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Selected AbstractsMinimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birdsJOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, Issue 6 2008Claire L. Devereux Summary 1Energy production from wind power is increasing rapidly in Europe to help combat the threats from global warming. For example, the European Commission have set a target for 20% of EU energy to come from renewable sources by 2020. In recent decades, biodiversity on European farmland has fallen dramatically due to agricultural intensification. Agri-environment schemes (AES) have been implemented across the EU, in part at least, to combat these declines. Significant numbers of turbines are, and will be, built on farmland. There is, therefore, a potential conflict between wind turbines and AES on farmland. 2Various mechanisms potentially cause wind turbines to alter bird distribution including noise and physical structure. 3We show that turbine location (controlling for other effects such as boundary location and crop type) did not affect the distribution of four functional groups of wintering farmland birds (seed-eaters, corvids, gamebirds and Eurasian skylarks) at differing distances from wind turbines ranging from 0,150 m to 600,750 m. The only species for which distribution was related to the presence of wind turbines was the largest and least manoeuvrable (common pheasant Phasianus colchicus L.). 4In a further analysis of data collected at 0,75 m and 75,150 m from turbines, we found no evidence to suggest that farmland birds in our study avoided areas close to wind turbines. 5Synthesis and applications. This is the first evidence suggesting that the present and future location of large numbers of wind turbines on European farmland is unlikely to have detrimental effects on farmland birds (at least for those species included in our study). This should be welcome news for nature conservationists, wind energy companies and policy-makers. However, our work is only a first step, as there may be potential influences of wind turbines on bird distribution during the breeding season. [source] Aeromonas sobria, a causative agent of disease in farmed perch, Perca fluviatilis L.JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES, Issue 3 2005T Wahli Abstract Significant numbers of perch, Perca fluviatilis, raised on a pilot fish farm in Switzerland presented focal skin lesions on the lateral sides and fin rot. Mortality rates reached levels of up to 1% of the total fish on the farm per day. Virtually pure cultures of Aeromonas sobria were isolated from the liver, kidney, spleen and skin lesions of affected fish. Aeromonas sobria isolated from the farmed perch had a haemolytic effect on sheep and trout erythrocytes, autoaggregated, was cytotoxic for cultured fish cells and possessed genes involved in type III protein secretion. Experimental infection of naïve perch with a single colony isolate of A. sobria from an affected farm fish resulted in the development of clinical signs identical to those seen on the farm. The results indicate that A. sobria can act as a primary pathogen of perch. [source] A survey of the scope of therapeutic practice by UK optometrists and their attitudes to an extended prescribing roleOPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS, Issue 3 2008Justin J. Needle Abstract Purpose:, Recent changes in medicines legislation in the UK have broadened the opportunities for optometrists to use and supply therapeutic drugs. We set out to investigate the current therapeutic practice of UK optometrists and to elicit their views on an extended prescribing role. Methods:, Members of the College of Optometrists were invited via email to take part in an online survey. The survey questions covered four areas: mode of practice, proximity and relationship to other providers of eye care, scope of current therapeutic practice and future plans regarding prescriber training. Results:, Of the 1288 responses received (response rate 24%), over 90% were from optometrists working in community practice. Common, non-sight-threatening conditions were managed frequently or occasionally by between 69 and 96% of respondents. Blepharitis and dry eye were the most common (managed routinely by >70%). In terms of therapeutic agents used, large numbers of optometrists reported that they commonly supplied or recommended over-the-counter (non-prescription) drugs, particularly lubricants and anti-allergic agents. However, fewer respondents supplied antibiotics (only 14% supplying chloramphenicol or fusidic acid frequently). Overall, relatively few respondents (14%) expressed no interest in undertaking further training for extended prescribing, although several barriers were identified, including cost and time taken for training, lack of remuneration and fear of litigation. Conclusion:, Significant numbers of community optometrists are currently managing a range of common ocular conditions using a limited formulary. Enabling optometrists to train as independent prescribers will further develop this role, allowing greater use of their skills and providing patients with quicker access to medicines. [source] Front and Back Covers, Volume 24, Number 4.ANTHROPOLOGY TODAY, Issue 4 2008August 200 Front cover and back cover caption, volume 24 issue 4 Front cover Front cover: Front cover The front cover of this issue illustrates Vasiliki P. Neofotistos' article on the 2006 film Borat: Cultural learnings of America for make benefit glorious nation of Kazakhstan. In the film, British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen plays Borat Sagdiyev, a Kazakh journalist, who leaves his country on a project funded by the Ministry of Information to travel with his film producer to ,US and A, the greatest country in the world' and make a ,movie film' about American culture, with the putative aim of gaining insights into what makes America great and applying them to Kazakhstan. The film has generated contrasting reactions, ranging from CNN's praise of it as ,most excellent comedy' to lawsuits filed by, among others, residents of the Romanian village in which part of the film was shot. Borat has been condemned as deeply offensive to women, Kazakhs, fraternity brothers and Jews alike. In this issue Neofotistos focuses on some of the lessons that Western audiences could potentially take away from the film, using the notion of the grotesque as a tool to read Borat as an allegory of America that invites us to revisit aspects of our own culture and hence as a highly appropriate film for our times. Back cover Back cover: ,FORTRESS' SOUTH AFRICA? A South African and a foreigner find common ground in Islam. The two men are about to enter a mosque in downtown Pretoria for Friday prayers. Prayers at this mosque provide a meeting ground for Muslim men and women from all over Africa, and from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Foreigners attending the mosque range from diplomats to illegal immigrants. Significant numbers of black South Africans from all walks of life have converted to Islam in recent years. In this issue John Sharp shows that there are many circumstances in which - as in this photograph - South Africans and foreigners from elsewhere in Africa pursue shared interests peacefully. Anthropological field research points to the range of these contexts, which have largely been ignored by commentators attempting to explain the episode of mass ,xenophobic' violence that wracked South African cities and towns in May 2008. Explanations focus on the xenophobic attitudes of ordinary South Africans, and link these attitudes to competition for resources between locals who are poor and their equally poor counterparts from further north. Recent research indicates, however, not only that relationships between poor South Africans and poor foreigners are more complex than most commentators allow, but also that South African xenophobia begins at the top, among the leaders of the ANC government and the black and white elites whose interests it serves. Sharp argues that a newly-issued report on the xenophobic violence by a government-orientated think tank reproduces the dominant xenophobic discourse in its recommendation that the state should construct a ,Fortress SA' with impenetrable borders, while seeking to mask its adherence to official discourse by representing its proposals as a response to the xenophobic attitudes of poor South Africans. As Sharp suggests, anthropological research might offer a more nuanced response to the issues. [source] Emergency Medicine Practitioner Knowledge and Use of Decision Rules for the Evaluation of Patients with Suspected Pulmonary Embolism: Variations by Practice Setting and Training LevelACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 1 2007Michael S. Runyon MD Abstract Background Several clinical decision rules (CDRs) have been validated for pretest probability assessment of pulmonary embolism (PE), but the authors are unaware of any data quantifying and characterizing their use in emergency departments. Objectives To characterize clinicians' knowledge of and attitudes toward two commonly used CDRs for PE. Methods By using a modified Delphi approach, the authors developed a two-page paper survey including 15 multiple-choice questions. The questions were designed to determine the respondents' familiarity, frequency of use, and comprehension of the Canadian and Charlotte rules. The survey also queried the frequency of use of unstructured (gestalt) pretest probability assessment and reasons why physicians choose not to use decision rules. The surveys were sent to physicians, physician assistants, and medical students at 32 academic and community hospitals in the United States and the United Kingdom. Results Respondents included 555 clinicians; 443 (80%) work in academic practice, and 112 (20%) are community based. Significantly more academic practitioners (73%) than community practitioners (49%) indicated familiarity with at least one of the two decision rules. Among all respondents familiar with a rule, 50% reported using it in more than half of applicable cases. A significant number of these respondents could not correctly identify a key component of the rule (23% for the Charlotte rule and 43% for the Canadian rule). Fifty-seven percent of all respondents indicated use of gestalt rather than a decision rule in more than half of cases. Conclusions Academic clinicians were more likely to report familiarity with either of these two specific decision rules. Only one half of all clinicians reporting familiarity with the rules use them in more than 50% of applicable cases. Spontaneous recall of the specific elements of the rules was low to moderate. Future work should consider clinical gestalt in the evaluation of patients with possible PE. [source] SORTAL ANAPHORA RESOLUTION IN MEDLINE ABSTRACTSCOMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE, Issue 1 2007Manabu Torii This paper reports our investigation of machine learning methods applied to anaphora resolution for biology texts, particularly paper abstracts. Our primary concern is the investigation of features and their combinations for effective anaphora resolution. In this paper, we focus on the resolution of demonstrative phrases and definite determiner phrases, the two most prevalent forms of anaphoric expressions that we find in biology research articles. Different resolution models are developed for demonstrative and definite determiner phrases. Our work shows that models may be optimized differently for each of the phrase types. Also, because a significant number of definite determiner phrases are not anaphoric, we induce a model to detect anaphoricity, i.e., a model that classifies phrases as either anaphoric or nonanaphoric. We propose several novel features that we call highlighting features, and consider their utility particularly for processing paper abstracts. The system using the highlighting features achieved accuracies of 78% and 71% for demonstrative phrases and definite determiner phrases, respectively. The use of the highlighting features reduced the error rate by about 10%. [source] Long-term outcome of classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency: diagnosis, complications and quality of lifeACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 2 2000J Jääskeläinen A nationwide search of patients with classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) was performed in Finland to determine the long-term outcome of the disease. In total, 108 patients were found. Fifty-four patients (50%, 31F, 23M) had deficiency of a salt-wasting form and another 54 (50%, 29F, 25M) had a simple virilizing form of 21-OHD. A significant number of severe complications suggestive of glucocorticoid deficiency was found. There were five deaths (4.6% of all) possibly connected with cortisol deficiency. Ten additional patients (9.3% of all) had been acutely admitted 14 times in all due to symptoms of glucocorticoid deficiency. These symptoms included sudden loss of consciousness, convulsions and severe fatigue. Afterwards, permanent neurological defects were detected in two of these patients. Finally, a cross-sectional study was carried out to establish an estimate of the long-term outcome of the disease. Thirty-two (55%) of the 58 patients aged 16 y or more participated in this study. The patient group did not differ from the general Finnish population in terms of education. Three of the patients (5%) had retired prematurely. Surprisingly, the patients felt that their health-related quality of life, as reported in the RAND-36 questionnaire, was better than that of the general Finnish population (p= 0.023). However, as a significant number of all patients did not participate in this study, the quality of life evaluation results must be interpreted with caution. In conclusion, a significant number of complications was found among patients treated for classical 21-OHD. Nevertheless, the disease has a favourable outcome in terms of quality of life. [source] Etiology, pathogenesis and prevention of neural tube defectsCONGENITAL ANOMALIES, Issue 2 2006Rengasamy Padmanabhan ABSTRACT Spina bifida, anencephaly, and encephalocele are commonly grouped together and termed neural tube defects (NTD). Failure of closure of the neural tube during development results in anencephaly or spina bifida aperta but encephaloceles are possibly post-closure defects. NTD are associated with a number of other central nervous system (CNS) and non-neural malformations. Racial, geographic and seasonal variations seem to affect their incidence. Etiology of NTD is unknown. Most of the non-syndromic NTD are of multifactorial origin. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have highlighted the molecular mechanisms of neurulation in vertebrates but the morphologic development of human neural tube is poorly understood. A multisite closure theory, extrapolated directly from mouse experiments highlighted the clinical relevance of closure mechanisms to human NTD. Animal models, such as circle tail, curly tail, loop tail, shrm and numerous knockouts provide some insight into the mechanisms of NTD. Also available in the literature are a plethora of chemically induced preclosure and a few post-closure models of NTD, which highlight the fact that CNS malformations are of hetergeneitic nature. No Mendelian pattern of inheritance has been reported. Association with single gene defects, enhanced recurrence risk among siblings, and a higher frequency in twins than in singletons indicate the presence of a strong genetic contribution to the etiology of NTD. Non-availability of families with a significant number of NTD cases makes research into genetic causation of NTD difficult. Case reports and epidemiologic studies have implicated a number of chemicals, widely differing therapeutic drugs, environmental contaminants, pollutants, infectious agents, and solvents. Maternal hyperthermia, use of valproate by epileptic women during pregnancy, deficiency and excess of certain nutrients and chronic maternal diseases (e.g. diabetes mellitus) are reported to cause a manifold increase in the incidence of NTD. A host of suspected teratogens are also available in the literature. The UK and Hungarian studies showed that periconceptional supplementation of women with folate (FA) reduces significantly both the first occurrence and recurrence of NTD in the offspring. This led to mandatory periconceptional FA supplementation in a number of countries. Encouraged by the results of clinical studies, numerous laboratory investigations focused on the genes involved in the FA, vitamin B12 and homocysteine metabolism during neural tube development. As of today no clinical or experimental study has provided unequivocal evidence for a definitive role for any of these genes in the causation of NTD suggesting that a multitude of genes, growth factors and receptors interact in controlling neural tube development by yet unknown mechanisms. Future studies must address issues of gene-gene, gene-nutrient and gene,environment interactions in the pathogenesis of NTD. [source] Chloroatranol, an extremely potent allergen hidden in perfumes: a dose-response elicitation studyCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 4 2003Jeanne Duus Johansen Oak moss absolute is a long-known, popular natural extract widely used in perfumes. It is reported as the cause of allergic reactions in a significant number of those with perfume allergy. Oak moss absolute has been the target of recent research to identify its allergenic components. Recently, chloroatranol, a hitherto unknown fragrance allergen, was identified in oak moss absolute. The objective was to assess the clinical importance of chloroatranol as a fragrance allergen by characterizing its elicitation profile. 13 patients previously showing a positive patch test to oak moss absolute and chloroatranol were included, together with a control group of 10 patients without sensitization to either of the 2 materials. A serial dilution patch test was performed on the upper back with concentrations ranging from 200 to 0.0063 p.p.m. of chloroatranol in ethanol. Simultaneously, the participant performed an open test simulating the use of perfumes on the volar aspect of the forearms in a randomized and double-blinded design. A solution with 5 p.p.m. chloroatranol was used for 14 days, and, in case of no reaction, the applications were continued for another 14 days with a solution containing 25 p.p.m. All test subjects (13/13) developed an allergic reaction at the site of application of the solution containing chloroatranol. Among them, 12/13 (92%) gave a positive reaction to the 5 p.p.m. solution and 1 to 25 p.p.m. None of the controls reacted (P < 0.001). The use test was terminated at median day 4. The dose eliciting a reaction in 50% of the test subjects at patch testing was 0.2 p.p.m. In conclusion, the hidden exposure to a potent allergen widely used in perfumes has caused a highly sensitized cohort of individuals. Judged from the elicitation profile, chloroatranol is the most potent allergen present in consumer products today. [source] Use of Alternative Therapies by Patients Undergoing Surgery for Nonmelanoma Skin CancerDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 6 2002Scott M. Dinehart MD background. The use of alternative therapies is becoming increasingly common and may result in unwanted side effects and drug interactions. objective. To determine the frequency of alternative medicine use by patients undergoing Mohs surgery for nonmelanoma skin cancer. methods. A written survey concerning use of alternative therapies was given to patients undergoing Mohs surgery for nonmelanoma skin cancer. A follow-up telephone survey was used to clarify positive responses. results. Thirty-six of 192 (18.8%) patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer reported using some type of alternative therapy. Almost all patients were using these therapies for conditions unrelated to their nonmelanoma skin cancer. Herbs and botanicals were the most common type of alternative therapy utilized. conclusion. Physicians performing Mohs surgery should be aware that a significant number of their patients use alternative therapies. Since most patients do not readily volunteer information about alternative medicine usage, specific steps should be taken to obtain this information. [source] Ectopic germline cells in embryos of Xenopus laevisDEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION, Issue 7 2007Kohji Ikenishi Whether all descendants of germline founder cells inheriting the germ plasm can migrate correctly to the genital ridges and differentiate into primordial germ cells (PGCs) at tadpole stage has not been elucidated in Xenopus. We investigated precisely the location of descendant cells, presumptive primordial germ cells (pPGCs) and PGCs, in embryos at stages 23,48 by whole-mount in situ hybridization with the antisense probe for Xpat RNA specific to pPGCs and whole-mount immunostaining with the 2L-13 antibody specific to Xenopus Vasa protein in PGCs. Small numbers of pPGCs and PGCs, which were positively stained with the probe and the antibody, respectively, were observed in ectopic locations in a significant number of embryos at those stages. A few of the ectopic PGCs in tadpoles at stages 44,47 were positive in TdT-mediated dUTP digoxigenin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. By contrast, pPGCs in the embryos until stage 40, irrespective of their location and PGCs in the genital ridges of the tadpoles at stages 43,48 were negative in TUNEL staining. Therefore, it is evident that a portion of the descendants of germline founder cells cannot migrate correctly to the genital ridges, and that a few ectopic PGCs are eliminated by apoptosis or necrosis at tadpole stages. [source] Cataracts in experimentally diabetic mouse: morphological and apoptotic changesDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 2 2005K. R. Hegde Aim:, The objective of these investigations was to extend our earlier study on the induction of cataracts in diabetic mice, a low aldose reductase (AR) animal model at morphological level. Previous studies were done primarily at biochemical level. Methods:, Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin. The lenses isolated after the establishment of diabetes were then subjected to histologic and electron microscopic studies. Results:, Morphological alterations were characterized by shrinkage, elongation and lobulization of the nuclei of the epithelial cells. This was associated with chromatin condensation and its margination. Similar structural aberrations were also observed in a significant number of the subepithelial fibre cells representing defect in fibre maturation. More interestingly, unlike that in other common animal models of diabetic cataract, such abnormally nucleated cells were also found to be prevalent in the posterior subcapsular region, a finding common in human diabetics also. Conclusion:, The present studies further affirm the suitability of the mouse model for a study of cataractogenesis induced by diabetes. Because of the findings reported herein, as well as the known biochemical similarity between the lenses of the mice and humans in respect of AR deficiency, contrary to the rat model where it is very high, use of this species is considered more useful towards understanding the basic aetiology as well as for evaluating the efficacy of various referred nutritional and metabolic antioxidants against such cataracts. [source] Depressive symptoms in the first year from diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes: results from the DESMOND trialDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 8 2010T. C. Skinner Diabet. Med. 27, 965,967 (2010) Abstract Aims, To describe the course of depressive symptoms during the first year after diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Methods,Post hoc analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial of self-management education for 824 individuals newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Participants completed the Depression scale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale after diagnosis and at 4, 8 and 12 months follow-up. Participants also completed the Problem Areas in Diabetes scale at 8 and 12 months follow-up. We present descriptive statistics on prevalence and persistence of depressive symptoms. Logistic regression is used to predict possible depression cases, and multiple regression to predict depressive symptomatology. Results, The prevalence of depressive symptoms in individuals recently diagnosed with diabetes (18,22% over the year) was not significantly different from normative data for the general population (12%) in the UK. Over 20% of participants indicated some degrees of depressive symptoms over the first year of living with Type 2 diabetes; these were mostly transient episodes, with 5% (1% severe) reporting having depressive symptoms throughout the year. At 12 months post diagnosis, after controlling for baseline depressive symptoms, diabetes-specific emotional distress was predictive of depressive symptomatology. Conclusions, The increased prevalence of depressive symptoms in diabetes is not manifest until at least 1 year post diagnosis in this cohort. However, there are a significant number of people with persistent depressive symptoms in the early stages of diabetes, and diabetes-specific distress may be contributing to subsequent development of depressive symptoms in people with Type 2 diabetes. [source] Bacterial protein kinase inhibitorsDRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 3 2010Michio Kurosu Abstract Protein kinases have become the second most important group of drug targets for the pharmaceutical industry next to G-protein-coupled receptors. Thus, over the past decade, a significant number of small molecules have been generated for protein kinase drug optimization programs. The vast majority of kinase inhibitors target the ATP binding site of the enzyme; however, the poor protein kinase selectivity of ATP-competitive protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs) limits their use for treating chronic diseases. In contrast, for inhibitors of bacterial signal transduction systems targeting bacterial kinase(s), there are no such selectivity requirements as long as the inhibitor does not act on any human kinases at the effective concentrations for killing bacteria in vivo. Protein phosphorylation in bacteria is performed by two-component signal transduction systems (2CSTSs) and eukaryotic-like serine/threonine kinases or bacterial tyrosine kinases. Recently, a large number of studies of protein kinases essential for sustaining bacterial growth and kinases required for virulence have been reported. Thus, bacterial protein kinases offer considerable potential as new drug targets. To identify bacterial PKIs, large chemical libraries of ATP-competitive inhibitors developed for eukaryotic protein kinases are an invaluable asset. This manuscript reviews progress on the development of prokaryotic protein kinase inhibitors. Drug Dev Res 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Intravascular neural interface with nanowire electrodeELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATIONS IN JAPAN, Issue 7 2009Hirobumi Watanabe Abstract A minimally invasive electrical recording and stimulating technique capable of simultaneously monitoring the activity of a significant number (e.g., 103 to 104) of neurons is an absolute prerequisite in developing an effective brain,machine interface. Although there are many excellent methodologies for recording single or multiple neurons, there has been no methodology for accessing large numbers of cells in a behaving experimental animal or human individual. Brain vascular parenchyma is a promising candidate for addressing this problem. It has been proposed [1, 2] that a multitude of nanowire electrodes introduced into the central nervous system through the vascular system to address any brain area may be a possible solution. In this study we implement a design for such microcatheter for ex vivo experiments. Using Wollaston platinum wire, we design a submicron-scale electrode and develop a fabrication method. We then evaluate the mechanical properties of the electrode in a flow when passing through the intricacies of the capillary bed in ex vivo Xenopus laevis experiments. Furthermore, we demonstrate the feasibility of intravascular recording in the spinal cord of Xenopus laevis. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 92(7): 29,37, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10058 [source] Abnormalities in sexual development of the amphipod Gammarus pulex (L.) found below sewage treatment worksENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 8 2001Melanie Yvette Gross Abstract Increasing numbers of widely used industrial, agricultural, and natural chemicals are known to elicit endocrine-disrupting effects in a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate species. The objective of this study was to determine whether the sexual development of the freshwater crustacean Gammarus pulex (L.) was affected below sewage treatment works (STW) previously known to contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals in their effluent. The gonadal structure, external sexual characteristics, and size of gammarids from exposed sites were compared to those of gammarids from a reference site. No significant difference was found in the gonadal structure of males collected below two STW. However, a highly significant number of females collected from a site known to elicit high estrogenic responses in vertebrates displayed an abnormal structure of oocytes in vitellogenesis. Body size was significantly shorter and male/female size differential was significantly reduced below one of the STW. Analysis of gnathopod and genital papillae length data suggests that different allometric relationships of these organs to body size exist between sample sites. [source] Predicting intra-urban variation in air pollution concentrations with complex spatio-temporal dependencies,ENVIRONMETRICS, Issue 6 2010Adam A. Szpiro Abstract We describe a methodology for assigning individual estimates of long-term average air pollution concentrations that accounts for a complex spatio-temporal correlation structure and can accommodate spatio-temporally misaligned observations. This methodology has been developed as part of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and Air Pollution (MESA Air), a prospective cohort study funded by the US EPA to investigate the relationship between chronic exposure to air pollution and cardiovascular disease. Our hierarchical model decomposes the space--time field into a "mean" that includes dependence on covariates and spatially varying seasonal and long-term trends and a "residual" that accounts for spatially correlated deviations from the mean model. The model accommodates complex spatio-temporal patterns by characterizing the temporal trend at each location as a linear combination of empirically derived temporal basis functions, and embedding the spatial fields of coefficients for the basis functions in separate linear regression models with spatially correlated residuals (universal kriging). This approach allows us to implement a scalable single-stage estimation procedure that easily accommodates a significant number of missing observations at some monitoring locations. We apply the model to predict long-term average concentrations of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from 2005 to 2007 in the Los Angeles area, based on data from 18 EPA Air Quality System regulatory monitors. The cross-validated IR2 is 0.67. The MESA Air study is also collecting additional concentration data as part of a supplementary monitoring campaign. We describe the sampling plan and demonstrate in a simulation study that the additional data will contribute to improved predictions of long-term average concentrations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Quality of Life of People with Epilepsy in Iran, the Gulf, and Near EastEPILEPSIA, Issue 1 2005Gus A. Baker Summary:,Purpose: To study the impact of epilepsy and its treatment on the quality of life of people living in Iran and in countries in the Gulf and Near East. Methods: Clinical, demographic, and psychosocial details were collected through the use of a self-completed questionnaire distributed to patients attending hospital outpatient clinics. Results: Data were collected from 3,889 people with epilepsy from 10 countries. More than 40% of all respondents had frequent seizures, and reported levels of side effects from medication were high, the most commonly reported being nervousness, headaches, and tiredness. A significant number of respondents reported changing their medications because of side effects or poor seizure control. Respondents reported that epilepsy and its treatment had a significant impact on a number of different aspects of their daily lives. A significant number of respondents felt stigmatized by their epilepsy. Reported health status was reduced when compared with that of people without epilepsy, particularly for physical and social functioning and energy and vitality, as assessed by using a generic health status measure, the SF-36. Conclusions: This is the largest study to date documenting the impact of epilepsy and its treatment in Iran, the Gulf, and Near East regions. Differences were found between the quality-of-life profiles of respondents in this study and those who participated in an earlier parallel study in Europe. [source] fMRI Activation in Continuous and Spike-triggered EEG,fMRI Studies of Epileptic SpikesEPILEPSIA, Issue 10 2003Abdulla Al-Asmi Summary:,Purpose: To evaluate functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with simultaneous EEG for finding metabolic sources of epileptic spikes. To find the localizing value of activated regions and factors influencing fMRI responses. Methods: Patients with focal epilepsy and frequent spikes were subjected to spike-triggered or continuous fMRI with simultaneous EEG. Results were analyzed in terms of fMRI activation, concordance with the location of EEG spiking and anatomic MRI abnormalities, and other EEG and clinical variables. In four patients, results also were compared with those of intracerebral EEG. Results: Forty-eight studies were performed on 38 patients. Seventeen studies were not analyzed, primarily because no spikes occurred during scanning. Activation was obtained in 39% of 31 studies, with an activation volume of 2.55 ± 4.84 cc. Activated regions were concordant with EEG localization in almost all studies and confirmed by intracerebral EEG in four patients. Forty percent of patients without an MRI lesion showed activation; 37.5% of patients with a lesion had an activation; the activation was near or inside the lesion. Bursts of spikes were more likely to generate an fMRI response than were isolated spikes (76 vs. 11%; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Combining EEG and fMRI in focal epilepsy yields regions of activation that are presumably the source of spiking activity. These regions are highly linked with epileptic foci and epileptogenic lesions in a significant number of patients. Activation also is found in patients with no visible MRI lesion. Intracerebral recordings largely confirm that these activation regions represent epileptogenic areas. It is still unclear why many patients show no activation. [source] Phenotypic Comparison of Two Scottish Families with Mutations in Different Genes Causing Autosomal Dominant Nocturnal Frontal Lobe EpilepsyEPILEPSIA, Issue 4 2003Ailsa McLellan Summary: ,Purpose: Mutations in genes coding for the ,4 and ,2 subunits of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor receptor (CHRN) are known to cause autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE). Here we examined the phenotypes in two families, from the same ethnic and geographic backgrounds, with ADNFLE as a result of mutations in these two different subunits of CHRN. Methods: All affected family members underwent a detailed clinical evaluation and review of available EEG, neuroimaging, and videotapes of seizures. The molecular study of family D is reported here; family S has a previously reported mutation in the ,2 subunit of CHRN. Results: A total of 16 individuals with ADNFLE were identified in the two families. In both families, seizure semiology, age at seizure onset, and the natural history of the seizure disorder was similar. Intrafamilial variation in terms of severity of epilepsy syndrome was present in both families. A significant number of individuals from each family had a history of psychological problems. The molecular study of family D revealed a Ser248Phe mutation in the ,4 subunit of CHRN. Conclusions: The epilepsy phenotype is not distinguishable in the two families who have ADNFLE as a result of mutations in genes coding for different CHRN subunits. This is likely to be due to the similar functional consequences of each mutation on the CHRN receptor. [source] Clinician stance in the treatment of chronic eating disordersEUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW, Issue 6 2001Josie Geller Abstract Long-term outcome studies of anorexia nervosa have shown that a significant number of individuals do not fully recover from their eating disorder symptoms. Individuals who develop chronic eating disorders may express either strong ambivalence about symptom reduction or a complete lack of interest in change. As a result, clinicians can find this group particularly challenging. This report expands upon a treatment stance based on principles of Motivational Interviewing that addresses difficulties typically encountered in working with this population. The stance outlines a mission statement and specific clinician behaviours that promote engagement and alliance with this group, including the communication of beliefs that foster client self-acceptance, not making assumptions, being curious, active, and on the same side, and maximizing client responsibility for change. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [source] Apoptosis resistance in ulcerative colitis: High expression of decoy receptors by lamina propria T cellsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 8 2006Raja Fayad Abstract Intestinal mucosa is constantly exposed to normal environmental antigens. A significant number of intestinal mucosal T cells are being deleted through apoptosis. In contrast, T cells from inflamed mucosa of ulcerative colitis patients did not undergo apoptosis. In this study, we determined whether the apoptosis of normal mucosal T cells was induced by antigen receptor stimulation and further determined pathways that mediated the apoptosis. Freshly isolated lamina propria T cells were stimulated with CD3 mAb and apoptosis was determined by Annexin,V staining. Normal mucosal T cells underwent apoptosis upon CD3 mAb stimulation whereas the T cells from inflamed mucosa did not. The apoptosis in normal T cells was blocked by TRAIL-R1:Fc and an inhibiting CD95 antibody. Interestingly, decoy receptor (DcR)1, DcR2, and DcR3 that compete with death receptor (DR)4/5 and CD95 were highly expressed by the T cells from inflamed mucosa, but much lower by T cells from normal mucosa. Our data suggest that normal mucosal T cells are constantly deleted in response to environmental antigens mediated through DR4/5 and CD95 pathways and mucosal T cells from ulcerative colitis resist to undergoing apoptosis due to highly expression of DcR1, DcR2, and DcR3. [source] Recruiting new neurons from the subventricular zone to the rat postnatal cortex: an organotypic slice culture modelEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 5 2008A. G. Dayer Abstract The neurogenic subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricle is a potential source for neuronal replacement in the postnatal or adult neocortex after injury. Here we present a novel model system to directly explore the cellular mechanisms of this process. In order to visualize directed migration from the SVZ towards the cortex, we transplanted green fluorescent protein-labeled progenitor/stem cells into the SVZ of newborn rats. At 2 days after transplantation, we generated organotypic slice cultures and applied fluorescent time-lapse imaging to explore directly the migration and integration of donor cells into the host tissue for up to 2 weeks. Our studies revealed that subventricular grafts provide a significant number of immature neurons to neocortical regions. In the cortex, immature neurons first migrate radially towards the pial surface and then differentiate into GABAergic interneurons. We conclude that our model system presents a novel and effective experimental paradigm to evaluate the recruitment of SVZ-derived neurons into the postnatal cortex, a phenomenon that may represent a potential route for cortical repair. [source] Hypocretin (orexin) in the rat pineal gland: a central transmitter with effects on noradrenaline-induced release of melatoninEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 3 2001Jens D. Mikkelsen Abstract Hypocretin-1 (HCRT-1) and hypocretin 2 (HCRT-2), also known as orexin-A and orexin-B, are two neuropeptides derived from the same precursor. Hypocretinergic neurons have been found exclusively in the hypothalamic dorsolateral area. These neurons are implicated in sleep and feeding through activation of specific G-protein-coupled orexin-1 and orexin-2 receptor (OR-R1 and OR-R2). The purpose of this study was to determine the existence of the HCRT peptides in the central input of the rat pineal gland. Further, OR-R1 and OR-R2 expression was determined in the pineal gland and the effect of HCRT-2 on melatonin synthesis and secretion was analysed in dissociated rat pinealocytes. A large contingent of HCRT-positive nerve fibres and terminals were observed in the epithalamus, many of which entered into the pineal parenchyma. A significant number of nerve fibres endowed with positive boutons were identified in the pineal stalk, though the number of positive fibres decreased along the extension of the stalk. So far, no positive fibres have been found in the superficial pineal gland. RT-PCR analysis revealed the expression of OR-R2 mRNA, whereas OR-R1-receptor mRNA was not detected. When tested alone, HCRT-2 had no effect on secretion of melatonin from cultured rat pinealocytes. However, HCRT-2 partially inhibited (by a maximum of 30%) the ,-adrenergic-induced melatonin secretion. The same effect was seen on activation of N-acetyltransferase activity. The distribution and the large number of HCRT-positive fibres together with the effect on noradrenaline-mediated melatonin release through specific receptors suggests that these peptides may be significant central transmitters in pineal function, probably mediating homeostatic signals to the pineal gland. [source] User profiling on the Web based on deep knowledge and sequential questioningEXPERT SYSTEMS, Issue 1 2006Silvano Mussi Abstract: User profiling on the Web is a topic that has attracted a great number of technological approaches and applications. In most user profiling approaches the website learns profiles from data implicitly acquired from user behaviours, i.e. observing the behaviours of users with a statistically significant number of accesses. This paper presents an alternative approach. In this approach the website explicitly acquires data from users, user interests are represented in a Bayesian network, and user profiles are enriched and refined over time. The profile enrichment is achieved through a sequential asking algorithm based on the value-of-information theory using the Shannon entropy concept. However, what mostly characterizes the approach is the fact that the user is involved in a collaborative process of profile building. The approach has been tried out for over a year in a real application. On the basis of the experimental results the approach turns out to be particularly suitable for applications where the website is strongly based on deep domain knowledge (as for example is the case for scientific websites) and has a community of users that share the same domain knowledge of the website and produce a ,low' number of accesses (,low' compared to the high number of accesses of a typical commercial website). After presenting the technical aspects of the approach, we discuss the underlying ideas in the light of the experimental results and the literature on human,computer interaction and user profiling. [source] The efficacy of air, sound and acoustic bubble screens in deflecting Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., smolts in the River Frome, UKFISHERIES MANAGEMENT & ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2002J. S. WELTON Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., smolts are vulnerable to entrainment in a variety of man-made structures as they migrate downstream. The ability of acoustic bubble screens to deflect smolts from potential hazards was assessed. Screens were deployed, in turn, across one of the two identical channels through which the millstream of the River Frome flowed and the efficiency of these screen systems was tested by counting smolts by video recording in each channel. It was concluded that these screens deflected a significant number of smolts. Efficiencies were greater at night than in daylight because of smolt behaviour. [source] Increased serum anandamide level at ruptured plaque site in patients with acute myocardial infarctionFUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Naotaka Maeda Abstract Inflammation caused by activated macrophages and T lymphocytes may trigger plaque rapture in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) are macrophage-derived signal lipids and may be involved in the pathogenesis of ACS, but no clinical relevant data have been reported. In 43 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients (66 ± 2 years), blood samples were obtained from the aortic root and the infarct-related coronary artery (IRA) using a PercuSurge system during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In six patients with stable effort angina (SEA) (56 ± 6 years), blood samples were obtained from the site of stenosis during elective PCI. In 25 of the 43 AMI patients, anandamide was detected in the serum. Serum anandamide level was 35 ± 20 pmol/mL in the aorta and was significantly increased to 401 ± 134 pmol/mL in the IRA (P < 0.01). 2-AG was undetectable in most of the patients. In patients with SEA, neither anandamide nor 2-AG was detected in the serum at the plaque site. In AMI patients with anandamide detected, left ventricular ejection fraction at 2 weeks after PCI was increased by 3.7 ± 2.1% compared with that at the acute phase, while it was decreased by 3.0 ± 1.8% in those without anandamide detected (P < 0.05). The serum anandamide level at the culprit lesion was elevated compared with the systemic level in a significant number of AMI patients, indicating the synthesis of anandamide at the IRA. Anandamide was suggested to be derived from ruptured plaque and may exert beneficial effects in humans. [source] Expression of the whey acidic protein (Wap) is necessary for adequate nourishment of the offspring but not functional differentiation of mammary epithelial cellsGENESIS: THE JOURNAL OF GENETICS AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 1 2005Aleata A. Triplett Abstract Whey acidic protein (WAP) is the principal whey protein found in rodent milk, which contains a cysteine-rich motif identified in some protease inhibitors and proteins involved in tissue modeling. The expression of the Wap gene, which is principally restricted to the mammary gland, increases more than 1,000-fold around mid-pregnancy. To determine whether the expression of this major milk protein gene is a prerequisite for functional differentiation of mammary epithelial cells, we generated conventional knockout mice lacking two alleles of the Wap gene. Wap-deficient females gave birth to normal litter sizes and, initially, produced enough milk to sustain the offspring. The histological analysis of postpartum mammary glands from knockout dams does not reveal striking phenotypic abnormalities. This suggests that the expression of the Wap gene is not required for alveolar specification and functional differentiation. In addition, we found that Wap is dispensable as a protease inhibitor to maintain the stability of secretory proteins in the milk. Nevertheless, a significant number of litters thrived poorly on Wap-deficient dams, in particular during the second half of lactation. This observation suggests that Wap may be essential for the adequate nourishment of the growing young, which triple in size within the first 10 days of lactation. Important implications of these findings for the use of Wap as a marker for advanced differentiation of mammary epithelial cells and the biology of pluripotent progenitors are discussed in the final section. genesis 43:1,11, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Early Cretaceous bivalves of the Neuquén Basin, west-central Argentina: notes on taxonomy, palaeobiogeography and palaeoecologyGEOLOGICAL JOURNAL, Issue 2 2007Dario G. Lazo Abstract This paper provides an updated taxonomic inventory of the bivalve fauna collected in the Pilmatué Member of the Agrio Formation of the Neuquén Basin, west-central Argentina, places the fauna in its palaeobiogeographic setting, and addresses its palaeoecological significance. Thirty-one Late Valanginian to Early Hauterivian bivalve species within 24 genera were identified. A large part (32%) of the identified bivalve species occur over a wide geographical area: from the Pacific coast of South America to Europe, North Africa, Central Asia and East and South Africa; some are also recorded in Japan. A relatively high degree of endemism (26%) is shown, suggesting that some of the bivalve species had barriers to their dispersal; larval strategy and length of larval development were probably important. A significant number (42%) of the bivalve taxa are left in open nomenclature as they are probably new species. Bivalve guilds are described to interpret palaeoecology, in particular the ecospace utilization. Guilds are based on tiering, life habit, and feeding category. Eight guilds are recognized: free-lying epifaunal, cemented epifaunal, epibyssate, boring, endobyssate, shallow burrowing, deep burrowing and deep burrowing with symbiotic bacteria. The fauna is composed only of suspension-feeders indicating that food resources were dominantly in suspension, in agreement with the predominantly shallow-water aspect of the study deposits. The ecospace utilization in the shoreface is broader than in the offshore shelf, suggesting more favourable living conditions and/or a wider range of different habitat types represented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Transnational marriage among Ahmadi Muslims in the UKGLOBAL NETWORKS, Issue 4 2006MARZIA BALZANI In this article I explore the character and processes of transnational marriage arrangements among Ahmadi Muslims over three generations in the UK. I suggest that the process of conversion to Ahmadiyyat and the organizational structure of Ahmadi mosques have combined to produce a flexible pattern of marriage among Ahmadis that is unusual among South Asians. A significant number of earlier and contemporary Ahmadi marriages are interethnic, reflecting an expansive Ahmadiya identity that is perceived to be independent of ethnicity. Further, analysis of marriage proposals accepted as well as rejected suggests gender differences in perceptions of and motivations for marriage. The analysis suggests that while gender differences in expectations of marriage may have parallels in some other South Asian transnational marriages, Ahmadi religious identity and organization plays a distinctive role in shaping the processes of Ahmadi marriage arrangements. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||