bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causal Theories of Knowledge and Perception
Authors: Neta Ram
Published: January 2010

This article first surveys those ‘causal theories of perception’ that attempt to explain what it is for someone to perceive an external thing. Then it surveys the other ‘causal theories of perception’ (or alternatively, ‘causal theories of knowledge’) that attempt to explain what it is for someone to know about external things by means of perception. Within each of these two topics, we can locate all the various causal theories on a two-dimensional map: along one dimension are the various things that have been taken to do the causing, and along the other dimension are the various things that have been taken to be thus caused.
Causation in the Social Sciences
Authors: Kincaid Harold
Published: January 2010

Because of the obstacles to experimentation and because of the complexity of the social world, the social sciences present fertile grounds for investigating issues surrounding causation. This article aims to sketch a number of issues and only secondarily argues for particular positions. It approaches the issues that are discussed with some general background assumptions that frame the issues and are also supported by the topics discussed. Those assumptions concern the nature of causal claims in general, more specifically, questions about the extent to which our understanding of causation can be perfectly general. It presents a number of issues about the ontology and epistemology of causation in the social sciences. The general theme is that these issues cannot be decided in the abstract but must pay careful attention to the empirical presuppositions made and the kinds of evidence for them.
Importance of Protein‐Rich Components in Emulsifying Properties of Corn Fiber Gum
Authors: Yadav Madhav P. , Cooke Peter , Johnston David B. , Hicks Kevin B.
Published: January 2010

Purified corn fiber gum (CFG‐F) isolated from fine (kernel endosperm‐derived) corn fiber that contained ≈2% residual protein was extracted with 70% aqueous ethanol. The aqueous ethanol extract (AEE), which contained 19.5% of the total CFG, contained a high percentage of the proteinaceous material present in the original gum sample. The AEE gum contained 6.81% protein by weight. The residue (R), which constituted 66% of the total CFG‐F, contained only 0.55% of protein. The emulsifying properties of R and AEE in a model oil‐in‐water emulsification system were studied by measuring turbidity after 1, 2, and 3 weeks, particle size after 4 weeks, and by confocal laser scanning microscopy after three months of storage at room temperature. These gums were compared with the standard well‐known emulsifiers native acacia gum (NAG) and modified acacia gum (MAG). The results indicate that although AEE contains protein‐rich components, it is not as good an emulsifier as the residue which contains only 0.55% of protein. However, emulsions prepared with the whole (unfractionated) CFG‐F under similar conditions were more stable showing higher turbidity and smaller particles size than those prepared with either R or AEE.
Prognostic significance of genetic alterations detected by high‐density single nucleotide polymorphism array in gastric cancer
Authors: Tada Motohisa , Kanai Fumihiko , Tanaka Yasuo , Sanada Masashi , Nannya Yasuhito , Tateishi Keisuke , Ohta Miki , Asaoka Yoshinari , Seto Motoko , Imazeki Fumio , Yoshida Haruhiko , Ogawa Seishi , Yokosuka Osamu , Omata Masao
Published: January 2010

We sought to identify genomic changes that could be useful for clinical application, focusing on chromosomal instability and using a high‐density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. We analyzed 34 gastric cancer cell lines for areas of DNA that exhibited copy number changes using the Affymetrix GeneChip Human Mapping 50 K Arrays. The results obtained with the cell lines were verified in 42 gastric cancer tissues using genomic PCR, quantitative real‐time PCR, and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analyses. Twenty‐six local homozygous deletion regions, including 13 novel loci, and 31 recurrent high‐grade gain regions, encompassing 14 novel loci, were found in the gastric cancer cell lines. Among the genes detected for high‐grade gain in the cell lines, MYC, PAK1, and ITGB4BP showed copy number gain in more than 40% of gastric cancer tissues. LOH of AB051467, PTPRD, A2BP1, and C20orf133 was detected in more than 35% of gastric cancer tissues. The number of LOH was significantly greater in tumors with lymph node metastasis. In the early stage, the prognosis of patients with LOH of less than two genes was significantly better than that of those with LOH of two genes or more. Using high‐density SNP arrays, we identified several novel and minute genomic alterations. LOH of four genes could be useful for prediction of lymph node metastasis and prognosis in early stage gastric cancers.

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 1261–1269)
Mechanism of antitumor effect of a novel bFGF binding peptide on human colon cancer cells
Authors: Wang Cong , Lin Shaoqiang , Nie Yanfang , Jia Xinglong , Wang Jing , Xiao Jian , Wu Jianzhang , Li Xiaokun , Wu Xiaoping
Published: January 2010

Colon cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Western countries. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was up‐regulated in patients with colon cancer and was considered as a potential therapeutic target. In this study, we first demonstrated that a novel bFGF‐binding peptide (named P7) inhibited proliferation of several colon cancer cell lines including HT‐29, LoVo, and Caco2 cells stimulated by bFGF. Further investigations with HT‐29 cells indicated that P7 arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase of bFGF‐stimulated cells, reduced the levels of phospho‐Erk1/Erk2 induced by bFGF, and caused significant changes in the expression of proteins related to proliferation, cell cycle, and cancer. Our results suggested that the bFGF‐binding peptide has a potential antitumor effect on colon cancer.

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 1212–1218)
The endothelial cells downregulate the generation of factor VIIa through EPCR binding
Authors: Puy Cristina , López‐Sagaseta Jacinto , Hermida José , Montes Ramón
Published: January 2010

Traces of activated factor VII (FVIIa) are required to maintain haemostasis. Activated factor X (FXa) is the main activator of FVII in the absence of tissue factor. However, little is known about how this mechanism is regulated. We and others reported the interaction between FVII and the endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR). We have analysed the role of EPCR in the FXa‐dependent FVIIa generation. Activation was performed on the surface of human aortic endothelial cells in the presence or absence of a blocking anti‐EPCR monoclonal antibody (mAb). Western‐blot analyses revealed that FVII activation was increased twofold upon EPCR blocking. Kinetic analyses revealed that blocking doubled the catalytic efficiency for activation. Protein C was unable to mimic the effect of the anti‐EPCR mAb on activation. Surface plasmon resonance experiments revealed that binding of EPCR and phospholipids to FVII were mutually exclusive. The 50% inhibitory concentration value for phospholipids to reduce the binding of FVIIa to EPCR was 57·67 ± 0·11 μmol/l. Immunofluorescence experiments showed that EPCR and phosphatidylserine are located at different regions of the cell surface. We propose that EPCR downregulates FVII activation by moving it from phosphatidylserine‐rich regions. In summary, this study described a new anticoagulant role for EPCR.
Impaired host defence against Mycobacterium avium in mice with chronic granulomatous disease
Authors: Fujita M , Harada E , Matsumoto T , Mizuta Y , Ikegame S , Ouchi H , Inoshima I , Yoshida S , Watanabe K , Nakanishi Y
Published: January 2010

Patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), an inherited disorder of phagocytic cells, often contract recurrent life-threatening bacterial and fungal infections. CGD is considered to arise from a functional defect of the O2-generating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase in phagocytes. To determine whether or not NADPH oxidase is crucial to the host defence against Mycobacterium avium, we investigated the response against M. avium using CGD model mice (gp91-phox-) of C57BL/6 strain. A tracheal injection of 1 × 107 colony-forming units (CFU)/head of M. avium strain FN into the CGD mice resulted in a pulmonary infection, while also increasing the mortality rate. In contrast, normal C57BL/6 mice injected with same dose of the organisms did not develop severe pulmonary infection and were able to survive through 2 months of observation. The macrophages obtained from the CGD mice were observed to have a higher burden of the bacterial growth than macrophages from normal C57BL/6 mice. These results suggest that the defect of the NADPH oxidase function impairs the host defence against M. avium infection.
Inhibition of transforming growth factor-β signalling attenuates interleukin (IL)-18 plus IL-2-induced interstitial lung disease in mice
Authors: Segawa S , Goto D , Yoshiga Y , Sugihara M , Hayashi T , Chino Y , Matsumoto I , Ito S , Sumida T
Published: January 2010

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an intractable disease induced by various factors in humans. However, there is no universally effective treatment for ILD. In this study, we investigated the role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signalling in the pathogenesis of ILD by using model mice. Injection of interleukin (IL)-18 plus IL-2 in C57BL6 (B6) mice resulted in acute ILD by infiltration of natural killer (NK) cells and a significant increase of TGF-β mRNA in the lung. To examine the pathogenetic role of TGF-β in ILD mice, we used SB-431542 (4-[4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-5-(2-pyridinyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-benzamide), which is a potent and selective inhibitor of TGF-β receptor I (TβRI), also known as activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5). Treatment of B6-ILD mice with SB-431542 resulted in improvement of ILD, delay in mortality, reduction of the expression of interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-6 in the lungs. The same treatment also decreased significantly the percentage of natural killer (NK) cells in the lungs (P < 0·05) and mRNA expression levels of certain chemokines such as CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5 and CXCL10 in B6-ILD. These findings were confirmed by IL-18 plus IL-2 treatment of Smad3-deficient (Smad3–/–) mice (P < 0·05). Our results showed that inhibition of TGF-β signalling reduced the percentage of NK cells and the expression of certain chemokines in the lungs, resulting in improvement of ILD. The findings suggest that TGF-β signalling may play an important role in the pathogenesis of IL-18 plus IL-2-induced ILD in mice.
Effects of transgenic endothelin‐2 overexpression on diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats
Authors: Liefeldt L. , Rylski B. , Walcher F. , Manhart J. , Kron S. , Rosenke Y.‐W. , Paul M. , Neumayer H.‐H. , Amann K. , Peters H.
Published: January 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (3): 203–210

Background  Transgenic overexpression of human endothelin‐2 in rats was used to characterize the contribution of endothelin to diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Materials and methods  Diabetes mellitus was induced by streptozotocin in transgenic rats and transgene‐negative controls. Nondiabetic animals were included as well to form a 4‐group study design. Heart morphological and molecular alterations were analysed following 6 months of hyperglycaemia.

Results  Plasma endothelin concentrations were significantly higher in both transgenic groups than in wild‐type groups (nondiabetic: 3·5 ± 0·4 vs. 2·1 ± 0·2, P < 0·05; diabetic: 4·5 ± 0·4 vs. 2·5 ± 0·4 fmol mL−1, P < 0·01). Diabetes induced cardiac hypertrophy in both wild‐type and transgenic rats and showed the highest myocardial interstitial tissue volume density in diabetic transgenic rats (1·5 ± 0·07%) as compared with nondiabetic transgenic (1·1 ± 0·03%), nondiabetic wild‐type (0·8 ± 0·01%) and diabetic wild‐type rats (1·1 ± 0·03%; P < 0·01 for all comparisons). A similar pattern with the most severe changes in the enothelin‐2 transgenic, diabetic animals was observed for hypertrophy of the large coronary arteries and the small intramyocardial arterioles respectively. Cardiac mRNA expression of endothelin‐1, endothelin receptors type A and B were altered in some degree by diabetes or transgenic overexpression of endothelin‐2, but not in a uniform manner. Blood pressure did not differ between any of the four groups.

Conclusions  Overexpression of the human endothelin‐2 gene in rats aggravates diabetic cardiomyopathy by more severe coronary and intramyocardial vessel hypertrophy and myocardial interstitial fibrosis. This transgenic intervention provides further and independent support for a detrimental, blood pressure‐independent role of endothelins in diabetic cardiac changes.
PTIP promotes DNA double‐strand break repair through homologous recombination
Authors: Wang Xin , Takenaka Katsuya , Takeda Shunichi
Published: January 2010

PTIP (Pax2 transactivation domain‐interacting protein) is a large nuclear protein containing six BRCT (BRCA1 C‐Terminal) domains. PTIP is recruited to DNA‐damage sites through its BRCT domains and thus has been implicated in the DNA damage response. To define the function of PTIP in DNA repair, we disrupted the PTIP gene of the chicken DT40 B cell line. PTIP mutant (PTIP−/−/−) cells displayed phenotypes frequently observed in cells with defective homologous recombination (HR), i.e. a marked increase in the number of spontaneously arising DNA lesions as well as sensitivity to ionizing radiation (IR) and the topoisomerase I inhibitor, camptothecin. Accordingly, analysis of HR efficiency by using artificial recombination substrates showed that the HR efficiency was reduced in the PTIP‐deficient chicken and the PTIP‐depleted HeLa cells. As microarray analysis showed no apparent difference between wild‐type and PTIP−/−/− cells in the expression of known HR factors, it is unlikely that this reduction in HR efficiency in PTIP‐deficient cells is associated with PTIP’s role in transcriptional regulation. We thus propose that PTIP promotes double‐strand break repair through a direct role in HR.
Overlapping in short motif sequences for binding to human REV7 and MAD2 proteins
Authors: Hanafusa Tomo , Habu Toshiyuki , Tomida Junya , Ohashi Eiji , Murakumo Yoshiki , Ohmori Haruo
Published: January 2010

Polζ, a DNA polymerase specialized for translesion DNA synthesis (TLS), is comprised of two subunits, the REV3 catalytic subunit and the REV7 accessory subunit. The human REV7 (hREV7) protein is known to interact with hREV3, hREV1 (another TLS protein) and some other proteins such as ADAM9 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) and ELK‐1 (an Ets‐like transcription factor). hREV7 is alternatively termed hMAD2L2, because its primary sequence shows 26% identity to that of hMAD2 that plays crucial roles in spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) via interactions with hMAD1 or hCDC20. Here, we have investigated the molecular basis for the interactions of hREV7/MAD2L2 and hMAD2 with their binding partners. Our results showed that a short sequence of hREV3 is necessary and sufficient for interaction with hREV7. Surprisingly, hMAD2 also binds to the hREV7‐binding sequence in hREV3, whereas hMAD2 does not bind to a similar sequence in ADAM9 or ELK‐1 and hREV7 does not bind to the hMAD2‐binding sequence in hMAD1 or hCDC20. We discuss how hREV7 and hMAD2 recognize their binding partners, and how hREV3 and hREV7 might be involved in SAC.
Over‐expression of Runx1 transcription factor impairs the development of thymocytes from the double‐negative to double‐positive stages
Authors: Wong Won F. , Nakazato Megumi , Watanabe Toshio , Kohu Kazuyoshi , Ogata Takehiro , Yoshida Naomi , Sotomaru Yusuke , Ito Mamoru , Araki Kimi , Telfer Janice , Fukumoto Manabu , Suzuki Daisuke , Sato Takehito , Hozumi Katsuto , Habu Sonoko , Satake Masanobu
Published: January 2010

Runx1 transcription factor is highly expressed at a CD4/CD8‐double‐negative (DN) stage of thymocyte development but is down‐regulated when cells proceed to the double‐positive (DP) stage. In the present study, we examined whether the down‐regulation of Runx1 is necessary for thymocyte differentiation from the DN to DP stage. When Runx1 was artificially over‐expressed in thymocytes by Lck‐driven Cre, the DN3 population was unaffected, as exemplified by proper pre‐T‐cell receptor expression, whereas the DN4 population was perturbed as shown by the decrease in the CD27hi sub‐fraction. In parallel, the growth rate of DN4 cells was reduced by half, as measured by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. These events impaired the transition of DN4 cells to the DP stage, resulting in the drastic reduction of the number of DP thymocytes. The Runx1 gene has two promoters, a proximal and a distal promoter; and, in thymocytes, endogenous Runx1 was mainly transcribed from the distal promoter. Interestingly, only distal, but not proximal, Runx1 over‐expression exhibited an inhibitory effect on thymocyte differentiation, suggesting that the distal Runx1 protein may fulfil a unique function. Our collective results indicate that production of the distal Runx1 protein must be adequately down‐regulated for thymocytes to transit from the DN to the DP stage, a critical step in the massive expansion of the T‐cell lineage.
Acidification‐dependent activation of CD1d‐restricted natural killer T cells is intact in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Rzemieniak Sarah E. , Hirschfeld Aaron F. , Victor Rachel E. , Chilvers Mark A. , Zheng Dongjun , Van Den Elzen Peter , Turvey Stuart E.
Published: January 2010

CD1d‐restricted natural killer T (NKT) cells are emerging as critical regulators of the immune response to infectious agents, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa; and therapies to augment NKT‐cell activation may represent a novel approach to treat chronic, antibiotic‐resistant bacterial infections. We examined the capacity of dendritic cells (DCs) from people with cystic fibrosis (CF) to activate NKT cells. Our study was motivated by three lines of evidence: (i) NKT cells play a critical role in clearing P. aeruginosa infection; (ii) activation of NKT cells requires acidification‐dependent processing of glycolipid antigens within the endolysosomal compartment; and (iii) endolysosomal acidification may be reduced in CF. We demonstrated that NKT‐cell activation was dependent upon intact organelle acidification as inhibitors of the vacuolar (H+)‐ATPases prevented DCs from activating NKT cells with two glycolipid antigens, α‐galactosylceramide and galactose‐galactosylceramide. In contrast, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel dysfunction had no significant biological impact on the capacity of DCs to activate NKT cells. Dendritic cells from subjects with CF and DCs treated with the thiazolidinone CFTRinh‐172 inhibitor showed no reduction in their ability to activate NKT cells. Based on these data, we find no evidence for an inherent defect in glycolipid antigen presentation to NKT cells in CF subjects.
Interaction strength, food web topology and the relative importance of species in food webs
Authors: O’Gorman Eoin J. , Jacob Ute , Jonsson Tomas , Emmerson Mark C.
Published: January 2010

1. We established complex marine communities, consisting of over 100 species, in large subtidal experimental mesocosms. We measured the strength of direct interactions and the net strength of direct and indirect interactions between the species in those communities, using a combination of theoretical and empirical approaches.

2. Theoretical predictions of interaction strength were derived from the interaction coefficient matrix, which was parameterised using allometric predator–prey relationships. Empirical estimates of interaction strength were quantified using the ln‐ratio, which measures the change in biomass density of species A in the presence and absence of species B.

3. We observed that highly connected species tend to have weak direct effects and net effects in our experimental food webs, whether we calculate interaction strength theoretically or empirically.

4. We found a significant correlation between our theoretical predictions and empirical estimates of direct effects and net effects. The net effects correlation was much stronger, indicating that our experimental communities were dominated by a mixture of direct and indirect effects.

5. Re‐calculation of the theoretical predictions of net effects after randomising predator and prey body masses did not affect the negative relationship with connectance.

6. These results suggest that food web topology, which in this system is constrained by body mass, is overwhelmingly important for the magnitude of direct and indirect interactions and hence species importance in the face of biodiversity declines.
Determination of minimal concentration of Piscirickettsia salmonis in water columns to establish a fallowing period in salmon farms
Authors: Olivares J , Marshall S H
Published: January 2010

A highly sensitive real‐time PCR procedure to detect and quantify the number of Pisciricketsia salmonis units in seawater samples from affected farm sites has been developed. The purpose was to determine a fallowing period that would allow safe restocking of the target farm with new fish. Bacterial load was determined in water samples by comparing the obtained amplification values against a standard curve generated by the amplification of known concentrations of the ITS‐ribosomal component of P. salmonis DNA, cloned in a suitable vector. The standard curve was linear over the range of 101–1010 log units. Target samples were taken every 10 days over a 40‐day period, at 5 m depth and at the surface. In a highly affected area of southern Chile, the number of bacterial units in farm water decreased to zero at day 50. Therefore, a fallowing period of 50 days post‐removal of cages of affected fish appears to be appropriate before restocking. This procedure could be adapted to control disease problems because of other pathogens in fish farm waters.
Nano‐TiC obtained through a reaction of MWCNTs with Zr(Y,Ti)O2
Authors: PYDA W. , MORGIEL J.
Published: January 2010

The zirconia nanopowder stabilized with 2.5 mol% Y2O3 and doped with 18 mol% TiO2 (Zr(Y,Ti)O2) was homogenized with 5.2 wt% multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) through colloidal processing. The resultant mixture was heat‐treated for 2 h at 1200°C in vacuum under a pressure of 5 · 10−4 mbar. The microstructure characterization was performed using the TECNAI FEG (200 kV) SuperTWIN transmission electron microscope, equipped with the integrated EDAX detector. The TEM observations of the as‐received samples showed single strands of the carbon nanotubes uniformly dispersed among zirconia crystallites. Heat treatment of the Zr(Y,Ti)O2‐MWCNT mixture caused the transformation of carbon nanotubes into polycrystalline TiC nanofibres and nanorods as confirmed by both the energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy microanalysis and the high‐resolution electron microscopy (HREM) observations. Relying on the above, a mechanism of the TiC in situ crystallization controlled by carbon diffusion through the newly formed TiC phase was discussed.
Friction, adhesion and durability and influence of humidity on adhesion and surface charging of skin and various skin creams using atomic force microscopy
Authors: TANG W. , BHUSHAN B. , GE S.
Published: January 2010

Skin cream is commonly used to improve skin health and create a smooth, soft and moist perception by altering the surface roughness, friction, adhesion, elasticity and surface charging of skin surface. In this study, we present the first systematic study on friction, adhesion, durability and influence of humidity on adhesion and surface charging of skin and various skin creams using atomic force microscopy. Skin is subjected to various daily activities with time, and the durability is closely tied to product compositions. Durability of various skin creams was studied by repeated cycling tests. In order to better understand the frictional behaviour, the dynamic viscosities of various skin creams were measured. Skin cream thinly coats the skin surface and can cause drastic changes in the mechanical properties. In addition to mechanical properties, adhesive force is one of the important factors in determining the tactile perception of skin cream and is directly affected by the film thickness. Because the environmental dependence of skin and skin cream is of importance, the influence of humidity on adhesive force, film thickness and Young's modulus mapping were measured using force distance technique. The health and feel of skin are significantly affected by its surface charging, the surface potential of skin and various cream‐treated skins was measured using the Kelvin probe method.
Macroevolutionary pattern of sexual size dimorphism in geckos corresponds to intraspecific temperature‐induced variation
Authors: STAROSTOVÁ Z. , KUBIČKA L. , KRATOCHVÍL L.
Published: January 2010

Many animal lineages exhibit allometry in sexual size dimorphism (SSD), known as ‘Rensch’s rule’. When applied to the interspecific level, this rule states that males are more evolutionary plastic in body size than females and that male‐biased SSD increases with body size. One of the explanations for the occurrence of Rensch’s rule is the differential‐plasticity hypothesis assuming that higher evolutionary plasticity in males is a consequence of larger sensitivity of male growth to environmental cues. We have confirmed the pattern consistent with Rensch’s rule among species of the gecko genus Paroedura and followed the ontogeny of SSD at three constant temperatures in a male‐larger species (Paroedura picta). In this species, males exhibited larger temperature‐induced phenotypic plasticity in final body size than females, and body size and SSD correlated across temperatures. This result supports the differential‐plasticity hypothesis and points to the role phenotypic plasticity plays in generating of evolutionary novelties.
Repression of competition favours cooperation: experimental evidence from bacteria
Authors: KÜMMERLI R. , Van Den BERG P. , GRIFFIN A. S. , WEST S. A. , GARDNER A.
Published: January 2010

Repression of competition (RC) within social groups has been suggested as a key mechanism driving the evolution of cooperation, because it aligns the individual’s proximate interest with the interest of the group. Despite its enormous potential for explaining cooperation across all levels of biological organization, ranging from fair meiosis, to policing in insect societies, to sanctions in mutualistic interactions between species, there has been no direct experimental test of whether RC favours the spread of cooperators in a well‐mixed population with cheats. To address this, we carried out an experimental evolution study to test the effect of RC upon a cooperative trait – the production of iron‐scavenging siderophore molecules – in the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We found that cooperation was favoured when competition between siderophore producers and nonsiderophore‐producing cheats was repressed, but not in a treatment where competition between the two strains was permitted. We further show that RC altered the cost of cooperation, but did not affect the relatedness among interacting individuals. This confirms that RC per se, as opposed to increased relatedness, has driven the observed increase in bacterial cooperation.
Pyometra in an Inguinal Hernia in a Bitch
Authors: Gogny A , Bruyas J‐F , Fiéni F
Published: January 2010

Contents

Pyometra in an inguinal hernia was diagnosed in a 10‐year‐old intact cross‐bred bitch which had had dysorexia, depression and inguinal distension. The hernia contained caudal portions of the two uterine horns, uterine cervix and cranial part of the vagina. As the organs were enlarged and full of pus, manual attempt to push back the uterine horns and the vagina in the abdominal cavity through the inguinal canal was unsuccessful. Herniated uterine horns were ligated and cut in their median portion, so it became possible to remove the cervix and the caudal portion of the horns through the hernial orifice, and the ovaries and the cranial part of the horns through a peritoneal midline incision. This bitch was not intended for breeding purposes and, given the presence of a huge pyometra associated with an inguinal hernia, an ovario‐hysterectomy was recommended. Uterine herniation should be considered as a differential diagnosis of a caudal lateral inguinal mass. When pushing the uterus back in the abdominal cavity is impossible, a surgical procedure should be performed to detect ischemia–reperfusion injury and/or a septic risk.
Synergy and sustainability in rural procedural medicine: Views from the coalface
Authors: Swayne Andrew , Eley Diann S.
Published: January 2010

Objective:  The practice of rural and remote medicine in Australia entails many challenges, including a broad casemix and the remoteness of specialist support. Many rural practitioners employ advanced procedural skills in anaesthetics, surgery, obstetrics and emergency medicine, but the use of these skills has been declining over the last 20 years. This study explored the perceptions of rural general practitioners (GPs) on the current and future situation of procedural medicine.

Design:  The qualitative results of data from a mixed‐method design are reported. Free‐response survey comments and semistructured interview transcripts were analysed by a framework analysis for major themes.

Setting:  General practices in rural and remote Queensland.

Participants:  Rural GPs in Rural and Remote Metropolitan Classification 4–7 areas of Queensland.

Main outcome measure:  The perceptions of rural GPs on the current and future situation of rural procedural medicine.

Results:  Major concerns from the survey focused on closure of facilities and downgrading of services, cost and time to keep up skills, increasing litigation issues and changing attitudes of the public. Interviews designed to draw out solutions to help rectify the perceived circumstances highlighted two major themes: ‘synergy’ between the support from medical teams and community in ensuring ‘sustainability’ of services.

Conclusions:  This article presents a model of rural procedural practice where synergy between staff, resources and support networks represents the optimal way to deliver a non‐metropolitan procedural service. The findings serve to remind educators and policy‐makers that future planning for sustainability of rural procedural services must be broad‐based and comprehensive.
Afferent pathway dysfunction in children with primary nocturnal enuresis
Authors: Lv Linya , Deng Huisheng , Li Xuling
Published: January 2010

Objectives:  To investigate afferent pathway dysfunction in children with primary nocturnal enuresis by measuring pudendal somatosensory evoked potential and tibial somatosensory evoked potential.

Methods:  Subjects with primary nocturnal enuresis, 36 boys and 18 girls, aged from 5 to 16 years, were enrolled in this study: 24 subjects had complicated primary enuresis (CPE) and 30 subjects had monosymptomatic primary enuresis (MPE). There were no differences in bodyweight or gender between the MPE and CPE groups (P > 0.05). All of the children underwent physical examination, urine analysis, urinary ultrasound and spinal magnetic resonance imaging. Only subjects without urological and neurological abnormalities (with the exception of spina bifida occulta, which was found in some of the patients) were included in this neurophysiological study.

Results:  There were 20 children who were positively recorded with pudendal somatosensory evoked potential in the CPE group, and all of the children in the MPE group were positively recorded (P < 0.05). Positive records of tibial somatosensory evoked potential were successfully achieved in both groups. Furthermore, the pudendal and tibial conductive velocity were slower as compared to the normal range, especially in children in the CPE group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Afferent pathway function may be impaired by some factors, which should be considered by both clinicians and parents.
Would the elderly be better off if they were given more placebos?
Authors: Cherniack E Paul
Published: January 2010

Placebos are useful in the medical care of the elderly, although the exact definition of a “placebo” or “placebo effect” is difficult to define precisely. They have an important role as control treatments in research trials, but a non‐specific “placebo effect” may also be beneficial part of many physician–patient interactions. Physicians also give them deliberately according to several studies worldwide to satisfy patient demands or because they believe in a “placebo effect” among other reasons. A significant placebo effect has been observed among older patients in clinical trials of antidepressants (12–15%), and in treatments of Parkinson's disease (16%). Placebos activate serotonergic pathways in the brain used by antidepressants. In Parkinson's disease, the administration of a placebo stimulates dopamine release in the dorsal (resulting in motor effects) and ventral striatum (which influences expectation of reward). Much of our understanding of the placebo effect comes from studies of placebo analgesia which is influenced by conditioning, expectation, meaning and context of the treatment for the patient, and patient–physician interaction. It is anatomically medicated by brain opioid pathways. Response to “sham” acupuncture in osteoarthritis may be an example of its use in the elderly. Placebos have often been considered a deception and thus unethical. On the other hand, some physicians and ethicists have suggested conditions for appropriate uses for placebos. A placebo might offer the theoretical advantage of an inexpensive treatment that would not cause adverse drug reactions or interactions with other medications, potentially avoiding complications of polypharmacy.
Sex differences in the postural sway characteristics of young and elderly subjects during quiet natural standing
Authors: Kim Ji‐Won , Eom Gwang‐Moon , Kim Chul‐Seung , Kim Da‐Hye , Lee Jae‐Ho , Park Byung Kyu , Hong Junghwa
Published: January 2010

Aim: It has been reported that the fall incidence in women is much higher than men and that fallers have worse postural balance performance than non‐fallers. However, it is controversial whether any sex difference in postural balance performance exists. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of sex and age and their interactions in balance performance during quiet standing with natural stance width.

Methods: Sixty‐three elderly subjects (aged 65–86 years) and 66 young subjects (aged 18–26 years) performed quiet standing with self‐selected natural feet distance on a force plate. Four analysis variables – mean distance, mean velocity, 95% power frequency and total power – were derived from the center of pressure (COP) and they were evaluated both in anteroposterior and mediolateral directions.

Results: In anteroposterior direction, no sex effect and interaction existed, however, all variables except mean distance showed significant age effects (P < 0.01). In contrast, mediolateral direction variables showed significant sex effect where women had greater but less frequent COP movement than men (P < 0.01). Interactions of age and sex were also significant in mediolateral direction, where age‐related changes were significant only in women so that sex differences (faster COP movement with more total power in women than men) existed only in the elderly (P < 0.01) but not in the young.

Conclusion: The sex difference in balance performance (some of which are significant only in the elderly) and the sex difference in age‐related change of balance performance were demonstrated in mediolateral direction. These sex differences may contribute to the sex difference in balance‐related problems, such as falls.
Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 mutants selected for their inability to produce soluble organic‐Fe(III) complexes are unable to respire Fe(III) as anaerobic electron acceptor
Authors: Jones Morris E. , Fennessey Christine M. , DiChristina Thomas J. , Taillefert Martial
Published: January 2010

Summary Recent voltammetric analyses indicate that Shewanella putrefaciens strain 200 produces soluble organic‐Fe(III) complexes during anaerobic respiration of sparingly soluble Fe(III) oxides. Results of the present study expand the range of Shewanella species capable of producing soluble organic‐Fe(III) complexes to include Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1. Soluble organic‐Fe(III) was produced by S. oneidensis cultures incubated anaerobically with Fe(III) oxides, or with Fe(III) oxides and the alternate electron acceptor fumarate, but not in the presence of O2, nitrate or trimethylamine‐N‐oxide. Chemical mutagenesis procedures were combined with a novel MicroElectrode Screening Array (MESA) to identify four (designated Sol) mutants with impaired ability to produce soluble organic‐Fe(III) during anaerobic respiration of Fe(III) oxides. Two of the Sol mutants were deficient in anaerobic growth on both soluble Fe(III)‐citrate and Fe(III) oxide, yet retained the ability to grow on a suite of seven alternate electron acceptors. The rates of soluble organic‐Fe(III) production were proportional to the rates of iron reduction by the S. oneidensis wild‐type and Sol mutant strains, and all four Sol mutants retained wild‐type siderophore production capability. Results of this study indicate that the production of soluble organic‐Fe(III) may be an important intermediate step in the anaerobic respiration of both soluble and sparingly soluble forms of Fe(III) by S. oneidensis.
A phase II trial of neoadjuvant erlotinib in patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy: clinical and pathological results
Authors: Pruthi Raj S. , Nielsen Matthew , Heathcote Samuel , Wallen Eric M. , Rathmell W. Kim , Godley Paul , Whang Young , Fielding Julia , Schultz Heather , Grigson Gayle , Smith Angela , Kim William
Published: January 2010

Study Type – Therapy (cohort) Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinicopathological efficacy of neoadjuvant erlotinib (an epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR, inhibitor) for invasive bladder cancer in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) as despite definitive surgical therapy, only half of patients undergoing RC will have long‐term disease‐free survival, and effective adjunctive therapies, especially using agents with lower toxicity, would be a significant advance in the treatment of invasive bladder cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The primary endpoint of this phase II trial is to determine the effect of neoadjuvant erlotinib (150 mg once daily for 4 weeks) before RC on the pathological complete response rate (pT0 rate) in RC specimens. In addition, the safety of therapy with erlotinib was also evaluated. Patients selected for study included those with histologically confirmed muscle‐invasive bladder cancer who had undergone initial transurethral resection.

RESULTS

In all, 20 patients with clinical stage T2 disease had neoadjuvant erlotinib therapy followed by RC. On surgical pathology, five patients (25%) were pT0; in addition, seven (35%) were clinically down‐staged (≤pT1) and 15 (75%) had organ‐confined disease at surgical pathology. At a mean follow‐up of 24.8 months, 10 patients remain alive and with no evidence of disease, four with organ‐confined disease had progression and nine died, including six from disease and three from other causes. Erlotinib was tolerated in all patients, with drug rash being the most common side‐effect, in 15 patients (75%). Interestingly, all pT0 and pTis/T1 patients had a rash.

CONCLUSIONS

The EGFR inhibitor erlotinib, when administered in the neoadjuvant setting, can have beneficial effects in terms of surgical pathology and short‐term clinical outcomes in patients undergoing RC for invasive bladder cancer. Analyses are underway to examine the molecular correlates of the apparent clinical effect of neoadjuvant therapy in these patients.
RISK‐TAKING BEHAVIOR IN THE PRESENCE OF NONCONVEX ASSET DYNAMICS
Authors: LYBBERT TRAVIS J. , BARRETT CHRISTOPHER B.
Published: January 2010

A growing literature on poverty traps emphasizes the links between multiple equilibria and risk avoidance. However, multiple equilibria may also foster risk‐taking behavior by some poor people. We illustrate this idea with a simple analytical model in which people with different wealth and ability endowments make investment and risky activity choices in the presence of known nonconvex asset dynamics. This model underscores a crucial distinction between familiar static concepts of risk aversion and forward‐looking dynamic risk responses to nonconvex asset dynamics. Even when unobservable preferences exhibit decreasing absolute risk aversion, observed behavior may suggest that risk aversion actually increases with wealth near perceived dynamic asset thresholds. Although high ability individuals are not immune from poverty traps, they can leverage their capital endowments more effectively than lower ability types and are therefore less likely to take seemingly excessive risks. In general, linkages between behavioral responses and wealth dynamics often seem to run in both directions. Both theoretical and empirical poverty trap research could benefit from making this two‐way linkage more explicit. (JEL D81, O12, D90)
Creating space for preferred identities: narrative practice conversations about gender and culture in the context of trauma
Authors: Blackburn Pennie J.
Published: January 2010

This paper describes a narrative approach to work with the effects of extreme trauma and forced migration. It describes an approach to work across cultures in cases in which the culturally informed dominant discourses have shaped the effects of the trauma on those that survived them. The paper sets out the stories of two women as exemplars of the complexities of such practice. Examples of the main forms of narrative practice conversations are given and the work is developed through considerations of ways in which therapists can work respectfully between cultures.
People Who Live Apart Together (LATs) – How Different are They?
Authors: Duncan Simon , Phillips Miranda
Published: January 2010

‘Living apart together’ – that is being in an intimate relationship with a partner who lives somewhere else – is increasingly recognised and accepted as a specific way of being in a couple. On the face of it, this is a far cry from the ‘traditional’ version of couple relationships, where co-residence in marriage was placed at the centre and where living apart from one's partner would be regarded as abnormal, and understandable only as a reaction to severe external constraints.

Some commentators regard living apart together as a historically new family form where LATs can pursue a ‘both/and’ solution to partnership – they can experience both the intimacy of being in a couple, and at the same time continue with pre-existing commitments. LATs may even de-prioritize couple relationships and place more importance on friendship. Alternatively, others see LAT as just a ‘stage’ on the way to cohabitation and marriage, where LATs are not radical pioneers moving beyond the family, but are cautious and conservative, and simply show a lack of commitment. Behind these rival interpretations lies the increasingly tarnished spectre of individualisation theory. Is LAT some sort of index for a developing individualisation in practice?

In this paper we take this debate further by using information from the 2006 British Social Attitudes Survey. We find that LATs have quite diverse origins and motivations, and while as a category LATs are often among the more liberal in family matters, as a whole they do not show any marked ‘pioneer’ attitudinal position in the sense of leading a radical new way, especially if age is taken into account.
Firm Friends: Exploring the Supportive Components in Gay Men's Workplace Friendships
Authors: Rumens Nick
Published: January 2010

Research shows that friendships are among the most important sources of support for gay men. Despite insights into how friends can be significant providers of emotional, practical and affirmational support, particularly when gay men ‘come out’ or experience discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, scholars have rarely considered the role of work friends in supporting gay men in the workplace. This is remarkable given that work organisations remain challenging arenas for sexual minority employees to fashion a meaningful sense of self. Drawing on in-depth interview data with twenty-eight gay men employed in the UK, this article argues that gay men can rely on work friends for different forms of support in helping them to negotiate and sustain a viable sense of self. The findings show how the gender and sexuality of organisation influences which men and women are available as work friends, and the types of support they might give. Also, the affirmational support received from work friends is important not only for validating participants' sexual identities, but also identities of class and parenthood. The study aims to complicate stereotypes of men's workplace friendships as sources of support used largely for advancing careers and personal gain.
In Banking, Is Small Beautiful?
Authors: Dermine Jean , Schoenmaker Dirk
Published: January 2010

The state‐led resolution of the 2007‐2009 financial crisis has proven to be costly. Calls are being heard in Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland to cap the size of domestic banks. Is small beautiful? In this policy paper, we first match bailing out cost data to the relative size of banks for a sample of 14 countries and 29 banks. An important observation is that some countries with relatively small banks faced large bailout cost when correlated systemic risk affected many banks. Secondly, we call to the attention that capping the size of banks can have an unintended effect: a lack of credit risk diversification. Risk diversification is needed to reduce the costs of financial distress, which are quite significant in the banking industry. If reducing public bail out costs is the right objective, capping the size of banks is not the best tool. So as to keep large banks that provide highly skilled employment opportunities in a services economy, we discuss four policy options that help to ensure financial stability: independence and accountability of bank supervisors, prompt corrective action mechanisms, burden sharing across countries, and an end to the too‐big‐to‐fail doctrine.
Quantifying ADHD classroom inattentiveness, its moderators, and variability: a meta‐analytic review
Authors: Kofler Michael J. , Rapport Mark D. , Matt Alderson R.
Published: January 2010

Background:  Most classroom observation studies have documented significant deficiencies in the classroom attention of children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to their typically developing peers. The magnitude of these differences, however, varies considerably and may be influenced by contextual, sampling, diagnostic, and observational differences.

Methods:  Meta‐analysis of 23 between‐group classroom observation studies using weighted regression, publication bias, goodness of fit, best case, and original metric analyses.

Results:  Across studies, a large effect size (ES = .73) was found prior to consideration of potential moderators. Weighted regression, best case, and original metric estimation indicate that this effect may be an underestimation of the classroom visual attention deficits of children with ADHD. Several methodological factors–classroom environment, sample characteristics, diagnostic procedures, and observational coding schema–differentially affect observed rates of classroom attentive behavior for children with ADHD and typically developing children. After accounting for these factors, children with ADHD were on‐task approximately 75% of the time compared to 88% for their classroom peers (ES = 1.40). Children with ADHD were also more variable in their attentive behavior across studies.

Conclusions:  The present study confirmed that children with ADHD exhibit deficient and more variable visual attending to required stimuli in classroom settings and provided an aggregate estimation of the magnitude of these deficits at the group level. It also demonstrated the impact of situational, sampling, diagnostic, and observational variables on observed rates of on‐task behavior.