bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robust coupling of body movement and gaze in young infants
Authors: Robertson Steven S. , Johnson Sarah L. , Masnick Amy M. , Weiss Scott L. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn the first few months after birth, rapid bursts of body movement precede and possibly facilitate shifts of gaze during free looking, with potential consequences for perception and cognition. Here we report that the characteristic features of movement–gaze coupling found during free looking are preserved when attention is perturbed by a salient change in the visual environment. Twenty‐four 3‐month‐olds looked at two attractive 3‐dimensional objects while body movement and corneal reflections of the objects were recorded. Lateral head movement was measured offline. After approximately 2 s of looking at one stimulus, the nonfixated stimulus either began to rotate back and forth (distracter events) or remained motionless (control events). In distracter events, the motion of the nonfixated stimulus triggered substantial motor quieting, shortened the duration of the look, and shortened the time to reorient gaze compared to control events. Abbreviated motor quieting and small increases in lateral head movement occurred during control events at the same time in the look as the protracted motor quieting and increased head movement in distracter events. Despite these perturbations, the characteristic bursts of body movement that precede shifts of gaze during free looking occurred in both distracter and control events. The results demonstrate the robust nature of early movement–gaze coupling, raise questions about the specific role of attention in the dynamic links between body movement and gaze, and highlight the potential short and long term functional significance of movement‐gaze–attention coupling. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 49: 208–215, 2007.
The “smellscape” of mother's breast: Effects of odor masking and selective unmasking on neonatal arousal, oral, and visual responses
Authors: Doucet Sébastien , Soussignan Robert , Sagot Paul , Schaal Benoist 
Published: February 2007

AbstractLactating women emit odor cues that release activity in newborns. Such cues may be carried in various substrates, including milk or areolar secretions. The present study aimed to examine the responses of infants facing their mother's breast and to sort out the source(s) of active volatile compounds emitted by the lactating breast. Infants (aged 3–4 days) were presented their mother's breast in two consecutive trials of 90 s each: a scentless condition (breast entirely covered with a transparent film) paired with one of four odorous conditions (fully exposed breast: n = 15; nipple only exposed: 15; areola only exposed: 13; and milk exposed: 12). The infants were more orally activated when facing any of the odorous breast conditions than when facing the scentless breast. They cried earlier and longer, and opened their eyes less, when facing the scentless breast. Nipple, Areola, and Milk odors appeared to be equivalent to the whole breast odor in stimulating oral activity and in delaying crying onset. This study shows that volatile compounds originating in areolar secretions or milk release mouthing, stimulate eye opening, and delay and reduce crying in newborns. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 49: 129–138, 2007.
Intrinsic B cell hypo‐responsiveness in mice prematurely expressing human CR2/CD21 during B cell development
Authors: Kulik Liudmila , Marchbank Kevin J. , Lyubchenko Taras , Kuhn Kristine A. , Liubchenko Ganna A. , Haluszczak Catherine , Gibson Matthew G. , Boackle Susan A. , Holers V. Michael 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe previously reported that human CR2 (hCR2) prematurely expressed under a murine Vλ2 promoter/Vλ2–4 enhancer minigene during the CD43+CD25– late pro‐B cell stage of development results in peripheral B cells with impaired responses to immunization with T‐dependent antigens. Herein, we show that hCR2 transgenic (Tg) mice also demonstrate a severe defect in T‐independent antigen responses and are substantially protected from clinical arthritis, synovitis and cartilage/bone destruction in a collagen‐induced arthritis model. This outcome is found despite the apparently normal development of autoreactive T cells with equivalent cytokine and proliferative responses to antigen when compared to non‐Tg control mice. These data suggest the presence of an intrinsic B cell defect in the hCR2 Tg mice. We also show that an hCR2‐dependent Ca2+ influx can be generated in both developing and mature Tg B cells, but with different rates of decay as compared to control wild‐type (WT) mice. In addition, although analysis of tyrosine‐phosphorylated proteins in WT and Tg B cells following B cell receptor (BCR)‐induced activation revealed the presence of distinctly different phosphorylation patterns, no differences were identified in several candidate protein targets. Overall, these data suggest that premature hCR2 expression and the consequences thereof during B cell development intrinsically alters the way mature B cells develop and subsequently respond to antigen through the BCR signaling complex.
The target tissue in autoimmunity – an influential niche
Authors: Hill Natasha J. , Hultcrantz Monica , Sarvetnick Nora , Flodström‐Tullberg Malin 
Published: February 2007

AbstractCentral and peripheral tolerance mechanisms were for a long time the only regulatory circuits known in autoimmunity. It is now becoming clear that the target tissue itself may have the capacity to control its own destiny. Here we review mechanisms by which the target tissue regulates local inflammation, and the way this could influence progression to overt autoimmunity. Moreover, we discuss recent data showing that physiological properties of the target tissue can determine the organ specificity of autoimmune disease. These recent discoveries and ideas concerning the regulatory potential of the target tissue may, in the future, add a new dimension to our concept of regulatory circuits in autoimmunity.
Allelic expression patterns of KIR3DS1 and 3DL1 using the Z27 and DX9 antibodies
Authors: Trundley Anita , Frebel Helge , Jones Des , Chang Chiwen , Trowsdale John 
Published: February 2007

AbstractKIR3DL1 is one of the best‐characterised inhibitory NK cell receptors. Unusually, one common allele at the 3DL1 locus encodes an activating receptor known as 3DS1. There is genetic evidence for a protective role of 3DS1 in certain viral diseases, but there has been uncertainty about expression of the 3DS1 protein. Using transfection, we show that surface expression of 3DS1 is reliant on the adaptor protein DNAX‐activating protein 12 (DAP12). KIR3DS1 was recognised by the antibody Z27, a reagent that also detects KIR3DL1 but no other killer immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) molecule. Z27 stained 3DS1 on the surface of fresh circulating NK cells from 3DS1/3DS1 homozygotes. By double‐staining with Z27 and DX9, an antibody specific for 3DL1, we obtained evidence that in 3DS1/3DL1 heterozygous donors significant numbers of NK cells express 3DS1 without co‐expressing 3DL1 and that NK cells expressing both alleles are difficult to detect.
Fixation of heavy contaminants of a dirty bomb attack: Studies with uranium and metal simulants
Authors: McGehee Thomas L. , Medina Victor F. , Martino Rochelle M. , Bednar Anthony J. , Weiss Charles A. , Abraham David 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAsphalt emulsions were evaluated as a means to immobilize radiological contaminants deposited on urban surfaces after a dirty bomb attack. Contaminated surfaces would be sprayed with thin coatings of asphalt emulsion to encapsulate the radioactive particles until the site can be safely remediated. This research investigated applications of an asphalt emulsion (Topein C, Encapco Technologies, LLC, Napa, CA) to treat (zero‐valent) iron, lead, and uranium powders on various building material surfaces. Initial studies found that some of the building materials (limestone, concrete, and metal) reacted with the emulsion producing gas bubbles, which formed 0.001 to 1 cm vesicles in the cured asphalt emulsion. These vesicles, however, did not expose the building material surface, and the reaction appeared to aid in the setting of the emulsion. Powdered lead did not react with the asphalt emulsion, but iron powder and uranium did. Iron powder and the emulsion formed vesicles up to 0.5 mm (but not exposing the building material surface), while the uranium (U3O8) had a moderate reaction when compared with to the lead and iron powders. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the lead powder formed nonreactive layers adjacent to the concrete surface while iron particles were evenly distributed in the asphalt matrix due to the reaction with the asphalt, indicating that the physical and chemical reactions between the iron metal particles, asphalt, and concrete affected particle distribution in the asphalt matrix. A vertical operation sediment tube was used to determine the flowing shear stress durability of the asphalt/metal/substrate complex. The asphalt treatment with iron had no loss at the shear range tested (0.1–2.5 Pa), while the asphalt stabilized powdered lead lost 8% asphalt and lead at 2.5 Pa mean shear stress applied for 5 h. The chemical reaction between asphalt emulsion and iron increased the resistance of the asphalt/metal/substrate complex to shear when compared with lead. Some hydrogen was formed in reactions with iron, but the amount formed was well below the lower flammability limit. Treatment of uranium indicated that the emulsion was effective at reducing leaching of the uranium 10 fold. These experiments indicate that asphalt emulsions may be a viable means for containing metallic or dense radiological contaminants on common building materials. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog 26:94–103, 2007
Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX) in Alzheimer's disease: validation of a behavioral rating scale to assess dysexecutive symptoms in Japanese patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Shinagawa Yoshihiro , Nakaaki Shutaro , Hongo Jin , Murata Yoshie , Sato Junko , Matsui Teruo , Tatsumi Hiroshi , Akechi Tatsuo , Furukawa Toshiaki A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackgroundBoth executive cognitive dysfunction and behavioral problems contribute to dysexecutive symptoms in daily life. The aim of the present study was to develop a behavior rating scale for assessing dysexecutive symptoms in Japanese patients with AD.MethodThe Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX), devised by Burgess et al. (1998), was used to evaluate 122 Japanese patients with AD. The factor structure, internal consistency, test‐retest reliability, and construct validity of the Japanese version of the DEX were then examined.ResultsThe Japanese version of the DEX demonstrated a good internal reliability and a good test–retest reliability. Factor analysis revealed three factors that were named ‘apathy’, ‘hyperactivity’ and ‘planning and monitoring process of the purposive action’. The ‘apathy’ factor of the DEX was significantly correlated with the ‘apathy’ score of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), while ‘planning and monitoring process’ factor of the DEX was significantly correlated with the total score of the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and the ‘hyperactivity’ factor of the DEX was significantly correlated with the ‘aggression’, ‘euphoria’ and ‘disinhibition’ scores of the NPI.ConclusionsThe Japanese DEX is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing executive dysfunction conveniently in real life situations of AD patients. While two factors, ‘apathy’ and ‘hyperactivity’, were associated with emotional and behavioral changes, the ‘planning and monitoring process’ was associated with the cognitive executive function in the patients with AD. These findings suggest that both a neuropsychiatric syndrome and cognitive function contribute to the dysexecutive symptoms experienced by AD patients in daily life. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of the Zarit scale for assessing caregiver burden and collapse in caregiving at home in dementias
Authors: Gort Ana M. , Mingot Maria , Gomez Xavier , Soler Teodoro , Torres Gerard , Sacristán Oscar , Miguelsanz Santiago , Nicolas Francisco , Perez Ana , de Miguel Mariano , Cabau Jacinto 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectivesThe main objective was to analyse the Zarit scale's (ZS) ability to identify signs of caregiver collapse amongst people looking after patients suffering from dementia. We also evaluated the dimensions most affected by the ZS and risk factors associated with caregiver burden and collapse.MethodsWe administered the ZS and semi‐structured interviews to identify signs of caregiver collapse amongst 66 people looking after patients suffering from dementia. We evaluated the risk factors associated with the patient: age, sex, type of dementia, place of residence, length of illness, behavioural disorders, incontinence, the Barthel index (IB), the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), Folstein's Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the use of day‐care centres and also risk factors associated with the caregiver: age, sex, relationship with the patient, help received with caring, the patient's illness, other family responsibilities and other work outside the home.ResultsThere was a large degree of agreement between the findings from the interview and the ZS (Kappa = 0.545; p < 0.001). With regard to the risk factors evaluated in this study, there was a statistically significant relationship between behavioural disorders and both burden (p < 0.27) and collapse (p < 0.17) and between caregiver collapse and the caregiver and patient not living at the same home (p < 0.27).ConclusionThe ZS is not only useful for identifying caregiver burden, but also for predicting main caregiver collapse. Behavioural disorders and not living with the patient are the main causes of caregiver burden and collapse. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Survival in the community of the very old depressed, discharged from medical inpatient care
Authors: Wilson Kenneth , Mottram Patricia , Hussain Maryyum 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the prevalence and associated risk factors of depression in older patients discharged home from acute medical care and their influence on duration of survival in the community.DesignA cross‐sectional, prevalence study of depression in recently discharged patients and a prospective, case‐controlled study of depressed and psychiatrically asymptomatic sub groups, exploring the relationship between depression, associated risk factors, and duration of survival in the community.SettingA community study of patients aged 75 and older discharged from the Countess of Chester Hospital and Wirral Hospitals Trust serving Wirral and West Cheshire, England.ParticipantsThree hundred and eleven patients were entered into the prevalence study. One hundred and fifty‐eight patients (54 depressed and 104 asymptomatic) were entered into the prospective case controlled study and followed up for up to two years.MeasurementsDepression was defined by GMS/AGECAT criteria. Demographic details, handicap, pain, forced expiratory volume and social network were measured as dependent variables in the prevalence study and included in the analysis of risk factors potentially associated with duration of survival in the community.ResultsA depression prevalence rate of 17.4% was found. Age (p = 0.049, CI; 0.813, 0.999), forced expiratory volume (p = 0.034, CI; 0.991, 1.000) and handicap (p = 0.000, CI; 1.268, 1.723) were associated with depression but depression (p = 0.040, CI; 1.039, 4.915) was the only base‐line variable associated with reduced survival in the community as defined by mortality and re‐admission.ConclusionsDepression is common in older people discharged from acute medical care and is a major risk factor for reduced duration of community survival. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bilateral vestibular deafferentation impairs performance in a spatial forced alternation task in rats
Authors: Zheng Yiwen , Goddard Matthew , Darlington Cynthia L. , Smith Paul F. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractConverging behavioral, electrophysiological, and neurochemical data suggest that lesions to the peripheral vestibular system result in impairment of the hippocampus. Nonetheless, relatively few studies have examined the hippocampus or behavior related to it, over a long period of time following the lesion, to determine if any recovery takes place. Here we used the spatial forced alternation task in a T maze, which is sensitive to the integrity of the hippocampus, to evaluate learning and memory in rats at 3 weeks, 3 months, and 5 months following bilateral vestibular deafferentation (BVD) or sham surgery. BVD rats made significantly fewer correct choices at all time points when compared with the sham controls. However, the percentage correct choice for BVD rats was at chance level at 3 weeks postop, and was significantly above chance at 5 months postop. These results add to the evidence that BVD causes a long‐term impairment of hippocampal function and spatial learning and memory, but suggest that some recovery of function might take place over the long term. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Groundwater recharge and discharge in a hyperarid alluvial plain (Akesu, Taklimakan Desert, China)
Authors: Tang Qiuhong , Hu Heping , Oki Taikan 
Published: February 2007

AbstractGroundwater recharge and discharge in the Akesu alluvial plain were estimated using a water balance method. The Akesu alluvial plain (4842 km2) is an oasis located in the hyperarid Tarim River basin of central Asia. The land along the Akesu River has a long history of agricultural development and the irrigation area is highly dependent on water withdrawals from the river. We present a water balance methodology to describe (a) surface water and groundwater interaction and (b) groundwater interaction between irrigated and non‐irrigated areas. Groundwater is recharged from the irrigation system and discharged in the non‐irrigated area. Uncultivated vegetation and wetlands are supplied from groundwater in the hyperarid environment. Results show that about 90% of groundwater recharge came from canal loss and field infiltration. The groundwater flow from irrigated to non‐irrigated areas was about 70% of non‐irrigated area recharge and acted as subsurface drainage for the irrigation area. This desalinated the irrigation area and supplied water to the non‐irrigated area. Salt moved to the non‐irrigation area following subsurface drainage. We conclude that the flooding of the Akesu River is a supplemental groundwater replenishment mechanism: the river desalinates the alluvial plain by recharging fresh water in summer and draining saline regeneration water in winter. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biochemical and ultrastructural alterations in the rat ventral prostate due to repetitive alcohol drinking
Authors: Gómez M. I. Díaz , de Castro C. Rodríguez , Fanelli S. L. , Quintans L. N. , Costantini M. H. , Castro J. A. , Castro G. D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPrevious studies showed that cytosolic and microsomal fractions from rat ventral prostate are able to biotransform ethanol to acetaldehyde and 1‐hydroxyethyl radicals via xanthine oxidase and a non P450 dependent pathway respectively. Sprague Dawley male rats were fed with a Lieber and De Carli diet containing ethanol for 28 days and compared against adequately pair‐fed controls. Prostate microsomal fractions were found to exhibit CYP2E1‐mediated hydroxylase activity significantly lower than in the liver and it was induced by repetitive ethanol drinking. Ethanol drinking led to an increased susceptibility of prostatic lipids to oxidation, as detected by t‐butylhydroperoxide‐promoted chemiluminiscence emission and increased levels of lipid hydroperoxides (xylenol orange method). Ultrastructural alterations in the epithelial cells were observed. They consisted of marked condensation of chromatin around the perinuclear membrane, moderate dilatation of the endoplasmic reticulum and an increased number of epithelial cells undergoing apoptosis. The prostatic alcohol dehydrogenase activity of the stock rats was 4.84 times lower than that in the liver and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity in their microsomal, cytosolic and mitochondrial fractions was either not detectable or significantly less intense than in the liver. A single dose of ethanol led to significant acetaldehyde accumulation in the prostate. The results suggest that acetaldehyde accumulation in prostate tissue might result from both acetaldehyde produced in situ but also because of its low aldehyde dehydrogenase activity and its poor ability to metabolize acetaldehyde arriving via the blood. Acetaldehyde, 1‐hydroxyethyl radical and the oxidative stress produced may lead to epithelial cell injury. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of blood cholinesterases following intoxication with VX and its derivatives
Authors: Bajgar J. , Kuca K. , Fusek J. , Karasova J. , Kassa J. , Cabal J. , Jun D. , Blaha V. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractNerve agents can be divided into G‐agents (sarin, soman, tabun, cyclosarin etc.) and V‐agents. The studies dealing with V‐agents (O‐alkyl S‐2‐dialkylaminoethyl methyl phosphonothiolates) are limited to one or two representatives only (VX, Russian VX). Anticholinesterase properties of 11 V‐agents were studied in rats in vivo. Following intoxication with these agents in doses of 1 × LD50 (intramuscular administration), activities of cholinesterases in the blood were continuously monitored and half‐lives (t0.5) of inhibition were determined. These values varied from 3 min (VX and some other agents) to 10–14 min (derivatives substituted on the phosphorus head by O‐ethyl‐ or O‐isopropyl‐, and by dimethyl‐, diethyl‐ and dibutyl‐ on the nitrogen). Acetylcholinesterase activities in selected parts of the brain and diaphragm (30 min after the intoxication) were also detected. A correlation between toxicities and rates of inhibition of the blood enzymes was demonstrated. A similar relationship between acetylcholinesterase inhibition in vitro (from literature data) and half‐lives of the blood cholinesterases was also observed. Though the chemical similarity of V compounds is evident, marked differences were observed among different derivatives; however, all agents examined had high inhibition potency corresponding to their toxicities. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of cocaine and heroin with their respective metabolites in meconium by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: López P. , Bermejo A. M. , Tabernero M. J. , Fernández P. , Álvarez I. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe analysis of meconium specimens is a relatively accurate method for the detection of fetal exposure to drugs. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a method for meconium sample preparation for a gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) confirmation of meconium extracts for cocaine, benzoylecgonine, codeine, morphine and 6‐monoacetylmorphine. The analytes were initially extracted from the matrix by methanol. Subsequently a solid‐phase extraction with Waters Oasis® HLB cartridges was applied. Analytes were determined in GC‐MS single monitoring mode. The method was validated in the range 40–2000 ng g−1 using 0.5 g of meconium per assay. The detector response was linear over the studied range, and limits of quantitation and detection were found to be acceptable. Intra‐ and inter‐batch coefficients of variation oscillated between 2.54% and 20.5%, and mean relative errors were in the range 0.79%–19.9%. The recoveries were higher than 42.1% in all cases. Finally the method was applied to analysis of meconium in newborns to assess fetal exposure to cocaine and opiates. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.