bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observer choices during experimental foraging tasks in brown capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella)
Authors: Dindo Marietta , Leimgruber K.L. , Ahmed Riaan , Whiten Andrew , de Waal Frans B.M.
Published: May 2011

We investigated whether capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) would choose to observe a high‐ or low‐status adult female from their group during experimental foraging tests. The subject was located in the center of a test chamber, with a low‐ and high‐ranking demonstrator on either side of two partitions. A peephole allowed the subject to observe the models by looking through either respective partition. Each model was trained on one of the two different methods, lift or pull, for retrieving food from a foraging apparatus. There were 22 subjects and four models. During the 40‐trial test sessions, subjects could choose which model they would watch in each trial. It was predicted that subjects would prefer observing the model with whom it was closer in rank, and therefore share greater affiliation with. Results showed that only half the subjects showed a preference and that preference was not linked to status. Relatedness played a larger role in determining if a subject showed a preference for a model, and a correlation was found for relatedness and observer preference. After the observer preference tests, subjects were presented with the foraging apparatus to determine if they displayed a preference for one of the two tasks. The majority of subjects (17/22) showed a preference for the pull method, suggesting that this method may have been more salient to the monkeys in this study. Am. J. Primatol. 73:920–927, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental evidence for olfactory predator recognition in wild mouse lemurs
Authors: Kappel Philipp , Hohenbrink Sarah , Radespiel Ute
Published: May 2011

Although primates have remarkable olfactory capabilities, their ability for olfactory predator recognition is still understudied. We investigated this cognitive ability in wild gray and golden‐brown mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus and M. ravelobensis) that were confronted with four different olfactory stimuli, derived from two Malagasy predators (fossa and barn owl) and two local nonpredator species (brown lemur and sifaka). The predator response was tested (1) in a systematic cage setup and (2) in a two‐way choice experiment with two Sherman traps on platforms in the forest (stimulus trap vs. nonstimulus trap). For part 1, the study animals were housed in cages during habituation and 5 days of experiments. One stimulus was tested per night and was presented underneath a drinking bottle. The changes in the time spent close to the stimulus and the drinking time at the bottle were used as indicators of predator recognition. A timidity score was established by classifying the strength of the antipredator response during the experiment. The study animals spent significantly less time drinking and less time in the stimulus area when confronted with fossa odor compared with the other stimuli. The timidity score was significantly higher during the fossa stimulus compared with the nonpredator and the control stimuli. The two‐way choice experiments revealed a complete avoidance of the fossa odor, which was not found with the other stimuli. Thus, wild mouse lemurs showed clear signs of olfactory predator recognition in the case of the fossa in both experiments, but no signs of avoidance to the other presented stimuli. The lack of owl avoidance may be explained by less or no aversive metabolites in the owl stimulus or by lower significance for olfactory recognition of aerial predators. Furthermore, the results showed slight differences between the two mouse lemur species that may be linked to differences in their ecology. Am. J. Primatol. 73:928–938, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outcome results of endoscopic vs craniofacial resection of sinonasal malignancies: a systematic review and pooled‐data analysis
Authors: Higgins Thomas S. , Thorp Brian , Rawlings Brad A. , Han Joseph K.
Published: May 2011

Background

Endoscopic approaches of sinonasal malignancies are now being described. This study aims to conduct a systematic review with a pooled‐data analysis to compare outcomes of endoscopic vs craniofacial resection of sinonasal malignancies.

Methods

A search was conducted of MEDLINE (1966–2008), EMBASE (1980–2008), Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials (CENTRAL), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, clinicaltrials.gov, and The National Guideline Clearinghouse databases and supplemented by references in retrieved articles. All authors used a detailed list of inclusion and exclusion criteria to determine articles eligible for final inclusion. The authors extracted data regarding study criteria appraisal, sinonasal malignancy characteristics, survival outcomes, and recurrence. Kaplan‐Meier survival and locoregional control rates were calculated and compared using the log‐rank test.

Results

Of the 2314 citations reviewed, the search yielded 15 case series with individual data on 226 patients. The most common malignancies were esthesioneuroblastoma (47%), adenocarcinoma (24%), and undifferentiated carcinoma (22%). The overall 5‐year survival rate for the sample was 56.5% (standard error [SE] ± 3.8). Because of the paucity of data with endoscopic resection of high‐stage malignancies, the outcome results were highly variable and no useful comparison could be made. Among low‐stage malignancies (T1–2 or Kadish A‐B), the endoscopic and open approaches demonstrated no statistically significant difference in outcome results. The 5‐year overall survival was 87.4% (SE ± 5.3) in the endoscopic group vs 76.8% (SE ± 8.3) for open approaches (p = 0.351); disease‐specific survival was 94.7% (SE ± 3.7) vs 87.7% (SE ± 6.7; p = 0.258); and locoregional control rate was 89.5% (SE ± 5.0) vs 77.2% (SE ± 10.4; p = 0.251).

Conclusion

Transnasal endoscopic resection appears to be a reasonable alternative to craniofacial resection in the management of low‐stage sinonasal malignancies. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Analysis of fexofenadine in pharmaceutical formulations using tris(1,10‐phenanthroline)–ruthenium(II) peroxydisulphate chemiluminescence system in a multichip device
Authors: Al Lawati Haider A. J. , Al Dahmani Zeiyana M. , Suliman Fakhr Eldin O. , Al Kindy Salma M. Z. , Al‐Lawati Ali M.
Published: May 2011

A simple, rapid and sensitive method has been developed for the analysis of fexofenadine (FEX) in pharmaceutical formulations, using a tris(1,10‐phenanthroline)–ruthenium(II) [Ru(phen)32+] peroxydisulphate chemiluminescence (CL) system in a multichip device. Various parameters that influence the CL signal intensity were optimized. These included pH, flow rates and concentration of reagents used. Under optimum conditions, a linear calibration curve in the range 0.05–5.0 µg/mL was obtained. The detection limit was found to be 0.001 µg/mL. The procedure was applied to the analysis of FEX in pharmaceutical products and was found to be free from interference from concomitants usually present in these preparations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perioperative use of a neutrophil elastase inhibitor in video-assisted thoracoscopic oesophagectomy for cancer
Authors: Makino H , Kunisaki C , Kosaka T , Akiyama H , Morita S , Endo I
Published: May 2011

Background

This study was undertaken to assess the value of administering perioperative sivelestat sodium hydrate (SSH), a selective neutrophil elastase inhibitor, after video-assisted thoracoscopic oesophagectomy for cancer.

Method

Thirty-one consecutive patients with thoracic oesophageal cancer selected to undergo video-assisted thoracoscopic oesophagectomy with lymph node dissection between March 2007 and March 2009 were assigned randomly to a treatment group that received SSH intravenously for 7 days from the beginning of surgery (16 patients) and a control group that received saline (15). The primary endpoint was pulmonary function based on the arterial partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (P/F ratio) during the first 9 days after surgery. Secondary endpoints included platelet count, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, plasma neutrophil elastase–α1-antitrypsin complex level, duration of mechanical ventilation and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and length of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay.

Results

The mean P/F ratio of patients who received SSH was significantly higher than that of the control group on postoperative days 1–5 and 7. Duration of mechanical ventilation and SIRS, and length of ICU stay were significantly shorter in the treatment group. Serum CRP concentration on postoperative day 9 was significantly lower (P = 0·048), platelet counts on days 2, 3 and 5 were higher (P = 0·012, P = 0·049 and P = 0·006 respectively), and the incidence of postoperative acute lung injury was significantly lower following SSH treatment (P = 0·023).

Conclusion

Perioperative sivelestat may maintain postoperative pulmonary function following video-assisted oesophagectomy. Registration number: NCT01170845 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Childhood Maltreatment and Internalized Shame in Adults with a Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Fowke Alex , Ross Susan , Ashcroft Katie
Published: May 2011

Relatively little is understood regarding the aetiology of bipolar disorder (BD) other than for the influence of a large genetic component on the development of the disorder and the impact of stressful life events on changes in current mood. However, amongst a range of psychiatric diagnoses, research consistently demonstrates a higher frequency of reports of childhood abuse and neglect compared with individuals in the general population. In addition, those who report experiences of childhood maltreatment also report high levels of internalized shame in adulthood, although there is little research demonstrating this association amongst clinical populations. An adult sample of 35 participants with a diagnosis of BD and a control group of 35 participants with no psychiatric diagnoses completed measures of childhood abuse and neglect, and internalized shame. Participants in the BD group reported a significantly greater frequency of high levels of childhood trauma compared with participants in the control group, with the reported frequency of childhood emotional abuse and neglect being particularly high. Levels of current internalized shame were also significantly higher amongst participants in the BD group. Significant correlations were observed between current internalized shame and reports of childhood emotional abuse and neglect. Clinical implications of the study's findings are discussed, and limitations of the methodology are considered. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

The frequency of reports of childhood trauma would appear to be higher amongst adults with a diagnosis of BD compared with individuals with no psychiatric diagnoses.

Levels of internalized shame in adulthood are also likely to be higher than those in the general population, although the current literature does not shed light on the relationship between childhood abuse and neglect, mood‐related behaviour, and shame.

Experiences of childhood abuse and neglect, particularly childhood emotional abuse and emotional neglect, are likely to be frequently reported by clients with a diagnosis of BD. Clinicians should therefore explicitly consider these experiences in their assessment, formulation and intervention with clients with a diagnosis of BD.
Depolymerization of Unsaturated Polyesters and Waste Fiber‐Reinforced Plastics by using Ionic Liquids: The Use of Microwaves to Accelerate the Reaction Rate
Authors: Kamimura Akio , Yamamoto Shigehiro , Yamada Kazuo
Published: May 2011

Waste fiber‐reinforced plastics (FRP) and unsaturated polyesters were readily depolymerized by subjecting them to a treatment with ionic liquids under heating conditions. The use of microwaves for heating effectively progressed depolymerization, whereas the conventional heating method was ineffective for this purpose. We isolated the monomeric material, phthalic anhydride, by direct distillation from the reaction pot under reduced pressure with yields of more than 90 %. We recovered the glass fibers in a pure form and achieved the effective removal of polystyrene, the linker unit of FRP. Ionic liquids were useful for several iterations of the reaction, and purification of the used ionic liquids was also possible. Thus, we developed a new use of ionic liquids for chemical recycling of waste plastics.
New paradigms for the use of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics in renal disease
Authors: Twombley Katherine E. , Seikaly Mouin G.
Published: May 2011

Prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics are now used more commonly in medicine, and they are generally considered to be dietary supplements and not drugs. They are not meant to be used for the treatment of disease, although recent interest has grown in the area of disease treatment. Not all of the research is in support of the benefit provided by these supplements, and it is important to be aware of the associated risks and benefi ts. In nephrology, these supplements show potential benefi ts in treating kidney stones, uremia, and urinary tract infections. This paper reviews the current literature with an emphasis on the risks and benefi ts of these supplements in the treatment of these renal disorders.
Efficacy of adsorbent in delaying dialysis initiation among chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Maeda Kunimi , Hamada Chieko , Hayashi Takeshi , Shou Ichiyu , Wakabayashi Michirou , Fukui Mitsumine , Horikoshi Satoshi , Tomino Yasuhiko
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE

By adsorbing uremic toxins, the oral adsorbent AST‐120 is anticipated to suppress progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hence delay initiation of dialysis. We conducted a retrospective study to clarify the efficacy of AST‐120 in combination with the current basic treatments in CKD patients.

METHODS

Among 130 patients who initiated dialysis, 56 patients who had taken AST‐120 and 56 pair‐matched patients who had not taken AST‐120 were analyzed. Matching was conducted using propensity scores. Cumulative dialysis initiation rate and change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (_eGFR) were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

At baseline, 42.9% of patients in the AST‐120 group and 35.7% in the control group had diabetic nephropathy (DN) as the primary renal disease, and the mean eGFR rates were 11.7 ± 7.9 and 11.0 ± 9.3 mL/min, respectively. The 24‐month cumulative dialysis initiation rates were 64.3% in the AST‐120 group and 94.5% in the control group (p _ 0.001). When _eGFR before and after baseline were compared, the speed of eGFR reduction was significantly retarded in the AST‐120 group (p _ 0.001), while no difference was observed in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

AST‐120 may further improve the effectiveness of the current basic treatment in delaying CKD progression.
The retinal mosaics of opsin expression in invertebrates and vertebrates
Authors: Rister Jens , Desplan Claude
Published: May 2011

Color vision is found in many invertebrate and vertebrate species. It is the ability to discriminate objects based on the wavelength of emitted light independent of intensity. As it requires the comparison of at least two photoreceptor types with different spectral sensitivities, this process is often mediated by a mosaic made of several photoreceptor types. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the formation of retinal mosaics and the regulation of photopigment (opsin) expression in the fly, mouse, and human retina. Despite distinct evolutionary origins, as well as major differences in morphology and phototransduction machineries, there are significant similarities in the stepwise cell‐fate decisions that lead from progenitor cells to terminally differentiated photoreceptors that express a particular opsin. Common themes include (i) the use of binary transcriptional switches that distinguish classes of photoreceptors, (ii) the use of gradients of signaling molecules for regional specializations, (iii) stochastic choices that pattern the retina, and (iv) the use of permissive factors with multiple roles in different photoreceptor types. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 71: 1212–1226, 2011
The actin nucleating Arp2/3 complex contributes to the formation of axonal filopodia and branches through the regulation of actin patch precursors to filopodia
Authors: Spillane Mirela , Ketschek Andrea , Jones Steven L. , Korobova Farida , Marsick Bonnie , Lanier Lorene , Svitkina Tatyana , Gallo Gianluca
Published: May 2011

The emergence of axonal filopodia is the first step in the formation of axon collateral branches. In vitro, axonal filopodia emerge from precursor cytoskeletal structures termed actin patches. However, nothing is known about the cytoskeletal dynamics of the axon leading to the formation of filopodia in the relevant tissue environment. In this study we investigated the role of the actin nucleating Arp2/3 complex in the formation of sensory axon actin patches, filopodia, and branches. By combining in ovo chicken embryo electroporation mediated gene delivery with a novel acute ex vivo spinal cord preparation, we demonstrate that actin patches form along sensory axons and give rise to filopodia in situ. Inhibition of Arp2/3 complex function in vitro and in vivo decreases the number of axonal filopodia. In vitro, Arp2/3 complex subunits and upstream regulators localize to actin patches. Analysis of the organization of actin filaments in actin patches using platinum replica electron microscopy reveals that patches consist of networks of actin filaments, and filaments in axonal filopodia exhibit an organization consistent with the Arp2/3‐based convergent elongation mechanism. Nerve growth factor (NGF) promotes formation of axonal filopodia and branches through phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K). Inhibition of the Arp2/3 complex impairs NGF/PI3K‐induced formation of axonal actin patches, filopodia, and the formation of collateral branches. Collectively, these data reveal that the Arp2/3 complex contributes to the formation of axon collateral branches through its involvement in the formation of actin patches leading to the emergence of axonal filopodia. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 71: 747–758, 2011
Mirror technology is the key
Authors: von Jan Peter , Axtner Markus
Published: May 2011

Galvo‐scanner head have so far mainly been used for marking and rapid prototyping applications with lasers. They provide a good beam quality, but a rather moderate average power in the range of a few dozen watts. However, with the emergence of highly brilliant lasers – such as fibre and disk lasers – and even for some applications with less brilliant high power diode lasers, the application field of scanners has been extended into the multi kilowatt range. The scanning unit needs to be capable of handling this higher power range – but without compromising on accuracy and speed!
Refractive and diffractive laser beam shaping optics
Authors: Umhofer Udo , Jäger Erwin , Bischoff Christian
Published: May 2011

Especially for micro machining lasers have opened new possibilities which were not accessible by traditional mechanical processes (e.g. intravolume glass marking). For many applications the raw Gaussian laser beam profiles are not optimal adapted for material processing. Therefore optimized beam profiles like those with homogeneous intensity (so called Top Hat) or with ring shape are often desired to enhance process efficiency and quality.
A fluid‐fluid interaction method using decoupled subproblems and differing time steps
Authors: Connors Jeffrey M. , Howell Jason S.
Published: May 2011

A time stepping procedure is proposed for a coupled fluid model motivated by the dynamic core of the atmosphere‐ocean system. The method exploits properties of the atmosphere‐ocean system to obtain efficiency. The momentum equations for the two fluids may be solved in parallel with different time step sizes. Stability is maintained with large time steps via a balanced two‐way passing of momentum flux. Numerical tests are provided that demonstrate the efficiency of the method. Published 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2012
A proportional hazards regression model for the subdistribution with right‐censored and left‐truncated competing risks data
Authors: Zhang, Xu , Zhang Mei‐Jie , Fine Jason
Published: May 2011

With competing risks failure time data, one often needs to assess the covariate effects on the cumulative incidence probabilities. Fine and Gray proposed a proportional hazards regression model to directly model the subdistribution of a competing risk. They developed the estimating procedure for right‐censored competing risks data, based on the inverse probability of censoring weighting. Right‐censored and left‐truncated competing risks data sometimes occur in biomedical researches. In this paper, we study the proportional hazards regression model for the subdistribution of a competing risk with right‐censored and left‐truncated data. We adopt a new weighting technique to estimate the parameters in this model. We have derived the large sample properties of the proposed estimators. To illustrate the application of the new method, we analyze the failure time data for children with acute leukemia. In this example, the failure times for children who had bone marrow transplants were left truncated. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physical Simulation of the Hot Direct Rolling of Steel
Authors: Gelder S. , Buchmayr B. , Linzer B. , Hohenbichler G.
Published: May 2011

Thin slab casting and direct rolling technologies became important for hot strip production to increase the productivity, to lower the investment costs and to increase the energy efficiency. The main objective of our investigation is to gain a better understanding of the microstructural evolution starting from solidification through to the final hot rolled sheet. Small ingots were cast and direct rolled and reheated and rolled, using a thermomechanical testing machine. The differences in the recrystallization kinetics during both production routes were measured using double hit hot compression tests. In addition, multipass deformation trials were performed to reveal differences in the resulting microstructure and the grain size homogeneity. It was found, that the coarse initial microstructure before rolling become negligible after three rolling passes. This means that despite the simple and economical direct rolling similar mechanical strip properties can be obtained in comparison to conventional strip production routes.
Informal learning
Authors: Callanan Maureen , Cervantes Christi , Loomis Molly
Published: May 2011

We consider research and theory relevant to the notion of informal learning. Beginning with historical and definitional issues, we argue that learning happens not just in schools or in school‐aged children. Many theorists have contrasted informal learning with formal learning. Moving beyond this dichotomy, and away from a focus on where learning occurs, we discuss five dimensions of informal learning that are drawn from the literature: (1) non‐didactive, (2) highly socially collaborative, (3) embedded in meaningful activity, (4) initiated by learner's interest or choice, and (5) removed from external assessment. We consider these dimensions in the context of four sample domains: learning a first language, learning about the mind and emotions within families and communities, learning about science in family conversations and museum settings, and workplace learning. Finally, we conclude by considering convergences and divergences across the different literatures and suggesting areas for future research. WIREs Cogni Sci 2011 2 646–655 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.143

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Learning
Comparing the Housing Trajectories of Different Classes Within a Diverse Homeless Population
Authors: Aubry Tim , Klodawsky Fran , Coulombe Daniel
Published: May 2011

The paper presents findings from a longitudinal study identifying different classes of homeless individuals in a mid‐size Canadian city based on health‐related characteristics and comparing the housing trajectories of these classes 2 years later. Using data collected through in‐person interviews with a sample of 329 single persons who have experienced homelessness, the paper presents results of a latent class analysis. Results found four distinct latent classes characterized by different levels of severity of health problems—i.e., a class of individuals who are “Higher Functioning” (28.7%), a second class with “Substance Abuse Problems” (27.1%), a third class with “Mental Health Substance Abuse Problems” (22.6%), and a fourth class with “Complex Physical and Mental Health Problems” (21.6%) that included having diminished physical functioning, multiple chronic physical health conditions, mental health difficulties, and in some cases substance abuse problems. Follow‐up interviews with 197 of these individuals (59.9%) 2 years later showed the class of individuals with substance abuse problems experiencing the greatest difficulty in exiting homelessness and achieving housing stability. Implications of these findings for social policy development and program planning are discussed.
Mitochondrial diabetes is associated with insulin resistance in subcutaneous adipose tissue but not with increased liver fat content
Authors: Lindroos Markus M. , Borra Ronald , Mononen Nina , Lehtimäki Terho , Virtanen Kirsi A. , Lepomäki Virva , Guiducci Letizia , Iozzo Patricia , Majamaa Kari , Nuutila Pirjo
Published: May 2011

We recently showed that patients with mitochondrial diabetes are insulin resistant in skeletal muscle before the decline in insulin secretion is observed. In this study, we further evaluate whether insulin resistance is associated with increased ectopic fat accumulation and altered adipose and hepatic tissue insulin sensitivity. We studied 15 nonobese patients with the m.3243A > G mutation. Five were without diabetes (group 1), three had newly diagnosed diabetes (group 2), and seven had previously diagnosed diabetes (group 3). Thirteen healthy volunteers of similar age and body mass index (BMI) served as controls. Insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake was measured with positron emission tomography using 2‐ [18F]‐fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose during euglycemic hyperinsulinemia. Fat masses and liver fat content were measured with magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. Compared with controls, insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake in adipose tissue was decreased by ∼50% in all groups with the m.3243A > G mutation. In addition, fat masses were not different, but insulin‐mediated suppression of lipolysis and adiponectin metabolism were blunted in patients with the m.3243A > G mutation. Hepatic fat content was normal (<5.6%) in 80% of patients and significantly elevated in one case only. Hepatic glucose metabolism in patients with m.3243A > G did not differ from that of controls. In conclusion, m.3243A > G mutation affects subcutaneous adipose tissue metabolism. This seems to occur before aberrant liver metabolism, if any, can be observed or before beta‐cell failure results in mitochondrial diabetes.
Parent‐reported benefits of flupirtine in juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (Batten disease; CLN3) are not supported by quantitative data
Authors: Cialone Jennifer , Augustine Erika F. , Newhouse Nicole , Adams Heather , Vierhile Amy , Marshall Frederick J. , de Blieck Elisabeth A. , Kwon Jennifer , Rothberg Paul G. , Mink Jonathan W.
Published: May 2011

Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL; CLN3 disease; Batten disease) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease of childhood that typically presents at school age with vision loss followed by progressive cognitive decline, motor dysfunction, seizures, and behavior problems. No therapy has been shown to slow the progression of disease in JNCL patients, and all current treatments are symptomatic. Flupirtine has been shown in vitro to reduce apoptosis in CLN3 lymphocytes. Based on that preclinical study, several children with JNCL were given flupirtine by their parents. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was evidence of attenuated disease progression in any JNCL symptom domain. We administered a survey to parents of JNCL children to qualitatively assess flupirtine efficacy. We used the Unified Batten Disease Rating Scale (UBDRS) to determine specific aspects of disease progression and investigated three age‐related factors: loss of independent ambulation, loss of intelligible speech, and loss of ability to perform independent activities of daily living. The median scores for the UBDRS physical, behavior, and capability subscales were determined in flupirtine‐exposed subjects and compared to age‐, sex‐, and genotype‐matched subjects who had never taken flupirtine. Twenty‐one percent of survey responders reported administering flupirtine to their JNCL child, and 56% of these families perceived beneficial changes that they attributed to flupirtine. However, our quantitative, prospectively obtained data did not show any change in JNCL disease progression that could be attributed to flupirtine. This study highlights the need for prospective experimental therapeutic research.
An Exploration of the Cultural Context of Kinship and Genetics Amongst Arabic‐Australians: Implications for Practice
Authors: Saleh Mona , Barlow‐Stewart Kristine , Meiser Bettina , Kirk Judy , Tucker Kathy
Published: May 2011

This paper examines the culturally determined attitudes and beliefs about kinship, causation of hereditary cancer and other illnesses and the importance of family history amongst Arabic‐Australians. Ethnographic interviews were conducted initially with individuals who had attended a family cancer clinic and subsequently with community members. Our aim was to either verify or challenge the reported findings from the clinic sample. Interviews with 38 participants provided cultural descriptions of hereditary illnesses, including cancer, and their causes. While respondents recognized family history as an important factor that reflects on one's likelihood of successful child‐bearing, models of kinship described were not in line with Western concepts. Important issues emerged which need to be recognized as potential barriers to access to genetics services and challenges in this community. These include a lack of awareness of inherited cancer and the impact of consanguinity on the understanding of kinship in this community.
Kinetics of Enzyme Inhibition and Antihypertensive Effects of Hemp Seed (Cannabis sativa L.) Protein Hydrolysates
Authors: Girgih Abraham T. , Udenigwe Chibuike C. , Li Huan , Adebiyi Abayomi P. , Aluko Rotimi E.
Published: May 2011

The aim of this study was to determine the antihypertensive effects of enzymatic hemp seed protein hydrolysate (HPH) and its peptide fractions. Hemp seed protein isolate was digested by the sequential action of pepsin and pancreatin to mimic gastrointestinal digestion in human beings. The resultant HPH was separated by membrane ultrafiltration into peptide fractions with different sizes (<1 and 1–3 kDa). The HPH led to significantly higher (P < 0.05) in vitro inhibition of the activities of angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) and renin, the two main enzymes involved in abnormal blood pressure elevation (hypertension). Kinetic studies showed that HPH and peptide fractions inhibited renin and ACE activities in a mixed‐type pattern, indicating binding to areas other than the active site. Oral administration of HPH (200 mg/kg body weight) to spontaneously hypertensive rats led to significant reductions (P < 0.05) in systolic blood pressure (SBP) that reached a maximum of −30 mmHg after 8 h. In contrast, the hypotensive effects of peptide fractions (<1 and 1–3 kDa) had a maximum value of about −15 mmHg after 6–8 h post oral administration. The results suggest a synergistic antihypertensive effect of the peptides present within HPH; this effect was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) upon separation into peptide fractions.
Hematospermia: etiology, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Fuse Hideki , Komiya Akira , Nozaki Tetsuo , Watanabe Akihiko
Published: May 2011

Hematospermia is a relatively frequent, distressing, and frightening symptom for the majority of men. Although the differential diagnosis list is extensive, it is usually a benign, self‐limiting disorder, including inflammatory and infective pathologies, resolving in several weeks. However, in some cases, hematospermia is the harbinger of more serious pathological lesions that should not be missed. In younger patients below 40 years of age, infection of the urogenital tract is the most common etiology. Simple routine laboratory studies should identify the pathological factors. In patients 40 years or older, or those with persistent or recurrent conditions or associated symptoms, it is necessary to exclude urogenital malignant disorders. Patients should also undergo medical history taking, physical examination including temperature and blood pressure assessment, digital rectal palpation, and laboratory blood, urine, and semen tests. If the diagnosis is still unclear, further investigations involve transrectal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, urethrocystoscopy, and histological confirmation by biopsy. Treatment for hematospermia depends on the underlying pathological lesions, but often involves only minimal examinations and simple reassurance in most cases. Hematospermia caused by genitourinary infections is effectively treated with appropriate antiviral, antibiotic, or antiparasitic agents. Hematospermia due to malignant disorders including prostate, testis, and seminal vesicle cancers resolves with definitive treatment of the primary lesions.
On the contextual nature of sex‐related biases in pain judgments: The effects of pain duration, patient's distress and judge's sex
Authors: Bernardesl Sónia F. , Lima Maria Luísa
Published: May 2011

Although women report feeling more pain than men their pain is often under‐valued as compared to men's pain. We argue that such biases are not universal, being either enhanced or suppressed by context‐related variables pertaining to the situation, the patient and the perceiver. Consequently, we aimed at understanding the effects of pain duration, patient's distress and the judge's sex on sex‐related biases in pain judgements. Two‐hundred and five nursing students (44.9% male) participated in a between‐subjects design, 2 (pain duration)×2 (patient's distress)×2 (patient's sex)×2 (participant's sex). Participants read a vignette depicting a man/woman going into an Emergency Room complaining of low‐back pain, that he/she had had for 3 days/years, with/without signs of distress. Afterwards, participants judged the: (1) clinical severity/urgency; (2) pain credibility; and (3) pain disability. Findings showed that sex‐related biases were only evident when pain was acute or expressed without distress. In these cases, the woman's clinical situation was perceived as less severe/urgent and her pain as less credible as compared to the man's. Moreover, only the judgments on the woman's pain were moderated by such contextual variables. Finally, male students were more biased than females. Implications for gender equality in pain treatments are drawn.
Alzheimer's Disease Management Guideline: Update 2008
Authors: Segal‐Gidan Freddi , Cherry Debra , Jones Randi , Williams Bradley , Hewett Linda , Chodosh Joshua
Published: May 2011

Background

Frequent review and update of guidelines are necessary for them to remain current and useful for clinical practices. This second revision of the postdiagnostic management of Alzheimer's disease (AD) guideline by the California Workgroup was prompted by significant advances in knowledge about appropriate care management, including pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches to treatment of the disease, accompanying behavioral problems, and functional decline. The focus remains explicitly on primary care, where the majority of it occurs for those with AD and other dementias.

Methods

In all, 40 experts in dementia care were recruited from a variety of disciplines across California. Four workgroups were created that reviewed recent research findings from a total of 569 publications since 2002. The revised Guideline incorporates 305 new references, including 11 state and federal laws, in addition to 78 references from the previous version.

Results

The Guideline is divided into four sections that address postdiagnostic management: (1) assessment, (2) treatment, (3) patient and family education and support, and (4) legal considerations associated with AD. Significant revisions and changes in each area and the underlying research to support the recommendations are presented in this article. New topics related to early stage and end‐of‐life were identified and recommendations were developed for these specific populations.

Conclusions

The Guideline recommendations provide a framework to inform and improve medical care for AD by primary health care providers.
Use of a self-expanding metallic stent for the treatment of a urethral stricture in a young cat
Authors: Hadar Elana N. , Morgan Megan J. , De Morgan Oliver
Published: May 2011

A 4-month-old intact male domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for urinary outflow obstruction after several weeks of medical management for traumatic urethral rupture. Positive-contrast retrograde urethrography and anterograde cystoscopy performed 4 weeks after the initial urethral injury confirmed a stricture approximately 1 cm distal to the bladder trigone at the site of the initial urethral tear. A self-expanding metallic urethral stent (SEMS) was placed under fluoroscopic guidance to relieve the urethral stricture and re-establish luminal patency. After stent placement, the cat was able to void urine normally with minimal urinary incontinence noted. This resolved several months post-stent placement. No known clinical complications persisted other than mild intermittent hematuria.
Orthopedic implant of a polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and hydroxyapatite composite in cats
Authors: Alves Endrigo Gabellini Leonel , de Faria Rezende Cleuza Maria , Serakides Rogéria , de Magalhães Pereira Marivalda , Rosado Isabel Rodrigues
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tissue response to a 70% polyhydroxybutyrate and 30% hydroxyapatite composite in the form of a bone implant, placed intracortically in the distal metaphyseal of the right femur, and subcutaneous implants in cats. Samples of the composite were implanted subcutaneously in the dorsolumbar region and the distal metaphyseal region of the right femur of the animals. The study used 12 neutered adult mixed breed cats, weighing an average of 3.5 kg. The cats were randomly divided into three groups: GI, GII and GIII, according to the length of the assessment period. The assessments of their subcutaneous and bone tissues were performed at 15, 30 and 45 days and at 30, 60 and 90 days, respectively. The subcutaneous and bone reactions to the composites were characterized by granulomatous inflammation with a predominance of macrophages and giant cells. The results showed that the composites triggered a chronic local inflammatory response, despite their clinical acceptance.
Hobbes on the Causes of War: A Disagreement Theory
Authors: ABIZADEH ARASH
Published: May 2011

Hobbesian war primarily arises not because material resources are scarce; or because humans ruthlessly seek survival before all else; or because we are naturally selfish, competitive, or aggressive brutes. Rather, it arises because we are fragile, fearful, impressionable, and psychologically prickly creatures susceptible to ideological manipulation, whose anger can become irrationally inflamed by even trivial slights to our glory. The primary source of war, according to Hobbes, isdisagreement, because we read into it the most inflammatory signs of contempt. Both cause and remedy are therefore primarily ideological: The Leviathan's primary function is to settle the meaning of the most controversial words implicated in social life, minimize public disagreement, neutralize glory, magnify the fear of death, and root out subversive doctrines. Managing interstate conflict, in turn, requires not only coercive power, but also the soft power required to shape characters and defuse the effects of status competition.
Jurisdiction Size and Local Democracy: Evidence on Internal Political Efficacy from Large-scale Municipal Reform
Authors: LASSEN DAVID DREYER , SERRITZLEW SØREN
Published: May 2011

Optimal jurisdiction size is a cornerstone of government design. A strong tradition in political thought argues that democracy thrives in smaller jurisdictions, but existing studies of the effects of jurisdiction size, mostly cross-sectional in nature, yield ambiguous results due to sorting effects and problems of endogeneity. We focus on internal political efficacy, a psychological condition that many see as necessary for high-quality participatory democracy. We identify a quasiexperiment, a large-scale municipal reform in Denmark, which allows us to estimate a causal effect of jurisdiction size on internal political efficacy. The reform, affecting some municipalities, but not all, was implemented by the central government, and resulted in exogenous, and substantial, changes in municipal population size. Based on survey data collected before and after the reform, we find, using various difference-in-difference and matching estimators, that jurisdiction size has a causal and sizeable detrimental effect on citizens' internal political efficacy.
Effects of dietary seaweed extract supplementation in sows and post-weaned pigs on performance, intestinal morphology, intestinal microflora and immune status
Authors: Leonard S. G. , Sweeney T. , Bahar B. , Lynch B. P. , O'Doherty J. V.
Published: May 2011

The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of a seaweed extract (SWE) to sows and weaned pigs on post-weaning growth performance, intestinal morphology, intestinal microflora, volatile fatty acid concentrations and immune status of pigs at days 11 and 117 post-weaning. Gestating sows (n20) were supplemented with a SWE (0v.10·0 g/d) from day 107 of gestation until weaning (day 26). At weaning, pigs (four pigs per sow) were divided into two groups based on sow diet during lactation and supplemented with a SWE (0v.2·8 g/kg diet), resulting in four treatment groups: (1) BB (basal sows–basal pigs); (2) BS (basal sows–treated pigs); (3) SB (treated sows–basal pigs); (4) SS (treated sows–treated pigs). Pigs weaned from SWE-supplemented sows had a higher average daily gain (ADG) between days 0 and 21 (P < 0·05) post-weaning compared with pigs weaned from non-SWE-supplemented sows. Pigs offered post-weaning diets (PW) containing SWE had decreased colonicEscherichia colipopulations on day 11 (P < 0·01) and decreased colonic Enterobacteriaceae numbers on day 117 (P < 0·05). Pigs offered PW containing SWE had a greater mRNA abundance ofMUC2in the colon at day 11 post-weaning (P < 0·05) compared with pigs offered unsupplemented diets. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that SWE supplementation post-weaning provides a dietary means to improve gut health and to enhance growth performance in starter pigs. Dietary SWE supplementation increased ADG during the grower–finisher (GF) phases. However, there was no growth response to SWE inclusion in GF diets when pigs were weaned from SWE-supplemented sows.
Using photovoice with older adults: some methodological strengths and issues
Authors: NOVEK SHEILA , MORRIS-OSWALD TONI , MENEC VERENA
Published: May 2011

Photovoice is a qualitative research technique in which participants record and reflect on their community through photography. The technique is gaining popularity as a participatory research methodology. Few studies, however, have described the use of photovoice with older adults. This paper examines the application of photovoice in a qualitative, participatory research study examining age-friendly community characteristics in four communities in Manitoba, Canada. Thirty older adults were provided with cameras and took photographs to illustrate how age-friendly their communities are and participated in group discussions to identify priorities in becoming more age-friendly. The research process and results were analysed in order to assess the application of the methodology with older adults. Photovoice is an effective tool for eliciting older persons’ perceptions of their communities, giving voice to the unique concerns of older adults, and identifying strategies for change. If adapted to accommodate the needs of seniors, this methodology provides an innovative approach to community-based gerontological research. On the other hand, there are a number of challenges to be overcome if photovoice is to be a truly effective research instrument, including recruitment, photography training, retrieving consent forms, and issues of time and distance.
GRAMMATICAL FEATURES OF EGYPTIAN AND PALESTINIAN ARABIC HERITAGE SPEAKERS’ ORAL PRODUCTION
Authors: Albirini Abdulkafi , Benmamoun Elabbas , Saadah Eman
Published: May 2011

This study presents an investigation of oral narratives collected from heritage Egyptian and Palestinian Arabic speakers living in the United States. The focus is on a number of syntactic and morphological features in their production, such as word order, use of null subjects, selection of prepositions, agreement, and possession. The degree of codeswitching in their narratives was also investigated. The goal was to gain some insights into the Arabic linguistic competence of this group of speakers. The results show that although Arabic heritage speakers display significant competence in their heritage colloquial varieties, there are gaps in that knowledge. There also seems to be significant transfer from English, their dominant language.
REANALYSIS IN ADULT HERITAGE LANGUAGE
Authors: Polinsky Maria
Published: May 2011

This study presents and analyzes the comprehension of relative clauses in child and adult speakers of Russian, comparing monolingual controls with Russian heritage speakers (HSs) who are English-dominant. Monolingual and bilingual children demonstrate full adultlike mastery of relative clauses. Adult HSs, however, are significantly different from the monolingual adult controls and from the child HS group. This divergent performance indicates that the adult heritage grammar is not a product of the fossilization of child language. Instead, it suggests that forms existing in the baseline undergo gradual attrition over the life span of a HS. This result is consistent with observations on narrative structure in child and adult HSs (Polinsky, 2008b). Evidence from word order facts suggests that relative clause reanalysis in adult HSs cannot be attributed to transfer from English.