bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender, emotionality, and victim impact statements
Authors: Peace Kristine A. , Forrester Deanna L.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The present study aims to examine the influence of emotional content and gender pertaining to victim impact statements (VIS) on sentencing outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a 2 (emotionality)×2 (participant gender)×2 (victim gender)×2 (statement gender) factorial design. Participants (n=715) read a crime vignette and corresponding VIS, and completed questionnaires pertaining to sentencing recommendations, legal attitudes, and levels of emotional empathy (counterbalanced).

Findings

Results indicated that participant gender was related to the emotional appeal of the VIS, and ratings of punishment severity. Emotional empathy was positively associated with perceptions of credibility and emotionality. Higher legal attitudes scores were positively correlated with higher minimum sentences, ratings of credibility, emotional appeal, as well as more severe punishments.

Originality/value

This study has important implications with respect to perceptions of VIS in relation to how emotional they are, who the victim is, who the statement is written by, and who hears the statement. Given the lack of previous research in this area, the study provides data that warrant further investigation.
Responsible negotiation: exploring the forest beyond the tree
Authors: Lempereur Alain
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Exploring responsible negotiation is like discovering the forest beyond the tree. The purpose of this paper is to develop seven steps that might be needed for negotiators to become more responsible. These steps take into account the people at the table, but also those behind and beyond the table, and those needed to sign, ratify and also implement the deal. A broad responsibility should also integrate legal, moral, systemic and environmental constraints, as well as the future of the next generation.

Design/methodology/approach

Negotiation techniques may serve any goal, and therefore lead to irresponsible processes and outcomes. A selected review of the literature on negotiation theory is explored, and its current concepts are complemented to integrate responsibility.

Findings

In total, seven levels of responsibility can be identified for negotiation: towards oneself, the other, respective principals, implementers, absentees, legal compliance, moral norms and values, and the next generation.

Research limitations/implications

It is not clear if responsibility for negotiators should be studied in terms of degrees on a continuum towards heightened responsibility, or if a negotiator should pass the seven‐step test to be considered responsible.

Practical implications

Negotiation skills are essential for leaders, who negotiate every day. Too often, however, negotiators' measure of success does not integrate responsibility.

Social implications

Negotiation involves social interactions, but is often conceived as a self‐centered process, and at best as a dual or two‐level game. It is essential to show how negotiations have social implications that go much beyond these close interpersonal interactions.

Originality/value

There is no other structured article on “responsible negotiation” – which means the paper fills a gap in the management literature. It is indispensable to launch a reflection on this topic, in the same way as there are reflections on “responsible leadership”, “responsible finance”, etc.
Sustainable solutions for “global access to medicines” problems
Authors: Versteynen Leo , Huisingh Donald
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to perform a worldwide survey on the opinion of over 1,000 stakeholders on the value of different approaches to improve global access to life‐saving medicines.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based upon information gathered by triangulation of literature data, data from worldwide questionnaires and data from interviews originating from opinion leaders.

Findings

The findings revealed the main determinants, which contributed to the occurrence of drug pricing conflicts in some emerging markets in the past decade, and documented the preferred approaches to increase global access to life‐saving medicines for the next decade.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the methodology are that some large countries were under‐represented in the questionnaire survey, and that the poorest stakeholders might have been under‐represented in the interviews.

Practical implications

The practical implication of this work is that it resulted in the formulation of an ethical policy or conceptual framework, referred to as the P3S3‐model, that the stakeholders, including policy makers, can use to work together in a setting of reduced conflict.

Social implications

For pharmaceutical companies it is an ideal model to deploy their global social responsibility.

Originality/value

This is the first research that was designed to obtain and to build upon the in‐depth insights of key stakeholders and opinion leaders, on a comprehensive list of possible approaches to provide life‐saving medicines to poor people, at reasonable prices, globally. Therefore, the paper is of high originality/value.
The job satisfaction‐gender paradox revisited
Authors: Westover Jonathan H.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Using Westover's job satisfaction model (based on Kalleberg's 1977 findings and Handel's 2005 study) the purpose of this paper is to re‐examine the job satisfaction‐gender paradox by analyzing cross‐national gender differences in job satisfaction, specifically as these changes relate to differences in the characteristics that men and women experience in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses non‐panel longitudinal data from the International Social Survey Program (work orientations I, II, and III: 1989, 1997, 2005 – survey questions on job characteristics and job quality) to examine cross‐national gender differences in job satisfaction and its determinants.

Findings

Descriptive statistics and regression analysis show that there is little consistent difference in mean job satisfaction and intrinsic job characteristics scores between men and women across the participating countries in the three ways of data.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations of this research include: that the key variables are subjective single item indicators; the non‐panel longitudinal nature of the data, meaning one cannot specifically test the direction of causality among the variables examined as easily as would be possible with panel longitudinal data; and some variables of interest and other important control variables could not be included in the analysis, as data were not available for all three waves of the survey.

Practical implications

Due to the fact the worker job satisfaction impacts individual well‐being and a variety of organizational performance outcomes, organizations need to recognize gender differences in employee workplace experiences and the determinants of job satisfaction, particularly from a cross‐national perspective.

Social implications

As there is a variety of ethical considerations related to gender differences in the workplace, as well as the fact that job satisfaction impacts a variety of societal outcomes, organizations need to recognize gender differences in job satisfaction, and its determinants cross‐nationally.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is the re‐examination of the job satisfaction‐gender paradox by analyzing cross‐national gender differences in job satisfaction from 1989 to 2005, specifically as these changes relate to differences in the characteristics that men and women experience in the workplace.
The contribution of marketing to school-based program evaluation
Authors: Page Bill , Sharp Anne
Published: September 2012

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to outline the contribution of marketing to program evaluation in the school sector. Schools are increasingly the target of government-funded environmental education initiatives and this paper aims to illustrate, through a sector-wide program case study, how marketing metrics can improve overall program evaluation. Existing school-based program evaluations are often not accompanied by rigorous evaluation of their impact beyond educational outcomes. Evaluation focuses instead on improving satisfaction of those already participating, rather than looking at the wider issues of program adoption and engagement levels across the sector. This paper also aims to look at how traditional marketing's evaluation metrics can address this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study is used involving a sector-wide recycling program whose objective is to reduce waste across all schools across a State in Australia. The program, administered by a government agency, had only been evaluated within an educational outcome context. Using existing data on the program from across the school sector, marketing metrics are calculated to provide new insight into the program's wider impact.

Findings

– This research illustrates the relevance of marketing metrics to educational sector activities. It illustrates how to embed metrics into the program and identifies insights they can offer as a supplement to existing educational outcome measures. Such measures are highly useful to funding bodies deciding on a program's development and continuation.

Practical implications

– Marketing provides empirically-based program metrics that are easy and cost-effective to obtain, objective in their measure, and provide feedback loops to participants. Having impacts more clearly measured allows for effective program administration within the childhood education sector. This paper delivers practical guidelines for program administrators.

Originality/value

– The paper brings marketing into an environmental education context, illustrating its contribution for better measurement of behaviour change. It gives marketing practitioners and academic researchers a framework within which they can use already available program data to better gauge the uptake and impact of their efforts.
The marketing matrix
Authors: Hastings Gerard
Published: September 2012

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to question the role of corporate marketing in society and suggest ways of combating it.

Design/methodology/approach

– The problems are urgent and the style is polemical.

Findings

– Marketing is as old as human civilisation; it enables us to engage in the type of mutually beneficial exchange that makes cooperation possible. However, in the hands of the corporate sector, marketing is turning us into spoilt, consumption-obsessed children who are simultaneously wrecking our bodies, psyches and planet. The fiduciary duty of the corporation, which demands a single-minded focus on shareholder value, turns concepts such as consumer sovereignty, customer service and relationship marketing into corrosive myths that seduce us into quiescence, whilst furnishing big business with unprecedented power. Corporate social responsibility, meanwhile, is just a means of currying favour with our political leaders and further extending corporate power.

Practical implications

– Critical analysis is vital: if we do not want to become the apologists for corporate capitalism we have to research, write and teach about its failings as well as social marketing's potential to do good. We should also present solutions. As individuals we have enormous internal strength; collectively we have, and can again, change the world. Indeed marketing itself is a function of humankind's capacity to cooperate to overcome difficulties and long predates its co-option by corporations. In the hands of social marketers this potential force for good is being codified and deployed. If these talents and strengths can be combined with serious moves to contain the corporate sector, it is possible to rethink our economic and social priorities.

Originality/value

– The paper urges social marketers to take heed of and address marketing's failures if our discipline is to be taken seriously in debates about health, welfare and sustainability.
YKL‐40‐gene polymorphism affects acute cellular rejection and fibrosis progression after transplantation for hepatitis C virus‐induced liver disease
Authors: Eurich Dennis , Neumann Ulf P , Boas‐Knoop Sabine , Neuhaus Ruth , Kiessling Anja , Yahyazadeh Ali , Trautwein Christian , Wasmuth Hermann , Puhl Gero , Neuhaus Peter , Bahra Marcus
Published: September 2012

Background and Aim

The development of end‐stage graft disease is suspected to be partially determined by an individual genetic background. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of YKL‐40‐gene polymorphism in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐positive patients and its impact on the incidence of acute cellular rejection (ACR), graft fibrosis and antiviral treatment response.

Methods

A total of 149 patients, who underwent liver transplantation for HCV‐induced liver disease, were genotyped for YKL‐40 (rs4950928; G/C) by TaqMan Genotyping Assay. The results were correlated with 616 post‐transplant graft biopsies regarding inflammation, fibrosis and evidence for ACR.

Results

No association of YKL‐40‐gemotypes was observed regarding mean inflammation grade (P = 0.216) and antiviral treatment outcome (P = 0.733). However, the development of advanced fibrosis (F3‐4) was significantly faster in patients with YKL‐40‐G‐allele: t(CC) = 4.6 versus t(CG/GG) = 2.4 years; P = 0.006. Patients with lower fibrosis (F0‐2) compared to advanced fibrosis (F3‐4) received significantly more frequent dual immunosuppression (calcineurin inhibitors [CNIs]/mofetile mycophenolate [MMF] vs CNIs; P = 0.003). ACR‐occurrence was associated with YKL‐40‐genotypes (ACR: CC = 60.4%, CG = 25.0% and GG = 14.6% vs non‐ACR: CC = 74.2%, CG = 23.8% and GG = 2.0%; P = 0.009) and with gender compatibility between donor and recipient (P = 0.012).

Conclusion

Fibrosis progression and ACR‐incidence after transplantation for HCV‐induced liver disease seem to be under genetic control. The negative impact of G‐allele on post‐transplant events observed in our study, deserves attention and should be verified in larger liver transplantation‐cohorts.
Utility of 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission/computed tomography in the management of recurrent colorectal cancer
Authors: Liong Sue Y. , Kochhar Rohit , Renehan Andrew G. , Manoharan Prakash
Published: September 2012

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the utility of 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission/computed tomography (PET/CT) in the management of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with suspected recurrence.

Methods

Clinical and imaging histories of CRC patients who underwent PET/CT at our institution between 1 April 2007 and 31 August 2008 for evaluation of recurrent disease were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups – (A) patients evaluated for suspected local recurrence (based on conventional imaging) and (B) patients with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in excess of 5 ng/mL; in whom conventional imaging was either normal or equivocal. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were derived using either histopathology or follow‐up imaging as the standard of reference.

Results

In group A (n = 44), the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of PET/CT were 100% (95% confidence interval (CI): 86.7–100), 84.2% (95% CI: 62.4–94.5), 89.3% (95% CI: 72.8–96.3), 100% (95% CI: 80.6–100) and 93.2%, respectively. In group B (n = 18), the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of PET/CT were 76.9% (95% CI: 49.7–91.8), 60.0%, (95% CI: 23.1–88.2), 83.3% (95% CI: 55.2–95.3) and 50% (95% CI: 18.8–81.2), respectively.

Conclusion

PET/CT has high accuracy in the assessment of local recurrence, particularly with regard to its NPV. PET/CT is useful for problem solving in cases of unexplained elevated CEA levels.
Prospective, multicentre, randomized controlled trial of bladder filling prior to trial of void on the timing of discharge
Authors: Du Jason , Marshall Daniel , Leyland John , Shaw Leanne , Broome Kim E. , Mason David F. C.
Published: September 2012

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate whether bladder filling with saline prior to trial of void (TOV) was safe and whether it reduced time to discharge compared with standard TOV in the urology inpatient setting for patients post‐transurethral resection of prostate, bladder neck incision or an admission with urinary retention.

Methods

Prospective, multicentre, randomized controlled trial at Hawkes Bay and Waikato hospitals with local ethics committee approval. All consecutive, consented patients requiring TOV were randomized into filling and control groups. The filling groups were filled with normal saline prior to TOV (up to 500 mL or first sensation of fullness). The control group had their catheter removed at 06.00 hours without filling. Time taken between catheter removal and discharge was recorded in minutes. Complications were recorded.

Results

Fifty‐two patients were recruited and randomized with 27 and 25 patients in the filling and control groups, respectively. The mean time taken from catheter removal to discharge was 300.6 min in the filling group and 340.1 min in the control group. The filling group reduced the time to discharge by 39.5 min (P = 0.304). Furthermore, 2/27 and 2/25 patients in the filling and control groups, respectively, developed urinary retention after TOV and required re‐catheterization prior to discharge.

Conclusion

Bladder filling prior to TOV showed a non‐statistically significant reduction in the time to discharge of 39.5 min. Despite the fact that bladder filling is a safe and cheap procedure, it cannot be recommended for use in an attempt to reduce time to discharge in an inpatient setting.
Critical role of prostate biopsy mortality in the number of years of life gained and lost within a prostate cancer screening programme
Authors: Boniol Mathieu , Boyle Peter , Autier Philippe , Ruffion Alain , Perrin Paul
Published: September 2012

Study Type – Therapy (data synthesis)

Level of Evidence 2b

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

The efficacy of prostate cancer screening using PSA testing is still being debated, with conflicting results in randomized trials.

The study shows that, even using the hypothesis most favourable to prostate cancer screening with PSA, the net number of years of life does not favour screening.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of the implementation a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening programme using the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) results and taking into account the impact of prostate biopsy and over‐treatment on mortality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used a model based on the number of years of life gained and lost owing to screening, using data reported in the ERSPC.

We conducted a critical evaluation of the ERSPC results and of the Swedish arm of the study.

RESULTS

Accounting for biopsy‐specific mortality and for over‐treatment, the balance of number of years of life was negative in the ERSPC study, with an estimated loss of 3.6 years of life per avoided death.

The number of years of life becomes positive (real gain) only when fewer than 666 screened individuals are required to avoid one death.

We found that in the Swedish arm of the ERSPC there was a biopsy rate of 40% compared with 27% in the ERSPC overall. The over‐treatment rate was also greater with 4.1% compared with 3.4% overall.

For the last 20 years, there has been a marked difference in prostate cancer‐specific mortality between Sweden and the rest of Europe: in 2005, for the age group 65–74 the rate was 140 per 100 000 person years in Sweden and ∼80 per 100 000 for the rest of Europe.

CONCLUSION

Overall, PSA testing in Europe is associated with a loss in years of life and should thus not be recommended.
Mapping the Language of Women's Interests: Sex and Party Affiliation in the Bundestag
Authors: Xydias Christina
Published: September 2012

This study maps the language that legislators use to define women's interests in the context of contemporary Germany. Using party groups' manifestos from the 2005 legislative elections and personal interviews with members of the 16th Bundestag (2005–9), the study compares female and male legislators within parties and female legislators across parties, with particular attention to how these interviewees' language cleaved to and from their party scripts (parties' positions on and language regarding women's interests). The map that emerges from this analysis suggests that legislators' language in talking about women's interests is mediated by sex and party affiliation in combination, such that female and male legislators differ within each party and female legislators differ across parties. The study shows that female legislators across parties share an emphasis on the inadequacy of formal equality in yielding women's equality in practice, but they diverge markedly in the policies that they recommend to address this problem. Much previous research on women's representation has focused on the finding that female legislators advocate for women at higher rates than their male colleagues, underplaying both the significant variation among female legislators as well as the contributions of conservative female legislators.
Design considerations for the autism spectrum disorder‐friendly Key Stage 1 classroom
Authors: MCALLISTER KEITH , MAGUIRE BARRY
Published: September 2012

There is a growing consensus that an appropriate classroom environment will aid the performance of the pupil with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There are, however, very few design guidelines available when considering ASD and the school environment. Such guidelines that do exist tend only to be in general terms. Therefore, this article seeks to highlight design considerations specifically for the ASD‐friendly Key Stage 1 (age five to eight) classroom. It will first highlight some of the challenges for those with autism spectrum disorder in a school environment and the triad of challenges faced by architects and designers when considering ASD‐friendly classroom design. It will then go on to describe the findings and results of a two‐year study carried out in conjunction with the ASD teaching staff of Northern Ireland's Southern Education and Library Board. These consist of 16 specific design considerations for the Key Stage 1 ASD‐friendly classroom applicable to all classrooms for pupils between five and eight years of age.
Business goals, user needs, and requirements: A problem frame‐based view
Authors: Lavazza Luigi
Published: September 2012

It is well known that the analysis of requirements involves several stakeholders and perspectives. Very often several points of view at different abstraction levels have to be taken into account: all these features make requirements analysis a complex task. Such intrinsic complexity makes it difficult to understand several of the basic concepts that underlie requirements engineering. Actually, there is some confusion – especially in industry – about what really a user requirement is, what are the differences between user requirements and user needs, and what are their relationships with business processes. The paper aims at clarifying the aforementioned issues, by providing a systematic and clear method for establishing requirements hierarchies. The problem of describing requirements hierarchies is tackled using the problem frames concepts and notation. A case study is used throughout the paper to illustrate the proposed approach. The description of requirements at different levels of abstractions and requirements hierarchies are illustrated. The resulting models are coherent with the reference model for requirements specifications and the problem frames. An analysis process that is aware of the differences between user needs and requirements is also provided, to illustrate the process of refining high‐level goals into requirements that can be satisfied by a hardware/software machine. The proposed method appears promising to model, study, and evaluate the relationships between business processes and the strategies for achieving business goals based on the usage of information technology.
17β‐estradiol protects human skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes against oxidative damage
Authors: Bottai G. , Mancina R. , Muratori M. , Di Gennaro P. , Lotti T.
Published: September 2012

Background  Reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause severe damage to extracellular matrix and to molecular structure of DNA, proteins and lipids. Accumulation of these molecular changes apparently constitutes the basis of cell ageing. 17b‐estradiol (E2) has a key role in skin ageing homeostasis as evidenced by the accelerated decline in skin appearance seen in the perimenopausal years. Oestrogens improve many aspects of the skin such as skin thickness, vascularization, collagen content and quality. Despite these clinical evidences, the effects of oestrogens on skin at the cellular level need further clarification.

Materials and Methods  HaCaT and human fibroblasts were cultured under various conditions with E2 and H2O2; then were subjected to immunofluorescence and western blot analysis. Lipoperoxidation was investigated using BODIPY.

Results  In human fibroblasts oxidative stress decreases procollagen‐I synthesis, while E2 significantly increases it. Fibroblasts and HaCaT cells viability in the presence of E2 demonstrates a notably increased resistance to H2O2 effects. Furthermore E2 is able to counteract H2O2‐mediated lipoperoxidation and DNA oxidative damage in skin cells.

Discussion  In this study we highlight that the menopause‐associated oestrogens decline is involved in reduced collagen production and that E2 could counteract the detrimental effects of oxidative stress on the dermal compartment during skin aging. Furthermore, our data show that physiological concentrations of oestrogens are able to interfere with ROS‐mediated cell viability reduction and to protect human skin cells against oxidative damage to cellular membranes and nucleic acids structure.

Conclusion  Our experimental data show that the presence of 17β‐estradiol may protect skin cells against oxidative damage and that the dramatic lowering of oestrogen levels during menopause, could render skin more susceptible to oxidative damage.
Understanding heterogeneous preference of tourists for big game species: implications for conservation and management
Authors: Di Minin E. , Fraser I. , Slotow R. , MacMillan D. C.
Published: September 2012

Read the Commentaries on this Feature Paper: To use tourism as a conservation tool, first study tourists; The Big 5 and conservation

Response from the authors: Conservation marketing and education for less charismatic biodiversity and conservation businesses for sustainable development
Scenography, Portraiture, and The Rover on the 17th Century English Stage
Authors: Neilson Patrick
Published: September 2012

Using textual evidence, the author explores how contemporary notions about scenographic stage design might be applied to 17th century English theatrical practice. The scenographic use of portraits is examined in brief case studies of John Webster’s The White Devil, the second part of Thomas Heywood’s If You Know Not Me, You Know Nobody, and Aphra Behn’s The Rover. Using methodology suggested by Michael McKeon’s analysis of Behn’s Love‐Letters between a Nobleman and his Sister, the author probes some of the evident and coded meanings of the famous portrait scene in Behn’s play.
The Evolution of Intraventricular Vortex during Ejection Studied by Using Vector Flow Mapping
Authors: Zhang Haibin , Liu Liwen , Chen Lulu , Ma Na , Zhou Liping , Liu Ying , Li Zhiguo , Liu Chengguo , Hou Rui , Zhu Suyang
Published: September 2012

Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess the evolution of intraventricular vortex during left ventricular (LV) ejection. Methods: Vector flow mapping was performed in 51 patients with coronary artery disease and LV ejection fraction (EF) >50%, 70 patients with EF <50% (13 with coronary artery disease and 57 with dilated cardiomyopathy), and 62 healthy volunteers. Results: In normals and patients with EF >50%, the intraventricular vortex dissipated quickly during early ejection. In patients with EF <50%, the vortex stayed mainly at apex and persisted for a significantly longer time. The evolution of vortex during ejection was significantly correlated with QRS width, EF, fractional shortening, LV outflow velocity time integral, wall motion score index (WMSI), LV dimensions, left atrial diameter, and diastolic mitral annular velocities. LV end‐diastolic short diameter and WMSI were the independent determinants of the duration of vortex (R2 = 0.482, P < 0.001). End‐systolic short diameter and apical WMSI were the independent determinants of duration of vortex corrected for ejection time (R2 = 0.565, P < 0.001). End‐systolic short diameter was the independent determinant of percentage change in vortex area during early ejection (R2 = 0.355, P < 0.001). End‐systolic short diameter and ejection time were the independent determinants of percentage change in vortex flow volume (R2 = 0.415, P < 0.001). Conclusions: In patients with LV systolic dysfunction, the vortex persists during ejection and stays mainly at apex. The vortex evolution during ejection is closely associated with LV dimensions and functions.
Relationship Quality, Commitment, and Stability in Long‐Distance Relationships
Authors: Kelmer Gretchen , Rhoades Galena K. , Stanley Scott , Markman Howard J.
Published: September 2012

Using a nationally representative sample (N = 870), the present study compared long‐distance romantic relationships to close‐proximity romantic relationships in terms of relationship quality, commitment, and stability. Individuals in long‐distance relationships generally reported higher levels of relationship quality on a number of relationship quality variables, as well as higher levels of dedication to their relationships and lower levels of feeling trapped (i.e., felt constraint), but were similar to individuals in close‐proximity relationships in terms of perceived and material constraints. Although individuals in long‐distance relationships perceived a lower likelihood of breaking up with their partner at the initial time point, they were as likely as the individuals in close‐proximity relationships to have broken up by the follow‐up assessment.
Metastasis‐associated gene, mag‐1 improves tumour microenvironmental adaptation and potentiates tumour metastasis
Authors: Wang Yan , Jia Haiquan , Lin Huiyun , Tan Xiaogang , Du Zhiyan , Chen Huihua , Xu Yuanji , Han Xiaoxi , Zhang Jiakai , Zhao Siyang , Yu Xiaodan , Lu Yinglin
Published: September 2012

Metastasis is a major cause of death from malignant diseases, and the underlying mechanisms are still largely not known. A detailed probe into the factors which may regulate tumour invasion and metastasis contributes to novel anti‐metastatic therapies. We previously identified a novel metastasis‐associated gene 1 (mag‐1) by means of metastatic phenotype cloning. Then we characterized the gene expression profile of mag‐1 and showed that it promoted cell migration, adhesion and invasion in vitro. Importantly, the disruption of mag‐1 via RNA interference not only inhibited cellular metastatic behaviours but also significantly reduced tumour weight and restrained mouse breast cancer cells to metastasize to lungs in spontaneous metastatic assay in vivo. Furthermore, we proved that mag‐1 integrates dual regulating mechanisms through the stabilization of HIF‐1α and the activation of mTOR signalling pathway. We also found that mag‐1‐induced metastatic promotion could be abrogated by mTOR specific inhibitor, rapamycin. Taken together, the findings identified a direct role that mag‐1 played in metastasis and implicated its function in cellular adaptation to tumour microenvironment.
A novel QTL underlying early‐onset, low‐frequency hearing loss in BXD recombinant inbred strains
Authors: Nagtegaal A. P. , Spijker S. , Crins T. T. H. ,   Neuro‐Bsik Mouse Phenomics Consortium, Borst J. G. G.
Published: September 2012

The DBA/2J inbred strain of mice has been used extensively in hearing research as it suffers from early‐onset, progressive hearing loss. Initially, it mostly affects high frequencies, but already at 2–3 months hearing loss becomes broad. In search for hearing loss genes other than Cadherin 23 (otocadherin) and fascin‐2, which make a large contribution to the high‐frequency deficits, we used a large set of the genetic reference population of BXD recombinant inbred strains. For frequencies 4, 8, 16 and 32 kHz, auditory brainstem response hearing thresholds were longitudinally determined from 2–3 up to 12 weeks of age. Apart from a significant, broad quantitative trait locus (QTL) for high‐frequency hearing loss on chromosome 11 containing the fascin‐2 gene, we found a novel, small QTL for low‐frequency hearing loss on chromosome 18, from hereon called ahl9. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction of organs of Corti, isolated from a subset of strains, showed that a limited number of genes at the QTL were expressed in the organ of Corti. Of those genes, several showed significant expression differences based on the parental line contributing to the allele. Our results may aid in the future identification of genes involved in low‐frequency, early‐onset hearing loss.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor genotype is associated with brain gray and white matter tissue volumes recovery in abstinent alcohol‐dependent individuals
Authors: Mon A. , Durazzo T. C. , Gazdzinski S. , Hutchison K. E. , Pennington D. , Meyerhoff D. J.
Published: September 2012

Neuroimaging studies have linked the methionine (Met) allele of the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene to abnormal regional brain volumes in several psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. However, no neuroimaging studies assessed the effects of this allele on brain morphology in alcohol use disorders and its demonstrated change during abstinence from alcohol. Here we assessed the effects of the BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphism on regional brain tissue volumes and their recovery during short‐term abstinence in treatment‐seeking alcohol‐dependent individuals. 3D T1 weighted magnetic resonance images from 62 individuals were acquired at 1.5 T at one week of abstinence from alcohol; 41 of the participants were rescanned at 5 weeks of abstinence. The images were segmented into gray matter (GM), white matter (WM) and cerebrospinal fluid and parcellated into regional volumes. The BDNF genotype was determined from blood samples using the TaqMan technique. Alcohol‐dependent Val (Valine)/Met heterozygotes and Val homozygotes had similar regional brain volumes at either time point. However, Val homozygotes had significant GM volume increases, while Val/Met heterozygotes increased predominantly in WM volumes over the scan interval. Longitudinal increases in GM but not WM volumes were related to improvements in neurocognitive measures during abstinence. The findings suggest that functionally significant brain tissue volume recovery during abstinence from alcohol is influenced by BDNF genotype.
Analysis of Erectile Responses to BAY 41-8543 and Muscarinic Receptor Stimulation in the Rat
Authors: Lasker George F. , Pankey Edward A. , Allain Alexander V. , Dhaliwal Jasdeep S. , Stasch Johannes-Peter , Murthy Subramanyam N. , Kadowitz Philip J.
Published: September 2012

Introduction

Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) is the receptor for nitric oxide (NO) and in pathophysiologic conditions where NO formation or bioavailability is impaired, erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate erectile responses to the sGC stimulator BAY 41-8543 in physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions.

Methods

Increases in intracavernosal pressure (ICP) in response to intracavernosal (ic) injections of BAY 41-8543 were investigated in the anesthetized rat.

Main Outcome Measures

Increases in ICP/MAP in response to ic injections of BAY 41-8543 and the interaction of BAY 41-8543 with exogenous and endogenously released NO were investigated and the effect of the sGC stimulator on cavernosal nerve injury was assessed. The mechanism of the increase in ICP/MAP in response to ic injection of acetylcholine was investigated.

Results

The ic injections of BAY 41-8543 increased ICP/MAP and the duration of the response. BAY 41-8543 was less potent than sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and ic injections of BAY 41-8543 and SNP produced a larger response than the algebraic sum of responses to either agent alone. Simultaneous ic injection of BAY 41-8543 and cavernosal nerve stimulation produced a greater response than either intervention alone. Atropine and cavernosal nerve crush injury decreased the response to nerve stimulation and ic injection of BAY 41-8543 restored the response.

Conclusion

These data show that BAY 41-8543 has significant erectile activity and can synergize with exogenous and endogenously released NO. This study shows that atropine and nerve crush attenuate the response to cavernosal nerve stimulation and that BAY 41-8543 can restore the response. The results with atropine, L-NAME and hexamethonium indicate that the response to ic injection of acetylcholine is mediated by muscarinic receptors and the release of NO with no significant role for nicotinic receptors. These results suggest that BAY 41-8543 would be useful in the treatment of ED.
Developmental Changes in Direct and Indirect Defenses in the Young Leaves of the Neotropical Tree Genus Inga (Fabaceae)
Authors: Bixenmann Ryan J. , Coley Phyllis D. , Kursar Tom A.
Published: September 2012

Plant fitness is affected by herbivory, and in moist tropical forests, 70 percent of herbivore damage occurs on young leaves. Thus, to understand the effects of herbivory on tropical plant fitness, it is necessary to understand how tropical young leaves survive the brief, but critical, period of susceptibility. In this study, we surveyed three species of Inga during young leaf expansion. Three classes of toxic secondary metabolites (phenolics, saponins, and tyrosine), extrafloral nectar production, leaf area, and extrafloral nectary area were measured at randomly assigned young leaf sizes. In addition, all defenses were compared for potential trade‐offs during leaf expansion. No trade‐offs among defenses were found, and the concentration of all defenses, except tyrosine, decreased during leaf expansion. We suggest that plants continued to increase phenolic and saponin content, but at a rate that resulted in decreasing concentrations. In contrast, tyrosine content per leaf steadily increased such that a constant concentration was maintained regardless of young leaf size. Nectar production remained constant during leaf expansion, but, because young leaf area increased by tenfold, the investment in extrafloral nectar per leaf area significantly decreased. In addition, nectary area did not change during leaf expansion and therefore the relative size of the nectary significantly decreased during young leaf expansion. These results support the predictions of the optimal defense hypothesis and demonstrate that the youngest leaves have the highest investment in multiple defenses, most likely because they have the highest nitrogen content and are most susceptible to a diversity of herbivores.
Male‐killer dynamics in the tropical butterfly,Acraea encedana(Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Authors: Hassan Sami Saeed M. , Idris Eihab , Majerus Michael E. N.
Published: September 2012

Sex ratio distortion in the tropical butterflyAcraea encedanais caused by infection with a male‐killing bacterium of the genusWolbachia. Previous research on this species has reported extreme female bias, high bacterial prevalences, and full sex role reversal. In this paper, we provide an assessment for the dynamics of the male‐killer, based on a survey for sex ratios andWolbachiaprevalences among wild populations ofA. encedanain Uganda. The study reveals thatWolbachiainfection showed considerable variation over both spatial and temporal scales.
Independendly‐Friendly Logic: Dependence and Independence of Quantifiers in Logic
Authors: Sandu Gabriel
Published: September 2012

Independence‐Friendly logic (IF‐logic) introduced by Hintikka and Sandu (1989) studies patterns of dependence and independence of quantifiers which exceed those found in ordinary first‐order logic. The present survey focuses on the game‐theoretical interpretation of IF‐logic, including connections to solution concepts (equilibria in mixed strategies) in classical game theory, but we shall also present its compositional interpretation together with its connections to notions of dependence and dependence between terms.
Effects of Low‐Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Diclofenac (Topical and Intramuscular) as Single and Combined Therapy in Experimental Model of Controlled Muscle Strain in Rats
Authors: de Paiva Carvalho Rodrigo Leal , Leal‐Junior Ernesto Cesar Pinto , Petrellis Maria Carla , Marcos Rodrigo Labat , de Carvalho Maria Helena Catelli , De Nucci Gilberto , Lopes‐Martins Rodrigo Alvaro Brandão
Published: September 2012

Muscle injuries represent ca 30% of sports injuries and excessive stretching of muscle causes more than 90% of injuries. Currently the most used treatments are nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), however, in last years, low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) is becoming an interesting therapeutic modality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of single and combined therapies (LLLT, topical application of diclofenac and intramuscular diclofenac) on functional and biochemical aspects in an experimental model of controlled muscle strain in rats. Muscle strain was induced by overloading tibialis anterior muscle of rats. Injured groups received either no treatment, or a single treatment with topical or intramuscular diclofenac (TD and ID), or LLLT (3 J, 810 nm, 100 mW) 1 h after injury. Walking track analysis was the functional outcome and biochemical analyses included mRNA expression of COX‐1 and COX‐2 and blood levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). All treatments significantly decreased COX‐1 and COX‐2 gene expression compared with injury group (P < 0.05). However, LLLT showed better effects than TD and ID regarding PGE2 levels and walking track analysis (P < 0.05). We can conclude that LLLT has more efficacy than topical and intramuscular diclofenac in treatment of muscle strain injury in acute stage.
Activity of Ten Fungicides against Phytophthora capsici Isolates Resistant to Metalaxyl
Authors: Qi Rende , Wang Tao , Zhao Wei , Li Ping , Ding Jiancheng , Gao Zhimou
Published: September 2012

Pepper Phytophthora blight (PPB), caused by Phytophthora capsici, is an important disease of pepper in China. The extensive application of metalaxyl has resulted in widespread resistance to this fungicide in field. This study has evaluated the activities of several fungicides against the mycelial growth and sporangium germination of metalaxyl‐sensitive and metalaxyl‐resistant P. capsici isolates by determination of EC50 values. The results showed that the novel carboxylic acid amide (CAA) fungicide mandipropamid exhibited excellent inhibitory activity against PPB both in vitro and in vivo, with averagely EC50 values of 0.075 and 0.004 μg/ml in mycelial growth and sporangium germination, respectively, and over 88% efficacy in controlling PPB. The other three CAA fungicides also provided over 70% efficacy in controlling PPB. The mycelial growth was less sensitive to quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicides azoxystrobin and trifloxystrobin than that of sporangium germination in P. capsici isolates. However, azoxystrobin and trifloxystrobin provided over 80% efficacy in controlling PPB. It was noted that propamocarb and cymoxanil did not exhibit activity against the mycelial growth or sporangium germination of P. capsici isolates in the in vitro tests, with over 70% efficacy in controlling PPB. The new fungicide mixture 62.5 g/l fluopicolide + 625 g/l propamocarb (trade name infinito, 687.5 g/l suspension concentrate (SC)) produced over 88% efficacy in controlling PPB caused by both metalaxyl‐sensitive and metalaxyl‐resistant isolates. The data of this study also proved that there was obviously no cross‐resistance between metalaxyl and the other tested fungicides. Therefore, these fungicides should be good alternatives to metalaxyl for the control of PPB and management of metalaxyl resistance.
β‐Adrenergic stimulation increases the intra‐sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ threshold for Ca2+ wave generation
Authors: Domeier Timothy L. , Maxwell Joshua T. , Blatter Lothar A.
Published: September 2012

Key points

In the heart, Ca2+ waves are arrhythmogenic spontaneous sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release events that arise when the Ca2+ content in the SR reaches a critical threshold level.

β‐Adrenergic signalling induces Ca2+ waves in cardiac myocytes, but it remains unclear if this is due to a decrease in the Ca2+ wave threshold or more simply due to an increase in SR Ca2+ content.

We used direct, dynamic measurement of SR Ca2+ levels to show that the Ca2+ wave threshold is unexpectedly increased during β‐adrenergic stimulation.

Our data show that the primary cause of Ca2+ waves following acute β‐adrenergic stimulation is the increase in SR Ca2+ content and not a decrease in the Ca2+ wave threshold.

We propose that the elevation of the Ca2+ wave threshold represents a protective mechanism against arrhythmogenic events during periods of β‐adrenergic stimulation.

Abstract  β‐Adrenergic signalling induces positive inotropic effects on the heart that associate with pro‐arrhythmic spontaneous Ca2+ waves. A threshold level of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ ([Ca2+]SR) is necessary to trigger Ca2+ waves, and whether the increased incidence of Ca2+ waves during β‐adrenergic stimulation is due to an alteration in this threshold remains controversial. Using the low‐affinity Ca2+ indicator fluo‐5N entrapped within the SR of rabbit ventricular myocytes, we addressed this controversy by directly monitoring [Ca2+]SR and Ca2+ waves during β‐adrenergic stimulation. Electrical pacing in elevated extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]o= 7 mm) was used to increase [Ca2+]SR to the threshold where Ca2+ waves were consistently observed. The β‐adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (ISO; 1 μm) increased [Ca2+]SR well above the control threshold and consistently triggered Ca2+ waves. However, when [Ca2+]SR was subsequently lowered in the presence of ISO (by lowering [Ca2+]o to 1 mm and partially inhibiting sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase with cyclopiazonic acid or thapsigargin), Ca2+ waves ceased to occur at a [Ca2+]SR that was higher than the control threshold. Furthermore, for a set [Ca2+]SR level the refractoriness of wave occurrence (Ca2+ wave latency) was prolonged during β‐adrenergic stimulation, and was highly dependent on the extent that [Ca]SR exceeded the wave threshold. These data show that acute β‐adrenergic stimulation increases the [Ca2+]SR threshold for Ca2+ waves, and therefore the primary cause of Ca2+ waves is the robust increase in [Ca2+]SR above this higher threshold level. Elevation of the [Ca2+]SR wave threshold and prolongation of wave latency represent potentially protective mechanisms against pro‐arrhythmogenic Ca2+ release during β‐adrenergic stimulation.