bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Logic of Explanatory Power
Authors: Schupbach Jonah N. , Sprenger Jan
Published: February 2011

This article introduces and defends a probabilistic measure of the explanatory power that a particular explanans has over its explanandum. To this end, we propose several intuitive, formal conditions of adequacy for an account of explanatory power. Then, we show that these conditions are uniquely satisfied by one particular probabilistic function. We proceed to strengthen the case for this measure of explanatory power by proving several theorems, all of which show that this measure neatly corresponds to our explanatory intuitions. Finally, we briefly describe some promising future projects inspired by our account.
The ‘check effect’ reconsidered
Authors: Rosen Marc I.
Published: February 2011

Aims  The ‘check effect’ refers to the use of disability payments to purchase illegal drugs or alcohol. This paper describes subsequent research concerning three interrelated issues: the check effect, whether receipt of disability payments is associated with more overall substance use, and potential policy responses to misuse of disability payments for substances.

Methods  Review and synthesis of published papers.

Results  Increased substance use at the beginning of the month has been described in a variety of settings. The tendency to purchase substances at the beginning of the month is impacted by household wealth, the tendency to discount future rewards and cyclical economic activity. However, in naturalistic observational cohort studies, beneficiaries who receive disability payments had no greater substance use than those without disability payments. Potential policy responses to mis‐spending of disability checks include financial counseling that discourages spending on drugs and the assignment of a representative payee to prevent misuse of benefits for substances. Assignment of a representative payee per se has not been associated with reduced substance use, but payeeship administered by agencies that integrate payee practice into treatment has been.

Conclusion  Disability payments impact the timing of substance use, but receipt of disability payments is not associated with more overall substance use than unalleviated poverty. Money management‐based clinical interventions, which may involve assignment of a representative payee, can minimize the purchase of substances with disability payments.
Increased serum hepcidin levels during treatment with deferasirox in iron‐overloaded patients with myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Ghoti Hussam , Fibach Eitan , Westerman Mark , Gordana Olbina , Ganz Tomas , Rachmilewitz Eliezer A.
Published: February 2011

Hepcidin is a major regulator of iron metabolism. We evaluated changes in serum hepcidin during 3 months of therapy with the iron‐chelator deferasirox in patients with low‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome and iron overload. Serum hepcidin was found to be high in these patients, correlated with their iron and oxidative status, and further increased by treatment with deferasirox. These findings support the concept that the hepcidin level represents a balance between the stimulating effect of iron overload and the inhibitory effects of erythropoietic activity and oxidative stress. These preliminary findings favour the rationale for iron chelation therapy in such patients.
Review: a conceptual model of perceived burden of informal caregivers for older persons with a severe functional psychiatric syndrome and concomitant problematic behaviour
Authors: Zegwaard Marian I , Aartsen Marja J , Cuijpers Pim , Grypdonck Mieke HF
Published: February 2011

Aims and objectives.  This literature review aims to delineate the determinants of perceived burden by informal caregivers and provide insight into the interrelatedness between these determinants.

Background.  Despite the attention given to the various determinants of perceived burden, their interrelatedness has not been unravelled. Insight into this interrelatedness is mandatory for the development of successful, complex, multivariate interventions to reduce perceived burden of informal caregivers.

Design.  Systematic review.

Method.  Four electronic databases, CINAHL, Embase psychiatry, Medline, Psychinfo and reference lists of selected articles, were searched. Publications between January 1985–2008 were included if they concerned mental illness, burden and care giving. Articles were selected according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results.  The results of mostly descriptive, cross‐sectional and univariate research and the more process‐oriented results coming from qualitative burden research are organised in a process orientated conceptual scheme or model adapted from the stress‐theoretical framework by Lazarus and Folkman. The model indicates that perceived burden must be understood through the individual appraisal of stressors and the availability and use of internal and external resources. Perceived burden is the outcome of multiple, clinically overlapping psychiatric problems, problematic behaviour and functional disabilities.

Conclusions.  So far, intervention programs to reduce perceived burden of informal caregivers have not devoted much attention to the interrelatedness of the origins of burden. The conceptual model provides an overview of the various determinants of perceived burden and a clear picture of the possible interrelatedness appears. This overview of the most important sources of burden helps to develop a complex, multivariate intervention that is comprehensive, long‐term, individually tailored and has the flexibility to meet the dynamics of burden over time.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Use of the conceptual model is crucial to professional nursing and the quality of support of informal caregivers.
The effects of cryotherapy in relieving postarthroscopy pain
Authors: Fang Li , Hung Chich‐Hsiu , Wu Shang‐Liang , Fang Shu‐Hui , Stocker Joel
Published: February 2011

Aim.  The aim of this study was to examine whether the application of cryotherapy with ice in a plastic bag is effective in reducing the severity of wound pain after arthroscopy.

Background.  In most studies, analgesic medication were administered prior to surgery; postoperative pain may be reduced by analgesics, but they are known to confound the effects of cryotherapy. Cryotherapy by Cryocuff system has commonly been used to manage post arthroscopy patients’ pain. Few studies have tested the effects of cryotherapy by simply applying ice in a plastic bag to relieve postarthroscopy pain.

Design.  This was a prospective, double‐blinded, quasi‐experimental study with two groups, interrupted time‐series design and multiple treatment replications.

Method.  Fifty‐nine patients who received arthroscopy between July–August 2007 were assigned to receive cryotherapy (the experimental group, 33 people) or no cryotherapy (the control group, 26 people). For the experimental group, three 10‐minute sessions of ice packing were conducted over a three‐hour period, with 50‐minute intervals between each session. The first session of ice packing was applied immediately after recovery from anaesthesia.

Results.  Cryotherapy with ice in a plastic bag was shown to be effective in lessening the degree of pain in postarthroscopy patients. The pain score of the experimental group decreased from 5·12–1·82 after cryotherapy, representing a significant decrease, while the pain score in the control group decreased from 4·04–2·88 (p = 0·047, 0·012 and 0·005).

Conclusions.  Cryotherapy with ice in a plastic bag can be applied in standard protocols for patients who have just undergone arthroscopic surgery.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Cryotherapy with ice in a plastic bag is a simple, readily attainable and cost‐effective technique for relieving postarthroscopy pain. We recommend that it be included in standard treatment protocols. Techniques for cryotherapy should be incorporated into in‐service education.
A novel Hfq‐dependent sRNA that is under FNR control and is synthesized in oxygen limitation in Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Fantappiè Laura , Oriente Francesca , Muzzi Alessandro , Serruto Davide , Scarlato Vincenzo , Delany Isabel
Published: February 2011

Small non‐coding RNAs (sRNA) are emerging as key elements of post‐transcriptional gene regulation in bacteria. The conserved Hfq protein is thought to function as an RNA chaperone and facilitate base‐pairing between sRNAs and mRNA targets. In this study we identify a novel sRNA of Neisseria meningitidis through global gene expression studies of regulated transcripts in the Hfq mutant. The synthesis of this sRNA, named AniS, is anaerobically induced through activation of its promoter by the FNR global regulator. Whole‐genome expression analyses led to the identification of putative mRNA targets, two of which are predicted to base pair with AniS. We show that Hfq binds the AniS transcript in vitro and is necessary for the downregulation of the identified target mRNAs in vivo. Contrary to many Hfq‐dependent sRNA of the Enterobacteriaceae, Hfq promotes decay of AniS in N. meningitidis. Our analysis shows that the AniS regulator is part of the FNR regulon and may be responsible for the downregulation of FNR‐repressed genes. Furthermore the presence of similar conserved regulatory sequences in all Neisseria spp. to date suggests that an analogous FNR‐regulated sRNA, with a variable 5′ sequence, may be ubiquitous to all commensals and pathogens of the Genus.
The alternative aerobic ribonucleotide reductase of Escherichia coli, NrdEF, is a manganese‐dependent enzyme that enables cell replication during periods of iron starvation
Authors: Martin Julia E. , Imlay James A.
Published: February 2011

The genome of Escherichia coli encodes two class I ribonucleotide reductases. The first, NrdAB, is a well‐studied iron‐dependent enzyme that is essential for aerobic growth. The second, NrdEF, is not functional under routine conditions, and its role is obscure. Recent studies demonstrated that NrdEF can be activated in vitro by manganese as well as iron. Since iron enzymes are potential targets for hydrogen peroxide, and since the nrdHIEF operon is induced during H2O2 stress, we hypothesized that H2O2 might inactivate NrdAB and that NrdEF might be induced to compensate. This idea was tested using E. coli mutants that are chronically stressed by H2O2. Contrary to expectation, NrdAB remained active. Its resistance to H2O2 depended upon YfaE, which helps to activate NrdB. The induction of NrdEF during H2O2 stress was mediated by the inactivation of Fur, an iron‐dependent repressor. This regulatory arrangement implied that NrdEF has a physiological role during periods of iron starvation. Indeed, NrdEF supported cell replication in iron‐depleted cells. Iron bound to NrdF when it was expressed in iron‐rich cells, but NrdEF was functional only in cells that were both iron‐depleted and manganese‐rich. Thus NrdEF supports DNA replication when iron is unavailable to activate the housekeeping NrdAB enzyme.
A novel amidotransferase required for lipoic acid cofactor assembly in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Christensen Quin H. , Martin Natalia , Mansilla Maria C. , de Mendoza Diego , Cronan John E.
Published: February 2011

In the companion paper we reported that Bacillus subtilis requires three proteins for lipoic acid metabolism, all of which are members of the lipoate protein ligase family. Two of the proteins, LipM and LplJ, have been shown to be an octanoyltransferase and a lipoate : protein ligase respectively. The third protein, LipL, is essential for lipoic acid synthesis, but had no detectable octanoyltransferase or ligase activity either in vitro or in vivo. We report that LipM specifically modifies the glycine cleavage system protein, GcvH, and therefore another mechanism must exist for modification of other lipoic acid requiring enzymes (e.g. pyruvate dehydrogenase). We show that this function is provided by LipL, which catalyses the amidotransfer (transamidation) of the octanoyl moiety from octanoyl‐GcvH to the E2 subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase. LipL activity was demonstrated in vitro with purified components and proceeds via a thioester‐linked acyl‐enzyme intermediate. As predicted, ΔgcvH strains are lipoate auxotrophs. LipL represents a new enzyme activity. It is a GcvH:[lipoyl domain] amidotransferase that probably uses a Cys‐Lys catalytic dyad. Although the active site cysteine residues of LipL and LipB are located in different positions within the polypeptide chains, alignment of their structures show these residues occupy similar positions. Thus, these two homologous enzymes have convergent architectures.
Trans‐generational effects of maternal rearing density on offspring development time in a parasitoid wasp
Authors: MORAG NA'AMA , KEASAR TAMAR , HARARI ALLY , BOUSKILA AMOS
Published: February 2011

Maternal pre‐reproductive experience can impose phenotypic changes on offspring traits. These modifications may result from physiological constraints, although they can also increase the adaptation of offspring to their anticipated environment. Distinguishing between the two interpretations is often difficult. The effects of virgin female rearing density on their longevity and the characteristics of their male offspring are explored in the polyembryonic parasitoid waspCopidosoma koehleri(Blanchard) (Encyrtidae: Hymenoptera). High rearing density may adversely affect maternal physiology or, alternatively, act as a cue for anticipated competition during the lives of the mothers and their offspring. Male offspring of group‐reared females reach pupation significantly sooner than male offspring of females reared alone. This accelerated development may provide an advantage when competition from superparasitising individuals is expected. The lifespan of high‐density females is longer than that of singly‐reared females, and their male offspring survive longer, suggesting that crowded rearing does not reduce the fitness of females or offspring. The shortened development time of male offspring may reflect an adaptive epigenetic response to predicted competitive conditions.
The mechanism of action and clinical benefits of soy for the treatment of hyperpigmentation
Authors: Leyden James , Wallo Warren
Published: February 2011

Background  Hyperpigmentation disorders are common and diverse conditions that may require treatment for medical and/or cosmetic reasons. Hyperpigmented lesions can reduce patients’ quality of life, self‐perception, and social and vocational functioning. The most commonly used treatments for hyperpigmentation include topical agents, such as hydroquinone, retinoids and azelaic acid.

Objectives  Current topical treatments have significant limitations; they often do not produce adequate results and may be limited by adverse effects, such as dermatitis. Soy and soy‐based products have demonstrated a wide range of potential benefits for health and nutrition, including a range of dermatological effects.

Methods  Research from the last decade has identified multiple mechanisms by which soy‐derived products may affect skin pigmentation, as well as photodamage and photoaging, overall skin health, and even the risk for and progression of skin cancer.

Results  Preclinical evidence has demonstrated that soy‐derived serine protease inhibitors affect skin pigmentation by inhibiting protease‐activated receptor‐2‐mediated phagocytosis of melanosomes by keratinocytes.

Conclusion  Soy‐based products containing these serine protease inhibitors may represent a new therapeutic option for dermatological treatment. Indeed, recent evidence from randomized clinical studies supports the safe and effective use of soy products for the treatment of hyperpigmentation.
Food allergy: Riding the second wave of the allergy epidemic
Authors: Prescott Susan , Allen Katrina J.
Published: February 2011

To cite this article: Prescott S, Allen KJ. Food allergy: Riding the second wave of the allergy epidemic. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; 22: 155–160.

Food allergy is a substantial and evolving public health issue, recently emerging over the last 10–15 yr as a ‘second wave’ of the allergy epidemic. It remains unclear why this new phenomenon has lagged decades behind the ‘first wave’ of asthma, allergic rhinitis and inhalant sensitization. In regions like Australia, which lead the respiratory epidemic, challenge‐proven IgE‐mediated food allergy now affects up to 10% of infants. Although their parents were among the first generation to experience the large‐scale rise in allergic diseases, disorders of oral tolerance were previously uncommon. Of further concern, this new generation appears less likely to outgrow food allergy than their predecessors with long‐term implications for disease burden. Allergic disease has been linked to the modern lifestyle including changing dietary patterns, changing intestinal commensal bacteria and vehicular pollution. It is not yet known whether the rise in food allergy is a harbinger of earlier and more severe effects of these progressive environmental changes or whether additional or unrelated lifestyle factors are implicated. New studies suggest environmental factors can produce epigenetic changes in gene expression and disease risk that may be potentially heritable across generations. The rising rates of maternal allergy, a strong direct determinant of allergic risk, could also be amplifying the effect of environmental changes. Preliminary evidence that non‐Caucasian populations may be even more susceptible to the adverse effects of ‘westernisation’ has substantial global implications with progressive urbanization of the more populous regions in the developing world. Unravelling the environmental drivers is critical to curtail a potential tsunami of allergic disease.
Developing a food allergy curriculum for parents
Authors: Vargas Perla A. , Sicherer Scott H. , Christie Lynn , Keaveny Maureen , Noone Sally , Watkins Debra , Carlisle Suzanna K , Jones Stacie M.
Published: February 2011

To cite this article: Vargas PA, Sicherer SH, Christie L, Keaveny M, Noone S, Watkins D, Carlisle SK, Jones SM, CoFAR. Developing a food allergy curriculum for parents. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011; 22: 575–582.

Background:  Food allergy (FA) is potentially severe and requires intensive education to master allergen avoidance and emergency care. There is evidence suggesting the need for a comprehensive curriculum for food allergic families.

Methods:  This paper describes the results of focus groups conducted to guide the development of a curriculum for parents of food allergic children. The focus groups were conducted using standard methodology with experienced parents of food allergic children.

Results:  Participants were parents (n = 36) with experience managing FA recruited from allergy clinics at two academic centers. Topics identified by parents as key for successful management included as expected: (i) early signs/symptoms, (ii) ‘cross‐contamination’, (iii) label‐reading, (iv) self‐injectable epinephrine; and (v) becoming a teacher and advocate. Participants also recommended developing a ‘one page‐road map’ to the information, and to provide the information early and be timed according to developmental stages/needs. Suggested first points for curriculum dissemination were emergency rooms, obstetrician and pediatrician offices. Participants also recommended targeting pediatricians, emergency physicians, school personnel, and the community‐at‐large in educational efforts. Parents often sought FA information from non‐medical sources such as the Internet and support groups. These resources were also accessed to find ways to cope with stress. Paradoxically, difficulties gaining access to resources and uncertainty regarding reliability of the information added to the stress experience.

Discussion:  Based on reports from experienced parents of food allergic children, newly diagnosed parents could benefit from a comprehensive FA management curriculum. Improving access to clear and concise educational materials would likely reduce stress/anxiety and improve quality of life.
Cross‐talk between salicylic acid and NaCl‐generated reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide in tomato during acclimation to high salinity
Authors: Gémes Katalin , Poór Péter , Horváth Edit , Kolbert Zsuzsanna , Szopkó Dóra , Szepesi Ágnes , Tari Irma
Published: February 2011

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) generated by salicylic acid (SA) are considered to be functional links of cross‐tolerance to various stressors. SA‐stimulated pre‐adaptation state was beneficial in the acclimation to subsequent salt stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Rio Fuego). At the whole‐plant level, SA‐induced massive H2O2 accumulation only at high concentrations (10−3–10−2M), which later caused the death of plants. The excess accumulation of H2O2 as compared with plants exposed to 100 mM NaCl was not associated with salt stress response after SA pre‐treatments. In the root tips, 10−3–10−2M SA triggered the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO with a concomitant decline in the cell viability. Sublethal concentrations of SA, however, decreased the effect of salt stress on ROS and NO production in the root apex. The attenuation of oxidative stress because of high salinity occurred not only in pre‐adapted plants but also at cell level. When protoplasts prepared from control leaves were exposed to SA in the presence of 100 mM NaCl, the production of NO and ROS was much lower and the viability of the cells was higher than in salt‐treated samples. This suggests that, the cross‐talk of signalling pathways induced by SA and high salinity may occur at the level of ROS and NO production. Abscisic acid (ABA), polyamines and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid, the compounds accumulating in pre‐treated plants, enhanced the diphenylene iodonium‐sensitive ROS and NO levels, but, in contrast to others, ABA and putrescine preserved the viability of protoplasts.
Begging at high level simultaneously impairs growth and immune response in southern shrike (Lanius meridionalis) nestlings
Authors: MORENO‐RUEDA G. , REDONDO T.
Published: February 2011

Theoretical models suggest that begging should be costly in order to be evolutionarily stable. However, evidence for such a cost is contradictory (e.g. for growth costs) or scant (e.g. for immunological costs). Here, we experimentally test the existence of both costs in southern shrike (Lanius meridionalis) nestlings. Nestlings were paired by nest of origin and similar body mass. In each pair, a nestling was forced to beg for about 30 s h−1, whereas the other begged for only 2 s, both nestlings receiving the same quantity of food. At the same time, the nestling response to an antigen (phytohaemagglutinin) was measured. Nestlings forced to beg for longer showed a reduction in growth rate and in immunocompetence when compared to control chicks. The two costs occurred independently of each other and were negatively correlated to time begging. These results strongly support models of honest signalling as well as scramble competition, which predict that begging should be costly in order to be evolutionarily stable.
Tamsulosin versus transurethral resection of the prostate: Effect on nocturia as a result of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Simaioforidis Vasileios , Papatsoris Athanasios G , Chrisofos Michael , Chrisafis Manolis , Koritsiadis Sotirios , Deliveliotis Charalambos
Published: February 2011

Our objective was to compare the effect of tamsulosin versus transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for the management of nocturia in previously untreated men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and no other predisposing factors for nocturia. The study group included 66 patients (mean age 68.9 years, range 52–81) randomized to receive either tamsulosin 0.4 mg per os daily (n = 33) or TURP (n = 33). Nocturia was assessed at baseline, after 3 months and after 1 year, by the number of nocturnal awakenings and hours of undisturbed sleep (HUS) obtained from a 72‐h Frequency Volume Chart (FVC). Furthermore, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Nocturia (ICIQ‐N) and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Nocturia Quality of Life (ICIQ‐NQoL) were recorded. At baseline, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. ICIQNQoL and ICIQ‐N scores correlated with the number of awakenings and HUS, respectively. Both tamsulosin and TURP improved all examined parameters during the follow up. TURP was associated with a statistically significant improvement in the number of nocturnal awakenings and in the IPSS, ICIQ‐N and ICIQ‐NQol scores in comparison with tamsulosin. HUS increased in both groups, but without any statistically significant difference. In conclusion, TURP is superior in comparison with tamsulosin for the management of BPH‐related nocturia.
Prostate cancer gene 3 urine assay for prostate cancer in Japanese men undergoing prostate biopsy
Authors: Ochiai Atsushi , Okihara Koji , Kamoi Kazumi , Iwata Tsuyoshi , Kawauchi Akihiro , Miki Tsuneharu , Fors Zephyr
Published: February 2011

Objectives:  To examine the clinical utility of the prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) urine test in predicting prostate cancer in Japanese men undergoing prostate biopsy.

Method:  The study group included 105 men who underwent extended prostate biopsy based on an elevated serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA). In all cases, the patients' race was Asian. Urine specimens were collected after digital rectal examination, and PCA3 score (PCA3/PSA mRNA) was determined in the urine using the APTIMA PCA3 assay. PCA3 score was investigated for a correlation with serum PSA, prostate volume (PV), PSA density and biopsy outcome.

Results:  All urine samples collected were successfully analyzed (i.e. the informative specimen rate was 100%). Biopsy showed prostate cancer in 38 men (36%). The PCA3 score was not associated with serum PSA nor PV. The median PCA3 score in prostate cancer was significantly higher than that in negative biopsy (59.5 vs 14.2 P < 0.0001). The probability of prostate cancer was 69% at a PCA3 score of more than 50 and 5% at a PCA3 score of less than 20. On multivariable logistic regression, PSA density (P < 0.05) and PCA3 score (P < 0.0001) were the independent predictors for prostate cancer. There was no significant difference in AUC between PCA3 score and PSA density. The combination of PCA3 score and PSA density increased the AUC from 0.72 for PSA alone to 0.88.

Conclusion:  The specificity of the PCA3 urine assay for prostate cancer was excellent in Japanese men undergoing biopsy. PCA3 score could improve the prediction for prostate cancer and help to better select men who might benefit from prostate biopsy.
Stent failure in the management of malignant extrinsic ureteral obstruction: Risk factors
Authors: Kamiyama Yoshihiro , Matsuura Shinobu , Kato Masanori , Abe Yuko , Takyu Shunichi , Yoshikawa Kazuyuki , Arai Yoichi
Published: February 2011

There is still controversy surrounding the indications for performing either a retrograde ureteral stent or percutaneous nephrostomy to manage malignant extrinsic ureteral obstruction (MEUO). We retrospectively analyzed 53 patients who underwent a decompression of MEUO using retrograde ureteral stent. Ureteral stent failure occurred in 18 of 53 patients (34%). Multivariate analysis showed that gastrointestinal cancer as the primary disease, poor preoperative performance status and severe preoperative hydronephrosis were independent predictors of stent failure. Based on the present data, we propose an algorithm for the management of MEUO.
Molecular prospecting for cryptic species in Phyllodistomum lacustri (Platyhelminthes, Gorgoderidae)
Authors: Rosas‐Valdez Rogelio , Choudhury Anindo , De León Gerardo Pérez‐Ponce
Published: February 2011

Rosas‐Valdez, R., Choudhury, A. & Pérez‐Ponce de León, G. (2011). Molecular prospecting for cryptic species in Phyllodistomum lacustri (Platyhelminthes, Gorgoderidae). —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 296–305.

Partial sequences of the 28S ribosomal RNA and cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) genes were compared among populations of a widely distributed and morphologically uniform digenean species in North America, Phyllodistomum lacustri, a parasite characteristically associated with ictalurid catfishes. Specimens were collected from the urinary bladder of ictalurid hosts in six localities of North America, spanning most of the latitudinal range of this freshwater fish group. Sequences of other congeneric species, including a potentially close relative, P. staffordi, were also obtained and used for comparison. Analyses of both molecular markers show very low or no intrapopulation variation within each sampling site. However, samples of P. lacustri from different hosts and regions exhibit varying levels of interpopulation genetic differences. Such differences are explained by the wide geographical distribution and host range of the ictalurids they parasitize, particularly in ictalurids distributed in Mexican freshwaters where they experienced a diversification process. Variation in both nuclear and mitochondrial genes and phylogenetic analyses, in conjunction with geographical and host information (drainage isolation and endemicity of the host species), indicate that at least three populations show potential as cryptic species.
Molecular evolution of Cinetochilum and Sathrophilus (Protozoa, Ciliophora, Oligohymenophorea), two genera of ciliates with morphological affinities to scuticociliates
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Miao Miao , Strüder‐Kypke Michaela C. , Al‐Rasheid Khaled A. S. , Al‐Farraj Saleh A. , Song Weibo
Published: February 2011

Zhang, Q., Miao, M., Strüder‐Kypke, M. C., Al‐Rasheid, K. A. S., Al‐Farraj, S. A. & Song, W. (2011). Molecular evolution of Cinetochilum and Sathrophilus (Protozoa, Ciliophora, Oligohymenophorea), two genera of ciliates with morphological affinities to scuticociliates. —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 317–325.

The ciliate order Loxocephalida sensu Li et al. (2006) has been considered to be systematically uncertain within the subclass Scuticociliatia. Loxocephalids display mixed morphological features and morphogenetic patterns that are found in two different oligohymenophorean subclasses: scuticociliates and hymenostomes. To reveal their phylogenetic positions, molecular information on this group is urgently needed but still inadequate. In the present study, we have sequenced the small subunit rRNA gene of two newly described loxocephalids, Cinetochilum ovale Gong & Song 2008; and Sathrophilus planus Fan et al. 2010; which have never been discussed based on molecular analysis. Results show: (i) all phylogenetic trees are nearly identical in placing Cinetochilum closest to the subclass Apostomatia and form a monophyletic group divergent from the typical scuticociliates, (ii) the genus Sathrophilus, together with Anoplophrya, a poorly known Astomatia, forms a peripheral branch separated from the scuticociliatian assemblage and (iii) the affiliation of the loxocephalid genera sensu Li et al. (2006) is not confirmed due to a dispersion in four deeply diverged clades. In addition, the polyphyly of the genus Cyclidium, shown in previous studies, is confirmed by our phylogenetic analyses and supported by the approximately unbiased test based on the new database in this work.
The Greek Debt Crisis: Likely Causes, Mechanics and Outcomes
Authors: Arghyrou Michael G. , Tsoukalas John D.
Published: February 2011

We use insights from the literature on currency crises to offer an analytical treatment of the crisis in the market for Greek government bonds. We argue that the crisis itself and its escalating nature are very likely to be the result of: (i) steady deterioration of Greek macroeconomic fundamentals over 2001–09 to levels inconsistent with long‐term EMU participation; and (ii) a double shift in markets’ expectations, from a regime of credible commitment to future EMU participation under an implicit EMU/German guarantee of Greek fiscal liabilities, to a regime of non‐credible EMU commitment without fiscal guarantees, respectively occurring in November 2009 and February/March 2010. We argue that the risk of contagion to other periphery EMU countries is significant; and that without extensive structural reforms, the sustainability of the EMU is in question.
Witness examination as interdiscursive practice
Authors: BHATIA VIJAY K.
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT:  International commercial arbitration offers an interesting site for the study of witness examination as an interdiscursive phenomenon across professional, jurisdictional, linguistic and cultural boundaries. It is contentious not only because it is shared across two rather distinct practices, namely, litigation and arbitration, bringing together international participants, particularly stakeholders who carry their individual baggage in the form of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, sometimes languages, as well as interdisciplinary expertise, but also because it is meant to integrate two distinct legal systems and cultures, namely, common law culture and the civil code culture. Drawing on a multiperspective analysis of interdiscursive aspects of witness examination practices from arbitration and litigation, an attempt will be made to identify and discuss some of the issues emerging from the hybrid nature of this legal practice, which may be seen as problematic in maintaining the integrity of arbitration practice as an alternative to litigation in international commercial contexts, though the paper is based on observations from trials conducted in English. The paper also reflects the Anglo‐American domination of the legal discourse in arbitration discourse much like the Anglo‐American or Inner Circle ideologies of standard language in world Englishes.
One complicated extended family: the influence of alphabetic knowledge and vocabulary on phonemic awareness
Authors: Ouellette Gene P. , Haley Allyson
Published: February 2011

This research evaluated possible sources of individual differences in early explicit, smaller segment phonological awareness. In particular, the unique contributions of oral vocabulary and alphabetic knowledge to phonemic awareness acquisition were examined across the first year of school. A total of 57 participants were tested in kindergarten (mean age 5 years, 8 months) and again 1 year later midway through Grade 1. Results revealed that oral vocabulary and alphabetic knowledge were correlated with concurrent larger segment phonological awareness and phonemic blending in kindergarten whereas oral vocabulary was the only measure that predicted unique variance in phonemic awareness into Grade 1. Further, this pattern of results was most pronounced for analytic (segmenting), as opposed to synthetic (blending), phonemic awareness. These results highlight the importance of different component processes to explicit, smaller segment awareness depending upon the developmental period under study and also accentuate the need to separate analytic from synthetic phonemic awareness in literacy research.
BUSINESS CYCLE SYNCHRONIZATION SINCE 1880*
Authors: ARTIS MICHAEL , CHOULIARAKIS GEORGE , HARISCHANDRA P. K. G.
Published: February 2011

This paper studies the international business cycle behaviour across 25 advanced and emerging market economies for which 125 years of annual GDP data are available. The picture that emerges is more fragmented than the one drawn by studies that focused on a narrower set of advanced market economies. The paper offers evidence in favour of a secular increase in international business cycle synchronization within a group of European and a group of English‐speaking economies that started during 1950–1973 and accelerated since 1973. Yet, in other regions of the world, country‐specific shocks are still the dominant forces of business cycle dynamics.
Conceivability and De Re Modal Knowledge
Authors: Roca‐Royes Sonia
Published: February 2011

The paper presents a dilemma for both epistemic and non‐epistemic versions of conceivability‐based accounts of modal knowledge. On the one horn, non‐epistemic accounts do not elucidate the essentialist knowledge they would be committed to. On the other, epistemic accounts do not elucidate everyday lifede remodal knowledge. In neither case, therefore, do conceivability accounts elucidatede remodal knowledge.
Reform der Hartz IV-Hinzuverdienstregelungen: Ein verfehlter Ansatz
Authors: Peichl Andreas , Pestel Nico , Schneider Hilmar , Siegloch Sebastian
Published: February 2011

In Germany, both policy makers and researchers have been searching for solutions to overcome the disincentives on labor supply generated by income allowances for welfare recipients (Unemployment Benefit II). Taking proposals of the German Economic Institute (IW) and the governing Liberal Party (FDP) as a starting point, the German Federal Government has intensely discussed this topic during fall 2010 and finally proposed a reform in legislation. In this study, we analyze the potential labor supply effects of the legislated reform and the preceding proposals. In a second step, we augment the different scenarios with a working hours requirement to ensure that only those are subsidized, whose earned income is low due to low hourly wages rather than few working hours. Our simulations confirm the well-known trade-off of in-work benefits: Without working time requirement they tend to create incentives for welfare recipients to increase their labor supply, such that overall labor supply rises. However, the more generous the allowable income regulation, the more expensive the reform gets for the government budget. This comes mainly from the increasing incentive to reduce working hours for those located around the phasing-out level of income. This predominantly affects secondary earners. A working hours requirement reduces these effects and causes more favorable labor market effects and consequently much lower fiscal costs.
Unprotecting the rare species: a niche‐based gap analysis for odonates in a core Cerrado area
Authors: Nóbrega Caroline C. , De Marco Paulo
Published: February 2011

Aim  We evaluated Odonata distribution data and predicted the compositional resemblance based on niche‐based species distribution models to analyse the following questions: (1) How is estimated species richness distributed, and how can it be preserved under the actual network of conservation units (a gap analysis approach)? (2) How is the estimated odonate beta diversity distributed, and is there a better distribution of conservation units (a priority setting approach)? (3) Is the probability of being under protection a function of the potential species range size? and (4) Will the current conservation network proposals protect odonate taxa?

Location  Central Brazil in a core Cerrado area.

Methods  We generated odonate species distribution predictions based on MaxEnt and maps derived from estimated species richness, beta diversity and gap analysis for all species predicted to occur in the study area. Then, we compared these maps with current conservation units, land‐use patterns and proposals for the establishment of conservation units.

Results  Raw odonate species records provided limited utility for setting conservation priorities without the use of niche‐based models. However, area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) values were characterized by substantial variation that was related to the number of records. No current conservation units overlapped the areas with higher predicted richness and beta diversity, and in general, conservation units were not preserving restricted/rare species. There was a direct linear correlation between species range size and the proportion of its range protected in the current network of conservation units. Finally, we identified three areas with high odonate beta diversity where conservationist actions should be implemented.

Main conclusions  Current conservation units and future suggested areas do not overlap regions with high conservation values for odonates. Conservation units protect species at random, and the level of protection has a direct relationship with species range size; thus, wide‐range species are expected to be more protected than restricted or threatened species.
An ‘ecological trap’ for yellow warbler nest microhabitat selection
Authors: Latif Quresh S. , Heath Sacha K. , Rotenberry John T.
Published: February 2011

Contrary to assumptions of habitat selection theory, field studies frequently detect ‘ecological traps’, where animals prefer habitats conferring lower fitness than available alternatives. Evidence for traps includes cases where birds prefer breeding habitats associated with relatively high nest predation rates despite the importance of nest survival to avian fitness. Because birds select breeding habitat at multiple spatial scales, the processes underlying traps for birds are likely scale‐dependent. We studied a potential ecological trap for a population of yellow warblers Dendroica petechia while paying specific attention to spatial scale. We quantified nest microhabitat preference by comparing nest‐ versus random‐site microhabitat structure and related preferred microhabitat features with nest survival. Over a nine‐year study period and three study sites, we found a consistently negative relationship between preferred microhabitat patches and nest survival rates. Data from experimental nests described a similar relationship, corroborating the apparent positive relationship between preferred microhabitat and nest predation. As do other songbirds, yellow warblers select breeding habitat in at least two steps at two spatial scales; (1) they select territories at a coarser spatial scale and (2) nest microhabitats at a finer scale from within individual territories. By comparing nest versus random sites within territories, we showed that maladaptive nest microhabitat preferences arose during within‐territory nest site selection (step 2). Furthermore, nest predation rates varied at a fine enough scale to provide individual yellow warblers with lower‐predation alternatives to preferred microhabitats. Given these results, tradeoffs between nest survival and other fitness components are unlikely since fitness components other than nest survival are probably more relevant to territory‐scale habitat selection. Instead, exchanges of individuals among populations facing different predation regimes, the recent proliferation of the parasitic brown‐headed cowbird Molothrus ater, and/or anthropogenic changes to riparian vegetation structure are more likely explanations.
Photoaging under recreational sunbeds
Authors: Quatresooz Pascale , Henry Frédérique , Paquet Philippe , Piérard Gérald E.
Published: February 2011

Background: Artificial sources of restricted light wavelength, particularly tanning beds, are progressively gaining importance in photoaging.

Objective: To assess the kinetics and the long‐term evolution of skin pigmentation and tensile functions in sunbed worshippers over a period of 8 years.

Methods: Photoaging was explored in women who were both sunshine and sunbed worshippers. A series of 65 phototype III women aged 31–46 years completed a 100‐month survey. Quarterly assessments were performed on the forearms to measure (a) the skin color individual typology angle (ITA°), (b) the extent in mottled subclinical melanoderma (MSM) using the ultraviolet light‐enhanced visualization method and (c) the rheological properties of skin.

Results: A progressive increase in both skin extensibility and hysteresis was observed, contrasting with a decrease in biologic elasticity. These rheological changes were correlated with the ITA° changes, but not with the MSM extent. The kinetics of evolution of each test variable were distinct over time.

Discussion: This work is the first attempt at evaluating the kinetics of changes in physical parameters during a long period of frequent exposures to tanning sunbeds and sunshine for lifestyle purposes. The alterations were quite important in the color, MSM and rheological functions of the skin.
Phenylacetic Acid Stimulates Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α Secretion in Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Morita Miwa , Yano Shozo , Yamaguchi Toru , Yamauchi Mika , Sugimoto Toshitsugu
Published: February 2011

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and oxidative stress are considered to play crucial roles in atherosclerosis and vascular calcification. “Uremic toxins” detected in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) could cause impaired signal transduction and dysfunction in many organs. Since phenylacetic acid (PAA), identified as one of the uremic toxins, has an inhibiting property of monocytes as well as osteoblastic cells, we examined the effects of PAA on TNF‐α secretion and oxidative stress in vascular endothelial cells. In human aortic endothelial cells, TNF‐α secretion was assessed after treatment with PAA using an ELISA kit and following the manufacturer's instructions. For determination of reactive oxygen species (ROS), 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) in the culture medium was measured in the presence or absence of PAA. Treatment with PAA in aortic endothelial cells for 24 h significantly stimulated TNF‐α secretion in a dose‐dependent manner ranging between 0.5 and 5 mM. On the other hand, the 8‐OHdG level in the culture medium was significantly increased in the cells incubated with 1 mM PAA for 12 h. To determine if PAA‐induced TNF‐α secretion is mediated by ROS production, the effect of free radical scavenger 4‐hydroxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPOL) was examined. It was found that PAA‐induced TNF‐α secretion was significantly inhibited by TEMPOL. Our findings indicate that PAA stimulates TNF‐α secretion at least in part through ROS production in aortic endothelial cells. The plasma PAA level was reported to be approximately 3.5 mM in end‐stage CKD patients, whereas it was <5 µM in healthy subjects; thus, PAA could be involved in the pathological changes of the vasculature in CKD.
Use of a bipolar vessel‐sealing device in resection of canine insulinoma
Authors: Wouters E. G. H. , Buishand F. O. , Kik M. , Kirpensteijn J.
Published: February 2011

Objectives: To describe partial pancreatectomy using a bipolar vessel‐sealing device (BVSD) and compare this novel technique to the conventional suture‐fracture (SF) method for canine insulinoma.

Methods: Pre‐, intra‐ and postoperative data of eight dogs with insulinoma, which underwent resection using the BVSD (LigaSure V), were prospectively collected and compared with those of eight randomly selected case‐matched patients that underwent resection using the conventional SF technique.

Results: Mean surgical time was significantly (P=0·022) shorter in the BVSD (107 ±9 minutes) than in the SF (135 ±22 minutes) group. The BVSD technique was negatively associated with surgical time and duration of the hospitalisation period. Neither technique caused intraoperative complications, such as bleeding, collateral damage to adjacent tissues or problems with sealing or suturing the pancreatic tissue. Three dogs in the SF group and none in the BVSD group developed postoperative clinical signs associated with pancreatitis.

ClinicalSignificance: BVSD is a safe and viable alternative to conventional methods of pancreatectomy for canine insulinoma. It provides the possibility to remove insulinomas in the pancreatic limbs and corpus with relative ease. BVSD pancreatectomy in dogs with insulinoma significantly decreases operative and hospitalisation times and is not associated with more clinical complications than SF pancreatectomy.