bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International Terrorism and Mental Health
Authors: Fischer Peter , Ai Amy L.
Published: February 2008

International terrorism has become a major global concern. Several studies conducted in North America and Europe in the aftermath of terrorist attacks reveal that international terrorism represents a significant short-term and long-term threat to mental health. In the present article, the authors clarify the concept and categories of terrorism and then present central findings from studies conducted in the United States and Europe, which mainly focus on negative impacts on mental health, such as emotional stress and PTSD. Furthermore, the authors outline experiments that focus on social interaction processes thought to be triggered by international terrorism and which are assumed to be related indirectly to mental health processes. Next, they highlight the potential positive outcomes on the resilience side, in line with the current theory on posttraumatic growth in adversity. Finally, theoretical and practical implications as well as limitations and future directions are discussed.
Reconceptualizing and Operationalizing Context in Survey Research on Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Lindhorst Taryn , Tajima Emiko
Published: February 2008

Survey research in the field of intimate partner violence is notably lacking in its attention to contextual factors. Early measures of intimate partner violence focused on simple counts of behaviors, yet attention to broader contextual factors remains limited. Contextual factors not only shape what behaviors are defined as intimate partner violence but also influence the ways women respond to victimization, the resources available to them, and the environments in which they cope with abuse. This article advances methods for reconceptualizing and operationalizing contextual factors salient to the measurement of intimate partner violence. The analytic focus of the discussion is on five dimensions of the social context: the situational context, the social construction of meaning by the survivor, cultural and historical contexts, and the context of systemic oppression. The authors consider how each dimension matters in the measurement of intimate partner violence and offer recommendations for systematically assessing these contextual factors in future research.
Caring for Aging Chinese: Lessons Learned From the United States
Authors: Hongwei Wan  , Fang Yu  , Kolanowski Ann
Published: February 2008

After two birth peaks and the “one child per family” policy, China is facing unprecedented challenges with regard to its aging population. This article analyzes the problems associated with three traditional ways of caring for older Chinese, the current health care system, and social supports available to older Chinese. The “4-2-1” family structure and the “empty nest” undermine family support, the prevalence of chronic illnesses and lack of money reduce older adults' selfcare abilities, and insufficient care facilities threaten social support. Lessons learned from the United States show that community-based nursing models, nursing curriculum reforms with a gerontology focus, and reformed health care systems are pivotal for addressing China's crisis.
Changing of the Guard: Interpretive Continuity of the 2005 Strong Interest Inventory
Authors: Bailey Donna C. , Larson Lisa M. , Borgen Fred H. , Gasser Courtney E.
Published: February 2008

This study is the first to examine the equivalence of the 2005 Strong Interest Inventory with the 1994 Strong. The authors examine the parallel content scales of the two versions for female and male college students separately ( n = 622). The scales include the six General Occupational Themes (GOTs), 22 of the 25 Basic Interest Scales (BISs) of the 1994 Strong, and four of the Personal Style Scales (PSSs). The mean differences between the two Strongs were mostly within .5 of a standard deviation (Cohen's d < .5). There was a pattern of slightly higher means on the 2005 Strong, possibly because of the 2005 Strong standardization sample compares to the 1994 norm group, being more ethnically diverse, less educated, and more representative of the 2000 U.S. Census. The correlations of the 1994 and 2005 content scales were ≥ .85 for the GOTs and PSSs, except for the Risk Taking/Adventure PSS. The 1994 and 2005 analoged US BIS correlations ranged from .64 to .97. The effect sizes for sex were comparable across versions.
Understanding Older Adults' Attitudes and Adoption of Residential Technologies
Authors: Ahn Mira , Beamish Julia O. , Goss Rosemary Carruci
Published: February 2008

The main goal of this research was to understand older adults' attitudes and interests in residential technology products and services that have been adopted by them at a rate of less than 50%. This study explored the potential of these technology products and services to assist with aging in place. Early adopters of computer technologies are perceived as persons with early knowledge of newly introduced residential technologies. Moreover, considering older adults' preference for aging in place, assistance with technologies in residential settings would appear to have great potential. The results from this study have limitations in generalizing to all older adults, because a convenience sample was used. Although studies of early adopters may not provide information that can be generalized to the entire population, this study provides insight useful in understanding and estimating future trends for this population.
Work, Family, and Individual Factors Associated with Mothers Attaining Their Preferred Work Situations
Authors: Jacob Jenet
Published: February 2008

This study explores work, family, and individual factors associated with mothers attaining their preferred work situations, including full‐time, part‐time, work from home, and no paid work. Data are taken from a sub‐sample of 1,777 mothers from a nationally representative sample contacted by random‐digit dialing phone interviews by the University of Connecticut Center for Survey Research and Analysis and the Motherhood Study. Actual work situation, household income, spouse or partner's work situation, perception of family financial responsibility, race, and religion are associated with attaining preferred work situations using logistic regression, ANOVA, and chi‐square analyses. Thirty‐six percent of mothers who are in their preferred work situations have experienced fewer negative emotions and more positive emotions, suggesting implications for individual and family well‐being and work—family policies.
Endovenous Laser Treatment of Saphenous Vein Reflux: How Much Energy Do We Need to Prevent Recanalizations?
Authors: Vuylsteke Marc , Liekens Koen , Moons Peter , Mordon Serge
Published: February 2008

The aim of this study was to report the results of high-energy endovenous laser treatment to measure the relationship between the fluence and the outcome in terms of recanalization. In 97 patients, 129 great saphenous veins were treated with endovenous laser treatment, using a 980-nm diode laser. Follow-up visits were done at 3 days, 1 month, and 6 months. The best results were noted 1 month postoperative, but at 6 months, control late recanalizations occured decreasing occlusion rate to 90.6%. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the outcome (occlusion or recanalization) at 6 months, and statistical analysis was done. The authors found 52 J/cm2 mean fluence in the occlusion group and 43.7 J/cm2 in the nonocclusion group. This was a statistical significant difference ( P < .01). The occlusion rate on long term is fluence dependent. But recanalizations might occur even in these higher fluence treatment groups. A fluence of 52J/cm2 is advised.
Technological, Content, and Market Convergence in the Games Industry
Authors: Ip Barry
Published: February 2008

Convergence has been touted in recent years as the next big leap in the digital era. Having received considerable attention across a wide range of technologies, markets, and economies, there is comparatively little academic research on convergence in the computer and video games industry. This article investigates this issue by drawing attention to three salient areas of gaming convergence—technological, content, and market. A detailed examination is provided, drawing from a broad selection of literature and practical examples of gaming hardware and software to illustrate the prevalence of convergence in its various forms. The results provide a unique chronological overview of the impact of convergence on the previous and current generations of games and games platforms. The discussion focuses on the new demands placed on the creation of game technology and content, emerging market trends, and the ramifications as a result of the evolving nature of gaming convergence.
Rounds, Levels, and Waves
Authors: Zagal José P. , Fernández-Vara Clara , Mateas Michael
Published: February 2008

This article explores the early evolution of the structure and management of gameplay in videogames. The authors introduce the notion of gameplay segmentation to capture the role that design elements such as level, boss, and wave play in videogames and identify three modes of segmentation. Temporal segmentation limits, synchronizes, and/or coordinates player activity over time. Spatial segmentation breaks the game's virtual space into sublocations. Challenge segmentation presents the player with a sequence of self-contained challenges. The authors describe each mode, and additional submodes, by analyzing vintage arcade games. The analyses illustrate how these games represent a “primordial soup” in which many current game design conventions were first explored. Their simplicity provides the authors with access to the original “building blocks” of videogames, thus allowing them to develop a rich vocabulary for the discussion.
Stat5 activation enables erythropoiesis in the absence of EpoR and Jak2
Authors: Grebien Florian , Kerenyi Marc A. , Kovacic Boris , Kolbe Thomas , Becker Verena , Dolznig Helmut , Pfeffer Klaus , Klingmüller Ursula , Müller Mathias , Beug Hartmut , Müllner Ernst W. , Moriggl Richard
Published: February 2008

Erythropoiesis requires erythropoietin (Epo) and stem cell factor (SCF) signaling via their receptors EpoR and c-Kit. EpoR, like many other receptors involved in hematopoiesis, acts via the kinase Jak2. Deletion of EpoR or Janus kinase 2 (Jak2) causes embryonic lethality as a result of defective erythropoiesis. The contribution of distinct EpoR/Jak2-induced signaling pathways (mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 [Stat5]) to functional erythropoiesis is incompletely understood. Here we demonstrate that expression of a constitutively activated Stat5a mutant (cS5) was sufficient to relieve the proliferation defect of Jak2−/− and EpoR−/− cells in an Epo-independent manner. In addition, tamoxifen-induced DNA binding of a Stat5a–estrogen receptor (ER)* fusion construct enabled erythropoiesis in the absence of Epo. Furthermore, c-Kit was able to enhance signaling through the Jak2-Stat5 axis, particularly in lymphoid and myeloid progenitors. Although abundance of hematopoietic stem cells was 2.5-fold reduced in Jak2−/− fetal livers, transplantation of Jak2−/−-cS5 fetal liver cells into irradiated mice gave rise to mature erythroid and myeloid cells of donor origin up to 6 months after transplantation. Cytokine- and c-Kit pathways do not function independently of each other in hematopoiesis but cooperate to attain full Jak2/Stat5 activation. In conclusion, activated Stat5 is a critical downstream effector of Jak2 in erythropoiesis/myelopoiesis, and Jak2 functionally links cytokine- with c-Kit-receptor tyrosine kinase signaling.
Knock-in of an internal tandem duplication mutation into murine FLT3 confers myeloproliferative disease in a mouse model
Authors: Li Li , Piloto Obdulio , Nguyen Ho Bao , Greenberg Kathleen , Takamiya Kogo , Racke Frederick , Huso David , Small Donald
Published: February 2008

Constitutive activation of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) by internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations is one of the most common molecular alterations known in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To investigate the role FLT3/ITD mutations play in the development of leukemia, we generated a FLT3/ITD knock-in mouse model by inserting an ITD mutation into the juxtamembrane domain of murine Flt3. FLT3wt/ITD mice developed myeloproliferative disease, characterized by splenomegaly, leukocytosis, and myeloid hypercellularity, which progressed to mortality by 6 to 20 months. Bone marrow (BM) and spleen from FLT3wt/ITD mice had an increased fraction of granulocytes/monocytes and dendritic cells, and a decreased fraction of B-lymphocytes. No sign of acute leukemia was observed over the lifetime of these mice. BM from FLT3wt/ITD mice showed enhanced potential to generate myeloid colonies in vitro. BM from FLT3wt/ITD mice also produced more spleen colonies in the in vivo colony-forming unit (CFU)–spleen assay. In the long-term competitive repopulation assay, BM cells from FLT3wt/ITD mice outgrew the wild-type competitor cells and showed increased myeloid and reduced lymphoid expansion activity. In summary, our data indicate that expression of FLT3/ITD mutations alone is capable of conferring normal hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) with enhanced myeloid expansion. It also appears to suppress B lymphoid maturation. Additional cooperative events appear to be required to progress to acute leukemia.
Prospective, multicenter randomized GITMO/IIL trial comparing intensive (R-HDS) versus conventional (CHOP-R) chemoimmunotherapy in high-risk follicular lymphoma at diagnosis: the superior disease control of R-HDS does not translate into an overall survival advantage
Authors: Ladetto Marco , De Marco Federica , Benedetti Fabio , Vitolo Umberto , Patti Caterina , Rambaldi Alessandro , Pulsoni Alessandro , Musso Maurizio , Liberati Anna M. , Olivieri Attilio , Gallamini Andrea , Pogliani Enrico , Scalabrini Delia Rota , Callea Vincenzo , Di Raimondo Francesco , Pavone Vincenzo , Tucci Alessandra , Cortelazzo Sergio , Levis Alessandro , Boccadoro Mario , Majolino Ignazio , Pileri Alessandro , Gianni Alessandro M. , Passera Roberto , Corradini Paolo , Tarella Corrado
Published: February 2008

In this randomized multicenter study of 136 patients, 6 courses of CHOP (cyclo-phosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine/prednisone) followed by rituximab (CHOP-R) were compared with rituximab-supplemented high-dose sequential chemotherapy with autografting (R-HDS) to assess the value of intensified chemo-therapy as a first-line treatment for high-risk follicular lymphoma (FL) after the introduction of monoclonal antibodies. The analysis was intention to treat with event-free survival (EFS) as the primary endpoint. Complete remission (CR) was 62% with CHOP-R and 85% with R-HDS (P < .001). At a median follow-up (MFU) of 51 months, the 4-year EFS was 28% and 61%, respectively (P < .001), with no difference in overall survival (OS). Molecular remission (MR) was achieved in 44% of CHOP-R and 80% of R-HDS patients (P < .001), and was the strongest independent outcome predictor. Patients relapsing after CHOP-R underwent salvage R-HDS in 71% of cases. Salvage R-HDS had an 85% CR rate and a 68% 3-year EFS (MFU, 30 months). We conclude that (1) achieving MR is critical for effective disease control, regardless of which treatment is used; (2) R-HDS ensures superior disease control and molecular outcome than CHOP-R, but no OS improvement; and (3) CHOP-R failures have a good outcome after salvage R-HDS, suggesting that relapsed/refractory FL could be the most appropriate setting for R-HDS–like treatments. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as no. NCT00435955.
Dynamics and evolution of the inverted repeat-large single copy junctions in the chloroplast genomes of monocots
Authors: Wang Rui-Jiang , Cheng Chiao-Lei , Chang Ching-Chun , Wu Chun-Lin , Su Tian-Mu , Chaw Shu-Miaw
Published: February 2008

Background

Various expansions or contractions of inverted repeats (IRs) in chloroplast genomes led to fluxes in the IR-LSC (large single copy) junctions. Previous studies revealed that some monocot IRs contain a trnH-rps19 gene cluster, and it has been speculated that this may be an evidence of a duplication event prior to the divergence of monocot lineages. Therefore, we compared the organizations of genes flanking two IR-LSC junctions in 123 angiosperm representatives to uncover the evolutionary dynamics of IR-LSC junctions in basal angiosperms and monocots.

Results

The organizations of genes flanking IR-LSC junctions in angiosperms can be classified into three types. Generally each IR of monocots contains a trnH-rps19 gene cluster near the IR-LSC junctions, which differs from those in non-monocot angiosperms. Moreover, IRs expanded more progressively in monocots than in non-monocot angiosperms. IR-LSC junctions commonly occurred at polyA tract or A-rich regions in angiosperms. Our RT-PCR assays indicate that in monocot IRA the trnH-rps19 gene cluster is regulated by two opposing promoters, S10

A
and psbA.

Conclusion

Two hypotheses are proposed to account for the evolution of IR expansions in monocots. Based on our observations, the inclusion of a trnH-rps19 cluster in majority of monocot IRs could be reasonably explained by the hypothesis that a DSB event first occurred at IRB and led to the expansion of IRs to trnH, followed by a successive DSB event within IRA and lead to the expansion of IRs to rps19 or to rpl22 so far. This implies that the duplication of trnH-rps19 gene cluster was prior to the diversification of extant monocot lineages. The duplicated trnH genes in the IRB of most monocots and non-monocot angiosperms have distinct fates, which are likely regulated by different expression levels of S10

A
and S10

B
promoters. Further study is needed to unravel the evolutionary significance of IR expansion in more recently diverged monocots.
Clinical significance of gelsolin-like actin-capping protein expression in oral carcinogenesis: an immunohistochemical study of premalignant and malignant lesions of the oral cavity
Authors: Nomura Hitomi , Uzawa Katsuhiro , Ishigami Takashi , Kouzu Yukinao , Koike Hirofumi , Ogawara Katsunori , Siiba Masashi , Bukawa Hiroki , Yokoe Hidetaka , Kubosawa Hitoshi , Tanzawa Hideki
Published: February 2008

Background

Gelsolin-like actin-capping protein (CapG) is a ubiquitous gelsolin-family actin-modulating protein involved in cell signalling, receptor-mediated membrane ruffling, phagocytosis, and motility. CapG has generated great interest due to its oncogenic function in the control of cell migration or invasion in a variety of cancer cells. We previously applied proteomic methods to characterize differentially expressed proteins in oral squamous-cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells and detected significantly high expression levels of CapG in OSCC-derived cell lines compared to human normal oral keratinocytes. In the current study, to further determine the potential involvement of CapG in OSCC, we evaluated the status of CapG protein and mRNA expression in human oral premalignant lesions (OPLs) and primary OSCCs and correlated the results with clinicopathologic variables.

Methods

Matched normal and tumour tissue sections of 79 human primary OSCCs and 28 OPLs were analyzed for CapG expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Correlations between CapG-immunohistochemical staining scores of OSCCs and clinicopathologic features were evaluated by Fisher's exact test. Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to estimate CapG expression at the mRNA level.

Results

In IHC, substantial up-regulation of CapG protein was observed in primary OSCCs (52%) and OPLs (64%), whereas corresponding normal tissues showed consistently weak or absent immunoreactivity of CapG. qRT-PCR data were consistent with the protein expression status. Moreover, CapG expression was correlated with the TNM stage grading of OSCCs.

Conclusion

Our finding of frequent dysregulated expression of CapG in premalignant and malignant lesions together with an association with an advanced clinical disease stage suggests that CapG could contribute to cancer development and progression and that CapG may have potential as a biomarker and a therapeutic target for OSCC.
Bioluminescence in vivo imaging of autoimmune encephalomyelitis predicts disease
Authors: Luo Jian , Ho Peggy , Steinman Lawrence , Wyss-Coray Tony
Published: February 2008

Background

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis is a widely used animal model to understand not only multiple sclerosis but also basic principles of immunity. The disease is scored typically by observing signs of paralysis, which do not always correspond with pathological changes.

Methods

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis was induced in transgenic mice expressing an injury responsive luciferase reporter in astrocytes (GFAP-luc). Bioluminescence in the brain and spinal cord was measured non-invasively in living mice. Mice were sacrificed at different time points to evaluate clinical and pathological changes. The correlation between bioluminescence and clinical and pathological EAE was statistically analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis.

Results

Bioluminescence from the brain and spinal cord correlates strongly with severity of clinical disease and a number of pathological changes in the brain in EAE. Bioluminescence at early time points also predicts severity of disease.

Conclusion

These results highlight the potential use of bioluminescence imaging to monitor neuroinflammation for rapid drug screening and immunological studies in EAE and suggest that similar approaches could be applied to other animal models of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
Alteration of viral lipid composition by expression of the phospholipid floppase ABCB4 reduces HIV vector infectivity
Authors: van Til Niek P , Heutinck Kirstin M , van der Rijt Roos , Paulusma Coen C , van Wijland Michel , Markusic David M , Elferink Ronald PJ Oude , Seppen Jurgen
Published: February 2008

Background

The presence of cholesterol in the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) lipid envelop is important for viral function as cholesterol depleted viral particles show reduced infectivity. However, it is less well established whether other viral membrane lipids are also important for HIV infection.

The ABCB4 protein is a phosphatidyl choline (PC) floppase that mediates transport of PC from the inner to the outer membrane leaflet. This property enabled us to modulate the lipid composition of HIV vectors and study the effects on membrane composition and infection efficiency.

Results

Virus generated in the presence of ABCB4 was enriched in PC and cholesterol but contained less sphingomyelin (SM). Viral titers were reduced 5.9 fold. These effects were not observed with an inactive ABCB4 mutant. The presence of the ABC transport inhibitor verapamil abolished the effect of ABCB4 expression on viral titers.

The ABCB4 mediated reduction in infectivity was caused by changes in the viral particles and not by components co purified with the virus because virus made in the presence of ABCB4 did not inhibit virus made without ABCB4 in a competition assay.

Incorporation of the envelope protein was not affected by the expression of ABCB4. The inhibitory effect of ABCB4 was independent of the viral envelope as the effect was observed with two different envelope proteins.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that increasing the PC content of HIV particles reduces infectivity.
Protocol for the combined immunosuppression & radiotherapy in thyroid eye disease (CIRTED) trial: A multi-centre, double-masked, factorial randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rajendram Rathie , Lee Richard WJ , Potts Mike J , Rose Geoff E , Jain Rajni , Olver Jane M , Bremner Fion , Hurel Steven , Cook Anne , Gattamaneni Rao , Tomlinson Marjorie , Plowman Nicholas , Bunce Catey , Hollinghurst Sandra P , Kingston Laura , Jackson Sue , Dick Andrew D , Rumsey Nichola , Morris Olivia C , Dayan Colin M , Uddin Jimmy M
Published: February 2008

Background

Medical management of thyroid eye disease remains controversial due to a paucity of high quality evidence on long-term treatment outcomes. Glucocorticoids are known to be effective initially but have significant side-effects with long-term use and recrudescence can occur on cessation. Current evidence is conflicting on the efficacy of radiotherapy and non-steroid systemic immunosuppression, and the majority of previous studies have been retrospective, uncontrolled, small or poorly designed.

The Combined Immunosuppression and Radiotherapy in Thyroid Eye Disease (CIRTED) trial was designed to investigate the efficacy of radiotherapy and azathioprine in combination with a standard course of oral prednisolone in patients with active thyroid eye disease.

Methods/design

Patients with active thyroid eye disease will be randomised to receive (i) azathioprine or oral placebo and (ii) radiotherapy or sham-radiotherapy in this multi-centre, factorial randomised control trial. The primary outcome is improvement in disease severity (assessed using a composite binary measure) at 12 months and secondary end-points include quality of life scores and health economic measures.

Discussion

The CIRTED trial is the first study to evaluate the role of radiotherapy and azathioprine as part of a long-term, combination immunosuppressive treatment regime for Thyroid Eye Disease. It will provide evidence for the role of radiotherapy and prolonged immunosuppression in the management of this condition, as well as pilot data on their use in combination. We have paid particular attention in the trial design to establishing (a) robust placebo controls and masking protocols which are effective and safe for both radiotherapy and the systemic administration of an antiproliferative drug; (b) constructing effective inclusion and exclusion criteria to select for active disease; and (c) selecting pragmatic outcome measures.

Trial registration

Current controlled trials ISRCTN22471573
Linear scleroderma as a rare cause of enophthalmos: a case report
Authors: Fernando Bertie S , Cannon Paul S , Tumuluri Krishna , Cook Anne E
Published: February 2008

Introduction

Enophthalmos is an important physical sign which can be easily missed.

Case presentation

A 64-year old female presented with painless and progressive shrinking of her right eye. Visual acuity was 6/6 in both eyes. The main clinical findings included exophthalmometry readings of 14 mm in the right eye and 22 mm in the left eye and a linear scar on her right forehead. This scar is a feature of linear scleroderma and called "en coup de sabre". She was referred to a dermatologist for further assessment.

Conclusion

Enophthalmos is defined as the relative recession of the globe into the bony orbit and if measuring greater than 2 mm can give a noticeable cosmetic deformity. Scleroderma is a systemic or localised disease. Linear scleroderma has the following features-localised fibrosis of the skin, blood vessels, subcutaneous fat, muscle and sometimes bone. Histology shows an inflammatory and a sclerotic phase. Ophthalmic effects include enophthalmos, lash loss, lid induration or tightening and periorbital oedema.
Do Alu repeats drive the evolution of the primate transcriptome?
Authors: Urrutia Araxi O , Ocaña Leandro Balladares , Hurst Laurence D
Published: February 2008

Background

Of all repetitive elements in the human genome, Alus are unusual in being enriched near to genes that are expressed across a broad range of tissues. This has led to the proposal that Alus might be modifying the expression breadth of neighboring genes, possibly by providing CpG islands, modifying transcription factor binding, or altering chromatin structure. Here we consider whether Alus have increased expression breadth of genes in their vicinity.

Results

Contrary to the modification hypothesis, we find that those genes that have always had broad expression are richest in Alus, whereas those that are more likely to have become more broadly expressed have lower enrichment. This finding is consistent with a model in which Alus accumulate near broadly expressed genes but do not affect their expression breadth. Furthermore, this model is consistent with the finding that expression breadth of mouse genes predicts Alu density near their human orthologs. However, Alus were found to be related to some alternative measures of transcription profile divergence, although evidence is contradictory as to whether Alus associate with lowly or highly diverged genes. If Alu have any effect it is not by provision of CpG islands, because they are especially rare near to transcriptional start sites. Previously reported Alu enrichment for genes serving certain cellular functions, suggested to be evidence of functional importance of Alus, appears to be partly a byproduct of the association with broadly expressed genes.

Conclusion

The abundance of Alu near broadly expressed genes is better explained by their preferential preservation near to housekeeping genes rather than by a modifying effect on expression of genes.
Antidepressant medicationsv.cognitive therapy in people with depression with or without personality disorder
Authors: Fournier Jay C. , DeRubeis Robert J. , Shelton Richard C. , Gallop Robert , Amsterdam Jay D. , Hollon Steven D.
Published: February 2008

Background

There is conflicting evidence about comorbid personality pathology in depression treatments.

Aims

To test the effects of antidepressant drugs and cognitive therapy in people with depression distinguished by the presence or absence of personality disorder.

Method

Random assignment of 180 out-patients with depression to 16 weeks of antidepressant medication or cognitive therapy. Random assignment of medication responders to continued medication or placebo, and comparison with cognitive therapy responders over a 12-month period.

Results

Personality disorder status led to differential response at 16 weeks; 66%v.44% (antidepressantsv.cognitive therapy respectively) for people with personality disorder, and 49%v.70% (antidepressantsv.cognitive therapy respectively) for people without personality disorder. For people with personality disorder, sustained response rates over the 12-month follow-up were nearly identical (38%) in the prior cognitive therapy and continuation-medication treatment arms. People with personality disorder withdrawn from medication evidenced the lowest sustained response rate (6%). Despite the poor response of people with personality disorder to cognitive therapy, nearly all those who did respond sustained their response.

Conclusions

Comorbid personality disorder was associated with differential initial response rates and sustained response rates for two well-validated treatments for depression.
The classification of depression: are we still confused?
Authors: Cole James , McGuffin Peter , Farmer Anne E.
Published: February 2008

Recent developments in the classification of major depressive disorder are reviewed in light of the predictions made by Kendell in the 1970s. Particularly, the institution of operational diagnoses along with the contentious issues of subdividing major depressive disorder and its characterisation on a dimensional as opposed to a categorical scale.
Cross-national prevalence and risk factors for suicidal ideation, plans and attempts
Authors: Nock Matthew K. , Borges Guilherme , Bromet Evelyn J. , Alonso Jordi , Angermeyer Matthias , Beautrais Annette , Bruffaerts Ronny , Chiu Wai Tat , de Girolamo Giovanni , Gluzman Semyon , de Graaf Ron , Gureje Oye , Haro Josep Maria , Huang Yueqin , Karam Elie , Kessler Ronald C. , Lepine Jean Pierre , Levinson Daphna , Medina-Mora Maria Elena , Ono Yutaka , Posada-Villa José , Williams David
Published: February 2008

Background

Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide; however, the prevalence and risk factors for the immediate precursors to suicide – suicidal ideation, plans and attempts – are not well-known, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Aims

To report on the prevalence and risk factors for suicidal behaviours across 17 countries.

Method

A total of 84 850 adults were interviewed regarding suicidal behaviours and socio-demographic and psychiatric risk factors.

Results

The cross-national lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts is 9.2% (s.e.=0.1), 3.1% (s.e.=0.1), and 2.7% (s.e.=0.1). Across all countries, 60% of transitions from ideation to plan and attempt occur within the first year after ideation onset. Consistent cross-national risk factors included being female, younger, less educated, unmarried and having a mental disorder. Interestingly, the strongest diagnostic risk factors were mood disorders in high-income countries but impulse control disorders in low- and middle-income countries.

Conclusion

There is cross-national variability in the prevalence of suicidal behaviours, but strong consistency in the characteristics and risk factors for these behaviours. These findings have significant implications for the prediction and prevention of suicidal behaviours.
Olanzapine plus carbamazepinev.carbamazepine alone in treating manic episodes
Authors: Tohen Mauricio , Bowden Charles L. , Smulevich Anatoly B. , Bergstrom Richard , Quinlan Tonya , Osuntokun Olawale , Wang Wei V. , Oliff Heather S. , Martenyi Ferenc , Kryzhanovskaya Ludmila A. , Greil Waldemar
Published: February 2008

Background

Combinations of olanzapine and carbamazepine are often used in clinical practice in the management of mania.

Aims

To assess the efficacy and safety of olanzapine plus carbamazepine in mixed and manic bipolar episodes.

Method

Randomised, double-blind, 6-week trial of olanzapine (10–30 mg/day) plus carbamazepine (400–1200 mg/day;n=58)v.placebo plus carbamazepine (n=60) followed by open-label, 20-week olanzapine (10–30 mg/day) plus carbamazepine (400–1200 mg/day,n=86), with change in manic symptoms as main outcome measure. Safety and pharmacokinetics were also evaluated.

Results

There were no significant differences (baseline to endpoint) in efficacy measures between treatment groups, but at 6 weeks triglyceride levels were significantly higher (P=0.008) and potentially clinically significant weight gain (⩾7%) occurred more frequently (24.6%v.3.4%,P=0.002) in the combined olanzapine and carbamazepine group. Carbamazepine reduced olanzapine concentrations but olanzapine had no effect on carbamazepine concentrations.

Conclusions

The combination of olanzapine and carbamazepine did not have superior efficacy to carbamazepine alone. The increases in weight and triglycerides observed during combination treatment are a matter of concern.
The Antiinflammatory Cytokine Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protects from High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperglycemia
Authors: Sauter Nadine S. , Schulthess Fabienne T. , Galasso Ryan , Castellani Lawrence W. , Maedler Kathrin
Published: February 2008

Subclinical inflammation is a recently discovered phenomenon in type 2 diabetes. Elevated cytokines impair β-cell function and survival. A recent clinical trial shows that blocking IL-1β signaling by IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) improves β-cell secretory function in patients with type 2 diabetes. In the present study, we provide further mechanisms of the protective role of IL-1Ra on the β-cell. IL-1Ra prevented diabetes in vivo in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat/high-sucrose diet (HFD) for 12 wk; it improved glucose tolerance and insulin secretion. High-fat diet treatment increased serum levels of free fatty acids and of the adipokines resistin and leptin, which were reduced by IL-1Ra treatment. In addition, IL-1Ra counteracted adiponectin levels, which were decreased by high-fat feeding. Studies on isolated islets revealed that IL-1Ra specifically acted on the β-cell. IL-1Ra protected islets from HFD treated animals from β-cell apoptosis, induced β-cell proliferation, and improved glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Insulin mRNA was reduced in islets from mice fed a HFD but normalized in the IL-1Ra group. Our results show that IL-1Ra improves β-cell survival and function, and support the potential role for IL-1Ra in the treatment of diabetes.
Glucocorticoid (GC)-Mediated Down-Regulation of Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Expression via the Serum and GC Regulated Kinase-1/Forkhead Box O3a Pathway
Authors: Pew Travis , Zou Min , Brickley Deanna R. , Conzen Suzanne D.
Published: February 2008

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and its ligand, cortisol, play a central role in human physiology. The exact mechanisms by which GR activation regulates these processes are the subject of intensive investigation. We and others have shown that GR activation can indirectly down-regulate specific genes via serum and glucocorticoid (GC) regulated kinase-1-mediated inhibition of forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a) transcriptional activity. We previously used gene expression microarrays, together with bioinformatic analyses, to identify putative FOXO3a target genes in breast epithelial cells. In this paper we refine our analysis through the use of FOXO3a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) microarrays. ChIP microarray results reveal urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) as a putative novel target of FOXO3a in breast epithelial and breast cancer cell lines. We further show that uPA down-regulation after GC treatment requires serum and GC regulated kinase-1-mediated inactivation of FOXO3a activity. ChIP and luciferase assays confirm that FOXO3a can both occupy and transactivate the uPA promoter. Our data suggest that inactivation of FOXO3a after GR activation is an important mechanism contributing to GC-mediated repression of uPA gene expression in breast epithelial and cancer cells.
Recruitment in a heterogeneous population of motor neurons that innervates the depressor muscle of the crayfish walking leg muscle
Authors: Hill Andrew A. V. , Cattaert Daniel
Published: February 2008

According to the size principle the fine control of muscle tension depends on the orderly recruitment of motor neurons from a heterogeneous pool. We took advantage of the small number of excitatory motor neurons (about 12) that innervate the depressor muscle of the crayfish walking leg to determine if the size principle applies to this muscle. We found that in accordance with the size principle, when stimulated by proprioceptive input, neurons with small extracellular spikes were recruited before neurons with medium or large spikes. Because only a small fraction of the motor neurons responded strongly enough to sensory input to be recruited in this way, we extended our analysis to all neurons by characterizing properties that have classically been associated with recruitment order such as speed of axonal conduction and extracellular spike amplitude. Through a combination of physiological and anatomical criteria we were able to identify seven classes of excitatory depressor motor neurons. The majority of these classes responded to proprioceptive input with a resistance reflex, while a few responded with an assistance reflex, and yet others did not respond. Our results are in general agreement with the size principle. However, we found qualitative differences between neuronal classes in terms of synaptic input and neuronal structure that would in theory be unnecessary, according to a strict interpretation of the size principle. We speculate that the qualitative heterogeneity observed may be due to the fact that the depressor is a complex muscle, consisting of two muscle bundles that share a single insertion but have multiple origins.
Development of vocalization, auditory sensitivity and acoustic communication in the Lusitanian toadfishHalobatrachus didactylus
Authors: Vasconcelos Raquel O. , Ladich Friedrich
Published: February 2008

The ontogenetic development of acoustic communication has so far only been investigated in one fish species. In order to determine whether detectability of conspecific sounds changes during growth in a species with limited hearing abilities (generalist), we investigated the development of auditory sensitivity and agonistic vocalizations in the Lusitanian toadfish Halobatrachus didactylus. Agonistic grunts were recorded, their sound pressure levels determined, and auditory sensitivities measured in five different size groups ranging from 3 to 32 cm standard length. Hearing thresholds were obtained using the auditory evoked potentials (AEP) recording technique. Dominant frequency, sound duration and number of pulses decreased,whereas pulse period and sound level increased with increasing fish size. The best hearing was below 300 Hz in all groups. Lower hearing sensitivity was found in the smallest juveniles at 100 Hz as well as at higher frequencies(800 and 1000 Hz). Comparisons between audiograms and sound spectra within the same-sized fish revealed that smaller juveniles would be barely able to detect agonistic grunts, while these vocalizations were clearly perceived by larger fish. In the latter, the main energy of sounds was found at the most sensitive frequencies. This study demonstrates that acoustic communication in the Lusitanian toadfish might be absent in early developmental stages and seems to start when juveniles are able to generate grunts of higher sound level and lower dominant frequency.
Angular momentum in human walking
Authors: Herr Hugh , Popovic Marko
Published: February 2008

Angular momentum is a conserved physical quantity for isolated systems where no external moments act about a body's center of mass (CM). However, in the case of legged locomotion, where the body interacts with the environment(ground reaction forces), there is no a priori reason for this relationship to hold. A key hypothesis in this paper is that angular momentum is highly regulated throughout the walking cycle about all three spatial directions [\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(|{\vec{L}}(t)|{\approx}0\) \end{document}], and therefore horizontal ground reaction forces and the center of pressure trajectory can be explained predominantly through an analysis that assumes zero net moment about the body's CM. Using a 16-segment human model and gait data for 10 study participants, we found that calculated zero-moment forces closely match experimental values (\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(R_{x}^{2}=0.91\) \end{document}; \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(R_{y}^{2}=0.90\) \end{document}). Additionally, the centroidal moment pivot (point where a line parallel to the ground reaction force, passing through the CM, intersects the ground) never leaves the ground support base,highlighting how closely the body regulates angular momentum. Principal component analysis was used to examine segmental contributions to whole-body angular momentum. We found that whole-body angular momentum is small, despite substantial segmental momenta, indicating large segment-to-segment cancellations (∼95% medio-lateral, ∼70% anterior–posterior and∼80% vertical). Specifically, we show that adjacent leg-segment momenta are balanced in the medio-lateral direction (left foot momentum cancels right foot momentum, etc.). Further, pelvis and abdomen momenta are balanced by leg,chest and head momenta in the anterior–posterior direction, and leg momentum is balanced by upper-body momentum in the vertical direction. Finally, we discuss the determinants of gait in the context of these segment-to-segment cancellations of angular momentum.
Production of different phenotypes from the same genotype in the same environment by developmental variation
Authors: Vogt Günter , Huber Martin , Thiemann Markus , van den Boogaart Gerald , Schmitz Oliver J. , Schubart Christoph D.
Published: February 2008

The phenotype of an organism is determined by the genes, the environment and stochastic developmental events. Although recognized as a basic biological principle influencing life history, susceptibility to diseases, and probably evolution, developmental variation (DV) has been only poorly investigated due to the lack of a suitable model organism. This obstacle could be overcome by using the recently detected, robust and highly fecund parthenogenetic marbled crayfish as an experimental animal. Batch-mates of this clonal crayfish, which were shown to be isogenic by analysis of nuclear microsatellite loci,exhibited surprisingly broad ranges of variation in coloration, growth,life-span, reproduction, behaviour and number of sense organs, even when reared under identical conditions. Maximal variation was observed for the marmorated coloration, the pattern of which was unique in each of the several hundred individuals examined. Variation among identically raised batch-mates was also found with respect to fluctuating asymmetry, a traditional indicator of the epigenetic part of the phenotype, and global DNA methylation, an overall molecular marker of an animal's epigenetic state. Developmental variation was produced in all life stages, probably by reaction–diffusion-like patterning mechanisms in early development and non-linear, self-reinforcing circuitries involving behaviour and metabolism in later stages. Our data indicate that, despite being raised in the same environment, individual genotypes can map to numerous phenotypes viaDV, thus generating variability among clone-mates and individuality in a parthenogenetic species. Our results further show that DV, an apparently ubiquitous phenomenon in animals and plants, can introduce components of randomness into life histories, modifying individual fitness and population dynamics. Possible perspectives of DV for evolutionary biology are discussed.
Visual fields of four batoid fishes: a comparative study
Authors: McComb D. Michelle , Kajiura Stephen M.
Published: February 2008

The visual fields of elasmobranch fishes are not well characterized even though this is a fundamental element of the visual system. The batoid fishes(skates, rays) form a monophyletic clade within the subclass Elasmobranchii and exhibit a broad range of morphologies and corresponding ecologies. We hypothesized that their visual field characteristics would reflect their diverse morphology and ecology. This was tested by quantifying the monocular,binocular and cyclopean horizontal and vertical visual fields of four batoid species (Raja eglanteria, Urobatis jamaicensis, Dasyatis sabina and Rhinoptera bonasus) that encompassed a range from a basal skate to a more derived ray. The horizontal and vertical visual fields differed significantly among species; however, all species possessed horizontal anterior and dorsal binocular overlaps. Urobatis jamaicensis, a small reef-associated stingray, demonstrated a 360° panoramic visual field in the horizontal plane, and R. bonasus, a schooling benthopelagic ray,a 360° panoramic view in the vertical plane. Large anterior binocular overlaps were measured in D. sabina (72°) and R. bonasus(46°) but came at the expense of large posterior blind areas. The anterior binocular overlaps in R. eglanteria (28°) and U. jamaicensis (34°) were smaller but were coupled with large monocular fields that provided expansive peripheral views. The most phylogenetically basal species, the clearnose skate (Raja eglanteria), had the most reduced visual field in contrast to the more derived ray species. To our knowledge, this study represents the first comparative assessment of visual fields in basal vertebrates.