bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating ethical decision‐making models: a review and application
Authors: Whittier Nathan C. , Williams Scott , Dewett Todd C.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

The paper seeks to evaluate the prescriptive value of ethical decision‐making models.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores various types of models in the ethics literature in concert with knowledge from the decision sciences literature to develop a tentative list of evaluative criteria that might be applied to prescriptive models. It then applies these criteria to one prescriptive model from the ethics literature, developed by Petrick and Quinn, in an attempt to demonstrate the value of more comprehensive evaluation. It closes by considering future research aimed at the evaluation of ethical decision‐making models as well as research needed to validate the Petrick and Quinn model.

Findings

This critique finds that the Petrick‐Quinn judgment integrity model satisfies most of the criteria discussed in the ethical decision‐making literature. The primary opportunities for refining the Petrick‐Quinn model as a prescriptive framework for ethical decision making are: articulating the operational judgment component of the model as a formal, quantitative decision analysis, and conducting research to assess the real‐world utility of the model.

Originality/value

While there has been a proliferation of research concerning business ethics, little attention has been focused on evaluating the utility of ethical decision‐making models. Accordingly, this paper advances theory, research and practice regarding ethical decision making in organizations.
Determinants of foreign direct investment at the regional level in China
Authors: Na Lv , Lightfoot W.S.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

This paper sets out to analyze the determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) on both the country and regional level through the extensive review of past research studies, as well as through the development of a multiple regression model for identifying key determinants of FDI at the regional level in China during the critical year of 2002.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of a multiple regression model to identify statistically significant determinants of FDI by region in China.

Findings

As reforms continue to take place, FDI in China has been unevenly distributed. This paper examines five potential determinants of FDI in 30 regions (including provinces, centrally controlled municipalities, and semi‐autonomous regions) of China using a regression model. The specific focus is on 2002, as it is the first full year after China's accession to the World Trade Organization, and the first year in which China exceeded the USA in attracting FDI. From this initial study, one can conclude that the government should consider encouraging capital‐intensive FDI through the further development of a skilled workforce. This means increasing funding for higher education, and infrastructure, while also encouraging more openness in state‐owned enterprises. This paper sets up further research that may help expose regions with greater potential for FDI, as well as identifying regions which need to improve certain conditions in order to receive more FDI.

Originality/value

This paper analyzes the determinants of FDI by region in China in 2002. This year is particularly interesting as it is both the first full year after China's accession to the World Trade Organization, as well as the first year in which FDI was greater in China than in the USA While this research study is only a snap shot of a topic that is of increasing importance to China, it has direct relevance to the FDI development efforts of the individual regions. This study provides evidence that GDP that proxies for the market size and potential is shown to be a big attraction for FDI. Labor quality and the progress of reform or the degree of openness are also important determinants of the distribution of FDI. There is some mild evidence that high labor cost deters the inflow of FDI and the level of infrastructure has positive relation to FDI. These results have important implications for both the central and regional governments as they can be useful in helping the authorities to allocate funds and resources which will help attract FDI.
Reform of state owned enterprises and challenges in China
Authors: Moore Sharon , Jie Wen Julie
Published: October 2006

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a review of the challenges facing the reform of SOEs, and to address the impacts of SOE reform on business executives, on the base of literature review and empirical data collected in Guangzhou, China.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research on the base of literature review, supported by empirical data collected from surveys, interviews, and focus group discussion.

Findings

Although China has made significant achievement in economic reform and the transition into a market system and civil society since 1978, there are still fundamental challenges associated with the reform of state owned enterprises (SOEs). It seems that privatisation will not necessarily solve the complex problems associated with SOEs. This paper suggests that a balanced approach reflecting the best of SOE provision and triple bottom line management appears to provide the best way forward for continuing prosperity in China. The current direction of SOE reform seems to have been driven by privatisation and economic rationalism, rather than a more balanced economic and social strategy. If this trend continues, the challenges for business executives, and the general society, can be overwhelming, and not lead to a more sustainable economy, let alone society, in the medium to long term.

Originality/value

Reform of SOEs has impacted on China fundamentally. Against the common view that business managers are the social group that is benefiting from SOE reform, this paper focuses on factors affecting the economic and social status of business executives, especially the challenges associated with the reform of SOEs. Supported by primary and secondary data sources, it draws attention to the situation that although the economic and social status of business executives continues to rise in China, insecurity and stress on business executives are growing. Reforms associated with changing SOEs are viewed as possible sources of challenges facing the Chinese economy and business life. Current SOE reform seems to have focused on the economic bottom line. A more balanced approach in the reform of SOEs is suggested for a more sustainable economy and society.
Knowledge production and capabilities – their importance and challenges for construction organisations in China
Authors: Egbu Charles
Published: October 2006

Purpose

This paper seeks to address the importance of knowledge production and capabilities for the construction industry; and the implications of the challenges associated with their effective exploitation for the construction industry in China.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough review of extant literature and 31 detailed semi‐structured interviews with practitioners from 14 large, medium and small organisations in the UK construction industry. Content analysis was adopted as the analytical approach.

Findings

The main triggers of knowledge production in the construction industry are: the need to effectively deal with complex projects; the effective use of new, innovative building materials, systems, services; managing change (both project change and organisational change); coping with the uniqueness of projects; and managing team member interfaces (e.g. consultant‐contractor). Knowledge production is a complex process which can occur through a number of ways (e.g. formal research, reflective practice, transformation and combination of existing knowledge). Organisational culture influences knowledge production both positively and negatively.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the main ways in which knowledge production can benefit construction organisations and can impact positively to organisational innovations. It addresses the role of leadership and culture in knowledge production in organisations. Skilled and competent workforce is key in knowledge production, especially in addressing problem‐solving situations. Appropriate and focused training programmes (e.g. continuing professional development events, other short courses, in‐house programmes‐mentoring, coaching, and job rotation) are important in stimulating approaches for improved knowledge production in organisations. As shortages of skilled personnel are rife in construction in China, organisations need to take the issue of knowledge production more seriously.
Corpus‐predominant gastritis as a risk factor for false‐negative 13C‐urea breath test results
Authors: CAPURSO G. , CARNUCCIO A. , LAHNER E. , PANZUTO F. , BACCINI F. , FAVE G. D. , ANNIBALE B.
Published: October 2006

Background

Urea breath test sensitivity seems affected by increased intragastric acidity during therapy with antisecretory drugs. Intragastric pH is increased in patients with corpus gastritis with/without atrophy.

Aim

To test the hypothesis that urea breath test results may also be affected by this gastritis phenotype.

Methods

123 untreated patients underwent gastroscopy plus biopsies and intragastric pH measurement. The study included 82 endoscopically proven Helicobacter pylori‐positive patients who were offered urea breath test with an acidic meal. Histological findings, urea breath test results and intragastric pH were compared in 66 of the subjects.

Results

21 of 66 (31.8%) patients had a false‐negative urea breath test. In these patients corpus‐predominant gastritis (85.7% vs. 37.7%; P = 0.0004) and fundic atrophy (66.6% vs. 17.7%; P = 0.0001) were more frequent than in patients with true‐positive urea breath test. Intragastric pH was higher in false‐negative patients (mean 6.3 vs. 4.4; P = 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, the only risk factor for a false‐negative urea breath test was the presence of corpus‐predominant gastritis (OR = 5.6; 95% CI: 1.1–27). There was a negative correlation between the intragastric pH and the delta over baseline values (r = −0.378; P = 0.0023).

Conclusions

Our results support the hypothesis that the pattern of gastritis can affect the sensitivity of urea breath test, and suggest that patients with corpus‐predominant gastritis have a high risk of false‐negative urea breath test results.
Leiomyoma with atypical cells (atypical leiomyoma) in the larynx
Authors: Matsumoto T , Nishiya M , Ichikawa G , Fujii H
Published: October 2006

Aims

To report and confirm the identity of laryngeal leiomyoma with many atypical cells, which has not been described previously.

Case details

A 53‐year‐old man was found to have a polypoid tumour in the larynx. The tumour was excised and the patient has shown no evidence of recurrence over a 5‐year period. The tumour tissue comprised intersecting fascicles of spindle‐shaped tumour cells with blunt‐ended nuclei. Many of the tumour cells showed marked atypia. Mitotic activity in the tumour cells was low, and no atypical mitoses were found. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells were positive for smooth muscle actin and desmin. p53 overexpression was identified in many tumour cells; the p53 labelling index of the tumour cells was 45%. DNA from tumour cells showed loss of heterozygosity on chromosomes 3p, 5q, 8p, 9p, 10q, 17p and 18q. We diagnosed this case as leiomyoma with atypical cells (atypical leiomyoma) based on the clinical course and pathological and genetic findings.

Conclusion

This is the first report of atypical leiomyoma in the larynx. The clinical course and pathological findings indicate that although laryngeal atypical leiomyoma contains numerous atypical cells, it is a benign neoplasm.
Low rate of apoptosis and overexpression of bcl‐2 in Epstein–Barr virus‐associated gastric carcinoma
Authors: Kume T , Oshima K , Shinohara T , Takeo H , Yamashita Y , Shirakusa T , Kikuchi M
Published: October 2006

Aims

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) has been demonstrated in about 10% of gastric carcinomas. However, the pathogenetic role of EBV in gastric carcinoma is uncertain. We compared the rate of apoptotic cell death, cell proliferation and the expression of apoptosis‐related proteins in gastric carcinomas with or without EBV.

Methods and results

Epstein–Barr virus was detected in 40 gastric carcinomas by EBV‐encoded small RNA‐1 in‐situ hybridization. Apoptotic cell death, MIB‐1, p53, bcl‐2 and bcl‐x were examined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl‐mediated dUTP‐nick end labelling method and immunohistochemistry. We also included 40 age‐, sex‐ and disease stage‐matched EBV‐negative cases as a control. The number of apoptotic cells was significantly lower in EBV‐positive (20 ± 15.1/1000 cells) and bcl‐2‐positive (17 ± 12.9/1000 cells) tumours than in EBV‐negative (43 ± 37.1) and bcl‐2‐negative tumours (38 ± 32.1, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). bcl‐2 immunostaining was significantly higher in EBV‐positive tumours (24 cases) than in EBV‐negative tumours (12 cases, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in bcl‐x and p53 expression between EBV‐positive and ‐negative tumours. The number of MIB‐1‐positive cells in EBV‐positive tumours (237 ± 161/1000) was significantly lower than in EBV‐negative tumours (480 ± 208/1000 cells, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A low rate of apoptosis and high bcl‐2 expression were recognized in EBV‐positive gastric carcinomas, suggesting that bcl‐2 protein is the main inhibitor of apoptosis in EBV‐positive carcinomas. In addition, the low apoptotic and proliferative activities may reflect a low biological activity in EBV‐positive gastric carcinomas.
A test of the reproductive cost hypothesis for sexual size dimorphism in Yarrow's spiny lizard Sceloporus jarrovii
Authors: COX R. M.
Published: October 2006

Trade‐offs between reproduction and growth are central assumptions of life‐history theory, but their implications for sexual size dimorphism (SSD) are poorly understood.

Adult male Yarrow's spiny lizards Sceloporus jarrovii average 10% larger than adult females. In a low‐altitude (1700 m) population, this SSD develops because males grow more quickly than females during the first year of life, particularly during the first female reproductive season. This study tests the hypothesis that SSD develops because female growth is constrained by energetic costs of reproduction.

To test for a growth cost of reproduction, I compared growth rates of free‐living females that differed, either naturally or experimentally, in reproductive status. Females that naturally delayed reproduction until their second year grew more quickly than females that reproduced as yearlings, and ovariectomized yearlings grew more quickly and to larger sizes than reproductive controls.

To determine whether SSD develops in the absence of this inferred reproductive cost, I also studied a high‐altitude (2500 m) population in which all females delay reproduction until their second year. Sex differences in growth trajectories were similar to those observed at low altitude, such that males averaged 10% larger than females even prior to female reproduction.

Although female growth may be constrained by reproduction, multiple lines of evidence indicate that this cost is insufficient to explain the full magnitude of SSD in S. jarrovii. First, differences in growth of reproductive and nonreproductive females are not observed until the final month of gestation, by which time SSD is already well developed. Second, the growth benefit accruing from experimental inhibition of reproduction accounts for only 32% of the natural sex difference in body size. Finally, SSD develops well in advance of female reproduction in a high‐altitude population with delayed maturation.
Interactive effects of environmental stress and inbreeding on reproductive traits in a wild bird population
Authors: MARR A. B. , ARCESE P. , HOCHACHKA W. M. , REID J. M. , KELLER L. F.
Published: October 2006

Conservation biologists are concerned about the interactive effects of environmental stress and inbreeding because such interactions could affect the dynamics and extinction risk of small and isolated populations, but few studies have tested for these interactions in nature.

We used data from the long‐term population study of song sparrowsMelospiza melodiaon Mandarte Island to examine the joint effects of inbreeding and environmental stress on four fitness traits that are known to be affected by the inbreeding level of adult birds: hatching success, laying date, male mating success and fledgling survival.

We found that inbreeding depression interacted with environmental stress to reduce hatching success in the nests of inbred females during periods of rain.

For laying date, we found equivocal support for an interaction between parental inbreeding and environmental stress. In this case, however, inbred females experienced less inbreeding depression in more stressful, cooler years.

For two other traits, we found no evidence that the strength of inbreeding depression varied with environmental stress. First, mated males fathered fewer nests per season if inbred or if the ratio of males to females in the population was high, but inbreeding depression did not depend on sex ratio. Second, fledglings survived poorly during rainy periods and if their father was inbred, but the effects of paternal inbreeding and rain did not interact.

Thus, even for a single species, interactions between the inbreeding level and environmental stress may not occur in all traits affected by inbreeding depression, and interactions that do occur will not always act synergistically to further decrease fitness.
Postcopulatory inbreeding avoidance by female crickets only revealed by molecular markers
Authors: SIMMONS LEIGH W. , BEVERIDGE MAXINE , WEDELL NINA , TREGENZA TOM
Published: October 2006

Multiple mating is thought to provide an opportunity for females to avoid the costs of genetic incompatibility by postcopulatory selection of compatible sperm haplotypes. Few studies have tested the genetic incompatibility hypothesis directly. Here we experimentally manipulated the compatibility of females with their mates using the gryllid cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus. We recorded the hatching success of eggs laid by females mated with two nonsibling males, two siblings, or one nonsibling male and one sibling. In contrast with two previous studies on crickets that have adopted this approach, the hatching success of eggs did not differ between females mated with two full siblings and females mated with two unrelated males, indicating that embryo viability was not a cost of inbreeding in this species. We assigned paternity to offspring produced by females mated to both a sibling and a nonsibling male using microsatellite markers. As in previous studies of this species, we were unable to detect any difference in the proportion of offspring sired by the 1st and the 2nd male to mate with a female when females were unrelated to their mates. However, in our experimental matings the proportion of offspring sired by the nonsibling male depended on his sequence position. Paternity was biased toward the nonsibling male when he mated first. Our data show that molecular analyses of paternity are essential to detect subtle mechanisms of postcopulatory sexual selection.
Sperm competition games: the risk model can generate higher sperm allocation to virgin females
Authors: BALL M. A. , PARKER G. A.
Published: October 2006

We examine the risk model in sperm competition games for cases where female fertility increases significantly with sperm numbers (sperm limitation). Without sperm competition, sperm allocation increases with sperm limitation. We define ‘average risk’ as the probability q that females in the population mate twice, and ‘perceived risk’ as the information males gain about the sperm competition probability with individual females. If males obtain no information from individual females, sperm numbers increase with q unless sperm limitation is high and one of the two competing ejaculates is strongly disfavoured. If males can distinguish between virgin and mated females, greater sperm allocation to virgins is favoured by high sperm limitation, high q, and by the second male's ejaculate being disfavoured. With high sperm limitation, sperm allocation to virgins increases and to mated females decreases with q at high q levels. With perfect information about female mating pattern, sperm allocation (i) to virgins that will mate again exceeds that to mated females and to virgins that will mate only once, (ii) to virgins that mate only once exceeds that for mated females if q is high and there is high second male disadvantage and (iii) to each type of female can decrease with q if sperm limitation is high, although the average allocation increases at least across low q levels. In general, higher sperm allocation to virgins is favoured by: strong disadvantage to the second ejaculate, high sperm limitation, high average risk and increased information (perceived risk). These conditions may apply in a few species, especially spiders.
Training doctors in general practices: A review of the literature
Authors: Larsen Karen , Perkins David
Published: October 2006

Objective:  This study was undertaken to assess the evidence of whether new forms of medical training, where substantial training takes place in general practice, will be acceptable to GPs. In particular, we asked the questions: Are GPs willing to act as trainers and supervisors in their practices? Do GPs have the appropriate skills to be trainers? Do practices have the infrastructure and resources to support placements? And, are patients happy to be seen by medical students and General Practice Registrars?

Design:  Key Australian and international databases, key Australian journals and key Australian websites were searched for literature on general practice‐based training of medical students and General Practice Registrars.

Results:  In the international and Australian literature, we found that many GPs consider training medical students and General Practice Registrars to be intrinsically satisfying. They vary in their skills, and most medical schools have made significant investments in training and support activities. Many practices do not have the necessary infrastructure, and investments need to be made if extended placements are to be successful. Many patients are happy to be seen by students and Registrars, but careful thought needs to be given to implementing appropriate models so that students have good learning opportunities, patients are not disadvantaged and general practices can operate efficiently.

Conclusion:  The success of this new model of clinical placements is dependent on medical schools having a detailed understanding of the needs and expectations of GPs.
Orientation for general practice in remote Aboriginal communities: A program for registrars in the Northern Territory
Authors: Morgan Simon
Published: October 2006

Background:  Remote general practice can be a highly rewarding career, but poses many personal and professional challenges. It is characterised by significant geographical, professional and social isolation and a requirement for practitioners with public health, emergency and extended clinical skills. The remote practitioner faces further challenges in the remote Aboriginal community setting, including language and cultural barriers.

Objectives:  This paper discusses the specific components of a remote Aboriginal community general practice registrar orientation program in the Northern Territory, and their particular importance and relevance to remote training and practice in this context.

Discussion:  Northern Territory General Practice Education, the regional general practice training provider in the Northern Territory, has developed a model for a comprehensive orientation program for general practice registrars planning to work in remote Aboriginal community locations. This comprises a number of core components, including communication and cultural safety training; clinical and procedural skill development; population health; self‐care and personal/professional role delineation; and organisational issues. We believe it is a program that is applicable to other disciplines undertaking work in remote Aboriginal communities.
Factors affecting the recruitment and retention of pharmacists to practice sites in rural and remote areas of New South Wales: A qualitative study
Authors: Harding Anthony , Whitehead Paula , Aslani Parisa , Chen Timothy
Published: October 2006

Objective:  To explore factors affecting recruitment and retention of pharmacists in rural/remote areas of New South Wales (NSW).

Design:  Qualitative semistructured in‐depth interviews.

Setting:  Primary care – rural/remote community pharmacies.

Participants:  Purposive sample of 12 community pharmacists.

Main outcome measures:  Factors affecting recruitment and retention of pharmacists in rural/remote areas of NSW.

Results:  Respondents reported a variety of personal and professional reasons for taking up rural practice, including previous rural experience and a preference for working in rural over metropolitan areas. The main factor affecting retention in rural areas was the high level of professional satisfaction and interprofessional rapport. Perceived reasons for the current under‐supply of pharmacists to rural/remote areas of NSW included changing demographics of the pharmacy undergraduate degree programs and pharmacy workforce, and negative perceptions of rural pharmacy practice and rural lifestyle.

Conclusions:  This study identified factors believed to affect recruitment and retention of pharmacists in rural/remote areas. There appears to be considerable overlap between the factors, with different weightings of importance for different individuals. The lack of consensus for a proposed method of resolving this problem highlights its complexity and the need for further studies in this area.
Wagga Wagga specialist outreach palliative medicine service: A report on the first 12 months of service
Authors: Broadbent Andrew , McKenzie Jenny
Published: October 2006

Objective:  This paper reports on and discusses the development of a visiting palliative medicine specialist outreach service for Wagga Wagga New South Wales, Australia, and presents initial data and three case vignettes for reflection. The visiting doctor was flown from Sydney each fortnight for a day and integrated with the local nursing based palliative care team.

Methods:  Demographic data was collected over the initial 12 months of service, which included the location of the consult (hospital, home, nursing home), whom the consult was from (specialist, GP), age of the patient, location of death, type of cancer, as well as the complexity of consultation from the perspective of one of the authors.

Results:  The majority of referrals were for advice on cancer pain control (62.3%) and other symptoms (26.7%) confirming the expectation. Those patients referred were considered appropriate, with over 75% having a palliative care issue that was considered appropriate for direct patient contact by the specialist in palliative medicine.

Conclusions:  The provision of a visiting palliative medicine specialist to rural areas has been developed over the last few years in New South Wales and the reporting of the success of this particular service aims to provide evidence for the need and the development of further services, as it is expected that this service would continue but with an increasing number of referrals as the service became increasingly known.
Some Notes on Workplace Equality Renewal in the Swedish Labour Market
Authors: Fransson Susanne , Thörnqvist Christer
Published: October 2006

In 2001, Swedish authorities imposed a new obligation upon all firms with ten or more employees to undertake annual wage surveys, ‘workplace equality audits’ in which it is possible to ascertain, remedy and prevent unwarranted wage differentials and other unfair employment terms between men and women. An important implication of the new system, called ‘workplace equality renewal’ (självsanering), is that, at the level of the firm all Swedish employers must explain what they mean by work of ‘equal value’ as opposed to ‘different value’. This article discusses the practical pros and cons of the new system, and considers how the surveys can be used in research into the present state of gendered work division. A main finding is that the introduction of this new legislation in the long run might change the Swedish industrial relations system as well as the preconditions for many companies’ human resource management policies. Yet, neither the governmental agencies involved nor the parties’ confederate organizations have been able to clarify what the issue is really about to the single, small business employer or to the local trade union branches. Many employers find any interference, whatever it may be, threatening and trade unions have not realized the potentialities of the system from an employee perspective, potentialities connected to the fact that companies are now more or less forced to make transparent their wage policies at large.
How to modulate inflammatory cytokines in liver diseases
Authors: Tilg Herbert , Kaser Arthur , Moschen Alexander R.
Published: October 2006

Abstract: Most acute and chronic liver diseases are characterized by inflammatory processes with enhanced expression of various pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in the liver. These cytokines are the driving force of many inflammatory liver disorders often resulting in fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Severe alcoholic hepatitis is a prototypic tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐associated disease. This knowledge has recently led to pilot studies with promising results investigating specific anti‐TNF drugs such as infliximab or etanercept in the treatment of this disease, although a recently performed controlled French study did show a potential detrimental effect of this approach. Anti‐TNF treatment strategies might also improve chronic hepatitis C infection as shown by one controlled trial using etanercept administered subcutaneously for 24 weeks. Furthermore, several case reports suggest that TNF‐α neutralization is not harmful to patients chronically infected with this virus. In contrast, neutralization of TNF‐α worsens and might even be associated with fatalities in chronic hepatitis B infection. Anti‐inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) have also been tried in patients with chronic liver diseases. Whereas IL‐10 administered to patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection shows indeed anti‐inflammatory effects in the liver, it seems to act as a proviral agent thereby limiting its clinical utility. Another cytokine with major anti‐inflammatory potential is the adipokine adiponectin, as its administration is beneficial in many experimental models of liver injury. Interference with cytokine pathways and/or administration of anti‐inflammatory cytokines will be of major interest in the future therapy of many liver diseases.
Systemic mediators induce fibrogenic effects in normal liver after partial bile duct ligation
Authors: Osawa Yosuke , Seki Ekihiro , Adachi Masayuki , Taura Kojiro , Kodama Yuzo , Siegmund Soren V. , Schwabe Robert F. , Brenner David A.
Published: October 2006

Abstract: Background/Aims: Collagen production by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a key event in liver fibrosis, and a number of factors have been characterized that trigger HSC activation and collagen production. However, it remains unclear if these factors act locally at the site of injury or also affect HSCs distant to the site of injury.

Methods: A model of partial bile duct ligation (PBDL) in which fibrogenesis can be compared between the injured ligated lobe and the non‐ligated lobe.

Results: After PBDL, HSCs showed an increased expression of procollagen type I α1 mRNA and collagen‐reporter gene activity not only in the ligated lobe, but also in the non‐ligated lobe, albeit at a lower level. In contrast, an increase in the number of desmin‐ and α‐smooth muscle actin positive HSCs, and accumulation of inflammatory cells were observed only in the ligated lobe. Although transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) mRNA was increased only in the ligated lobe, Smad2/3 were activated in the ligated and the non‐ligated lobe. These data suggest that the systemic increase in profibrogenic mediators including TGF‐β induces collagen transcription in the uninjured liver.

Conclusion: Systemic profibrogenic mediators from the injury site affect the residual non‐injured liver.
Oxygen Therapy in Stroke: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Singhal Aneesh B.
Published: October 2006

Oxygen is frequently administered to patients with suspected stroke. However, the role of oxygen therapy in ischemic stroke remains controversial in light of the failure of three clinical trials of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to show efficacy, and the fear of exacerbating oxygen free radical injury. The previous trials had several shortcomings, perhaps because they were designed on basis of anecdotal case reports and little preclinical data. Most animal studies concerning oxygen therapy in stroke have been conducted over the last 6 years. Emerging data suggests that hyperbaric and even normobaric oxygen therapy can be effective if used appropriately, and raises the tantalizing possibility that hyperoxia can be used to extend the narrow therapeutic time window for stroke thrombolysis. This article reviews the history, rationale, mechanisms of action and adverse effects of hyperoxia, the key results of previous hyperoxia studies, and the potential role of oxygen therapy in contemporary stroke treatment.
The Challenge of Acute-Stroke Management: Does Telemedicine Offer a Solution?
Authors: Wu Olivia , Langhorne Peter
Published: October 2006

Background

Several studies have described successful experiences with the use of telemedicine in acute stroke. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and treatment delivery reliability, of telemedicine systems for the clinical and radiological assessment, and management of acute-stroke patients.

Summary of Review

A systematic review of the literature was carried out. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: ( 1 ) study population included participants with a diagnosis of suspected acute stroke, ( 2 ) intervention included the use of telemedicine systems to aid assessment, diagnosis, or treatment in acute stroke, and ( 3 ) outcomes measured related to feasibility in clinical practice, acceptability to patients, carers, and staff, reliability of telemedicine systems, and effectiveness in delivering treatment, especially tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Overall, 17 relevant non-randomised studies reported that telemedicine systems were feasible and acceptable. Interrater reliability was excellent for global clinical assessments and decisions on radiological exclusion criteria although agreement for individual assessment items was more variable. Telemedicine systems were associated with increased use of tPA.

Conclusion

Although there is limited reliable evidence, observational studies have indicated that telemedicine systems can be feasible, acceptable, and reliable in acute-stroke management. In addition, telemedicine consultations were associated with improved delivery of tPA.
Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis with peripheral nervous system involvement in a dog
Authors: Fliegner RA , Holloway SA , Slocombe RF
Published: October 2006

A 9‐year‐old male neutered Labrador Retriever presented with signs consistent with multifocal neurological disease. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed a mononuclear pleocytosis and electromyography revealed abnormal electrical activity in distal appendicular and masticatory muscles. Treatment was declined and necropsy revealed disseminated granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis with extensive involvement of the peripheral nervous system.
Differential regulation of the nitric oxide–cGMP pathway exacerbates postischaemic heart injury in stroke‐prone hypertensive rats
Authors: Itoh Tetsuji , Haruna Masao , Abe Kohji
Published: October 2006

Using a working perfused heart model, we investigated the hypothesis that alterations in the NO–cGMP pathway may exacerbate postischaemic mechanical dysfunction in the hypertrophied heart. Ischaemia for 25 min followed by reperfusion for 30 min produced marked cardiac mechanical dysfunction in both stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). Exogenous treatment with S‐nitroso‐N‐acetyl‐dl‐penicillamine (SNAP), a NO donor, had beneficial effects on the cardiac dysfunction induced by ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) in the WKY heart, but the cardioprotective effect of SNAP was eliminated by guanylyl cyclase inhibitor. Cardiac cGMP levels were increased by SNAP or ischaemia in WKY. In contrast, in SHRSP hearts, SNAP could not alleviate the cardiac dysfunction caused by I/R. Pre‐ischaemia, the cardiac cGMP level was significantly higher in SHRSP than in WKY; however, no significant difference was found after SNAP and ischaemia. The myocardial Ca2+‐dependent NO synthase (NOS) activity increased at the end of ischaemia in WKY. Conversely, the Ca2+‐independent NOS activity and protein levels were upregulated by I/R in the SHRSP myocardium. In the SHRSP hearts, non‐selective NOS and selective Ca2+‐independent NOS inhibitors or antioxidant treatment alleviated cardiac dysfunction caused by I/R. Moreover, mRNA expression and Western blotting analysis of cGMP‐dependent protein kinase type I showed more deterioration of SHRSP hearts compared with WKY. These results suggest that: (1) the NO‐dependent cardioprotective effect is depressed; and (2) overproduction of NO derived from Ca2+‐independent NOS contributes to postischaemic heart injury in the hypertrophied heart of hypertensive status.
SUPERNOVA Ia AND GALAXY CLUSTER GAS MASS FRACTION CONSTRAINTS ON DARK ENERGY
Authors: WILSON KYLE M. , CHEN GANG , RATRA BHARAT
Published: October 2006

We use the Riess et al. (2004)1 supernova Ia apparent magnitude versus redshift data and the Allen et al. (2004)2 galaxy cluster gas mass fraction versus redshift data to constrain dark energy models. These data provide complementary constraints that when combined together significantly restrict model parameters and favor slowly-evolving dark energy density models, close to the Einstein cosmological constant limit of dark energy.
MANAGER, WORKER, RENTIER AND GOVERNMENT: MARKOV AND NON-MARKOVIAN PLAY
Authors: CORREA ROMAR
Published: October 2006

We decompose the representative agent into her manager, worker and rentier selves. The criterion is the information set of each of the 'incarnations' at every stage of a repeated game. The rentier's information set includes anticipating information while the information set of the other agents is feedback. The equilibrium that results is, therefore, not subgame perfect. Enter the government that produces a good that complements the existing good. It is financed by the issue of money that substitutes for the asset. The enlargement of the state space of the game induces cooperation between the agents.
COMPUTATION OF COMPLETELY MIXED EQUILIBRIUM PAYOFFS IN BIMATRIX GAMES
Authors: MILCHTAICH IGAL
Published: October 2006

A formula is presented for computing the equilibrium payoffs in a generic finite two-person game when the support of the equilibrium is known.
MUSCLE BULGING REDUCES MUSCLE FORCE AND LIMITS THE MAXIMAL EFFECTIVE MUSCLE SIZE
Authors: DAGGFELDT KARL
Published: October 2006

A biomechanical model was generated in order to investigate the possible mechanisms behind reductions in muscle performance due to muscle bulging. It was shown that the proportion of fiber force contributing to the total muscle force is reduced with fiber bulging and that the cause of this reduction is due to the intramuscular pressure (IMP) created by the bulging fibers. Moreover, it was established that the amount of IMP generated muscle force reduction is determined by the extent to which muscle thickening restricts muscle fibers from shortening, thereby limiting their power contribution. It was shown that bulging can set a limit to the maximal size a muscle can take without losing force and power producing capability. Possible effects, due to bulging, on maximal muscle force in relation to both muscle length and muscle shortening velocity were also demonstrated by the model.
PARTITIONS WITH PARTS IN A FINITE SET
Authors: RØDSETH ØYSTEIN J. , SELLERS JAMES A.
Published: October 2006

For a finite set A of positive integers, we study the partition function pA(n). This function enumerates the partitions of the positive integer n into parts in A. We give simple proofs of some known and unknown identities and congruences for pA(n). For n in a special residue class, pA(n) is a polynomial in n. We examine these polynomials for linear factors, and the results are applied to a restricted m-ary partition function. We extend the domain of pA and prove a reciprocity formula with supplement. In closing we consider an asymptotic formula for pA(n) and its refinement.
KHINTCHINE'S THEOREM AND TRANSFERENCE PRINCIPLE FOR STAR BODIES
Authors: DODSON M. M. , KRISTENSEN S.
Published: October 2006

Analogues of Khintchine's Theorem in simultaneous Diophantine approximation in the plane are proved with the classical height replaced by fairly general planar distance functions or equivalently star bodies. Khintchine's transference principle is discussed for distance functions and a direct proof for the multiplicative version is given. A transference principle is also established for a different distance function.
A model of nitric oxide tubulovascular cross talk in a renal outer medullary cross section
Authors: Zhang Wensheng , Edwards Aurélie
Published: October 2006

We developed a two-dimensional model of NO transport in a cross section of the inner stripe (IS) of the rat outer medulla to determine whether tubular and vascular generation of NO result in significant NO concentration (CNO) differences between the periphery and the center of vascular bundles and thereby affect medullary blood flow distribution. Following the approach of Layton and Layton (Layton AT, Layton HE. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 289: F1346–F1366, 2006), the structural heterogeneity of the IS was incorporated in a representative unit consisting of four concentric regions centered on a vascular bundle. Our model suggests that the diffusion distance of NO in the interstitium is limited to a few micrometers. We predict that, under basal conditions, epithelial NO generation raises the average CNO in pericytes surrounding peripheral descending vasa recta (DVR) by a few nanomoles relative to that in pericytes surrounding central DVR. The short descending limbs and long ascending limbs are found to exert the greatest effect on CNO in pericytes; long descending limbs and short ascending limbs only have a moderate effect, whereas outer medullary collecting ducts, which are situated far from the vascular bundle center, do not affect pericyte CNO. Our results suggest that selective stimulation of epithelial NO production should significantly raise the periphery-to-center DVR diameter ratio, thereby increasing the outer medulla-to-inner medulla blood flow ratio. However, concomitant increases in epithelial superoxide (O2−) production would counteract this effect. This model confirms the importance of NO and O2− interactions in mediating tubulovascular cross talk.
Variables Which Might Predict the Response to Salvage Radiotherapy in Chinese Patients with Biochemical Failure after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Xu Y. , Liu R. , Zhang Z. , Hao Q. , Qi S. , Li J. , Teng Z.
Published: October 2006

Background/Aims: To evaluate the relationship between the variables and the outcomes of salvage radiotherapy (sRT) to find some predictors of sRT. Methods: The medical records of 56 patients receiving sRT for biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy (RP) were available for retrospective review. sRT was defined as external beam radiotherapy for patients with a continuous increase in the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of ≧0.2 ng/ml after RP. Response was defined as achievement of a PSA nadir of ≤0.1 ng/ml. Results: The mean follow-up period after sRT was 31.6 months. The predictors of response to sRT were PSA doubling time (PSADT) and seminal vesicle invasion. The median PSADT in responders was 6.5 months versus 4.0 months in non-responders (OR = 1.66, p = 0.006). The patients with a PSADT of >6 months were all responders. The response rate in patients with seminal vesicle invasion was 42.9% (6/14) versus 76.2% (32/42) in patients without seminal vesicle invasion (OR = 0.119, p = 0.015). Conclusion: PSADT and the state of seminal vesicle invasion were good predictors of response to sRT. sRT was especially effective when the PSADT was >6 months and in patients without seminal vesicle invasion.
The Use of Erythropoietin in Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy: Effects on Hematocrit, Transfusion Rates and Quality of Life
Authors: Gaston Kris E. , Kouba Erik , Moore Dominic T. , Pruthi Raj S.
Published: October 2006

Objective: It was the aim of this study to prospectively study the effects on hematocrit levels, transfusion rates and quality of life (QOL) indices in men preoperatively supplemented with recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) undergoing radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer. Methods: Thirty men undergoing radical prostatectomy were randomized either to receive rEPO (n = 25) or to serve as controls (n = 25). Outcome measurements obtained preoperatively, as well as 10 days and 6 weeks postoperatively included serum hematocrit levels, transfusion rates and QOL indices (using SF-12 validated questionnaires). Results: The rEPO group had a significant increase in preoperative hematocrit (median increase = 4 points; p = 0.002). Although there were no significant differences in hematocrit at 10 days, the rEPO had a significantly higher hematocrit value at 6 weeks (p = 0.0086). No differences were observed in transfusions rates between groups (4% in each group). SF-12 mental and SF-12 physical scores were not different between the two groups at any time point. Conclusion: Preoperative administration of rEPO significantly increases preoperative and postoperative hematocrit levels. However, no differences were observed with regard to transfusion rates or postoperative QOL indices despite these higher hematocrit values.
Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy in Patients following Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
Authors: Katz Ran , Borkowski Tomasz , Hoznek Andras , Salomon Laurent , Gettman Matthew T. , Abbou Clement Claude
Published: October 2006

Objectives: Previous transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was reported to impose difficulties during open radical prostatectomy. We describe our experience in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) following transurethral resection of the prostate. Patients and Methods: The series included 35 patients: 22 patients underwent transperitoneal LRP (tpLRP) and 13 underwent extraperitoneal LRP (epLRP). The minimal interval between TURP and laparoscopy was 3 months. Patients’ charts were reviewed for their preoperative characteristics, intraoperative difficulties and complications, and outcome. Results: Patients’ mean age was 67.5 ± 4.4 years. 12 patients were cT1a,b and 23 patients were cT1c/T2. Twenty-two patients underwent tpLRP and 13 underwent epLRP. No statistical difference was found between the preoperative characteristics and the pathological results of cT1a,b vs. T1c/cT2 patients, or tpLRP vs. epLRP patients. Thirty-three procedures were completed laparoscopically and 2 were converted to open surgery. Perioperative complications included two leaking anastomoses, prolonged lymph drainage in 1 case, atelectasis (n = 1) and duodenal ulcer (n = 1). Twelve positive margins were noted, half of them in pT2 tumors. The mean follow-up was 28.5 months. Twenty-five of 35 patients had more than 12 months of follow-up. Among them 19 patients were completely continent (76%) and 6 (24%), reported mild stress incontinence. Conclusions: Although LRP following TURP is sometimes more technically difficult, simple modifications in the operative strategy help facilitate surgery. LRP following TURP favorably compares to open radical prostatectomy after TURP and laparoscopy in non-TURP patients.