bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caught in the Gendered Machine: On the Masculine and Feminine in Cyborg Leadership
Authors: Muhr Sara Louise
Published: September 2010

Many studies have shown that female managers have to work harder than men to gain recognition, and that this often leads top female managers away from the leadership style characterized by soft skills and emotional understanding. Instead, another characterization can be seen; that of tough gendered machines fighting their way to the top — cyborgs. This article uses Haraway's metaphor of the cyborg to explore the way in which a top female manger tries to fight for gender equality by employing masculine strategies with a female body. However, contrary to the usual argument that women become masculinized leaders, the article argues for a reading in which female leadership becomes both excessively masculine and excessively feminine, challenging simplified readings of gendered leadership. In the case‐study, this leads to a situation where high‐performance behaviour from a top female leader in effect ends up reinforcing gender inequality.
HIV and the body: a review of multidisciplinary management
Authors: Rockstroh J , Guaraldi G , Deray G
Published: September 2010

The increase in the life expectancy achieved following the introduction of more effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) in recent years now means that the HIV‐infected population are for the first time being exposed to the age‐related diseases that affect the general population. Nevertheless, the prevalence of these diseases (which include cardiovascular disease, dyslipidaemia, glucose intolerance and diabetes) is higher, and their onset earlier in the HIV population, probably due to the complex interplay between HIV infection, coinfection with hepatitis B and C, and ART. As a result, HIV physicians are now required to adopt a new approach to the management of HIV, which involves screening and regular monitoring of all HIV‐infected individuals for the presence of comorbidities and prompt referral to other clinical specialties when required. If this challenge to patient management is to be overcome, it is clear that educating physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of age‐associated comorbidities is essential, either through ongoing programmes such as the HIV and the Body initiative, an overarching independent medical education programme established in 2007 and overseen by an independent Steering Committee, organized and funded by Gilead, and/or through internal training. To assist in this process, this article provides an overview of common comorbidities affecting HIV‐infected persons and provides practical guidance on their management.
Mind the gap: national and local partnership in the Irish public sector
Authors: Doherty Michael , Erne Roland
Published: September 2010

This article uses case study data from a major Irish city council to investigate and explain public sector worker attitudes towards social partnership at local and national level. It is argued that the more sceptical attitudes to workplace partnership reflect structural differences between local and national arrangements, which have enabled public sector employers to use ‘social partnership’ as a constraint in the implementation process of a pre‐determined public sector reform agenda.
Do high performance work practices work in South Korea?
Authors: Frenkel Stephen J. , Lee Byoung‐Hoon
Published: September 2010

The distribution of so‐called high performance work practices (HPWPs) in South Korean manufacturing is mapped showing their relative scarcity. Contextual and institutional factors associated with the 1997–98 financial crisis are advanced to explain these findings. Nevertheless, anticipating that HPWPs are likely to improve performance, we tested several hypotheses. Employment security, teams, training, job enrichment and information sharing have a positive effect on performance; however there is no evidence of synergy. Most HPWP practices are partially mediated by worker attachment to their workplace. Government workplace reform policy, firms' business and labour utilisation strategy, and the presence of professional management contribute to performance.
Union membership among young graduate workers in Australia: using the experience good model to explain the role of student employment
Authors: Oliver Damian
Published: September 2010

Using panel data from a survey of 319 university graduates, this article shows that positive experiences of union membership during the student employment phase increase the likelihood of university graduates becoming union members. These results are consistent with the ‘experience good’ model of union membership.
Comparative trial of moisturizer containing licochalcone A vs. hydrocortisone lotion in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis: a pilot study
Authors: Udompataikul M , Srisatwaja W
Published: September 2010

Background  Although moisturizer usage has been considered a mainstay of treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, few clinical studies have been investigated. Recently, moisturizers containing non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory agents, such as licochalcone A (LA) and vitamin B12 are of emerging interest.

Objective  To compare the effectiveness of moisturizer containing LA with hydrocortisone (HC) lotion in treatment of childhood AD.

Methods  The randomized, controlled, investigator‐blinded 6‐week study was conducted. Patients were administered with twice‐daily application of LA lotion on one side of the body and HC lotion on the opposite side. The clinical outcome was assessed by the scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index. The relapse rate was comparatively analysed by survival analysis.

Results  From 30 patients enrolled, 26 patients completed the protocol. The mean age of the children was 5.8 years. The average baseline SCORAD score is about 28 on both sides. The response rates of both agents were equal to 73.33%. There is no statistical significant group difference in reduction of SCORAD score. Although we observed more rapid resolution of oedema and erythema in areas treated with HC lotion, both agents exhibited no significant difference. The relapse rate of HC group was higher than in LA group; however, there was no significant difference. No side‐effect was observed from both agents.

Conclusion  The effectiveness of LA lotion is equal to that of HC lotion. It was suggested that moisturizer containing LA could be used both for treatment of acute and maintenance phase in mild‐to‐moderate childhood AD.
Approaching archetypes: reconsidering innateness
Authors: Goodwyn Erik
Published: September 2010

Abstract: The question of innateness has hounded Jungian psychology since Jung originally postulated the archetype as ana prioristructure within the psyche. During his life and after his death he was continually accused of Lamarckianism and criticized for his theory that the archetypes existed as prior structures. More recently, with the advent of genetic research and the human genome project, the idea that psychological structures can be innate has come under even harsher criticism even within Jungian thought. There appears to be a growing consensus that Jung's idea of innate psychological structures was misguided, and that perhaps the archetype‐as‐such should be abandoned for more developmental and ‘emergent’ theories of the psyche. The purpose of this essay is to question this conclusion, and introduce some literature on psychological innateness that appears relevant to this discussion.
Caesarean section surgical techniques: a randomised factorial trial (CAESAR)*
Authors:   The CAESAR study collaborative group
Published: September 2010

Please cite this paper as: The CAESAR study collaborative group. Caesarean section surgical techniques: a randomised factorial trial (CAESAR). BJOG 2010;117:1366–1376.

Objective  In women undergoing delivery by caesarean section, do the following alternative surgical techniques affect the risk of adverse outcomes: single‐ versus double‐layer closure of the uterine incision; closure versus nonclosure of the pelvic peritoneum; liberal versus restricted use of a subrectus sheath drain?

Design  Pragmatic, 2 × 2 × 2 factorial randomised controlled trial.

Setting  Hospitals in the UK and Italy providing intrapartum care.

Population  Women undergoing their first caesarean section.

Methods  The interventions were alternative approaches to the three aspects of the caesarean section operation. A telephone randomisation service was used. Surgeons could not be masked to allocation, but women were unaware of which allocations had been used. The analysis was by intention‐to‐treat, with a prespecified subgroup analysis for women ‘in labour’ or ‘not in labour’ at the time of caesarean section.

Main outcome measures  Maternal infectious morbidity.

Results  A total of 3033 women were recruited. Overall, the risk of maternal infectious morbidity was 17%. For each pair of interventions, there were no differences between the arms of the trial for the primary outcome: single‐ versus double‐layer closure of the uterine incision [relative risk (RR) = 1.00, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.85–1.18]; closure versus nonclosure of the pelvic peritoneum (RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.78–1.08); liberal versus restricted use of a subrectus sheath drain (RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.78–1.09). There were no differences in any of the secondary morbidity outcomes and no significant adverse effects of any of the techniques used.

Conclusions  These results have implications for clinical practice, particularly in relation to current guidance on the closure of the peritoneum, which suggests that nonclosure is preferable. The potential effects of these different surgical techniques on longer term outcomes, including the functional integrity of the uterine scar during subsequent pregnancies, are now becoming increasingly important for guiding clinical practice.
COMPARATIVE CARDIOVASCULAR RESPONSES TO INTRAVENOUS CAPSAICIN, PHENYLDIGUANIDE, VERATRUM ALKALOIDS AND ENKEPHALINS IN THE CONSCIOUS DOG
Authors: GILES T. D. , SANDER G. E.
Published: September 2010

Cardiovascular responses to intravenous bolus doses of certain exogenous substances (capsaicin, phenyldiguanide, cryptenamine, veratrine sulphate) which act on chemoreceptors in the pulmonary or proximal arterial circulation were compared to the naturally occurring chemoreceptor agonist, leucine‐enkephalin (Leu5‐ENK) in the conscious dog.

Capsaicin (40 μg/kg) and phenyldiguanide (40 μg/kg) produced hypotension and bradycardia 5 to 12 sec after injection (P<0.05) followed by hypertension (P<0.05).

Cryptenamine (5 μg/kg) produced only hypotension and bradycardia (P<0.05) whereas Leu5‐ENK (35 μg/kg) produced only hypertension and tachycardia (P<0.05).

The hypotension and bradycardia produced by capsaicin and phenyldiguanide occurred earlier than the pressor response to Leu5‐ENK, capsaicin, and phenyldiguanide and the depressor response to veratrine (P<0.05).

Cryptenamine (5 μg/kg) and Leu5‐ENK (35 μg/kg) when given together had additive effects on heart rate but interacted significantly in influencing blood pressure (P<0.05).

It is concluded that the early response to capsaicin and phenyldiguanide are compatible with stimulation of known pulmonary chemoreceptors (including J receptors) whereas the pressor effect of phenyldiguanide and Leu5‐ENK and the depressor response to veratrum alkaloids are due to activation of receptors in the proximal arterial circulation. The influence of Leu5‐ENK on the haemodynamic response to veratrine suggests that ENK may modulate the Bezold‐Jarisch reflex.
BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MUSCARINIC CHOLINORECEPTORS IN SWINE TRACHEAL SMOOTH MUSCLE
Authors: YANG CHUEN MAO , FARLEY J. M. , DWYER T. M.
Published: September 2010

The tritiated muscarinic cholinoreceptor antagonist quinuclidinyl benzilate, [3H]QNB, was used to characterize the muscarinic receptors associated with homogenized membrane of the smooth muscle from swine trachea. Based on receptor binding assays, the homogenate had specific, saturable, high‐affinity receptors for [3H]QNB.

Specific binding was time‐ and temperature‐dependent. The association of [3H]QNB with the muscarinic receptor reached equilibrium much sooner at 37°C than 25°C at a [3H]QNB concentration of 180 pM (30 min and 2 h, respectively). Equilibrium at both temperatures was attained within 5 min at a [3H]QNB concentration of 1800 pM. All remaining experiments were performed at 37°C.

Binding was saturable with respect to [3H]QNB and tissue concentrations. Analysis of binding isotherms yielded an apparent equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 51±20 pM and a maximum receptor density (Bmax) of 2.17±0.27 pmole/mg protein. The Hill coefficient for [3H]QNB binding was 1.07±0.16. The association (K1) and dissociation (K‐1) rate constants were determined to be (5.51±0.16) × 108M−1min−1and (1.41±0.18) × 10−2min−1, respectively. KDcalculated from the ratio of K1and K‐1was 26.3±3.8 pM; this value is close to the value of KDcalculated from Scatchard plots of binding isotherms.

The density of muscarinic receptor binding sites was 10‐fold greater in tracheal smooth muscle than in tracheal epithelium (0.20±0.03 pmole/mg protein). There is no difference between weanling and young adult swine in the density of muscarinic receptors in tracheal smooth muscle.

The nonselective muscarinic antagonists atropine, scopolamine and quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) competitively inhibited [3H]QNB binding to the homogenate with Hill coefficients of 0.9‐1.0 and inhibition constants (Ki) of nanomolar range.

Competition with selective muscarinic antagonists pirenzepine and 3‐quinuclidinyl xanthene‐9‐carboxylate (QNX) gave Kivalues, 0.26 M and 0.78 nM, respectively, and Hill coefficients of approximately 1. There was a single population of [3H]QNB binding sites of the M2subtype for all tested muscarinic antagonists.

Competition with selective muscarinic agonists pilocarpine and carbachol yielded Kivalues of micromolar range, Hill coefficients of less than 1, and revealed the existence of two binding sites (P < 0.01).
THE EFFECTS OF KF‐4317, A NOVEL COMBINED α‐ and β1‐ADRENORECEPTOR ANTAGONIST, ON THE RAT ISOLATED RIGHT VENTRICLE AND AORTA
Authors: DOGGRELL S. A. , HUGHES E. W.
Published: September 2010

The effects of KF‐4317 on the accumulation of radioactivity from [3H]‐noradrenaline, and on the subsequent spontaneous and noradrenergic nerve‐evoked outflow of radioactivity have been investigated in the rat isolated right ventricle. In addition the effects of KF‐4317 on the contractions of the electrically‐driven directly muscle stimulated rat right ventricle to isoprenaline and of the rat isolated aorta to phenylephrine and 5‐hydroxytryptamine are reported.

KF‐4317 at 1μM had no effect on the ability of the rat right ventricle to accumulate radioactivity from [3H]‐noradrenaline.

The spontaneous outflow of radioactivity, following loading of the ventricle with [3H]‐noradrenaline, was increased by KF‐4317 at 1μM by a cocaine‐insensitive mechanism.

KF‐4317 at 1μM had no effect on the noradrenergic nerve‐evoked outflow or radioactivity, and therefore is not an α2‐adrenoreceptor antagonist, but reduced the associated contractile response probably mainly by acting as an antagonist at postjunctional β1‐adrenoreceptors.

KF‐4317 caused a parallel rightward shift of the concentration‐response curve of the electrically‐driven directly muscle stimulated rat right ventricle to isoprenaline. However the inhibitory effect, × 9.0 and × 237.2 in the presence of 0.1 and 1μM KF‐4317, was not closely concentration‐related. At 1μM, KF‐4317 also depressed the maximum responses to isoprenaline. This suggests that in addition to β1‐adrenoreceptor antagonism, KF‐4317 probably exerts membrane stabilizing activity.

The responses of the rat isolated aorta to phenylephrine were inhibited in a non‐concentration related manner by KF‐4317. Thus the responses were inhibited × 1.8, × 2.7 and × 4.7 in the presence of KF‐4317 at 0.1, 1 and 1μM, respectively. The responses of the aorta to 5‐hydroxytryptamine were inhibited to a small extent by KF‐4317 at 1μM but potentiated to a small degree by KF‐4317 at 10μM. We suggest that KF‐4317 is an antagonist at α1‐adrenoreceptors and 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptors but that it also has an additional postjunctional action, in the rat aorta, to increase the sensitivity to both phenylephrine and 5‐hydroxytryptamine.
SELECTIVITIES OF SOME AGONISTS ACTING AT α1‐ AND α2‐ADRENORECEPTORS IN THE RAT VAS DEFERENS
Authors: Leedham Judith A. , Pennefather Jocelyn N.
Published: September 2010

In this paper, estimates of the selectivities of a series of twelve sympathomimetic agents acting at postjunctional α1‐ and prejunctional α2‐adrenoreceptors were investigated, using epididymal and prostatic segments of the rat vas deferens.

The relative order of potency for the twelve agonists at prejunctional α2‐adrenoreceptors mediating inhibition of field‐stimulation‐induced contractions in the prostatic segment of the vas deferens was: clonidine > (−)‐adrenaline > xylazine > (−)‐noradrenaline > (+)‐adrenaline > dopamine phenylephrine ≥ metaraminol ≥ (+)‐noradrenaline > (−)‐isoprenaline > methoxamine > (+)‐isoprenaline.

The relative order of potency for the agonists at postjunctional α1‐adrenoreceptors mediating contraction of smooth muscle in epididymal segments of the vas deferens was: (−)‐adrenaline ≥ (−)‐noradrenaline > phenylephrine > clonidine ≥ (+)‐adrenaline ≥ methoxamine ≥ (+)‐noradrenaline ≥ metaraminol ≥ dopamine ≥ (−)‐isoprenaline ≥ xylazine; (+)‐isoprenaline was inactive.

(+)‐Noradrenaline, the stereoisomers of adrenaline and isoprenaline, dopamine, clonidine, xylazine and metaraminol displayed α2‐selectivity whereas phenylephrine and methoxamine displayed α1‐adrenoreceptor selectivity. (−)‐Noradrenaline possessed a similar potency at both α1‐ and α1‐adrenoreceptors thus making it non‐selective by the criteria used in this study.

Estimates of the potencies of optical isomers of catecholamines and of dopamine on epididymal and prostatic segments of the vas deferens indicated the steric orientation of the β‐hydroxyl substituent is equally important at both subtypes in this tissue.
GABA‐RELATED ACTIVITIES OF AMINO PHOSPHONIC ACIDS ON GUINEA‐PIG ILEUM LONGITUDINAL MUSCLE
Authors: LUZZI S. , FRANCHI‐MICHELI S. , CIUFFI M. , PAJANI A. , ZILLETTI LUCILLA
Published: September 2010

The effects of phosphonic analogues of GABA, β‐alanine and glycine on guinea‐pig ileum longitudinal muscle were measured.

Aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPh) and 2‐aminoethylphosphonic acid (2‐AEPh) were devoid of any effect both in non‐stimulated preparations and in electrically‐stimulated preparations.

The phosphonic analogue of GABA, 3‐aminopropylphosphonic acid (3‐APPh) possessed a GABAB agonistic effect (relaxation and inhibition of twitch response) at doses of 10−3 M. No agonistic effect on GABAa receptors was observed.

3‐APPh at doses tested (2 × 10−4 M and 10−3 M) also displayed antagonistic action on the effects of GABAB agonists producing a parallel shift of the log dose‐effect curves of GABA‐ and (‐)‐baclofeninhibition of twitch responses. In contrast 3‐APPh did not antagonize the inhibitory effect of morphine and noradrenaline.

The contractile effect of GABA, mediated via GABAA receptors, was unaffected by 3‐APPh (10−3 M).

It is concluded that 3‐APPh is a partial agonist at the GABAB site in guinea‐pig ileum.
DIRECT CARDIAC ACTIONS OF PHENYLEPHRINE WHEN USED IN ASSESSMENT OF BAROREFLEX FUNCTION IN THE RAT
Authors: SAWYER R. , DOCHERTY J. R.
Published: September 2010

In pentobarbitone‐anaesthetised wistar rats, the baroreflex bradycardia in response to the vasopressor agent phenylephrine was converted to a tachycardia by propranolol.

In pithed wistar rats, phenylephrine produced a marked tachycardia which was mediated largely by β‐adrenoreceptors since propranolol markedly antagonised the response. A component of the tachycardia was mediated by α1‐adrenoreceptors since the tachycardia to phenylephrine in the presence of propranolol was antagonised by prazosin and mimicked by the α1adrenoreceptor agonist amidephrine.

It is concluded that phenylephrine is not a useful agent for assessment of baroreflex funtion in the rat due to its marked cardiac stimulant actions.
PICRIC ACID FUNCTIONS AS A RELEASER OF [14C]ACETYLCHOLINE IN ISOLATED ILEAL SYNAPTOSOMAL PREPARATIONS OF GUINEA‐PIG
Authors: CHENG J. T. , SHINOZUKA K.
Published: September 2010

The effect of picric acid on the release of [14C]acetylcholine has been investigated in isolated ileal synaptosomes of guinea‐pig. Nicotine, high K‐depolarization (50 mM KCl) and electrical field stimulation were employed to characterize the specificity of picric acid.

Picric acid induced the release of labelled acetylcholine in a dose‐dependent manner and this action was negated by the removal of calcium ions from the bathing medium.

Tetrodotoxin (0.1 μM) abolished the actions of picric acid, nicotine or electrical field stimulation (0.1 Hz). It reduced but did not totally suppress the effect of high K‐depolarization.

Agents capable of affecting the content of cyclic AMP, such as forskolin and alloxan, modified the effects of picric acid or nicotine but did not influence the effects of high K‐depolarization or electrical field stimulation.

Indomethacin, at a concentration (1 μM) effective in inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, reduced the release of acetylcholine evoked by picric acid or nicotine, but did not affect the responses to high K‐depolarization or electrical field stimulation.

[3H] 5‐hydroxytxyptamine was also released by high K‐depolarization at a concentration sufficient to induce the release of acetylcholine. Similar results were obtained when the frequency of electrical field stimulation was raised to 10 Hz. However, picric acid did not initiate the release of 5‐hydroxytrypUmine.

These results suggest that picric acid functions as a releaser of acetylcholine through a mechanism different from that of other stimulants.
POSITIVE CHRONOTROPIC REPONSES TO CARDIAC α1‐ADRENORECEPTOR ACTIVATION IN THE PITHED RAT
Authors: TUNG L.‐H. , RAND M. J. , LOUIS W. J.
Published: September 2010

Adrenaline (0.1–10 μg/kg), noradrenaline (0.1–10 μg/kg) and phenylephrine (1–100 μg/kg) acted on both cardiac α1‐ and β‐adrenoreceptors to induce positive chronotropic responses in the pithed rat.

When β‐adrenoreceptors were blocked by propranolol (1 mg/kg), the residual chronotropic responses were due to activation of α1‐adrenoreceptors since they were significantly reduced by prazosin (10–100 μg/kg).

Methoxamine (10–300 μg/kg) acted solely on cardiac α1‐adrenoreceptors to induce positive chronotropic responses which were abolished by prazosin (10–100 μg/kg) alone, as has been demonstrated previously for amidephrine.

The rank order of potency for eliciting the positive chronotropic response to α1‐adrenoreceptor activation was adrenaline > noradrenaline > phenylephrine > methoxamine.

The positive chronotropic responses to adrenaline (3–10 μg/kg), noradrenaline (3–10 μg/kg) and phenylephrine (30–100 μg/kg) produced by activating α1‐adrenoceptors had a slower time course than did the chronotropic responses produced by activation of β‐adrenoreceptors.
PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE ROLE OF CHOLINERGIC NERVES IN THE NEUROMUSCULAR TRANSMISSION IN THE CIRCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE OF GUINEA‐PIG VAS DEFERENS
Authors: FUKUSHI Y. , WAKUI M.
Published: September 2010

Effects of various drugs were examined on the mechanical responses of the circular smooth muscle of guinea‐pig vas deferens evoked by field stimulation and ACh.

During field stimulation (0.1 msec, 3–80 Hz) a contraction consisting of two (initial and second) phases occurred. In addition, another contraction (after‐response) occurred after the cessation of the stimulation particularly at higher frequencies (40–80 Hz).

Guanethidine (2–20 μM) suppressed both the initial and second phases of the field stimulation‐evoked responses. Prazosin (0.1‐1 μM) suppressed the second phase but minimally affected the initial phase.

Both phases were suppressed by atropine (0.1‐1 μM.) and potentiated by physostigmine (5 μM).

dTC (0.5–20 μM) did not suppress either phase but potentiated the second phase.

ACh (0.28–280 μM) produced a contraction, which was reduced by atropine but was little affected by either dTC or TTX.

These results suggest that at the postsynaptic site of the neuromuscular junction in this tissue the sympathetic process activates the smooth muscle through two different types of receptor; one is non‐noradrenergic and the other is an α‐adrenoreceptor. In addition, a cholinergic process also activates the smooth muscle through muscarinic receptors.
Growth of nestling Hamerkops Scopus umbretta in central Mali
Authors: WILSON R. T. , WILSON M. P. , DURKIN J. W.
Published: September 2010

Data on growth of nestling Hamerkops Scopus umbretta were analysed with respect to year and season of hatching and to hatch sequence. Quantitative growth characters included weight, culmen, tarsus, tail, third outermost primary quill, standard wing‐length and wing span. The growth constant K of weight was 0·179 and time t10–t90 was 21·8 days. Least‐squares analyses showed differences in weight gain, culmen‐length and tarsus‐length related to year and month but not to sequence of hatching. Predictive equations for character against age are provided for all linear measurements. Characters which attained apparent asymptotes before fledging were weight and culmen and tarsus‐length whilst other characters varied between 80 and 90% of reported adult size. Qualitative indications of growth discussed are crest development, colouration and the disappearance of the egg‐tooth. The rainy and post‐rains seasons appear to offer the Hamerkop the best chances of successful breeding and maximum growth rates.
The effect of nestboxes on breeding populations of birds in broadleaved temperate woodlands
Authors: EAST M. L. , PERRINS C. M.
Published: September 2010

Removal of nestboxes from a semi‐mature, broadleaved woodland caused a decrease in the number of breeding pairs of Great Tits, but did not significantly reduce breeding densities of Blue Tits. Breeding densities of warblers were unaffected by changes in the population of Great Tits. In the absence of nestboxes, intraspecific competition for natural nestholes was more intense amongst Great Tits than Blue Tits. Great Tits tended to occupy larger holes on or near the trunk, while Blue Tits used smaller holes on side branches. Nesting success for both species was lower in natural cavities than nestboxes, due to a higher percentage of total nest failures. The reintroduction of nestboxes did not produce an immediate rise in the breeding population of Great Tits; possible reasons for this are discussed.
Australian Consumption Expenditure and Real Income: 1900 to 2003–2004*
Authors: HAIG BRYAN , ANDERSSEN JENNIFER
Published: September 2010

This paper provides new data of personal consumption expenditure at current and constant prices from 1900 to 1938–1939. The series is linked in with the official estimates, available from 1948–1949, to provide a broadly consistent series of estimates of consumers’ expenditure from Federation, based on new series of data. We comment on the differences in estimates often used to compare trends in real incomes, and attribute the differences as being mainly due to limitations of official data. We use the present results to describe the changes in the pattern of expenditure by main functional groupings, and compare the changes in real per capita expenditure in Australia with that in the UK and USA since the end of the nineteenth century.
Distortions to Agricultural Incentives in Australia Since World War II*
Authors: ANDERSON KYM , LLOYD PETER , MACLAREN DONALD
Published: September 2010

Australia's lacklustre economic growth performance in the first four decades following World War II was in part due to an antitrade, antiprimary sector bias in government assistance policies. This paper provides new annual estimates of the extent of those biases since 1946 and their gradual phase‐out during the past two decades. In doing so it reveals that the timing of the sectoral assistance cuts was such as sometimes to improve but sometimes to worsen the distortions to incentives faced by farmers. Also, the changes increased the variation of assistance rates within agriculture during the 1950s and 1960s, reducing the welfare contribution of those programmes in that period. While the assistance pattern within agriculture appears not to have been strongly biased against exporters, its reform has coincided with a substantial increase in export orientation of many farm industries. The overall pattern for Australia is contrasted with that revealed by comparable new estimates for other high‐income countries.
Impairment of both nitric oxide‐mediated and EDHF‐type relaxation in small mesenteric arteries from rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes
Authors: Leo CH , Hart JL , Woodman OL
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSETo investigate whether diabetes affects either or both nitric oxide (NO)‐mediated and endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)‐type relaxation in endothelium‐dependent relaxation of mesenteric arteries from streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHWire myography was employed to examine endothelial function of mesenteric arteries. Superoxide levels were measured by L‐012 and lucigenin‐enhanced chemiluminescence. Western blotting was used to quantify protein expression levels.

KEY RESULTSSuperoxide levels were significantly increased in diabetic mesenteric arteries compared with normal arteries. Diabetes significantly reduced the sensitivity to the endothelium‐dependent relaxant, acetylcholine (ACh) in mesenteric arteries. When the contribution of NO to relaxation was abolished by N‐nitro‐L‐arginine (L‐NNA) + a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor (ODQ), the sensitivity to ACh was significantly decreased in the diabetic arteries compared with normal arteries, indicating an impaired EDHF‐type relaxation despite increased expression of intermediate‐ and small‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels. Conversely, when the contribution of EDHF was inhibited with TRAM‐34 + apamin + iberiotoxin, maximum relaxations to ACh were significantly decreased in diabetic compared with normal arteries, suggesting that the contribution of NO was also impaired by diabetes. Basal levels of NO release, indicated by contraction to L‐NNA, were also significantly decreased in diabetic arteries. Western blot analysis demonstrated that diabetic arteries had an increased expression of Nox2, decreased pSer473Akt and a reduced proportion of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expressed as a dimer, indicating uncoupling.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONSThe contribution of both NO and EDHF‐type relaxations was impaired in diabetes and was caused by increased oxidative stress, decreased pSer473Akt and/or eNOS uncoupling.
Mechanisms of actions of hydrogen sulphide on rat distal colonic epithelium
Authors: Pouokam E , Diener M
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanisms by which hydrogen sulphide (H2S) affects ion secretion across rat distal colonic epithelium.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Changes in short‐circuit current induced by the H2S‐donor, sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS; 10 mmol·L−1), were measured in Ussing chambers after permeabilization of the apical membrane with nystatin. Cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and Ca2+ in intracellular stores were measured with fluorescent dyes. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were estimated with rhodamine 123.

KEY RESULTS NaHS had a biphasic effect on overall currents across the basolateral membrane: an initial inhibition followed by a secondary stimulation. Both a scilliroside‐sensitive action on the Na+‐K+‐ATPase and modulation of glibenclamide‐sensitive and tetrapentylammonium‐sensitive (i.e. ATP‐sensitive and Ca2+‐dependent) basolateral K+ channels were involved in this action. Experiments with rhodamine 123 revealed that NaHS induced a hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane. NaHS evoked a biphasic change in [Ca2+]i, an initial decrease followed by a secondary increase, known to be mediated by the release of stored Ca2+. Initial falls in [Ca2+]i were not mediated by a sequestration of Ca2+ in intracellular Ca2+ storing organelles, as the Mag‐Fura‐2 signal was unaffected by NaHS. Falls in [Ca2+]i were inhibited by 2′,4′‐dichlorobenzamil, an inhibitor of the Na+‐Ca2+‐exchanger, and attenuated in Na+‐free buffer, suggesting a transient stimulation of Ca2+ outflow by this transporter, directly demonstrated by Mn2+ quenching experiments.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS ATP‐sensitive and Ca2+‐dependent basolateral K+ conductances, the basolateral Na+‐K+‐pump as well as Ca2+ transporters were involved in the action of H2S in regulating colonic ion secretion.
Expression and function of the K+channelKCNQgenes in human arteries
Authors: Ng Fu Liang , Davis Alison J , Jepps Thomas A , Harhun Maksym I , Yeung Shuk Yin , Wan Andrew , Reddy Marcus , Melville David , Nardi Antonio , Khong Teck K , Greenwood Iain A
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEKCNQ‐encoded voltage‐gated potassium channels (Kv7) have recently been identified as important anti‐constrictor elements in rodent blood vessels but the role of these channels and the effects of their modulation in human arteries remain unknown. Here, we have assessedKCNQgene expression and function in human arteriesex vivo.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHFifty arteries (41 from visceral adipose tissue, 9 mesenteric arteries) were obtained from subjects undergoing elective surgery. Quantitative RT‐PCR experiments using primers specific for all knownKCNQgenes and immunohistochemsitry were used to show Kv7 channel expression. Wire myography and single cell electrophysiology assessed the function of these channels.

KEY RESULTSKCNQ4 was expressed in all arteries assessed, with variable contributions fromKCNQ1, 3 and 5.KCNQ2 was not detected. Kv7 channel isoform‐dependent staining was revealed in the smooth muscle layer. In functional studies, the Kv7 channel blockers, XE991 and linopirdine increased isometric tension and inhibited K+currents. In contrast, the Kv7.1‐specific blocker chromanol 293B did not affect vascular tone. Two Kv7 channel activators, retigabine and acrylamide S‐1, relaxed preconstricted arteries, actions reversed by XE991. Kv7 channel activators also suppressed spontaneous contractile activity in seven arteries, reversible by XE991.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSThis is the first study to demonstrate not only the presence ofKCNQgene products in human arteries but also their contribution to vascular toneex vivo.

LINKED ARTICLEThis article is commented on by Mani and Byron, pp. 38–41 of this issue. To view this commentary visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.01065.x
The subtypes of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors expressed by human podocytes and their role in decreasing podocyte injury
Authors: Miglio Gianluca , Rosa Arianna Carolina , Rattazzi Lorenza , Grange Cristina , Collino Massimo , Camussi Giovanni , Fantozzi Roberto
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand‐activated transcription factors, and three subtypes (α, β and γ) have been identified. PPAR activation has been reported to decrease renal injury and markers of glomerular dysfunction in models of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). However, both the I/R effects and the effects of PPAR agonists on podocytes, an integral cellular part of the glomerular filtration barrier, remain to be established.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH By using oxygen/glucose deprivation‐reoxygenation as an in vitro model that mimics in vivo I/R, the effects of PPAR agonists on podocyte death were compared. Human immortalized podocytes were treated with gemfibrozil, GW0742, pioglitazone or rosiglitazone, as a single or repeated challenge. Cell loss, necrotic and apoptotic cell death were measured.

KEY RESULTS Only the repeated treatment with each PPAR agonist significantly prevented cell death, mainly by decreasing apoptosis. In comparison, in a model of serum deprivation‐induced apoptosis, both treatments were effective, although the repeated treatment achieved the more pronounced effect. Finally, our results showed that preservation of Bcl‐2, Bax and nephrin expression accompanied the anti‐apoptotic effects exerted by PPAR agonists in human podocytes.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS These findings contribute to clarification of the pathophysiological role of renal PPARs and suggest that selective PPARα, PPARβ or PPARγ agonists may exert similar protective effects on podocytes by decreasing apoptotic cell death.
A new genus,Tenguobythus, and five new species of the Iniocyphine subtribe Natypleurina from Japan (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae)
Authors: ARAI Shiho , NOMURA Shûhei
Published: September 2010

A new pselaphine genus,Tenguobythus,is defined with descriptions of five new species:T. nasalisfrom Honshû, Miyake‐jima Island, Shikoku and Kyûshû,T. rhinocerosfrom Amami‐Ôshima Island,T. pentagonusandT. yamafrom Okinawa‐jima Island andT. decoratusfrom the Yaeyama Islands.
Taxonomic notes on the paper wasps of the genusRopalidiain the Indian subcontinent (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: KOJIMA Jun‐ichi , LAMBERT Kishore , NGUYEN Lien T. P. , SAITO Fuki
Published: September 2010

The taxonomy ofRopalidiawasps in the Indian subcontinent is revised, recognizing 26 species in the subcontinent. Their diagnostic characteristics are summarized in a key to species. New synonymies proposed in the present study are:R. bicolorata shivaDas and Gupta, 1989 underR. bicoloratavan der Vecht, 1962;R. colorata sordidavan der Vecht, 1941 underR. coloratavan der Vecht, 1941;R. rodialipaLambert and Narendran, 2005 andR. anupamaLambert and Narendran, 2005, both underR. cyathiformisFabricius, 1804;R. jacobsoni flavoscutellataDas and Gupta, 1989, andR. bangaloricaLambert and Narendran, 2005, both underR. jacobsonidu Buysson, 1908;R. travancoricaLambert and Narendran, 2005, underR. marginataLepeletier, 1836;R. sridharaniLambert and Narendran, 2005, underR. rufocollarisCameron, 1900;Ropalidia rufoplagiata nurseivan der Vecht, 1941 underR. rufoplagiataCameron, 1905;Icaria lugubrisSmith, 1858, underR. sumatraeWeber, 1801; and a revised synonymy isIcaria pendulaSmith, 1857, underR. variegataSmith, 1852. The new replacement nameRopalidia kasaragodensisLambert and Narendran is proposed forR. indicaLambert and Narendran, 2005, non van der Vecht, 1941.
Expression of Helicobacter pylori TonB Protein in Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana: Toward Production of Vaccine Antigens in Plants
Authors: Kalbina Irina , Engstrand Lars , Andersson Sören , Strid Åke
Published: September 2010

Background:  The aim of this study was to produce a recombinant version of the highly antigenic Helicobacter pylori TonB (iron‐dependent siderophore transporter protein HP1341) in transgenic plants as a candidate oral vaccine antigen.

Materials and Methods:  Using Agrobacterium‐mediated gene transfer, we introduced three different constructs of the tonB gene into the genome of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We investigated transgene insertion by PCR, produced TonB antibodies for analysis of the production of the recombinant protein in plants, verified the identity of the protein produced by mass spectrometry analysis, and analyzed the number of genetic inserts in the plants by Southern blotting.

Results:  Three different constructs of the expression cassette (full‐length tonB, tonB truncated in the 5′ end removing the codons for a transmembrane helix, and the latter construct with codons for the endoplasmic reticulum SEKDEL retention signal added to the 3′ end) were used to find the most effective way to express the TonB antigen. Production of TonB protein was detected in plants transformed with each of the constructs, confirmed by both Western blotting and mass spectrometry analysis. No considerable differences in protein expression from the three different constructs were observed. The protein concentration in the plants was at least 0.05% of the total soluble proteins.

Conclusions:  The Helicobacter pylori TonB protein can be produced in Arabidopsis thaliana plants in a form that is recognizable by rabbit anti‐TonB antiserum. These TonB‐expressing plants are highly suitable for animal studies of oral adminstration as a route for immunization against Helicobacter infections.
Helicobacter pylori Induction of the Gastrin Promoter Through GC‐Rich DNA Elements
Authors: Tucker Tamara P. , Gray Brian M. , Eaton Kathyrn A. , Merchant Juanita L.
Published: September 2010

Background:  Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been linked to the development of chronic gastritis, duodenal ulcer disease, and gastric cancer. Helicobacter pylori‐ infected patients and animal models develop hypergastrinemia, chronic gastritis, and gastric atrophy. Since gastrin is an important regulator of gastric acid secretion and cell growth, H. pylori regulation of this hormone has been implicated in its pathogenesis.

Objectives:  To investigate the effect of H. pylori on gastrin gene expression in mice and of human bacterial isolates on gastrin mRNA expressed in a human cell line.

Methods:  Gastrin mRNA was measured by qRT‐PCR in H. pylori‐infected mice. H. pylori were co‐cultured with AGS cells to study regulation of human gastrin gene expression. Various MAP kinases were implicated in signal transduction from the bacteria using specific inhibitors. Gastrin reporter constructs and gel shift assays were used to map DNA responsive elements.

Results:  In addition to an increase in gastrin mRNA in H. pylori‐infected mice, H. pylori induced the endogenous human gastrin gene through MAP kinase‐dependent signaling but not NFκB‐dependent signaling. Activation of gastrin through MAPK signaling did not require CagA or VacA virulence factors. Transfection studies demonstrated that a GC‐rich motif mediated H. pylori‐induction of the gastrin promoter and that the motif inducibly binds Sp1 and Sp3 transcription factors.

Conclusions:  Direct contact of live H. pylori bacteria with human cells is sufficient to induce gastrin gene expression.
Global Environmental Change and Human Health:. Impact Assessment, Population Vulnerability, and Research Priorities
Authors: McMichael A.J.
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT

The scale of environmental hazards to human population health is increasing. For the first time, the human species is perturbing various natural systems at the global level. Over many millennia, humans have often degraded local ecosystems, and their societies then usually suffered or moved. What differs in today’s world is the global, systemic, scale of human impact. This reflects the aggregate impact of rapidly increasing population size and an energy‐intensive high‐throughput linear consumer economy. In consequence, we are now encountering anthropogenic changes in the composition of the world’s lower and middle atmospheres and the worldwide depletion of other natural systems (e.g., soil fertility, aquifers, ocean fisheries, and biological diversity).

We have long overlooked the fundamental infrastructural importance to human health of the biosphere’s natural systems. Yet, these are the life‐support systems upon which the sustained health of populations depends. In many respects, the potential health risks from global environmental change are therefore qualitatively different from the well‐known, locally confined environmental risks to health from direct‐acting toxic pollutants. Disruption of natural biophysical systems jeopardizes human health by a range of direct and indirect, immediate and delayed mechanisms. These entail major implications for the longer‐term sustainability of human population health. We therefore must extend our health risk assessment concepts and methods to accommodate scenario‐based forecasting of health impacts. There is need for an expanded transdisciplinary research effort that would include the development of new and better modelling and predictive techniques. These research methods and the communication of research results to public and policymaker must accommodate an unusual mix of complexity, uncertainty, and futurism.

The extent and profile of health impacts from global environmental change will vary around the world. In general, poor, restricted, and isolated populations will be the most vulnerable. The combined impacts of climate change, freshwater shortages, and land degradation may impair agricultural productivity most in subtropical and semi‐arid regions where food insecurity is already prevalent. Clearly, there are complex political and ethical challenges that accompany the challenges to science.
Community Health Effects of a Petroleum Refinery
Authors: Taylor S. Martin , Sider Douglas , Hampson Christine , Taylor Stuart J. , Wilson Kelly , Walter Stephen D. , Eyles John D.
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT

A three‐stage study was conducted to investigate the community health impacts of the Petro Canada petroleum refinery in Oakville, Ontario. A feasibility study was the basis for a stage 2 health survey in 1992 designed to examine the association between self‐reported somatic and/or psychosocial symptoms and exposure to odorous refinery emissions in families living near the refinery. In stage 3, a qualitative investigation of residents’ experiences of the refinery was conducted in 1994 by means of depth interviews of a subsample of the survey respondents. The focus of this article is the results of the stage 2 and 3 studies. The survey results (n = 391) showed strong association between zone of residence and odor perception and annoyance, which, in turn, were strongly associated with the reporting of cardinal and general symptoms in adults and children. The strong mediating effect of odors on the refinery exposure–symptom reporting relationship was confirmed by the results of path analyses. The survey findings are consistent with the results of several previous studies of health effects due to environmental odor exposures, which suggest a psychosomatic reaction to the environmental stress associated with odorous emissions. The analysis of the depth interviews (n = 40) revealed the effects of social and community factors on residents’ experiences of the refinery emissions and served to elucidate the relationship between exposure, odor annoyance, and symptom reporting. Ten emergent themes were identified, and these were integrated in terms of three profiles of “typical” resident reactions to the refinery. Follow‐up quantitative and qualitative studies are planned to determine whether the ongoing odor reduction plan at the refinery results in reduced levels of symptom reporting.