bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation of interhemispheric interactions across symmetric and asymmetric bimanual force regulations
Authors: Tazoe Toshiki , Sasada Syusaku , Sakamoto Masanori , Komiyama Tomoyoshi 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe corpus callosum is essential for neural communication between the left and right hemispheres. Although spatiotemporal coordination of bimanual movements is mediated by the activity of the transcallosal circuit, it remains to be addressed how transcallosal neural activity is involved in the dynamic control of bimanual force execution in human. To address this issue, we investigated transcallosal inhibition (TCI) elicited by single‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in association with the coordination condition of bimanual force regulation. During a visually‐guided bimanual force tracking task, both thumbs were abducted either in‐phase (symmetric condition) or 180° out‐of‐phase (asymmetric condition). TMS was applied to the left primary motor cortex to elicit the disturbance of ipsilateral left force tracking due to TCI. The tracking accuracy was equivalent between the two conditions, but the synchrony of the left and right tracking trajectories was higher in the symmetric condition than in the asymmetric condition. The magnitude of force disturbance and TCI were larger during the symmetric condition than during the asymmetric condition. Right unimanual force tracking influenced neither the force disturbance nor TCI during tonic left thumb abduction. Additionally, these TMS‐induced ipsilateral motor disturbances only appeared when the TMS intensity was strong enough to excite the transcallosal circuit, irrespective of whether the crossed corticospinal tract was activated. These findings support the hypotheses that interhemispheric interactions between the motor cortices play an important role in modulating bimanual force coordination tasks, and that TCI is finely tuned depending on the coordination condition of bimanual force regulation.
Soil water balance performs better than climatic water variables in tree species distribution modelling
Authors: Piedallu Christian , Gégout Jean‐Claude , Perez Vincent , Lebourgeois François 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimSoil water is essential for the physiological processes of plant growth and fitness. Owing to the difficulty of assessing wide variations in soil water reserves, plant distribution models usually estimate available water for plants through such climatic proxies as precipitation data (P) or climatic water balance (P minus potential evapotranspiration). We evaluated the ability of simple climatic proxies and soil water balance indices to predict the ecological niches of forest tree species.LocationFrance.MethodsSoil water content and deficits were computed and mapped at a resolution of 1 km × 1 km throughout France. The predictive abilities of these indices were compared with those of P and climatic water balance to model the distributions of 37 of the most common European tree species. We focused on two species with contrasting water tolerance, Quercus robur and Quercus pubescens, to illustrate the differences between climatic proxies and soil water balance in species response curves and distribution maps.ResultsThroughout France, soil water content was poorly correlated with P and climatic water balance, because low P in the lowlands can be compensated for by water provided by deeper soils, which is not the case in most mountainous areas. Soil water balance performed better than simple climatic water variables for explaining tree species distribution, improving 82% of the models for hygrophilous, meso‐hygrophilous, meso‐xerophilous and xerophilous species.Main conclusionsOur results showed that simple climatic values do not accurately represent available water for trees and that soil water balance indices perform better than do climatic proxies for most species. This point is crucial to avoid underestimating the importance of water in studies aimed at determine the ecological niches of plant species and their responses to climate change.
AsnB, regulated by diffusible signal factor and global regulator Clp, is involved in aspartate metabolism, resistance to oxidative stress and virulence in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola
Authors: Qian Guoliang , Liu Chunhui , Wu Guichun , Yin Fangqun , Zhao Yancun , Zhou Yijing , Zhang Yanbing , Song Zhiwei , Fan Jiaqin , Hu Baishi , Liu Fengquan 
Published: November 2012

SummaryXanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) causes bacterial leaf streak in rice, which is a destructive disease worldwide. Xoc virulence factors are regulated by diffusible signal factor (DSF) and the global regulator Clp. In this study, we have demonstrated that asnB (XOC_3054), encoding an asparagine synthetase, is a novel virulence‐related gene regulated by both DSF and Clp in Xoc. A sequence analysis revealed that AsnB is highly conserved in Xanthomonas. An asnB mutation in Xoc dramatically impaired pathogen virulence and growth rate in host rice, but did not affect the ability to trigger the hypersensitive response in nonhost (plant) tobacco. Compared with the wild‐type strain, the asnB deletion mutant was unable to grow in basic MMX (–) medium (a minimal medium without ammonium sulphate as the nitrogen source) with or without 10 tested nitrogen sources, except asparagine. The disruption of asnB impaired pathogen resistance to oxidative stress and reduced the transcriptional expression of oxyR, katA and katG, which encode three important proteins responsible for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensing and detoxification in Xanthomonas in the presence of H2O2, and nine important known Xoc virulence‐related genes in plant cell‐mimicking medium. Furthermore, the asnB mutation did not affect extracellular protease activity, extracellular polysaccharide production, motility or chemotaxis. Taken together, our results demonstrate the role of asnB in Xanthomonas for the first time.
Living with coeliac disease and a gluten‐free diet: a Canadian perspective
Authors: Zarkadas M. , Dubois S. , MacIsaac K. , Cantin I. , Rashid M. , Roberts K. C. , La Vieille S. , Godefroy S. , Pulido O. M. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveStrict adherence to a gluten‐free diet is the only treatment for coeliac disease. The gluten‐free diet is complex, costly and impacts on all activities involving food, making it difficult to maintain for a lifetime. The purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to evaluate the difficulties experienced, the strategies used and the emotional impact of following a gluten‐free diet among Canadians with coeliac disease.MethodsA questionnaire was mailed to all members (n = 10 693) of both the Canadian Celiac Association and the Fondation québécoise de la maladie cœliaque in 2008.ResultsThe overall response rate was 72%. Results are presented for the 5912 respondents (≥18 years) reporting biopsy‐confirmed coeliac disease and/or dermatitis herpetiformis. Two‐thirds never intentionally consumed gluten. Women reported significantly greater emotional responses to a gluten‐free diet but, with time, were more accepting of it than men. Difficulties and negative emotions were experienced less frequently by those on the diet for >5 years, although food labelling and eating away from home remained very problematic. Frustration and isolation because of the diet were the most common negative emotions experienced.ConclusionsThe present study quantifies the difficulties experienced, the strategies used and the emotional impact of following a gluten‐free diet. It highlights the need to improve the training and education of dietitians, other health providers and the food service industry workers about coeliac disease and a gluten‐free diet, with the aim of better helping individuals improve their adherence to a gluten‐free diet and their quality of life.
A pilot study on the sexual side effects of finasteride as related to hand preference for men undergoing treatment of male pattern baldness
Authors: Motofei Ion G. , Rowland David L. , Georgescu Simona R. , Baconi Daniela L. , Dimcevici Nicoleta P. , Paunica Stana , Constantin Vlad D. , Balalau Cristian 
Published: November 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Cerebral lateralization/specialization is a neurophysiological feature that has been documented regarding somatic, psychological and sexual functioning and that may be manifested in differences in hand preference, cognitive style, gonadal hormonal effects and possibly even sexual orientation. In this study we investigated a possible cerebral lateralization effect on sexual response for dihydrotestosterone, using finasteride as a hormone‐blocking compound.The results of this study differ substantially from other studies examining the effects of finasteride on sexual response, presumably due to the greater restrictions we placed on defining relevant sexual activity, to our alerting patients to both positive and negative sexual effects and to the fact that we assessed the effects separately in right‐handed vs left‐handed patients. Handedness, as a proxy for cognitive style and possible lateralization of effect/function, appears to be a relevant factor when considering the sexual effects of specific gonadal hormones.OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationships between pharmacologically induced deprivation of dihydrotestosterone, sexual arousal, libido and hand preference, by comparing the self‐reported sexual response prior to and during reception of the anti‐androgen finasteride in men undergoing treatment for male pattern baldness.
PATIENTS AND METHOD
In total, 33 sexually healthy Romanian men participated in this study.
Patients prospectively provided information regarding their sexual functioning (over 4 weeks), as measured by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) prior to and after commencing treatment with 1 mg finasteride for male pattern baldness.
RESULTS
Overall IIEF scores as well as the erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire and overall satisfaction subscales showed group, treatment and group by treatment effects.
The intercourse satisfaction subscale showed group and group by treatment effects.
On most subscales, right‐handed men showed no effect or lower sexual function whereas left‐handed men reported no effect or improved sexual function, primarily.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the sexual effects of dihydrotestosterone deprivation may depend on handedness – a proxy variable that may represent cognitive style – which lends further support to the idea of two distinct neuroendocrine psychosexual axes.
They further suggest that detection of such sexual effects may be enhanced by using research methodologies and communication strategies that increase patients' sensitization to such effects.
Sell‐Side Analyst Research and Reported Conflicts of Interest
Authors: Arand Daniel , Kerl Alexander G. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractUsing a unique dataset of conflicts of interest reported by a large investment bank, we examine the relationship between conflicts of interests and sell‐side analysts’ behaviour in setting target prices and stock recommendations. We demonstrate that the aggregate number of simultaneous business ties with a subject company is positively associated with optimism in target prices and recommendations. Furthermore, the results provide some indication that stocks for which conflicts of interests exist earn lower risk‐adjusted returns than unconflicted stocks. However, we find no evidence that investors discount the value of sell‐side analysts’ research with respect to the prevailing level of conflicts.
Continuity and Change in the Study of Euroscepticism: Plus ça change?*
Authors: VASILOPOULOU SOFIA 
Published: November 2012

AbstractEuroscepticism has been treated as a marginal phenomenon in European Union studies. It has been portrayed as exceptional, belonging to the realm of pariah politics. This article contests this view arguing that although the term was first coined during the mid‐1980s in Britain, its features were present since the early stages of integration. Pointing to its changing nature over time, it calls for a holistic approach that would examine the phenomenon beyond the study of party politics and public opinion. It urges scholars to explicitly treat Euroscepticism as an ‘independent’ as well as a ‘dependent’ variable. The next generation of Euroscepticism should be performing comparative analysis identifying and explaining different patterns of opposition to the EU, and focusing on their implications for the process of European integration, the direction of EU policy, domestic European politics and the development of EU studies.
Fearful faces grab attention in the absence of late affective cortical responses
Authors: Ikeda Koki , Sugiura Ayaka , Hasegawa Toshikazu 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPrevious studies utilizing the N2pc, an ERP correlate of attentional focusing, demonstrated that fearful faces grab attention regardless of their relevance to the current task. We tested whether this apparent automaticity was susceptible to high concurrent task demand, which is known to suppress other cortical and subcortical emotional evaluations. Our data revealed that the affective attentional capture occurred even under high task load, by which the late cortical affective activity (the LPP modulation) was entirely suppressed. We also confirmed that this effect did not occur to inverted faces and therefore required a holistic perception of facial expression. These results show that, given an intact processing of facial expression, attention is attracted by fearful faces in a relatively automatic fashion as compared to other cortical affective processes.
The role of outcome expectations in the generation of the feedback‐related negativity
Authors: Bismark Andrew W. , Hajcak Greg , Whitworth Nicole M. , Allen John J. B. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe feedback‐related negativity (FRN) is thought to index activity within the midbrain dopaminergic reward‐learning system, with larger FRN magnitudes observed when outcomes are worse than expected. This view holds that the FRN is an index of neural activity coding for prediction errors, and reflects activity that can be used to adaptively alter future performance. Untested to date, however, is a key prediction of this view: the FRN should not appear in response to negative outcomes when outcome expectations are not allowed to develop. The current study tests this assumption by eliciting FRNs to win and loss feedback in conditions of participant choice, participant observation of computer choice, and, critically, simple presentation of win or loss feedback in the absence of a predictive choice cue. Whereas FRNs were observed in each of the conditions in which there was time for an expectation to develop, no FRN was observed in conditions without sufficient time for the development of an expectation. These results provide empirical support for an untested but central tenet of the reinforcement learning account of the genesis of the FRN.
The startle syndromes: Physiology and treatment
Authors: Dreissen Yasmine E. M. , Tijssen Marina A. J. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryStartle syndromes are paroxysmal and show stimulus sensitivity, placing them in the differential diagnosis of epileptic seizures. Startle syndromes form a heterogeneous group of disorders with three categories: hyperekplexia (HPX), stimulus‐induced disorders, and neuropsychiatric syndromes. HPX is characterized by an exaggerated motor startle reflex combined with stiffness and is caused by mutations in different parts of the inhibitory glycine receptor, leading to brainstem pathology. The preserved consciousness distinguishes it from epileptic seizures. Clonazepam is the first‐choice therapy. The stimulus‐induced disorders cover a broad range of epileptic and nonepileptic disorders, and distinguishing the two can be difficult. Additional information from electroencephalography (EEG) and video registration can help. Many stimulus‐induced disorders now have an identified gene defect. Antiepileptic drugs, including benzodiazepines, are frequently mentioned as the best treatment option. Neuropsychiatric syndromes are on the borderland of neurology and psychiatry, and their etiology is poorly understood. These syndromes include startle‐induced tics, culture‐specific disorders such as Latah, and functional startle syndromes. The electromyography (EMG) startle reflex in these syndromes is characterized by variable recruitment patterns and the presence of a second “orienting” response. Treatment options are limited, but urgently required. In the clinical setting, the patient’s history and a (home) video recording together with genetic and electrophysiologic testing help to classify these challenging disorders.
Why are antiepileptic drugs used for nonepileptic conditions?
Authors: Bialer Meir 
Published: November 2012

SummaryAntiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are used to treat various nonepileptic central nervous system (CNS) disorders, both in neurology and psychiatry. Most AEDs have multiple mechanisms of action (MOAs), which include modulation of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, and alteration of voltage‐gated ion channels or intracellular signaling pathways. These MOAs may explain the efficacy of AEDs in the treatment of bipolar disorder and neuropathic pain. Bipolar disorder and epilepsy have some common features, such as their episodic nature and associated kindling phenomena, which led to the regulatory approval and use of the AEDs carbamazepine (CBZ), valproic acid (VPA), and lamotrigine (LTG) in the treatment of bipolar disorder. A major limitation for the development of drugs with improved mood‐stabilizing activity is the lack of knowledge on the mechanism of treatment for bipolar disorder. In contrast to epilepsy, no animal models in bipolar disorder are universally accepted and no model is able to exhibit the characteristic mood swings. Although most AEDs have now been investigated for their mood‐stabilizing effects, only three (e.g., VPA, CBZ, and LTG) demonstrated clinical efficacy in patients. This suggests that the mechanism of drug action in mood disorder and in epilepsy only partially overlaps. Peripheral nerve damage leads to the initiation of cellular and molecular changes in the nervous system resulting in ectopic, repetitive firing perceived as chronic pain. Epileptic seizures are also characterized by hyperexcitability of neurons in the brain. The spontaneous electrogenesis in neuropathic pain has similarities to that of epilepsy. Alteration in sodium channels expression suggests that the mechanism underlying epileptic hyperexcitability may be similar to those underlying neuropathic pain. The AEDs gabapentin (GBP) and pregabalin (PGB) have become the mainstay of treatment for various neuropathic pain syndromes, owing to their ability to inhibit neuronal hyperactivity along the pain pathways. One explanation for how GBP and PGB relieve neuropathic pain is that they bind selectively to the Ca+2‐channel subunit α2‐δ in muscle tissue and brain. With 16 new AEDs having entered the market since 1990 the antiepileptic market is crowded. Consequently, epilepsy alone is not attractive in 2012 to the pharmaceutical industry, even though the clinical needs of refractory epilepsy remain unmet. Due to this situation, the future design of new AEDs must also include a potential in nonepileptic CNS disorders, such as bipolar disorder and neuropathic pain. The global market size of each of these two indications is similar to that of epilepsy, whereas they both currently have fewer approved drugs for treatment than epilepsy. Therefore, a new AED with additional approved indications in bipolar disorder and neuropathic pain might have a potential market size three times larger than that of epilepsy alone.
Comparison of Thoracic and Abdominal Cavity Volumes During Abdominal CO2 Insufflation and Abdominal Wall Lift
Authors: Watkins Courtney , Fransson Boel A. , Ragle Claude A. , Mattoon John , Gay John M. 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveTo compare thoracic and abdominal cavity volumes during abdominal CO2 insufflation and abdominal wall lift (AWL) conditions.Study DesignIn vitro cadaveric study.AnimalsMature medium‐to‐large breed fresh canine cadavers (n = 6).MethodsEach cadaver was imaged with computed tomography (CT) under baseline, abdominal CO2 insufflation, and AWL conditions. Measurements of thoracic and abdominal cavities were performed for each condition using image‐analyzing software. Resulting volumes for each cadaver were converted to percent change from baseline to normalize the data. The t‐tests were used to compare percent changes of both thoracic and abdominal volumes.ResultsThoracic volume significantly decreased from baseline during CO2 insufflation (P < .01). No significant difference in thoracic volume occurred with AWL when compared with baseline. Abdominal volume increased by 80% with CO2 insufflation (95% CI: 56.4–107.0%) but only 25% with AWL (95% CI: 12.3–37.8%).ConclusionsAbdominal CO2 insufflation results in decreased thoracic volume when compared with baseline. AWL preserved thoracic volume similar to baseline. Abdominal volumes achieved with abdominal CO2 insufflation are significantly greater than those attained with AWL.
Intracystic Gadolinium‐Enhanced MRI in the Evaluation of Residual Giant‐Cystic Craniopharyngiomas in Children: Report of Four Cases
Authors: Muñoz Alberto , Martínez‐León María , Vázquez Élida , Pérez da Rosa Sandra , Crespo José 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTResidual giant‐cystic craniopharyngiomas are amenable to intracavitary bleomycin treatment. Radiologic identification of potential cyst leaks is of paramount for treatment decisions. This report describes our experience in the use of intracystic Gadolinium (Gd)‐enhanced MR imaging to determine potential communications between the tumoral cysts and other intra‐axial spaces in 4 pediatric patients with residual giant‐cystic craniopharyngiomas in whom intracavitary bleomycin treatment was planned after the injection of .1‐.2 mL of gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd‐DTPA). In three cases no leaks were found. In one case, whose previous water‐soluble iodinated contrast‐enhanced CT cystography was negative for leaks, intracystic Gd‐enhanced MR showed intraventricular Gd enhancement. We conclude that MR imaging after intracystic administration of Gd‐based contrast paramagnetic agents is useful in the detection of potential leaks in cases of giant residual craniopharyngiomas.
Serious injuries toAustralian veterinarians working with cattle
Authors: Lucas M , Day L , Fritschi L 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveTo describe the factors associated with serious injuries sustained during cattle‐associated activities by veterinarians responding to the Health Risks of Australian Veterinarians (HRAV) survey.MethodsResponses from theHRAVsurvey were reviewed and the factors associated with serious injuries reported by veterinarians while working with cattle were analysed. All veterinarians who had graduated from Australian veterinary schools between 1960 and 2000 were eligible for inclusion in the survey.ResultsThe survey identified 474 serious injuries sustained while undertaking cattle‐associated activities. Most cattle‐associated injuries (82%) were sustained in stock or handling yards and 57% of reported injuries were sustained while undertaking pregnancy testing or undertaking examinations. Nearly 80% of all cattle‐associated injuries were sustained as a result of the veterinarian being kicked or struck (49%) or pushed against or stepped on (30%). The part of the body most commonly injured was the upper limbs. Fractures were the most common type of serious injury sustained. The use of safety precautions at the time of the injury was reported by 62% of those veterinarians reporting injury.ConclusionsThis study describes factors associated with serious injuries while working with cattle, as reported by veterinarians responding to theHRAVsurvey. Findings from this study will facilitate discussions aimed at addressing injury prevention for cattle veterinarians, including improving the awareness of safe handling practices and safety precautions.