bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized controlled study comparing effect of magnesium sulfate with placebo on fetal umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery blood flow in mild preeclampsia at ≥34 weeks gestational age
Authors: Dasgupta Subhankar , Ghosh Debdutta , Seal Subrata Lall , Kamilya Gourisankar , Karmakar Madan , Saha Debdas
Published: March 2012

Aims:  The aim of this study was to evaluate whether prophylactic magnesium sulfate given in women with mild preeclampsia or gestational hypertension brings any significant change in umbilical artery and fetal middle cerebral artery pulsatility index.

Material and Methods:  Forty‐eight women with gestational age greater than 34 weeks with mild preeclampsia or gestational hypertension were randomly assigned to receive either magnesium sulfate or placebo. Pre‐ and post‐magnesium sulfate pulsatility index of umbilical and fetal middle cerebral artery were compared by Mann–Whitney U‐test between the groups. Within‐group comparison was conducted using Wilcoxon's signed rank test.

Results:  There was a significant reduction in the post‐magnesium sulfate umbilical artery pulsatility index in the intervention group (median 0.88 [0.82−1.03]) when compared to the placebo group (median 1.00 [0.89–1.10]). Post‐magnesium sulfate fetal middle cerebral artery pulsatility index in the intervention group (median 1.78 [1.63–1.98]) did not show a significant change compared to the placebo group (median 1.65 [1.42–1.91]). Within‐group comparison showed change in both variables after treatment in the intervention group.

Conclusion:  Magnesium sulfate produces a significant decrease in fetal umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index.
GROWTH AND CONVERGENCE WHEN TECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN CAPITAL ARE COMPLEMENTS
Authors: POLLAK ANDREAS
Published: March 2012

This article presents a model of endogenous growth, in which a firm's technology and a country's human capital stock are complementary in the production of output. Production technologies are created by costly research and development (R&D) and are owned by firms that can freely choose where in the world to produce. Both production and R&D have a positive effect on a country's human capital stock. While all countries typically grow at the same rate in the long run, they differ in their levels of human capital, per capita output, and the quality of the technologies that are used in production. A country's relative position in terms of productivity is history dependent. Countries that start out with a lower human capital stock or industrialize later end up with a lower per capita GDP in long‐term equilibrium. (JEL O4, O33, O47)
Presumptions of linearity and faith in the power of centralised decision‐making: two challenges to the efficient management of environmental water in Australia
Authors: Crase Lin , O’Keefe Suzanne , Dollery Brian
Published: March 2012

Water policy in the Murray‐Darling Basin continues to be dominated by the trade‐offs between agricultural and environmental interests. This has recently been played out with the acrimonious debate that circumscribed the release of the Guide to the Murray‐Darling Basin Plan. In this paper, we argue that too much emphasis has been placed on the volume of held water as an indicator of environmental benefit. We also contend that there is an attendant presumption of linearity in the relationship between volumes of held water and environmental benefit which could lead to perverse outcomes. A second problem is that there is too much enthusiasm for contemplating the solutions to water management problems as residing primarily at the federal level of government. These factors stand to ultimately limit the efficient delivery of environmental objectives.
The effects of a psychosocial dimension of socioeconomic position on survival: occupational prestige and mortality among US working adults
Authors: Christ Sharon L. , Fleming Lora E. , Lee David J. , Muntaner Carles , Muennig Peter A. , Caban‐Martinez Alberto J.
Published: March 2012

The association between education or income and mortality has been explored in great detail. These measures capture both the effects of material disadvantage on health and the psychosocial impacts of a low socioeconomic position on health. When explored independently of educational attainment and income, occupational prestige – a purely perceptual measure – serves as a measure of the impact of a psychosocial phenomenon on health. For instance, a fire‐fighter, academician or schoolteacher may carry the social benefits of a higher social status without actually having the income (in all cases) or the educational credentials (in the case of the fire‐fighter) to match. We explored the independent influence of occupational prestige on mortality. We applied Cox proportional hazards models to a nationally representative sample of over 380,000 US workers who had worked at any time between 1986 and 1994 with mortality follow up through 2002. We found that occupational prestige is associated with a decrease in the risk of all‐cause, cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory‐related mortality after controlling for household income and educational attainment. We further investigated the question of whether the effects of prestige are moderated by sex and broader occupational groupings. Prestige effects operate in white‐collar occupations for men only and within service occupations for all workers.
The Captive or the Broker? Explaining Public Agency–Interest Group Interactions
Authors: BRAUN CAELESTA
Published: March 2012

The literature offers individually valid yet collectively inconsistent hypotheses concerning the nature of public agencies' responsiveness to interest groups. This article analyzes the nature of this responsiveness by examining the brokerage potential of public agencies among interest groups. Such a brokerage potential is hypothesized to follow from agencies' preferences for policy goods as well as the tendency of interest groups to seek access to public agencies. It combines analyses of agencies' demand for policy goods with interest groups preferences for seeking access to specific policy venues. The analyses are based on survey data of national civil servants and interest groups in the United Kingdom and in the Netherlands. The findings suggest that both strategic preferences as well as organizational routines positively correlate with a brokerage potential while interaction patterns within and with the organizational environment of public agencies can constrain their brokerage potential in several distinct ways.
Improved strategies for HIV diagnosis among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a population with a high prevalence and incidence of HIV infection
Authors: Pando MA , Coloccini RS , Schvachsa N , Pippo M , Alfie LG , Marone R , Gomez‐Carrillo M , Avila MM , Salomón H
Published: March 2012

Background

In Argentina, HIV diagnosis in adults is made using one or two enzyme immunoassay tests and a confirmatory test. These strategies may fail to identify infected individuals during early primary infection, which represents an important public health problem among groups with a high HIV incidence, such as men who have sex with men (MSM) (6.3% persons/year). The general objective of this study was to contribute to reducing HIV transmission among MSM through the identification of antibody‐negative, nucleic acid‐positive individuals.

Findings

A total of 1549 MSM were recruited for an HIV seroprevalence study. A total of 161 (10.4%) MSM were HIV‐positive and 14 (0.9%) were indeterminate. Among the 1374 negative individuals, 16 (1.2%) exhibited reactive results in the screening assay. Indeterminate Western blot (WB) samples and negative WB samples (with discordant results in the screening) were analysed to detect HIV nucleic acid by viral load testing. Up to 23.1% of HIV‐indeterminate WB samples and 7.1% of HIV‐negative WB samples with discordant results in the screening assays had detectable nucleic acid. Overall, 14.8% of the samples with discordant or indeterminate results were identified as HIV‐positive using direct diagnosis. With the identification of four new cases using the nucleic acid detection test, the HIV prevalence in MSM increased by 0.3% (from 10.4 to 10.7%).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest the importance of including nucleic acid detection in the HIV algorithm for MSM with HIV‐indeterminate WB results and those with HIV‐negative WB results and discordant results in screening assays, in order to decrease HIV transmission among this population with a high HIV prevalence and incidence.
Paying for sex; the many obstacles in the way of men with learning disabilities using prostitutes
Authors: Jones Chris
Published: March 2012

Accessible summary

It is not against the law in Britain for adults to give another adult sex in exchange for money, and many people do pay for sex. It is almost always men who pay for sex.

Some men with learning disabilities would like to buy sex.

Men with learning disabilities who go to sex workers often get into trouble.

There are special sex workers who are keen to help people with disabilities, and they often work with people with physical disabilities.

There is a law that makes it a serious crime for care workers to assist people with learning disabilities to use a sex worker.

The author believes that this law is unfair and needs changing.

Many people think that women are harmed through sex work. This might be true, but it is not the fault of people with learning disabilities that this happens.

We live in an increasingly sexualised society, and the buying and selling of sex is a feature of this society. The laws about prostitution are complex, but the act of selling or buying sex is in itself not illegal. The author has extensive clinical experience of hearing the stories of men with learning disabilities who do use commercial sex workers and often come to harm in the process. There are other sex workers who have considerable experience of serving people with disabilities, and to date have generally served people with physical disabilities. Section 39 of the Sexual Offences Act makes it a serious crime for care workers to assist people with learning disabilities to engage with sex workers. It is argued that this is contrary to the spirit of Equal Opportunities for people with learning disabilities and against the move towards personal budgets and the freedom to spend them. This law should be reformed. Prostitution is inherently exploitative of women and reinforces the dominant message that women's bodies exist for men's pleasure. This is not a helpful message for men and women with learning disabilities. However, the opinion of this author is that people with learning disabilities should not be expected to shoulder by default any moral responsibility for changing social attitudes. The extra obstacles in the way of accessing sex workers amount to discrimination, and this is wrong.
Efficacy of the ketogenic diet in Lennox–Gastaut syndrome: a retrospective review of one institution’s experience and summary of the literature
Authors: LEMMON MONICA E , TERAO NAOMI N , NG YU‐TZE , REISIG WAYNE , RUBENSTEIN JAMES E , KOSSOFF ERIC H
Published: March 2012

Aim  To determine the efficacy of the ketogenic diet for children with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) at our institution and in the literature.

Method  The records of children with LGS initiated on the ketogenic diet at our institution from 1994 to 2010 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria included the presence of ≤2.5Hz spike‐and‐wave complexes on electroencephalogram, multiple seizure types including tonic, atonic, or atypical absence, developmental delay, and age under 1 year. We additionally reviewed the literature for cases of LGS treated with the ketogenic diet and their outcomes.

Results  Seventy‐one children (41 males, 30 females, median age 3y 6mo, range 18mo–18y), with LGS were initiated on the ketogenic diet. Using an intent‐to‐treat analysis, after 6 months, 36 (51%) achieved more than 50% seizure reduction, 16 (23%) experienced more than 90% seizure reduction, and 1 (1%) achieved seizure freedom. Results were similar after 12 months. Age, sex, side effects, valproate use, and history of infantile spasms were not predictive of more than 90% seizure reduction. In the literature, 88 of 189 (47%) children with LGS had more than 50% seizure reduction after 3 to 36 months of ketogenic diet treatment.

Interpretation  The ketogenic diet is efficacious in the treatment of LGS, with approximately one‐half of children responding at 12 months.
Cross‐border shopping: Mexican shoppers in the US and American shoppers in Mexico
Authors: Baruca A. , Zolfagharian M.
Published: March 2012

This paper draws on a qualitative, empirical investigation of the two‐way flow of consumers across a US–Mexico border to shed light on utilitarian and hedonic motives that give rise to cross‐border shopping (CBS). An intriguing first observation pertains to the prevalence of consumerist culture among Mexican and American consumers: both groups exhibit generally comparable levels of consumerist culture and shopping orientations/values despite their differential economic statuses. Although each of the two groups exhibit both utilitarian and hedonic motives, the meanings and experiences of CBS are different for the two groups. Shopping in the US manifests the consumerist culture and the need for excess and exposes materialistic values. Shopping in Mexico, on the other hand, represents a means of survival. Discussion and research implications are exposed.
Validity and interobserver agreement of lower extremity local tissue water measurements in healthy women using tissue dielectric constant
Authors: Jensen Mads R. , Birkballe Susanne , Nørregaard Susan , Karlsmark Tonny
Published: March 2012

Background

Tissue dielectric constant (TDC) measurement may become an important tool in the clinical evaluation of chronic lower extremity swelling in women; however, several factors are known to influence TDC measurements, and comparative data on healthy lower extremities are few.

Methods

Thirty‐four healthy women volunteered. Age, BMI, moisturizer use and hair removal were registered. Three blinded investigators performed TDC measurements in a randomized sequence on clearly marked locations on the foot, the ankle and the lower leg. The effective measuring depth was 2·5 mm.

Results

The mean TDC was 37·8 ± 5·5 (mean ± SD) on the foot, 29·0 ± 3·1 on the ankle and 30·5 ± 3·9 on the lower leg. TDC was highly dependent on measuring site (P<0·001) but did not vary significantly between investigators (P = 0·127). Neither age, BMI, hair removal nor moisturizer use had any significant effect on the lower leg TDC. Intraclass correlation coefficients were 0·77 for the foot, 0·94 for the ankle and 0·94 for the lower leg.

Conclusion

The TDC on the foot was significantly higher compared with ankle and lower leg values. Foot measurements should be interpreted cautiously because of questionable interobserver agreement. The interobserver agreement was high on lower leg and ankle measurements. Neither age, BMI, hair removal nor moisturizer use had any significant on effect on the lower leg TDC. TDC values of 35·2 for the ankle and 38·3 for the lower leg are suggested as upper normal reference limits in women.
Dihydroergotamine, Ergotamine, Methysergide and Sumatriptan – Basic Science in Relation to Migraine Treatment
Authors: Dahlöf Carl , Maassen Van Den Brink Antoinette
Published: March 2012

The 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) receptor family mediates the effects of several drugs highly effective in migraine primarily by activating 5‐HT1B, 5‐HT1D, and 5‐HT1F receptors. Ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, and methysergide, as well as the “triptan” sumatriptan, are all agonists for these receptors. The receptor profile and degree of selectivity of these four drugs differ, which is reflected by their side effects that limit their use in the acute and prophylactic treatment of migraine. The acute antimigraine efficacy of these remedies is very much dependent on the formulation used where, in general, parenteral formulations are more effective in reliving the symptoms of a migraine attack.
EVIDENCE FOR TUBULAR MATING STRUCTURES INDUCED IN EACH MATING TYPE OF HETEROTHALLIC GONIUM PECTORALE (VOLVOCALES, CHLOROPHYTA)1
Authors: Mogi Yuko , Hamaji Takashi , Suzuki Masahiro , Ferris Patrick , Mori Toshiyuki , Kabeya Yukihiro , Miyagishima Shin‐ya , Nozaki Hisayoshi
Published: March 2012

Gametes were induced separately in cultures of each mating type of the heterothallic, isogamous colonial volvocalean Gonium pectorale O. F. Müll. to examine the tubular mating structure (TMS) of both mating types plus and minus (plus and minus), referred to as “bilateral mating papillae.” Addition of dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (DcAMP or db‐cAMP) and 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine (IBMX) to approximately 3‐week‐old cultures of each mating type induced immediate release of naked gametes from the cell walls. Both plus and minus gametes formed a TMS in the anterior region of the protoplasts. Accumulation of actin was visualized by antibody staining in the TMS of both mating types as occurs in the TMS (fertilization tubule) of the plus gametes of the unicellular volvocalean Chlamydomonas reinhardtii P. A. Dang. Induction of naked gametes with a TMS in each mating type will be useful for future cell biological and evolutionary studies of the isogametes of colonial volvocalean algae.
Cross‐Border Shopping and State Use Tax Liabilities: Evidence from eBay Transactions
Authors: ALM JAMES , MELNIK MIKHAIL I.
Published: March 2012

Online commerce presents consumers with a convenient way of shopping outside of their local jurisdiction, and this online purchase decision is capable of affecting in significant ways the sales and use tax collections of state governments. However, the actual revenue impact has proven difficult to estimate. There is considerable work that examines the revenue impact of seller compliance with sales taxes. However, there is little work on buyer compliance with use taxes. In this paper, we investigate the potential impact of cross‐border shopping on state use tax liabilities of buyers, using data from the largest online consumer‐to‐consumer and business‐to‐consumer marketplace, eBay.com. We collect our own data on actual cross‐border shopping transactions from eBay, focusing upon a “representative” commodity classification and a “typical” day; these data consist of nearly 21,000 eBay listings generated by roughly 7,000 individual sellers with over 9,000 buyers. These data allow us to examine the extent of actual, not estimated, cross‐border shopping by buyers, and the subsequent potential impact of this cross‐border shopping on state use tax liabilities. Our results indicate that cross‐border shopping is highly prevalent on eBay, with out‐of‐state purchases accounting for on average 94 percent of the volume of a state's purchase transactions. Even so, given the limited volume of eBay‐based transactions relative to total sales transactions, the likely impact of cross‐border transactions on state use tax revenue streams is quite low, at least at present, typically less than one percent of actual state sales tax revenues.
Mobile Pediatric Emergency Response Team: Patient Satisfaction During the Novel H1N1 Influenza Outbreak
Authors: Laos Carla M. , DiStefano Michael C. , Cruz Andrea T. , Chantal Caviness A. , Hsu Deborah C. , Patel Binita
Published: March 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:274–279 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  The objective was to determine child caregiver satisfaction with a nontraditional pediatric emergency department (ED) venue during the 2009 novel H1N1 influenza outbreak.

Methods:  Between May 1 and 7, 2009, the Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) ED used a six‐bed outdoor facility, the Mobile Pediatric Emergency Response Team (MPERT), to evaluate patients with suspected novel H1N1 influenza. Parents and caregivers of patients evaluated in the MPERT were surveyed by telephone using a validated questionnaire to evaluate satisfaction with the facility.

Results:  Of 353 patients, 155 caregivers (44%) completed questionnaires; 127 had wrong numbers, 71 did not answer, and 15 were on a no‐call list. Survey responders felt that nurses and doctors explained concepts well (nurses 92%, doctors 94%), 91% felt TCH prepared them well for taking care of their children at home, 94% were satisfied with the medical care received, and 88% were not bothered by the outdoor setting. When asked to rate their MPERT experience on a scale of 0 (worst possible) to 10 (best possible), the median score was 9 (range 1 to 10).

Conclusions:  The MPERT facility alleviated patient volume surge and potentially prevented transmission during H1N1 outbreak. While these were health care provider goals, caregiver expectations were also met. Caregivers perceived MPERT as an acceptable alternative to receiving care in the regular ED, felt that physicians and nurses communicated well, and felt that medical care was good to excellent. Use of the MPERT did not negatively affect overall caregiver satisfaction with TCH. These findings suggest that families of pediatric patients are amenable to nontraditional ED venues during periods of ED crowding.
Outcomes of Community‐dwelling Seniors Vary by Type of Emergency Department
Authors: McCusker Jane , Roberge Danièle , Ciampi Antonio , Silva Roxane Borges Da , Vadeboncoeur Alain , Larouche Danielle , Lévesque Jean‐Frédéric , Belzile Eric
Published: March 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:304–312 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  The specific objectives were: 1) to compare the characteristics and 6‐month outcomes of community‐dwelling seniors in Quebec, Canada, who visited three different emergency department (ED) types and 2) to explore whether the differences in outcomes by ED type were seen among subgroups of seniors.

Methods:  The three types of ED were most specialized, less community‐oriented (n = 12); moderately specialized, less community‐oriented (n = 28); and least specialized, more community‐oriented (n = 28). Administrative databases were used to create a cohort of 223,120 seniors who visited these 68 EDs during a 14‐month period. Using a multilevel approach, the following patient characteristics were compared across ED types: sociodemographic (age, sex, urban vs. rural residence, proximity to ED); medical diagnoses and comorbidity burden; and utilization of hospital and physician services during the 16 months before the index ED visit. Cox regression analysis was used to model the relationships between ED type and two 6‐month outcomes, adjusting for patient characteristics: 1) serious outcomes (death, acute or long term‐care admission) among all individuals who made an index visit and 2) outpatient ED visits (without hospital admission) among those discharged either from the ED or hospital. Interactions between ED type and patient age, sex, urban–rural residence, and comorbidity burden were explored.

Results:  Compared to patients treated at the least specialized EDs, those at the most specialized EDs were more often urban‐dwelling, resided outside the health service area of the ED, and had the highest disease burden and prior specialist utilization. Those treated at the moderately specialized EDs were intermediate between these two groups. During the 6 months after the ED visit, the rate of serious outcomes was higher and the rate of outpatient ED visits was lower for the most specialized compared to the least specialized EDs, even after adjustment for patient characteristics. The differences in these outcomes by ED type were attenuated among older patients and those with greater comorbidity.

Conclusions:  More vulnerable community‐dwelling seniors tend to be treated in more specialized EDs, which have worse linkages to community services. Improved linkages between more specialized EDs and the community (physicians, home care, and other services) and increased access to community services may improve outcomes in this population. Seniors treated at more specialized EDs were more likely to experience serious outcomes, but were less likely to make a return outpatient ED visit.
Psychological gender of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: KOWALCZYK ROBERT , SKRZYPULEC VIOLETTA , LEW–STAROWICZ ZBIGNIEW , NOWOSIELSKI KRZYSZTOF , GRABSKI BARTOSZ , MERK WOJCIECH
Published: March 2012

Objective. We compared women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to a control group with regard to intensity of hirsutism and psychological gender. Design. Cohort study, 2005–2009. Setting. Gynecological endocrinology clinic and gynecological practice, Silesian area, Poland. Sample. 89 women aged 17–42 years with PCOS, in two groups (S1, S2) by age < or ≥31 years, and age‐stratified controls of 45 healthy women. Methods. We used the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ 12), Ferriman–Gallwey score and Psychological Gender Inventory, to assess masculinity and femininity through self‐reported possession of socially desirable, stereotypical personality traits (masculine, feminine, androgynous, undifferentiated), supplemented by questions concerning social status (education, profession) and gynecological history. All questionnaires were anonymous and independently answered during clinic visits. Main outcome measures. Influence of PCOS and concomitant hirsutism on psychological gender. Results. Hirsutism (moderate or severe intensity) was observed in a considerably higher number of women from both PCOS groups compared with controls (S1: 49.0 vs. 20.0%, p < 0.05, S2: 41.9 vs. 16.7%, p < 0.05, respectively). Women ≥31 years with PCOS more often viewed themselves as sexually undifferentiated compared with controls (31.8 vs. 6.7%, p < 0.01), less likely to identify with a female gender scheme (18.2 vs. 33.3%), and more likely to see themselves as androgynous (50.0 vs. 40.9%). Conclusions. Women with PCOS have, depending on age and severity of disease, problems with psychological gender identification. Duration and severity of PCOS can negatively affect the self‐image of patients, lead to a disturbed identification with the female‐gender scheme and, associated with it, social roles.
The prevalence and correlates of intermittent explosive disorder in Iraq
Authors: Al‐Hamzawi A. , Al‐Diwan J. K. , Al‐Hasnawi S. M. , Taib N. I. , Chatterji S. , Hwang I. , Kessler R. C. , McLaughlin K. A.
Published: March 2012

Al‐Hamzawi A, Al‐Diwan JK, Al‐Hasnawi SM, Taib NI, Chatterji S, Hwang I, Kessler RC, McLaughlin KA. The prevalence and correlates of intermittent explosive disorder (IED) in Iraq.

Objective:  Intermittent explosive disorder is common, begins early in life, and is associated with considerable impairment in the United States. The epidemiology of IED outside the United States is unknown. We examined the prevalence and correlates of IED in Iraq, where exposure to violence has been widespread during the last three decades.

Method:  Data were drawn from a national survey of the Iraq population, the Iraq Mental Health Survey (IMHS), conducted in 2006–2007. The WHO Composite International Diagnostic interview was used to assess DSM‐IV disorders, including IED. The response rate was 95.2%.

Results:  Lifetime and 12‐month prevalence estimates of IED were 1.7% and 1.5%. Mean age of onset was 18.5. The mean number of lifetime attacks was 141.6 attacks, and IED‐related injuries occurred 61 times per 100 lifetime cases. IED was significantly comorbid with mood and anxiety, but not substance, disorders.

Conclusion:  Although the prevalence of IED is lower in Iraq than in the United States, the disorder has an early age of onset, is highly persistent, and is associated with substantial comorbidity and functional impairment. Iraq lacks national policies or systematic programmes to reduce aggression, highlighting the importance of implementing violence prevention programmes to reduce the societal burden of violence in Iraq.
Myxoid variant of anaplastic large cell lymphoma involving the skin: a case report
Authors: Gable Ashley D. , Clark Sandra H. , Magro Cynthia M.
Published: March 2012

We report the case of a 62‐year‐old white male who presented with a 2.6‐cm ulcerating mass on the skin of the left buttock and ipsilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy. Microscopic sections of the skin lesion showed a nodular and plaque‐like growth pattern of a mixed cellular infiltrate throughout the dermis and subcutaneous tissue with prominent myxoid change. There was a dominant population of medium‐sized mitotically active atypical cells that expressed CD30, CD4 and EMA. These atypical cells were mixed with eosinophils, neutrophils, mature lymphocytes and histiocytes. Tissue from the inguinal lymphadenopathy showed similar pathologic features, although no residual lymph node tissue was present. A diagnosis of secondary anaplastic large cell lymphoma, myxoid variant, with skin and lymph node/perinodal soft tissue involvement was rendered at the time of complete excision of the buttock mass. The patient received five cycles of CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) chemotherapy with complete resolution of lymphadenopathy and no residual cutaneous disease. He was disease‐free by PET/CT scan and physical examination at 16 months after chemotherapy. We present this case to highlight the histopathologic and immunophenotypic features of this entity with a discussion of the differential diagnosis and a review of the literature.

Gable AD, Clark SH, Magro CM. Myxoid variant of anaplastic large cell lymphoma involving the skin: a case report.
CD158k/KIR3DL2 and NKp46 are frequently expressed in transformed mycosis fungoides
Authors: Ortonne Nicolas , Le Gouvello Sabine , Tabak Reka , Marie‐Cardine Anne , Setiao Julie , Berrehar François , Nghe‐Tang Alexandra , Martin Nadine , Bagot Martine , Bensussan Armand
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Malignant Sezary cells express the natural killer (NK) receptors KIR3DL2 (CD158k) and Nkp46 and may co‐express activating killer immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR) that may participate to neoplastic T‐cell activation through the JNK pathway. Little is known regarding NK receptor expression in other cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas. We studied the expression of KIR and natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) transcripts, and KIR3DL1/2 at the protein level, in 16 skin biopsies from 10 patients with transformed mycosis fungoides (tMF). Some KIR and NCR transcripts were found in all cases, with various repertoires. Two to nine different KIR receptors were expressed in a single biopsy. Among them, KIR3DL2 was the most frequent, with the highest level of expression in quantitative analyses and correlated with in situ protein expression, while phosphorylated JNK was never detected. Among NCR, NKp46 was expressed in all investigated cases. The role of KIR3DL2 and NKp46 in tMF oncogenesis remains to be studied.
The atypical PKCs in inflammation: NF‐κB and beyond
Authors: Diaz‐Meco Maria T. , Moscat Jorge
Published: March 2012

Summary:  From the very early days of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) research, it was recognized that different protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms might be involved in the activation of NF‐κB. Pharmacological tools and pseudosubstrate inhibitors suggested that these kinases play a role in this important inflammatory and survival pathway; however, it was the analysis of several genetic mouse knockout models that revealed the complexity and interrelations between the different components of the PB1 network in several cellular functions, including T‐cell biology, bone homeostasis, inflammation associated with the metabolic syndrome, and cancer. These studies unveiled, for example, the critical role of PKCζ as a positive regulator of NF‐κB through the regulation of RelA but also its inflammatory suppressor activities through the regulation of the interleukin‐4 signaling cascade. This observation is of relevance in T cells, where p62, PKCζ, PKCλ/ι, and NBR1 establish a mesh of interactions that culminate in the regulation of T‐cell effector responses through the modulation of T‐cell polarity. Many questions remain to be answered, not just from the point of view of the implication for NF‐κB activation but also with regard to the in vivo interplay between these pathways in pathophysiological processes like obesity and cancer.
Regulation of NF‐κB by deubiquitinases
Authors: Harhaj Edward W. , Dixit Vishva M.
Published: March 2012

Summary: The nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) pathway is a critical regulator of innate and adaptive immunity. Noncanonical K63‐linked polyubiquitination plays a key regulatory role in NF‐κB signaling pathways by functioning as a scaffold to recruit kinase complexes containing ubiquitin‐binding domains. Ubiquitination is balanced by deubiquitinases that cleave polyubiquitin chains and oppose the function of E3 ubiquitin ligases. Deubiquitinases therefore play an important role in the termination of NF‐κB signaling and the resolution of inflammation. In this review, we focus on NF‐κB regulation by deubiquitinases with an emphasis on A20 and CYLD. Deubiquitinases and the ubiquitin/proteasome components that regulate NF‐κB may serve as novel therapeutic targets for inflammatory diseases and cancer.
DNA damage‐dependent NF‐κB activation: NEMO turns nuclear signaling inside out
Authors: McCool Kevin W. , Miyamoto Shigeki
Published: March 2012

Summary:  The dimeric transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) functions broadly in coordinating cellular responses during inflammation and immune reactions, and its importance in the pathogenesis of cancer is increasingly recognized. Many of the signal transduction pathways that trigger activation of cytoplasmic NF‐κB in response to a broad array of immune and inflammatory stimuli have been elaborated in great detail. NF‐κB can also be activated by DNA damage, though relatively less is known about the signal transduction mechanisms that link DNA damage in the nucleus with activation of NF‐κB in the cytoplasm. Here, we focus on the conserved signaling pathway that has emerged that promotes NF‐κB activation following DNA damage. Post‐translational modification of NF‐κB essential modulator (NEMO) plays a central role in linking the cellular DNA damage response to NF‐κB via the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase. Accumulating evidence suggests that DNA damage‐dependent NF‐κB activation may play significant biological roles, particularly during lymphocyte differentiation and progression of human malignancies.
Role of NF‐κB in epithelial biology
Authors: Pasparakis Manolis
Published: March 2012

Summary:  Since its discovery, nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) has been recognized as a critical regulator of immune responses. While early studies focused on studying the role of NF‐κB in the development and function of immune cells, more recently the function of the inhibitor of NF‐κB kinase (IKK)/NF‐κB pathway in non‐immune cells has gained increased attention. Studies in genetic mouse models were instrumental in dissecting the cell‐specific functions of NF‐κB and provided experimental evidence that NF‐κB signaling in epithelial cells is important for the maintenance of immune homeostasis in barrier tissues such as the skin and the intestine. Increased activation of IKK/NF‐κB triggered cytokine expression by the epithelial cells, resulting in exacerbated tissue inflammatory responses. NF‐κB inhibition in keratinocytes triggered severe tumor necrosis factor‐dependent skin inflammation and epidermal hyperplasia, while inhibition of IKK/NF‐κB signaling in intestinal epithelial cells disturbed the intestinal barrier and triggered severe chronic colon inflammation. Therefore, epithelial NF‐κB signaling performs critical ‘peace keeping’ functions in barrier tissues at the interface with the environment by regulating cell survival, barrier integrity, and the immunological and anti‐microbial responses of epithelial cells. Improved understanding of epithelial NF‐κB functions may hold the key for elucidating the etiology and pathophysiology of chronic inflammatory diseases in epithelial tissues.
Indigenous Research on Chinese Management:WhatandHow
Authors: Li Peter Ping , Leung Kwok , Chen Chao C. , Luo Jar-Der
Published: March 2012

We attempt to provide a definition and a typology of indigenous research on Chinese management as well as outline the general methodological approaches for this type of research. We also present an integrative summary of the four articles included in this special issue and show how they illustrate our definition and typology of indigenous research on Chinese management, as well as the various methodological approaches we advocate. Further, we introduce a commentary on the four articles from the perspective of engaged scholarship, and also three additional articles included in this issue. Finally, we conclude with our suggestions for future indigenous research.
A Framework for Evaluation and Use of Automated Scoring
Authors: Williamson David M. , Xi Xiaoming , Breyer F. Jay
Published: March 2012

A framework for evaluation and use of automated scoring of constructed‐response tasks is provided that entails both evaluation of automated scoring as well as guidelines for implementation and maintenance in the context of constantly evolving technologies. Consideration of validity issues and challenges associated with automated scoring are discussed within the framework. The fit between the scoring capability and the assessment purpose, the agreement between human and automated scores, the consideration of associations with independent measures, the generalizability of automated scores as implemented in operational practice across different tasks and test forms, and the impact and consequences for the population and subgroups are proffered as integral evidence supporting use of automated scoring. Specific evaluation guidelines are provided for using automated scoring to complement human scoring for tests used for high‐stakes purposes. These guidelines are intended to be generalizable to new automated scoring systems and as existing systems change over time.
Liquidity, the Value of the Firm, and Corporate Finance*
Authors: Amihud Yakov , Mendelson Haim
Published: March 2012

The theory of corporate finance has been based on the idea that a company's market value is determined mainly by just two variables: the company's expected aftertax operating cash flows or earnings, and the risk associated with producing them. The authors argue that there is another important factor affecting a company's value: the liquidity of its own securities, debt as well as equity. The paper supports this argument by reviewing the large and growing body of evidence showing that differences—and, perhaps even more important, sudden changes—in liquidity can have major effects on the pricing of corporate stocks and bonds or, equivalently, on investors' required returns for holding them.

The authors also suggest that the liquidity of a company's securities can be managed by corporate policies and actions. For those companies whose value is likely to be increased by having more liquid securities—which is by no means true of all companies (for example, mature firms with little need for outside equity are likely to benefit from having more concentrated ownership and hence less liquidity)—management should consider actions such as reducing leverage and substituting dividends for stock repurchases as well as measures designed to increase the effectiveness of their disclosure and investor relations program and the size of their retail investor base.
Hospitalization of influenza‐like illness patients recommended by general practitioners in France between 1997 and 2010
Authors: Pelat Camille , Lasserre Andrea , Xavier Ana , Turbelin Clément , Blanchon Thierry , Hanslik Thomas
Published: March 2012

Please cite this paper as: Pelat et al. (2012) Hospitalization of influenza‐like illness patients recommended by general practitioners in France between 1997 and 2010. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI: 10.1111/j.1750‐2659.2012.00356.x.

Background  The case–hospitalization ratio (CHR) is a key quantity for the management of emerging pathogens such as pandemic influenza. Yet, few running surveillance systems prospectively monitor the CHR during influenza epidemics. Here, we analyze the proportion of recommended hospitalizations (PRH) among influenza‐like illness (ILI) patients attended in general practice in France and compare the PRH observed during the 2009–2010 A(H1N1) pandemic with the one of the twelve previous seasons.

Methods  ILI cases were recorded by general practitioners (GPs) involved in surveillance, who indicated for each case whether they recommended hospitalization. We stratify the analysis by age, sex, and viral subtype. We investigate the reasons why GPs recommended hospitalization and the presence of risk factors for pandemic A(H1N1) complications.

Results  The average PRH over the seasons 1997–1998 to 2008–2009 was 3·4‰ (3–3·9). It was three times higher during the 2009–2010 pandemic than during seasonal influenza epidemics (OR = 2·89, 95% CI: 2·28–3·64). The highest increase was among 20–39‐year‐old women: OR = 11·8 (5·04–29·59). Overall, the principal reasons for recommending hospitalization were “respiratory problems” and “bad general condition.” However, during the pandemic, “age” (mainly associated with infants), “pregnancy,” and “diagnostic” became more frequent than before (P < 0·001). Finally, pregnancy was the reported risk factor for pandemic A(H1N1) complications that had the largest impact on hospitalization recommendation during the pandemic (OR = 38·62, P < 0·001).

Conclusion  Easily implemented in surveillance systems, this protocol has the potential to reveal changes in hospitalization recommendation by GPs. Moreover, if the right data are collected alongside, it could give timely insights into epidemic severity.
Comparison of two approaches to performing an inferior alveolar nerve block in the horse
Authors: Harding PG , Smith RL , Barakzai SZ
Published: March 2012

Objectives  To compare two approaches to performing the inferior alveolar nerve block in the horse and to evaluate the consistency of described topographical landmarks.

Design  Experimental cadaver model.

Methods  Eleven cadaver heads were positioned to mimic a standing sedated horse and the position of the mandibular foramen approximated. The vertical approach to the approximate location of the mandibular foramen was undertaken and red dye was deposited. The angled approach was then undertaken and blue ink was used to identify it. The heads were then dissected to determine the location of the dye. Placement was categorised as a hit or a miss for each technique for each side of the head. The distance of the dye from the nerve was recorded. Straight lateral radiographs of the sectioned heads were taken to evaluate the topographical landmarks for performing this nerve block.

Results  Each method was performed 22 times. A hit was achieved 16 times (73%) for the angled approach and 13 times (59%) for the vertical approach. There was no significant difference between the two approaches (P = 0.34). Radiographs revealed that the topographical landmarks used to approximate the mandibular foramen were relatively accurate.

Conclusion  Both methods were found to be equivalently accurate. The previously reported topographic landmarks for locating the approximate position of the mandibular foramen on the medial aspect of the mandible were found to be accurate, but currently recommended doses of local anaesthetic may be excessive.
In this issue – April 2012
Authors: Jackson AE
Published: March 2012

Financial effect of bovine Johne's disease · Detection of rotavirus and coronavirus in calf faeces · Canine vector‐borne diseases · Parvovirus in the bone marrow of cats · Toxoplasmosis in flying foxes · Poxvirus infection in common ringtails · Inferior alveolar nerve blocks in horses · Chewing disease in grazing horses
The role of habitat complexity on spider communities in native alpine grasslands of New Zealand
Authors: MALUMBRES‐OLARTE JAGOBA , VINK COR J. , ROSS JAMES G. , CRUICKSHANK ROBERT H. , PATERSON ADRIAN M.
Published: March 2012

Abstract.  1. Physical structure and species composition of vegetation determine spider diversity through habitat availability. Here, we assess, for the first time, the role of plant structure on spider communities in New Zealand native alpine tussock grasslands. We investigate the specific associations between spider assemblages and plant communities and test the hypothesis that spider diversity increases with plant diversity and tussock cover.

2. Spiders were sampled using density‐ and abundance‐activity‐dependent methods. Data on physical characteristics and species composition of plants revealed gradients in vegetation, driven by distinct intra‐ecosystem plant communities. Effects of vegetation on spider diversity and composition were assessed through linear mixed‐effects models. Redundancy analysis was used to determine and visualise the spider species–level response to gradients in plant compositions.

3. There was a positive relationship between plant diversity and spider diversity, while the effects of tussock cover varied with spider taxa. Overall, physical structure and species composition of vegetation had effects on the abundance of a similar number of spider species and families.

4. Gradients in vegetation were matched to gradients in spider communities, whose diversity and composition varied according to their habitat preference. The family Orsolobidae was associated with wetland vegetation, and Linyphiidae with shrubs. The abundance of certain spider families and species, such as Lycosidae and Anoteropsis hilaris, was consistently affected by vegetation.

5. Environmental factors, such as soil moisture, may affect plant species composition and physical structure in tussock grasslands, which in turn determine spider assemblages. Lycosidae were identified as potential indicators of structural changes in tussock grassland plants and could be valuable for ecological monitoring in conservation management.
DNA‐based analysis of regurgitates: a noninvasive approach to examine the diet of invertebrate consumers
Authors: WALDNER THOMAS , TRAUGOTT MICHAEL
Published: March 2012

DNA‐based gut content analysis has become an important tool for unravelling feeding interactions in invertebrate communities under natural conditions. It usually implies killing of the consumer and extracting the DNA from its food, using either the whole animal or its dissected gut. This post‐mortem approach, however, is not suitable for investigating the diet of rare or protected species and also prohibits tracking individual dietary preferences as each consumer can provide trophic information only once. Moreover, removing large numbers of consumers from a habitat for analysis might critically change population densities and affect species interactions. Here, we present DNA‐based analysis of invertebrate regurgitates, a novel approach to overcome these limitations. Conducting feeding experiments where adult Poecilus cupreus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) were fed with larvae of Amphimallon solstitiale (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), we show that detection success in regurgitates compared to samples prepared from whole beetles was similar or significantly enhanced for small/medium and large prey DNA fragments, respectively. Prey DNA detection success remained high in regurgitates stored in ethanol for 21 months at room temperature prior to DNA extraction. We conclude that in those invertebrates where regurgitates can be obtained, examination of food DNA in regurgitates offers many advantages over conventional post‐mortem gut content analysis.
Incompatibilism and the Past*
Authors: BAILEY ANDREW M.
Published: March 2012

There is a new objection to the Consequence Argument for incompatibilism. I argue that the objection is more wide‐ranging than originally thought. In particular: if it tells against the Consequence Argument, it tells against other arguments for incompatibilism too. I survey a few ways of dealing with this objection and show the costs of each. I then present an argument for incompatibilism that is immune to the objection and that enjoys other advantages.