bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bidirectional shadowing in freeze‐etching
Authors: Willison J. H. M. , Moir R. D.
Published: October 2012

Bidirectional shadowing in freeze‐etching may be achieved by firing an electron‐beam shadowing source, rotating the specimen stage through a desired angle, and re‐firing the shadowing source. It is demonstrated that portrait shadow‐casting, which permits information to be drawn from much of the specimen region lying within primary shadows, can be readily achieved using a 90° specimen rotation. With 180° specimen rotation, particle‐size analysis is feasible. Particle‐height analysis is demonstrated using membrane‐associated particles as an example. Data from suitable sets of micrographs can also be used for the estimation of particle‐width exaggeration due to the accumulation of the shadowing‐metal cap. Fibre‐width analysis, using the linear regression method, is demonstrated by a study of native cellulosic microfibrils. Mean microfibril widths were found to be 5.5–7.0 nm.
Effects of hydration on the surface morphology of urediospores
Authors: Read N. D. , Beckett A.
Published: October 2012

Changes in the surface morphology of mature urediospores of Uromyces viciae‐fabae have been studied with respect to different preparative procedures for the scanning electron microscope. Specimens were examined in the critical point‐dried, freeze‐dried and frozen‐hydrated states. Dried urediospores were significantly different in appearance from those which were hydrated. Shrinkage probably accounted for some of the surface features of dried spores, particularly amongst those which had been critical point‐dried. No significant effects on spore surface texture resulted from chemical immersion fixation, chemical vapour fixation, dehydration or the mode of sputter‐coating. It is suggested that the presence or absence of unfreezable water, involved in maintaining the structural stability of polymers which provide the specimen surface with its characteristic morphology, may have an important influence on the gross texture of cell surfaces as viewed with the scanning electron microscope.
The use of an ultra‐low viscosity medium (VCD/HXSA) in the rapid embedding of plant cells for electron microscopy
Authors: Oliveira Luis , Burns Alan , Bisalputra Thana , Yang Kung‐Chi
Published: October 2012

The VCD/HXSA ultra‐low viscosity medium is characterized by a viscosity of only 20 cps at 298 K. This is extremely useful for rapid embedding schedules and facilitates cutting large sections even from difficult materials. The suitability of this medium for ultrastructural studies is tested with plant specimens ranging from soft, highly vacuolated parenchymatous tissue to hard thick‐walled cells impregnated with a variety of substances or covered with mucilage. The results, when compared with those from similar materials infiltrated with Spurr's and Epon embedding media, show that the general preservation of the cellular structure is comparable for all the three media tested. In addition, embeddment in VCA/HXSA medium results in better preservation of some vacuolar features and in the reduction of plasmolysis.
Low temperature scanning electron microscope studies of mouse small intestine
Authors: Carr K. E. , Hayes T. L. , McKoon M. , Sprague M. , Bastacky S. J.
Published: October 2012

Etched frozen hydrated specimens of mouse small intestine have been examined with low temperature scanning electron microscopy as a preliminary to X‐ray microanalysis. Recognizable images have been obtained of most of the known histological features of the gut. Nuclear and cytoplasmic details were often seen. Ice crystal damage was evident, although the degree of artefact depended on the cell type being examined and also varied from cell to cell or within cells.

The same specimens were later examined with resin light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. These two techniques confirmed that preservation was adequate for identification of cells and tissues, although cavities were seen, representing ice crystal damage.

These preliminary results indicate that SEM of etched, frozen, hydrated specimens provides adequate identification of cellular detail to allow further work using X‐ray microanalysis to be carried out.
A method for processing polymeric beads for critical point drying
Authors: Takahashi Kiyoshi , Tavassoli Mehdi
Published: October 2012

Polymeric beads are increasingly being used for surface studies. Processing of these beads for critical point drying (CPD) poses a problem since these beads must be handled in suspension. For this processing, a method has been described here which relies on a capsule made by an ordinary micropipette tip covered on the end by parafilm and on the other by a filter paper which permits the exchange of fluid without the loss of beads.
Tannic acid‐ and thiocarbohydrazide‐mediated osmium tetroxide binding in the preparation of human leucocytes for SEM observation
Authors: Corvellec M.‐R. , Lalague E. D. , Pelletier L. , Haviernick S. , Derghazarian C. , Cousineau G. H.
Published: October 2012

Normal human leucocytes, successively treated with glutaraldehyde‐tannic acid‐osmium tetroxide‐thiocarbohydrazide‐osmium tetroxide‐thiocarbohydrazide‐osmium tetroxide, were prepared for scanning electron microscopy observation. These cells produced well‐contrasted, non‐charging scanning images compatible with metal‐evaporated material. Further, the mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells resisted shrinkage during dehydration and critical point drying, thus allowing much improved images at high magnification than those covered with evaporated metal. In all cases at least a second thiocarbohydrazide‐osmium tetroxide treatment could not be avoided.
Quantitative traits and mode of speciation in Martinique anoles
Authors: Thorpe Roger S. , Surget‐Groba Yann , Johansson Helena
Published: October 2012

We investigate extensive quantitative trait variation (dewlap hue, colour pattern, dorsum hue, body proportions and scalation) in the Martinique anole across eight transects representing nascent parapatric ecological speciation, nascent allopatric speciation and allopatric divergence without sufficient genetic structure to suggest speciation. Quantitative trait divergence can be extremely large between adjacent sets of populations, but with one exception that this is associated with difference in habitat rather than past allopatry. Nascent ecological speciation shows the greatest level of quantitative trait divergence across all character sets including those implicated in natural, as well as sexual selection. The sole example of nascent allopatric speciation is associated with fairly strong quantitative trait divergence among most character sets, but not the set most implicated in natural (rather than sexual) selection. The role of sexual selection in ecological speciation is discussed, both in terms of female choice with assortative mating and male–male competition with condition‐dependant sexual signals.
Two guard cell‐preferential MAPKs, MPK9 and MPK12, regulate YEL signalling in Arabidopsis guard cells
Authors: Salam M. A. , Jammes F. , Hossain M. A. , Ye W. , Nakamura Y. , Mori I. C. , Kwak J. M. , Murata Y.
Published: October 2012

We report that two mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), MPK9 and MPK12, positively regulate abscisic acid (ABA)‐induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis thaliana. Yeast elicitor (YEL) induced stomatal closure accompanied by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) oscillation. In this study, we examined whether these two MAP kinases are involved in YEL‐induced stomatal closure using MAPKK inhibitors, PD98059 and U0126, and MAPK mutants, mpk9, mpk12 and mpk9 mpk12. Both PD98059 and U0126 inhibited YEL‐induced stomatal closure. YEL induced stomatal closure in the mpk9 and mpk12 mutants but not in the mpk9 mpk12 mutant, suggesting that a MAPK cascade involving MPK9 and MPK12 functions in guard cell YEL signalling. However, YEL induced extracellular ROS production, intracellular ROS accumulation and cytosolic alkalisation in the mpk9, mpk12 and mpk9 mpk12 mutants. YEL induced [Ca2+]cyt oscillations in both wild type and mpk9 mpk12 mutant. These results suggest that MPK9 and MPK12 function redundantly downstream of extracellular ROS production, intracellular ROS accumulation, cytosolic alkalisation and [Ca2+]cyt oscillation in YEL‐induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis guard cells and are shared with ABA signalling.
Sex‐specific interaction between arbuscular mycorrhizal and dark septate fungi in the dioecious plant Antennaria dioica (Asteraceae)
Authors: Vega‐Frutis R. , Varga S. , Kytöviita M.‐M.
Published: October 2012

Male and female plants of dioecious species often differ in their resource demands and this has been linked to secondary sexual dimorphism, including sex‐specific interactions with other organisms such as herbivores and pollinators. However, little is known about the interaction between dioecious plants and fungal root endophytes. Plants may be simultaneously colonised by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and dark septate (DS) fungi. While it is well established that AM mutualism involves reciprocal transfer of photosynthates and mineral nutrients between roots of host plants and these fungi, the role of DS fungi remains controversial. Here, we report the temporal and spatial variation in AM and DS fungi in female, male and non‐reproductive Antennaria dioica plants in three natural populations in Finland during flowering and after seed production. Females had higher colonisation by AM fungi, but lower colonisation by DS fungi than male and non‐reproductive plants. The higher AM colonisation was observed during flowering, and this difference varied among populations. Our results suggest that females and males of A. dioica interact with AM and DS fungi differently and that this relationship is dependent on soil fertility.
Ethnic and gender differences in rates of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in Western Australia over a 21 year period
Authors: Shetty Vinutha B , Bower Carol , Jones Timothy W , Lewis Barry D , Davis Elizabeth A
Published: October 2012

Aim:  To evaluate the incidence, sex distribution, ethnicity, age at diagnosis, clinical presentation and morbidity of all childhood‐onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) cases in Western Australia (WA) between 1990 and 2010, a state where newborn screening for CAH is not in place.

Methods:  The total number of all known CAH cases was identified. Case files were reviewed retrospectively to determine clinical details. Classical CAH (C‐CAH) was defined as patients presenting before 6 months of age and non‐classical (NC‐CAH) as presenting after 6 months.

Results:  Of the 41 CAH cases (26 female) born in WA, 5(12.2%) were of Aboriginal ethnicity. CAH was due to 21‐hydroxylase deficiency in 40 cases. Of those with 21‐hydroxylase deficiency, 37 were C‐CAH (25 female) and 3 NC‐CAH (all male). The incidence of C‐CAH in WA was estimated to be 0.67 per 10 000 live births (1:14 869). The incidence rate ratio of Aboriginal compared with non‐Aboriginal C‐CAH was 2.45 (95% confidence interval 0.96–6.29). The mean age of diagnosis of C‐CAH cases was lower in females (8.9 ± 2.5 days) compared to males (23.4 ± 9.8 days). Among these males, 72.7% presented initially with adrenal crisis.

Conclusion:  The estimated incidence of classical CAH is similar to composite worldwide data. The increased female‐to‐male ratio is not in keeping with the expected sex distribution seen in a recessively inherited disease. The delayed diagnosis in males, with a significant proportion presenting with adrenal crisis, could be avoided with newborn screening. The higher rate of CAH in patients with Aboriginal ethnicity is a novel observation.
Early cardiac evaluation in children with non‐specific mitochondrial disease with isolated mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I defect
Authors: Baik Ran , Yu Rita , Lee Young Mock , Kang Hoon Chul , Lee Joon Soo , Kim Heung Dong
Published: October 2012

Aims:  We evaluated echocardiography and electrocardiography (ECG) results in children with non‐specific mitochondrial disease (MD) in order to study early cardiac involvement, a well‐known complication of the disease.

Methods:  Among non‐specific MD children whose isolated mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I defect was confirmed by muscle biopsy and satisfied the criteria of MD, 27 who had no cardiac symptoms were evaluated by echocardiography and ECG.

Results:  Three (11.1%) out of the 27 non‐specific MD patients had left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 55% and two of them (7.4%) had fractional shortening of less than 26%. ECG abnormalities were observed in 16 of the non‐specific MD patients (59.3%). Prolongation of heart rate‐corrected QT interval was seen in 11 (40.7%) and widening of the QRS interval in eight (29.6%). Left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening of the patients were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group while heart rate‐corrected QT interval was prolonged in the former group. QRS interval was more widened in non‐specific MD patients, but without statistical significance.

Conclusion:  The potentially severe cardiac involvement observed in our subjects suggests that early cardiac evaluation after confirming the diagnosis of MD and regular follow‐up tests should be strongly recommended in children even in cases without typical cardiac manifestations.
Children's and adolescents' understanding of their small ventricular septal defects
Authors: Lok Sheau Wen , Menahem Samuel
Published: October 2012

Background

Congenital heart disease is common yet poorly understood in childhood. We reviewed the understanding of older children and adolescents with the commonest congenital heart defect, namely, a small ventricular septal defect (VSD), through a questionnaire and/or their drawings of their abnormality.

Methods

As part of a wider study, older children and adolescents with a small VSD were asked to draw a picture of their cardiac defect in addition to completing a questionnaire.

Results

Twelve of an initial cohort of 20 participants, who were between the ages of 8 and 20 years, completed a drawing of their malformation. Further drawings were obtained from five additional participants recruited from a private practice over the next few years. There were almost equal number of male and female participants overall. Nearly all participants had a limited understanding of their cardiac abnormality as reflected by their drawings. Nevertheless none reported restricting their physical activity.

Conclusion

While most older children and adolescents did not seem to have a clear understanding of their small VSD, it did not appear to affect their daily activity. The participants placed a greater reliance on the information provided by their parents rather than their doctor, emphasizing the importance of informing both the parents and the patient.
Plasma citrulline may be a good marker of intestinal functions in intestinal dysfunction
Authors: Suzuki Kan , Kanamori Yutaka , Sugiyama Masahiko , Komura Makoto , Terawaki Kan , Kodaka Tetsuro , Takahashi Masataka , Fukami Eriko , Iwanaka Tadashi
Published: October 2012

Background

Plasma citrulline has been reported to be a good indicator of intestinal functional volume in patients with intestinal dysfunction. We reconfirmed the facts and also investigated the dynamic changes of plasma citrulline in acute‐phase patients with intestinal dysfunction.

Methods

We measured plasma citrulline in six patients with intestinal dysfunction who were in the acute and chronic phase for more than 6 months.

Results

Four patients out of six could be withdrawn from total parenteral nutrition, and their plasma citrulline level dynamically changed according to their intestinal states and finally increased up to 15 nmol/mL. Two patients, who could not be withdrawn from parenteral nutrition, showed very low levels of plasma citrulline throughout the treatment course (under 15 nmol/mL).

Conclusion

The cut‐off level of plasma citrulline indicating permanent intestinal dysfunction may be 15 nmol/mL in our data. In the acute phase, plasma citrulline changed dynamically according to the intestinal state and may be a good indicator of fluctuating intestinal functions. Thus, although only a few patients were enrolled in this study, plasma citrulline may be a good indicator of stable‐state as well as acute‐unstable‐state intestinal functions.
Dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Hoshi Akio , Usui Yukio , Shimizu Yuuki , Tomonaga Tetsuro , Kawakami Masayoshi , Nakajima Nobuyuki , Hanai Kazuya , Nomoto Takeshi , Terachi Toshiro
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To describe a novel dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and to evaluate its postoperative outcomes.

Methods

A total of 109 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by a single surgeon were evaluated, including 44 patients with dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, 20 patients with conventional intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and 45 patients with non‐nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Functional outcomes were evaluated using a self‐administered questionnaire (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite). Continence was defined as zero to one security pad per day. Oncological outcomes were evaluated based on positive surgical margin.

Results

In the dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group, the continence rate was 57%, 77% and 95% at 1, 3 and 12 months, respectively. The continence rate in the conventional intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group was 37%, 63% and 90%, and in the non‐nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group it was 23%, 57% and 82% at 1, 3, and 12 months, respectively. The dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group showed a significantly earlier recovery from incontinence compared with that in the conventional intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and non‐nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy groups (log–rank test, P = 0.044 and P < 0.001). Similarly, the dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group tended to show a more early recovery in relation to urinary function of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite. Regarding sexual function, there were no significant differences between the dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and conventional intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy groups. In pT2 patients, the positive surgical margin rate of the dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group (11%) was similar to that of the other two groups (conventional intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy 7%; non‐nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy 11%).

Conclusions

The dorsal vein complex preserving technique for intrafascial nerve‐sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy technique provides early recovery from incontinence without adversely affecting the oncological outcome.
Regulation of the ventral tegmental area by the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis is required for expression of cocaine preference
Authors: Sartor Gregory C. , Aston‐Jones Gary
Published: October 2012

Lateral hypothalamus (LH) orexin neurons are essential for the expression of a cocaine place preference. However, the afferents that regulate the activity of these orexin neurons during reward behaviors are not completely understood. Using tract tracing combined with Fos staining, we examined LH afferents for Fos induction during cocaine preference in rats. We found that the ventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (vBNST) was a major input to the LH orexin cell field that was significantly Fos‐activated during cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP). Inactivation of the vBNST with baclofen plus muscimol blocked expression of cocaine CPP. Surprisingly, such inactivation of the vBNST also increased Fos induction in LH orexin neurons; as activity in these cells is normally associated with increased preference, this result indicates that a vBNST–orexin connection is unlikely to be responsible for CPP that is dependent on vBNST activity. Because previous studies have revealed that vBNST regulates dopamine cells in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which is known to be involved in CPP and other reward functions, we tested whether vBNST afferents to the VTA are necessary for cocaine CPP. We found that disconnection of the vBNST and VTA (using local microinjections of baclofen plus muscimol unilaterally into the vBNST and contralateral VTA) significantly attenuated expression of cocaine preference. However, blocking ionotropic glutamatergic afferents to the VTA from the vBNST did not significantly reduce cocaine preference. These results indicate that a non‐glutamatergic vBNST–VTA projection is involved in expression of cocaine preference.
Ipsilateral adrenalectomy at the time of radical nephrectomy impacts overall survival
Authors: Yap Stanley A. , Alibhai Shabbir M.H. , Abouassaly Robert , Timilshina Narhari , Margel David , Finelli Antonio
Published: October 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

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

Adrenal‐sparing approaches should be utilized when performing radical nephrectomy unless there are specific concerns for adrenal involvement. Although current literature demonstrates 10‐year cancer control equivalence with adrenal‐sparing approaches, such approaches remain under‐used. Furthermore, we have yet to clearly define the long‐term consequences of an iatrogenic solitary adrenal gland on overall patient health.

In our study, we demonstrate worse overall survival in patients undergoing ipsilateral adrenalectomy with radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. We provide some of the only data demonstrating an association between adrenalectomy and long‐term survival, and further emphasize the importance of adrenal‐sparing approaches when performing radical nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of ipsilateral adrenalectomy on overall survival, we performed a population‐level analysis. Ipsilateral adrenal‐gland‐sparing approaches during radical nephrectomy (RN) remain under‐utilized and the long‐term consequences of an iatrogenic solitary adrenal gland are poorly understood.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using the Ontario Cancer Registry we identified 1651 patients in the province of Ontario, Canada, with pT1a renal cell carcinoma who underwent RN between 1995 and 2004.

We linked individual patient information with pathological data from abstracted pathology reports and determined whether the ipsilateral adrenal gland was removed at the time of RN.

We utilized univariable and multivariable (adjusting for age, gender, tumour size and tumour grade) Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan–Meier curves to assess predictors of overall and cancer‐specific survival.

RESULTS

The overall rate of ipsilateral adrenalectomy at the time of RN was 30%.

Median follow‐up for the cohort was 109 months.

Adrenal removal was associated with worse overall survival: 10‐year mortality 26% compared with 20% for those in whom the adrenal gland was left in situ.

Factors predictive of worse overall survival on multivariable analysis were increasing age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.07 per year, CI 1.06–1.08), high grade tumours (HR 1.38, 1.00–1.90) and having undergone ipsilateral adrenalectomy (HR 1.23, 1.00–1.50).

Ipsilateral adrenalectomy was not predictive of cancer‐specific survival (HR 1.18, 0.78–1.79).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated a significant association between ipsilateral adrenalectomy and overall survival.

Our findings further support the importance of adrenal‐sparing approaches at the time of RN.
A systematic review of school‐based alcohol and other drug prevention programs facilitated by computers or the Internet
Authors: Champion Katrina E. , Newton Nicola C. , Barrett Emma L. , Teesson Maree
Published: October 2012

Issues

The use of alcohol and drugs amongst young people is a serious concern and the need for effective prevention is clear. This paper identifies and describes current school‐based alcohol and other drug prevention programs facilitated by computers or the Internet.

Approach

The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and PubMed databases were searched in March 2012. Additional materials were obtained from reference lists of papers. Studies were included if they described an Internet‐ or computer‐based prevention program for alcohol or other drugs delivered in schools.

Key Findings

Twelve trials of 10 programs were identified. Seven trials evaluated Internet‐based programs and five delivered an intervention via CD‐ROM. The interventions targeted alcohol, cannabis and tobacco. Data to calculate effect size and odds ratios were unavailable for three programs. Of the seven programs with available data, six achieved reductions in alcohol, cannabis or tobacco use at post intervention and/or follow up. Two interventions were associated with decreased intentions to use tobacco, and two significantly increased alcohol and drug‐related knowledge.

Conclusion

This is the first study to review the efficacy of school‐based drug and alcohol prevention programs delivered online or via computers. Findings indicate that existing computer‐ and Internet‐based prevention programs in schools have the potential to reduce alcohol and other drug use as well as intentions to use substances in the future. These findings, together with the implementation advantages and high fidelity associated with new technology, suggest that programs facilitated by computers and the Internet offer a promising delivery method for school‐based prevention.
The development of creative cognition across adolescence: distinct trajectories for insight and divergent thinking
Authors: Kleibeuker Sietske W. , De Dreu Carsten K.W. , Crone Eveline A.
Published: October 2012

We examined developmental trajectories of creative cognition across adolescence. Participants (N = 98), divided into four age groups (12/13 yrs, 15/16 yrs, 18/19 yrs, and 25–30 yrs), were subjected to a battery of tasks gauging creative insight (visual; verbal) and divergent thinking (verbal; visuo‐spatial). The two older age groups outperformed the two younger age groups on insight tasks. The 25–30‐year‐olds outperformed the two youngest age groups on theoriginalitymeasure of verbal divergent thinking. No age‐group differences were observed for verbal divergent thinkingfluencyandflexibility. On divergent thinking in the visuo‐spatial domain, however, only 15/16‐year‐olds outperformed 12/13‐year‐olds; a model with peak performance for 15/16‐years‐old showed the best fit. The results for the different creativity processes are discussed in relation to cognitive and related neurobiological models. We conclude that mid‐adolescence is a period of not only immaturities but also of creative potentials in the visuo‐spatial domain, possibly related to developing control functions and explorative behavior.
Employment Protection, Threat and Incentive Effects on Worker Absence
Authors: Bradley Steve , Green Colin , Leeves Gareth
Published: October 2012

This article provides new evidence on the effect of changes in employment protection on worker absence. We use novel multi‐organization data to examine changes in worker absence as workers move from temporary to permanent employment contracts. We demonstrate a robust positive effect of employment protection on sickness absence. It has also been suggested that the impact of employment protection on absence and effort is due to a fear of dismissal. We also provide evidence that suggests that temporary workers' absence is influenced by incentives to attain jobs with protection that is unrelated to threat of dismissal. This has not been considered in earlier research. This channel of employment protection effects has important policy implications.
Adam Smith: Left or Right?
Authors: Smith Craig
Published: October 2012

This article engages with some of the recent literature on Adam Smith which has sought to distance the ‘father of economics’ from his contemporary free market admirers and to reclaim him as a hero and inspiration for the political left. The article explores a problem for this attempted recovery of Smith by the contemporary social democrat which arises from his strictly negative understanding of the virtue of justice. I argue that Smith's distinctions between justice, benevolence and ‘police’ should be taken seriously as an attempt at introducing conceptual clarity into the terminology of political theory. The article makes the case for reading Smith as someone who quite explicitly rejects the notion of regarding our obligations to the poor in terms of justice and whose distinctly sceptical view of politics makes him an unlikely inspiration for contemporary philosophers concerned with developing normative notions of social justice intended to justify the redistribution of wealth.
Why and how Narrative Matters in Deliberative Systems
Authors: Boswell John
Published: October 2012

Narrative has become a fashionable concept in the everyday practice and analysis of democratic politics. Politicians, bureaucrats, lobbyists, activists and commentators all talk about the importance of constructing and controlling narratives in democratic debate. Yet astonishingly, the pre-eminent way of thinking about public debate in democratic theory – deliberative democracy – has almost nothing to say about narrative. Drawing on the substantial bodies of literature on narrative in general, and on its relationship to public debate in particular, this article argues that narrative is in fact a crucial aspect of democratic deliberation. In light of the ‘systemic turn’ in deliberative theory, which sees deliberation as occurring across a range of differentiated but interconnected spaces, it suggests that narrative is a crucial device by which people talk and think about complex and contested issues. It argues that deliberative democrats must come to terms with narrative because its pervasive influence can affect deliberative systems in important ways. The article outlines these potential impacts – both those that reinforce deliberative ideals and those that conflict with them. It concludes by looking at the broader implications for the practice, theory and study of deliberative democracy.
SWEDISH TRADE UNION CONSENT TO FINANCE‐LED CAPITALISM: A QUESTION OF TIME
Authors: RYNER MAGNUS
Published: October 2012

Why do actors that may be expected to contest finance‐led capitalism in crisis periods rarely do so in effective and sustainable ways? This article contributes to the understanding of this question by explaining the sudden and puzzling silence of trade unions during the 1990–94 Swedish banking crisis. It underlines the importance of working within certain time‐scales in prioritized policy areas for shaping strategic selectivity and precluding effective contest. The varied power of trade unions to perform effectively in different policy areas is important. However, cognitive‐filters as stressed by constructivists are not. Findings point to a modified version of Korpi's power mobilization theory, where power resources are seen as refracted by the ‘institutional materiality’ of the corporatist state.
Gender Differences in the Earnings Mobility of Migrants
Authors: Flake Regina
Published: October 2012

This study analyses gender differences in the intergenerational earnings mobility of second‐generation migrants in Germany. Thereby it takes into account the influence of assortative mating and the parental integration. First, intergenerational earnings elasticities are estimated at the mean and along the earnings distribution. The results do not reveal large differences in the mobility — neither between natives and migrants nor between men and women. Second, intergenerational changes in the relative earnings position are analysed. These results confirm that migrants are mostly as (im)mobile as the native population.
Model Selection in Equations with Many ‘Small’ Effects*
Authors: Castle Jennifer L. , Doornik Jurgen A. , Hendry David F.
Published: October 2012

High dimensional general unrestricted models (GUMs) may include important individual determinants, many small relevant effects, and irrelevant variables. Automatic model selection procedures can handle more candidate variables than observations, allowing substantial dimension reduction from GUMs with salient regressors, lags, nonlinear transformations, and multiple location shifts, together with all the principal components, possibly representing ‘factor’ structures, as perfect collinearity is also unproblematic. ‘Factors’ can capture small influences that selection may not retain individually. The final model can implicitly include more variables than observations, entering via ‘factors’. We simulate selection in several special cases to illustrate.
The space of togetherness – a caring encounter
Authors: Holopainen Gunilla , Kasén Anne , Nyström Lisbet
Published: October 2012

Encounters in relation to the nurse–patient relationship are often discussed within nursing and caring literature without a reflection on the actual meaning of the concept. Assuming that an encounter is essential for nursing care, this article seeks to create a deeper understanding of the concept through a hermeneutic approach to texts by the philosophers Buber and Marcel. Presence, recognition, availability and mutuality seem to be essential prerequisites for an encounter. As these prerequisites are fulfilled within and between human beings who encounter each other, it is possible to speak of a space of togetherness, a mutual existence, where life's mystery shines forth and caring is realized. The challenge lies in creating these encounters within nursing care.
Differential effects of cathinone compounds and MDMA on body temperature in the rat, and pharmacological characterization of mephedrone‐induced hypothermia
Authors: Shortall SE , Green AR , Swift KM , Fone KCF , King MV
Published: October 2012

Background and Purpose

Recreational users report that mephedrone has similar psychoactive effects to 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). MDMA induces well‐characterized changes in body temperature due to complex monoaminergic effects on central thermoregulation, peripheral blood flow and thermogenesis, but there are little preclinical data on the acute effects of mephedrone or other synthetic cathinones.

Experimental Approach

The acute effects of cathinone, methcathinone and mephedrone on rectal and tail temperature were examined in individually housed rats, with MDMA included for comparison. Rats were killed 2 h post‐injection and brain regions were collected for quantification of 5‐HT, dopamine and major metabolites. Further studies examined the impact of selected α‐adrenoceptor and dopamine receptor antagonists on mephedrone‐induced changes in rectal temperature and plasma catecholamines.

Key Results

At normal room temperature, MDMA caused sustained decreases in rectal and tail temperature. Mephedrone caused a transient decrease in rectal temperature, which was enhanced by α1‐adrenoceptor and dopamine D1 receptor blockade, and a prolonged decrease in tail temperature. Cathinone and methcathinone caused sustained increases in rectal temperature. MDMA decreased 5‐HT and/or 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA) content in several brain regions and reduced striatal homovanillic acid (HVA) levels, whereas cathinone and methcathinone increased striatal HVA and 5‐HIAA. Cathinone elevated striatal and hypothalamic 5‐HT. Mephedrone elevated plasma noradrenaline levels, an effect prevented by α‐adrenoceptor and dopamine receptor antagonists.

Conclusions and Implications

MDMA and cathinones have different effects on thermoregulation, and their acute effects on brain monoamines also differ. These findings suggest that the adverse effects of cathinones in humans cannot be extrapolated from previous observations on MDMA.
The monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor JZL184 attenuates LPS‐induced increases in cytokine expression in the rat frontal cortex and plasma: differential mechanisms of action
Authors: Kerr DM , Harhen B , Okine BN , Egan LJ , Finn DP , Roche M
Published: October 2012

Background and purpose

JZL184 is a selective inhibitor of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), the enzyme that preferentially catabolizes the endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonoyl glycerol (2‐AG). Here, we have studied the effects of JZL184 on inflammatory cytokines in the brain and plasma following an acute immune challenge and the underlying receptor and molecular mechanisms involved.

Experimental approach

JZL184 and/or the CB1 receptor antagonist, AM251 or the CB2receptor antagonist, AM630 were administered to rats 30 min before lipopolysaccharide (LPS). 2 h later cytokine expression and levels, MAGL activity, 2‐AG, arachidonic acid and prostaglandin levels were measured in the frontal cortex, plasma and spleen.

Key results

JZL184 attenuated LPS‐induced increases in IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α and IL‐10 but not the expression of the inhibitor of NFkB (IκBα) in rat frontal cortex. AM251 attenuated JZL184‐induced decreases in frontal cortical IL‐1β expression. Although arachidonic acid levels in the frontal cortex were reduced in JZL184‐treated rats, MAGL activity, 2‐AG, PGE2 and PGD2 were unchanged. In comparison, MAGL activity was inhibited and 2‐AG levels enhanced in the spleen following JZL184. In plasma, LPS‐induced increases in TNF‐α and IL‐10 levels were attenuated by JZL184, an effect partially blocked by AM251. In addition, AM630 blocked LPS‐induced increases in plasma IL‐1β in the presence, but not absence, of JZL184.

Conclusion and implications

Inhibition of peripheral MAGL in rats by JZL184 suppressed LPS‐induced circulating cytokines that in turn may modulate central cytokine expression. The data provide further evidence for the endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic target in treatment of central and peripheral inflammatory disorders.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2013.169.issue‐4 & http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.167.issue‐8
Role of TNF‐α in the mechanisms responsible for preterm delivery induced by Stx2 in rats
Authors: Burdet Juliana , Sacerdoti Flavia , Cella Maximiliano , Franchi Ana M , Ibarra Cristina
Published: October 2012

Background and Purpose

Infections with a strain of Escherichia coli producing Shiga toxins could be one of the causes of fetal morbidity and mortality in pregnant women. We have previously reported that Shiga toxin type 2 (Stx2) induces preterm delivery in pregnant rats. In this study, we evaluate the role of TNF‐α, PGs and NO in the Stx2‐induced preterm delivery.

Experimental Approach

Pregnant rats were treated with Stx2 (0.7 ng g−1) and killed at different times after treatment. Placenta and decidua were used to analyse NOS activity by the conversion of L‐[14C]arginine into L‐[14C]citrulline, levels of PGE2 and PGF2α assessed by radioimmunoassay, and cyclooxygenase (COX) proteins by Western blot. TNF‐α level was analysed in serum by ELISA and by cytotoxicity in L929 cells. The inhibitor of inducible NOS, aminoguanidine, the COX‐2 inhibitor, meloxicam, and the competitive inhibitor of TNF‐α, etanercept, were used alone or combined to inhibit NO, PGs and TNF‐α production respectively, to prevent Stx2‐induced preterm delivery.

Key Results

Stx2 increased placental PGE2 and decidual PGF2α levels as well as COX‐2 expression in both tissues. Aminoguanidine and meloxicam delayed the preterm delivery time but did not prevent it. Etanercept blocked the TNF‐α increase after Stx2 treatment and reduced the preterm delivery by approximately 30%. The combined action of aminoguanidine and etanercept prevented Stx2‐induced preterm delivery by roughly 70%.

Conclusion and Implications

Our results demonstrate that the increased TNF‐α and NO induced by Stx2 were the predominant factors responsible for preterm delivery in rats.
Effects of μ‐opioid receptor modulation on the hippocampal network activity of sharp wave and ripples
Authors: Giannopoulos Panagiotis , Papatheodoropoulos Costas
Published: October 2012

Background and Purpose

Hippocampus‐dependent memory involves the activity of sharp wave ripples (SWRs), which are thought to participate in the process of memory consolidation. The hippocampus contains high levels of endogenous opioids and of μ‐opioid receptors (MORs). Here, we have assessed the role of MOR agonists in the modulation of SWRs.

Experimental Approach

Using recordings of extracellular potentials from the CA1 field of rat hippocampal slices, we examined the pharmacological actions of morphine, DAMGO and fentanyl on SWRs and on network excitability and paired‐pulse inhibition.

Key Results

All three MOR agonists (1 nM–10 μM) significantly increased the amplitude of sharp waves and the occurrence of SWR sequences, but reduced the initiation of episodes of SWRs. Fentanyl was most potent in producing these effects and morphine the least. Interestingly, although SWRs were reduced by relatively high concentrations (≥100 nM) of all agonists, they were significantly enhanced by very low concentrations of morphine (5–10 nM). Morphine and DAMGO at moderate‐to‐high concentrations increased network excitability and reduced inhibition. Furthermore, DAMGO suppressed inhibition more readily than it increased excitation, whereas morphine suppressed inhibition only at high concentrations. These drug effects were reversed by the MOR antagonists naloxone and CTOP.

Conclusions and Implications

We found that the SWRs were significantly modulated by three MOR agonists and that the SWRs were very sensitive to subtle changes in the excitation/inhibition balance induced by MOR agonists. Such modulation might underlie the effects of these agonists on hippocampus‐dependent memory.
Monitoring growth, survival and enzyme system of melon fruit fly Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) under the influence of affinity purified pea lectin
Authors: Kaur Amrit Pal , Sohal Satwinder K. , Kaur Manpreet , Singh Jatinder
Published: October 2012

Pisum sativum agglutinin has been shown to act as a feeding inhibitor for various insect pests belonging to different orders: Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Hemiptera. In the present study, its insecticidal activity was assessed through monitoring the growth and development of a dipteran pest Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Pea lectin, P. sativum agglutinin (PSA) was purified by single step affinity chromatography on a Sephadex G‐100 and the purification was monitored through hemagglutination activity and SDS‐PAGE. Insect feeding assays were conducted to determine the effect of pea lectin against first and second instar larvae of melon fruit fly B. cucurbitae. Lectin was incorporated in an artificial diet at a varied range of concentrations, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 μg/mL. The lectin showed highly significant antimetabolic effects in both first and second instars. Time taken for pupation and development as well as percentage pupation and percentage adult emergence were adversely affected. The activity of three hydrolase enzymes (esterases, acid and alkaline phosphatases), five oxidoreductases (superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, O‐demethylase) and one group transfer enzyme (glutathione‐S‐transferases) was also assessed in second instar larvae fed on lectin treated diet at 100 μg/mL concentration. The P. sativum lectin significantly and deleteriously influenced the activity of all these enzymes at all exposure intervals.
Estimating Environmental Behavior Without Performing a Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Collado‐Ruiz Daniel , Ostad‐Ahmad‐Ghorabi Hesamedin
Published: October 2012

Many authors have agreed on the interest of considering environmental concerns in the early stages of product development. However, most eco‐design tools are based on life cycle assessment principles and require a model to give information about the product's environmental performance. This modeling can have negative effects on team performance and on the potential for innovation, not to mention on the project's duration. Additionally, the model requires information that is not available in the early design stages. This article analyzes the potential of inferring conclusions about the life cycle stages with the highest impact by using similar products. From a database of previous products, environmental profile estimations are carried out, that is, the assessments of the contribution of each life cycle stage to the total impact and the variability of this measure. It is then possible to discard—or ensure consideration of—life cycle stages. Furthermore, the level of the conclusions is assessed on a five‐point scale. The proposed approach is applied to four case studies with different levels of abstraction and the relevance of the conclusions is assessed. The article resolves the problems regarding potential for estimating the distribution of the environmental impacts along the life cycle.
Depth and Nature of Giant Petroleum Discoveries Through Time as an Indicator of Resource Depletion
Authors: Railsback L. Bruce
Published: October 2012

A striking increase of the depth of giant petroleum discoveries in the past 15 years coincides with a shift to discoveries in subsalt plays that require more challenging exploration and drilling. Technological advances have facilitated these changes, but technological advances alone could not have induced these changes in petroleum exploration on a planet in which shallow and less challenging targets remained in abundance like that of previous decades. Instead, the trends toward greater discovery depths and more challenging plays suggest that most of the conventional petroleum accumulations of the kind that fueled the global economic system of the 1900s have already been found.
Measuring Narcissism Within Add Health: The Development and Validation of a New Scale
Authors: Davis Mark S. , Brunell Amy B.
Published: October 2012

This study reports the development of a measure of narcissism within the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) data set. In Study 1, items were selected from Wave III to form the Add Health Narcissism Scale (AHNS). These were factor analyzed, yielding a single factor comprised of five subscales. We correlated the AHNS and its subscales with constructs within Add Health known to be associated with narcissism. Finally, we used the scale to replicate the relationship between narcissism and violence. In Study 2, a separate sample completed the AHNS, as well as other measures, including the Narcissistic Personality Inventory. These studies confirmed that the AHNS is a valid measure for use in narcissism‐related studies employing the Add Health data.