bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Focal hepatocellular necrosis and portal lymphocytic infiltration of the liver in chronic alcoholics: Histopathological study of 40 liver biopsies
Authors: Sawabe Motoji , Okayasu Isamu , Izumi Namiki , Sugiura Katuaki , Miyake Syouzou , Taki Kazuhiro , Hirata Rie , Miyagawa Hachihei , Satoh Tisato , Kasuga Tsutomu
Published: December 2008

Forty liver biopsies of hepatitis B surface antigen negative chronic alcoholics were histologically studied to assess the influence of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infection. A moderate degree of focal hepatocellular necrosis and/or portal lymphocytic infiltration (FHN‐PLI) was observed in 28% of the specimens, being especially prevalent in advanced cases of fibrosis and cirrhosis, and significantly correlated with HCV‐infection. Eleven of these cases were examined in detail: HCV‐infection was detected in eight and lymphocytic infiltration was apparent in the portal area, accompanied by formation of lymph follicles. The FHN‐PLI was ascribed to alcoholic hepatitis in two HCV‐negative cases and was concluded to be of unknown etiology In the remaining one HCV‐negative case. This study thus indicated that over two‐thirds of cases of chronic hepatitis in alcoholics can be attributed to HCV‐infection, with the remainder being at least partly related to alcoholic hepatitis. The prevalence of alcohol‐induced chronic hepatitis based on immunopathological findings was unclear, but was probably less frequent than previously reported.
Changes in neuropeptide‐containing nerves in human colonic mucosa with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kimura Mitsuo , Masuda Takayuki , Hiwatashi Nobuo , Toyota Takayoshi , Nagura Hiroshi
Published: December 2008

The distribution abnormality of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide‐containing nerves (VIP‐nerves) and substance P‐containing nerves (SP‐nerves) was immunohistochemically investigated in the colonic mucosa with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in relation to colonic glands and blood vessels In the lamina propria. In active ulcerative colitis (UC), VIP‐ and SP‐nerves decreased in severe inflammatory lesions. VIP‐nerves were almost absent particularly around crypt abscesses. Even In resolving and quiescent UC, VIP‐nerves still decreased, depending on the decrease of glands and blood vessels. On the other hand, both nerves Increased in some hypervascular lesions. In the uninvolved mucosa of UC, they did not change their distribution. In Crohn's disease, the distribution abnormality of both nerves resembled that of UC. These results suggest that the changes in VIP‐and SP‐nerve distributions in the mucosa with IBD are subsequent to mucosal inflammation and damage. However, these peptides are known to be immunoregulators, and their distribution abnormalities may induce the disorder of immunoregulation in the IBD mucosa and cause the mucosal damage and/or chronicity.
Anatomical distribution of HTLV‐I proviral sequence in an autopsy case of HTLV‐I associated myelopathy: A polymerase chain reaction study
Authors: Sueyoshi Kazunobu , Goto Masamichi , Johnosono Manabu , Sato Eiichi , Shibata Darryl
Published: December 2008

HTLV‐I associated myelopathy (HAM) is a slowly progressive paraplegia of the lower extremities observed among HTLV‐I carriers. An autopsy of a typical HAM case in which perivascular lymphocytic infiltration was not limited to the central nervous system was examined. Spinal dorsal roots, salivary gland, lungs, liver and kidney showed non‐specific, but unusual sporadic perivascular lymphocytic infiltration, which resembled the findings in the spinal cord. To investigate the anatomical distribution of HTLV‐I provirus, the HTLV‐I proviral sequences, tax and pol, were amplified from the formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues of the autopsy case using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). By PCR, strong HTLV‐I provirus signals were detected in the spinal cord, peripheral nerve, muscle, lungs and liver. Weak signals were detected in the medulla oblongata, optic nerve and lymph node, while the other organs, including the cerebrum, were negative. The data from this study show the specific distribution of HTLV‐I provirus in the distinct organs of a HAM patient.
Histochemical and ultrastructural analyses of glandular differentiation in typical carcinoid tumor of the hindgut
Authors: Arai Tomio , Kino Isamu
Published: December 2008

Adenomatous differentiation of typical carcinoid tumors was examined by histochemical and ultrastructural studies on 33 cases of typical carcinoids of the hindgut. Of these 33 carcinoids, 12 (36%) showed a tubular and/or acinar pattern with production of mucus as a minor component. A few tumor cells with mucous globules were scattered among tubules in these carcinoids. Ultrastructurally, microvilli were seen along the luminal surface of tubules, with both numerous mucous globules in the supranuclear area and endocrine granules in basal sites of the same cells. These results indicate that even in typical carcinoid tumors, certain tumor cells have the features of goblet cells or the open type of endocrine cells. The findings of both mucous globules and endocrine granules in the same single cells indicate a close relationship between endocrine cells and mucus‐producing and/or tubule‐forming cells. It is concluded that pluripoten‐tial ceils producing carcinoid tumors might be able to differentiate into three types of tumor cells: (i) endocrine cells without microvilli or mucus production; (ii) cells with microvilli and no mucus product; and (iii) mucus‐containing cells with microvilli.
Depressed adenoma of the colorectum: Analysis of proliferative activity using immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)
Authors: Yao Takashi , Tsuneyoshi Masazumi , Matsumoto Takayuki , Tada Shuji , Kuwano Yasuyuki
Published: December 2008

Recently, depressed adenomas (DA) of the colorectum have been frequently detected in Japan. The natural history and carcinogenesis of these DA remain unclear. The histological features and cell kinetics of 13 DA were analyzed, using proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and compared with 24 non‐depressed adenomas (NDA), 12 non‐neoplastic mucosa and 12 adenocarcinomas. The DA had a characteristic architecture when compared with the NDA, as demonstrated by a crowded collection of adenomatous tubules with small diameters. The adenomatous tubules tended to occupy the full thickness of the lamina propria at the center with superficial growth to the periphery. The PCNA‐positive cells were mostly restricted to the lower half of the crypts in the non‐neoplastic mucosa, and were distributed predominantly across the upper half area of the crypts in both the DA and NDA, whereas they were randomly distributed across any area in the adenocarcinomas. The mean labeling index of PCNA in the DA (43.2%) was significantly higher than that in the non‐neoplastic mucosa (26.5%) and NDA (29.3%), but lower than that in the intramucosal component of the adenocarcinomas (70.0%). The DA should be seriously considered as a precancerous lesion because of its unusual histologic architecture and high proliferative activity.
A hepatic tumor associated with bilateral renal angiomyolipomas: A variant of angiomyolipoma?
Authors: Kimura Noriko , Kubota Mitsuru , Nagura Hiroshi
Published: December 2008

Angiomyolipoma is usually derived from the kidney and composed of well developed vessels, smooth muscle and fat tissue. The liver is the only extra‐renal site of angiomyolipoma. A peculiar type of hepatic tumor accompanied by bilateral renal angiomyolipomas is reported here. The tumor was mostly composed of large epithelioid cells and a small part of hyalinized large vessels and foam cell infiltration. Mature adipose tissue was absolutely absent. Epithelioid tumor cells arranged in an alveolar pattern had abundant glycogen and some diastase‐resistant periodic acid‐Schiff granules without obvious crystals. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that the epithelioid cells were positive for melanoma specific antibody (HMB‐45), S‐100 protein, aromatic L‐amino acid decarboxylase and focally a‐smooth muscle actin. Many melanosome‐ or premelanosome‐like, electron‐dense granules were observed in these cells. Thus, these cells were characterized by differentiation to both immature melanocytes and smooth muscle ceils. These epithelioid cells were similar to some cells in the renal angiomyolipomas of the same patient. The hepatic tumor was considered to be a result of monotonous proliferation of the epithelioid cells seen in renal angiomyolipoma. Differential diagnosis of this tumor was discussed.
Waterponding: Reclamation technique for scalded duplex soils in western New South Wales rangelands
Authors: Thompson Ray
Published: December 2008

Summary  Building on previous trials initiated in the 1960s, a demonstration programme involving 18 landholders was established at Nyngan, New South Wales Australia; in the mid‐1980s to refine ‘waterponding’ techniques used to rehabilitate scalded claypans. The waterponding technique involves building horseshoe shaped banks (about 240 m in length) to create ponds of about 0.4 ha each. Each pond retains up to 10 cm of water after rain which leaches soluble salts from the scald surface. This improves the remaining soil structure, inducing surface cracking, better water penetration and allows entrapment of wind‐blown seed. Consequently, niches are formed for the germination of this (and any sown) seed and recovery of a range of chenopod native pasture species occurs on the sites, which can be supplemented by direct seeding.

What started as a project continues now as a standard rangeland rehabilitation process for reclaiming bare, scalded semi‐arid areas of New South Wales and turning them back into biodiverse and productive rangelands. Since 1985, further modifications have been made to the method and the ongoing programme has surveyed, marked out and built approximately 56 700 waterponds within the Marra Creek waterponding district.
Origin of the earliest correlated neuronal activity in the chick embryo revealed by optical imaging with voltage‐sensitive dyes
Authors: Momose‐Sato Yoko , Mochida Hiraku , Kinoshita Masae
Published: December 2008

Spontaneous correlated neuronal activity during early development spreads like a wave by recruiting a large number of neurons, and is considered to play a fundamental role in neural development. One important and as yet unresolved question is where the activity originates, especially at the earliest stage of wave expression. In other words, which part of the brain differentiates first as a source of the correlated activity, and how does it change as development proceeds? We assessed this issue by examining the spatiotemporal patterns of the depolarization wave, the optically identified primordial correlated activity, using the optical imaging technique with voltage‐sensitive dyes. We surveyed the region responsible for the induction of the evoked and spontaneous depolarization waves in chick embryos, and traced its developmental changes. The results showed that the wave initially originated in a restricted area near the obex and was generated by multiple regions at later stages. We suggest that the upper cervical cord/lower medulla near the obex is the kernel that differentiates first as the source of the correlated activity, and that regional and temporal differences in neuronal excitability might underlie the developmental profile of wave generation in early chick embryos.
Self‐Compassion Versus Global Self‐Esteem: Two Different Ways of Relating to Oneself
Authors: Neff Kristin D. , Vonk Roos
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
This research examined self‐compassion and self‐esteem as they relate to various aspects of psychological functioning. Self‐compassion entails treating oneself with kindness, recognizing one's shared humanity, and being mindful when considering negative aspects of oneself. Study 1 (N=2,187) compared self‐compassion and global self‐esteem as they relate to ego‐focused reactivity. It was found that self‐compassion predicted more stable feelings of self‐worth than self‐esteem and was less contingent on particular outcomes. Self‐compassion also had a stronger negative association with social comparison, public self‐consciousness, self‐rumination, anger, and need for cognitive closure. Self‐esteem (but not self‐compassion) was positively associated with narcissism. Study 2 (N=165) compared global self‐esteem and self‐compassion with regard to positive mood states. It was found that the two constructs were statistically equivalent predictors of happiness, optimism, and positive affect. Results from these two studies suggest that self‐compassion may be a useful alternative to global self‐esteem when considering what constitutes a healthy self‐stance.
Translating Family-Focused Prevention Science Into Effective Practice
Authors: Spoth Richard
Published: December 2008

Family-focused preventive intervention research could serve as an exemplar for the translation of science into practice on a scale that achieves public health impact. This article outlines advances in the field and translational research that still is needed, presenting these within a heuristic framework. The framework is designed to guide a broad translational research agenda fostering a shift toward a paradigm of public health impact—called a translational impact paradigm. Current advances and needed research in the subfield are mapped onto a set of four translational impact factors: effectiveness of interventions; extensiveness of their population coverage; efficiency of interventions; and engagement of eligible populations or organizations, including widespread adoption and sustained, quality implementation (the “4 Es” of intervention impact). The article then highlights key tasks required to progress in this area: improving practitioner–scientist partnership networks embedded in systems for delivery of evidence-based interventions; application of research guidelines and standards that facilitate translational impact; and policy change that supports needed research.
‘The Mind as an Object of God's Knowledge’: Another Cartesian Temptation?
Authors: Vasalou Sophia
Published: December 2008

In this paper my aim is to consider the picture of God's immediate knowledge of the mind as this appears in Wittgenstein's work, where its soundness seems to be brought into question. My argument is that the response to this denial should take the form, not of an investigation of a theological position concerning God's knowledge (“can God look into the human mind?”), but of a negotiation of the difficulties affecting our use of this picture. A great part of the latter can be seen as difficulties in mastering the communicative relation between God and man which lies at the heart of the religious form of life, and which arises from the dislocation which familiar language‐games undergo within it.
Pleonastic Entities: Fictional Characters and Propositions
Authors: Vignolo Massimiliano
Published: December 2008

Stephen Schiffer holds that propositions are pleonastic entities. I will argue that there is a substantial difference between propositions and fictional characters, which Schiffer presents as typical pleonastic entities. My conclusion will be that if fictional characters are typical pleonastic entities, then Schiffer fails to show that propositions are pleonastic entities.
Playing in between: patent brokers in markets for technology
Authors: Benassi Mario , Di Minin Alberto
Published: December 2008

Here we argue that patent brokers do not only stay in between supply and demand of innovation, but play in between executing complex transactions and taking entrepreneurial risk. In doing so, they serve a support function to R&D managers of firms adopting various approaches to technological change. We discuss how economic and sociological theories explain brokerage and its existence. Our qualitative analysis of the current practice of patent brokerage in the United States finds some evidence in support of such arguments, and moreover helps us reach a taxonomy of brokerage. We conclude with our own proposition, suggesting that even in very dense environments, the bridging role of intellectual property intermediaries is that of market makers, who leverage their specific investment to play in between technology demand and supply.
Design‐driven laboratories: organization and strategy of laboratories specialized in the development of radical design‐driven innovations
Authors: Dell'Era Claudio , Verganti Roberto
Published: December 2008

Nowadays, consumers are paying increasing attention towards the socio‐cultural aspects of products. For this reason firms must consider the need for linguistic and semantic innovations as well as technological and functional innovations. Historically, the knowledge needed for each kind of innovation has been separately developed and interpreted: while technological knowledge is developed by industrial R&D centers, the knowledge about socio‐cultural trends is often tacit and developed by design studios and marketing agencies. The paper analyzes nine in‐depth case studies about companies that develop radical design‐driven innovations for the household environment. It aims to identify the principal characteristics of the companies' R&D organizations [their design‐driven laboratories (DDL)]. It introduces a classification of DDL that reveals how specific organizational characteristics might facilitate different innovation strategies.
Doubting Thomases and the Cougar: The Perceptions of Puma Management in Northern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Harvey Lemelin R.
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this discussion is to provide a better understanding of the conflicting perceptions regarding cougar (Puma concolor) management in northern Ontario, Canada. Despite two alleged puma attacks, numerous cougar sightings throughout the region and the recent confirmation of the puma's existence in Ontario through DNA analysis, the existence of these animals in the north‐east of Canada and the USA remains largely contentious. Findings derived from interviews conducted in northern Ontario and content analysis of media sources in Canada and the USA suggest that the ongoing debate over the existence of pumas in this region of Canada can be attributed to current wildlife management largely predicated on the grand narrative of the wildlife expert. This centralised, bureaucratic approach decreases the opportunity for constructive dialogue between stakeholders and mitigates the implementation of community‐based wildlife management approaches. While this analysis largely focuses in Ontario, Canada, the debate provides insights into the human dimensions of wildlife management, especially elusive wildlife, in North America and elsewhere.
DISPERSION FORMS: AN INTERACTION OF MARKET ACCESS, COMPETITION, AND URBAN COSTS*
Authors: Takatsuka Hajime , Zeng Dao‐Zhi
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT This paper analyzes a two‐region model including multiple industries with different transport costs. Two results are derived. First, dispersion occurs for small transport costs, but the specific dispersion patterns depend on the level of urban costs. This results from an interaction of the market‐access effect on consumers, the market‐access effect on firms, the competition effect, and the urban‐cost effect. Second, decreasing transport cost tends to let industries with lower transport costs disperse, although the shares of industries locating in the larger region are not in order of their transport costs. We further provide some empirical data concerning the second result.
Divestitures, privatization and corporate performance in emerging markets
Authors: Hanousek Jan , Kočenda Evžen , Svejnar Jan
Published: December 2008

We use new firm‐level data to examine the effects of firm divestitures and privatization on corporate performance in a rapidly emerging market economy. Unlike the existing literature, we control for accompanying ownership changes and the fact that divestitures and ownership are potentially endogenous variables. We find that divestitures increase the firm's profitability but do not alter its scale of operations, while the effect of privatization depends on the resulting ownership structure – sometimes improving performance and sometimes bringing about decline. The effects of privatization are thus more nuanced than suggested in earlier studies. Methodologically, our study provides evidence that it is important to control for changes in ownership when analyzing divestitures and to control for endogeneity, selection and data attrition when analyzing the effects of divestitures and privatization.
Neuroprotective effects of donepezil through inhibition of GSK‐3 activity in amyloid‐β‐induced neuronal cell death
Authors: Noh Min‐Young , Koh Seong‐Ho , Kim Youngchul , Kim Hyun Young , Cho Goang Won , Kim Seung Hyun
Published: December 2008

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChE‐inhibitors) are used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Recently, the AChE‐inhibitor donepezil was found to have neuroprotective effects. However, the protective mechanisms of donepezil have not yet been clearly identified. We investigated the neuroprotective effects of donepezil and other AChE‐inhibitors against amyloid‐β1–42 (Aβ42)‐induced neurotoxicity in rat cortical neurons. To evaluate the neuroprotective effects of AChE‐inhibitors, primary cultured cortical neurons were pre‐treated with several concentrations of AChE‐inhibitors for 24 h and then treated with 20 μM Aβ42 for 6 h. In addition to donepezil, other AChE‐inhibitors (galantamine and huperizine A) also showed increased neuronal cell viability against Aβ42 toxicity in a concentration‐dependent manner. However, we demonstrated that donepezil has a more potent effect in inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3) activity compared with other AChE‐inhibitors. The neuroprotective effects of donepezil were blocked by LY294002 (10 μM), a phosphoinositide 3 kinase inhibitor, but only partially by mecamylamine (10 μM), a blocker of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Additionally, donepezil’s neuroprotective mechanism was related to the enhanced phosphorylation of Akt and GSK‐3β and reduced phosphorylation of tau and glycogen synthase. These results suggest that donepezil prevents Aβ42‐induced neurotoxicity through the activation of phosphoinositide 3 kinase/Akt and inhibition of GSK‐3, as well as through the activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
Cassowary dispersal of the invasive pond apple in a tropical rainforest: the contribution of subordinate dispersal modes in invasion
Authors: Westcott David A. , Setter Melissa , Bradford Matt G. , McKeown Adam , Setter Stephen
Published: December 2008

Dispersal is a significant determinant of the pattern and process of invasions; however, weed dispersal distances are rarely described and descriptions of dispersal kernels are completely lacking for vertebrate‐dispersed weeds. Here, we describe dispersal kernels generated by a native disperser, the endangered southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius, L.) for an invasive, tropical rainforest plant, pond apple (Annona glabra, L.). Pond apple is primarily water‐dispersed and is managed as such. We consider whether cassowary dispersal, as a numerically subordinate dispersal mode, provides an additional dispersal service that may modify the invasion process. In infested areas, pond apple seed was common in cassowary dung. Gut passage had no effect on the probability of single seed germination but deposition in clumps or as whole fruits reduced the probability of germination below that of single seeds. Gut passage times ranged from 65 to 1675 min. Combined with cassowary movement data, this resulted in estimated dispersal distances of 12.5–5212 m, with a median distance of 387 m (quartile range 112–787 m). Native frugivores can be effective dispersers of weeds in rainforest and even terrestrial dispersers can provide long‐distance dispersal. Importantly, though pond apple might be expected to be almost entirely dispersed downstream and along the margins of aquatic and marine habitats, cassowaries provide dispersal upstream and between drainages, leading to novel dispersal outcomes. Even through the provision of small quantities of novel dispersal outcomes, subordinate dispersal modes can play a significant role in determining invasion pattern and influence the ultimate success of control programs by providing dispersal to locations unattainable via the primary mode.
Modelling chorotypes of invasive vertebrates in mainland Spain
Authors: Real Raimundo , Márquez Ana L. , Estrada Alba , Muñoz A. Román , Vargas J. Mario
Published: December 2008

We investigated the existence of chorotypes – assemblages of species with similar geographical ranges – of invasive species in a host territory, and their potential use to advocate similar control or management strategies for species in the same chorotype. We analysed the distribution of 13 exotic terrestrial vertebrate species (six birds, six mammals, and one reptile) with well‐known distributions in mainland Spain. We used the presence/absence data on a grid of 10 km × 10 km UTM cells from the Atlases of terrestrial vertebrates of Spain. These data were aggregated to a grid of 50 km × 50 km UTM cells, because it entailed no loss of meaningful information and allowed dealing with a much lower number of cells. Using cluster analysis and a probabilistic assessment of the classification, we identified seven significant chorotypes: four multispecific and three monospecific. The compound chorotypes grouped together species that tended to share certain characteristics about their introduction, release cause, establishment, and spread. We modelled the chorotypes using a favourability function based on a generalized linear model and 31 variables related to spatial situation, topography, lithology, climatic stability, energy availability, water availability, disturbances, productivity, and human activity. Climatic factors affected the favourability for every chorotype, whereas human variables had a high influence in the distribution of three chorotypes involving eight species. On the basis of these variables, we identified favourable areas for all the chorotypes in mainland Spain. The favourability for a chorotype in an area may be a useful criterion for evaluating the local conservation concern due to the whole set of species. Favourable but unoccupied areas can be used to infer possible colonization areas for each chorotype. We recommend using chorotypes to optimize broad‐scale surveillance of invasive species.
Disentangling relationships between habitat conditions, disturbance history, plant diversity, and American black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) invasion in a European temperate forest
Authors: Chabrerie Olivier , Verheyen Kris , Saguez Robert , Decocq Guillaume
Published: December 2008

Whether non‐native plant invasions are causes, consequences, or independent of the low species diversity in recipient ecosystems remains a debated question. We tried to test these three hypotheses in the special case of the American black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.), a gap‐dependent tree species, which is invading European temperate forests. We compared plant communities, soil properties, and disturbance history between P. serotina‐invaded and uninvaded paired‐stands in a managed mixed forest. Relationships between invasion, disturbances, plant communities, and environmental conditions were investigated using redundancy analyses with variation partitioning. Several soil characteristics differed between paired stands, but were rather components of stand invasibility than invasion effects, except for topsoil available phosphorus. The disturbance history was similar among paired stands except for the amount of storm‐induced tree falls, which correlated with the invader's density. Wild boar‐disturbed soil areas were more important beneath P. serotina canopies, suggesting a positive feedback on its own establishment. Overall, species assemblages in invaded and uninvaded stands were similar; their ecological inconsistency suggested a management‐sustained non‐equilibrium. Habitat conditions and disturbances explained most of the variation in both plant diversity and P. serotina density, the last two factors exhibiting a weak direct association. We conclude that in managed forest ecosystems where plant communities are mainly driven by non‐interactive factors and immigration processes, non‐native plant species can naturalize without being directly influenced by measured features of the plant community in the receiving environment on the short term.
Telomere uncapping during in vitro T‐lymphocyte senescence
Authors: Chebel Amel , Bauwens Serge , Gerland Luc‐Marie , Belleville Aurélie , Urbanowicz Iwona , De Climens Aude Roborel , Tourneur Yves , Chien Wei Wen , Catallo Régine , Salles Gilles , Gilson Eric , Ffrench Martine
Published: December 2008

Normal lymphocytes represent examples of somatic cells that are able to induce telomerase activity when stimulated. As previously reported, we showed that, during lymphocyte long‐term culture and repeated stimulations, the appearance of senescent cells is associated with telomere shortening and a progressive drop in telomerase activity. We further showed that this shortening preferentially occured at long telomeres and was interrupted at each stimulation by a transitory increase in telomere length. In agreement with the fact that telomere uncapping triggers lymphocyte senescence, we observed an increase in γ‐H2AX and 53BP1 foci as well as in the percentage of cells exhibiting DNA damage foci in telomeres. Such a DNA damage response may be related to the continuous increase of p16ink4a upon cell stimulation and cell aging. Remarkably, at each stimulation, the expression of shelterin genes, such as hTRF1, hTANK1, hTIN2, hPOT1 and hRAP1, was decreased. We propose that telomere dysfunction during lymphocyte senescence caused by iterative stimulations does not only result from an excessive telomere shortening, but also from a decrease in shelterin content. These observations may be relevant for T‐cell biology and aging.
Farmer–herder conflicts, pastoral marginalisation and corruption: a case study from the inland Niger delta of Mali
Authors: BENJAMINSEN TOR A , BA BOUBACAR
Published: December 2008

This study aims to explain a farmer–herder conflict in the inland Niger delta of Mali. We focus on the interests and motivations of the actors involved in the conflict and the rent seeking of the local administration in handling the conflict. Since independence, the customary pastoral leaders (the jowros) have gradually lost power and wealth to the benefit of previously underprivileged farmers (the rimaybé). We argue that this process is mainly the result of national policies and laws giving priority to agricultural development at the expense of pastoralism. The result has been large‐scale conversions of dry season pastures to rice fields. This pastoral marginalisation also results in increased land use conflicts between herders and farmers. In addition, rent seeking by local officials is perpetuating land use conflicts in the area. Hence, officials are benefiting from conflicts, while especially pastoralists, but also farmers, are losing out. The droughts of the 1970s and 1980s, leading to a more rapid encroachment of rice fields on pastures, as well as the power vacuum that emerged in the early days of the decentralisation process, further aggravated land disputes. Finally, we use this case study to call for an inclusion of issues of rent seeking and corruption more centrally in political ecology.
Rooting diaspora, reviving nation: Zionist landscapes of Palestine–Israel
Authors: Long Joanna C
Published: December 2008

This paper explores the politics of landscape and nature within the process of nation‐building. In it I examine how landscapes can operate in multiple, intersecting ways in the service of an ideological discourse and how the politics of nature, specifically trees, can contribute to the shaping of a new national space and subjectivity. Focusing on the multiple renditions of Palestine promulgated by theJewish National Fund (JNF), I discuss how landscapes can entangle diaspora and homeland, aesthetics and embodiment, antiquity and modernity, with both conceptual and material consequences. Drawing on histories of the JNF and on a selection of historic newspaper articles and children's literature, I explore the circulation of aesthetic renderings of Palestine and the performance of embodied landscapes during the children's tree‐planting holiday, Tu B'Shvat. I argue that the centrality of trees to the JNF, and the imagery of roots, renewal, family and innocence that they conjure, legitimised Zionist colonisation and naturalised the Israeli nation state and body politic. I also demonstrate how JNF landscapes and afforestation work assisted in the demarcation of Israeli nation‐space and therefore in the material dispossession of the Palestinians.
Effects of Alien Plants on Insect Abundance and Biomass: a Food‐Web Approach
Authors: HELENO RÚBEN H. , CEIA RICARDO S. , RAMOS JAIME A. , MEMMOTT JANE
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  The replacement of native plants by alien species is likely to affect other trophic levels, particularly phytophagous insects. Nevertheless, the effect of alien plants on insect biomass has not yet been quantified. Given their critical role in transferring energy from plants to higher trophic levels, if alien plants do affect insect biomass, this could have far‐reaching consequences for community structure. We used 35 food webs to evaluate the impacts of alien plants on insect productivity in a native forest in the Azores. Our food webs quantified plants, insect herbivores, and their parasitoids, which allowed us to test the effects of alien plants on species richness and evenness, insect abundance, insect biomass, and food‐web structure. Species richness of plants and insects, along with plant species evenness, declined as the level of plant invasion increased. Nevertheless, none of the 4 quantitative food‐web descriptors (number of links, link density, connectance, and interaction evenness) varied significantly with plant invasion independent of the size of the food web. Overall, insect abundance was not significantly affected by alien plants, but insect biomass was significantly reduced. This effect was due to the replacement of large insects on native plants with small insects on alien plants. Furthermore, the impact of alien plants was sufficiently severe to invert the otherwise expected pattern of species‐richness decline with increased elevation. We predict a decrease in insect productivity by over 67% if conservation efforts fail to halt the invasion of alien plants in the Azores.
The Effect of Age on Functional and Mortality Outcomes After Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Arnold Suzanne V. , Alexander Karen P. , Masoudi Frederick A. , Ho P. Michael , Xiao Lan , Spertus John A.
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of post‐myocardial infarction (MI) functional decline and to describe its association with chronological age in survivors of MI.

DESIGN: Prospective observational registry.

SETTING: Nineteen U.S. hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand four hundred eighty‐one patients with acute MI.

MEASUREMENTS: Baseline and 1‐year interviews identified subjects with functional decline, defined as a more than 5‐point decline in Medical Outcomes Study 12‐item Short Form Questionnaire (SF‐12) Physical Component score or being “too ill” to provide a follow‐up interview at 1 year. The relationship between age and functional decline was evaluated using logistic regression models adjusted for baseline SF‐12 score, comorbidities, sociodemographics, and treatment characteristics. One‐year mortality and a combined endpoint of death or decline were also compared across age.

RESULTS: Of 2,009 patients who survived to 1 year, 582 (29%) experienced a functional decline. In survivors, age was not associated with functional decline in unadjusted (odds ratio (OR)=0.95/decade, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.88–1.03) or multivariable (OR=0.94, 95% CI=0.85–1.05) models. Although age was strongly associated with 1‐year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio=1.42, 95% CI=1.21–1.66), there was no association between age and the combined endpoint of death or functional decline (adjusted OR=1.02, 95% CI=0.92–1.12).

CONCLUSION: More than one in four survivors of MI experiences a significant decline in physical function by 1 year. Although age is strongly associated with mortality, it had no association with functional decline. Because older patients have the same potential for favorable functional outcomes after an MI, age alone should not preclude aggressive treatment after an MI.
Fuel reserves affect migratory orientation of thrushes and sparrows both before and after crossing an ecological barrier near their breeding grounds
Authors: Deutschlander Mark E. , Muheim Rachel
Published: December 2008

Fat reserves influence the orientation of migrating songbirds at ecological barriers, such as expansive water crossings. Upon encountering a body of water, fat migrants usually cross the barrier exhibiting ‘forward’ migration in a seasonally appropriate direction. In contrast, lean birds often exhibit temporary ‘reverse’ orientation away from the water, possibly to lead them to suitable habitats for refueling. Most examples of reverse orientation are restricted to autumn migration and, in North America, are largely limited to transcontinental migrants prior to crossing the Gulf of Mexico. Little is known about the orientation of lean birds after crossing an ecological barrier or on the way to their breeding grounds. We examined the effect of fat stores on migratory orientation of both long‐ and short‐distance migrants before and after a water crossing near their breeding grounds; Catharus thrushes (Swainson's and gray‐cheeked thrushes, C. ustulatus and C. minimus) and white‐throated sparrows Zonotrichiaalbicollis were tested for orientation at the south shore of Lake Ontario during spring and autumn. During both spring and autumn, fat birds oriented in a seasonally appropriate, forward direction. Lean thrushes showed a tendency for reverse orientation upon encountering water in the spring and axial, shoreline orientation after crossing water in the autumn. Lean sparrows were not consistently oriented in any direction during either season. The responses of lean birds may be attributable to their stopover ecology and seasonally‐dependent habitat quality.
Analysis of the association of IL1B (C+3954T) and IL1RN (intron 2) polymorphisms with dental implant loss in a Brazilian population
Authors: Montes Claudia Cristina , Alvim‐Pereira Fabiano , De Castilhos Bruno Borges , Sakurai Marcos Luciano Lopes , Olandoski Marcia , Trevilatto Paula Cristina
Published: December 2008

Background: Although dental implants have a high success rate, failures occur, in spite of adequate clinical conditions. Together with the observation that multiple implant losses occur in certain groups of individuals (clusterization phenomenon), this suggests that host response may influence implant failure. Little is known about the influence of genetic susceptibility on implant loss. Interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐1ra are believed to play a key role in the immune‐inflammatory response, and polymorphisms IL1B (C+3954T) and IL1RN (intron 2) are shown to alter the coding proteins expression.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between dental implant loss and polymorphisms IL1B (+3954) and IL1RN (intron 2).

Material and methods: The study population (n=266) was divided into Test group (T)– 90 subjects with implant loss, and Control group (C)– 176 subjects without any implant failure. Genotyping was performed by PCR‐RFLP.

Results: The number of present teeth was observed to influence implant loss. No differences in genotype and allele frequencies between C and T were found for IL1B (+3954) and IL1RN (intron 2) polymorphisms. However, the analysis of the whole study population (control and test groups) showed that genotype 2/2 was significantly more frequent in individuals with multiple implant losses (n=35) than in individuals that lost up to a single implant (n=231) (OR: 3.07, IC: 1.13–8.34, P=0.027).

Conclusion: It was observed that number of teeth and edentulism were associated with implant loss. Genotype 2/2 of IL1RN polymorphism was significantly more frequent in patients who presented multiple losses, which suggests that the clusterization phenomenon has a genetic basis.
Update on therapeutic options in Waldenström macroglobulinemia
Authors: Leleu Xavier , Gay Julie , Roccaro Aldo M. , Moreau Anne‐Sophie , Poulain Stephanie , Dulery Remy , Champs Berenice Bro Des , Robu Daniela , Ghobrial Irene M.
Published: December 2008

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a B‐cell disorder characterized primarily by bone marrow infiltration with lymphoplasmacytic cells (LPCs), along with demonstration of an IgM monoclonal gammopathy in the blood. WM remains incurable, with 5–6 yr median overall survival for patients with symptomatic WM. The main therapeutic options include alkylating agents, nucleoside analogues, and rituximab, either in monotherapy or in combination. Studies involving combination chemotherapy are ongoing, and preliminary results are encouraging. However, there are several limitations to these approaches. The complete response rate is low and the treatment free survival are short in many patients, no specific agent or regimen has been shown to be superior to another, and no treatment has been specifically approved for WM. As such, novel therapeutic agents are needed for the treatment of WM. In ongoing efforts, we and others have sought to exploit advances made in the understanding of the biology of WM so as to develop new targeted therapeutics for this malignancy. These efforts have led to the development of proteasome inhibitors, of them bortezomib, several Akt/mTor inhibitors, such as perifosine and Rad001, and immunomodulatory agents such as thalidomide and lenalidomide. Many agents and monoclonal antibodies are currently being tested in clinical trials and seem promising. This report provides an update of the current preclinical studies and clinical efforts for the development of novel agents in the treatment of WM.
Early causes of child obesity and implications for prevention
Authors: Cole T J
Published: December 2008

Child obesity is becoming a serious public health concern, and major research effort is being devoted both to understand its aetiology and to improve the effectiveness of prevention strategies. Early growth patterns, both prenatally and postnatally, are emerging as important markers of later obesity risk, with rapid neonatal weight gain a clear risk factor for later obesity and metabolic syndrome. Thus, in two distinct senses child obesity is a growing problem. The paper summarises current evidence on growth pattern and obesity, relating it to infant feeding practice and appetite regulation, and highlights the areas in which public health interventions are feasible. Of the conclusions drawn, one involves a futuristic solution to child obesity where neonates are given an infusion of the hormone leptin to reset their appetite regulation.
The Future of Chinese Management Research: Rigour and Relevance Redux
Authors: Von Glinow Mary Ann , Teagarden Mary B.
Published: December 2008

We use the parable of the blind men and the elephant to suggest that Barney and Zhang (2009) and Whetten (2009) analogously touch on only a part of the Chinese management research puzzle. Their analyses remind us of many attempts at anchoring the research purpose – etic versus emic approaches, exploration versus exploitation approaches, rigor versus relevance scenarios – touched on by the many commentators in this issue. We suggest researchers first answer the ‘purpose’ questions before embarking on the research design. The research design should fit the purpose of the knowledge, which is either to improve the performance of Chinese organizations (meeting the relevance criterion) or to replicate, extend or refine a theory developed in the US (meeting the rigour criterion). We believe the strength of applied management research allows us to create knowledge that can meet the criteria of both rigour and relevance. We support the use of academic international research teams and dialectic debate as tools to move the field of Chinese management research forward.
Restraint: Legal Implications for Aged Care
Authors: Retsas AP. , Crabbe H.
Published: December 2008

Physically restraining elderly people who are residents in long term aged care facilities is common. However, the extent to which carers are aware of the effects of restraint on the restrained person, and of legal consequences for themselves, is low. In this paper, mechanisms of physical restraint are discussed and justifications and myths debunked. The dilemma that carers face, and the loss of autonomy and self control of the aged person who is restrained, are also considered. Legal consequences for carers of the aged are analysed in the light of the need to reduce physical restraint of aged people in institutional care to a minimum.
Health Promotion and Education for the Elderly: Experience in an Academic Department of Geriatric Medicine
Authors: Richmond D. , McCracken H.
Published: December 2008

A health promotion and education program for elderly people was based in the academic Department of Geriatric Medicine of the University of Auckland for four and a half years. Its major objectives were to undertake health education and promotion research, develop community‐based initiatives in health education, produce educational resources relevant to older adults and train other personnel to lead health education programs. Considerable progress was made in meeting these objectives. Formal evaluation of the long term impact of programs, whose results may not be evident until after many years, is difficult. However, despite the fact that the program was terminated sooner man had been anticipated because of loss of funding, there was evidence that it had been successful The achievements of the program were not only of value to the community of older people but to the Department itself. It is concluded that health promotion and education programs are worthwhile activities to be included within university departments of geriatric medicine.
How does a knotted protein fold?
Authors: Mallam Anna L.
Published: December 2008

The issue of how a newly synthesized polypeptide chain folds to form a protein with a unique three‐dimensional structure, otherwise known as the ‘protein‐folding problem’, remains a fundamental question in the life sciences. Over the last few decades, much information has been gathered about the mechanisms by which proteins fold. However, despite the vast topological diversity observed in biological structures, it was thought improbable, if not impossible, that a polypeptide chain could ‘knot’ itself to form a functional protein. Nevertheless, such knotted structures have since been identified, raising questions about how such complex topologies can arise during folding. Their formation does not fit any current folding models or mechanisms, and therefore represents an important piece of the protein‐folding puzzle. This article reviews the progress made towards discovering how nature codes for, and contends with, knots during protein folding, and examines the insights gained from both experimental and computational studies. Mechanisms to account for the formation of knotted structures that were previously thought unfeasible, and their implications for protein folding, are also discussed.