bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant mechanism of isoflavone metabolites in hydrogen peroxide‐stimulated rat primary astrocytes: critical role of hemeoxygenase‐1 and NQO1 expression
Authors: Park Jin‐Sun , Jung Ji‐Sun , Jeong Yeon‐Hui , Hyun Jin‐Won , Le Thi Kim Van , Kim Dong‐Hyun , Choi Eung‐Chil , Kim Hee‐Sun
Published: July 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 909–919.

The brain is highly vulnerable to oxidative stress, thus controlling oxidative stress is considered to be an important therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we found that two isoflavone metabolites (tectorigenin and glycitein) inhibited hydrogen peroxide‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and subsequent cell death in rat primary astrocytes. The isoflavone metabolites increased the expression of phase II antioxidant enzymes, such as hemeoxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and pre‐treatment of cells with their specific inhibitors or small interfering RNA (siRNA) reversed the antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of isoflavones. The results suggest that the antioxidant/cytoprotective effects of isoflavone metabolites are at least because of increased HO‐1 and NQO1 expression. Further mechanistic studies revealed that isoflavones increase the binding of transcription factors [nuclear factor‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and c‐Jun] to the antioxidant response element (ARE) on HO‐1 and NQO1 promoters. Down‐regulation of Nrf2 and/or c‐Jun using dominant‐negative mutants (DNMs) or siRNA diminished the expression of HO‐1 and NQO1, suggesting that Nrf2 and c‐Jun are key transcription factors modulating HO‐1/NQO1 expression. Moreover, PI3 kinase and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were shown to be involved in HO‐1 and/or NQO1 expression by isoflavones. Our data collectively suggest that HO‐1 and NQO1 play a critical role in antioxidant effects of isoflavone metabolites in rat brain astrocytes.
Sports scheduling: Problems and applications
Authors: Ribeiro Celso C.
Published: July 2011

Sports scheduling problems mainly consist in determining the date and the venue in which each game of a tournament will be played. Integer programming, constraint programming, metaheuristics, and hybrid methods have been successfully applied to the solution of different variants of this problem. This paper provides an introductory review of fundamental problems in sports scheduling and their formulations, followed by a survey of applications of optimization methods to scheduling problems in professional leagues of different sport disciplines such as football, baseball, basketball, cricket, and hockey. A case study illustrates a real‐life application of integer programming to the schedule of the yearly Brazilian football tournament.
“When Should Manufacturers Want Fair Trade?”: New Insights from Asymmetric Information when Supply Chains Compete
Authors: Kastl Jakub , Martimort David , Piccolo Salvatore
Published: July 2011

We study a model of competing manufacturer/retailer pairs where adverse selection and moral hazard are coupled with promotional externalities at the downstream level. In contrast to earlier models mainly focusing on a bilateral monopoly setting, we show that with competing brands a ‘laissez‐faire’ approach towards vertical price control might not always promote productive efficiency. Giving manufacturers freedom to control retail prices is more likely to harm consumers when retailers impose positive promotional externalities on each other, and the converse is true otherwise. Our simple model also suggests that, with competing supply chains, consumers and manufacturers might prefer different contractual modes if promotional externalities have substantial effects on demands.
Environmental Policy, Innovation and Performance: New Insights on the Porter Hypothesis
Authors: Lanoie Paul , Laurent‐Lucchetti Jérémy , Johnstone Nick , Ambec Stefan
Published: July 2011

Jaffe and Palmer (1997)present three distinct variants of the so‐called Porter Hypothesis. The “weak” version of the hypothesis posits that environmental regulation will stimulate environmental innovations. The “narrow” version of the hypothesis asserts that flexible environmental policy regimes give firms greater incentive to innovate than prescriptive regulations, such as technology‐based standards. Finally, the “strong” version posits that properly designed regulation may induce cost‐saving innovation that more than compensates for the cost of compliance. In this paper, we test the significance of these different variants of the Porter Hypothesis using data on the four main elements of the hypothesised causality chain (environmental policy, research and development, environmental performance, and commercial performance). The analysis draws upon a database that includes observations from approximately 4,200 facilities in seven OECD countries. In general, we find strong support for the “weak” version, qualified support for the “narrow” version, but no support for the “strong” version.
Exclusivity and Control
Authors: Hagiu Andrei , Lee Robin S.
Published: July 2011

We model competition between content distributors (platforms) for content providers, and show that whether or not content is exclusive or “multihomes” depends crucially on whether or not content providers maintain control over their own pricing to consumers: if content providers sell their content outright and relinquish control, they will tend to be exclusive; on the other hand, if content providers maintain control and only “affiliate” with platforms, then multihoming is sustainable in equilibrium. We show that the outcome under affiliation depends on the tradeoff between platform rent extraction (which increases in exclusivity) and content rent extraction (which increases in multihoming), and demonstrate that the propensity for exclusivity can be increasing, decreasing, or even nonmonotonic in content quality. Finally, if a content provider internalizes the effect of its own price on platform demand, we prove that a platform that already has exclusive access to content may prefer to relinquish control over content pricing to the content provider in order to reduce price competition at the platform level.
Efficient Delegation by an Informed Principal
Authors: Bond Eric W. , Gresik Thomas A.
Published: July 2011

Motivated by examples from the automobile industry, insurance, retailing, and multinational strategy, we study an organizational structure we refer to as "partial delegation." In a bargaining problem between an informed party and an uninformed party, partial delegation involves the informed party delegating bargaining to an agent while retaining control of its private information. We show that partial delegation enables the informed party to earn information rents without creating quantity distortions. First‐best quantities are traded in equilibrium. We argue that partial delegation allows an informed party to implement efficient trade with outside parties by endogenously improving its bargaining power.
Workplace Performance, Worker Commitment, and Loyalty
Authors: Brown Sarah , McHardy Jolian , McNabb Robert , Taylor Karl
Published: July 2011

Using matched employer–employee level data drawn from the 2004 UK Workplace and Employee Relations Survey, we explore the determinants of a measure of worker commitment and loyalty (CLI) and whether CLI influences workplace performance. Factors influencing employee commitment and loyalty include age and gender, whilst workplace level characteristics of importance include human resource (HR) practices. With respect to the effects of employee commitment and loyalty upon the workplace, higher CLI is associated with enhanced workplace performance. Our findings that workplace HRs influence CLI suggest that employers may be able to exert some influence over the commitment and loyalty of its workforce, which, in turn, may affect workplace performance.
Executive Compensation in Japan: Estimating Levels and Determinants from Tax Records
Authors: Nakazato Minoru , Ramseyer J. Mark , Rasmusen Eric B.
Published: July 2011

Most studies of executive compensation have data on pay but not total income. Because exchange‐listed Japanese firms (unlike exchange‐listed U.S. firms) need not disclose executive compensation figures in their securities filings, most studies on Japan lack even good data on pay. Through 2004, however, the Japanese tax office disclosed the tax liabilities of the 73,000 Japanese with the highest incomes. We obtained this data, and match the high‐tax list against the list of CEOs of the firms listed in Section 1 of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. We thus estimate salaries and risk exposure in a new way. We confirm survey and anecdotal evidence that Japanese executives earn less than American—about one‐fifth the pay, adjusting for firm size and outside income. Tobit regressions show that pay in Japan depends heavily on firm size (a .22 elasticity) and on accounting profitability, but not on stock returns. Additionally, family owned firms and those with large lead shareholders pay less to employee CEOs not in the family or with large shareholdings, as do firms whose directors have less tenure on the board.
Quality Diversity and Prices in Markets for Experience Goods
Authors: Orosel Gerhard O. , Zauner Klaus G.
Published: July 2011

We analyze vertical product differentiation in a model where a good’s quality is unobservable to customers before purchase, a continuum of quality levels is technologically feasible, and minimum quality is supplied by a competitive fringe of firms. After purchase the true quality of the good is revealed. To provide firms with incentives to actually deliver promised quality, prices must exceed unit variable costs. We show that for a large class of customer preferences there is “quality polarization,” that is, only minimum and maximum feasible quality are available in the market. For the case without quality polarization we derive sufficient conditions for the incentive constraints to completely determine equilibrium prices, regardless of demand, for all intermediate quality levels.
Vagal Stimulation Promotes Atrial Electrical Remodeling Induced by Rapid Atrial Pacing in Dogs: Evidence of a Noncholinergic Effect
Authors: YANG DONGHUI , XI YUTAO , AI TOMOHIKO , WU GERU , SUN JUNPING , RAZAVI MEHDI , DELAPASSE SCOTT , SHURAIL MOSSAIB , GAO LIANJUN , MATHURIA NILESH , ELAYDA MACARTHUR , CHENG JIE
Published: July 2011

Background:Atrial electrical remodeling (AER) is one of the mechanisms by which atrial fibrillation (AF) begets AF. It is known that vagal activity increases the propensity for AF. However, vagal effects on AER have not been fully investigated.

Methods:Adult mongrel dogs were divided in four groups: group I, rapid atria pacing (RAP); group II, RAP plus vagal nerve stimulation (VNS); group III, RAP and VNS with atropine (0.2 mg/kg/h, intravenous), and group IV, group III plus vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) antagonist ([D‐p‐Cl‐Phe6, Leu17]‐VIP, 0.125 μg/kg/h). VNS was performed bilaterally through vagosympathetic trunks to achieve second‐degree AV block or sinus rate slowing of >30 beats per minute. Atrial effective refractory periods (AERPs) were determined in the coronary sinus and right atrial appendage every hour at drive cycle lengths (DCLs) 350 ms, 300 ms, and 250 ms.

Results:During 5 hours RAP with or without VNS, AERP shortened progressively from baseline at both pacing sites and at all DCLs (P < 0.01). Furthermore, RAP‐induced AERP shortening was more pronounced with VNS (P < 0.01). With atropine, the AERP shortening during VNS was blunted (P < 0.01), but was still significantly more pronounced than that in group I (P < 0.05). However, VNS effect on AERP shortening was eliminated completely with the combination of atropine and VIP antagonist (P = 0.15 vs group I).

Conclusion:Increased vagal activity promotes RAP‐induced AER, which could not be totally accounted for by cholinergic effect but could be blocked by the combination of atropine and VIP antagonist. Vagally released VIP may have important role in the vagal promotion of AER. (PACE 2011; 34:1092–1099)
Improvement of Bioactive Glass Nanofiber by a Capillary‐Driven Infiltration Coating with Degradable Polymers
Authors: Kim Jung‐Ju , Won Jong‐Eun , Shin Ueon Sang , Kim Hae‐Won
Published: July 2011

Herein, we developed a bioactive nanofibrous membrane by coating the bioactive glass nanofiber with degradable biopolymers, such as poly(caprolactone) and poly(lactic acid). A thin layer of the biopolymers could be covered on the glass nanofiber through a capillary‐driven infiltration of the polymer solution into the small‐sized nanofibrous mesh. The biopolymer‐coated glass nanofiber showed significantly enhanced mechanical properties while preserving the excellent bioactivity of the glass nanofiber. The produced nanofibrous membrane may be useful as a bioactive substrate for defect‐filling and cell‐culturing in bone regeneration area.
Phonon‐Mediated Thermal Conductivity in Ionic Solids by Lattice Dynamics‐Based Methods
Authors: Chernatynskiy Aleksandr , Turney Joseph E. , McGaughey Alan J. H. , Amon Cristina H. , Phillpot Simon R.
Published: July 2011

Phonon properties predicted from lattice dynamics calculations and the Boltzmann Transport Equation (BTE) are used to elucidate the thermal‐transport properties of ionic materials. It is found that a rigorous treatment of the Coulombic interactions within the harmonic analysis is needed for the analysis of the phonon structure of the solid, while a short‐range approximation is sufficient for the third‐order force constants. The effects on the thermal conductivity of the relaxation time approximation, the classical approximation to the phonon statistics, the direct summation method for the electrostatic interactions, and the quasi‐harmonic approximation to lattice dynamics are quantified. Quantitative agreement is found between predictions from molecular dynamics simulations (a method valid at temperatures above the Debye temperature) and the BTE result within quasi‐harmonic approximation over a wide temperature range.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of Electrospun TiO2 Nanofibers with Optimal Anatase/Rutile Ratio
Authors: Li Heping , Zhang Wei , Pan Wei
Published: July 2011

By way of electrospinning followed by annealing at different temperatures, TiO2 nanofibers with different phases have been successfully fabricated. The corresponding ultraviolet photocatalytic activity was evaluated using rhodamine B degradation as a probe reaction. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanofibers is found to be enhanced when annealed at higher temperatures with amount of anatase phase transformed to rutile. An optimal annealing temperature exists on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanofibers, which increases with the increasing of the calcination temperature up to 600°C and then decreases. According to their phase transformations monitored by X‐ray diffraction, the different crystalline structures could be the reason for the enhanced photocatalytic activity of these electrospun TiO2 nanofibers.
A new oncolytic adenoviral vector carrying dual tumour suppressor genes shows potent anti‐tumour effect
Authors: Liu Xin‐Ran , Cai Ying , Cao Xin , Wei Rui‐Cheng , Li Hui‐Ling , Zhou Xiu‐Mei , Zhang Kang‐Jian , Wu Shuai , Qian Qi‐Jun , Cheng Biao , Huang Kun , Liu Xin‐Yuan
Published: July 2011

Cancer Targeting Gene‐Viro‐Therapy (CTGVT) is a promising cancer therapeutical strategy that strengthens the anti‐tumour effect of oncolytic virus by expressing inserted foreign anti‐tumour genes. In this work, we constructed a novel adenoviral vector controlled by the tumour‐specific survivin promoter on the basis of the ZD55 vector, which is an E1B55KD gene deleted vector we previously constructed. Compared with the original ZD55 vector, this new adenoviral vector (ZD55SP/E1A) showed much better ability of replication and reporter gene expression. We then combined anti‐tumour gene interleukine‐24 (IL‐24) with an RNA polymerase III‐dependent U6 promoter driving short hairpin RNA (shRNA) that targets M‐phase phosphoprotein 1 (MPHOSPH1, a newly identified oncogene) by inserting the IL‐24 and the shRNA of MPHOSPH1 (shMPP1) expression cassettes into the new ZD55SP/E1A vector. Our results demonstrated excellent anti‐tumour effect of ZD55SP/E1A‐IL‐24‐shMPP1 in vitro on multiple cancer cell lines such as lung cancer, liver cancer and ovarian caner. At high multiplicity‐of‐infection (MOI), ZD55SP/E1A‐IL‐24‐shMPP1 triggered post‐mitotic apoptosis in cancer cells by inducing prolonged mitotic arrest; while at low MOI, senescence was induced. More importantly, ZD55SP/E1A‐IL‐24‐shMPP1 also showed excellent anti‐tumour effects in vivo on SW620 xenograft nude mice. In conclusion, our strategy of constructing an IL‐24 and shMPP1 dual gene expressing oncolytic adenoviral vector, which is regulated by the survivin promoter and E1B55KD deletion, could be a promising method of cancer gene therapy.
Poor oral hygiene and gingivitis are associated with obesity and overweight status in paediatric subjects
Authors: Franchini Roberto , Petri Antonella , Migliario Mario , Rimondini Lia
Published: July 2011

Franchini R, Petri A, Migliario M, Rimondini L: Poor oral hygiene and gingivitis are associated with obesity and overweight status in paediatric subjects. J Clin Periodontol 2011; 38: 1021–1028. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2011.01770.x.

Aim: The association between obesity and periodontitis has been extensively investigated in adults but not in young people. Our aim is to evaluate whether overweight/obese paediatric patients have a greater chance of being affected by gingivitis than those of normal weight.

Subjects and Methods: Ninety‐eight subjects ranging between 10 and 17 years of age were classified as obese/overweight or normal weight on the basis of body mass index. Auxological data, blood pressure, insulin resistance, psychological profile, oral hygiene habits, plaque and gingival indices were collected.

Results: Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were significantly higher in overweight/obese subjects than in the normal‐weight subjects (p<0001). The overweight/obese subjects showed a worse attitude towards oral hygiene. Two‐way anova revealed a significant effect of obesity status (p<0001) on the gingival index. Logistic and linear regression analyses identified gingivitis as dependent on insulin resistance and bad oral hygiene rather than on the overweight/obese status simply defined. Negative psychological features related to physical and academic self‐concept were also risk factors for gingivitis probably because they were related to a generic poor self‐awareness.

Conclusion: The gingivitis observed in overweight and obese young subjects is probably due to a combination of metabolic and inflammatory profiles and neglected attitude towards oral hygiene.
The Controversial Role of Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors in the Treatment of Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Jannini Emmanuele A. , McMahon Chris , Chen Juza , Aversa Antonio , Perelman Michael
Published: July 2011

Introduction

It is controversial whether or not the most frequent male sexual dysfunctions, premature ejaculation (PE) and erectile dysfunction (ED), share pathogenetic mechanisms and treatments.

Methods

Three scientists (C.McM., J.C., and A.A.), together with the Controversy's Editor (E.A.J.), with expertise in the area of medical treatment of PE, present different perspectives on the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5is) in PE. The psychological point of view is discussed by an expert in sexology (M.P.).

Main Outcome Measure

Outcome measures used are expert opinions supported by the critical review of the currently available literature.

Results

This Controversy examines the role of nitric oxide (NO) as a neurotransmitter involved in the central and peripheral control of ejaculation, the adherence of methodology to the contemporary consensus of ideal PE drug trial design, the impact of methodology on treatment outcomes, and the role of PDE5i drugs (sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil) in the treatment of PE.

Conclusions

While it is evident that PDE5is are the first choice in patients with comorbid ED and PE (where one may be secondary to the other), well-designed studies on the possible use of PDE5is in PE patients without ED are still limited. The issue will be less controversial when further evidence on the role of NO and PDE5 in the mechanism of ejaculation is available.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE FIBER SUSPENSIONS. II: EFFECT OF VARIATIONS IN HEAT TREATMENT
Authors: BENGTSSON HANNA , WIKBERG JOHANNA , TORNBERG EVA
Published: July 2011

The pectin content in the soluble and insoluble fractions of fiber suspensions from carrot, potato pulp and apple heat treated in four different ways was determined together with the particle size distribution, water‐holding capacity (WHC), morphology and rheological properties of the fiber suspensions. In the carrot and apple suspensions, where β‐elimination was favored, the soluble pectin increased, whereas a significant but small decrease of the mean particle size of the insoluble material was obtained together with a significant decrease in WHC. For the potato pulp suspensions, however, only minor pectin solubilization was observed by heat treatment. Instead remaining starch in the cell matrix swelled on prolonged heating, leading to a different particle size distribution and a significant increase in WHC However, only minor effects on heating were seen on the elastic modulus for all fiber sources studied. But the source of fiber seems to be more important for the elastic modulus of the suspension, where the order of firmness in heated tissues (not the suspensions) seems to be the determining factor, being in the order of apple > potato > carrot.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Heat treatment of dietary fiber before use as an additive in food products, or during the production of innovative products, can change its physicochemical properties. These changes must be understood in order to predict the changes in the final product containing dietary fiber. The findings in the present study show that heat treatment that increased β‐elimination (high temperatures for a long time) caused reduced water‐holding capacity by decreasing the content of network‐forming insoluble material. It was also found that the physicochemical properties of the potato pulp fiber suspensions are mainly affected by the gelatinization of the starch remaining within the fiber structure.
EFFECT OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES ON THE SENSORY PERCEPTION OF THE TEXTURE OF HOMOGENIZED FRUIT AND VEGETABLE FIBER SUSPENSIONS
Authors: BENGTSSON HANNA , HALL CHRISTINA , TORNBERG EVA
Published: July 2011

In this study the effects of degree of homogenization and concentration of insoluble material on the perceived texture of apple, tomato, potato pulp and carrot fiber suspensions have been investigated. This was done using a descriptive sensory analysis with the attributes melting, slippery, crispy, grainy and thick. The texture attributes were then correlated to the physicochemical properties of the fiber suspensions and the composition of soluble and insoluble fiber. Carrot and potato pulp suspensions were more crispy and grainy than the apple and tomato suspensions, which were perceived as more melting and slippery. The perception of crispy/grainy was governed mainly by the particle size of the insoluble fiber. The sensation of slippery/melting was increased with increasing elastic modulus and water‐holding capacity as well as a higher content of soluble fiber. Suspensions with a high elastic modulus of the continuous phase as well as a high yield stress were perceived as thick.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Further studies are required on the texture of dietary fiber‐fortified products to increase their consumption. If the effect of processing on the texture of the dietary fiber can be understood, more appetizing products could be introduced onto the market. The present study showed that homogenization changed the morphology of the suspensions; decreasing the particle size and increasing the elastic modulus, which led to a change in the perception from crispy/grainy to slippery/melting. The difference in perceived texture between the different fiber sources used was also shown. By applying this knowledge in the food product development process the desired texture can be achieved, conveying more products fortified with dietary fiber on the market.
Avian biomodels for use as pharmaceutical bioreactors and for studying human diseases
Authors: Song Gwonhwa , Han Jae Yong
Published: July 2011

Animal‐based biotechnologies involve the use of domestic animals for the production of pharmaceuticals and various proteins in milk and eggs, as disease models, as tools for stem cell research and animal cloning, and as sources of organs for xenotransplantation into humans. Avian species offer several advantages over mammalian models, and they have been used historically to advance the fields of embryology, immunology, oncology, virology, and vaccine development. In addition, avian species can be used for studying the etiology of human ovarian cancer and other human diseases such as disorders based on the abnormal metabolism of lipids and as unique mechanisms for the biosynthesis and transport of cholesterol. This review integrates recent progress and insight into the molecular and physiologic mechanisms associated with transgenic birds and gives an overview of the use of avian models as pharmaceutical bioreactors and as tools for studying human diseases.
Practical issues in genome‐wide association studies for physical activity
Authors: Kim Jaehee , Oh Sohee , Min Haesook , Kim Yeonjung , Park Taesung
Published: July 2011

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified many genetic variants that are associated with many complex traits. For example, GWAS can be useful for understanding the genetic basis of physical activity (PA). To date, however, there have been only a few GWAS regarding PA. In this article, we overview some practical issues for more efficient GWAS for PA: phenotype definition of PA, the analysis method, population stratification, replication, and sample size. We discuss these issues within a large‐scale GWA data set from the Korea Association REsource (KARE) project, including 8,842 samples and 352,228 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Information on PA was obtained from questionnaires, and GWA analysis was performed to find genetic associations between PA and SNP markers in the Korean population.
Effects of physical activity on cancer prevention
Authors: Na Hye‐Kyung , Oliynyk Sergiy
Published: July 2011

Results of most epidemiological and laboratory studies suggest an inverse relationship between regular exercise and the risk of certain malignancies, such as intestinal, colon, pancreatic, breast, lung, skin, mammary, endometrial, and prostate cancer. However, physical activity can have different influence on carcinogenesis, depending on energy supply and the age of the subject as well as strength, frequency, and length of exercise. The biochemical and molecular basis of the interaction between aerobic physical activity and tumorigenic processes remains poorly understood. Physical activity may generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to a different extent. Mild oxidative stress caused by moderate physical activity can activate cellular stress response signaling and potentiate cellular antioxidant defense capacity. However, accumulation of relatively large amounts of ROS as a consequence of exhaustive exercise can either directly damage DNA, causing mutation, or promote tumorigenesis by activating proinflammatory signaling. This review highlights the effects of physical activity on various malignancies in the context of redox status modulated during exercise.
Inhibitory mechanism of lycopene on cytokine expression in experimental pancreatitis
Authors: Kim Hyeyoung
Published: July 2011

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important mediators to induce pancreatitis. Serum levels of antioxidant enzymes and carotenoids including lycopene are lower in patients with pancreatitis than those of healthy subjects. The cholecystokinin (CCK) analog cerulein induces similar pathologic events as shown in human pancreatitis. Recent studies show that high doses of cerulein activate NF‐κB and induce the expression of inflammatory cytokines, in pancreatic acinar cells, which is mediated by the activation of NADPH oxidase. Lycopene functions as a very potent antioxidant to suppress the induction of inflammatory cytokines, in pancreatic acinar cells stimulated with cerulein. In this review, the possible beneficial effect of lycopene on experimental pancreatitis shall be discussed based on its antioxidant activity.
Hymenochaete rhododendricola and H. quercicola spp. nov. (Basidiomycota, Hymenochaetales) from Tibet, southwestern China
Authors: He Shuang‐Hui , Li Hai‐Jiao
Published: July 2011

Hymenochaete rhododendricola sp. nov. and Hymenochaete quercicola sp. nov. are described from Xizang Autonomous Region (Tibet), southwestern China. Hymenochaete rhododendricola is distinct in the genus by its large and heavily enmeshed setae, and growing on dead branches of Rhododendron. Hymenochaete quercicola differs from other species by its smooth or tuberculate hymenophore, presence of a cortex, relatively large and oblong‐ellipsoid basidiospores, and living on dead branches of Quercus.
Electoral Institutions, the Personal Vote, and Legislative Organization
Authors: MARTIN SHANE
Published: July 2011

What is the relationship between electoral institutions and the internal organization of legislatures? Existing research on the U.S. Congress suggests that electoral incentives shaped by the candidate‐centered nature of congressional elections explain the emergence of strong committees in that legislature. Exploring the issue from a comparative perspective, it is argued that the impact of ballot structure on committee system structure is dependent on how legislators cultivate personal votes. Committees will be stronger when legislators supply fiscal legislative particularism (pork), but weaker when legislators cultivate support by delivering extra‐legislative constituency service. Statistical analysis, combining original data on committee design in 39 democratic legislatures with measures of ballot structure and mechanism to cultivate a personal vote (MCPV), confirms the expectation.
Constituency Congruency and Candidate Competition in U.S. House Elections
Authors: CARSON JAMIE L. , CRESPIN MICHAEL H. , EAVES CARRIE P. , WANLESS EMILY
Published: July 2011

Research on candidate competition has focused on how much context matters in emergence decisions and election outcomes. If a candidate has previously held elected office, one additional consideration that may influence entry decisions is the relative degree of overlap between the candidate's current constituency and the “new” set of voters she is seeking to represent. Using GIS software, we derive a measure of the challenger's personal vote by focusing on constituency congruency between state legislative and congressional districts. Results suggest state legislators are more likely to run for a seat in the U.S. House if constituency congruency is relatively high.
Clinical expression of lolitrem B (perennial ryegrass) intoxication in horses
Authors: JOHNSTONE L. K. , MAYHEW I. G. , FLETCHER L. R.
Published: July 2011

Reasons for performing study:Perennial ryegrass staggers is purported to be a common neurological mycotoxicosis of horses but the case description lacks detail and evidence.

Objective:To describe the clinical syndrome of lolitrem B intoxication in horses, limiting tests to those that are applicable to clinical practice, and to assess the potential value of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests for lolitrem B in horse body fluids.

Methods:Seven horses in 2 separate groups were fed perennial ryegrass seed and hay containing 2 ppm lolitrem B. Paired data were collected prior to and after 2 weeks exposure to lolitrem B, including video‐documented neurological examination and clinical examination.

Results:All horses developed a variable degree of tremor and ataxia when exposed to lolitrem B. Tremor depended on the level of activity and included a subtle, rapid tremor of the eyeball. Ataxia was exaggerated by blindfolding and primarily involved a truncal sway and irregular, but predictable, limb placements. No change was detected in urine lolitrem B levels and, although plasma lolitrem B increased during the treatment period, levels did not correlate with the severity of clinical signs displayed. Limb swelling, heel lesions and serous nasal discharge were also observed in horses most severely intoxicated.

Conclusions:The clinical effects of lolitrem B intoxication in horses primarily involve action‐related tremors and symmetrical vestibular ataxia. Ergovaline may have caused the limb swelling, heel lesions and serous nasal discharge. Plasma ELISA for lolitrem B may be of diagnostic use in the future.

Potential relevance:This study provides a clearer appreciation of the clinical signs and variability of perennial ryegrass intoxication in horses.
A plea for more training opportunities in qualitative methods
Authors: Halbesleben Jonathon R. B.
Published: July 2011

This article is a commentary on ‘Assessing ‘good’ qualitative research in the work psychology field: A narrative analysis’ (Cassell & Symon, 2011) and a response to two other commentaries (Hickson, 2011; Locke, 2011).
Ethnic and gender differences in the labour market perceptions of post‐higher education job seekers: ‘Double jeopardy’ or ‘ethnic prominence’?
Authors: Taylor Susan D. , Charlton John P. , Ranyard Rob
Published: July 2011

Ethnic and gender differences in perceptions of graduate job acquisition difficulty among U.K. post‐higher education job seekers were investigated. Two main hypotheses were compared: the double jeopardy hypothesis (DJH), suggesting an additive or interactive increase in perceived difficulty associated with membership of different disadvantaged demographic categories; and the ethnic prominence hypothesis, arguing for the salience of ethnicity over gender in perceptions. Graduates and final year students (N= 800) from Black, Indian, Pakistani/Bangladeshi, and White ethnic backgrounds rated the level of difficulty that a suitably qualified man and woman from their own ethnic background would encounter in attaining 10 graduate jobs. Interactions between participant ethnic background and gender of job seeker rated were examined in the context of the competing hypotheses. The perceptions of men, and Indian and Pakistani/Bangladeshi women, were consistent with the additive DJH, whereas Black women's perceptions were not. It is concluded that: (1) the perceptions of the latter group may reflect knowledge of Black male disadvantage, or negative stereotyping with respect to employment in the U.K. graduate labour market; and (2) perceptions of double jeopardy by some female graduates may have negative effects on their job seeking endeavours.
Attenuation of change blindness in children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Fletcher‐Watson Sue , Leekam Susan R. , Connolly Brenda , Collis Jess M. , Findlay John M. , McConachie Helen , Rodgers Jacqui
Published: July 2011

Change blindness refers to the difficulty most people find in detecting a difference between two pictures when these are presented successively, with a brief interruption between. Attention at the site of the change is required for detection. A number of studies have investigated change blindness in adults and children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Some have produced evidence that people with ASD find changes to social stimuli harder to detect and changes to non‐social stimuli easier to detect, relative to comparison participants. However, other studies have produced entirely contradictory findings. There is a need for consistency in methodology to aid understanding of change blindness and attentional processes in ASD. Here, we replicate a change blindness study previously carried out with typically developing (TD) children and adults and with adults with ASD. Results reveal attenuated change blindness for non‐social stimuli in children with ASD relative to TD norms. Our results are interpreted, alongside others' findings, as potentially indicative of a complex relationship between different influences on attention over time.
A public study of the lifetime distribution of soap films
Authors: Tobin S. T. , Meagher A. J. , Bulfin B. , Möbius M. , Hutzler S.
Published: July 2011

We present data for the lifetime distribution of soap films made from commercial dish-washing solution and contained in sealed cylinders. Data for over 2500 films were gathered during a 2-month exhibition on the science and art of bubbles and foams in Dublin’s Science Gallery. Visitors to the gallery were invited to create 10–20 parallel soap films in acrylic tubes which were sealed with cork stoppers. Individual film bursts occurred at random and were uncorrelated. The total number of remaining films in the tubes was recorded every day. Visitors could monitor the status of their soap film tube and the daily updated histogram of the lifetime of all films. The histogram of the bubble lifetimes is well described by a Weibull distribution, which indicates that the failure rate is not constant and increases over time. Unsealed cylinders show drastically reduced film lifetimes. This experiment illustrates the difference between the unpredictability of the lifetime of individual films and the existence of a well-defined lifetime distribution for the ensemble.
Experiments with light-emitting diodes
Authors: Kraftmakher Yaakov
Published: July 2011

The radiant and luminous power spectra, efficiency, and luminous efficacy of commercially available light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are measured. The output radiant power is determined with a silicon photodiode from its typical spectral response. A calculation of the radiant power spectra and the luminous power spectra is demonstrated. The frequency response of the LEDs is determined in the range 10–107 Hz. For the white LED, the frequency response of the primary blue emission and the green-yellow phosphorescence is measured separately, and the phosphorescence time constant is estimated. The ratio h/e is estimated using the emission wavelengths and the “turn-on” voltages.
Resistance training in musculoskeletal rehabilitation: a systematic review
Authors: Kristensen Jakob , Franklyn-Miller Andy
Published: July 2011

Objective

To review the efficacy of resistance training (RT) as a therapeutic modality in various musculoskeletal conditions.

Design

Systematic review.

Subjects

Data from 1545 rehabilitation patients who had participated in structured RT programmes were included into the review. The total number of patients was composed of separate musculoskeletal conditions—chronic low back pain (CLBP) (549), tendinopathy (299), knee osteoarthritis (433), anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (189) and hip replacement surgery (75).

Results

Evidence suggests that RT can increase muscle strength, reduce pain and improve functional ability in patients suffering from CLBP, knee osteoarthritis, and chronic tendinopathy and those under recovery after hip replacement surgery.

Conclusion

RT can be used successfully as a therapeutic modality in several musculoskeletal conditions, especially those of a chronic variety. Although the exact application of training intensity and volume for maximal therapeutic effects is still unclear, it appears that RT guidelines, which have proven effective in a healthy population, can also be successfully applied in a rehabilitation context.
Phase II study of tight glycaemic control in COPD patients with exacerbations admitted to the acute medical unit
Authors: Archer John R H , Misra Shivani , Simmgen Marcus , Jones Paul W , Baker Emma H
Published: July 2011

Background

Hyperglycaemia is associated with poor outcomes from exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Glycaemic control could improve outcomes by reducing infection, inflammation and myopathy. Most patients with COPD are managed on the acute medical unit (AMU) outside intensive care (ICU).

Objective

To determine the feasibility, safety and efficacy of tight glycaemic control in patients on an AMU.

Design

Prospective, non-randomised, phase II, single-arm study of tight glycaemic control in COPD patients with acute exacerbations and hyperglycaemia admitted to the AMU. Participants received intravenous, then subcutaneous, insulin to control blood glucose to 4.4–6.5 mmol/l. Tight glycaemic control was evaluated: feasibility, protocol adherence; acceptability, patient questionnaire; safety, frequency of hypoglycaemia (capillary blood glucose (CBG) <2.2 mmol/l and 2.2–3.3 mmol/l); efficacy, median CBG, fasting CBG, proportion of measurements/time in target range, glycaemic variability. Results were compared with 25 published ICU studies.

Results

20 patients (10 females, age 71±9 years; forced expiratory volume in 1 s: 41±16% predicted) were recruited. Tight glycaemic control was feasible (78% CBG measurements and 89% of insulin-dose adjustments were adherent to protocol) and acceptable to patients. 0.2% CBG measurements were <2.2 mmol/l and 4.1% measurements 2.2–3.3 mmol/l. The study CBG and proportion of measurements/time in target range were similar to that of ICU studies, whereas the fasting CBG was lower, and the glycaemic variability was greater.

Conclusions

Tight glycaemic control is feasible and has similar safety and efficacy on AMU to ICU. However, as more recent ICU studies have shown no benefit and possible harm from tight glycaemic control, alternative strategies for blood glucose control in COPD exacerbations should now be explored.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN: 42412334.http://Clinical.Trials.govNCT00764556.
Fear of a female planet: how John Harris came to endorse eugenic social engineering
Authors: Sparrow Robert
Published: July 2011

In this paper, I respond to criticisms by John Harris, contained in a commentary on my article “Harris, harmed states, and sexed bodies”, which appeared in theJournal of Medical Ethics, volume 37, number 5. I argue that Harris's response to my criticisms exposes the strong eugenic tendencies in his own thought, when he suggests that the reproductive obligations of parents should be determined with reference to a claim about what would enhance ‘society’ or ‘the species’.
The novel use of Onyx for the rapid treatment of a traumatic carotid injury
Authors: Gandhi Chirag D , El-Gengahy Ahmed , Cornett-Thompson Oriana Ellen , Kraus Jacqueline , Prestigiacomo Charles Joseph
Published: July 2011

Penetrating neck injury causing internal carotid artery (ICA) transection is nearly always fatal. The novel use of Onyx Liquid Embolic System (Onyx LES) for rapid hemostasis of a traumatic cervical ICA transection is reported. A patient with a gunshot wound to the face and neck underwent emergent catheter angiography which revealed contrast extravasation from the right cervical ICA consistent with traumatic transection. The ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere showed collateral blood supply from the posterior communicating artery, and ipsilateral external carotid artery anastomoses of the facial, ethmoidal and ophthalmic arteries. Rapid endovascular repair of the transected cervical ICA was performed using Onyx LES. Onyx34 was injected at a rapid rate of 1 ml/min into the right ICA. Injection was continued until cast formation completely occluded the proximal cervical ICA but preserved the external carotid artery. This method very rapidly controlled bleeding and should be considered in these cases.
Intervention in acute cerebral ischaemic stroke: a review of the role of pharmacological therapies and intra-arterial mechanical thrombectomy devices
Authors: Chaudhary Neeraj , Pandey Aditya S , Gemmete Joseph J
Published: July 2011

Acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) is the leading cause of death and disability in developed nations. In the past decade pharmacologic and endovascular therapy has been approved for use in treatment of patients presenting with AIS. The time window from symptom onset to be eligible for treatment is narrow, allowing for only a small proportion of these patients to be treated. Currently the established method of treatment is intravenous thrombolytic therapy for patients without contraindication, presenting within the time window of 4.5 h from the onset of symptoms. The improvement in patient outcome with this therapy is poor. This has led to exploration of intra-arterial mechanical thrombectomy devices to both increase the time window and also attempt to improve patient outcome with and without intravenous thrombolytic therapy. Several studies have shown a high rate of vessel recanalisation with endovascular techniques; however, their efficacy and translation to improved patient outcome is not yet established. Advanced imaging techniques may help select patients who would predictably benefit from endovascular intervention. In the light of existing controversies, this review discusses the current evidence for intravenous and intra-arterial thrombolytics, intra-arterial mechanical thrombectomy devices, and intracranial stent placement for treatment of AIS.
Corticospinal-specific HCN expression in mouse motor cortex: Ih-dependent synaptic integration as a candidate microcircuit mechanism involved in motor control
Authors: Sheets Patrick L. , Suter Benjamin A. , Kiritani Taro , Chan C. Savio , Surmeier D. James , Shepherd Gordon M. G.
Published: July 2011

Motor cortex is a key brain center involved in motor control in rodents and other mammals, but specific intracortical mechanisms at the microcircuit level are largely unknown. Neuronal expression of hyperpolarization-activated current ( Ih) is cell class specific throughout the nervous system, but in neocortex, where pyramidal neurons are classified in various ways, a systematic pattern of expression has not been identified. We tested whether Ih is differentially expressed among projection classes of pyramidal neurons in mouse motor cortex. Ih expression was high in corticospinal neurons and low in corticostriatal and corticocortical neurons, a pattern mirrored by mRNA levels for HCN1 and Trip8b subunits. Optical mapping experiments showed that Ih attenuated glutamatergic responses evoked across the apical and basal dendritic arbors of corticospinal but not corticostriatal neurons. Due to Ih, corticospinal neurons resonated, with a broad peak at ∼4 Hz, and were selectively modulated by α-adrenergic stimulation. Ih reduced the summation of short trains of artificial excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) injected at the soma, and similar effects were observed for short trains of actual EPSPs evoked from layer 2/3 neurons. Ih narrowed the coincidence detection window for EPSPs arriving from separate layer 2/3 inputs, indicating that the dampening effect of Ih extended to spatially disperse inputs. To test the role of corticospinal Ih in transforming EPSPs into action potentials, we transfected layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons with channelrhodopsin-2 and used rapid photostimulation across multiple sites to synaptically drive spiking activity in postsynaptic neurons. Blocking Ih increased layer 2/3-driven spiking in corticospinal but not corticostriatal neurons. Our results imply that Ih-dependent synaptic integration in corticospinal neurons constitutes an intracortical control mechanism, regulating the efficacy with which local activity in motor cortex is transferred to downstream circuits in the spinal cord. We speculate that modulation of Ih in corticospinal neurons could provide a microcircuit-level mechanism involved in translating action planning into action execution.