bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental evolution of multicellularity using microbial pseudo-organisms
Authors: Queller David C. , Strassmann Joan E.
Published: September 2012

In a major evolutionary transition to a new level of organization, internal conflicts must be controlled before the transition can truly be successful. One such transition is that from single cells to multicellularity. Conflicts among cells in multicellular organisms can be greatly reduced if they consist of genetically identical clones. However, mutations to cheaters that experience one round of within-individual selection could still be a problem, particularly for certain life cycles. We propose an experimental evolution method to investigate this issue, using micro-organisms to construct multicellular pseudo-organisms, which can be evolved under different artificial life cycles. These experiments can be used to test the importance of various life cycle features in maintaining cooperation. They include structured reproduction, in which small propagule size reduces within-individual genetic variation. They also include structured growth, which increases local relatedness within individual bodies. Our method provides a novel way to test how different life cycles favour cooperation, even for life cycles that do not exist.
Environmental extremes versus ecological extremes: impact of a massive iceberg on the population dynamics of a high-level Antarctic marine predator
Authors: Chambert Thierry , Rotella Jay J. , Garrott Robert A.
Published: September 2012

Extreme events have been suggested to play a disproportionate role in shaping ecological processes, but our understanding of the types of environmental conditions that elicit extreme consequences in natural ecosystems is limited. Here, we investigated the impact of a massive iceberg on the dynamics of a population of Weddell seals. Reproductive rates of females were reduced, but survival appeared unaffected. We also found suggestive evidence for a prolonged shift towards higher variability in reproductive rates. The annual number of females attending colonies showed unusual swings during the iceberg period, a pattern that was apparently the consequence of changes in sea-ice conditions. In contrast to the dramatic effects that were recorded in nearby populations of emperor penguins, our results suggest that this unusual environmental event did not have an extreme impact on the population of seals in the short-term, as they managed to avoid survival costs and were able to rapidly re-achieve high levels of reproduction by the end of the perturbation. Nevertheless, population projections suggest that even this modest impact on reproductive rates could negatively affect the population in the long run if such events were to occur more frequently, as is predicted by models of climate change.
Changing spatial epidemiology of pertussis in continental USA
Authors: Choisy Marc , Rohani Pejman
Published: September 2012

Prediction and control of the geographical spread of emerging pathogens has become a central public health issue. Because these infectious diseases are by definition novel, there are few data to characterize their dynamics. One possible solution to this problem is to apply lessons learnt from analyses of historical data on familiar and epidemiologically similar pathogens. However, the portability of the spatial ecology of an infectious disease in a different epoch to other infections remains unexamined. Here, we study this issue by taking advantage of the recent re-emergence of pertussis in the United States to compare its spatial transmission dynamics throughout the 1950s with the past decade. We report 4-year waves, sweeping across the continent in the 1950s. These waves are shown to emanate from highly synchronous foci in the northwest and northeast coasts. In contrast, the recent resurgence of the disease is characterized by 5.5-year epidemics with no particular spatial structure. We interpret this to be the result of dramatic changes in patterns of human movement over the second half of the last century, together with changing age distribution of pertussis. We conclude that extrapolation regarding the spatial spread of contemporaneous pathogens based on analyses of historical incidence may be potentially very misleading.
Virulence, drug sensitivity and transmission success in the rodent malaria,Plasmodium chabaudi
Authors: Schneider Petra , Bell Andrew S. , Sim Derek G. , O'Donnell Aidan J. , Blanford Simon , Paaijmans Krijn P. , Read Andrew F. , Reece Sarah E.
Published: September 2012

Here, we test the hypothesis that virulent malaria parasites are less susceptible to drug treatment than less virulent parasites. If true, drug treatment might promote the evolution of more virulent parasites (defined here as those doing more harm to hosts). Drug-resistance mechanisms that protect parasites through interactions with drug molecules at the sub-cellular level are well known. However, parasite phenotypes associated with virulence might also help parasites survive in the presence of drugs. For example, rapidly replicating parasites might be better able to recover in the host if drug treatment fails to eliminate parasites. We quantified the effects of drug treatment on the in-host survival and between-host transmission of rodent malaria (Plasmodium chabaudi) parasites which differed in virulence and had never been previously exposed to drugs. In all our treatment regimens and in single- and mixed-genotype infections, virulent parasites were less sensitive to pyrimethamine and artemisinin, the two antimalarial drugs we tested. Virulent parasites also achieved disproportionately greater transmission when exposed to pyrimethamine. Overall, our data suggest that drug treatment can select for more virulent parasites. Drugs targeting transmission stages (such as artemisinin) may minimize the evolutionary advantage of virulence in drug-treated infections.
A test of maternal human chorionic gonadotropin during pregnancy as an adaptive filter of human gestations
Authors: Bruckner Tim A. , Saxton Katherine B. , Pearl Michelle , Currier Robert , Kharrazi Martin
Published: September 2012

The risk of abnormalities and morbidity among live births increases with advanced maternal age. Explanations for this elevated morbidity invoke several maternal mechanisms. The relaxed filter stringency (RFS) hypothesis asserts that mothers, nearing the end of their reproductive lifespan, reduce the stringency of a screen of offspring quality
in utero
based on life-history traits of parity and interbirth interval (IBI). A separate line of research implicates human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during pregnancy as a signal of offspring quality. We test the RFS hypothesis directly by examining whether the difference in gestational hCG across consecutive live births varies positively with the mother's number of previous live births but inversely with her most recent IBI. We applied multivariable regression methods to a unique dataset of gestational hCG for over 500 000 live births from 2002 to 2007. The difference in gestational hCG across mothers' consecutive live births varies positively with both mothers' parity and IBI. These associations remain similar among older mothers (35+ years). Findings support the RFS hypothesis for the parity expectation but not for the IBI expectation. Further evidence for the RFS hypothesis among contemporary human gestations would have to invoke screening mechanisms other than hCG.
Footprints in time: comparative quantitative trait loci mapping of the pitcher-plant mosquito,Wyeomyia smithii
Authors: Bradshaw William E. , Emerson Kevin J. , Catchen Julian M. , Cresko William A. , Holzapfel Christina M.
Published: September 2012

Identifying regions of the genome contributing to phenotypic evolution often involves genetic mapping of quantitative traits. The focus then turns to identifying regions of ‘major’ effect, overlooking the observation that traits of ecological or evolutionary relevance usually involve many genes whose individual effects are small but whose cumulative effect is large. Herein, we use the power of fully interfertile natural populations of a single species of mosquito to develop three quantitative trait loci (QTL) maps: one between two post-glacially diverged populations and two between a more ancient and a post-glacial population. All demonstrate that photoperiodic response is genetically a highly complex trait. Furthermore, we show that marker regressions identify apparently ‘non-significant’ regions of the genome not identified by composite interval mapping, that the perception of the genetic basis of adaptive evolution is crucially dependent upon genetic background and that the genetic basis for adaptive evolution of photoperiodic response is highly variable within contemporary populations as well as between anciently diverged populations.
Molecular characterization of two evolutionarily distinct endornaviruses co-infecting common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: Okada Ryo , Yong Chee Keat , Valverde Rodrigo A. , Sabanadzovic Sead , Aoki Nanako , Hotate Shunsuke , Kiyota Eri , Moriyama Hiromitsu , Fukuhara Toshiyuki
Published: September 2012

Two high-molecular-mass dsRNAs of approximately 14 and 15 kbp were isolated from the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivar Black Turtle Soup. These dsRNAs did not appear to cause obvious disease symptoms, and were transmitted through seeds at nearly 100 % efficiency. Sequence information indicates that they are the genomes of distinct endornavirus species, for which the names Phaseolus vulgaris endornavirus 1 (PvEV-1) and Phaseolus vulgaris endornavirus 2 (PvEV-2) are proposed. The PvEV-1 genome consists of 13 908 bp and potentially encodes a single polyprotein of 4496 aa, while that of PvEV-2 consists of 14 820 bp and potentially encodes a single ORF of 4851 aa. PvEV-1 is more similar to Oryza sativa endornavirus, while PvEV-2 is more similar to bell pepper endornavirus. Both viruses have a site-specific nick near the 5′ region of the coding strand, which is a common property of the endornaviruses. Their polyproteins contain domains of RNA helicase, UDP-glycosyltransferase and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, which are conserved in other endornaviruses. However, a viral methyltransferase domain was found in the N-terminal region of PvEV-2, but was absent in PvEV-1. Results of cell-fractionation studies suggested that their subcellular localizations were different. Most endornavirus-infected bean cultivars tested were co-infected with both viruses.
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120 envelope characteristics associated with disease progression differ in family members infected with genetically similar viruses
Authors: Baan Elly , van der Sluis Renée M. , Bakker Margreet E. , Bekker Vincent , Pajkrt Dasja , Jurriaans Suzanne , Kuijpers Taco W. , Berkhout Ben , Wolthers Katja C. , Paxton William A. , Pollakis Georgios
Published: September 2012

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope protein provides the primary contact between the virus and host, and is the main target of the adaptive humoral immune response. The length of gp120 variable loops and the number ofN-linked glycosylation events are key determinants for virus infectivity and immune escape, while the V3 loop overall positive charge is known to affect co-receptor tropism. We selected two families in which both parents and two children had been infected with HIV-1 for nearly 10 years, but who demonstrated variable parameters of disease progression. We analysed the gp120 envelope sequence and compared individuals that progressed to those that did not in order to decipher evolutionary alterations that are associated with disease progression when individuals are infected with genetically related virus strains. The analysis of the V3-positive charge demonstrated an association between higher V3-positive charges with disease progression. The ratio between the amino acid length and the number of potentialN-linked glycosylation sites was also shown to be associated with disease progression with the healthier family members having a lower ratio. In conclusion in individuals initially infected with genetically linked virus strains the V3-positive charges andN-linked glycosylation are associated with HIV-1 disease progression and follow varied evolutionary paths for individuals with varied disease progression.
Eight novel hepatitis C virus genomes reveal the changing taxonomic structure of genotype 6
Authors: Wang Hongren , Yuan Zhiguo , Barnes Eleanor , Yuan Manqiong , Li Chunhua , Fu Yongshui , Xia Xueshan , Li Gang , Newton Paul N. , Vongsouvath Manivanh , Klenerman Paul , Pybus Oliver G. , Murphy Donald , Abe Kenji , Lu Ling
Published: September 2012

Analysis of partial hepatitis C virus sequences has revealed many novel genotype 6 variants that cannot be unambiguously classified, which obscure the distinctiveness of pre-existing subtypes. To explore this uncertainty, we obtained genomes of 98.0–98.8 % full-length for eight such variants (KM35, QC273, TV257, TV476, TV533, L349, QC271 and DH027) and characterized them using phylogenetic analyses and per cent nucleotide similarities. The former four are closely related phylogenetically to subtype 6k, TV533 and L349 to subtype 6l, QC271 to subtypes 6i and 6j, and DH027 to subtypes 6m and 6n. The former six defined a high-level grouping that comprised subtypes 6k and 6l, plus related strains. The threshold between intra- and inter-subtype diversity in this group was indistinct. We propose that similar results would be seen elsewhere if more intermediate variants like QC271 and DH027 were sampled.
Nuclear lamina defects cause ATM-dependent NF-κB activation and link accelerated aging to a systemic inflammatory response
Authors: Osorio Fernando G. , Bárcena Clea , Soria-Valles Clara , Ramsay Andrew J. , de Carlos Félix , Cobo Juan , Fueyo Antonio , Freije José M.P. , López-Otín Carlos
Published: September 2012

Alterations in the architecture and dynamics of the nuclear lamina have a causal role in normal and accelerated aging through both cell-autonomous and systemic mechanisms. However, the precise nature of the molecular cues involved in this process remains incompletely defined. Here we report that the accumulation of prelamin A isoforms at the nuclear lamina triggers an ATM- and NEMO-dependent signaling pathway that leads to NF-κB activation and secretion of high levels of proinflammatory cytokines in two different mouse models of accelerated aging (Zmpste24−/− and LmnaG609G/G609G mice). Causal involvement of NF-κB in accelerated aging was demonstrated by the fact that both genetic and pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB signaling prevents age-associated features in these animal models, significantly extending their longevity. Our findings provide in vivo proof of principle for the feasibility of pharmacological modulation of the NF-κB pathway to slow down the progression of physiological and pathological aging.
Does lack of a moral feeling brain indicate moral disability? Children diagnosed with callous unemotional traits, emotion regulation and the potential of treatment with oxytocin
Authors: Mackenzie Robin , Watts John
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider oxytocin as a treatment for children diagnosed with callous unemotional [CU] traits, emotion regulation and whether moral disability is a meaningful category.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the relationship between psychiatric diagnoses, moral opprobrium and disability in relation to emotion regulation and diagnoses of callous unemotional conduct disorder (CUCD) and psychopathy, together with current research on oxytocin in humans.

Findings

Diagnoses of callous unemotional traits and psychopathy are problematic as a result of inbuilt moral opprobrium, while treating CUCD with oxytocin to promote prosociality through mandating a moral feeling brain oversimplifies how this neuropeptide operates in humans.

Originality/value

Oxytocin is currently under trial as a treatment for behavioural variant fronto‐temporal dementia, where patients display symptoms similar to those diagnosed with CUCD. As genetic, environmental and ethnic factors affect oxytocin's effects in humans, caution is warranted before supporting its use to treat CUCD. Moreover, such use may represent a reductionist technofix compared with addressing socioeconomic factors promoting the manifestation of CU traits as an adaptation.
Assessing the ethnocentric tendencies of different age‐cohorts in an emerging market
Authors: Deb Madhurima , Roy Chaudhuri Himadri
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The main purpose of this study was to investigate what leads consumers to ethnocentrism and the effects of their ethnocentrism on attitudes toward country of origin (CO), and subsequently on purchase intentions (PI). The other objective was to study the knowledge and product preferences of different age‐cohort's, about CO of high and low technology products.

Design/methodology/approach

Results are derived from primary data collected from a consumer sample in India. Data analysis was done using SPSS and AMOS.

Findings

The Indians, who are found to be ethnocentric, are also willing to purchase products from other countries. Indian consumers showed preferences for products from the USA and Japan over China and the UK. Additionally, from the result of age‐cohort analysis, age was found to have a significant effect on the attitude toward CO and product preference.

Research limitations/implications

Consumers were asked to evaluate the attributes of foreign‐origin products without reference to a specific product group and this could be one of the limitations of the study.

Practical implications

These findings provide useful insights to the marketer about the impact of CE on attitude towards CO and cohort's preference for CO of different products. Such information will help the marketer to devise suitable strategies. The paper contributes to research on CE by confirming some of the earlier results with a consumer sample from India.

Originality/value

This paper both supports and contributes to the existing literature by studying CE and CO on a diverse range of product categories, using an age‐cohort analysis.
Treatment options to improve anorectal function following rectal resection: a systematic review
Authors: Maris A. , Devreese A. M. , D’Hoore A. , Penninckx F. , Staes F.
Published: September 2012

Aim  Common problems after rectal resection are loose stools, faecal incontinence, increased frequency and evacuation difficulties, for which there are various therapeutic options. A systematic review was conducted to assess the outcome of treatment options aimed to improve anorectal function after rectal surgery.

Method  Publications including a therapeutic approach to improve anorectal function after rectal surgery were searched using the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Pedro, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsychInfo and the Cochrane Library. The focus was on outcome parameters of symptomatic improvement of faecal incontinence, evaluation of defaecation and quality of life.

Results  The degree of agreement on eligibility and methodological quality between reviewers calculated with kappa was 0.85. Fifteen studies were included. Treatment options included pelvic floor re‐education (n = 7), colonic irrigation (n = 2) and sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) (n = 6). Nine studies reported reduced incontinence scores and a decreased number of incontinent episodes. In 10 studies an improvement in resting and squeeze pressure was observed after treatment with pelvic floor re‐education or SNS. Three studies reported improved quality of life after pelvic floor re‐education. Significant improvement of the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale was found in three studies after SNS.

Conclusion  Conservative therapies such as pelvic floor re‐education and colonic irrigation can improve anorectal function. SNS might be an effective solution in selected patients. However, methodologically qualitative studies are limited and randomized controlled trials are needed to draw evidence‐based conclusions.
Combine and conquer: advantages and disadvantages of fixed‐dose combination therapy
Authors: Bell D. S. H.
Published: September 2012

The majority of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) do not achieve the glycaemic goals recommended by leading diabetes organizations using monotherapy alone, and often require multiple antihyperglycaemic agents to achieve glycaemic control. Fixed‐dose combination (FDC) therapies offer a means to simplify complex treatment regimens, and have several advantages that help patients reach their glycaemic goals. In this review, four key benefits are identified and discussed in support of FDCs for treatment of patients with T2DM: (i) Greater efficacy compared with higher dose monotherapy, (ii) Reduced risk of adverse reactions relative to higher dose monotherapy, (iii) Lower overall costs and (iv) Improved medication concordance. Given these advantages, the place of fixed combination therapy in the course of treatment is discussed. Establishing a therapeutic strategy that incorporates fixed combination therapy (including combinations with insulin) will simplify the treatment of diabetes, ideally resulting in improved medication concordance, clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients with T2DM.
Odanacatib, a selective cathepsin K inhibitor to treat osteoporosis: safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics – results from single oral dose studies in healthy volunteers
Authors: Stoch S. Aubrey , Zajic Stefan , Stone Julie A. , Miller Deborah L. , van Bortel Lucas , Lasseter Kenneth C. , Pramanik Barnali , Cilissen Caroline , Liu Qi , Liu Lida , Scott Boyd B. , Panebianco Deborah , Ding Yu , Gottesdiener Keith , Wagner John A.
Published: September 2012

Aims

To evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of odanacatib (ODN), a cathepsin K inhibitor, in humans.

Methods

Two double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, single oral dose studies were performed with ODN (2–600 mg) in 44 healthy volunteers (36 men and eight postmenopausal women).

Results

Adverse experiences (AEs) with single doses of ODN were transient and mild to moderate, with the exception of one severe AE of gastroenteritis. Headache was the most frequent AE. After absorption of ODN (initial peak concentrations 4–6 h postdose), plasma concentrations exhibited a monophasic decline, with an apparent terminal half‐life of ∼40–80 h. The area under the curve0‐24 hours (AUC0–24 h), concentration at 24 hours (C24 h) and maximum concentration (Cmax,overal) increased in a less than dose‐proportional manner from 2 to 600 mg. Administration of ODN with a high‐fat meal led to ∼100% increases in AUC0–24 h, Cmax,day1, Cmax,overall and C24 h relative to the fasted state, while administration with a low‐fat meal led to a ∼30% increase in those parameters. Reduction of biomarkers of bone resorption, the C‐ and N‐telopeptides of cross‐links of type I collagen, (CTx and NTx, respectively), was noted at 24 h for doses ≥5 mg and at 168 h postdose for ≥10 mg. In postmenopausal women administered 50 mg ODN, reductions in serum CTx of −66% and urine NTx/creatinine (uNTx/Cr) of −51% relative to placebo were observed at 24 h. At 168 h, reductions in serum CTx (−70%) and uNTx/Cr (−78%) were observed relative to baseline. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling characterized the ODN concentration/uNTx/Cr relation, with a modeled EC50 value of 43.8 nM and ∼80% maximal reduction.

Conclusions

Odanacatib was well tolerated and has a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile suitable for once weekly dosing.
The role of olfactory cues in the sequential radiation of a gall‐boring beetle, Mordellistena convicta
Authors: RHODES BRADLEY C. , BLAIR CATHERINE P. , TAKAHASHI MIZUKI K. , ABRAHAMSON WARREN G.
Published: September 2012

1. Herbivorous insects often have close associations with specific host plants, and their preferences for mating and ovipositing on a specific host‐plant species can reproductively isolate populations, facilitating ecological speciation. Volatile emissions from host plants can play a major role in assisting herbivores to locate their natal host plants and thus facilitate assortative mating and host‐specific oviposition.

2. The present study investigated the role of host‐plant volatiles in host fidelity and oviposition preference of the gall‐boring, inquiline beetle, Mordellistena convicta LeConte (Coleoptera: Mordellidae), using Y‐tube olfactometers. Previous studies suggest that the gall‐boring beetle is undergoing sequential host‐associated divergence by utilising the resources that are created by the diverging populations of the gall fly, Eurosta solidaginis Fitch (Diptera: Tephritidae), which induces galls on the stems of goldenrods including Solidago altissima L. (Asteraceae) and Solidago gigantea Ait.

3. Our results show that M. convicta adults are attracted to galls on their natal host plant, avoid the alternate host galls, and do not respond to volatile emissions from their host‐plant stems.

4. These findings suggest that the gall‐boring beetles can orient to the volatile chemicals from host galls, and that beetles can use them to identify suitable sites for mating and/or oviposition. Host‐associated mating and oviposition likely play a role in the sequential radiation of the gall‐boring beetle.
Mental health nursing and the problematic of supervision as a confessional act
Authors: BANKS D. , CLIFTON A. V. , PURDY M. J. , CRAWSHAW P.
Published: September 2012

Accessible summary

Mental health nursing has a long tradition of ‘monitoring and managing’ how nurses behave, this has not always benefitted either service users or nurses.

Nurses are professionally required to seek guidance from more experienced colleagues to reflect, examine and improve on their practice.

Formal and informal guidance, known as supervision, often reinforces traditional values and practices that do not challenge the status quo.

To improve outcomes for service users and empower mental health nurses it is important that nurses adopt much more critical forms of reflection.

Mental health nurses frequently draw on self‐disclosure practices within their working relationships. These ‘confessional’ acts can in turn be predicated on traditional assumptions of moral authority exercised by more senior colleagues. More broadly, attention has been drawn to the increasing significance of ‘technologies of the self’ inside neo‐liberal regimes of governance. Through various forms of self‐disclosure people are obliged ‘to speak the truth about themselves’. By publically declaring themselves as ‘fit for purpose’ nurses are required to be reflexive, self‐monitoring individuals, capable of constructing their own identities and biographies, and guided by expert knowledges. In this way, risk becomes a form of governance, as the individuals continually find themselves balancing risks and opportunities. Foucault's insights into the importance of ‘care of the self’ and ‘surveillance of the self’ to systems of social order and governance, such as mental health services, are significant in identifying nursing as a potential form of confessional practice. ‘Reflective practice’ and ‘clinical supervision’ are therefore ‘technologies’, functioning as ‘modes of surveillance’, and as ‘confessional practices’. So ‘clinical supervision’ may be understood as part of a process of ‘governance’ that does not necessarily empower nurses, but can act to guide, correct and modify ways in which they conduct themselves.
Three Decades of Implementation Research in Higher Education: Limitations and Prospects of Theory Development
Authors: Kohoutek Jan
Published: September 2012

The article adopts a comparative approach to review three periods of theory development in research into higher education policy implementation. Given the conceptual affinity between Cerych and Sabatier's 1986 seminal study into higher education policy implementation and public policy implementation theory, the field of public policy is chosen for reference and comparison. The article argues, first, that the underlying characteristics of higher education research such as sector‐isolatedness, application drift and sensitivity to political agendas hindered the development of sector‐specific theories of policy implementation. Second, this gap in theory formation started to be narrowed from the late 1990s onwards, due to critical reappraisal of the 1986 study and due to limited utilisation of mid‐range theory concepts conceived within or related to the public policy field. It is through the utilisation of such public policy theory that higher education implementation research may reach a more mature stage.
Action Research to Strengthen Women Weavers’ Self‐Care in North‐East Thailand
Authors: Nilvarangkul Kessarawan , Srithongchai Niramol , Saensom Donwiwat , Smith John F. , Supornpan Ausa , Tumnong Chuanpit
Published: September 2012

Objective

The objective of this research was to improve self‐care and work safety practices among women weavers in North‐East Thailand.

Design and Sample

Action research was used with a sample of 107 weavers and 15 community and local government stakeholders from six rural villages. Formative and summative evaluation was carried out over 10 months following initial implementation of five action plans, and after 5 years.

Measures

Qualitative data were collected via focus groups, formal and informal interviews and research field notes. Women's self‐care issues and safety problems, and weaving‐related environmental pollution emerged from the content analyses. Five action plans were created.

Results

Results showed that through action research the women were empowered to identify personal and work‐related health issues, environmental contamination concerns, and lack of social and community support systems. Over time they developed capacity for working collectively to address these. Five year follow‐up revealed many of the changes made were ongoing, and well‐integrated into community life.

Conclusions

The study reaffirmed the potential for public health or community nurses and other health personnel for enhancing community health status via action research with vulnerable populations; in this case, rural village women weavers in North‐East Thailand.
Nitrogen Retention by Soil Biota; A Key Role in the Rehabilitation of Natural Grasslands?
Authors: Kemmers Rolf H. , Bloem Jaap , Faber Jack H.
Published: September 2012

Environmental stress is the main cause of the decline of species diversity in low‐productive fen meadows in the Netherlands. Attempts to restore species diverse fen meadows e.g. by sod cutting frequently fail. We supposed that unsuccessful efforts are due to ignoring the impact of environmental stress on the performance of soil biota, which play a key role in N‐immobilization and keeping available‐N for primary production low. We investigated both pristine and degraded natural sites and successfully and unsuccessfully restored sites of poor and rich fen meadows. We determined plant species composition, soil chemical properties, N‐pools in soil biota, N‐mineralization rates, and N‐fluxes. In pristine rich and poor fen meadows, mineral‐N was poorly available for primary production due to a strong N‐immobilization by soil biota. Annual N‐immobilization fluxes exceeded by far the annual N‐harvest by primary production. N‐immobilization in pristine fens was higher than in degraded fens. In successfully restored rich fens, net N‐mineralization was lower and N‐immobilization higher than in the unsuccessful category. From our results, we derived the hypothesis that in degraded or in unsuccessfully restored fens the soils internal N‐balance shifted from N‐immobilization to net N‐mineralization, favoring biomass production but disadvantaging plant species diversity. N‐retention driven by an active N‐immobilizing soil biological community, is likely a decisive process for successful recovery of plant species diversity in low productive fen meadows. We recommend that restoration techniques should stimulate a functionally diverse soil fauna, as this may enhance the storage of available nutrients in the soil food web.
Stereoelectroencephalography in the “difficult to localize” refractory focal epilepsy: Early experience from a North American epilepsy center
Authors: Gonzalez‐Martinez Jorge , Bulacio Juan , Alexopoulos Andreas , Jehi Lara , Bingaman William , Najm Imad
Published: September 2012

Purpose:  Stereo‐electroencephalography (SEEG) enables precise recordings from deep cortical structures, multiple noncontiguous lobes, as well as bilateral explorations while avoiding large craniotomies. Despite a long reported successful record, its application in the United States has not been widely adopted. We report on our initial experience with the SEEG methodology in the extraoperative mapping of refractory focal epilepsy in patients who were not considered optimal surgical candidates for other methods of invasive monitoring. We focused on the applied surgical technique and its utility and efficacy in this subgroup of patients.

Methods:  Between March 2009 and May 2011, 100 patients with the diagnosis of medically refractory focal epilepsy who were not considered optimal candidates for subdural grids and strips placement underwent SEEG implantation at Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Center. Demographics, noninvasive clinical data, number and location of implanted electrodes, electrophysiologic localization of the epileptic zone, complications, and short‐term seizure outcome after resection were prospectively collected and analyzed.

Key Findings:  Mean age was 32 years (range 5–68 years); 54 were male and 46 female. The mean follow‐up after resection was 15 months. In total, 1,310 electrodes were implanted. Analyses of the SEEG recordings resulted in the electrographic localization of the epileptogenic focus in 96 patients. In the group of 75 patients who underwent resection, only 53 had at least 12 months follow‐up. From this group, 33 patients (62.3%) were seizure‐free at the end of the follow‐up period. The presence of abnormal pathologic finding was strongly associated with postoperative seizure control (p = 0.005). The risk of hemorrhagic complications per electrode was 0.2%.

Significance:  In patients who are not considered to be ideal candidates for subdural grids and strips implantation, the SEEG methodology is a safe, useful and reliable alternative option for invasive monitoring in patients with refractory focal epilepsy, providing an additional mean for seizure localization and control in a “difficult to localize” subgroup of patients.
Rapamycin has age‐, treatment paradigm‐, and model‐specific anticonvulsant effects and modulates neuropeptide Y expression in rats
Authors: Chachua Tamar , Poon Ka‐Lai , Yum Mi‐Sun , Nesheiwat Leigh , DeSantis Kara , Velíšková Jana , Velíšek Libor
Published: September 2012

Purpose:  Rapamycin (RAP) has certain antiepileptogenic features. However, it is unclear whether these effects can be explained by the anticonvulsant action of RAP, which has not been studied. To address this question, we tested potential anticonvulsant effects of RAP in immature and adult rats using different seizure models and treatment paradigms. In addition, we studied changes in the expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) induced by RAP, which may serve as an indirect target of the RAP action.

Methods:  A complex approach was adopted to evaluate the anticonvulsant potential of RAP: We used flurothyl‐, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)–, N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA)–, and kainic acid (KA)–induced seizures to test the effects of RAP using different pretreatment protocols in immature and adult rats. We also evaluated expression of NPY within the primary motor cortex, hippocampal CA1, and dentate gyrus (DG) after different pretreatments with RAP in immature rats.

Key Findings:  We found the following: (1) RAP administered with short‐term pretreatment paradigms has a weak anticonvulsant potential in the seizure models with compromised inhibition. (2) Lack of RAP efficacy correlates with decreased NPY expression in the cortex, CA1, and DG. Specifically in immature rats, a single dose of RAP (3 mg/kg) 4 or 24 h before seizure testing had anticonvulsant effects against PTZ‐induced seizures. In the flurothyl seizure model only the 4‐h pretreatment with RAP was anticonvulsant in the both age groups. Short‐term pretreatments with RAP had no effects against NMDA‐ and KA‐induced seizures tested in immature rats. Long‐term pretreatments with RAP over 8 days did not show beneficial effect in all tested seizure models in developing rats. Moreover, the long‐term pretreatment with RAP had a slight proconvulsant effect on KA‐induced seizures. In immature rats, any lack of anticonvulsant effect (including proconvulsant effect of multiple doses of RAP) was associated with downregulation of NPY expression in the cortex and DG. In immature animals, after a single dose of RAP with 24 h delay, we found a decrease of NPY expression in DG, and CA1 as well.

Significance:  Our data show weak age‐, treatment paradigm‐, and model‐specific anticonvulsant effects of RAP as well as loss of those effects after long‐term RAP pretreatment associated with downregulation of NPY expression. These findings suggest that RAP is a poor anticonvulsant and may have beneficial effects only against epileptogenesis. In addition, our data present new insights into mechanisms of RAP action on seizures indicating a possible connection between mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and NPY system.
Human Nature from a Catholic Perspective
Authors: KOTERSKI JOSEPH
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Catholic views on personhood and human nature include emphasis on the dignity of each person, from womb to tomb. The claims made for this inviolable dignity invariably stem from the recognition that all human beings, regardless of their state of dependency, are made in the image of God and are thus the bearers of certain moral rights. But in our fallen state that image is wounded and needs to be repaired. Hence, Christians need to learn to recapitulate the life of Christ in their own lives by growing through the stages of human life according to the model that He presents to us. There are not only individual but corporate aspects to this growth. Catholic Social Teaching offers insights on the corporate and social condition in which we find ourselves. It has a healthy respect for the economic laws of the market and for the technical intricacies of efficient decision‐making processes in local, national, and world economies, but out of respect for human nature there are moral norms that need to be respected and that may never be violated. On the topic of property and private ownership, considerable attention is given to the very purpose of private property (namely, to provide individuals with a kind of independence that enhances their ability to do their duties to their dependence and that extends their freedom). But always correlated with this defense of private property is a sense of the social demands on private property that come from the common good and the communal purpose of all earthly goods.
Principal Concepts in Henry George's Theory of Natural Law: A Brief Commentary on The Science of Political Economy
Authors: PEDDLE FRANCIS K.
Published: September 2012

Abstract

George sees the obstruction of the interaction between the active and passive factors of production, between the human and the natural, or anything that exacerbates the dualism between us and nature, as contrary to the functioning of political economy. His deliberations on the nature of action and desire lead to his formulation of the fundamental law of political economy. This essay elaborates on the guiding principles of that law, examines its basis in light of Ciceronian versus descriptive economics, considers its ramifications for socio‐political institutions and economic reform, and addresses the question of social versus economic justice. The recognition of the power of economic rent in the distribution of income and wealth has once again made George's philosophy of economics a guide for reforms in public finance, the alleviation of poverty, and the long‐term stewardship of the environment.
Going My Way? Wending a Way Through the Stumbling Blocks Between Georgism and Catholicism
Authors: GAFFNEY MASON
Published: September 2012

Abstract

This essay surveys the issues between Georgists and Roman Catholics in three classes: issues that are not peculiarly Roman Catholic (RC) but play out across faiths and denominations, issues that are peculiarly RC, and points of similarity and agreement. Addressed in this fashion are the tensions that arise between the social gospel and individual salvation, between specifics and glittering generalities, between noblesse oblige and governmental reform, between the doctrine of original sin and tabula rasa, between the rich and the poor, between the dignity of labor and the honor of predation, between democracy and authority, between the regulatory emphasis rooted in the philosophy of Aquinas and free markets, and between plain talk and gobbledegook.
From The Wealth of Nations to Populorum Progressio (On the Development of Peoples): Wealth and Development from the Perspective of the Catholic Social Thought Tradition
Authors: CLARK CHARLES M. A.
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Catholic social thought (CST) looks at economic development from the broader framework of authentic human development. It is only by viewing both man's dignity and his social nature that we include the full nature of the human being. In CST wealth is understood based on its role in promoting authentic human development. Wealth is a gift from God, with humans participating in its creation, and its creation, distribution, and its use must be carried out in a manner that respects God's law (justice and charity). Furthermore, man should never place wealth above God or above humans. Those who control wealth have special responsibilities with regards to their use of it; thus the right of private property is always restricted by the social responsibility to use it towards the common good. The goal must be the development of the whole person and all people. Wealth is socially created and thus must be distributed, at least partially, among the entire community. Economic development needs to be grounded in social justice and its two co‐principles, charity and justice. Grounding economic development in the authentic development of the person means placing the people of the poor countries at the center of their development drama, both as the leading actors and as the directors.
Just Reward: The Nature of Work and Its Remuneration in the Economics and Ethics of Henry George
Authors: HENNIGAN BRENDAN
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Work is a fundamental reality of human existence. This essay examines in general terms the idea of work and labor, briefly explains the biblical foundation of George's perspective on work, and presents George's analysis on unemployment, technological change, and true competition. Finally, it discusses how access to the natural opportunities land provides liberates labor and advances the just distribution of wealth, connects these insights to Catholic Social Teachings (CST), and calls for more cooperation between these natural allies.
Stimulated sweating as a therapy to reduce interdialytic weight gain and improve potassium balance in chronic hemodialysis patients: A pilot study
Authors: Pruijm Menno , El‐Housseini Youssef , Mahfoudh Hichem , Jarraya Fayçal , Hachicha Jamil , Teta Daniel , Burnier Michel
Published: September 2012

Controlling the extracellular volume in hemodialysis patients is a difficult task. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of different methods of stimulated sweating to reduce mean interdialytic weight gain (IWG), to improve blood pressure regulation, and potassium/urea balance. Two center, crossover pilot study. In Lausanne, hemodialysis patients took four hot‐water baths a week, 30 minutes each, on nondialysis days during 1 month. In Sfax, patients visited the local Hammam Center four times a week. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded, and weekly laboratory analysis was performed. Results were compared with a preceding 1‐month control period. In Lausanne, five patients (all men, median age 55 years) participated. Bathing temperature was (mean ± standard deviation) 41.2 ± 3°C and sweating‐induced weight loss 600 ± 500 g. Mean IWG (control vs. intervention period) decreased from 2.3 ± 0.9 to 1.8 ± 1 kg (P = 0.004), Systolic blood pressure from 139 ± 21 to 136 ± 22 mmHg (P = 0.4), and diastolic blood pressure form 79 ± 12 to 75 ± 13 mmHg (P = 0.08); antihypertensive therapy could be reduced from 2.8 ± 0.4 to 1.9 ± 0.5 antihypertensive drugs per patient (P = 0.01). In Sfax (n = 9, median age 46 years), weight loss per Hammam session was 420 ± 100 g. No differences were found in IWG or BP, but predialysis serum potassium level decreased from 5.9 ± 0.8 to 5.5 ± 0.9 mmol/L (P = 0.04) and urea from 26.9 ± 6 to 23.1 ± 6 mmol/L (P = 0.02). Hot‐water baths appear to be a safe way to reduce IWG in selected hemodialysis patients. Hammam visits reduce serum potassium and urea levels, but not IWG. More data in larger patient groups are necessary before definite conclusion can be drawn.
Enhanced Room Temperature Multiferroic Properties of (Bi0.95La0.05)(Fe0.97Mn0.03)O3/CoFe2O4 and CoFe2O4/(Bi0.95La0.05)(Fe0.97Mn0.03)O3 Double‐Layered Thin Films
Authors: Raghavan Chinnambedu Murugesan , Kim Jin Won , Kim Hae Jin , Kim Won Jeong , Kim Sang Su
Published: September 2012

Multiferroic (Bi0.95La0.05)(Fe0.97Mn0.03)O3/CoFe2O4 and CoFe2O4/(Bi0.95La0.05)(Fe0.97Mn0.03)O3 double‐layered thin films were prepared on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si(100) substrates via a chemical solution deposition method. In both the thin films, superior multiferroic properties were observed at room temperature. However, substantial enhancements in magnetic properties, such as saturated ferromagnetic hysteresis loop with large 2Mr (68.8 emu/cm3) and 2Hc (11.7 kOe), as well as moderate ferroelectric properties, such as 2Pr (58 μC/cm2) with low leakage current density (4 × 10−9 A/cm2 at 100 kV/cm), were observed in the (Bi0.95La0.05)(Fe0.97Mn0.03)O3/CoFe2O4 at room temperature. Structural distortion, deformation of [(Fe, Mn)O6] oxygen octahedra, and superexchange interaction in the (Bi0.95La0.05)(Fe0.97Mn0.03)O3 are attributed to the enhanced properties.
Dielectric Properties of Sol–Gel‐Derived Bi12SiO20 Thin Films
Authors: Veber Asja , Kunej Špela , Suvorov Danilo
Published: September 2012

In this paper the dielectric properties of crack‐free, Bi12SiO20 thin films were investigated. The films were prepared on Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si and corundum substrates using the sol–gel method. The formation of a pure Bi12SiO20 phase was observed at a temperature of 700°C. The Bi12SiO20 thin films, heat treated at 700°C for 1 h, had a dense microstructure with an average roughness (Ra) of 50 nm. The dielectric properties of the film were characterized by using both low‐ and microwave‐frequency measurement techniques. The low‐frequency measurements were conducted with a parallel capacitor configuration. The dielectric constant and dielectric losses were 44 and 7.5 × 10−3, respectively. The thin‐film dielectric properties at the microwave frequency were measured using the split‐post, dielectric resonator method (15 GHz) and the planar capacitor configuration (1–5 GHz). The dielectric constant and the dielectric losses measured at 15 GHz were 40 and 17 × 10−3, respectively, while the dielectric constant and the dielectric losses measured with the planar capacitor configuration were 39 and 65 × 10−3, respectively.