bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Menopausal status affects the susceptibility of stored RBCs to mechanical stress
Authors: Raval J. S. , Waters J. H. , Seltsam A. , Scharberg E. A. , Richter E. , Kameneva M. V. , Yazer M. H.
Published: November 2010

The mechanical fragility index (MFI) is an in vitro measure of sublethal injury to RBCs. In our previous experiments, we demonstrated that an increase in sublethal injury (increasing MFI) was a component of the RBC storage lesion, and that the MFI was significantly higher amongst the RBC units from male donors compared to pre‐menopausal female donors during storage. It was hypothesized that hormonal or menstrual factors contributed to this difference. In this study, we found that RBC units donated by post‐menopausal women demonstrated an MFI that was significantly higher than those donated by pre‐menopausal women throughout storage.
Processing cord blood from premature infants into autologous red‐blood‐cell products for transfusion
Authors: Khodabux C. M. , van Beckhoven J. M. , Scharenberg J. G. M. , El Barjiji F. , Slot M. C. , Brand A.
Published: November 2010

Background and Objectives  The use of umbilical cord blood (UCB) for transfusion purposes has gained interest the past years. UCB transfusion could serve premature infants, who often need transfusions early in life.

Material and Methods  We investigated the suitability of different storage media. UCB was collected after 25 0/7–35 6/7 gestational weeks and centrifuged to concentrate red cells subsequently stored in saline–adenine–glucose–mannitol (SAGM), or in additive solution‐3 (AS‐3), or stored as whole blood in citrate–phosphate–dextrose–adenine‐1. Quality parameters were measured at 7 day intervals during 35 days and compared to the standard RBC product.

Results  White‐blood‐cell‐ and platelet counts were higher in the UCB products. In the fractionated units, haemolysis remained below 1·0% in 64% after 14 days, and in 30% after 21 days. Storage in SAGM or AS‐3 showed similar quality. Whole blood UCB showed better pH and haemolysis rates after 21 days.

Conclusion  UCB can be processed into autologous products for premature infants. Shelf‐life is limited to 14–21 days and compares unfavourably to stored whole blood. Considering the early transfusion needs in these infants, a short shelf‐life would not be a practical objection.
Lipoprotein enrichment in orange insoluble particulate matter reproducibly appearing in cryoprecipitate
Authors: Sheffield W. P. , Bhakta V. , Trigatti B. , Jenkins C.
Published: November 2010

Background and Objective  Cryoprecipitate prepared from two whole blood donations from the same donor contained insoluble orange particulate material (OPM). We sought to identify the OPM.

Materials and Methods  OPM was recovered from the blood product by centrifugation, dissolved in sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and analysed by SDS–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting.

Results  Solubilized OPM was enriched in apolipoproteins B and E, but not apolipoprotein A1, immunoglobulin G or albumin, suggesting lipoprotein enrichment in OPM. Subsequent clinical laboratory blood tests confirmed low‐density lipoprotein hyperlipidaemia with normal triglyceride levels. Further, cryoprecipitate production from this donor was prevented by implementation of national predominantly male plasma policies.

Conclusion  Cryoprecipitate produced from hyperlipidaemic donors may contain insoluble particles that render it inappropriate for transfusion.
Epidemiology and Impact ofNeospora caninumInfection in Three Queensland Tropical Dairy Herds
Authors: Landmann JK , Gunn AA , O’Donoghue PJ , Tranter WP , McGowan MR
Published: November 2010

Contents

This study investigated the epidemiology ofNeospora caninumin three tropical dairy herds in North Queensland, Australia. All animals in the herds were bled, and the sera were tested by ELISA forN. caninumantibodies. Herd records were examined, and the number of calves carried to term and the number of abortions which occurred over the lifetime of each animal were recorded to determine the abortion rate for each animal. Pedigrees were constructed for two of the herds to investigate whether vertical transmission was occurring. The seroprevalence ofN. caninumranged from 23% to 34%. The abortion rate in seropositive animals was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than in seronegative animals in all three herds (12–20.1% cf. 3.6–7%). Overall, the probability of a calf being seropositive was 3.5 times higher when the dam was also seropositive than when the dam was seronegative. Subsequent selective breeding employed by one herd reduced theN. caninumseroprevalence from 23% to 5% over a 9‐year period. This study shows thatN. caninuminfection is prevalent in North Queensland dairy cattle, and both post‐natal infection and vertical transmission are common.
Gender‐related Differences in Cytochrome P450 in Porcine Liver – Implication for Activity, Expression and Inhibition by Testicular Steroids
Authors: Rasmussen MK , Zamaratskaia G , Ekstrand B
Published: November 2010

Contents

In pigs, the hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, 2A and 2E1 activity is important in the regulation of skatole accumulation in adipose tissue. This study investigated gender‐related differences in CYP1A2, 2A and 2E1 dependent activity, protein and mRNA expression. This study also investigated the gonadal steroid dependent inhibition of CYP activity in relation to gender and dietary composition. Microsomes were prepared from the liver of female and entire male pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire sire and Duroc boars) reared under similar conditions and slaughtered at an age of 164 days. A group of entire male pigs fed dried chicory root for 16 days prior to slaughter were included in the study. CYP activities were assessed by the use of probe substrates, whilst mRNA and protein expression were analysed by RT‐PCR and Western blotting. Furthermore inhibition of CYP dependent activity by gonadal steroids was assessed in vitro. Microsomes from female pigs had greater CYP1A2 and 2A activity, as well as mRNA expression compared to entire male pigs. The antibodies used did not detected differences in protein expression. In vitro inhibition by 17β‐oestradiol, oestrone, androstenone and 3β‐OH androstenol of CYP2E1 activity in microsomes from entire male pigs as well as inhibition of CYP1A activity in chicory fed entire male pigs was observed. Apart from that no effect of steroids was shown. In conclusion, female pigs show greater CYP activity and mRNA expression. Including chicory in the diet for 16 days changed the gonadal steroid dependent inhibition of CYP activity in entire male pigs.
Outcomes of overseas kidney transplantation in chronic haemodialysis patients in Taiwan
Authors: HSU CHIH‐CHENG , LEE CHENG‐HUA , HWANG SHANG‐JYH , HUANG SHI‐WEI , YANG WU‐CHANG , CHANG YU‐KANG , TSAI DANIEL FU‐CHANG , KUO KEN N
Published: November 2010

Aim: Overseas kidney transplantation has often been reported to have unsatisfactory outcomes. This study aims to compare post‐transplantation outcomes between overseas and domestic kidney transplant (KT) recipients in Taiwan.

Methods: The Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database was used to identify 310 domestic and 643 overseas KT recipients, who survived for longer than 1 month after the transplantation, in a cohort of 45 453 chronic haemodialysis patients in 1997–2002. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess risks of mortality and graft failure.

Results: The 1, 3 and 5 year survival rates for domestic KT recipients were 96.5%, 93.3% and 91.6%, respectively, while those for overseas KT recipients were 94.9%, 87.9% and 77.1%, respectively (P = 0.015). For the overseas group, those who received a KT before 2001 had significantly higher hazard ratios of mortality and graft failure (2.85 and 1.71, respectively). However, for those receiving a KT in 2001–2002, no significant outcome difference could be found between overseas and domestic recipients.

Conclusion: The risk disparity between overseas and domestic KT recipients is mainly attributable to when the transplantation was performed. In attempting to dissuade potential recipients from organ trafficking, merely emphasizing the previously acknowledged poor outcomes no longer suffices as a valid reason.
Decision making in the management of benign prostatic enlargement and the role of transabdominal ultrasound
Authors: Foo Keong Tatt
Published: November 2010

Benign prostate enlargement (BPE) is a common disease affecting elderly men. It can present clinically in many ways including, but not exclusively, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and acute urinary retention (AUR). Therefore, in managing men with BPE, a correct diagnosis in the outpatient setting is important. Diagnosis of BPE in the clinic can be aided by simple, non‐invasive, transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS). In our practice, a normal prostate is generally defined as less than 20 mL, and shows no intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) to distort the normal funneling bladder neck on TAUS, with a maximum flow rate of more than 15 mL/s. The degree of IPP can be measured non‐invasively in the midsagittal plane, and can be graded accordingly. Studies have shown that the grade of IPP correlates well with the degree of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). In addition, TAUS can also be used to measure prostate volume (PV) and post‐void residual urine (PVR). There is a good correlation between IPP and PV, but IPP is a better predictor for BOO. Patients with low‐grade IPP, no significant PVR (<100 mL) and no bothersome symptoms (low stage) can generally be watched; whereas those with high‐grade IPP, significant PVR (>100 mL) and bothersome symptoms (higher stage) will need more aggressive management. The final decision for management can then be tailored and individualized to achieve cost‐effectiveness.
Bacillus Calmette–Guérin treatment of non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Sylvester Richard J
Published: November 2010

Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) has been used in the intravesical treatment of non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) for nearly 35 years; however, its use is still subject to controversy. The objective of this paper is to review the role of BCG in the treatment of patients with NMIBC. Clinical trials, meta‐analyses and guidelines related to the administration, safety and efficacy of intravesical BCG were reviewed. Intravesical BCG is more effective than intravesical chemotherapy in decreasing the risk of recurrence and progression to muscle invasive disease; however, it is associated with more local and systemic side‐effects. It is the gold standard in patients at high risk of progression. Maintenance BCG is required in order to achieve the best therapeutic results; however, the optimal dose, induction and maintenance schedules, and duration of treatment are unknown and might be different for each patient. Patients failing BCG treatment have a poor prognosis, and cystectomy is then the recommended treatment. Patients at low risk of recurrence and progression should not receive BCG, because of its side effects. Intermediate‐risk patients might be treated with either intravesical chemotherapy or BCG; however, for patients at high risk of progression, BCG is recognized as the treatment of choice. Further research is urgently needed to identify markers associated with BCG failure and to develop effective alternatives to cystectomy in patients failing BCG.
Oral complications after lingual mucosal graft harvesting for urethroplasty in 110 cases
Authors: Xu Yue‐Min , Xu Qing‐Kang , Fu Qiang , Sa Ying‐Long , Zhang Jiong , Song Lu‐Jie , Hu Xiao‐Yong , Li Chao
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series)  Level of Evidence 4

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

Lingual mucosal graft harvesting for urethroplasty is feasible, safe, provides long grafts and is easy to carry out. Most patients have minimal immediate or short‐term donor site complications. The oral complications appeared to be related to the graft length and patient age. Most complications resolved within 1 year.

Oral complications after LMGs harvesting were related to the patient’s age at surgery. The children did not experience any persistent complications. Cases of bilateral or longer LMGs were associated with higher complication rates. However, most of these oral complications subsided gradually within 1 year.

OBJECTIVE • This study was to evaluate donor‐site complications of lingual mucosal graft harvesting for substitution urethroplasty.

PATIENTS AND METHODS • 110 patients with anterior urethral strictures or hypospadias underwent lingual mucosal grafts (LMGs) urethroplasty. Dual LMGs were harvested from both sites separately or a long mucosal graft was harvested from one side to other side of tongue in 29 patients (group one); a shorter mucosal graft was harvested from one side of tongue in 81 patients (group two). A standard proforma (Appendix) was used for all patients.

RESULTS • The mean follow up time was 22 months (range 6∼41). At six months follow‐up, numbness of tongue was reported in 19 patients (17.27%), parageusias in six (5.45%) and slurring of speech in 9 (8.18%).

• Ninety‐six patients were followed up for more than 12 mo. Numbness in operative area of tongue was documented in seven patients (7.29%), parageusias in three (3.13%) and slurred speech in three (3.13%).

• None of these complications occurred in the six pediatric cases (<14 year) with a history of failed hypospadias repair.

CONCLUSIONS • LMGs urethroplasty, as most patients, were satisfied, but there were certain complications that have not been previously described in the literature.

• Most oral complications subsided gradually within the first year.
Endothelin‐1: a predictor of extracapsular extension in clinically localized prostate cancer?
Authors: Menard Johann , Durlach Anne , Barbe Coralie , Joseph Karine , Lorenzato Marianne , Azemar Marie‐Dominique , Perez Thomas , Birembault Philippe , Staerman Frederic
Published: November 2010

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

ET‐1 expression on initial prostate biopsies combined with PSA > 10 ng/ml and Gleason score ≥7 provided the best model for predicting extracapsular extension.

This is useful when making treatment decisions after the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) expression in predicting extracapsular extension (ECE) in clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

ET‐1 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry on archival needle biopsies (NBs) from 94 patients (49 pT2 and 45 pT3a) who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) for clinical T1‐T2 PCa. Each sample was analysed independently by two pathologists blinded to the clinical data.

RESULTS

In univariate analysis, high ET‐1 expression in NBs, pre‐operative prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level >10 ng/ml, percentage of positive biopsy cores and NB Gleason score ≥7 were significantly associated with ECE as determined on subsequent RP. No significant association was found between clinical stage and ECE. In multivariate analysis, there was a significant association with high ET‐1 expression in NBs (p = 0.006), pre‐operative PSA level >10 ng/ml (p = 0.049), and NB Gleason score ≥7 (p = 0.002). These three pre‐operative factors combined provided the best model for predicting ECE with 93.3% sensitivity, 49% specificity, 62.5% positive predictive value, 88.9% negative predictive value. The combination yielded a higher concordance index (0.760 vs 0.720) and offered a higher log partial likelihood than the same model without ET1 (112.8 vs 105.7, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

ET‐1 expression was strongly associated with ECE and, when combined with pre‐operative PSA level and Gleason score, improved the predictive accuracy of pre‐operative NBs. Its assessment in patients with localized PCa might be useful when making treatment decisions. Further studies with standardisation of immunohistochemical staining and multi‐institutional validation are now needed to establish the appropriate use of ET‐1 staining in PCa staging and to evaluate inter‐observer reproducibility.
Paraoxonase‐1 is only present in traceable amounts in seminal fluid and does not show any relationship with male subfertility
Authors: Marsillach Judit , Lafuente Rafael , Checa Miguel Angel , Maestre‐Martínez Carmen , Fabián Enrique , Brassesco Mario , Beltrán‐Debón Raúl , Aragonès Gerard , Carreras Ramon , Pedro‐Botet Juan , Joven Jorge , Camps Jordi
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Aetiology (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

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

Oxidative stress seems to be one of the biochemical causes of defective sperm function. Paraoxonases are antioxidant enzymes that degrade lipid peroxides. There is a paucity of data on the possible role played by these enzymes in the pathophysiology of male sub‐fertility.

The present study shows that testicular tissue of sub‐fertile patients clearly expresses paraoxonases‐1, 2, and 3. These findings suggest a role for these enzymes in the protection against lipid peroxidation inside the cell. However, the concentration and activity of paraoxonase‐1 in semen are negligible and are probably the result of cellular catabolism, with no significant biological function.

OBJECTIVE

To characterise the immunohistochemical sites of paraoxonase (PON) 1, PON2 and PON3 in human testicular tissue, and to analyse PON1 levels in semen, aiming to investigate the role played by these enzymes in the pathophysiology of male subfertility.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The present study was performed in 41 semen samples from normal donors and in 52 semen samples and ten testicle biopsies from patients who were being evaluated for causes of subfertility.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical analyses showed high levels of PON1 and PON3 expression in testicular tissue. PON2 expression was also detected, albeit at weaker levels. Oxidative stress indicators in biopsies were low and localized in some specific areas of the seminiferous tubules. PON1 was detected in seminal fluid at very low levels but with no significant differences between patients and controls. Receiver‐operating characteristic analysis showed a low diagnostic power of semen PON1 levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows high protein expression levels of PON1, PON2 and PON3 in testicular cells. The concentrations and activities of PON1 in semen are negligible and are probably the result of cellular catabolism, with no significant biological function in the testes.
The association between renal cell carcinoma and multiple myeloma: insights from population‐based data
Authors: Ojha Rohit P. , Evans Eva L. , Felini Martha J. , Singh Karan P. , Thertulien Raymond
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Prevalence (population based cohort)

Level of Evidence 3b

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

Several case‐series have hypothesized a potential association between renal cell carcinoma and multiple myeloma. Nonetheless, this hypothesis has not been systematically explored in a population‐based setting with sufficient sample size to estimate a magnitude of association.

Our analyses revealed a bidirectional relation between renal cell carcinoma and multiple myeloma, which typically indicates that common risk factors influence both malignancies. Our findings may be useful for raising awareness among clinicians that a diagnosis of multiple myeloma may be within the spectrum of second malignancies among patients with renal cell carcinoma and that a diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma may be within the spectrum of second malignancies among patients with multiple myeloma.

OBJECTIVE

• To evaluate the hypothesis of an association between renal cell carcinoma and multiple myeloma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• Data from nine population‐based registries in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results programme were used to evaluate two separate cohorts of patients diagnosed between 1973 and 2006: patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma as a primary malignancy (n= 57 190) and patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma as a primary malignancy (n= 34 156).

• We estimated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by dividing the number of observed cases of multiple myeloma within the renal cell carcinoma cohort and the number of renal cell carcinoma cases within the multiple myeloma cohort by the number of expected cases for each malignancy in the US general population.

RESULTS

• The renal cell carcinoma cohort yielded 88 multiple myeloma cases during 293 511 person‐years of follow up. Patients with renal cell carcinoma had a higher relative risk of multiple myeloma than the general population (SIR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.21–1.85).

• The multiple myeloma cohort yielded 69 renal cell carcinoma cases during 100 804 person‐years of follow up. Patients with multiple myeloma had a higher relative risk of renal cell carcinoma than the general population (SIR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.47–2.40).

CONCLUSION

• Our analyses revealed a bidirectional association between renal cell carcinoma and multiple myeloma, which typically indicates shared risk factors.
The Impact of the European Standards and Guidelines in Agency Evaluations
Authors: STENSAKER BJØRN , HARVEY LEE , HUISMAN JEROEN , LANGFELDT LIV , WESTERHEIJDEN DON F.
Published: November 2010

The emergence of the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG) for Quality Assurance has been seen as an important step towards realising the European Higher Education Area by creating more transparency and accountability in the area of quality assurance. The ESG also include standards as to how quality assurance agencies should be reviewed. In a meta‐analysis of the reviews undertaken of quality assurance agencies, this article explores to what extent the ESG is having an impact on the reviews.
Managing the Bologna Process at the European Level: institution and actor dynamics
Authors: LAŽETIĆ PREDRAG
Published: November 2010

This article analyses the work of the Bologna Follow Up Group as the main institution of the Bologna Process and the perceptions of the policy actors involved concerning the character of the process in terms of its functioning in contrast to similar multi‐level multi‐actor European processes, its modes of communication and consensus seeking, as well as its effectiveness in terms of policy formation and implementation. It argues that the Bologna Process is a unique multi‐level multi‐actor process shaped by its informality, the actors' political commitment and the participation of stakeholders. Its format seems to be more effective and suitable for purposes of policy formation than for those of policy monitoring or coordination of implementation.
INCORPORATING RISK AND AMBIGUITY AVERSION INTO A HYBRID MODEL OF DEFAULT
Authors: Jaimungal Sebastian , Sigloch Georg
Published: November 2010

It is well known that purely structural models of default cannot explain short‐term credit spreads, while purely intensity‐based models lead to completely unpredictable default events. Here we introduce a hybrid model of default, in which a firm enters a “distressed” state once its nontradable credit worthiness index hits a critical level. The distressed firm then defaults upon the next arrival of a Poisson process. To value defaultable bonds and credit default swaps (CDSs), we introduce the concept of robust indifference pricing. This paradigm incorporates both risk aversion and model uncertainty. In robust indifference pricing, the optimization problem is modified to include optimizing over a set of candidate measures, in addition to optimizing over trading strategies, subject to a measure dependent penalty. Using our model and valuation framework, we derive analytical solutions for bond yields and CDS spreads, and find that while ambiguity aversion plays a similar role to risk aversion, it also has distinct effects. In particular, ambiguity aversion allows for significant short‐term spreads.
GENERALIZATION OF THE DYBVIG–INGERSOLL–ROSS THEOREM AND ASYMPTOTIC MINIMALITY
Authors: Goldammer Verena , Schmock Uwe
Published: November 2010

The long‐term limit of zero‐coupon rates with respect to the maturity does not always exist. In this case we use the limit superior and prove corresponding versions of the Dybvig–Ingersoll–Ross theorem, which says that long‐term spot and forward rates can never fall in an arbitrage‐free model. Extensions of popular interest rate models needing this generalization are presented. In addition, we discuss several definitions of arbitrage, prove asymptotic minimality of the limit superior of the spot rates, and illustrate our results by several continuous‐time short‐rate models.
Towards post‐multiculturalism? Changing communities, conditions and contexts of diversity
Authors: Vertovec Steven
Published: November 2010

Since the turn of the millennium, multiculturalism – a term spanning a variety of policies and institutional frameworks – has been seriously challenged in a number of ways. While critics have increasingly attacked multiculturalism and blamed it for numerous social problems, the nature of global migration and modes of immigrant belonging have themselves changed considerably since the time when multicultural models were first established. By way of exploring the post‐multiculturalist condition into which, some commentators suggest, we are all moving, this article addresses the following questions: what are the changing public discourses surrounding multiculturalism? What are the characteristics of new forms of immigration, and how have these new forms of immigration impacted on multicultural theories? What are the relationships of immigrants with sending countries? How do all of these patterns contribute to what might be called post‐multiculturalism?
The rise and fall of multiculturalism? New debates on inclusion and accommodation in diverse societies
Authors: Kymlicka Will
Published: November 2010

There has been much talk recently of a retreat from multiculturalism across western democracies. While people disagree about what comes after multiculturalism, there is a broad consensus that we are indeed in a post‐multicultural era. In this article I explore and critique this rise and fall narrative and suggest an alternative framework for thinking about the choices we face. Both the rise and fall of multiculturalism have been very uneven processes, depending on the nature of the issue and the country involved, and we need to understand these variations if we are to identify a more sustainable model for accommodating diversity. In particular, I argue that the master narrative (a) mischaracterises the nature of the experiments in multiculturalism that have been undertaken over the past 40 years, (b) exaggerates the extent to which they have been abandoned and (c) misidentifies the genuine difficulties and limitations they have encountered.
Cultural diversity and anti‐poverty policy
Authors: Lamont Michèle , Small Mario Luis
Published: November 2010

This article examines how anti‐poverty policy has considered the role of culture and how it ought to do so. While some have explained poverty as a function of the presumed cultural deficiency or distinctiveness of the poor, we suggest that these explanations have not been convincing and that policy requires a broader and more sophisticated understanding of the relationship between culture and behaviour. In fact, we suggest that cultural differences may be positively employed in comprehensive anti‐poverty strategies.
On the number of trials needed for a stable feedback‐related negativity
Authors: Marco‐Pallares Josep , Cucurell David , Münte Thomas F. , Strien Nadine , Rodriguez‐Fornells Antoni
Published: November 2010

Feedback‐related negativity is an event‐related brain potential elicited by negative feedback. Its properties make it a valuable tool for the assessment of cognitive‐affective processes that are involved in feedback and reward processing. The present study sought to determine the minimum number of trials that are required to obtain a reliable FRN component using a simple gambling paradigm. Three independent groups of young participants and one group of old participants were used. In the experimental conditions with healthy young controls, 20 trials were sufficient to measure the optimal FRN amplitude. In older participants, 50 trials were needed to obtain a reliable FRN. Whereas 20 trials would be enough to ensure a reliable FRN component in studies with nonclinical samples, the number of trials needed in clinical and cognitively impaired populations has to be determined based on the signal‐to‐noise ratios and the characteristics of the signals recorded.
It's a word: Early electrophysiological response to the character likeness of pictographs
Authors: Zhang Mingxia , Jiang Ting , Mei Leilei , Yang Hongmin , Chen Chuansheng , Xue Gui , Dong Qi
Published: November 2010

Using unfamiliar and meaningless pictographs that varied in their degree of similarity to Chinese characters, the current study tested whether the early electrophysiological response was modulated by character likeness. We measured P100 and N170 while 20 native Chinese speakers were viewing Chinese characters, drawings of objects, and pictographs. Comparisons across the three categories of stimuli showed that pictographs elicited a smaller N170 amplitude than did Chinese characters and a stronger N170 amplitude than did objects, but did not differ in the P100 amplitude from the other two categories. Within the category of pictographs, stimuli with a higher degree of character likeness elicited larger N170 amplitudes and shorter N170 peak latencies, and this effect was again not observed in P100. These results suggest that N170 is sensitive to visual stimuli's character likeness even though they are unfamiliar pictographs with no meanings or sounds.
Mycoplasmas in pregnancy
Authors: Taylor‐Robinson D , Lamont RF
Published: November 2010

Please cite this paper as: Taylor‐Robinson D, Lamont R. Mycoplasmas in pregnancy. BJOG 2011;118:164–174.

The genital mycoplasmas have been implicated in a number of adverse outcomes of pregnancy. Spontaneous preterm labour and preterm birth is an important contributor to perinatal mortality and morbidity. If Mycoplasma hominis plays an integral part in this problem, it is likely to contribute through its involvement with bacterial vaginosis. Ureaplasmas induce cytokines and inflammation, making a casual association compelling. The role of Mycoplasma genitalium and Mycoplasma fermentans is less clear, but M. genitalium is potentially pathogenic and should be treated if detected. There is considerable evidence for the role of M. hominis in post‐partum and post‐abortal sepsis, and for ureaplasmas causing chronic lung disease or death in very low birthweight infants. The role of the genital mycoplasmas in adverse outcomes of pregnancy is complicated by the presence or absence of bacterial vaginosis, and this association requires further research.
Distribution of potassium fractions in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) garden soils in the Central Highlands of Papua New Guinea and management implications
Authors: Walter R. , Rajashekhara Rao B. K. , Bailey J. S.
Published: November 2010

Previous studies indicated that potassium (K) deficiency is an important soil‐related factor for yield decline of the sweet potato gardens in the Central Highlands of Papua New Guinea, where sweet potato is an important staple food crop. An effort was made to characterize various fractions of K in the diverse soils of this region under sweet potato, to ascertain the probable reasons behind the observed K deficiency and its relationship to decreasing yield trends. Soils from two depths (0–10 cm) and (10–20 cm) in two types of gardens (old and new gardens) were assessed for different fractions of soil potassium in volcanic and non‐volcanic soil groups. Volcanic soils (Hydrandepts and Andaquepts) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in exchangeable K than the non‐volcanic soils (Dystropepts, Tropoqualfs and Eutropepts). Mean exchangeable K content of the non‐volcanic soils was 95.5 mg/kg, whereas that of volcanic soils was 72.4 mg/kg. Similarly, new gardens had an average exchangeable K content of 94.1 mg/kg, which was significantly greater than 71.6 mg/kg soil of older gardens. Non‐exchangeable K content differed significantly (P < 0.001) between the soil types; mean K content was 85.9 mg/kg for the volcanic soils, whereas in non‐volcanic soils, it was 184.9 mg/kg. Garden types also differed significantly (P < 0.05) with respect to non‐exchangeable K content; new gardens registering higher average values (by almost 20%) than the older gardens. Multiple regression analysis showed that variability in the tuber yield was as a result of variability of water soluble and exchangeable K (up to 22%), non‐exchangeable K (2%), mineral K (4%) and leaf K concentrations (10%). Older gardens, which are in volcanic soil groupings, are more susceptible to the K depletion problem because of continuous sweet potato cultivation, possibly owing to their lower K reserves. Such gardens should be managed either with sufficient fallow periods for regeneration of soil fertility or with suitable application of mineral K fertilizers to enhance productivity.
Mitigating methane emissions from irrigated paddy fields by application of aerobically composted livestock manures in eastern China
Authors: Chen Ruirui , Lin Xiangui , Wang Yiming , Hu Junli
Published: November 2010

Livestock manure heaps and wetland rice fields are major sources of CH4 emissions. A field experiment with an associated composting study were undertaken to investigate CH4 emissions during manure composting and subsequent land application on paddy. Over a 24‐day period in the composting experiment, CH4 emissions from stored manure was 17 times higher than that from composting manure, indicating that composting as an aerobic process was effective in mitigating CH4 emissions compared with manure storage, which is normally under an anaerobic environment. Stored and composted manures were subsequently applied as organic fertilizers in the field experiment. Compared with the non‐fertilized control treatment, stored and composted manures increased grain yields by 30% and 21%, respectively. During the full rice‐growing season, the cumulative CH4 emission was 15.8 g CH4/m2 with the application of composted manure, only one‐third of that from stored manure. CH4 emission per unit of grain yield was significantly decreased by composted manure, with a reduction of 56% from the control and 73% from stored manure. The results indicate that composted livestock manure in rice cultivation is a triple‐win option through sustaining rice yield, mitigating CH4 emissions and re‐utilizing livestock waste.
After Cursing the Library: Iris Murdoch and the (In)visibility of Women in Philosophy
Authors: Altorf Marije
Published: November 2010

This article offers a critical reading of three major biographies of the British novelist and philosopher Iris Murdoch. It considers in particular how a limited concern for gender issues has hampered their portrayals of Murdoch as a creator of images and ideas. The biographies are then contrasted to a biographical sketch constructed from Murdoch's philosophical writing. The assessment of the biographies is set against the larger background of the relation between women and philosophy. In doing so, the paper offers a critical response to Sally Haslanger's recent “Musings” (Haslanger 2008), which is contrasted to Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own (1929) and Michèle Le Doeuff's Hipparchia's Choice (2007).
Vulnerability, Ignorance, and Oppression
Authors: Gilson Erinn
Published: November 2010

This paper aims to understand the relationship between ignorance and vulnerability by drawing on recent work on the epistemology of ignorance. After elaborating how we might understand the importance of human vulnerability, I develop the claim that ignorance of vulnerability is produced through the pursuit of an ideal of invulnerability that involves both ethical and epistemological closure. The ignorance of vulnerability that is a prerequisite for such invulnerability is, I contend, a pervasive form of ignorance that underlies and grounds other oppressive forms of ignorance. Thus, undoing such forms of ignorance requires working toward a particular form of vulnerability: epistemic vulnerability.
Getting to the Root of Gender Inequality: Structural Injustice and Political Responsibility
Authors: Parekh Serena
Published: November 2010

In this paper, I argue that there is a philosophical basis for the claim that states can be held responsible for structural injustices such as gender discrimination and violence—a claim that has been made in international human rights documents, but one that has not gained much normative force. To show this, I draw on and develop Iris Young's notion of “political responsibility.” The purpose of political responsibility is not to find fault or blame the state for a past wrong, but to encourage the state to make things more just in the future. I argue that the state is able to take responsibility in this sense and can discharge the duty of political responsibility in a more systematic way than individuals can. Further, I show that taking political responsibility would entail changing how states think about their human rights obligations. Rather than focusing on cataloguing abuses, states would be required to work toward changing conditions so that human rights violations are less likely to occur in the future. Consequently, I show that it does make sense to say that the state can be held accountable for structural injustices that lead to women's human rights violations.
Diasporas and Domestic Entrepreneurs: Evidence from the Indian Software Industry
Authors: Nanda Ramana , Khanna Tarun
Published: November 2010

This study explores the importance of cross‐border social networks for entrepreneurs in developing countries by examining ties between the Indian expatriate community and local entrepreneurs in India's software industry. We find that local entrepreneurs who have previously lived outside India rely significantly more on diaspora networks for business leads and financing. This is especially true for entrepreneurs who are based outside software hubs—where getting leads to new businesses and accessing finance is more difficult. Our results provide micro‐evidence consistent with a view that cross‐border social networks play an important role in helping entrepreneurs to circumvent the barriers arising from imperfect domestic institutions in developing countries.
Interactions between Preemptive Competition and a Financing Constraint
Authors: Nishihara Michi , Shibata Takashi
Published: November 2010

We develop an investment and financing model in which two identical firms compete for first‐mover advantage in an opportunity to invest. We investigate the interactions between preemptive competition and a financing constraint. We show that a medium‐intensity financing constraint can play a positive role in mitigating the preemptive competition and improving firm value in equilibrium. This positive effect is in sharp contrast with the conventional negative effects of the financing constraint. The positive effect is strong, especially for IT venture businesses because of the following characteristics: severe preemptive competition, a lack of internal funds, high uncertainty regarding future project value, and high bankruptcy costs.
How Debt Creates Pressure to Perform when Information Asymmetries are Large: Empirical Evidence from Business Start‐ups
Authors: Franck Tom , Huyghebaert Nancy , D’Espallier Bert
Published: November 2010

In this paper, we empirically examine how leverage affects firm performance when information asymmetries are large. We argue that entrepreneurs are strongly incentivized to maximize earnings when leverage is high in order to reduce the likelihood of adverse credit decisions and firm liquidation. Our empirical tests focus on the effects of leverage on firm profitability and growth in earnings during a 5‐year window after start‐up for a large and unique sample of newly established ventures in Belgium. Accounting for the endogeneity of leverage, the data reveal that more highly indebted business start‐ups are not only more profitable but also realize larger earnings growth. Moreover, the positive effect of leverage on firm profitability intensifies as the venture matures.
Prevalence of posterior subcapsular cataracts in volunteer cytapheresis donors
Authors: Clayton Janine A. , Vitale Susan , Kim Jonghyeon , Conry‐Cantilena Cathy , Byrne Phyllis , Reed George F. , Ferris, III Frederick L. , Leitman Susan F.
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND: Granulocyte donors routinely receive dexamethasone orally before donation. Steroids may increase the risk of posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) formation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We recruited 100 granulocyte donors (four or more granulocyte donations; any number of platelet [PLT] donations) and 100 age‐ and sex‐matched PLT donors (zero to three granulocyte donations, any number of PLT donations) to examine the risk of PSC. PSC was assessed by a masked ophthalmologist and reading center lens photograph gradings or medical record documentation of PSC as the reason for cataract extraction.

RESULTS: Fourteen eyes of 10 granulocyte donors and five eyes of four PLT donors had PSCs (odds ratio [OR], 2.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83‐9.61; p = 0.10). Risk of PSC increased with number of granulocyte donations: compared to zero to three donations (4.0%), the risk for four to nine, 10 to 19, and 20 or more donations was 8.6% (OR, 2.25; 95% CI, 0.31‐13.99; p = 0.30), 9.5% (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 0.44‐14.20; p = 0.21), and 13.0% (OR, 3.60; 95% CI, 0.48‐22.81; p = 0.11), respectively (p = 0.06 for trend).

CONCLUSION: We did not demonstrate a statistically significant increased risk of PSC associated with granulocyte donation. However, although this makes a large risk unlikely, we cannot rule out a small to moderate risk and there is biologic plausibility that the steroid administration associated with granulocyte donation could be associated with PSC formation. Transfusion medicine professionals should advise granulocyte apheresis donors to maintain an appropriate frequency of eye examinations.
Political economy, demography and development in Australia's Northern Territory
Authors: CARSON DEAN
Published: November 2010

The Canadian ‘staples thesis’ literature has documented both the risks (in the tradition of Harold Innis) and the opportunities (in the tradition of W. A. Macintosh) inherent in economies that are dependent on the export of minimally processed natural resources. The key risk is that of retarded long‐term growth as a result of a lack of diversification and over‐dependence on foreign capital and markets. This article argues that the demographic consequences of staples approaches to development also make it difficult to achieve diversification. It profiles Australia's Northern Territory as an example of a mining‐dependent (fiscal) economy that demonstrates a particular demographic profile consistent with what might be expected of a resource frontier. The article argues, however, that restrictive demographic characteristics persist (high sex ratios, high population mobility, disadvantaged position of indigenous people and remote dwellers) even though mining has become an insignificant direct employer (less than one percent of the workforce) and the services sector drives the labour market. This persistence can be linked to the Territory and federal government expectations of economic development patterns in the region and the frontier mythology created around the Northern Territory. Addressing the demographic imbalance is a critical step towards realizing ambitions for economic diversification.
Effect of BaF2 Addition on Crystallization Kinetics and Dielectric Properties of B2O3–Nb2O5–SrO–BaO Glass–Ceramics
Authors: Zeng Yike , Qin Xiaoye , Jiang Shenglin , Zhang Guangzu , Zhang Ling
Published: November 2010

A series of strontium barium niobate‐based B2O3 system glass–ceramics have been prepared by conventional melting and heat‐treated crystallization method. The effect of BaF2 addition in nucleation and crystallization kinetics has been explored for dielectric applications. BaF2 addition decreased the activation energy of crystallization obviously and changed microstructure of glass–ceramics significantly. The dielectric constant and breakdown strength of glass–ceramics were improved significantly by adding BaF2. The glass–ceramic with a relative dielectric constant of 337 and a breakdown strength of 52.7 kV/mm was achieved.
Optically Stimulated Luminescence in Fluoride–Phosphate Glass for Radiation Dosimetry
Authors: Kalnins Christopher A. G. , Ebendorff‐Heidepriem Heike , Spooner Nigel A. , Monro Tanya M.
Published: November 2010

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) was studied in undoped and rare‐earth doped fluoride–phosphate glass. Following exposure to90Sr/90Y β‐radiation, the samples demonstrated strong OSL in the 350–600 nm wavelength range. Here, we explore the effects of fabrication conditions and rare‐earth dopants on the OSL. We found that the OSL intensity increases linearly with radiation dosage, indicating the suitability of fluoride–phosphate glass as a dosimeter material.
Melatonin and vitamin D3 synergistically down‐regulate Akt and MDM2 leading to TGFβ‐1‐dependent growth inhibition of breast cancer cells
Authors: Proietti Sara , Cucina Alessandra , D’Anselmi Fabrizio , Dinicola Simona , Pasqualato Alessia , Lisi Elisabetta , Bizzarri Mariano
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Melatonin and vitamin D3 inhibit breast cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis, but they have never been combined as a breast cancer treatment. Therefore, we investigated whether their association could lead to an enhanced anticancer activity. In MCF‐7 breast cancer cells, melatonin together with vitamin D3, induced a synergistic proliferative inhibition, with an almost complete cell growth arrest at 144 hr. Cell growth blockade is associated to an activation of the TGFβ‐1 pathway, leading to increased TGFβ‐1, Smad4 and phosphorylated‐Smad3 levels. Concomitantly, melatonin and D3, alone or in combination, caused a significant reduction in Akt phosphorylation and MDM2 values, with a consequent increase of p53/MDM2 ratio. These effects were completely suppressed by adding a monoclonal anti‐TGFβ‐1 antibody to the culture medium. Taken together, these results indicate that cytostatic effects triggered by melatonin and D3 are likely related to a complex TGFβ‐1‐dependent mechanism, involving down‐regulation of both MDM2 and Akt‐phosphorylation.