, there exist numerous algorithms for solving it. In this article we focus on texts which originate from OCRed documents, whose errors quite often have a particular form and are far from being random errors. We introduce a new variant of the edit distance metric, where apart from the traditional edit operations, two new operations are supported. The combination operation allows two or more symbols from a string x to be interpreted as a single symbol and then "matched" (or aligned) against a single symbol of a second string y. Its dual is the operation of a split, where a single symbol from x is broken down into a sequence of two or more other symbols, that can then be matched against an equal number of symbols from y. Our algorithm requires O(L) time for preprocessing, and O(mnk) time for computing the edit distance, where L is the total length of all the valid combinations/splits, m and n are the lengths of the two strings under comparison and k is an upper bound on the number of valid splits for any single symbol. The expected running time is O(mn).
ON REGULAR EXPRESSION HASHING TO REDUCE FA SIZE
Authors: COETSER WIKUS , KOURIE DERRICK G. , WATSON BRUCE W.
Published: November 2009

The consequences of regular expression hashing as a means of finite state automaton reduction is explored, based on variations of Brzozowski's algorithm. In this approach, each hash collision results in the merging of the automaton's states, and it is subsequently shown that a super-automaton will always be constructed, regardless of the hash function used. Since direct adaptation of the classical Brzozowski algorithm leads to a non-deterministic super-automaton, a new algorithm is put forward for constructing a deterministic FA. Approaches are proposed for measuring the quality of a hash function.

These ideas are empirically tested on a large sample of relatively small regular expressions and their associated automata, as well as on a small sample of relatively large regular expressions. Differences in the quality of tested hash functions are observed. Possible reasons for this are mentioned, but future empirical work is required to investigate the matter.
PREEMPTIVE SCHEDULING ALGORITHMS WITH NESTED PROCESSING SET RESTRICTION
Authors: HUO YUMEI , LEUNG JOSEPH Y.-T. , WANG XIN
Published: November 2009

We consider the problem of preemptively scheduling n independent jobs {J1, J2, …, Jn} on m parallel machines {M1, M2, …, Mm}, where each job Jj can only be processed on a prespecified subset [Formula: see text] of machines called its processing set. The machines are linearly ordered, and the processing set of Jj is specified by two machine indexes aj and bj; i.e., [Formula: see text]. The processing sets are nested; i.e., for i ≠ j, we have [Formula: see text], or [Formula: see text], or [Formula: see text]. Our goal is to minimize the makespan. We first give an O(n log n)-time algorithm to find an optimal schedule. We then give an O(mn + n log n)-time algorithm to find a maximal schedule, where a schedule is said to be maximal if it processes as much work as any other schedule in any time interval [0, t], t > 0.
Prognostic Significance and Clinicopathological Associations of COX-2 SNP in Patients with Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Grimminger Peter P. , Stöhlmacher Jan , Vallböhmer Daniel , Schneider Paul M. , Hölscher Arnulf H. , Metzger Ralf , Danenberg Peter V. , Brabender Jan
Published: November 2009

Background. To further improve the screening, diagnosis, and therapy of patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) additional diagnostic tools are urgently needed. Gene expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been linked to prognosis in patients with NSCLC. The role of the COX-2 926G>C Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) in patients with NSCLC remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of the COX-2 926G>C SNP as a molecular marker in this disease.Methods. COX-2 926G>C SNP was analyzed in surgically resected tumor tissue of 85 patients with NSCLC using a PCR-based RFLP technique.Results. The COX-2 926G>C SNP genotypes were detected with the following frequencies: GGn=62(73%), GCn=20(23%), CCn=3(4%). There were no associations between COX-2 SNP genotype and histology, grading or gender detectable. COX-2 SNP was significantly associated with tumor stage (P=.032) and lymph node status (P=.016, Chi-square test). With a median followup of 85.9 months, the median survival was 59.7 months. There were no associations seen between the COX-2 SNP genotype and patients prognosis.Conclusions. The COX-2 926G>C SNP is detectable at a high frequency in patients with NSCLC. The COX-2 926G>C SNP genotype is not a prognostic molecular marker in this disease. However, patients with the GC or CC genotype seem more susceptible to lymph node metastases and higher tumor stage than patients with the GG genotype. The results suggest COX-2 926G>C SNP as a molecular marker for lymph node involvement in this disease.
Paradoxical Emboli Secondary to Hepatic Pathology: Common or Coincidental?
Authors: Gabikian Patrik , Walker Melanie , Chowdhary Abhineet M. , Lam Arthur M. , Britz Gavin W.
Published: November 2009

Paradoxical cerebral emboli from cardiac and pulmonary sources are well described in the peer-reviewed literature. We outline a case with a hepatic etiology and describe diagnostic and management options. Though this paper represents the first documentation of such, we believe that transpulmonary shunting with concurrent paradoxical cerebral microemboli is more prevalent than recognized. We introduce this case report to compel practitioners to consider paradoxical emboli in selected cirrhotic patients since it can often be difficult to elicit subtle neurologic changes on clinical examination of patients with end stage liver disease.
Improved Robust Stability Criteria of Uncertain Neutral Systems with Mixed Delays
Authors: Liu Zixin , Lü Shu , Zhong Shouming , Ye Mao
Published: November 2009

The problem of robust stability for a class of neutral control systems with mixed delays is investigated. Based on Lyapunov stable theory, by constructing a new Lyapunov‐Krasovskii function, some new stable criteria are obtained. These criteria are formulated in the forms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Compared with some previous publications, our results are less conservative. Simulation examples are presented to illustrate the improvement of the main results.
Optical, XPS and XRD Studies of Semiconducting Copper Sulfide Layers on a Polyamide Film
Authors: Krylova Valentina , Andrulevičius Mindaugas
Published: November 2009

Copper sulfide layers were formed on polyamide PA 6 surface using
the sorption‐diffusion method. Polymer samples were immersed for 4
and 5 h in 0.15 mol⋅ dm−3 K2S5O6 solutions and acidified with HCl
(0.1 mol⋅ dm−3) at 20∘C. After washing and drying, the samples were treated with Cu(I) salt solution. The samples were studied by
UV/VIS, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods. All methods confirmed that on the
surface of the polyamide film a layer of copper sulfide was formed. The copper sulfide layers are indirect band‐gap semiconductors. The values of Ebg are 1.25 and 1.3 eV for 4 h and 5 h sulfured PA 6 respectively. Copper XPS spectra analyses showed Cu(I) bonds only in deeper layers of the formed film, while in sulfur XPS S 2p spectra dominating sulfide bonds were found after cleaning the surface with Ar+ ions. It has been established by the XRD method that, beside Cu2S, the layer contains Cu1.9375S as
well. For PA 6 initially sulfured 4 h, grain size for chalcocite,
Cu2S, was ∼35.60 nm and for djurleite, Cu1.9375S, it was 54.17 nm. The sheet resistance of the obtained layer varies from 6300 to 102 Ω/cm2.
Magnitude of Annual Soil Loss from a Hilly Cultivated Slope in Northern Vietnam and Evaluation of Factors Controlling Water Erosion
Authors: Kurosawa Kiyoshi , Do Nguyen Hai , Nguyen Tat Canh , Egashira Kazuhiko
Published: November 2009

A soil erosion experiment was conducted in northern Vietnam over three rainy seasons to clarify the magnitude of soil loss and factors controlling water erosion. The plot had a low (8%) or medium (14.5%) slope with land-cover of cassava or morning glory or being bare. Annual soil loss (177 to 2,361 g/m2) was a tolerable level in all low-slope plots but was not in some medium-slope plots. The effects of slope gradient and seasonal rainfall on the mean daily soil loss of the season were confirmed, but the effect of land-cover was not, owing to the small canopy cover ratio or leaf area index during the season. The very high annual soil loss (>2,200 g/m2) observed in the first year of some medium-slope plots was the site-specific effect from initial land preparation. Since the site-specific effect was large, the preparation must be done carefully on the slope.
Fixed Points and Stability for Functional Equations in Probabilistic Metric and Random Normed Spaces
Authors: Cădariu Liviu , Radu Viorel
Published: November 2009

We prove a general Ulam-Hyers stability theorem for a nonlinear equation in probabilistic metric spaces, which is then used to obtain stability properties for different kinds of functional equations (linear functional equations, generalized equation of the square root, spiral generalized gamma equations) in random normed spaces. As direct and natural consequences of our results, we obtain general stability properties for the corresponding functional equations in (deterministic) metric and normed spaces.
Human Behaviour Analysis of Barrier Deviations Using a Benefit‐Cost‐Deficit Model
Authors: Polet Philippe , Vanderhaegen Frédéric , Millot Patrick
Published: November 2009

A Benefit‐Cost‐Deficit (BCD) model is proposed for analyzing such intentional human errors as barrier removal, the deliberate nonrespect of the rules and instructions governing use of a given system. The proposed BCD model attempts to explain and predict barrier removal in terms of the benefits, costs, and potential deficits associated with this human behaviour. The results of an experimental study conducted on a railway simulator (TRANSPAL) are used to illustrate the advantages of the BCD model. In this study, human operators were faced with barriers that they could choose to deactivate, or not. Their decisions were analyzed in an attempt to explain and predict their choices. The analysis highlights that operators make their decisions using a balance between several criteria. Though barriers are safety‐related elements, the decision to remove them is not guided only by the safety criterion; it is also motivated by such criteria as productivity, workload, and quality. Results of prediction supported by the BCD demonstrate the predictability of barrier violation
Influence of MWCNTs Doping on the Structure and Properties of PEDOT:PSS Films
Authors: Li Jiao , Liu Juncheng , Gao Congjie , Zhang Jinling , Sun Hanbin
Published: November 2009

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4‐styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) doped with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) films is fabricated on quartz substrates by spin coating method. The effects of MWCNTs on the structure and properties of PEDOT:PSS film have been investigated. X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) and Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy (FTRM) show that the crystallization behavior and the main chain of PEDOT:PSS are not changed. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) shows that individual nanotubes are well dispersed in the PEDOT:PSS matrix. Moreover, some nanotubes overlap into a net‐like structure, forming new conductive channels, which can enhance efficiently the film conductivity. The conductivity of PEDOT:PSS film doped with a lower percentage of MWCNTs (0.2 wt%) is 9.16 S/cm, higher than that of pure PEDOT:PSS film (0.28 S/cm), although the optical transmission of PEDOT:PSS decreases a little after the addition of MWCNTs. The interaction between MWCNTs and PEDOT:PSS during melt mixing is also given a possible explanation.
Relatively Inexact Proximal Point Algorithm and Linear Convergence Analysis
Authors: Verma Ram U.
Published: November 2009

Based on a notion of relatively maximal (m)‐relaxed monotonicity, the approximation solvability of a general class of inclusion problems is discussed, while generalizing Rockafellar′s theorem (1976) on linear convergence using the proximal point algorithm in a real Hilbert space setting. Convergence analysis, based on this new model, is simpler and compact than that of the celebrated technique of Rockafellar in which the Lipschitz continuity at 0 of the inverse of the set‐valued mapping is applied. Furthermore, it can be used to generalize the Yosida approximation, which, in turn, can be applied to first‐order evolution equations as well as evolution inclusions.
Analysis of Auditory Measures in Normal Hearing Young Male Adult Cigarette Smokers Using Multiple Variable Selection Methods with Predictive Validation Assessments
Authors: Gopal Kamakshi V. , Herrington Richard , Pearce Jacquelin
Published: November 2009

Studies have shown that cigarette smoking is a risk factor for hearing loss; however, no information is available on auditory preclinical indicators in young chronic cigarette smokers. Cigarette smoking involves exposure to many harmful chemicals including carbon monoxide (CO). In this study, the CO level in 16 young normal hearing male chronic smokers was measured with a CO monitor, and was used as the outcome measure. Subjects were administered a battery of audiological tests that included behavioral and electrophysiologic measures. The goal was to investigate which auditory test measures can be used as potential predictors of the outcome measure. Using ordinary least squares estimation procedures with best-subsets selection and bootstrapped stepwise variable selection procedures, an optimal predictive multiple linear regression model was selected. Results of this approach indicated that auditory brainstem response peak V amplitudes and distortion product otoacoustic emissions had the highest predictive value and accounted for most of the variability.
Myocarditis Mimicking an Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Case Related toSalmonella enteritis
Authors: Rossetti B. , Nguisseu G. , Buracci A. , Migliorini L. , Zanelli G.
Published: November 2009

Infective myocarditis is most commonly due to a viral infection; occasionally it has been related to bacteria. Gastrointestinal infections associated with myocarditis have only rarely been described in young people, and the pathogenesis is unclear. We report a case of myocarditis mimicking an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a patient hospitalized for fever and diarrhoea.Salmonella enteritidiswas isolated from stool, and no other pathogens were found. The coronary angiography was normal, and there were not other coronary artery risk factors, other than hypertension. The patient was treated with ciprofloxacin, acetylsalicylate acid, and ramipril with rapid clinical improvement and normalization of cardiac abnormalities. Final diagnosis ofSalmonella enteritisand related myocarditis was made based on clinical, laboratory, ECG and echocardiographical findings.
Influence of Modelling Options in RELAP5/SCDAPSIM and MAAP4 Computer Codes on Core Melt Progression and Reactor Pressure Vessel Integrity
Authors: Šadek Siniša , Špalj Srđan , Glaser Bruno
Published: November 2009

RELAP5/SCDAPSIM and MAAP4 are two widely used severe accident computer codes for the integral analysis of the core and the reactor pressure vessel behaviour following the core degradation. The objective of the paper is the comparison of code results obtained by application of different modelling options and the evaluation of influence of thermal hydraulic behaviour of the plant on core damage progression. The analysed transient was postulated station blackout in NPP Krško with a leakage from reactor coolant pump seals. Two groups of calculations were performed where each group had a different break area and, thus, a different leakage rate. Analyses have shown that MAAP4 results were more sensitive to varying thermal hydraulic conditions in the primary system. User-defined parameters had to be carefully selected when the MAAP4 model was developed, in contrast to the RELAP5/SCDAPSIM model where those parameters did not have any significant impact on final results.
The Phenomenology of Iron Pnictides Superconductors Explained in the Framework of -Wave Three-Band Eliashberg Theory
Authors: Ummarino G. A.
Published: November 2009

Thes-wave three-band Eliashberg theory can simultaneously reproduce the experimental critical temperatures and the gap values of the superconducting materials , and as exponent of the more important families of iron pnictides. In this model the dominant role is played by interband interactions and the order parameter undergoes a sign reversal between hole and electron bands (-wave symmetry). The values of all the gaps (with the exact experimental critical temperature) can be obtained by using high values of the electron-boson coupling constants and small typical boson energies (in agreement with experiments).
Molecular Mechanisms of Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis in the Renal Proximal Tubular Epithelium
Authors: Saito Akihiko , Sato Hiroyoshi , Iino Noriaki , Takeda Tetsuro
Published: November 2009

Receptor-mediated endocytosis is a pivotal function of renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTECs) to reabsorb and metabolize substantial amounts of proteins and other substances in glomerular filtrates. The function accounts for the conservation of nutrients, including carrier-bound vitamins and trace elements, filtered by glomeruli. Impairment of the process results in a loss of such substances and development of proteinuria, an important clinical sign of kidney disease and a risk marker for cardiovascular disease. Megalin is a multiligand endocytic receptor expressed at clathrin-coated pits of PTEC, playing a central role in the process. Megalin cooperates with various membrane molecules and interacts with many intracellular adaptor proteins for endocytic trafficking. Megalin is also involved in signaling pathways in the cells. Megalin-mediated endocytic overload leads to damage of PTEC. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of megalin-mediated endocytosis and develop strategies for preventing the damage of PTEC.
PPARs in Irradiation-Induced Gastrointestinal Toxicity
Authors: Linard Christine , Souidi Maâmar
Published: November 2009

The use of radiation therapy to treat cancer inevitably involves exposure of normal tissues. Although the benefits of this treatment are well established, many patients experience distressing complications due to injury to normal tissue. These side effects are related to inflammatory processes, and they decrease therapeutic benefit by increasing the overall treatment time. Emerging evidence indicates that PPARs and their ligands are important in the modulation of immune and inflammatory reactions. This paper discusses the effects of abdominal irradiation on PPARs, their role and functions in irradiation toxicity, and the possibility of using their ligands for radioprotection.
Effects of Growth Hormone and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 on Postoperative Muscle and Substrate Metabolism
Authors: Hammarqvist Folke , Wennström Ingmar , Wernerman Jan
Published: November 2009

This study explored if a combined supplementation of GH and IGF-1 had an additive effect on whole body nitrogen economy, energy, substrate and skeletal muscle metabolism following surgical trauma. Patients were randomized to controls (C;n=10), to GH (0.15 IU/kg/injection) (GH;n=7) or GH combined with IGF-1 (40 μg/kg/injection) subcutaneously twice a day (GH-IGF-1;n=9) together with standardized parenteral nutrition. Muscle amino acids, glutathione and the ribosomal pattern reflecting protein synthesis, and nitrogen balance were measured. GH- and GH-IGF-1 groups showed lower urea and higher plasma glucose concentrations. Energy expenditure increased in the GH-group. GH-IGF-1 prevented a decrease in muscle polyribosomes indicating a preserved muscle protein synthesis. In the GH group unaltered BCAA and AAA levels were seen in muscle indicating an unchanged protein breakdown, while the other groups showed increased muscle concentrations postoperatively. Without statistically difference GH marginally improved the nitrogen balance, in terms of higher values, and growth factors improved the nitrogen balance when the shift in urea was taken into account. To conclude, growth factors influences urea metabolism, protein degradation and protein synthesis. There was no clearcut additional effect when combining GH and IGF-1 but the study was probably underpowered to outrule this and effects on nitrogen balance.
Developmental Specialization in the Right Intraparietal Sulcus for the Abstract Representation of Numerical Magnitude
Authors: Holloway Ian D. , Ansari Daniel
Published: November 2009

Because number is an abstract quality of a set, the way in which a number is externally represented does not change its quantitative meaning. In this study, we examined the development of the brain regions that support format-independent representation of numerical magnitude. We asked children and adults to perform both symbolic (Hindu-Arabic numerals) and nonsymbolic (arrays of squares) numerical comparison tasks as well as two control tasks while their brains were scanned using fMRI. In a preliminary analysis, we calculated the conjunction between symbolic and nonsymbolic numerical comparison. We then examined in which brain regions this conjunction differed between children and adults. This analysis revealed a large network of visual and parietal regions that showed greater activation in adults relative to children. In our primary analysis, we examined age-related differences in the conjunction of symbolic and nonsymbolic comparison after subtracting the control tasks. This analysis revealed a much more limited set of regions including the right inferior parietal lobe near the intraparietal sulcus. In addition to showing increased activation to both symbolic and nonsymbolic magnitudes over and above activation related to response selection, this region showed age-related differences in the distance effect. Our findings demonstrate that the format-independent representation of numerical magnitude in the right inferior parietal lobe is the product of developmental processes of cortical specialization and highlight the importance of using appropriate control tasks when conducting developmental neuroimaging studies.
Modulation of Face Processing by Emotional Expression and Gaze Direction during Intracranial Recordings in Right Fusiform Cortex
Authors: Pourtois Gilles , Spinelli Laurent , Seeck Margitta , Vuilleumier Patrik
Published: November 2009

We recorded intracranial local field potentials from structurally intact human visual cortex during several face processing tasks in a patient before brain surgery. Intracranial local field potentials were measured from subdural electrodes implanted in a right fusiform region with face-sensitive activity and a more medial location in posterior parahippocampal gyrus with house-selective activity. This electrode implantation allowed us to compare neural responses with different facial properties within two adjacent but functionally distinct cortical regions. Five experiments were conducted to determine the temporal dynamics of perceptual (Experiments 1 and 5), emotional (Experiments 2 and 3), and social (Experiment 4) effects on face-specific responses in the right fusiform. Our findings showed an early negative deflection (N200) that primarily reflected category-selective perceptual encoding of facial information, whereas higher order effects of face individuation, emotional expression, and gaze direction produced selective modulations in the same face-specific region during a later time period (from 200 to 1000 msec after onset). These results shed new lights on the time course of face recognition mechanisms in human visual cortex and reveal for the first time anatomically overlapping but temporally distinct influences of identity or emotional/social factors on face processing in right fusiform gyrus, which presumably reflect top–down feedback effects from distant brain areas.
Objective and Subjective Measures of Change Blindness: Where Are the Real Pitfalls?
Authors: Busch Niko A.
Published: November 2009

What is the observer's conscious experience in a change blindness task? Overgaard, Jensen, and Sandberg argue that subjective measures are required for any conclusions about conscious experience. We will lay out how the choice of subjective or objective measures depends on the given research question and that objective measures allow inferences on experience given plausible assumptions regarding the relation between task performance and experience.
Influences on Career Choice Among Music Education Audition Candidates
Authors: Rickels David A. , Councill Kimberly H. , Fredrickson William E. , Hairston Michelle J. , Porter Ann M. , Schmidt Margaret
Published: November 2009

The purpose of this pilot study was to survey prospective undergraduate music education majors to learn what motivated them to aspire to a career in music education. Respondents were candidates auditioning, but not yet accepted, for music teacher preparation programs at four institutions ( N = 228). Findings corroborate prior research that suggests that school music teachers and/or private lesson teachers are highly influential. This study sought to quantify the types of experiences participants had in teaching roles at the time of their college audition, supporting other research suggesting that such experiences may increase interest in a music teaching career. Recommendations include engaging music educators at all PreK—12 levels in actively recruiting and encouraging future teachers, providing private instructors and performance majors with teacher recruitment information, emphasizing earlier identification and preparation of prospective educators, and refining and continuing the work begun in this pilot study.
Estrogen and Xenoestrogens in Breast Cancer
Authors: Fernandez S.V. , Russo J.
Published: November 2009

There is growing concern that estrogenic environmental compounds that act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals might potentially have adverse effects on hormone-sensitive organs such as the breast. This concern is further fueled by evidence indicating that natural estrogens, specifically 17β-estradiol, are important factors in the initiation and progression of breast cancer. We have developed an in vitro—in vivo model in which we have demonstrated the carcinogenicity of E2 in human breast epithelial cells MCF-10F. Hypermethylation of NRG1, STXBP6, BMP6, CSS3, SPRY1, and SNIP were found at different progression stages in this model. The use of this powerful and unique model has provided a tool for exploring whether bisphenol A and butyl benzyl phthalate have relevance in the initiation of breast cancer. These studies provide firsthand evidence that the natural estrogen 17β-estradiol and xenoestrogenic substances like bisphenol A are able to induce neoplastic transformation in human breast epithelial cells.
Decreased C-Reactive Protein Levels in Alzheimer Disease
Authors: O'Bryant Sid E. , Waring Stephen C. , Hobson Valerie , Hall James R. , Moore Carol B. , Bottiglieri Teodoro , Massman Paul , Diaz-Arrastia Ramon
Published: November 2009

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant that has been found to be associated with Alzheimer disease (AD) in histopathological and longitudinal studies; however, little data exist regarding serum CRP levels in patients with established AD. The current study evaluated CRP levels in 192 patients diagnosed with probable AD (mean age = 75.8 ± 8.2 years; 50% female) as compared to 174 nondemented controls (mean age = 70.6 ± 8.2 years; 63% female). Mean CRP levels were found to be significantly decreased in AD (2.9 µg/mL) versus controls (4.9 µg/mL; P = .003). In adjusted models, elevated CRP significantly predicted poorer (elevated) Clinical Dementia Rating Scale sum of boxes (CDR SB) scores in patients with AD. In controls, CRP was negatively associated with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and positively associated with CDR SB scores. These findings, together with previously published results, are consistent with the hypothesis that midlife elevations in CRP are associated with increased risk of AD development though elevated CRP levels are not useful for prediction in the immediate prodrome years before AD becomes clinically manifest. However, for a subgroup of patients with AD, elevated CRP continues to predict increased dementia severity suggestive of a possible proinflammatory endophenotype in AD.
Multi-informant reports of psychiatric symptoms among high-functioning adolescents with Asperger syndrome or autism
Authors: Hurtig Tuula , Kuusikko Sanna , Mattila Marja-Leena , Haapsamo Helena , Ebeling Hanna , Jussila Katja , Joskitt Leena , Pauls David , Moilanen Irma
Published: November 2009

The aim of the study was to examine psychiatric symptoms in high-functioning adolescents with autism spectrum disorders reported by multiple informants. Forty-three 11- to 17-year-old adolescents with Asperger syndrome (AS) or high-functioning autism (HFA) and 217 typically developed adolescents completed the Youth Self-Report (YSR), while their parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Teachers of adolescents with AS/HFA completed the Teacher Report Form (TRF). The informants reported significantly more psychiatric symptoms, especially withdrawn, anxious/depressed, social and attention problems, in adolescents with AS/HFA than in controls. In contrast to findings in the general population, the psychiatric problems of adolescents with AS/HFA are well acknowledged by multiple informants, including self-reports. However, anxiety and depressive symptoms were more commonly reported by adolescents with AS/HFA and their teachers than their parents, indicating that some emotional distress may be hidden from their parents.
Vascular endothelial growth factor activation of endothelial cells is mediated by early growth response-3
Authors: Suehiro Jun-ichi , Hamakubo Takao , Kodama Tatsuhiko , Aird William C. , Minami Takashi
Published: November 2009

Endothelial cell activation and dysfunction underlie many vascular disorders, including atherosclerosis, tumor growth, and sepsis. Endothelial cell activation, in turn, is mediated primarily at the level of gene transcription. Here, we show that in response to several activation agonists, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor necrosis factor-α, and thrombin, endothelial cells demonstrate rapid and profound induction of the early growth response (Egr) genes egr-1 and egr-3. In VEGF-treated endothelial cells, induction of Egr-3 was far greater and more prolonged compared with Egr-1. VEGF-mediated stimulation of Egr-3 involved the inducible binding of NFATc, serum response factor, and CREB to their respective consensus motifs in the upstream promoter region of Egr-3. Knockdown of Egr-3 markedly impaired VEGF-mediated proliferation, migration, and tube formation of endothelial cells and blocked VEGF-induced monocyte adhesion. Egr-3 knockdown abrogated VEGF-mediated vascular outgrowth from ex vivo aortic rings and attenuated Matrigel plug vascularization and melanoma tumor growth in vivo. Together, these findings suggest that Egr-3 is a critical determinant of VEGF signaling in activated endothelial cells. Thus, Egr-3 represents a potential therapeutic target in VEGF-mediated vasculopathic diseases.
Effects of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation on dengue epidemics in Thailand, 1996-2005
Authors: Tipayamongkholgul Mathuros , Fang Chi-Tai , Klinchan Suratsawadee , Liu Chung-Ming , King Chwan-Chuen
Published: November 2009

Background

Despite intensive vector control efforts, dengue epidemics continue to occur throughout Southeast Asia in multi-annual cycles. Weather is considered an important factor in these cycles, but the extent to which the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a driving force behind dengue epidemics remains unclear.

Methods

We examined the temporal relationship between El Niño and the occurrence of dengue epidemics, and constructed Poisson autoregressive models for incidences of dengue cases. Global ENSO records, dengue surveillance data, and local meteorological data in two geographically diverse regions in Thailand (the tropical southern coastal region and the northern inland mountainous region) were analyzed.

Results

The strength of El Niño was consistently a predictor for the occurrence of dengue epidemics throughout time lags from 1 to 11 months in the two selected regions of Thailand. Up to 22% (in 8 northern inland mountainous provinces) and 15% (in 5 southern tropical coastal provinces) of the variation in the monthly incidence of dengue cases were attributable to global ENSO cycles. Province-level predictive models were fitted using 1996-2004 data and validated with out-of-fit data from 2005. The multivariate ENSO index was an independent predictor in 10 of the 13 studied provinces.

Conclusion

El Niño is one of the important driving forces for dengue epidemics across the geographically diverse regions of Thailand; however, spatial heterogeneity in the effect exists. The effects of El Niño should be taken into account in future epidemic forecasting for public health preparedness.
Mantle cell lymphoma-like solitary polypoid tumor of the esophagus: a case report
Authors: Mori Takahiro , Komeno Takuya , Ohtani Haruo
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Primary mantle cell lymphoma of the esophagus is quite rare, and we report here a case of a submucosal polypoid tumor of the esophagus that was pathologically similar, but not identical, to mantle cell lymphoma.

Case presentation

A 66-year-old man underwent surgery in our hospital for a submucosal tumor of the esophagus. Histopathologically, the submucosal tumor uniformly showed a vague, nodular pattern composed of a regular proliferation of CD3-CD10-CD20+CD79a+bcl2+ small lymphoid cells with islands of abortive CD10+Ki67+ germinal centers, without evidence of marginal zone formation or lymphoepithelial lesions. These features were consistent with mantle cell lymphoma. However, the proliferating cells weakly expressed the D-type cyclins, IgD and IgM. The tumor was diagnosed as a "mantle cell lymphoma-like tumor". Postoperative examination confirmed no tumour involvement in other organs. The patient was treated with rituximab postoperatively and has been disease free for more than 28 months after surgery.

Conclusion

The present case might be regarded as a "hyperplastic change of the mantle zone" without the molecular features of mantle cell lymphoma, a case that adds to the limited clinicopathological data on B-lymphoproliferative diseases of the esophagus.
Liver hydatid cyst perforated into the large bowel: a case report
Authors: Bougioukas Ioannis G , Courcoutsakis Nikolaos , Korakianitis Odysseas S , Tentes Antonios-Apostolos K , Prasopoulos Panagiotis
Published: November 2009

Perforation of the liver hydatid cyst into hollow abdominal organs is an extremely rare complication. A case of two synchronous hydatid cysts in an old lady is presented. The patient had one multilobular cyst perforated into the right colon and another one uncomplicated located at the right ovary. She underwent partial cystectomy, omentoplasty, right hemicolectomy, and total hysterectomy, and had an uneventful recovery.
Rupture of urinary bladder: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Ahmed Jamil , Mallick Ismail H , Ahmad Syed Muzaffar
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder is a rare event. Patients usually present with features of peritonitis and diagnosis is usually made at operation. The morbidity and mortality rate is very high in these groups of patients.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 47-year-old caucasian woman who was known to have transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder who presented with features of peritonitis. An exploratory laparotomy revealed free perforation of the urinary bladder. The perforation was closed. However, on the second post-operative day she started draining urine from the abdominal drain and was taken back to the operating theatre. The stitches in the urinary bladder had given off and she underwent radical cystectomy along with double barrel cutaneous ureterostomies. Peritoneal biopsies revealed disseminated transitional cell carcinoma in the peritoneum. She made a slow postoperative recovery.

Conclusion

Perforation of the urinary bladder should be considered in patients presenting with peritonitis particularly with a previous history of urinary bladder cancer.
"Growing" meconium cyst in one of a discordant twin: a case report
Authors: Abdulkadir Adekunle Y , Abdur-Rahman Lukman O
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Giant meconium cyst resulting from antenatal bowel perforation is rare and hardly reported in multiple gestations. We found only four documented cases in the electronic literature.

Case presentation

We report a giant meconium cyst in an 11-hour-old Nigerian boy of a discordant twin having ultrasonographic and plain radiographic diagnosis and surgical confirmation. Increasing abdominal girth from 35 cm to 41 cm within four hours of admission without ascites, pneumoperitneum and significant bowel distension make us assumed the meconium cyst to be "growing" in size. We reviewed the literature and proposed that where the fibrinous wall of meconium cyst allows for distensibility and the communication between the perforated bowel and meconium cyst persists, the meconium cyst acting as reservoir may continue to "grow" in size without remarkable intestinal distension probably, until the elastic limit is lost.

Conclusion

Meconium cyst can occur in twin pregnancy, grow to occupy the abdomen almost completely and may cause neonatal apnoea. The outcome is good post surgery.
Gangrene due to axial torsion of a Giant Meckel's Diverticulum containing multiple stones in the lumen: a case report
Authors: Nunes Quentin M , Hotouras Alex , Tiwari Sandeep , Sheth Anuradha
Published: November 2009

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the small intestine. Common complications related to a Meckel's diverticulum include haemorrhage, intestinal obstruction and inflammation. Gangrene due to axial torsion and enteroliths of a Meckel's diverticulum are the rarest complications that have been reported in the literature. We report a case of gangrene due to axial torsion of giant Meckel's diverticulum with multiple stones in its lumen.
West nile virus myocarditis causing a fatal arrhythmia: a case report
Authors: Kushawaha Anurag , Jadonath Sunil , Mobarakai Neville
Published: November 2009

West Nile Virus is one of the most frequently reported etiologies of viral encephalitis in the USA. West Nile Virus infections among hospitalized patients manifests most commonly as neuro-invasive disease. West Nile Virus has also been reported to cause myocarditis. Arrhythmia is not an uncommon occurrence in viral myocarditis. As cases of West Nile Virus increase, it is important that the index of suspicion also increase for this uncommon complication. Physicians who are caring for West Nile Virus-infected patients need to be aware of the possibility of West Nile Virus -related myocarditis. The question arises whether a patient with an established diagnosis of West Nile Virus -meningoencephalitis should be under continuous cardiac monitoring, bearing in mind the rare, but fatal, complication of cardiac arrhythmia secondary to viral myocarditis. We present a case report of a 65-year-old man who initially presented with fever, blurry vision, and decreased oral intake who subsequently suffered a fatal arrhythmia; further laboratory tests and autopsy findings revealed the patient likely had developed encephalitis and myocarditis secondary to West Nile Virus infection.